NEW YORK NEWS
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed support for reinstating a mask ban in non-health-related areas, such as subways and protests, to curb crime. He emphasized that “cowards cover their faces” and argued that such a ban would reduce hate crimes and other criminal activities. This aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent consideration of a mask ban to combat rising crime, a proposal met with mixed reactions due to ongoing Covid-19 concerns. Adams stressed proper implementation of the ban and urged protesters to show their faces if they believe in their causes. He believes that the quicker the ban is enacted, the sooner it will help reduce crime in the city.
A Starbucks in Garden City, Long Island, was vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti, marking an escalation in tactics used by anti-Israel groups. The graffiti, reading “Intifada is here,” “Free Gaza,” and the red triangle of Hamas, was removed by store employees. Todd Richmond, Co-chair of Democratic Majority For Israel, shared his experience visiting the location. He engaged in a conversation with the employees and customers, educating them about the October 7 attacks by Hamas. He showed them videos and pictures from his visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza and Kissufim, highlighting the destruction and death caused by Hamas, and explained the significance of the upside-down triangle spray-painted on walls. The employees were shocked, including the person cleaning the vandalized wall. Richmond also tipped the employees generously for their resilience.
Pro-Palestinian activists vandalized the homes of Brooklyn Museum leaders, including its Jewish director, by hurling red paint and labeling her a “white-supremacist Zionist.” Diplomatic buildings for Germany and the Palestinian Authority were also targeted. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attacks as antisemitism, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the hate-driven nature of the vandalism. The vandalism followed a protest by pro-Palestinian groups against a New York City exhibition memorializing victims of the October 7 Hamas attack. This protest drew broad condemnation, with US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling it blatant antisemitism. The New York Police Department is investigating the incidents, while Jewish leaders expressed concern over rising antisemitic rhetoric and violence.
A small plane crashed near Albany International Airport in upstate New York, killing the pilot, who was the sole occupant. The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m., and the Federal Aviation Authority reported it involved a twin-engine Piper PA-31 near the end of the runway. The pilot, heading to Montreal, encountered engine trouble before the crash. Authorities from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, with an NTSB investigator scheduled to arrive at the site on Tuesday.
US NEWS
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on three felony counts related to lying on paperwork for a revolver and owning the firearm while being a drug addict in 2018. The verdict, reached on the second day of jury deliberations, could result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years and fines up to $750,000. Hunter Biden left the courthouse with First Lady Jill Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, after the decision. Sentencing is expected in about four months, possibly around election time. Despite pleading not guilty, Hunter Biden may appeal. President Biden has pledged not to pardon his son. The trial featured testimonies from Hunter’s ex-wife, a former girlfriend, and the gun store clerk, among others. Defense lawyers argued a lack of evidence of drug abuse at the time of the gun purchase, but texts showed Hunter admitting to smoking crack shortly after buying the gun. Additionally, Hunter Biden faces tax charges in California, with a trial set for September. The indictments followed the collapse of a plea deal last year, led by special counsel David Weiss. President Biden reiterated his support for his son and commitment to accept the trial’s outcome.
As floodwaters recede this weekend, cleanup efforts continue in Northeast Miami-Dade following days of heavy rain and storms. The flood watch for coastal and metropolitan areas in Miami-Dade and Broward expired at 8 p.m. after relentless downpours since Tuesday left streets underwater and vehicles stranded. Severe rainfall on Wednesday prompted the National Weather Service to issue a rare flash flood emergency. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews had to rescue residents trapped in their homes. Despite vac trucks arriving on Saturday, residents like Diana Mesa expressed frustration with recurring flooding issues, urging improvements to the drainage system. Fort Lauderdale experienced significant rainfall, with over 14 inches falling since Sunday, surpassing the total rainfall for the year until June 8.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was found at fault for a car crash on Interstate 70 in Maryland, where he was seen driving at a high speed before rear-ending another vehicle on Sunday morning. Both cars were towed, and Fetterman, his wife Gisele, and the other motorist involved were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Fetterman was treated for a bruised shoulder and released within hours. Earlier this year, Fetterman had pleaded guilty to a speeding citation in Pennsylvania. The accident occurred just before 8 a.m., and Fetterman was not tested for alcohol or substances, nor was there any indication he was distracted. He later posted a video with his wife, acknowledging the accident and thanking well-wishers, noting it was their 16th wedding anniversary. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke in May 2022, continues to experience some speech and processing difficulties.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced over 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions, describing it as the largest state-level pardon in U.S. history aimed at rectifying past harms from the war on drugs. The executive order will affect tens of thousands of Marylanders with misdemeanor convictions for cannabis-related offenses. While the pardons won’t lead to immediate release from incarceration or automatic expungement of records, advocates see it as a critical step in removing barriers to housing, employment, and education for affected individuals. The move follows Maryland’s legalization of recreational cannabis in 2023, emphasizing a broader effort towards equity and justice.
Tesla shareholders reinstated CEO Elon Musk’s $44.9 billion compensation package, previously nullified by a Delaware judge, in a vote demonstrating strong confidence in his leadership. Although tied up in legal disputes in the Delaware Chancery Court, Musk reassured shareholders of his commitment, stating he cannot sell any stock from the package for five years. Legal experts differ on whether the vote will influence the court’s decision, with some arguing it won’t change the initial ruling based on Delaware law, while others believe it strengthens Musk’s grounds for appeal. The meeting also approved measures to shorten board member terms, reduce the required vote for shareholder proposals, and move Tesla’s legal home to Texas. Amidst these challenges, Musk highlighted progress on Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system and the Optimus humanoid robot, and reassured shareholders about the future of the Supercharger network. Despite recent struggles with sales and profit margins, Tesla’s stock saw a slight increase following the vote.
