New York News
A horrifying incident occurred in the New York City subway where a woman was tragically set on fire while sleeping on an F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The alleged perpetrator, identified as a migrant from Guatemala, approached the victim, who was seated quietly at the end of the subway car, and used a lighter to ignite her clothing, leading to her death at the scene.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the man watching the victim burn, highlighting the chilling nature of the attack. The suspect was apprehended later that day due to swift action by patrolling officers and public cooperation, including three high school students who recognized him from circulated images. This event has reignited discussions about safety in the subway system and immigration policies, with public figures like Elon Musk weighing in on the matter, highlighting the surge in subway crimes and the need for better security measures.
Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Ho has rejected Mayor Eric Adams’ attempt to dismiss the bribery charge in his ongoing federal corruption case. This decision was detailed in a 30-page order where Judge Ho stated that the allegations made by prosecutors adequately met the legal standards for bribery, thus the charge should not be dismissed. The case centers around accusations that Adams, while Brooklyn Borough President and into his mayoral term, accepted luxury travel benefits from wealthy Turkish officials in return for pressuring the FDNY to expedite the opening of a Turkish consulate in Midtown Manhattan. This ruling keeps the bribery count intact as Adams faces a total of five charges, including other allegations of wire fraud and illegal campaign contributions, with his trial scheduled for April 2025.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, has been indicted in New York for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which took place outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. The charges are grave, with Mangione facing one count of murder in the first degree, classified as an act of terrorism, alongside two counts of second-degree murder. Additional charges include several counts related to criminal possession of weapons, notably a 3D-printed ghost gun with a silencer, and possession of a forged New Jersey driver’s license used to conceal his identity. The indictment also mentions that Mangione was found with a manifesto criticizing the health insurance industry, suggesting his motive was fueled by resentment towards corporate greed in healthcare. This case has sparked a significant debate on public safety, corporate accountability, and the application of terrorism laws in such instances.
The New York City Council is on the verge of passing legislation that will allocate significant taxpayer funds to bolster security at approximately 400 small religious and private schools. This move comes as a response to an alarming increase in hate threats targeting these institutions. Under the proposed bill, the eligibility threshold for schools to receive security funding will be lowered from 300 to 150 students, allowing more schools to benefit from the program. The initiative, which is expected to expand the budget from $19.8 million to $40 million if signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to ensure the safety of students by funding the hiring of security guards.
Southeast Queens celebrated the opening of the new 116th Precinct, marking the first entirely new NYPD command in over a decade. The $105 million facility, located at 244-04 North Conduit Avenue in Rosedale, will serve the neighborhoods of Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, Brookville, and Laurelton, areas previously covered by the 105th and 113th precincts. This new station house was designed not only to improve police response times but also to foster better community-police relations with features like a community meeting space and a public plaza. The opening was a historic moment, celebrated by local officials, community leaders, and residents who have advocated for this precinct for nearly half a century, aiming to address long-standing issues of slow emergency response times in the area.
The FBI has arrested Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, an 18-year-old Egyptian national and a freshman at George Mason University, on charges of plotting a mass casualty terror attack against the Israeli consulate in New York City. According to court documents, Hassan instructed an FBI informant on how to carry out the attack, providing bomb-making instructions, surveillance advice, and escape strategies. His activities came to light after local police received an anonymous tip about his social media behavior, where he managed accounts promoting extremist ideologies, including support for ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Hamas, alongside advocating violence against Jews. The arrest occurred in Falls Church, Virginia, where Hassan resides, and he faces federal charges linked to the distribution of information on explosives and weapons of mass destruction. This case underscores ongoing concerns about lone-wolf terrorism and the vigilance needed to counteract such threats.
At a recent convention held at Barclays Center, the Satmar community announced a significant 30% pay raise for teachers in their schools, a move aimed at recognizing and supporting the educators within their community. This decision was met with enthusiasm and relief as it addresses the financial challenges many teachers face, including the high cost of living in urban areas like New York City. The announcement was made by prominent Satmar philanthropists who have been vocal about investing in education to ensure high-quality teaching and learning environments. This increase not only aims to boost morale but also to help retain quality educators, combating the often-cited issue of teacher shortages due to low compensation. The raise follows a period where community leaders have increasingly focused on education, viewing it as a cornerstone for cultural and religious preservation.
