NEW YORK NEWS
The House voted decisively to expel Rep. George Santos (R-NY) on Friday, following multiple federal charges, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The expulsion, requiring a two-thirds majority, passed with 311 representatives in favor, 114 against, and 2 present.
Despite opposition from the top Republican House leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Santos’ expulsion proceeded. The Republican leaders were concerned about setting a precedent, as Santos is yet to be convicted. The House Ethics Committee had previously criticized Santos’ conduct, facing 23 federal charges. This marked the House’s third attempt in six months to remove Santos, making him the first member expelled since 2002 and the first before conviction or involvement in the Civil War. Santos, who pleaded not guilty, warned of a dangerous precedent in a Tuesday speech. The House clerk will inform New York Governor Kathy Hochul for a special election to replace Santos, who served less than a year in office.
Three teenage attackers were arrested on Friday for assaulting three Jewish victims in separate incidents in Brooklyn within an hour. The victims were randomly targeted. The two 14-year-old suspects were charged with three counts of hate crime assault, while the third suspect, a 13-year-old, faced two counts of assault. The assaults, investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force, occurred Shabbos afternoon in Midwood. The attackers pummeled a 40-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy, and a 27-year-old man in three separate incidents. The victims suffered minor injuries, and the suspects fled the scenes.
Fifteen synagogues in the metro region, including five in upper Manhattan and two in Brooklyn, received false bomb threats early Friday, according to the NYPD and a Jewish security agency. Threats were emailed between 5:15 and 6 a.m. to synagogues on the Upper East and Upper West sides, Hudson Heights, and two synagogues in Brooklyn, warning of explosives inside the buildings. The threats, sent through contact forms on the synagogues’ websites, were found not to be credible. The targeted houses of worship included the Park East Synagogue, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Congregation Ohab Zedek, and the Mount Sinai Jewish Center in Manhattan. The threats were aimed at disrupting and intimidating, with the intention of forcing law enforcement to respond to the houses of worship.
New York City drivers may face a $15 toll to travel on busy Manhattan streets under a congestion pricing proposal by the Traffic Mobility Review Board (TMRB), expected to be filed with MTA officials. The recommended fee, applicable for passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, would be enforced south of 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The toll would be charged once per day, with a $5 discount during peak traffic hours for drivers from the Hudson and East River tunnels. Motorcyclists could be charged $7.50, while trucks may face costs between $24 and $36 based on size. Toll rates would decrease by 75% after 9 p.m. Low-income vehicle owners would receive a 50% discount on the daytime toll after 10 trips per month. Taxis and for-hire vehicles would be exempt, but passengers would incur additional charges. The proposal is part of the anticipated congestion pricing program, set to begin in May, facing legal challenges from New Jersey officials.
In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, Courtney Gordon, 38, killed four family members in their Queens home, stabbing an 11-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s. Another relative, a 61-year-old woman, survived with critical wounds. Gordon then set the house on fire and was leaving when two police officers responded to a call from a young woman reporting the incident. Gordon, in response, stabbed one officer in the head and the other in the neck with a steak knife. The wounded officers shot and killed Gordon. The motive remains unclear, and it is unknown if Gordon had a history of mental health problems, though his sister mentioned struggles with mental illness. Gordon had a prior arrest in February 2021 for domestic violence in the Bronx, and he had moved to Far Rockaway to live with his aunt. The devastating event left the community in shock as emergency workers removed the victims’ bodies from the scene.
US NEWS
Former U.S. diplomat Henry Kissinger passed away at the age of 100 at his Connecticut home, as announced by his consulting firm, which did not disclose the cause of death. Born in Germany, Kissinger rose to prominence in American statesmanship, serving as national security adviser and secretary of state during the 1970s under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. A figure both lauded and controversial, he played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy with major powers like the Soviet Union and China. Kissinger received the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating a Vietnam War ceasefire. Fleeing Nazi Germany as a teenager, he became a U.S. citizen in 1943, served in the military, taught at Harvard, and held government positions. After his government service, Kissinger continued to advise and remained active in global affairs, authoring numerous books. Survived by his wife, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, and children, David and Elizabeth, he will be interred at a private family service, with a memorial service planned for a later date in New York City. The family suggested considering donations to the Animal Medical Center or the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins University.
Retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor, passed away at 93 in Phoenix, Arizona, due to complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, O’Connor made history as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She retired in 2006 after nearly a quarter-century of service. Survived by her three sons and six grandchildren, Chief Justice John Roberts praised O’Connor as a “fiercely independent defender of the rule of law” and an advocate for civics education. Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1930, O’Connor was known for her focus on the letter of the law and adherence to the intentions of the U.S. Constitution. Political figures across the spectrum, including former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, lauded her as a trailblazer and an inspiration for women in public service.
