NEW YORK NEWS
Former President Donald Trump was fined hundreds of millions of dollars in a civil fraud trial and barred from managing his businesses in the state for three years. Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump and the Trump Organization to pay over $350 million in damages.
The judge also prohibited Trump and his sons from holding top positions in New York companies for varying periods and fined them millions. Other former executives of the Trump Organization faced similar bans. Trump plans to appeal the ruling. The judge extended the court’s oversight at the company for three years to monitor suspicious activity, which has already cost millions. New York’s Attorney General accused Trump of inflating his net worth to secure better loan terms. The ruling follows a defamation case in which Trump was ordered to pay $83 million to a writer. Additionally, Trump faces four criminal cases, including federal charges related to classified material and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as cases in Fulton County and from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office over alleged election interference and hush money payments, respectively.
One person was arrested following a dramatic confrontation between NYPD officers and migrants at the Randall’s Island tent city. The incident began when police responded to reports of a disturbance, finding an individual in a verbal dispute with security. Video footage shows the man fighting with officers, with onlookers joining in and one assaulting a female officer with a backpack. The suspect was eventually subdued and arrested. While no injuries were reported, the tent city has experienced ongoing issues, including a recent fatal stabbing and the emergence of an illegal mini-tent city nearby. Residents express concerns about safety and theft, with one describing the environment as frightening and wanting to leave as soon as possible. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has yet to comment.
In the early months of the current fiscal year, Big Apple first-responders faced longer response times to fires and other emergencies, contributing to an increase in fire-related fatalities. Mayor Eric Adams’ management report indicates a 9-second rise in the average response time for life-threatening medical emergencies compared to the previous year, alongside a 12.5% increase in fire-related civilian deaths. The FDNY attributes some fires to lithium-ion batteries, prompting calls for regulatory measures. Response times for medical emergencies by fire companies increased by 25 seconds, while ambulance response times slightly improved. Factors contributing to delayed responses include increased traffic, higher incidence of emergencies, and decreased ambulance availability. The FDNY extended ambulance service during the pandemic but faced challenges due to decommissioning older vehicles and increased transport times. Union leaders cite inadequate spending and staffing shortages as contributing to the problem, highlighting longstanding issues in EMS funding and resources.
A group of truck drivers supportive of former President Trump have decided to boycott shipments to New York City in protest of the recent civil fraud judgment against Trump, which fined him over $350 million. The judgment also barred Trump from operating his business in New York for three years. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing Trump of inflating his assets and committing fraud. One trucker, known as “Chicago Ray,” rallied fellow truckers on social media to join the boycott, stating that Trump stands with them and urging support for the former president. The boycott aims to express opposition to what some perceive as unfair treatment of Trump and interference in elections. Additionally, a GoFundMe page was created to support Trump’s defense against the judgment, raising nearly $310,000 since its launch.
Former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) has filed a lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel, ABC, and Walt Disney Co., alleging that Kimmel tricked him into making videos that were later broadcast on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and ridiculed him on national television. Santos claims that Kimmel misrepresented himself to get Santos to create videos on the Cameo app, which were then used to mock him on Kimmel’s show. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. Santos seeks damages totaling $750,000 for the five Cameo videos that ended up being broadcast on Kimmel’s show and shared on social media platforms. Santos was expelled from Congress in December after facing federal charges related to fraud, misusing campaign funds, and lying about his personal finances. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Biden administration has announced plans to provide $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries, a computer chip company, to expand its domestic production in New York and Vermont. This funding is part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in the United States with a total investment of over $52 billion. GlobalFoundries intends to use the funding to construct a new chip factory in Malta, New York, increase production at its existing plant, and revitalize its facility in Burlington, Vermont. The projects are expected to create thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs over the next decade. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a key proponent of the legislation, emphasized the importance of investing in chip manufacturing for the U.S. economy and national security. Democrats see these investments as crucial for long-term economic growth, while Republicans have focused on inflation concerns. However, bipartisan support exists for investments that could benefit the country in the future.
