New York News
Mayor Eric Adams requested a Manhattan judge to move his corruption trial from April 21 to April 1, arguing that an earlier trial would minimize the impact on his re-election campaign and provide clarity for voters before June’s Democratic primary.
Adams faces federal charges, including wire fraud and bribery, tied to allegations that he received $123,000 in travel perks from Turkish nationals in exchange for expediting the opening of a Turkish consulate. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, contends that resolving the case sooner is essential for Adams’ campaign, and has also asked the judge to dismiss the bribery charge, claiming insufficient evidence of a quid pro quo. The court’s decision on the bribery charge is anticipated soon.
Christopher Husary, a 37-year-old California resident with a history of protest-related arrests, was charged with an attempted hate crime and aggravated harassment for allegedly threatening and hurling antisemitic insults at lawyer Joshua Savitt on a Manhattan train in June. The incident occurred after Savitt, 35, attended a memorial exhibit for the victims of the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival attack and noticed two individuals vandalizing a train near Union Square with “Free Gaza” graffiti. When Savitt took a photo of the alleged vandals, Husary reportedly confronted him, calling him a “Zionist” and making threatening remarks. Husary, who was wearing a Hezbollah T-shirt and a mask, allegedly warned Savitt, “We’re going to find you, we’re going to get you,” according to police. Following the incident, The Post identified Husary as a bicoastal activist living with his parents in a $1.8 million California home. In his defense, Husary claimed in a June interview that Savitt was the instigator, asserting that he only raised his hand to stop Savitt from “harassing” him. After being unmasked by The Post, Husary was extradited to New York to face the hate crime charges.
A disturbing video from Brooklyn shows a masked man attempting to snatch a six-year-old Hasidic Jewish boy from his father’s arms in broad daylight on a Crown Heights sidewalk. The father was walking with his two young sons when the masked assailant, wearing a blue and white letterman jacket, suddenly approached and lifted the boy into the air. In a swift response, the father managed to pull his son back and punched the attacker in the stomach. The assailant then fled the scene on foot, with no injuries reported, according to police. Shomrim, a local Jewish community patrol, stated that no words were exchanged during the assault. This incident follows a series of recent, unprovoked attacks targeting the Jewish community in Crown Heights. Community representatives have expressed deep concern over the rising violence, with Chabad PR spokesman Yaacov Behrman noting a troubling pattern of incidents in Crown Heights in recent weeks.
The Empire State Building briefly lit up red twice overnight as Donald Trump clinched victories in North Carolina and Georgia, leading to backlash from some Democrats who accused the display of celebrating “the end of democracy.” The building had announced earlier it would light up in red or blue for five minutes following swing state wins until 2 a.m. However, as Trump ultimately secured the presidency with wins in key states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, some critics voiced their frustration online, with one commenter even calling for Zeus to “strike this building down.” The Empire State Building’s social media team responded, clarifying that the lighting scheme had been planned in advance, with no intention of favoring any candidate. Trump celebrated his victory in a speech at his West Palm Beach gathering, marking his return to the White House at age 78 and declaring America’s “Golden Age” was beginning as he thanked supporters for their role in his re-election.
US NEWS
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, his 2024 campaign manager and a key figure in his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, as his White House chief of staff. Wiles makes history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Trump praised her for her intelligence, toughness, and the widespread respect she commands within the Republican Party. Her appointment has been warmly received by prominent Trump allies, including CNN analyst Scott Jennings, who commended Wiles for her organizational skills and her respected reputation. Jennings also highlighted the historic significance of her role, expressing optimism that Wiles will bring much-needed order and discipline to the Trump administration. As only the second woman ever to manage a successful presidential campaign, Wiles’ appointment underscores her significant achievement in breaking barriers within U.S. politics.
In addition to Wiles, Trump is reportedly planning to appoint Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State. Rubio, known for his strong stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning China and Iran, is seen as an ideal pick to reinforce U.S. global leadership. His hawkish approach aligns with Trump’s emphasis on projecting strength internationally, especially in the face of rising global tensions. Rubio’s appointment is expected to play a crucial role in restoring American dominance on the world stage, particularly in dealing with strategic adversaries like China and Iran. Rubio’s experience and leadership in foreign affairs make him a fitting choice for this critical role in Trump’s administration.