US NEWS
In a significant move before leaving office, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 out of the 40 inmates on federal death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision aligns with Biden’s long-standing opposition to the death penalty at the federal level, with exceptions for cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder. The commutations were announced amidst pressure from civil rights groups and advocates who argued for such actions to prevent the reinstatement of executions under the incoming Trump administration, which has expressed support for expanding capital punishment. Among those whose sentences were not commuted are Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicted of the Boston Marathon bombing, Robert Bowers, responsible for the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, and Dylann Roof, who carried out the Charleston church massacre. This sweeping clemency action is part of Biden’s broader criminal justice reform efforts, marking one of the most significant uses of presidential clemency power in recent history.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown, securing federal funding through March 14, 2025. This legislative action was crucial as it came just hours before the funding deadline, ensuring that government operations would continue without interruption. The bill not only extends current fiscal levels but also includes significant disaster relief funding of around $110 billion for natural disaster victims and agricultural support. Notably, this CR does not include a suspension of the debt ceiling, a contentious point that had been pushed by President-elect Donald Trump but was ultimately removed from the final legislation. The passage of the bill with broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate demonstrates the urgency and cooperation needed to prevent a shutdown, especially during the holiday season.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) executed precision airstrikes targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control center operated by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Sana’a, Yemen. These strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations, particularly those that have been attacking U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden. Concurrently, CENTCOM forces managed to shoot down multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile over the Red Sea. The operation involved assets from both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, including F/A-18 jets, reflecting CENTCOM’s commitment to protect U.S. and coalition personnel, regional partners, and international shipping routes.
Donald Trump, before taking office for his second term, has publicly expressed intentions to retake control of the Panama Canal from Panama, citing what he describes as “ridiculous” and “exorbitant” fees charged for U.S. vessels using the canal. He has criticized the transfer of the canal to Panamanian control in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, calling it a “foolish” decision by the U.S. government. Trump’s statements have included warnings that if Panama does not manage the canal in a way acceptable to the U.S., or if it continues to charge high fees, he would demand its return. He has also raised concerns about potential Chinese influence around the canal, though such claims are not supported by evidence of direct Chinese control over canal operations. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected these threats, asserting that every square meter of the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and that the country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
The U.S. Department of Education announced that it had reached a settlement with the University of California (UC) system, addressing complaints lodged by Jewish and Muslim students concerning discrimination and harassment during protests related to the Gaza war last spring. The Office for Civil Rights within the Education Department investigated nine specific complaints filed against UC campuses in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Davis, and Santa Cruz. These complaints highlighted the universities’ alleged inadequate responses to incidents of antisemitism and anti-Arab harassment. Under the terms of the agreement, the UC system is committed to enhancing its complaint reporting mechanisms, conducting a thorough review of harassment reports from the past two academic years, and providing additional training for staff and police on anti-discrimination obligations.
The Federal Reserve announced a 0.25 percentage point cut to its benchmark interest rate, marking the third consecutive reduction this year. This adjustment lowers the federal funds rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, providing further relief to borrowers by reducing the cost of loans for everything from home mortgages to business financing. The decision reflects the Fed’s response to cooling inflation rates, which, while still above the target, have shown a consistent decline. However, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicated during a press conference that the central bank plans for a more cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025, projecting only two additional reductions due to persistent inflation concerns and robust economic growth indicators. This cautious strategy aims to balance stimulating economic activity while preventing inflation from reaccelerating.
Party City, the largest party supply store in the U.S., has announced it will close all its stores, effectively ending nearly 40 years of operation. The decision was communicated to corporate employees by CEO Barry Litwin in a meeting where he also stated that Friday would be their last day of employment, with no severance pay offered. This closure comes after the company’s recent exit from bankruptcy in September 2023, where it managed to cancel nearly $1 billion in debt. However, the retailer struggled with ongoing financial challenges, including rising costs, competition from online platforms like Amazon, and the impact of the helium shortage on its balloon sales.
