NEW YORK NEWS
Daniel Penny, the man who put Jordan Neely in a fatal headlock on a New York City subway train, has been indicted by a grand jury in Manhattan. The exact charges are unclear and will be revealed when Penny is arraigned at a later date. Penny, a Marine veteran in his mid-20s, previously surrendered to law enforcement on second-degree manslaughter charges and was released on bail. The incident, captured on bystander video, showed Penny restraining Neely in a headlock on the subway train. Neely later died, and the medical examiner ruled it a homicide due to compression of the neck. Penny’s lawyers claim he was trying to restrain Neely to protect himself and other passengers and denied that race played a role in the incident.
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been ordered by the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board to reimburse nearly $320,000 and pay a $155,000 fine for bringing his security detail on trips during his unsuccessful presidential campaign. The fine and repayment, the largest ever issued by the board, stem from the city’s spending on travel-related costs for de Blasio’s security detail during 31 out-of-state campaign trips. The expenses included airfare, car rentals, lodging, meals, and incidentals. The order comes after a Department of Investigation report found that de Blasio misused public resources for political and personal purposes. The hefty penalty and repayment may have a lasting impact on de Blasio’s legacy and further damage his standing with city residents.
A fire broke out at an e-bike shop in New York City, spreading to upper-floor apartments and resulting in the deaths of four people. The fire was linked to exploding lithium ion batteries, which have been responsible for more than 100 fires and 13 deaths in the city so far this year. The shop had previously been cited for safety violations related to battery storage and charging. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials confirmed that it was caused by lithium ion batteries. The shop owner denied that any e-bike batteries were being charged at the time of the fire. Electric bikes have gained popularity in the city, but incidents of fires caused by lithium ion batteries have raised concerns and led to new regulations aimed at preventing such incidents.
The suspect who shot and injured a New York state trooper during a traffic stop in Duanesburg is believed to have committed suicide, according to police. Trooper Richard Albert was shot in the upper arm during the routine stop but has since been discharged from the hospital. The suspected shooter, identified as Nelson Troche, was sitting in the passenger seat of the SUV while a woman was driving. After shooting the officer, Troche fled into a wooded area but was later found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested for allegedly driving at high speeds. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, as it appeared to be unprovoked.
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah has announced the closure of a multiyear-long investigation into the Trump Organization’s valuations of a New York golf club. The investigation sought to determine if former President Donald Trump or his organization provided misleading valuations to reduce the tax bill on Trump National Golf Club. No charges were filed against Trump or his company. Rocah emphasized the independence of the justice system and the thorough examination of all subjects of investigation. Trump responded to the news on his social media platform, expressing relief and questioning when his reputation would be restored.
A federal judge in New York City is considering a potential takeover of the troubled Rikers Island jail complex following reports of violence, injuries, and non-compliance with court oversight. The emergency court hearing came after a federal monitor revealed disturbing incidents that were not reported by jail officials as required. The monitor also claimed that the city’s jails commissioner lobbied against publicly releasing the report, which led the judge to question the city’s leadership. The judge ordered discussions on a potential receivership structure, which would end the city’s control over Rikers Island. Advocates argue that federal intervention is necessary to address the ongoing violence and improve conditions in the jail. The judge’s position on a federal takeover has shifted due to recent incidents, and she expressed concerns about transparency and efforts to shape public perception on the issues.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is seeking regulatory authority over boats operating in caves and similar waterways following a fatal tour boat accident in an underground water tunnel. Currently, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation regulates commercial boats, but lacks the authority to inspect those operating on non-navigable waters, such as privately-owned caves. In response to the recent accident, Hochul plans to propose legislation to close this regulatory loophole and ensure the safety of passengers on boats in caves. The move comes after a 65-year-old man died and several others were injured when a boat flipped inside the Lockport Cave. A similar incident had previously occurred in 2015. Hochul aims to prevent future tragedies through enhanced regulation and oversight..
US NEWS
Robert Bowers, the gunman responsible for the 2018 massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, has been found guilty on all 63 charges against him by a federal jury. Bowers now faces the possibility of receiving the death penalty for the attack, the deadliest on Jewish people in the United States. During the verdict reading, Bowers appeared calm and focused on papers at the defense table. The charges include obstruction of religious beliefs resulting in death, use of a firearm to commit murder, and hate crimes resulting in death. The trial will now proceed to a penalty phase where the jury will determine whether Bowers should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. The penalty phase is set to begin on June 26.