US NEWS
Two minors have been charged in connection with the deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade earlier in the week. Authorities announced the charges on Thursday, with the juveniles facing gun-related and resisting arrest charges and being held at a juvenile facility. A third minor was released after investigators determined they were not involved in the shooting. The incident resulted in the death of a 43-year-old mother of two. More than 20 people, including 11 children, were injured in the shooting. Police Chief Stacey Graves stated that the shooting appeared to be a dispute between several individuals and not related to terrorism or extremism. The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges expected in the future.
President Joe Biden plans to visit East Palestine, Ohio, one year after a train derailment involving toxic chemicals occurred in the town. The visit is intended to mark the anniversary of the disaster and discuss the administration’s response to the incident. The derailment forced many residents to evacuate their homes due to the release of poisonous fumes into the air, ground, and water. Norfolk Southern, the company responsible for the train, faced lawsuits from residents, the state of Ohio, and the federal government following the incident. Biden’s decision to visit the town has drawn criticism, especially considering his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, visited the town shortly after the disaster. Some residents expressed skepticism about Biden’s visit, suggesting it may be politically motivated. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg faced questions about the administration’s response to the disaster, particularly regarding Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s request for a disaster declaration. Buttigieg emphasized the Department of Transportation’s efforts to enhance railroad safety and infrastructure.
Louisiana GOP Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency due to a severe shortage of police officers in the state. The executive order issued by Landry lifts restrictions on hiring and payroll for sheriff’s offices to address the crisis. The shortage, attributed to record-low employment in police departments, has led to increased crime rates and diminished public safety. The order comes amid a nationwide trend of police shortages, which many attribute to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and heightened criticism of law enforcement following the killing of George Floyd. Landry’s action aims to address the urgent need for law enforcement personnel by allowing sheriffs to hire more deputies and increase payroll without restrictions. The order will remain in effect until March 15, coinciding with a special legislative session focused on addressing crime in Louisiana. Landry, who has emphasized his commitment to tackling crime in the state, has proposed additional funding for public safety initiatives in his budget, including bolstering the State Police presence in New Orleans.
President Biden has utilized an authority called Deferred Enforced Departure to protect approximately 6,000 Palestinians in the United States from deportation for the next 18 months. This decision stems from ongoing danger in Gaza following attacks by Hamas. Despite criticism over US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, the Biden administration has not signaled major policy shifts regarding aid to Israel. Exemptions to the deportation protection include Palestinians convicted of felonies or deemed public safety threats. The move comes after pressure from Arab American groups and Democrats, while some Republicans have advocated for a crackdown on Palestinians. Earlier this month, Biden imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. However, the decision to shield Palestinians from deportation has been met with both support and concerns regarding its long-term implications.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators targeted concerts by American Jewish musician Matisyahu, resulting in the cancellation of two shows in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona. Despite Matisyahu offering to cover additional security expenses, the Tucson concert was still called off due to safety concerns. Critics accused Matisyahu of supporting the Israeli military, prompting protests against his performances. In response, Matisyahu defended himself, condemning hate and expressing solidarity with his fans. This incident reflects a broader trend of Jewish and pro-Israel figures facing cancellations amid heightened tensions in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In January, wholesale prices in the United States rose by 0.3%, signaling ongoing inflation pressures. Year over year, producer prices increased by 0.9%, with core prices (excluding food and energy costs) rising by 0.5%, the most since July. The rise was partially attributed to measurement quirks and early-year price increases by companies. Costs of hospital care, doctor visits, and hotel stays also surged, indicating elevated inflation in service industries. The Federal Reserve is likely to monitor these trends cautiously before considering interest rate adjustments. Despite optimism from some officials that inflation is moderating, others remain cautious, suggesting that the Fed may not cut rates until May or June.
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose to its highest level in 10 weeks, with the rate on a 30-year mortgage reaching 6.77% from 6.64% the previous week. This increase also affected 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, which rose to 6.12% from 5.90% last week. The rise in rates reflects movements in the 10-year Treasury yield, influenced by reports on inflation, job market strength, and overall economic performance. Expectations of slower rate cuts from the Federal Reserve amid declining inflation have contributed to higher Treasury yields. As a result, mortgage rates may stay elevated for longer, potentially impacting the spring homebuying season. Despite some decline from their peak in late October, mortgage rates remain substantially higher than they were two years ago, affecting affordability and contributing to a slowdown in the housing market.
