New York
New York City recorded its safest January on record, with homicides dropping 60% from the previous year and shooting incidents falling 20%.
The city saw only 40 shootings—the lowest number ever documented—and 47 shooting victims, while Manhattan and Staten Island reported zero murders for the entire month. Overall major crime declined nearly 7%, including burglaries down close to 30%, retail theft down 16%, and robberies down nearly 10%. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attributed the reductions to sustained enforcement efforts and community partnerships. At the same time, anti-Jewish hate crimes surged 182% (31 incidents compared to 11 the prior January), accounting for more than half of all reported hate crimes citywide.
John F. Kennedy International Airport is preparing to unveil its new Terminal 1, a $9.5 billion project that the Port Authority hopes will rank among the world’s premier airport facilities. The massive 2.6 million-square-foot terminal, roughly the size of the Empire State Building in floor space, is designed with expansive, open areas that let travelers see gates and planes directly from the security checkpoint. Officials describe it as a “world-class, knock-your-socks-off gateway” to the city. Construction has focused on efficiency, passenger experience, and sustainability, with the terminal expected to open later this year. The project replaces the aging original Terminal 1 and aims to handle increased international traffic while setting a new standard for modern air travel infrastructure.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed Stanley Richards as the next commissioner of New York City’s Department of Correction, making him the first former inmate to lead the agency. Richards, who served time in the late 1980s for robbery, later became a leading advocate for rehabilitation as president of the Fortune Society, a nonprofit that provides housing, job training, and reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals. He previously held senior roles at the DOC, including deputy commissioner of programs and operations, giving him direct experience with the department’s challenges. Mamdani praised Richards’ “lived experience and proven record” as essential for transforming the jail system toward rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
The MTA is establishing a dedicated unit to manage a $12 billion procurement and modernization effort within its 2025–2029 capital plan, which totals $65.4 billion. The initiative includes acquiring approximately 1,500 new subway cars to replace aging fleets from the 1980s that suffer frequent breakdowns, more than 500 commuter rail cars, and roughly 2,200 buses—about 20% of the overall plan. Around 40% of the current bus fleet is nearing the end of its service life. Officials say the new oversight body will streamline bidding, ensure timely delivery, and coordinate with manufacturers to improve reliability and energy efficiency across the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.
Republican Michael Henry announced he is dropping his bid to challenge New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2026, citing no viable path to victory despite his strong 45% showing against her in 2022. A source close to Henry said the decision reflects the steep uphill climb in a heavily Democratic state and shifting political dynamics following recent developments in James’ federal cases. Henry, a former federal prosecutor and 2022 GOP nominee, had positioned his campaign around fighting perceived weaponization of the justice system and restoring impartial enforcement. His withdrawal clears the field for other potential Republican challengers, though no major candidates have emerged yet.
U.S.
President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair when Powell’s term expires in May 2026. Warsh, a former Fed governor from 2006 to 2011 and a longtime Trump economic adviser, would assume one of the most influential positions in U.S. monetary policy, responsible for setting interest rates and guiding inflation strategy. Trump praised Warsh as a trusted confidant with “deep understanding of markets and the economy,” predicting he would become “one of the great Fed chairmen.” Warsh has advocated for more restrained Fed interventions and greater focus on price stability, often criticizing Powell’s post-pandemic policies as overly accommodative. The nomination requires Senate confirmation, where Republican support appears strong but Democratic opposition could emerge over Warsh’s past ties to Wall Street and his views on regulatory rollbacks. If confirmed, Warsh would mark a significant shift toward a more hawkish, market-oriented approach at the central bank.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles and charged with federal civil rights violations related to his coverage of an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18. Prosecutors allege Lemon and others conspired to interfere with worshippers’ First Amendment rights under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by entering the church alongside protesters who interrupted the service and confronted the pastor, who also serves as a local ICE official. Lemon, now an independent journalist, maintained he was there solely to report and document events, not participate in the protest. He was released on his own recognizance without bail after a court appearance in Los Angeles, vowing to fight the charges and calling the arrest an attempt to intimidate journalism.