President-elect Trump has appointed two prominent New Yorkers, Rep. Elise Stefanik and former Congressman Lee Zeldin, to key roles in his administration, strengthening his “America First” approach on both domestic and international fronts. Stefanik, a Harvard-educated upstate New York Republican known for her vigorous support of Trump’s policies and sharp critiques on issues like campus antisemitism, has accepted the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In her new position, Stefanik will advance Trump’s pro-Israel agenda and promote a conservative stance within the UN, challenging what she sees as its bias and inefficacy. Meanwhile, Zeldin, an attorney and Army veteran who narrowly lost the 2022 New York governor’s race, has been tapped as Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. Zeldin is set to implement Trump’s deregulatory agenda, which prioritizes American energy independence and economic growth while maintaining environmental standards. Both Stefanik and Zeldin, who were allies of Trump during his first impeachment trial, bring a strong alignment with his policies, reflecting Trump’s intention to confront international and environmental issues with a distinctly conservative, New York-led team.
Furthermore, Trump has selected Representative Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret, to be his national security adviser. Waltz, a prominent China hawk, is expected to bring a “peace through strength” approach to U.S. security policy, focusing on both defense and diplomatic efforts to safeguard national interests. The role of national security adviser is pivotal in shaping the administration’s security agenda and coordinating policy across agencies. Importantly, this position does not require Senate confirmation, making Waltz’s appointment a significant, though swift, addition to Trump’s security team.
Finally, Trump has announced the appointment of Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as the new “border czar.” Homan, known for his strong stance on border control and immigration enforcement, will oversee the security of both the Southern and Northern Borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. His role will also involve managing the deportation of illegal immigrants. Homan’s appointment follows Vice President Kamala Harris’ previous role in overseeing border issues. Recently, Homan sparked controversy when he suggested that families of illegal immigrants could be deported together, including U.S.-born children, a statement that has drawn backlash from immigration advocates. Nevertheless, his appointment signals a continued hardline approach to border security under the Trump administration.
Republicans have secured control of the House, Senate, and White House, completing a sweeping victory in the 2024 elections. Decision Desk HQ projected the GOP reached a House majority Monday evening, with Rep. Juan Ciscomani’s win in Arizona and Rep. Ken Calvert’s re-election in California, though the final seat count remains uncertain. In the Senate, Republicans gained three seats for a 52-47 majority, though the tight race in Pennsylvania remains technically uncalled. Trump, back in the White House, has tapped Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Waltz for roles as UN ambassador and national security adviser, respectively, which will prompt special elections in their districts. GOP leadership elections are scheduled this week, with Rep. Mike Johnson running for Speaker and Majority Leader Steve Scalise outlining a Trump-aligned agenda for the first 100 days.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign ended in significant financial trouble, with reports indicating it was left “at least $20 million in debt” despite raising over $1 billion by mid-October. As of October 16, Harris had $118 million in the bank, but her campaign spent heavily on advertising, including costly measures like flying banners over NFL games and placing ads at the Las Vegas Sphere. In contrast, Donald Trump’s campaign raised and spent far less, ultimately securing a second term with a commanding lead in battleground states and the Electoral College. Experts have suggested that Harris struggled to connect with voters, particularly on economic issues, and failed to leverage her key messages effectively, leading to her defeat.
Marn’i Washington, the FEMA supervisor fired after reports revealed she directed disaster relief workers in Florida to avoid homes displaying Trump signs, claims this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader FEMA policy of avoiding “politically hostile” homes in disaster areas. In an interview, Washington asserted that FEMA encourages avoidance of such homes and de-escalation, not just in Florida but also in places like the Carolinas. Despite FEMA labeling her actions as unauthorized, Washington provided evidence that supervisors were aware of her decisions, including approving the avoidance of certain streets deemed “politically hostile.” She further suggested that incidents of avoidance related to political hostility are widespread, with communities displaying Trump signs being flagged. Federal and state investigations are now underway to examine FEMA’s aid distribution policies, although FEMA has not responded to these allegations.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is seeking two suspects in connection with a “battery/hate crime” against two Jewish students near DePaul University last Wednesday afternoon. The victims, who were showing support for Israel, were verbally attacked with antisemitic remarks before being physically assaulted. One victim, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, had a sign identifying himself and inviting conversation. The suspects are described as two males in their 20s, with one wearing a black balaclava, white T-shirt, and khaki pants, while the other has a beard and short dark hair, wearing a black T-shirt and pants. CPD has released images of the suspects and is urging anyone with information to contact Area Three Detectives. DePaul University also issued a public safety alert following the incident.
