NEW YORK NEWS
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators caused widespread traffic disruptions in New York City on Monday, blocking bridges and tunnels connecting Manhattan. Thousands participated in the demonstration, expressing a willingness to be arrested to amplify their message. The protest included actress Susan Sarandon.
Many criticized the disruption, and clashes with police resulted in the arrest of hundreds. The demonstrators plan to escalate their protests. The NYPD and Port Authority Police reported a total of 325 demonstrators taken into custody during the event, most of who were released with little or no charges.
Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn as a group of students reportedly attempted to prevent the filling in of a secret tunnel. The New York Police Department responded to a call after individuals unlawfully entered the synagogue, damaging a wall in the process. Videos circulating on social media depict the group tearing down wood paneling and clashing with officers in an effort to impede the construction work on the tunnel. Several individuals were taken into custody, and charges are pending, according to the NYPD. No injuries were reported, and there is no official comment from the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters.
A collision between two subway trains in Manhattan occurred when a train with about 300 passengers was driven into the path of an out-of-service train, resulting in 26 injuries. The collision caused both trains to derail, disrupting service on some of the city’s busiest transit lines. Initial reports suggest that human error, possibly a miscommunication over the right of way, led to the collision. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, and the Transport Workers Union suggests that the crash may be linked to a supervisor’s actions. Subway service remains suspended on affected lines, and restoration efforts continue.
Anti-Semitic slurs at a high school girls basketball game between Roosevelt High School and the Leffell School, a private Jewish school, led to the firing of the Roosevelt basketball coach. Bryan Williams, the ousted coach, claims he was made a scapegoat by school officials after some players allegedly hurled insults at the Jewish girls. Williams, fired after the incident, denies hearing the slurs during the game and says he did not condone such behavior. The Yonkers school district, announcing Williams’ termination, expressed zero tolerance for hate speech, but the coach believes he was unfairly treated, emphasizing his team played the game properly. The incident led to an early end of the game and apologies from Yonkers school officials.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Governor Kathy Hochul to “stay out of Long Island,” criticizing Albany Democrats for imposing bail reforms, unfunded mandates, and changing local election schedules without considering Long Islanders. Hochul, responding with humor, referred to Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine as her “favorite county executives.” Despite the tensions, both leaders expressed openness to a fair relationship and downplayed the disagreement, emphasizing their commitment to working together.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested a penalty of about $370 million for former President Donald Trump, alleging that he gained that amount through unlawful conduct during the civil fraud trial. The requested sum is higher than the $250 million estimated in the fall of 2022 when James sued Trump, accusing him of inflating his net worth to obtain favorable treatment. Trump’s lawyers argue that James failed to prove her case, and Christopher M. Kise, a lawyer for Trump, called the amount “unconscionable, unsupported by the evidence, untethered from reality, and unconstitutionally excessive.” The trial’s conclusion is pending a ruling by Justice Arthur F. Engoron, expected by the end of this month.
Car thefts in New York City have surged by 191% compared to pre-Covid levels, with 15,802 vehicles stolen in 2023, a significant increase from the 5,438 reported in 2019. Auto thefts marked the largest spike among major crime categories in the city, surpassing the figures from 2022 by 15%. Despite this, overall crime in the city decreased by 0.3% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the decline in citywide shootings and murders, stating that New York City remains the safest big city in America. The increase in auto thefts is attributed to a viral TikTok trend encouraging joyrides with specific car makes, particularly Kia and Hyundai models. The majority of stolen vehicles were recovered outside New York City, including in New Jersey and Westchester. The NYPD made almost 2,000 arrests related to auto thefts in 2023, the highest in 20 years.
US NEWS
After being heckled by anti-Israel protesters at a campaign event campaign event at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, President Biden mentioned that he has been working “quietly” with the Israeli government to encourage them to “significantly get out of Gaza.” Biden emphasized that he understands their passion and is using his efforts to urge Israel to reduce its presence in Gaza. The statement follows Israeli authorities reducing troop levels in the Gaza Strip, particularly in northern parts. Biden’s disclosure came after months of protests against him and criticism from some groups for his perceived pro-Israel stance. Polls indicate that younger voters, Arab Americans, and Muslim Americans, who are traditionally Democratic voting groups, have opposed Biden’s position on Israel. However, after the hecklers were escorted out, chants of “four more years” erupted in the church.
