New York News
Congestion pricing officially went into effect in New York City, with drivers now required to pay a toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. This policy aims to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and fund public transportation improvements. The toll rates vary by vehicle type and time, with passenger cars facing a charge of $9 during peak hours (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends) and $2.25 during off-peak hours. There are exemptions and discounts for emergency vehicles, low-income drivers, and those with disabilities, among others. Critics argue that it might unfairly burden low-income commuters and could shift congestion to areas just outside the tolled zone, while supporters highlight benefits like reduced travel times and cleaner air. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) expects to generate about $1 billion annually from this program, which will be used to fund significant upgrades to the city’s transit infrastructure.
Donald Trump’s sentencing in New York for his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment has been set for January 10. Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that he plans to sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump will be convicted but will not face jail time or probation. This sentencing comes just days before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, making him the first president-elect to be sentenced on felony charges. Trump’s legal team has argued for the case to be dismissed based on presidential immunity, a claim that Judge Merchan has rejected. Despite the conviction, Trump will not be able to pardon himself for these state crimes, as presidential pardons only apply to federal offenses. The decision has sparked significant debate, with some viewing it as a lenient approach while others see it as necessary to maintain constitutional integrity during a presidential transition.
John Chell was recently appointed as the NYPD’s chief of department, making him the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the department. His appointment came after the resignation of Jeffrey Maddrey amid allegations of misconduct and abuse of overtime privileges. Chell, who previously served as the chief of patrol, has been with the NYPD since 1994 and is known for his hands-on approach in managing the department’s crime-fighting strategies and quality of life initiatives. His tenure has not been without controversy, with some criticisms regarding his social media activity and his involvement in high-profile incidents. However, his appointment is seen as an effort to stabilize the department following recent turmoil in the upper ranks. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that Chell’s experience and leadership would be crucial in continuing to drive down crime and foster integrity within the force.
An intruder named Michael Aromando, aged 20, broke into Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. Aromando jumped a perimeter fence around 4:24 a.m. and made his way to the second floor, where he was found inside a bathroom by security. He stole a Christmas ornament and was filming his escapade, later showing the video to the police during his interrogation. Aromando, a resident of the Upper East Side, was arrested and charged with burglary, with bail set at $5,000. This bizarre incident has raised questions about the security measures at Gracie Mansion, especially since Mayor Adams was not home at the time, celebrating New Year’s Eve elsewhere.
New York City has implemented a significant change in its urban traffic management by reducing speed limits under Sammy’s Law, which allows the city to adjust speed limits to as low as 20 mph on select streets. This initiative was kickstarted in Brooklyn with the installation of 20-mile-per-hour speed limit signs along a 19-block stretch of Prospect Park West, following the tragic death of Sammy Cohen Eckstein by a speeding driver in 2013. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) aims to lower speed limits in 250 locations by the end of 2025, prioritizing areas near schools, open streets, shared streets, and introducing regional slow zones in each borough. These changes are part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic violence and pedestrian fatalities. The law specifically targets streets with fewer than three lanes in one direction for the reduced speed limits, sparking debate among drivers and advocates about traffic flow versus safety. Critics argue that these lower speed limits will increase congestion.
Pregnant New Yorkers will be entitled to at least 20 hours of paid leave specifically for attending prenatal medical appointments, marking New York as the first state in the U.S. to offer such a benefit. This law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring pregnant women can access necessary healthcare without financial strain. The leave can be used for physical examinations, end-of-pregnancy care, fertility treatments, and other pregnancy-related medical services. It applies to all pregnant workers in the private sector, providing them with up to 20 hours in any 52-week period, separate from any existing paid sick leave or other leave policies. Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to use other leave types before accessing this prenatal leave, and it does not need to be accrued; it’s immediately available.
