New York News
The Trump administration has taken control of the $7 billion Penn Station reconstruction project, removing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from its lead role.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that Amtrak, which owns the station, will oversee the project with a public-private partnership model, aiming to save $120 million in taxpayer funds. Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed the move, noting it saves New York $1.3 billion, as federal funding will cover the overhaul. The plan lacks specific details, but a Trump-backed proposal suggests moving Madison Square Garden for a neoclassical redesign. The MTA, a major leaseholder, expects to remain involved despite Duffy’s criticism of its inefficiencies.
New York City’s congestion pricing program, charging $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours, remains in effect despite a Trump administration deadline to halt it by April 20. The U.S. Department of Transportation extended the original March 21 cutoff by 30 days, but the MTA has refused to stop tolls without a court order, citing $50 million in monthly revenue. Governor Kathy Hochul backs the program, arguing it funds transit upgrades, and the MTA’s federal lawsuit against the DOT continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that noncompliance risks $12 billion in federal transit funds. The legal standoff persists, with no immediate resolution as the MTA defends the program’s success.
A Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing all six aboard, including a Spanish family of five and the pilot. The family, identified as Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife, and their three children, aged 4, 8, and 10, was on a sightseeing tour from Manhattan’s Downtown Heliport. The helicopter broke apart midair around 3:17 p.m., with witnesses reporting the main rotor and tail detaching before it plunged upside-down into the water. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, noting the aircraft’s last inspection was March 1 and it lacked flight recorders. Rescue efforts failed to save the victims, despite rapid response from NYPD and FDNY divers.
New York Attorney General Letitia James faces a federal criminal referral from FHFA Director William Pulte for alleged mortgage fraud. Pulte claims James falsely listed a Norfolk, Virginia, property as her primary residence in 2023, despite her New York residency requirement, to secure a lower mortgage rate. He also alleges she misrepresented a Brooklyn property as having four units instead of five to qualify for better loan terms. These actions could lead to charges like wire fraud, bank fraud, or making false statements. James’ office has called the allegations “baseless retaliation” for her legal actions against Trump, with no charges filed yet. The DOJ is reviewing the referral, but James has not publicly commented further.
Rabbi Mordechai Stein, the Faltishaner Rebbe, passed away on Shabbos in Borough Park at 85. A descendant of the Chernobyl and Spinka dynasties, he was born in 1941 in Faltishan, Romania, to Rabbi Yisroel Avrohom Stein. He received semicha from Rabbi Pinchas Epstein of the Eidah Chareidis and served as Rosh Yeshiva in Satmar, Kiryas Joel, until 1996. Establishing his court in Boro Park, his beis medrash, Kehillas Tiferes Mordechai, on 49th Street became a community cornerstone. His levayah was held the next day, moving from his beis medrash to the Munkatcher beis medrash. He leaves behind sons, daughters, and grandchildren, continuing his legacy of Torah and yiras Shamayim.
New York City has paused most fines for residents not complying with its mandatory composting program to allow more time for learning proper waste sorting. While composting remains required, fines will only apply to buildings with over 30 units receiving more than four warnings, starting at $100. The city issued over 3,600 fines since enforcement began on April 1, but resident confusion prompted the pause. The Sanitation Department collected a record 3.8 million pounds of compost last week and will use this period for education and outreach. The program requires separating food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper into labeled bins of 55 gallons or less for recycling day pickup. Fines are set to resume for all buildings by year’s end.
US NEWS
The U.S. Senate confirmed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel with a 53-46 vote, largely along party lines, with only Democrat John Fetterman supporting him. An evangelical Christian, Huckabee has visited Israel over 100 times and strongly backs its settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “great day for the Israeli-American alliance.” Huckabee, who arrived in Israel and visited the Western Wall, pledged to carry out President Trump’s priorities, distancing himself from past remarks denying Palestinian identity. Critics, including Democratic Senator Jerry Nadler, labeled him unfit, citing his extreme views on Gaza and Palestinians.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate their Harrisburg residence around 2 a.m. last Sunday after an arson attack caused significant damage. Cody Balmer, 38, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, and other offenses. He allegedly scaled a fence, broke windows, and threw Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles and gasoline into the mansion, hours after the family celebrated Passover. Balmer confessed to police, expressing hatred for Shapiro and stating he would have attacked him with a hammer if they met. A search warrant revealed he targeted Shapiro over “perceived injustices to the Palestinian people.” He was denied bail, and the FBI is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
The Iris Hotel in Brookline, Massachusetts, canceled two Passover Seders days before the holiday, disappointing invited guests. Instead, the hotel hosted Rep. Rashida Tlaib for a private screening of a film about Palestinians, raising a Palestinian flag—mistakenly upside down—as a gesture of respect. Co-owner Anwar Faisal, a major Tlaib donor with a history of controversial property management, drew criticism for the decision. Tlaib, censured by Congress in 2023 for antisemitic remarks and promoting false narratives about Hamas’s October 7 attack, was welcomed despite Brookline’s large Jewish community. Jewish leaders labeled the move a “staggering new low” and a “slap in the face,” highlighting tensions in the area. The hotel has not publicly addressed the backlash.