Israel NEWS
Israel and Slovakia have concluded what has been described as their largest-ever defense deal, valued at around 560 million euros ($580 million), according to an announcement from Israel’s defense ministry. The agreement involves the sale of Israel’s Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System to Slovakia, aimed at enhancing Slovakia’s defense against aerial threats, including missiles and aircraft. This system, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, has a proven track record both in Israel and internationally, making it a vital addition to Slovakia’s defense infrastructure. The deal not only strengthens military ties between the two nations but also underscores the growing international demand for Israeli defense technology, particularly in light of heightened security concerns due to regional conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A fire broke out early Monday morning at a girls’ seminary dormitory on David Yellin Street in Jerusalem, resulting in nearly 50 injuries. According to Magen David Adom, the emergency medical service, three individuals were listed in critical condition, while others sustained moderate and light injuries. The blaze, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction, required the response of 12 firefighting teams to rescue dozens of students trapped inside the building. The seminary was undergoing renovations at the time, which may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
In a notable historical recovery, IDF troops operating in Syria recently discovered the rotor head of a SA 321 Super Frelon helicopter, known in the IDF as “Wasp”, that crashed during the Yom Kippur War in 1974. This helicopter, from the 114th Squadron, was on a mission to evacuate paratroopers from an outpost on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon when it crashed, killing all six crew members. The crash was due to a tailwind causing the helicopter to lose control during landing, leading to an impact that ignited the explosives on board. This find brings closure to a tragic event from over fifty years ago, highlighting the ongoing echoes of past conflicts in the region.
A suspect who allegedly attempted to stab a soldier near the Hizme checkpoint in Jerusalem was shot by security forces. According to medics from Magen David Adom (MDA), the incident took place on Monday morning, leading to the neutralization of the assailant. No soldiers were reported injured in this event, which underscores the ongoing security tensions in the area. The suspect was taken by MDA to a nearby hospital for treatment, but their condition remains undisclosed.
WORLD NEWS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided not to attend the 80th anniversary commemorations of the liberation of Auschwitz in Poland due to fears of arrest stemming from International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants. These warrants were issued for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. Poland, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, is obliged to comply with ICC decisions, leading to Netanyahu’s absence from the ceremony. Instead, Education Minister Yoav Kisch will represent Israel, and Polish officials have confirmed they would arrest Netanyahu if he set foot in Poland. This situation has stirred a complex debate on international law, diplomatic relations, and the impact of such legal actions on global memorial events.
The Beth Tikvah synagogue in the Montreal suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux was targeted in what authorities suspect was an arson attack, marking the second time in just over a year that this particular synagogue was hit by an incendiary device. Montreal police received a 911 call shortly before 3 a.m. reporting a fire at the synagogue, where firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze but found remnants of an incendiary device at the scene. No injuries were reported, but there was minor damage including broken windows and smoke inside the building. This attack was condemned by Jewish groups and political figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who described the act as “vile antisemitism.” Police are investigating whether this incident is linked to a similar attack on a nearby Jewish office building, the Federation CJA, which occurred on the same day.
The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto reported that Bais Chaya Mushka School in North York was targeted by gunfire for the third time in recent months, with the latest incident occurring overnight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the school building did suffer damage. This series of shootings has heightened community concerns about safety and antisemitism, prompting increased security measures and calls for action from both local and federal authorities. The Toronto Police Service has been involved in investigating these incidents, with the most recent shooting adding urgency to finding those responsible and addressing the underlying issues of hate crimes against Jewish institutions.
A concert by Benny Friedman in London, part of his global “Am Yisrael Chai Tour,” was initially canceled when the Clapham Grand venue rescinded its agreement citing “security concerns.” After this, the event faced another setback as it has now been canceled again due to the inability to secure a new venue. Friedman’s team had struggled for months to find a location willing to host the concert, with several venues reportedly unwilling to associate with pro-Israel sentiments or host a public Jewish event. Despite the anticipation and demand for Friedman’s performances in London, these challenges have led to the cancellation of the show, which was meant to spread a message of Jewish pride. Organizers expressed their disappointment and frustration over the situation, highlighting the broader issues of antisemitism and security for Jewish events in the UK.
A horrifying attack occurred at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a car plowed into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of five people, including a nine-year-old child, and injuring over 200 others. The suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, was arrested at the scene after driving a black BMW SUV through the market. German authorities are treating the incident as terrorism, with preliminary investigations suggesting the attack was carried out by a lone perpetrator. The suspect, who had lived in Germany since 2006, had a history of anti-Islam social media posts and had previously made threats against German citizens online. This tragic event has led to increased security measures at Christmas markets across Germany and has reignited discussions on public safety and the integration of refugees.