US NEWS
The U.S. Congress certified Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election on January 6, 2025, in a process markedly different from the tumultuous events four years prior. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump, presided over the joint session of Congress, which proceeded without any objections from lawmakers, the first time Democrats have not done so since 1988. This also contrasted sharply with the January 6, 2021, riot when Trump supporters tried to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s win. The Electoral College vote count was 312 for Trump and 226 for Harris, and the certification was conducted under heavy security amid a winter snowstorm in Washington, D.C. President-elect Trump, who was not present in Washington for the certification, issued a statement calling it “A BIG MOMENT IN HISTORY,” while Democrats stressed their commitment to democratic principles, even in defeat.
New Orleans experienced a horrific terrorist attack when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. The incident occurred during New Year’s celebrations, turning the festive atmosphere into chaos as Jabbar, who had an ISIS flag in the truck, also engaged in a shootout with local law enforcement before being killed. The FBI confirmed that Jabbar was inspired by ISIS but acted alone, with no evidence of co-conspirators or direct links to terrorist organizations found. The attack has led to an increased focus on security measures in New Orleans, especially around high-traffic tourist areas, and has sparked a broader conversation on domestic terrorism and the radicalization of veterans. The city demonstrated its resilience by holding a brass-band parade to mourn the victims and assert its spirit of defiance just days after the tragedy.
Outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, a rented Tesla Cybertruck loaded with fireworks, gas canisters, and camping fuel detonated, killing the driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret. The incident injured seven bystanders, but their injuries were reported as minor. Authorities found that Livelsberger had shot himself before the explosion, suggesting it was a planned act rather than an accident. Investigations revealed Livelsberger left notes indicating he intended the explosion as a “wake-up call” for the nation, expressing personal and political grievances but explicitly stating it was not meant as a terrorist attack. The incident is considered isolated with no connection to the attack in New Orleans, despite some superficial similarities like both vehicles being rented through Turo. The FBI and local law enforcement continue to explore the motives behind this tragic event, with no further threat to the community identified.
Mike Johnson, the Republican from Louisiana, was re-elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives amidst a dramatic and narrow vote. His re-election came after overcoming opposition from some hardliner GOP members, with the support of President-elect Donald Trump playing a pivotal role. Johnson managed to secure the speakership by a vote of 218-215, after two holdout Republicans, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas, changed their votes after initial dissent. This re-election was crucial, as it set the stage for Johnson to lead the House during the transition to the new administration and the certification of the 2024 election results. His leadership was immediately tested with promises to push for Trump’s “America First” agenda, including significant government spending cuts and border security measures. Despite internal party divisions, Johnson’s re-election was seen as a nod to stability in a time of political flux.
President Joe Biden has taken decisive action against oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters, canceling several leases as part of his administration’s climate strategy. This includes halting new leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), reversing decisions made during the Trump administration. Biden’s executive actions aim to protect sensitive ecological areas, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and shift the U.S. energy policy towards more sustainable practices. In 2022, the administration notably canceled high-profile lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico due to insufficient industry interest or legal complications, amidst soaring gas prices, which sparked criticism from Republicans and the oil industry.
President Joe Biden has officially rejected the nearly $15 billion proposed acquisition of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns. This decision upholds Biden’s earlier campaign promise to keep U.S. Steel domestically owned, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over a significant portion of the nation’s steelmaking capacity. The move has been celebrated by the United Steelworkers union, which had opposed the merger from the start, arguing it was vital for national security and job preservation. However, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have contested the decision, hinting at potential legal action, stating that the deal was manipulated by political agendas and would have strengthened U.S. steel production against global competition like China. Critics of the decision argue that blocking the acquisition might hinder investments needed for upgrading U.S. Steel’s facilities, potentially impacting its competitiveness and the jobs it supports. The White House, however, maintains that this action is in line with defending U.S. national interests and ensuring resilient supply chains.
