NEW YORK NEWS
New York recently finalized its congressional map after a contentious redistricting process, with surprising bipartisan agreement. The Democratic-controlled state legislature passed the map, which was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The new map slightly favors Republicans in the 1st Congressional District, while making seats held by Democrats Tom Suozzi and Pat Ryan more Democratic-leaning. Republican Brandon Williams faces a tougher re-election bid in the 22nd District. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised the map for promoting fair representation. Former Republican Rep. John Faso indicated that Republicans would not challenge the map. This conclusion follows a previous redistricting cycle marked by deadlock and court intervention. Both parties consider New York crucial in their efforts to secure control of the House of Representatives.
A furniture store in Queens, Sarr’s Wholesale Furniture, was found to be housing over 40 migrants in overcrowded and hazardous conditions. The Department of Buildings ordered the store vacated due to severe overcrowding, illegal construction work, and unsafe living conditions. The building’s owner received violations for unauthorized alterations and occupancy. The migrants, mainly from Senegal, were reportedly charged $300 a month for accommodation and meals. The fire department responded to complaints about potential fire hazards. The city’s Emergency Management office is assisting the displaced tenants.
Times Square was evacuated after a grenade was found in the back of an Uber vehicle in Midtown Manhattan, leading to the deployment of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit and Bomb Squad. However, anti-Israel protestors marching through the city made it difficult for emergency services to reach the device. The protestors, part of a global day of action, had gathered in Washington Square Park before moving up Sixth Avenue. Despite heavy rain, massive crowds continued their march, with police closely monitoring the situation. Several protestors were arrested as they reached Bryant Park.
A New York appellate judge has denied Donald Trump’s request to halt the collection of a $454 million civil fraud penalty while he appeals. Judge Anil Singh rejected Trump’s offer of a $100 million bond, although he granted a stay on part of the previous verdict, allowing Trump some time to secure the necessary bond. Trump’s lawyers argued that the lending ban imposed by the initial judgment made it impossible for him to obtain a bond. The penalty, increasing daily due to interest, stands at nearly $455 million. Trump’s legal team warned that he might need to sell properties to cover the penalty, risking them if he wins the appeal. Trump and his co-defendants owe over $465 million to the state, and they have until March 25 to secure a stay before facing asset seizure. If Trump fails to pay or secure a bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James has vowed to seize his assets. The underlying judgment found Trump and his company guilty of inflating his wealth to deceive banks and insurers. Meanwhile, Trump’s appeal seeks to challenge errors of law and fact in the initial ruling. Despite his claims of significant wealth, Trump faces mounting legal liabilities, including the $454 million penalty and previous judgments totaling over $543 million.
Allen H. Weisselberg, a longtime financial associate of former President Donald J. Trump, pleaded guilty to felony perjury charges in a Manhattan courtroom. Despite his plea, Weisselberg did not implicate Trump, maintaining his loyalty to his former boss. This loyalty, however, comes at a cost, as Weisselberg faces a potential five-month sentence. Weisselberg admitted to lying under oath to the New York attorney general’s office during an investigation into Trump’s financial dealings, which resulted in a civil case ending with a large financial penalty imposed on Trump and Weisselberg. Despite his age and previous legal troubles, including a guilty plea in a tax fraud case, Weisselberg’s plea may still land him in jail. His deal could impact Trump’s upcoming trial, deterring other witnesses from lying on the stand. However, Trump and his allies have criticized the plea, accusing prosecutors of coercion and claiming Weisselberg’s innocence. The case underscores the close ties between Weisselberg and the Trump family, as well as the legal challenges they both face.
US NEWS
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that the state of Colorado cannot remove former President Donald Trump from the primary ballot using Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This decision comes ahead of Colorado’s primary scheduled for March 5. The challenge to Trump’s eligibility stemmed from his actions leading up to the January 6 Capitol breach. The Colorado Supreme Court had previously ruled 4-3 in December to disqualify Trump from the ballot, but the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday ends that effort. The Court emphasized that states lack the power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 for federal offices, particularly the Presidency. Trump, who is seeking another term in the White House, hailed the decision as a “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!” and remains the clear GOP frontrunner.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced his resignation as the top Senate Republican, citing a need for new leadership while expressing intent to continue as a senator. McConnell, who recently turned 82 and has served 16 years as party leader, emphasized his commitment to remaining in the Senate despite facing health concerns last year. He highlighted the importance of transitioning to a new generation of leadership, while his departure comes amid criticism over his support for a failed border deal. Potential successors for the GOP leadership race include figures like Minority Whip John Thune, Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, and Sen. John Cornyn. Notably, McConnell has refrained from endorsing former President Donald Trump or any other GOP candidate for the 2024 White House race.
