NEW YORK NEWS
Donald Trump achieved a legal victory in a New York appeals court on Monday, with the court allowing him to post a significantly lower bond in his civil business fraud case. Instead of the initially proposed bond of $464 million, Trump is now required to guarantee $175 million.
This decision enables Trump to continue operating his business in New York and grants him an additional 10 days to fulfill the bond requirement, delaying potential asset seizures by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump’s legal team had argued that meeting the previous bond amount would have been practically impossible due to the nature of his assets, primarily real estate holdings. The case stems from allegations by James that Trump inflated his net worth and misled investors. Trump, who maintains his innocence, has criticized the legal proceedings as rigged and politically motivated, expressing frustration with the judgments against him on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The New York City Council is appealing to the state’s highest court to overturn rulings that struck down a law allowing noncitizen immigrants to vote in city elections. The controversial law, passed in 2021, would have granted voting rights to around 800,000 noncitizens with green cards or legal authorization but was deemed unconstitutional by an appellate court last month. The council argues that legal noncitizens who pay taxes and contribute to their communities should have the right to vote. The case will now be taken to New York’s Court of Appeals. Mayor Eric Adams, a previous co-defendant in legal battles over the law, did not join the challenge. The initiative has faced opposition from Republican politicians who argue that it undermines the integrity of the election system. The legal battle reflects broader debates over immigration policy and is expected to remain a significant issue in upcoming elections.
A federal judge in Manhattan suggested that Michael Cohen may have committed perjury, casting doubt on his credibility as a witness. The judge’s comments came in response to Cohen’s request for early release from court supervision following his conviction for various crimes, including tax evasion and lying to Congress. The judge cited Cohen’s contradictory testimony in a civil fraud trial, where he denied guilt despite previously pleading guilty to tax evasion. This development supports former President Donald Trump’s claims that Cohen is an untrustworthy liar. Despite Cohen’s lawyer objecting to the judge’s conclusion, Trump’s legal team sees it as confirmation of Cohen’s perjury and calls for prosecution. Cohen, who implicated Trump in hush-money payments to women, is a key witness in Trump’s criminal trial, which has been delayed. Trump’s lawyers argue against Cohen’s testimony, citing his history of dishonesty, but the judge overseeing the hush-money trial allows Cohen to testify.
Maritza Ming, a former top aide to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, has left the office amid allegations of misconduct, including accusations of anti-Semitism. Ming faced complaints from multiple current and former staffers, alleging various forms of mistreatment and misuse of office resources. Despite Ming’s absence from the office since last July, records indicate that she remained on the payroll. She was among the highest-paid staffers, earning a significant salary including bonuses. Her departure follows an internal probe initiated by Gonzalez into discrimination complaints within the office, a process Ming was involved in overseeing. Additionally, the city’s Department of Investigation is looking into Ming’s conduct. Ming has been accused of using agency resources for personal benefit and failing to submit accurate time sheets. Gonzalez, who has political aspirations, faced pressure from the Jewish community regarding Ming’s employment, with some leaders indicating that continued association with Ming could affect their support for Gonzalez’s political ambitions. Ming has since joined a personal-injury law firm.
US NEWS
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, with 14 votes in favor and the United States abstaining. This marked a significant shift from the U.S.’s previous support for Israel in similar resolutions. Israel criticized the U.S. for allowing the resolution to pass and subsequently canceled its delegation’s visit to Washington, in response to President Biden’s request for high-level talks. The resolution demands a cease-fire for the remainder of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages. While Security Council resolutions carry political and legal weight, they lack enforcement mechanisms. The resolution’s passage followed intense negotiations, with the U.S. seeking changes to the text. The U.S. abstention signaled its displeasure with Israel’s military actions, particularly regarding Rafah, Gaza’s southern city. The resolution faced criticism from Israel for not addressing Hamas’s attacks, and its impact on halting hostilities remains uncertain.