President Joe Biden reportedly has no intention of accepting Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s resignation over a secretive hospital stay. Despite criticism for the lack of transparency regarding Austin’s health scare, senior administration officials stated that the president supports Austin, expressing full confidence in him. The Department of Defense announced Austin’s hospitalization for complications following an elective medical procedure, leading to calls for resignation or more answers from some quarters. Biden, reportedly exasperated by the lack of transparency, plans a review of the episode. As of Sunday night, Austin remained hospitalized but had resumed his duties. The hospitalization did not prevent him and Biden from authorizing a strike in Baghdad on January 4, targeting a terrorist leader from an Iran-backed group. Austin has acknowledged the need for better communication but asserted that he has no plans to resign.
A car crashed into a security barrier at the White House complex around 6 p.m. Monday night, leading to the driver’s arrest. The U.S. Secret Service is investigating the cause of the collision, and traffic disruptions are expected in the vicinity. President Joe Biden was not at the White House during the incident as he was traveling. Last month, another car crashed into Biden’s motorcade in Wilmington, Delaware, and the driver was later charged with DUI after an investigation determined it was an accidental collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the possibility that the bolts meant to secure a fuselage panel were not installed on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 before it blew off. The panel, known as a door plug, came off the plane about 10 minutes after takeoff, causing a midair emergency. Loose bolts were found on similar panels in United Airlines’ Max 9 jets. The NTSB is examining whether the bolts were ever installed and is also looking into prior warnings about cabin pressure issues on the plane. The investigation could impact nearly 200 Max 9 aircraft, leading to flight cancellations and disruptions for passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for the affected planes.
Wayne LaPierre, CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA), has announced his resignation after almost five decades with the organization. LaPierre served as the executive vice president and CEO since 1991. His resignation, effective January 31, comes amid concerns about his health. Andrew Arulanandam, head of general operations, will serve as interim CEO. The announcement coincides with an upcoming trial of a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James against the NRA, accusing it of violating non-profit laws and misusing funds for personal gain. The lawsuit seeks to dissolve the organization, and LaPierre is an individual defendant in the case.
Deobra Delone Redden, the man who attacked a Nevada judge last week, was sentenced to up to four years in state prison for an attempted battery charge. The incident occurred on January 3, during Redden’s sentencing hearing when he rushed and attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus. While the sentence could last up to four years, Redden might be eligible for parole in 19 months based on his behavior in prison. He is also facing 15 new felony and misdemeanor charges related to the courtroom attack, with the possibility of facing decades in prison if convicted. Redden has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but court records indicate he was found competent to stand trial.
Israel NEWS
Wissam al-Tawil, a senior commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force, was killed in an alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. Al-Tawil’s death is seen as a significant blow to the Iran-backed group and raises tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The strike comes amid ongoing hostilities, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel in support of Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces conducted strikes on Hezbollah targets, but did not confirm responsibility for al-Tawil’s death. The incident complicates efforts by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to prevent the conflict from expanding. Hezbollah confirmed al-Tawil’s death but provided few details. The situation adds to the already heightened volatility in the region.
A study conducted by Tel Aviv University reveals that nearly a quarter of Israeli Jews suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the surprise invasion by Hamas on October 7. The research shows that 23% of Jewish adults not directly exposed to the attack experience PTSD, a figure three times higher than Americans in New York City following the 9/11 attacks. The study attributes the high incidence of PTSD in Israel to increased news consumption, particularly the availability of gruesome videos on social media. The mental stress is reported to have led to decreased activity and disrupted sleep patterns among Israelis. The research is based on two sub-studies, including a prospective study with approximately 5,000 participants monitored via smartwatches, and a survey on PTSD, clinical anxiety, news consumption, and exposure to graphic videos conducted after the October 7 attack.