President Joe Biden underwent his annual physical, with his physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor confirming his fitness for duty despite some health concerns. Biden, aged 81, is described as healthy and active, adjusting well to treatment for sleep apnea and experiencing minor hip discomfort. He has committed to serving out his term and pursuing reelection. While concerns about his age persist among voters, particularly regarding cognitive health, his doctor and White House press secretary assert his capability to handle the demands of his position. Biden’s health report indicates typical issues for someone his age, with no alarming findings. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, also advancing in age, remains a dominant figure in the political landscape as the potential GOP nominee for the upcoming presidential election.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that Israel has resumed transferring tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority to support basic services and the West Bank economy, following a personal warning she sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging specific actions. Yellen highlighted the importance of reinstating work permits for Palestinians and reducing commerce barriers within the West Bank, stressing the significance of these measures for both Palestinian and Israeli economic well-being. The decision to resume transfers comes after months of dispute over the payments following Hamas’s terror assault on Israel in October. Yellen’s direct communication with Netanyahu underscores growing concern from the US about the economic toll of the conflict and its impact on regional stability.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a Jewish dentist, was killed in a shooting at his dental office near San Diego, California. Mohammed Abdulkareem, a 29-year-old resident of El Cajon, was arrested as the suspect after fleeing the scene. While the police stated that the motive is under investigation and suggested that Abdulkareem might have been a disgruntled former patient, Harouni’s brother and pro-Israel groups believe it was a hate crime. The police department addressed suspicions but emphasized that there is no indication the attack was racially or politically motivated. Harouni’s funeral and a vigil were attended by hundreds, and calls for a thorough investigation into the motive, including possible anti-Semitic motivations, have intensified.
The University of California, Berkeley, announced the opening of a criminal investigation following a violent protest that disrupted an event featuring Ran Bar Yoshafat, a former member of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and lawyer, titled “Israel at War: Combat the Lies.” The protest, organized in part by Bears for Palestine, a Pro-Palestine group, resulted in reported incidents of physical battery and anti-Semitic expressions targeting Jewish students. UC Berkeley administrators condemned the protests as unacceptable and launched an investigation to hold individuals or groups accountable for violating the law and university policies. Witnesses reported incidents such as students being called “dirty Jew,” spat on, and physically assaulted. The protesters effectively prevented Yoshafat from speaking by mobbing the building and smashing windows, leading to disruptions and preventing others from entering the venue.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging a breach of contract. Musk claims that OpenAI, which he co-founded, has shifted its focus from developing artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of humanity to pursuing profits. According to Musk, OpenAI was originally intended to work on artificial general intelligence (AGI) in a way that would benefit humanity. However, he alleges that the company abandoned this mission and released its powerful language model GPT-4 as a product essentially for Microsoft’s benefit. Musk seeks a court ruling to compel OpenAI to make its research and technology available to the public and prevent it from using its assets for financial gains. OpenAI’s top executives have rejected Musk’s claims, stating that the attacks will continue. Musk’s lawsuit also aims to classify GPT-4 and a new technology called Q* as AGI, thereby restricting Microsoft’s license to OpenAI. Despite his legal battle with OpenAI, Musk has founded his own AI startup, xAI, which aims to develop a “maximum truth-seeking AI.” This lawsuit comes amid antitrust scrutiny of OpenAI’s tie-up with Microsoft and a boardroom battle that resulted in Altman’s ouster and return. Some legal experts question the strength of Musk’s breach of contract claims based on email exchanges. Meanwhile, Musk continues to express his concerns about the development of AI and its potential risks to humanity.
Israel NEWS
Two individuals have tragically lost their lives in a terrorist shooting near the West Bank settlement of Eli, as confirmed by the Magen David Adom ambulance service. Both victims, described as males in their 20s and 40s, were pronounced dead at the scene. The attack occurred at a gas station outside the settlement, where the assailant approached their car and opened fire. While one terrorist involved in the attack was shot dead by security forces, the IDF continues to search the area for any additional suspects, although none have been found thus far. Suspected infiltration alarms were activated in Eli following the incident, heightening concerns of further gunmen in the vicinity. This attack bears resemblance to a similar deadly assault in the same area last summer, where four Israelis lost their lives.