The US announced Thursday its decision to send Ukraine a second Patriot missile system, a critical boost to the country’s air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks. President Biden approved the move, highlighting the system’s role in defending Ukraine against air threats and bolstering defenses in key areas like Kyiv. The Patriots, which can be moved across Ukraine to protect vital targets, are crucial as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in balancing defense priorities between urban areas and frontline troops. The decision comes ahead of Biden’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and underscores ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine amidst the conflict’s devastating toll on civilian infrastructure.
Israel NEWS
Just a week after reopening for humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, a temporary offshore pier, constructed with a US investment of $320 million, is being dismantled once again due to rough seas, announced U.S. Central Command on Friday. The pier, initially installed on May 17 off Gaza’s coast, faced severe weather that damaged it shortly thereafter. Repairs allowed it to resume operations on June 8, but adverse conditions have necessitated its removal back to Ashdod, Israel, to prevent further damage. CENTCOM emphasized the temporary nature of this relocation, with plans to re-anchor the pier when sea conditions stabilize, though no timeline was specified. Despite challenges, the pier has facilitated the delivery of approximately 7.7 million pounds of aid to Gaza since its installation, supporting efforts outlined by President Biden in his State of the Union address to establish a maritime aid corridor without direct U.S. troop presence in Gaza.
Eight Israeli soldiers were tragically killed in an explosion in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, marking the deadliest incident for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza since January. The soldiers, from the Combat Engineering Corps’ 601st Battalion, were inside a Namer armored vehicle when it was hit by a blast. Initial reports suggest the explosion may have been caused by a bomb planted in advance or an anti-tank missile. The incident occurred following an overnight offensive against Hamas, where the IDF had engaged with gunmen in Rafah. Additionally, another soldier wounded earlier in the week in Rafah succumbed to his injuries, bringing the total IDF casualties in recent operations to 309.
Israel’s military has initiated a temporary daytime halt in military operations along a 7.5-mile stretch in southern Gaza, effective from 8 a.m. daily. This pause aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid amidst escalating crisis conditions. The route covers key areas like the Kerem Shalom crossing, crucial for aid flow into Gaza, particularly benefiting regions such as Khan Younis and Muwasi. Despite international calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, the initiative, termed a “tactical pause,” allows for aid trucks to travel safely on the Salah a-Din highway. However, full cessation of hostilities is not in effect, as military operations continue amid political tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed reservations about the pause, highlighting ongoing divisions.
The IDF has conducted a major military operation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s fighting capabilities. Over a span of 40 days, IDF’s 162nd Division seized control of strategic areas including the Egypt-Gaza border and several neighborhoods. They claim to have neutralized at least 550 Hamas gunmen, destroyed numerous tunnels and weapons caches, and located rockets aimed at Israel. The operation has resulted in the loss of 22 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid distribution remains challenged amid ongoing conflict and logistical issues at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
WORLD NEWS
The World Bank revised its global economic growth forecast in its latest report, expecting growth to stabilize at 2.6% in 2024, up from a previous estimate of 2.4%. It anticipates a further slight increase to 2.7% in 2025. Advanced economies are growing at 1.5%, led by resilience in the U.S., while emerging markets like China and Indonesia are driving growth at 4%. However, inflation remains a concern, projected to moderate gradually to 3.5% in 2024. The report warns of persistent risks from trade tensions, including tariffs and subsidies, which could disrupt global supply chains and hinder economic recovery.
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have agreed to orchestrate a $50 billion loan to aid Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The loan would be collateralized by interest earned on frozen Russian central bank assets, primarily held in European nations, amounting to approximately $260 billion. This initiative, discussed at the G7 summit in Italy, aims to provide substantial financial support to Ukraine by leveraging existing frozen assets rather than confiscating them outright, which poses legal complexities. The funds are intended to reach Ukraine by the end of 2024, supporting various needs including military, economic recovery, and humanitarian efforts. Despite logistical and legal challenges, the G7 aims to expedite the disbursement of these funds to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against ongoing Russian aggression.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry announced plans to provide medical treatment to Palestinian children injured in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Deputy Minister Elizabeth Taylor Jay stated that Colombian military hospitals would host these children and their families for rehabilitation, following similar initiatives by the UAE, Jordan, and Germany. The exact number of children, timing of their arrival, and duration of stay in Colombia were not disclosed. This humanitarian effort reflects a shift in Colombia’s foreign policy under President Gustavo Petro, who has taken a critical stance against Israel, recalling the ambassador and severing diplomatic ties earlier this year.
American journalist Evan Gershkovich, aged 32, is set to face a closed-door trial in Yekaterinburg, Russia, starting on June 26. He has been held in detention since March last year after being arrested by Russia’s FSB on charges of attempting to obtain state secrets, accusations denied by Gershkovich, the US government, and his employer, the Wall Street Journal. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The trial venue is in Yekaterinburg, over 1,100 miles from Moscow, where Gershkovich has been detained in Lefortovo Prison. The US State Department has expressed concern over the closed trial and stated its intention to attend, emphasizing Gershkovich’s innocence and demanding his immediate release. The case has heightened tensions between the US and Russia amid strained relations due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