A senior U.S. Border Patrol official, Gregory Bovino, allegedly made disparaging remarks about the Jewish faith of Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor during a January phone call with Justice Department lawyers, according to The New York Times. Sources familiar with the conversation told the newspaper that Bovino mocked U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, an Orthodox Jew who observes Shabbos, and used the phrase “chosen people” in a derisive manner. Bovino reportedly questioned whether Rosen understood that criminal activity does not stop on weekends, implying his religious observance could interfere with his duties. The comments surfaced amid ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and some prosecutors over priorities and cooperation.
Federal Judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota’s motion for a temporary restraining order to halt “Operation Metro Surge,” ruling that the state and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul failed to meet their burden of proof. In the court documents filed Saturday, Menendez stated the plaintiffs did not sufficiently demonstrate immediate and irreparable harm or a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claims against the federal immigration enforcement operation. The decision allows ICE and DHS to continue large-scale raids and arrests in the Twin Cities area targeting individuals with criminal records and immigration violations.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reveals in his new memoir, Where We Keep the Light, that he quietly recites Shema before every flight, a ritual he maintains as he travels across the state in preparation for his 2026 reelection campaign. The book provides Shapiro’s most candid reflection yet on how Judaism profoundly shapes his personal life, values, and leadership approach. Describing his faith as “elemental” and instinctive, Shapiro emphasizes that he has no plans to downplay his Jewish identity, even as his national profile rises and speculation grows about a potential 2028 presidential run. The memoir highlights the governor’s commitment to balancing public service with deep religious conviction, offering insight into the role faith plays in his decision-making and worldview.
NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission this month, sending four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the moon—the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission, using the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System rocket, will test life-support systems, navigation, and deep-space communications without landing. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will travel farther from Earth than any humans since the Apollo era, reaching about 230,000 miles at their farthest point. The flight will pass behind the moon, out of direct radio contact with Earth for roughly 30 minutes, and return to splash down in the Pacific Ocean. NASA officials described Artemis II as a critical step toward sustainable lunar exploration and eventual crewed landings under Artemis III. The launch window opens in mid-February, weather permitting.
Amazon confirmed it is laying off approximately 16,000 employees as part of a new restructuring, representing the company’s second major workforce reduction in recent months following 14,000 cuts in October 2025. The latest round primarily affects corporate roles in retail, devices, and human resources divisions, with affected workers receiving severance packages, extended healthcare benefits, and outplacement support. The combined layoffs total roughly 30,000 positions eliminated since late 2025, equivalent to about 7% of Amazon’s global workforce.
Elon Musk announced that SpaceX has acquired xAI in a major all-stock transaction, merging his rocket company with the artificial intelligence venture into a single entity to be called xSpace. The deal integrates xAI’s Grok chatbot, advanced AI research, and computing resources with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, launch capabilities, and orbital infrastructure, while also folding in elements of X (formerly Twitter) for data and distribution. Musk described the combination as essential for accelerating humanity’s multi-planetary future and building “maximally truth-seeking AI” that supports space exploration. The unified company is preparing for a massive initial public offering later in 2026, expected to be one of the largest in history given SpaceX’s valuation exceeding $350 billion and xAI’s rapid growth.
The Melania documentary, directed by Brett Ratner and released in limited theaters on January 15, has shattered box office records for documentaries over the past decade. The film, which chronicles Melania Trump’s life, her modeling career, role as First Lady, and advocacy work, grossed $28.4 million in its opening weekend across just 1,200 screens, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 ($23.9 million in 2004, adjusted for inflation). Industry analysts attribute the success to strong word-of-mouth, high-profile promotion by President Trump, and polarized public interest in the former First Lady.
Israel
The Israel Defense Forces released footage showing the newly constructed “Regavim” security checkpoint in IDF-controlled Rafah, designed to screen Palestinians entering Gaza from Egypt ahead of the Rafah Border Crossing reopening for pedestrian traffic tomorrow. The facility features advanced identity verification, biometric facial recognition, luggage scanning, and thorough security inspections to prevent weapons, explosives, or terror operatives from crossing into Hamas-controlled areas. Israel will maintain remote oversight of exits using facial recognition technology from a dedicated control room, while Palestinian Authority officials and European Union monitors will conduct outbound screenings.