A coin dating back almost two millennia, engraved with the name “Eleazar the Priest” in ancient Hebrew, has been unearthed in the Judean Desert, announced the Israel Antiquities Authority. This coin, from the first year of the Bar Kokhba revolt (132 C.E.), was found in the Mazuq Ha-he’teqim Nature Reserve. One side features a date palm with the inscription, while the other side depicts grapes with the text “Year One of the Redemption of Israel.” The priest in question is likely Rabbi Eleazar Hamod‘ai, who played a significant religious role during the revolt. Three more coins with the name “Simeon” were discovered at the site. Additionally, the excavation uncovered scroll fragments of the Twelve Minor Prophets, Roman iron swords, including one in its sheath, and the earliest complete basket. The site will be open to the public for a 10-day excavation starting on March 11, offering visitors a glimpse into Zionism and historical discovery.
WORLD NEWS
The European Commission has announced that it will provide 50 million euros to the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) but withhold 32 million euros due to Israeli allegations that 12 UNRWA staff were involved in attacks on Israel. The EU’s decision aims to balance support for UNRWA’s essential services while addressing concerns about the allegations. UNRWA has dismissed the accused staff and agreed to investigations to ensure staff neutrality and prevent future incidents. Additionally, the EU will increase aid to Palestinians by 68 million euros to assist those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The British government has announced enhanced security measures for lawmakers in response to threats and intimidation related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. A £31 million fund will provide every lawmaker with a dedicated police contact and cover private security costs for those facing threats. Some legislators argue that these measures fail to address underlying issues contributing to toxicity in politics. The announcement follows increased tensions and protests related to the conflict, with divisions evident in British politics. The government’s stance on the conflict and protests has drawn criticism and raised concerns about freedom of expression and democratic processes.
A 15-year-old suspect in Zurich, Switzerland, who stabbed an Orthodox Jewish man over the weekend, has been found to have expressed support for the banned Islamic State group in a video. The suspect referred to himself as a “soldier” of the self-proclaimed caliphate and called for a “battle against the Jews” in Arabic. The attack is being investigated as a terrorist and anti-Semitic act. The victim, a 50-year-old man, was critically injured but is now stable. Security measures have been increased around Jewish sites as a precaution.
A man wearing a kippah was attacked outside a synagogue in Paris on Friday night, with the assailant shouting “dirty Jew” during the assault. The victim was punched and kicked before the attacker fled the scene. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the incident and pledged to reinforce security measures around places frequented by the Jewish community. The attack comes amid heightened tensions following recent events in the Middle East, including the Gaza convoy disaster, which Palestinians allege resulted in a massacre. Jewish leaders in France expressed concern over the increasing scale of anti-Semitic acts, with a notable rise in incidents reported in recent years. Darmanin has ordered increased security measures and surveillance to prevent further attacks targeting the Jewish community.
Thousands of people attended the funeral of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow amid heavy police presence, two weeks after his unexplained death in an Arctic penal colony. Mourners chanted slogans against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine, turning the event into a significant display of dissent. At least 91 people were detained across Russia in Navalny’s memory. Navalny’s widow, Yulia, and daughter, Daria, paid heartfelt tributes to him on social media. His body was eventually buried after a battle with authorities over the funeral arrangements. Western diplomats and anti-war politicians were among the mourners. Inside the church, Navalny’s open casket was covered with flowers as his parents sat beside it.
The European Union has fined Apple nearly $2 billion for violating competition laws by unfairly favoring its own music streaming service over rivals. The European Commission found that Apple banned app developers from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services outside of the app, resulting in significantly higher prices for users. The investigation, triggered by a complaint from Spotify, revealed that Apple engaged in this behavior for almost a decade. This fine comes as part of the EU’s broader efforts to regulate Big Tech companies, including recent fines for Google and charges against Meta for distorting the online classified ad market. The commission’s investigation initially focused on Apple’s in-house payment system but later shifted to how the company prevented app makers from informing users about cheaper subscription options. The fine coincides with the introduction of new EU rules, known as the Digital Markets Act, aimed at preventing tech companies from dominating digital markets. Apple has pledged to comply with these rules, including allowing users to access alternative app stores and enabling developers to offer alternative payment systems. Additionally, the commission has opened a separate antitrust investigation into Apple’s mobile payments service.
