New York News
Danielle R. Sassoon, Manhattan’s acting U.S. attorney, resigned rather than comply with a Justice Department directive to dismiss a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Sassoon was a staunch advocate for the case, having invested significant resources and time into the investigation.
Her decision to step down highlights a clash between local prosecutorial autonomy and federal oversight. This move has sparked widespread debate on the influence of political considerations in legal actions. It also underscores the tension between maintaining the integrity of legal processes and navigating political landscapes. The resignation has left many wondering about the future of similar high-profile cases and the role of the U.S. Attorney in such scenarios.
In the wake of the Justice Department’s decision to drop the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, four top NYC officials resigned. This mass resignation is seen as a direct response to the perceived politicization of the legal process. The officials, who held significant roles within the city’s administration, expressed their discontent with the handling of the case, reflecting deeper concerns about justice and accountability. Their departure has sparked discussions on the integrity of governmental operations and the influence of federal decisions on local governance.
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander revealed that FEMA had unexpectedly accessed city bank accounts, withdrawing more than $80 million which was allocated for covering migrant housing costs. This action by FEMA has led to significant backlash. Lander expressed shock and concern over the lack of prior notification or consent for the withdrawal.
A fire at the Chabad Yeshiva dormitory in Crown Heights resulted in four Israeli students being hospitalized, with two in critical condition. The incident, which occurred on a Friday morning, has brought attention to safety conditions in educational institutions. Emergency services responded promptly, but the severity of the injuries indicates the fire’s intensity. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while community leaders are rallying to support the affected students and their families.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated legal action against New York, targeting the state’s immigration policies and governance. This lawsuit specifically names New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, focusing on what Bondi describes as New York’s prioritization of undocumented immigrants over American citizens. In response, Letitia James has vowed to defend the state’s laws, asserting that they protect the rights of all New Yorkers and enhance community safety. James’s statement reflects a readiness to engage in a legal battle, emphasizing the importance of state autonomy in policy-making.
US NEWS
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a decision that has stirred significant controversy due to his well-known skepticism towards vaccines. His confirmation came with a narrow Senate vote, reflecting a divide among lawmakers on his suitability for the role. Kennedy plans to focus on addressing chronic diseases and reforming the health sector, aligning with his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. Critics argue that his past statements and advocacy could undermine public trust in established medical science, particularly regarding vaccinations. However, supporters believe his outsider perspective might bring needed change to the bureaucracy of health services. His appointment marks a pivotal shift in the administration’s approach to health policy, with implications for how public health issues will be managed moving forward.
President Trump has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, in response to the court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Trump’s decision underscores his administration’s view that the ICC’s actions represent an overreach, threatening the sovereignty of the United States and Israel, neither of which are signatories to the ICC’s Rome Statute. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel restrictions for Khan, effectively barring him from the U.S. and impacting his ability to conduct ICC-related activities.
USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was abruptly dismissed on Tuesday, just one day following the release of a report critical of the Trump administration’s foreign aid cuts. The report highlighted significant operational disruptions at USAID, including compromised oversight of humanitarian aid which could potentially benefit extremist groups due to staff reductions and funding freezes. Martin’s firing has been interpreted by some as a retaliatory act, especially given the timing, suggesting an attempt to stifle independent oversight. The dismissal raises concerns about the future effectiveness of USAID in managing and distributing aid, amid political maneuvers to alter its operational capabilities.
President Trump has announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, aiming to match the tariffs that other countries impose on U.S. goods. This policy shift is intended to level the playing field in international trade, though economists warn it could lead to increased inflation. Trump’s directive involves a detailed analysis by his top trade advisors to determine the specific tariff rates for each country, based on their existing duties on American products. The move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to address what he perceives as unfair trade practices by foreign nations. The announcement has already stirred markets and sparked discussions on its potential impact on global trade relations and domestic prices.
For the first time since the onset of the global health crisis, the United States experienced a higher number of deaths from influenza compared to COVID-19 in the week ending January 25, 2025, according to preliminary data from the CDC. This shift was marked by influenza accounting for nearly 1.7% of all deaths, while COVID-19 was responsible for 1.5%. The change reflects a significant uptick in flu activity across the country, possibly due to the return to more normal patterns of seasonal illness post-restrictions. Health experts suggest this trend could be influenced by waning immunity to flu viruses due to less exposure in previous years, alongside a potentially less severe winter wave of COVID-19. It’s important to note that these figures are early and subject to revision as more complete data becomes available.
Joann Fabrics has declared the closure of around 500 of its 850 stores across the United States, following a second bankruptcy filing in January 2024. This drastic reduction will see 6 stores in New Jersey and 24 in New York shutting down, significantly impacting local crafting communities. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to reorganize and stabilize the company’s finances after facing challenges like reduced consumer demand and inventory issues. This move will affect thousands of employees and potentially alter the landscape for DIY enthusiasts who rely on Joann for materials. The closures reflect broader retail trends where brick-and-mortar stores struggle against online competition and changing consumer habits. The company aims to emerge leaner, focusing on profitability and sustainability, but the immediate effect will be a considerable contraction of its physical retail presence.