Hunter Biden has reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in which he will plead guilty to two tax crimes and admit to a gun charge. The deal resolves a multi-year investigation into his taxes and the illegal purchase of a firearm. Hunter will plead guilty to failing to pay approximately $1.2 million in taxes in 2017 and 2018, and he will enter a diversion program for the gun charge. He is expected to receive two years of probation and avoid jail time. Critics argue that the plea deal is lenient and raises concerns of special treatment due to Hunter Biden’s connection to President Joe Biden. The deal comes amid ongoing inquiries into an alleged $5 million bribery scheme involving Ukraine.
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that requires the Biden administration to appoint a special envoy for the Abraham Accords, with the aim of encouraging more countries to normalize relations with Israel. The envoy would work to strengthen existing agreements and coordinate efforts across the US government and with foreign governments. The bill, introduced by Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres and Republican Rep. Michael Lawler, passed with overwhelming support. The legislation still needs to pass in the Senate before becoming law. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has announced plans to introduce its own bill that aligns with the House version. The Biden administration has already stated its intention to appoint a point person for the Abraham Accords, but the legislation seeks to codify the position for future administrations.
Former President Donald Trump’s trial for alleged mishandling of classified documents has been scheduled for August 14. He faces 37 counts, including retaining national defense information, concealing documents, and making false statements. The trial will take place in Florida, set by Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denounced the charges as politically motivated. In a separate case, a protective order has been issued to prevent Trump from releasing evidence in the classified documents case. Trump is also facing other legal challenges, including an indictment in New York and an investigation in Georgia related to alleged election interference.
The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged after raising them consistently since March 2022. However, they hinted that they might raise rates two more times this year due to persistent inflation concerns. The central bank wants to assess the impact of their efforts to slow demand and control inflation before making further moves. The Fed projected a potential increase to 5.6 percent by the end of 2023, signaling growing worries about inflation’s lasting effects. Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell emphasized the gradual nature of the process and the need for a more moderate pace. The decision reflects the Fed’s ongoing commitment to addressing inflation while being mindful of economic stability.
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits remained elevated, indicating that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes may be impacting the job market. Jobless claims for the week ending June 10 numbered 262,000, higher than expected and matching the previous week’s revised number. The four-week moving average of claims also increased, reaching its highest level since November 2021. Despite aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, the labor market has remained strong, with employers adding a significant number of jobs in recent months. However, there have been high-profile layoffs in various sectors, including technology. The overall number of people collecting unemployment benefits also saw a slight increase.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, a former North Carolina official, has been appointed as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to an announcement from the White House. Unlike her predecessors, Cohen brings prior experience in running a government agency, having served as the secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. President Joe Biden praised Cohen’s leadership skills and track record in protecting public health. She will succeed Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who announced her departure last month. Cohen’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation. The CDC, which has faced challenges and a decline in public trust during the pandemic, aims to become more agile and improve communication under its new leadership.
A tourist submarine named Titan, owned by OceanGate Expeditions, went missing during an expedition to explore the Titanic shipwreck in the North Atlantic. The submersible, carrying a five-person crew, lost contact about an hour and 45 minutes after submerging. Search and rescue operations are underway, with the US Coast Guard leading the mission and expanding the search to deeper waters. The Coast Guard is deploying various assets, including sonar buoys, to locate the craft and develop a rescue plan if it is found underwater. The submersible was owned by a company that offers deep-sea exploration and had advertised tours to the Titanic wreckage.
Bud Light, once the top-selling beer in America, continues to lose market share after its partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney. Recent data from NielsenIQ shows that Bud Light placed second to Modelo Especial, with Modelo making up 8.4% of retail beer sales compared to Bud Light’s 7.3% for the week ending June 3. Bud Light sales fell by 24.6% while Modelo Especial increased by 10.2% compared to the previous year. Bud Light’s fall from the top spot follows a boycott by conservatives and others in response to the partnership with Mulvaney. The beer brand has lost billions of dollars in market value and analysts predict that the boycott will continue in the foreseeable future.
Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez has filed paperwork for a presidential campaign, joining the race for the Republican nomination and aiming to challenge former President Donald Trump. Suarez, a 45-year-old Cuban American, presents himself as a fresh face for the Republican Party, which has struggled in recent elections. A super PAC supporting Suarez has been launched, and an initial ad buy will target early-voting states. However, Suarez is relatively unknown outside of Florida and faces allegations of influence-peddling on behalf of a real estate development company. His national profile grew during the Covid-19 pandemic when he contracted the virus and engaged with the tech and cryptocurrency communities.