The White House and Pennsylvania Governor criticized a pro-Palestinian protest outside an Israeli-style falafel shop in Philadelphia as anti-Semitic. Demonstrators targeted Goldie, owned by Israeli-American chef Michael Solomonov, chanting accusations of genocide. The incident occurred during a larger march in support of Gaza and Palestinians, organized by the Philadelphia Free Palestine Coalition. Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the anti-Semitic act, emphasizing the targeting of a restaurant because of the owner’s Jewish and Israeli identity. The White House echoed the condemnation, stating it is unjustifiable to target restaurants serving Israeli food over political disagreements and emphasizing President Biden’s commitment against anti-Semitism.
Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been charged with acting as a covert agent for Cuba’s intelligence services since at least 1981. Rocha, who wept during a Miami court appearance, is accused of engaging in “clandestine activity” on Cuba’s behalf, meeting with Cuban intelligence operatives, and providing false information to U.S. officials about his contacts. The complaint is short on specifics but relies on Rocha’s admissions to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Cuban intelligence operative. The case sheds light on long-standing efforts by Cuba to target U.S. officials for recruitment. If convicted, Rocha faces serious consequences, and Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the severity of betraying trust and falsely pledging loyalty to the U.S.
An American warship, the USS Carney, and several commercial vessels faced an attack in the Red Sea, reportedly carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, responded in self-defense after a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier reported missile fire. The USS Carney successfully shot down two drones during the attack. While the Houthi military spokesman claimed responsibility for the attacks, there was no mention of a US warship being involved. The US Central Command, citing a threat to international commerce and maritime security, believes the attacks were fully enabled by Iran. This incident follows heightened tensions in the Middle East related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the US military has increased the presence of Navy ships in the region.
A federal appeals court has ruled that civil lawsuits against former President Donald Trump, brought by Capitol Police officers and Democratic lawmakers over the January 6 Capitol riot, can proceed. The three-judge panel denied Trump’s request to dismiss the suits accusing him of inciting the violent mob. The ruling didn’t address whether presidential immunity shields Trump from liability. While Trump argued that his words were matters of public concern protected by presidential immunity, the judges expressed “no view on the ultimate merits of the claims.” The decision allows the lawsuits to move forward without determining the issue of immunity.
A protester set themself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, with a security guard attempting to intervene also sustaining injuries. The act, believed to be an extreme political protest, resulted in critical burn injuries to the protester. A Palestinian flag found at the scene suggested a connection to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, but investigators see no terrorism link. The protester’s identity has not been disclosed. Authorities emphasize that consular staff was not in danger, and heightened tensions in the Jewish and Muslim communities prompt increased patrols at specific locations, including the consulate.
Alaska Air has announced its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion, including $900 million in Hawaiian Airlines debt. The deal, resulting from months of negotiations, is expected to take between nine and 18 months to complete and is contingent on federal antitrust approval. The two airlines will retain their respective brands, a decision made in respect of their nearly 100-year legacy and the communities they serve. Alaska Air CEO Ben Minicucci highlighted the complementary networks of the two airlines, projecting 1,400 daily flights with only 12 overlapping markets. The Biden administration’s tougher stance on antitrust issues, particularly in the airline industry, adds an additional layer of scrutiny to the proposed deal.
Israel NEWS
During a hearing of the Knesset Health Committee, Israel’s Health Ministry claimed that Hamas drugged hostages released during a ceasefire, using Clonazepam to create a false appearance of well-being. The drug, known as Clonex in Israel, has calming effects and was administered to make the captives “look happy” for Hamas propaganda. The hostages were also given a larger meal before returning to Israel, addressing severe weight loss observed in many. Hamas documented the releases for propaganda purposes, showing hostages in positive moods. Family members of captives spoke at the committee, describing harsh conditions. The Health Committee Chairman ordered a detailed report on the drugging and other medical conditions of released hostages to be published. Additionally, during a meeting at an air force base, released persons addressed the Israeli War Cabinet about their captivity horrors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the difficulty of bringing everyone home, and clashes occurred between attendees and Netanyahu regarding priorities. Eighty-one Israelis were freed in exchange for terrorists during the truce, and Hamas currently holds 137 individuals in Gaza.
Two US law professors, Robert J. Jackson Jr. and Joshua Mitts, allege that traders may have possessed prior knowledge of an anticipated Hamas attack on October 7 and profited from it. The professors’ report highlights a substantial increase in short-selling of Israeli stocks in the weeks leading up to the alleged attack, raising suspicions of insider trading. Israeli authorities, including the Israel Securities Authority, are investigating the matter. The professors emphasize a spike in short interest in the MSCI Israel Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) on October 2, just before the supposed attack. They suggest that traders, informed about the impending events, may have exploited the tragic situation. The report notes similarities in trading patterns related to events in April when Hamas was reported to have initially planned an attack on Israel.