Israel NEWS
Israel’s economy contracted sharply in the last quarter of 2023 due to the war with Hamas, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) falling by 19.4% compared to the previous quarter. Private consumption dropped by 26.9%, and fixed investment by businesses plummeted by 67.8%. Despite these challenges, Israel’s tech sector remains resilient, accounting for a significant portion of the economy and continuing to serve international customers. The conflict has impacted fundraising for startups but has not halted business activities entirely, with major global tech companies like Intel reaffirming their commitment to investments in Israel. There are signs that fundraising may soon pick up, indicating continued confidence in Israel’s tech ecosystem despite the ongoing war.
The meeting between the presidents of Israel and Azerbaijan in Germany reaffirmed bilateral ties, highlighting cooperation across various sectors. Azerbaijan’s historic move of opening an embassy in Israel last year underscored the strengthening relationship. Israel views ties with Azerbaijan as strategically important due to shared borders with Iran and oil supply, while Azerbaijan benefits from Israeli military hardware. Strong cultural and humanitarian ties persist between the two nations, with significant Jewish populations in Azerbaijan and ties to Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva persona non grata due to his comparison of Israel’s actions against Hamas to the Holocaust. Katz, the son of Holocaust survivors, made the declaration at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. Lula had compared Israel’s conflict with Hamas to the Holocaust during an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, falsely characterizing Israel’s actions as genocide. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Lula’s remarks, calling them shameful and alarming, while other Israeli officials and major Jewish organizations in Brazil also criticized the comments.
WORLD NEWS
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, has died in a remote Arctic prison at the age of 47, according to Russian authorities. Navalny was serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of “extremism.” The Russian Federal Penitentiary Service stated that Navalny fell ill during a walk, lost consciousness, and subsequently died, despite efforts to resuscitate him. Navalny’s death is still being confirmed by his lawyer, with no official confirmation yet. Navalny had been sentenced to prison in 2021 after returning from Germany, where he received treatment for poisoning with a nerve agent, which he attributed to the Kremlin. The Russian government denied involvement, but US intelligence officials pointed to Russia. Navalny faced numerous legal challenges throughout his political career, which he believed were politically motivated due to his opposition to Putin. He founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation to expose corruption among Russian officials. President Joe Biden had warned of “devastating consequences” if Navalny died in custody, emphasizing the importance of trust and influence in international relations.
Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, the Jewish chaplain at the University of Leeds, has been forced into hiding with his family due to receiving numerous death threats. These threats come after Rabbi Deutsch served as a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces during the conflict with Hamas. The threats, reported to be in the hundreds, were violent and led local police to relocate the Deutsch family to a safe location. Anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom has surged following the conflict, with Rabbi Deutsch being targeted both on and off campus. The situation has been described as a dark day for British Jews, reflecting the rise of anti-Semitism in the country during the Gaza conflict.
The British Conservative Party expelled Atiqul Hoque, the Muslim mayor of Salisbury, from the party following an investigation into his anti-Semitic comments. Hoque suggested that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus during a WhatsApp exchange among city councilors. The expulsion came after a fellow Tory supporter filed a complaint against him. Messages uncovered by The Telegraph showed Hoque making offensive remarks, including condemning “Zionist paymaster[s].” Hoque denied anti-Semitic sentiments, expressing disappointment over the leaked investigation and claiming to have Jewish friends and supporters. The Salisbury Conservative Association stated that Hoque’s comments breached expected standards from public officials.
Norway has announced that it will transfer tax funds to the Palestinian Authority that had been frozen due to a dispute with Israel. Under an interim peace agreement, Israel collects taxes and customs on behalf of the PA but reduced transfers following a war in Gaza triggered by Hamas. The PA refused partial transfers, leading to financial strain. Now, Norway will receive all funds from Israel and transfer those for the West Bank to the PA while holding Gaza’s share. This move aims to prevent the collapse of the PA and ensure essential services for Palestinians. Israel has reduced transfers in the past over PA payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed in the conflict, viewing them as incentivizing violence. The United States is advocating for a revitalized PA to govern both territories, but Israel under Netanyahu opposes this, preferring open-ended security control. Norway, a key player in the Oslo Accords, is involved in the process, though substantive peace talks have stalled for years.