Israeli actor Idan Amedi, known for his role in the Netflix series Fauda, has been hospitalized after sustaining shrapnel wounds while fighting terrorists in Gaza. Amedi, a reserve soldier in the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps, was seriously injured during clashes and is now in stable condition after being sedated and intubated. Fauda co-creator Avi Issacharoff praised Amedi as a hero, mentioning his decision to join the fight during the ongoing conflict. Amedi has been on reserve duty since the start of the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 and has expressed strong support for Israel in his social media posts.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on NBC’s Meet the Press that Israel has no plans to expel Palestinians from Gaza, refuting recent suggestions by far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. The ministers had proposed encouraging Palestinians to resettle outside of Gaza. Herzog emphasized that such views do not represent the official Israeli position, and the U.S. State Department condemned any plans for Palestinian relocation. Israel is currently engaged in negotiations with Hamas for a new hostage exchange, involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. Talks faced obstacles after the killing of top Hamas commander Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut.
Retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, aged 87, has been appointed by Israel as its representative to the 15-judge panel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which will hear South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Barak’s appointment was confirmed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and is seen as significant due to his international standing. Barak, a Holocaust survivor, is respected internationally, although he has been critical of recent judicial overhaul efforts in Israel. The case is set to be heard this week, with South Africa accusing Israel of genocidal actions during the conflict with Hamas.
WORLD NEWS
Pope Francis, during his annual foreign policy address to ambassadors of 184 countries, condemned the practice of surrogate motherhood, calling it “despicable” and urging a global ban on the practice. He emphasized that surrogacy violates the dignity of both women and children, exploiting the surrogate mother’s financial situation. The Pope called for a universal prohibition on surrogacy, stating that children should not be treated as commodities in commercial contracts. The Catholic Church prohibits the use of surrogate mothers, promoting conception through marital acts. This is not the first time Pope Francis has criticized surrogacy, previously denouncing it as an “inhumane” and exploitative practice. The surrogacy industry is legal in the U.S. but banned in some countries. The Pope also addressed various global issues in his speech, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, immigration, climate change, artificial intelligence, Christian persecution, and antisemitism.
A video showing Toronto police delivering coffee to anti-Israel protesters during a demonstration has gone viral, sparking criticism online. The footage depicts an officer handing coffee to protesters on a highway overpass, with the recipient stating that the police acted as messengers for coffee bought by someone else. Critics argue that the police’s actions suggest preferential treatment to anti-Israel protesters compared to other demonstrations. The Toronto Police Service defended the officers, emphasizing their priority to maintain order and de-escalate tense situations. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and an investigation is underway into a possible hate crime at a Jewish-owned grocery store in Toronto.
Thousands of people affected by the powerful earthquake on Japan’s western coast, which occurred on New Year’s Day, are facing weariness and uncertainty a week after the quake left at least 180 dead and dozens missing. The rescue effort, involving thousands of troops, firefighters, and police, continues amid concerns of landslides exacerbated by heavy snowfall in the quake’s epicenter on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. As of now, the death toll includes 81 people in Wajima, 71 in Suzu, 18 in Anamizu, with at least 120 people still missing, and 565 injured. The landscape is covered in snow, adding challenges to rescue and recovery efforts. Many affected areas are grappling with destroyed or seriously damaged homes, damaged roads, and a disrupted daily life. The aftershocks persist, and the recovery work has only just begun, with concerns about the region’s ability to survive and rebuild. Evacuation centers, where nearly 30,000 people are staying, face challenges such as the risk of infections. The survivors are dealing with exhaustion, stress, and mourning, as the quake struck on New Year’s Day, a time for family gatherings in Japan.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the bombing attack in Kerman, Iran, which occurred during a memorial procession for Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani. The extremist group referred to the attack as a “dual martyrdom operation,” where two militants approached a ceremony at the tomb of Suleimani and detonated explosive belts. The Iranian authorities initially blamed Israel for the attack, but Western officials cast doubt on that theory. The bombings took place on the fourth anniversary of Suleimani’s assassination in an American drone attack. The death toll was initially reported as 103, but the interior minister later stated that 84 people were killed, with the possibility of the toll rising due to the severe condition of some of the injured. Iran’s leaders have vowed to punish the perpetrators, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps released a statement condemning the act.