Israel NEWS
Israel has agreed to exchange three hostages, identified as Sagui Dekel-Chen, a US citizen, Sasha Troufanov, a Russian citizen, and Yair Horn, for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The release of Dekel-Chen and Troufanov, with their respective American and Russian citizenship, adds an international layer to the situation, potentially influencing foreign policy and public opinion.
Israeli Comptroller Matanyahu Englman disclosed that approximately three million Israelis suffered from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. This widespread psychological impact has been significant, yet the response from the mental health system has been inadequate, with only 0.6% of the affected population receiving treatment. Alarmingly, 38% of those surveyed reported experiencing severe symptoms, indicating a profound mental health crisis. Englman’s report criticizes the existing mental health infrastructure for not being prepared to handle such a scale of trauma, highlighting systemic failures in providing timely and effective psychological support. This revelation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health reforms in Israel to address the aftermath of such traumatic events.
The Ministry of Education in Israel has announced that it is preparing to reopen schools in northern Israel on March 2. This decision comes after a period of closure due to security concerns related to ongoing regional conflicts. The ministry aims to facilitate the return of students to a regular educational environment, ensuring that every student returning to the north is integrated into an appropriate educational framework. This move is part of a broader effort to normalize life in areas affected by the conflict, allowing families to reintegrate into their communities. Preparations include ensuring the safety and readiness of school facilities to welcome students back.
A Jewish customer who ordered UGGs from StockX and had them shipped to Israel was shocked to find the package covered with anti-Israel propaganda stickers upon arrival. This incident has sparked outrage and led to accusations of antisemitism or at least severe insensitivity by StockX or possibly their shipping partners. The stickers included messages critical of Israel, turning what should have been a routine consumer experience into a political statement. This event has prompted discussions about the safety and respect of customers, especially in an era where political messages can infiltrate even personal purchases. StockX has reportedly acknowledged the incident and is looking into how such an occurrence could have happened.
A new archaeological exhibition at Ben-Gurion Airport now offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore 3,000 years of Jewish history. Curated by the Israel Antiquities Authority in collaboration with the Airports Authority and Heritage Ministry, the exhibit features artifacts like Hasmonean-era agricultural tools, ancient coins, and a five-ton stone from the Western Wall. Visitors can interact with the history through QR codes that link to excavation videos, providing an immersive learning experience. The display not only educates about the rich cultural heritage of Israel but also serves as a counter-narrative to misinformation regarding the Jewish connection to the land.
WORLD NEWS
Two Israelis were stabbed in Athens, Greece, by an individual identified as a Gazan asylum seeker after he reportedly heard them speaking Hebrew. The attack happened as the couple was leaving a restaurant, with the assailant shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the assault. While one attacker was apprehended by local law enforcement, his accomplice escaped the scene. The Israeli victims did not require hospitalization, but the event has raised questions about anti-Semitism and security measures for international visitors in Greece.
Two Australian hospital workers were arrested following the circulation of videos where they claimed to have killed Jewish patients. The individuals, who were nurses at a Sydney hospital, were filmed making antisemitic remarks and threats against Israeli patients, leading to their immediate suspension and an ensuing police investigation. Their claims and behavior were condemned by Australian officials, including the Prime Minister, who labeled the video “sickening and shameful.” The nurses involved are now facing legal consequences, with the case highlighting the need for vigilance against discrimination in professional environments.
A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crashed and flipped upside down while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport amid windy and snowy conditions. All 80 people on board survived, but at least 18 were injured, with emergency services quickly responding to the scene. The incident caused significant disruptions, leading to the temporary closure of several runways and flight delays. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with early reports suggesting that the severe weather might have played a crucial role.
In Munich, Germany, a vehicle plowed into a crowd, injuring at least 28 people in what has been labeled a “suspected attack.” The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan national with a prior record for drug and theft offenses, was arrested at the scene. Authorities have clarified that this incident is not linked to the Munich Security Conference, which was due to start shortly after. The event has reignited discussions on security measures and the integration of asylum seekers, especially amidst Germany’s upcoming federal elections where migration policies are a hot topic. Police are investigating the motives behind the attack, with no immediate claims of responsibility or connections to terrorist organizations disclosed.
Montreal police are investigating an act of antisemitic vandalism after a swastika was discovered spray-painted on the side of Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, a Reform synagogue in Westmount. Rabbi Lisa Grushcow shared the distressing news via a video on Facebook, condemning the act and highlighting the rise in antisemitism both locally and globally. The graffiti was found over the weekend, prompting immediate action from local authorities and community leaders. The police are currently seeking witnesses and any security camera footage that might help in identifying the perpetrator.