The United States Congress passed a $1.2 trillion budget bill, which includes provisions such as a ban on US funding for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) until 2025 and the elimination of funding for the UN Commission of Inquiry against Israel. The bill also fully funds the annual US security commitment of $3.3 billion for Israel, supporting defensive systems like the Iron Dome. Israel praised the ban on funding for UNRWA, alleging that thousands of UNRWA employees are involved in Hamas terror activities. Some progressive lawmakers criticized the bill for defunding UNRWA and military support for Israel, citing concerns about humanitarian assistance and promoting a ceasefire.
The $1.2 trillion spending package was approved by a bipartisan majority in both the House and Senate, with 25 Republicans joining 47 Democrats in the Senate vote. The bill, spanning over 1,000 pages, covers funding for various government departments and agencies. Despite criticism from Republican hardliners regarding the rushed process and size of the bill, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended its passage, emphasizing the need for governance and maintaining stability. Despite efforts by some Republicans, like Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, to oppose or improve the bill, it ultimately passed with bipartisan support.
A large group of more than 100 military-aged males illegally stormed past Texas National Guard troops on the U.S. southern border, breaking through razor wire and fencing. The incident occurred as over 600 migrants were attempting to enter the U.S. in the area. This event coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court siding with Texas in its battle against President Joe Biden’s open border policies, allowing the state to enforce a new law criminalizing illegal entry. However, a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel blocked Texas from implementing the law. Mexico’s government condemned Texas’ law, stating it violates migrants’ human rights and rejecting any measures enabling state or local authorities to exercise immigration control and repatriate individuals to Mexican territory.
Georgia senators passed a bill creating a $6,500 voucher funding for private school tuition and home schooling, which will now go to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature. The bill received final approval after years of efforts by school choice advocates and was backed by Republican lawmakers. It allows students attending public schools ranking in Georgia’s bottom 25% for academic achievement to receive education savings accounts. However, opponents argue that it could detract resources from public schools and lead to discrimination against certain students. The program is limited to spending 1% of Georgia’s school funding formula and prioritizes students from low-income households. Democrats question the adequacy of the voucher amount and raise concerns about potential constitutional violations. This initiative reflects a broader trend among Republicans nationwide favoring education savings accounts in the wake of the pandemic.
Trump Media & Technology Group, owner of Truth Social, has finalized its deal to go public, resulting in a significant increase in former President Donald Trump’s net worth, which now stands at $6.5 billion. The merger between Trump Media and Digital World Acquisition Corp. led to a surge in stock prices, with Trump’s stake valued at about $4 billion. The new company aims to challenge Big Tech censorship and promote free expression online. However, experts caution that Trump Media may be overvalued, as it generated only $3.4 million in revenue and incurred a net loss of $49 million in the first nine months of last year. Additionally, Truth Social’s user base is shrinking, raising concerns about its long-term viability. Despite this, trading of Digital World Acquisition Corp. shares has surged, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the merger and Trump’s involvement in the company.
The Justice Department has filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s control over the iPhone stifles competition, restricts innovation, and keeps prices artificially high. Apple has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the lawsuit is “wrong on the facts and the law” and vowing to vigorously defend against it. The suit targets various aspects of Apple’s business practices, including its app store fees, restrictions on third-party digital wallets, and limitations on interoperability with competing platforms. The case, filed with the support of 16 state attorneys general, marks the latest effort by the Biden administration to combat anticompetitive behavior in the tech industry. Experts view the lawsuit as a significant challenge to Apple’s dominance and anticipate a protracted legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for the company’s business model.
Israel NEWS
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a four-day operation in Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of around 140 terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, with approximately 650 additional terrorists arrested. The operation targeted key militant figures, including intelligence and information warfare chiefs. The IDF faced resistance from some Hamas fighters, prolonging the operation. Despite international criticism, the IDF pursued its mission, evacuating civilians and conducting thorough inspections to apprehend militants. Additionally, IDF forces arrested senior Hamas officials, but their identities were not disclosed due to ongoing investigations.