The IDF uncovered a large underground tunnel in Khan Younis stretching hundreds of meters, equipped with three living quarters and a substantial weapons cache. Troops discovered 45 grenades, 35 magazines, 10 rifles, RPG rockets and a launcher, 10 explosive devices, and six military vests inside the facility. The tunnel, used by Hamas for concealment and operations, was dismantled by IDF engineering units in compliance with the ceasefire agreement under President Trump’s 20-point plan.
Israel and South Africa escalated their diplomatic rift by expelling each other’s senior representatives, driven primarily by South Africa’s strong criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. South Africa’s foreign ministry declared Israel’s chargé d’affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours. In response, Israel’s foreign ministry expelled South Africa’s deputy head of mission in Tel Aviv, instructing him to depart immediately. The tit-for-tat expulsions mark the lowest point in bilateral relations since South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in late 2023. Israeli officials condemned South Africa’s “hostile and one-sided” stance, while Pretoria accused Israel of undermining diplomatic norms and international law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Miri Regev approved the reopening of Kiryat Shmona Airport for commercial flights, ending its 20-year closure due to security concerns and low demand. The decision is part of a broader initiative to strengthen northern Israel’s Galilee region by improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth. The Transportation Ministry will allocate 10 million shekels annually to subsidize regular flights to Tel Aviv and Eilat, making travel more affordable for residents and encouraging tourism and business activity. Officials emphasized the airport’s dual role as a vital link for civilian travel and a strategic asset for emergency medical evacuations in the event of regional crises. The move follows enhanced security measures and infrastructure upgrades, with commercial operations expected to begin in the coming months pending final regulatory approvals.
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has been named to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game roster in Los Angeles, becoming the first Israeli player ever selected for the honor. The 25-year-old, drafted 9th overall in 2020, earned his spot through strong fan, player, and media voting after averaging 18.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season while shooting 52% from the field. Avdija expressed pride in representing Israel on the global stage, stating, “This is for every kid back home who dreams big.” His selection highlights his rapid rise from role player to All-Star starter candidate and solidifies Israel’s growing presence in professional basketball. The All-Star weekend takes place February 13–15 at Crypto.com Arena.
WORLD
The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, with the decision finalized at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday. The designation, which took effect immediately, subjects the IRGC to asset freezes, travel bans on its leaders, and criminal penalties for providing any form of support or association across all 27 member states. EU High Representative Josep Borrell stated the move was driven by the IRGC’s “direct involvement in terrorist activities, including support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi attacks threatening European security and international shipping lanes.” The listing follows years of pressure from Israel, the United States, and several EU parliaments, and comes after the group’s role in recent missile attacks on Israel and plots against European Jewish sites. Iran condemned the action as “illegal and politically motivated,” threatening reciprocal measures against European entities. The decision aligns the EU with the U.S. and Canada, which have long classified the IRGC as a terrorist group.
Russian forces launched at least 90 drones overnight into Ukraine Sunday, violating a temporary truce requested by U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian authorities reported. The strikes damaged homes, high-rise buildings, energy infrastructure, and a maternity hospital. Kyiv was spared, but the attacks killed at least seven civilians and injured more than a dozen others. Ukraine’s Air Force stated it intercepted a majority of the drones, though several penetrated defenses.
Panama’s Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a 25-year contract awarded to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings to operate ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, overturning a deal signed in 2021. The decision invalidates the concession granted to CK Hutchison’s subsidiary Panama Ports Company, citing violations of national sovereignty and improper bidding procedures. The ruling advances President Donald Trump’s long-standing push to remove Chinese influence from the strategic waterway, which handles about 6% of global maritime trade. Trump had repeatedly accused China of exerting control over the canal through commercial arrangements, threatening U.S. national security and economic interests.