Canadian-Israeli philanthropist Sylvan Adams has pledged a substantial donation of $100 million to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) to support the university and strengthen Israel’s southern region. The donation comes after the October 7 attacks along Israel’s border with Gaza, where BGU lost 82 students, staff, faculty, and their family members. Adams emphasized the importance of fortifying Israel’s south, particularly the Negev, to ensure safety and security for Israelis to rebuild their lives. The funds will be used for an extensive plan aimed at advancing education and campus life at BGU, which plays a significant role in economic and social development in the region.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reports that Palestinian terrorists have launched over 11,500 rockets toward Israeli territory since the start of the conflict initiated by Hamas on October 7. As of Monday morning, 9,357 people have been injured in Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis. Air-raid sirens sounded across southern Israel and the Tel Aviv area on Monday afternoon, prompting around 4 million Israelis to seek shelter. Rocket shrapnel was found in a school courtyard in Ganei Tikva, a Tel Aviv suburb. Hamas claimed it targeted Tel Aviv in response to alleged Israeli crimes against the Gaza Strip. Incoming rocket sirens were reported in Beersheba and surrounding areas for the first time since November 11. The Al-Ayyash Battalion, linked to Hamas, claimed responsibility for launching a rocket toward the Jewish community of Shaked in northern Samaria, though the launch reportedly failed.
The Israel Defense Forces have uncovered over 800 tunnel shafts in the Gaza Strip since late October, with approximately 500 already destroyed. The destruction methods include setting off explosives inside or sealing the tunnels. Many of these tunnels connect Hamas “strategic assets.” The IDF has also eliminated hundreds of kilometers of tunnels in addition to the shafts. The tunnels were often located in civilian areas, including near or inside educational institutions, kindergartens, mosques, and playgrounds. Some tunnels contained Hamas weaponry, reinforcing the IDF’s claim of the terrorist organization’s cynical use of the civilian population as human shields and cover for its activities.
The Rolling Stones officially confirmed their performance in Tel Aviv on June 4 as part of their “14 On Fire” world tour. This marks a historic moment and a significant honor for Israel, its citizens, and fans, according to producer Shuki Weiss. The concert, a culmination of Weiss’s career-long effort to bring the band to Israel, will feature classic hits from the Stones’ repertoire. The announcement follows months of rumors and was confirmed at a press conference in Tel Aviv. The Rolling Stones’ tour has taken them across England and the US over the past year.
WORLD NEWS
France froze all assets belonging to the Hamas terror group’s top leader in Gaza, effective for the next six months. Yahya Sinwar is considered the mastermind of the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught on Israel. A decision published in the Official Journal of the French Republic says that “funds and economic resources owned, held or controlled” by Sinwar are being frozen. The total value of Sinwar’s assets in France is not provided.
French police arrested a man, a French citizen known to intelligence services, suspected of a knife and hammer attack near the Eiffel Tower in central Paris. The attacker, previously sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning “violent action” and known for serious psychiatric disorders, killed a German tourist and injured two others, including a British national. The suspect claimed he could no longer bear to see Muslims dying in Afghanistan and Palestine. He had pledged allegiance to a group in a video and was required to receive psychiatric treatment after his release in 2020. Three people close to the suspect were taken into custody. The French Prime Minister held a cabinet meeting to review the country’s security arrangements.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, concluded a historic visit to Israel and Ramallah, emphasizing that the ICC’s investigation into possible crimes by Hamas militants and Israeli forces is a priority. Khan stated that the investigation, launched in 2021, is progressing with determination and insists on acting based on solid evidence, not emotion. He witnessed scenes of “calculated cruelty” at locations of the Oct. 7 attacks, spoke to family members of Israeli victims, and called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas and other militants. Khan expressed profound concern about the increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, emphasizing that settler violence is unacceptable. He also stressed the need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without diversion by Hamas.
Jordan’s government spokesperson accused Israel of declaring war by attempting to “forcefully displace” Palestinians from Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. The spokesperson, Muhannad Mubaidin, warned that Israel’s actions constitute a declaration of war on Jordan, but ending the peace treaty would turn the territories into “a large prison.” He criticized Israel’s government as far-right, accusing it of considering genocide as self-defense. Jordan’s King Abdullah II had previously declared that Jordan and Egypt would not accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, emphasizing it as a “red line.” The tensions between Jordan and Israel escalated further when Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on November 1, protesting the “raging Israeli war on Gaza.”
South Korea successfully launched its first military spy satellite from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The launch marked the first of five spy satellites that South Korea plans to deploy by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. The satellite’s communication with an overseas ground station was confirmed by South Korea’s Defense Ministry, stating that it allows the country to establish an independent space-based surveillance system. Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated, with North Korea recently claiming to have launched its own spy satellite. The international community, including the U.S. and South Korea, condemned North Korea’s satellite launch, prompting threats from North Korea to take unspecified actions against U.S. spy satellites. The situation has further strained relations and military agreements between the two Koreas.