An Iranian hacker group claims to have breached Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility, allegedly stealing thousands of documents including invoices, emails, and presentations. Israeli experts are assessing the authenticity of the leaked documents. The hackers’ tactics align with previous Iranian cyberattacks aimed at instilling fear. However, cybersecurity experts believe the claims may be exaggerated, suggesting that only unclassified documents were compromised, if any.
War Minister and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz announced his intention to quit the government if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bill extending the exemption from IDF conscription for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews passes in the Knesset. Gantz stated that passing such a law during a war would be unacceptable and would prompt him to leave the emergency government. The High Court of Justice imposed a deadline for the government to present a new conscription bill that adheres to principles of equality. Gantz’s opposition to the draft bill stems from his belief in finding a comprehensive solution for conscription rather than granting exemptions. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also opposes Netanyahu’s bill and criticized the prime minister’s approach. Despite differences in opinion, there is a consensus among some political figures that achieving equal conscription is vital for Israeli society. Gantz has emphasized the importance of integrating haredim into national service as a valuable option for the country.
The World Happiness Report 2024 ranks Israel as the fifth happiest place on Earth, based on factors like social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. Finland topped the list for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The United States dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, attributed to a decline in the well-being of young Americans. Afghanistan was ranked the least happy country. The report coincided with the International Day of Happiness, established by the U.N. General Assembly in 2012.
WORLD NEWS
Kate Middleton revealed in a heartfelt video that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. She initially underwent major abdominal surgery in January, believing it was for a non-cancerous condition. However, post-surgery tests revealed the presence of cancer, leading to the decision for preventative chemotherapy. Middleton expressed gratitude for her medical team and shared that she and Prince William have been privately managing the situation for the sake of their young family. She emphasized the importance of her husband’s support and requested privacy during her treatment. Middleton’s message comes after weeks of speculation about her health, with rumors circulating after her absence from public events. The palace confirmed that Middleton’s recovery will extend beyond Easter, but her return to royal duties remains uncertain.
The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) has claimed responsibility for a deadly massacre at a concert hall near Moscow, marking one of Russia’s deadliest attacks in decades. US officials confirmed the ISIS-K claim and revealed intelligence suggesting the group had been planning an attack on Moscow. The attack, reminiscent of a January assault in Iran also claimed by ISIS-K, signals the group’s capability to strike outside its home territory. The US had issued warnings about a potential attack to both Iran and Russia prior to the incidents, indicating a “duty to warn” policy among intelligence agencies.
Russia launched a devastating aerial assault on Ukraine’s electric sector, causing widespread power outages and casualties. More than 60 exploding drones and 90 missiles were fired, resulting in at least five deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure. The attack, described as one of the most brutal since the war began in 2022, targeted cities across Ukraine, with Kharkiv suffering the most damage. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has been urging Western allies for additional support, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. In response to Ukrainian attacks on its territory, Russia retaliated, escalating tensions further. The conflict has evolved into a full-scale war, with both sides employing advanced military tactics. The recent assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands without electricity and caused significant damage to vital facilities, including the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant. The situation remains volatile, raising concerns about further escalation and the risk of a nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which was temporarily affected by the power outage.
Iran’s currency, the rial, hit a record low of 613,500 to the US dollar during the Persian New Year celebrations. The two-week Nowruz holidays drove up demand for foreign currency, as many Iranians traveled abroad. Exchange shops were mostly closed during the holidays, exacerbating the situation. The plummeting currency value has significantly impacted Iranians’ purchasing power and savings, with many seeing their life savings diminish. Economic woes have been compounded by Iran’s strained relations with the West, exacerbated by US withdrawal from the nuclear deal and subsequent tensions. The economic hardship has led to widespread discontent, although political activism has been stifled by a harsh crackdown on dissent. The record low of the rial follows a parliamentary election characterized by low turnout and dominance by hardline politicians.