Israel NEWS
Clashes between Palestinian terrorists and Israeli troops in the city of Jenin resulted in the deaths of five terrorists and left at least 91 people wounded. Israeli helicopter gunships were deployed to evacuate eight injured soldiers and secure damaged armored vehicles. The clashes erupted during a raid to detain two wanted Palestinians, with the exchange of heavy gunfire and explosive devices hurled at the Israeli forces. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attacks and identified some of the casualties as members of their group. This incident highlights the heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, with frequent raids and acts of violence occurring in the region.
Palestinian gunmen affiliated with Hamas carried out a terrorist attack at a gas station and hummus restaurant near the Israeli settlement of Eli in the Samaria region, killing four Israelis and injuring four others. One of the terrorists was shot dead by an armed Israeli civilian at the scene, while the second fled and was later killed by special forces. The attackers targeted diners and motorists, and several knives were found in their car. The Palestinian Authority health ministry confirmed the deaths of the terrorists and Hamas claimed them as members but did not claim direct responsibility for the attack.
https://static.timesofisrael.com/www/uploads/2023/06/F230620FFF1013.jpg
Israel’s parliament appointed an opposition lawmaker to the committee responsible for selecting the country’s judges, defying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and revealing divisions within the ruling coalition. The move temporarily averted a crisis over Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan, which opponents argue is an attempt to gain control over the judiciary. The opposition threatened to withdraw from negotiations unless their candidate was appointed, and while that demand was met, talks will remain suspended until the second vacancy on the committee is filled. The vote highlighted doubts about Netanyahu’s control over his coalition and drew accusations of attempting to stack the judiciary with loyalists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his opposition to any interim agreement being negotiated between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program. Reports in Israeli media suggested that understandings were being reached between the two countries, which would limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for some sanctions relief. Israeli officials believed that certain understandings had already been reached, but the US denied the existence of any such deal. Netanyahu, a staunch opponent of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, stated that even limited understandings or “mini-agreements” would not serve the desired goal and expressed opposition to them. Israel sees a nuclear Iran as a major threat and has not ruled out military action to prevent it.
Russia and Israel have reached an agreement to open a new office in Jerusalem that will function as a branch of the Russian embassy and provide consular services. The move will also resolve a longstanding land dispute between Moscow and the Jerusalem Municipality. The land in question, acquired by the Russian Empire in 1885, has been the subject of disagreements over its size, taxes, and bureaucratic matters. Israel has agreed to relinquish its claim on the plot and forgo taxation, allowing Russia to establish its presence in the capital. This development aligns with Israel’s efforts to increase diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, although it may face potential criticism from Ukraine due to Russia’s ongoing conflict with the country.
Intel Corp, the U.S. chipmaker, has announced plans to invest $25 billion in a new factory in Israel, making it the largest-ever international investment in the country. The factory, set to open in 2027 and operate until at least 2035, will create thousands of jobs. As part of the agreement, Intel will pay a 7.5% tax rate, an increase from the current 5%. Israel has been a key location for Intel, serving as its largest privately held employer and exporter in the country’s electronics and information industry. This investment reaffirms Intel’s commitment to meeting future manufacturing needs and has been hailed as a significant achievement for the Israeli economy by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
WORLD NEWS
China has announced the establishment of a “strategic partnership” with the Palestinian Authority (PA) during PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Beijing. This move reflects China’s efforts to expand its political and economic influence in the Middle East, where it competes with the United States for influence. China aims to secure energy resources, access markets for its exports, and challenge the Western-led democratic world order, alongside Russia. While China has maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority for a long time, its involvement in the region has been primarily focused on economic projects. President Xi Jinping affirmed China’s support for the Palestinian cause and expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation to achieve a just and lasting solution. This partnership further enhances China’s diplomatic standing and aids its infrastructure deals under the Belt and Road Initiative, while also signaling China’s growing presence in the region amidst perceptions of a reduced U.S. role.
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters in protest of recently concluded South Korean-U.S. live-fire drills, which it perceived as a rehearsal for invasion. These missile launches, the first since a failed satellite launch in May, drew condemnation from South Korea and Japan, who called them a provocation and a threat to international peace. In response, the chief nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. held a three-way telephone call to discuss efforts to halt North Korea’s weapons activities and resume talks. Tensions have been escalating due to increased weapons tests by North Korea and military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. The launches are seen as a demonstration of North Korea’s military capabilities and its opposition to the joint exercises.