President Joe Biden has facilitated the release of 11 Yemeni detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba, transferring them to Oman for resettlement. These individuals, who were part of the remaining 30 detainees at the facility, had been held for over two decades without being charged or put on trial, primarily due to their capture in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The decision to release them was based on years of review by U.S. national security officials, who deemed them eligible for transfer under strict security conditions. Critics argue that this move could pose risks to national and international security, with some expressing concerns over the detainees’ past affiliations with al-Qaeda and potential for re-engagement in terrorism. However, supporters of the release, including human rights organizations, see it as a step toward fulfilling Biden’s campaign promise to close Guantanamo and end the practice of indefinite detention without charge. Oman has agreed to monitor these former detainees, providing them with housing, jobs, and support to rebuild their lives, while the U.S. maintains that it will continue to responsibly reduce the Guantanamo detainee population with the ultimate aim of closing the facility.
Israel NEWS
Former Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant has announced his resignation from the Knesset following his dismissal as defense minister by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2024. Gallant cited his disagreement with the government’s policies, particularly the controversial exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service, as a significant factor in his decision. Despite his resignation from parliament, Gallant has affirmed his continued membership in the Likud party, indicating that his political journey is far from over. His exit from the Knesset has sparked speculation about the future of the conscription law, as Gallant was a key opponent of the legislation within the coalition. His resignation also comes amidst ongoing tension and public critique over the handling of the war in Gaza, where Gallant was known for his more moderate stance compared to some of Netanyahu’s far-right allies. This move allows Gallant to avoid potential sanctions that could have barred him from running in future elections, keeping his political options open.
Israel facilitated the departure of a former soldier from Brazil after legal action was initiated against him by the Hind Rajab Foundation, accusing him of war crimes in Gaza. The soldier, whose identity has not been fully disclosed, was on vacation in Brazil when the complaint led to a local investigation based on video evidence, geolocation data, and photos allegedly showing him participating in the demolition of civilian homes. Israel’s Foreign Ministry intervened, helping the soldier leave Brazil on a commercial flight following what they described as actions by “anti-Israel elements.” This incident has raised concerns about the legal risks Israeli soldiers face abroad, especially given social media posts that could be used against them. The case also highlights ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with some countries and organizations pushing for accountability for alleged human rights violations. Israel maintains that its military operations adhere to international law and that any violations are dealt with internally through its judicial system.
WORLD NEWS
Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister since 2015, announced his resignation, citing “internal battles” within his Liberal Party that he believes would hinder his ability to lead effectively in the upcoming federal election. His decision follows months of speculation, particularly intensified after the abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in December 2024, over disagreements on how to handle potential U.S. tariffs under the incoming Trump administration. Trudeau’s tenure was marked by progressive policies, significant challenges like the global health crisis, and a dip in popularity due to various controversies, including his management of inflation and housing affordability issues. His resignation speech was broadcast from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he expressed his commitment to remain as prime minister until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen, with Parliament prorogued until March 24 to allow for this leadership transition. The announcement has set the stage for a leadership contest within the Liberal Party, with potential candidates like Mark Carney and Dominic LeBlanc mentioned in political circles. Trudeau’s exit marks the end of a significant political era in Canada, leaving the political landscape open for new leadership directions.
Jonathan Emmanuel Cardona Castillo, a leader of the Jewish sect Lev Tahor, was arrested in El Salvador on human trafficking charges. He faces allegations including rape, abuse of minors, and forced pregnancy, with Guatemala seeking his extradition to face justice. This arrest follows an Interpol Red Notice issued against him, highlighting the international effort to address the severe accusations tied to the activities within the Lev Tahor community.
Ágnes Keleti, who survived the Holocaust and later became the oldest living Olympic medal winner, passed away at the age of 103 in Budapest, Hungary. Born Ágnes Klein in Budapest in 1921, she escaped Nazi persecution by obtaining false identity papers and working as a maid in the countryside while her father perished in Auschwitz. Post-war, Keleti’s career in gymnastics was nothing short of legendary; she won 10 Olympic medals, including five golds, during the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Games. Her achievements in sports came at an age when most athletes retire, with her winning her first Olympic gold at 31 and her last at 35. After defecting from Hungary due to the 1956 Soviet invasion, she settled in Israel, where she helped develop the country’s gymnastics program. Keleti’s legacy is not only as an extraordinary athlete but also as a symbol of resilience and hope, having overcome the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust to achieve Olympic greatness.