The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by a quarter-point last Thursday, following a previous half-point reduction in September, as part of its efforts to support the job market and combat inflation, which is now close to the Fed’s 2% target. Despite Donald Trump’s recent election victory, which had been partly fueled by dissatisfaction with high inflation, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the election would not influence the Fed’s interest rate decisions in the short term. However, Trump has previously argued for more influence over the Fed’s policies, and there are concerns about potential political interference under his new term. When asked if he would resign at Trump’s request, Powell firmly responded “No,” asserting that Trump could not legally remove or demote him from his position.
Israel NEWS
The Knesset passed a law on Wednesday allowing the deportation of the first-degree family members (parents, siblings, and spouses) of terrorists if they are proven to have prior knowledge of attacks or supported terrorism. The law aims to deter terrorism, particularly following the increase in incitement after the October 7 massacre by Hamas. It allows for deportation for a period of 7 to 20 years, depending on the family member’s status. The law targets the societal incentives for terrorism, which include financial support from the Palestinian Authority’s “Martyrs Fund” and the social status terrorists’ families receive in Palestinian society. While the law passed with 61 votes, it faced opposition due to protests related to the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with some opposition members abstaining.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a rabbi and former chief-of-staff to Netanyahu during his time as finance minister, as the new Israeli ambassador to the United States. Netanyahu praised Leiter for his diplomatic skills, eloquence, and understanding of American culture and politics. Leiter’s background includes serving as deputy director-general of the Israeli Education Ministry and as acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company. He will replace Michael Herzog, who has served as ambassador since 2021 and is set to step down on January 20, the day U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated. Leiter’s son, Maj. Moshe Yedidya Leiter, tragically fell in combat during the Gaza conflict on November 10, 2023. Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Herzog’s service, particularly during the challenging periods of the ongoing war, and highlighted his effective representation of Israel in Washington.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to annex Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria by 2025, calling it the “year of sovereignty.” Smotrich believes that the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency presents an “important opportunity” for Israel, referring to Trump’s previous support for Israel, including recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Smotrich, who also holds responsibilities within the Israeli defense ministry, said he had instructed officials to begin preparations for the annexation of Israeli settlements. He highlighted Trump’s prior actions during his first term, such as the Abraham Accords and strong support for Israel, which Smotrich believes set the stage for the next step of applying Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank.
WORLD NEWS
Qatar is kicking Hamas out of its country, claiming that it has become increasingly frustrated with the political manipulation it faced during the Gaza peace talks it hosted, particularly from both Hamas and other involved parties. Qatar independently decided to expel Hamas leaders from the country, despite initial U.S. requests for Qatar to take action after Hamas refused to release hostages following the killing of their leader, Yahya Sinwar. Qatar’s decision followed repeated failures in negotiations, with both Hamas and Israel demanding conditions without engaging constructively. The country made it clear that it would not tolerate being used for political leverage and that the peace process had become more about elections and political gains than actual progress toward peace. Qatar notified all parties, including the U.S., Hamas, and Israel, after the decision had been made.
In Amsterdam, violence erupted following a pro-Palestinian protest tied to a soccer match between Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, resulting in disturbing scenes of Arab individuals chasing Jews through the streets. The protest, initially banned by the city’s mayor due to fears of violence, escalated as groups chanting pro-Palestinian slogans confronted Israeli fans. Videos shared by the group Week 4 Palestine depicted acts of violence, including one where a man was thrown into a river and forced to chant “free Palestine.” The group celebrated the violence, calling it a lesson for “Zionists.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks, sending planes to evacuate Israelis, while leaders like Danny Danon and Naftali Bennett denounced the incidents as a modern-day pogrom. U.S. officials also expressed outrage, urging Dutch authorities to act swiftly against the perpetrators.
The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is set to introduce a world-leading ban on social media for children under 16, with legislation expected to be passed by late next year. As part of this initiative, Australia is trialing age-verification systems, such as biometrics and government ID, to prevent children from accessing social media platforms. The move aims to address concerns about the harmful effects of excessive social media use on children’s physical and mental health, particularly the risks associated with body image issues for girls and misogynistic content targeting boys. Australia’s policy is among the most stringent globally, with no exemptions for parental consent or pre-existing accounts, and the highest age limit set by any country.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the re-establishment of a special Cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations to address concerns about a potential second term for Donald Trump. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, will include top officials such as those from foreign affairs, public safety, and industry. This move comes as Canada, highly dependent on trade with the U.S., prepares for challenges under Trump’s leadership, especially concerning the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. Despite past tensions, including Trump’s critical remarks about Trudeau, Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. remains strong. Freeland reassured Canadians, emphasizing that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and Trump’s administration is robust and will continue to protect Canadian interests.