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University student and stepson of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner, opened fire near the FSU Student Union, killing two non-students and injuring six others. Ikner used a handgun, formerly his stepmother’s service weapon, which she had purchased for personal use after the department upgraded its firearms. He also carried a shotgun, though it’s unclear if it was used. Ikner, a member of the Sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council, was shot by police, hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and faces first-degree murder charges. Sheriff Walter McNeil called the event tragic, noting Ikner’s access to weapons was unsurprising due to his law enforcement ties.
President Donald Trump appointed Fox News host Mark Levin, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, former NYPD detective Bo Dietl, and Florida State Senator Joe Gruters to his “revamped” Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). Announced via Truth Social, the council, under Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, aims to develop policies to secure the border, deport illegal criminals, and combat fentanyl and drug trafficking. Trump described the appointees as top experts, though he did not detail how the HSAC would differ from its prior iterations under past administrations. Levin, also a BlazeTV host, called the role an honor. The appointments reflect Trump’s preference for loyalists, with the council tasked to advise on national security strategies.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen at Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., while dining with family. The bag contained $3,000 in cash, her passport, driver’s license, DHS access badge, blank checks, medication, and keys. A white male wearing a medical mask was seen on security footage taking the bag. Noem confirmed the theft at the White House Easter Egg Roll, noting it remains unresolved. The Secret Service is investigating, tracing potential use of her financial instruments. A DHS spokesperson said the cash was for family Easter activities, as her children and grandchildren were in town.
The White House replaced COVID.gov, previously a resource for vaccine and testing information, with a new page titled “Lab Leak: The True Origins of COVID-19,” asserting that the pandemic stemmed from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The site claims the virus has a biological trait not found in nature and cites Wuhan researchers’ illness in fall 2019, relying on a 2024 Republican-led House report. It criticizes Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Biden administration for allegedly suppressing the lab leak theory and questions mask and lockdown efficacy. The CIA, FBI, and Energy Department support a lab leak with low confidence, while many scientists favor a natural spillover at a Wuhan market. The update has drawn criticism for lacking new evidence and removing public health resources.
President Donald Trump appointed Judge Matthew Solomson as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, making him the first Orthodox Jew to hold this position in a federal court. Solomson, appointed to the court in 2020, was elevated just before Passover, a timing significant to the Jewish community. The court handles claims against the U.S. government, including contract disputes and vaccine injury cases. Solomson, a Baltimore resident and member of the Orthodox Jewish community, succeeds Chief Judge Eleni Roumel. The appointment, announced via executive order, drew praise from Jewish leaders for its historic nature and Solomson’s commitment to judicial integrity, with Agudath Israel of America noting his deep faith.
Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the freeze of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts violates its First Amendment rights and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The suit, filed in Massachusetts, claims the administration’s demands—such as ending DEI programs, auditing faculty viewpoints, and reporting international students—unlawfully target Harvard’s academic independence. President Alan Garber called the freeze arbitrary, arguing it halts critical research without legal justification. The action follows a rejected April 11 letter from federal agencies demanding policy changes. Harvard’s $53.2 billion endowment may cushion impacts, but the freeze threatens research at affiliated hospitals. The case marks a historic clash over federal authority and university autonomy.
Israel NEWS
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was hospitalized at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba after feeling unwell during a workout. He underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure and is in stable condition, remaining under observation. The incident occurred a day after he attended Mimouna celebrations in Be’er Ganim. Opposition leader Yair Lapid and MK Benny Gantz wished him a speedy recovery, while a Likud MK criticized his past leadership. Bennett, who recently registered a new party, “Bennett 2026,” thanked supporters and the hospital staff, stating he’ll stay hospitalized for monitoring but aims to resume full activity soon.
The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on over 150 targets in the Gaza Strip, hitting Hamas infrastructure and cells of terror operatives, according to the IDF. Since resuming its offensive against Hamas on March 18, the IDF reports striking over 1,400 targets, including 1,200 terrorist sites like tunnel routes, with 350 fighter jets and aircraft involved. The operations have killed over 600 Palestinians, including senior Hamas figures like Ismail Barhoum, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv in response, though Israel intercepted them. The IDF’s actions, part of Operation Strength and Sword, aim to dismantle Hamas’s capabilities and secure the release of 59 hostages, amid a collapsed January ceasefire.
Hamas rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal for Gaza, citing “impossible conditions,” including demands for the group to disarm and no guarantee of a full Israeli troop withdrawal or an end to the war. The proposal, relayed through Egyptian mediators, offered a 45-day truce and the release of 10 living hostages, including U.S.-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for 1,231 Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid access. Hamas insists on a comprehensive deal ensuring a permanent end to the conflict and Israel’s complete exit from Gaza, where over 1,600 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18. Israel’s defense minister vowed to maintain security buffer zones, escalating tensions. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. reported no progress in recent Cairo talks.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee placed a handwritten note from President Donald Trump in the Western Wall (Kotel) on his first day in office. The note, written by Trump last Thursday, read, “For peace in Israel.” Huckabee shared that Trump instructed him to insert the note and pray for peace in Israel, as well as for the return of 59 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The act occurred during Huckabee’s visit to the Kotel, where he was warmly received by Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel, emphasized Trump’s commitment to the nation’s security and the hostages’ release, aligning with his ambassadorial priorities.
A shark attacked a man in his 40s, a married father of four from Petah Tikva, off Hadera’s coast, prompting a search by Israel’s Lehava Unit divers. They recovered remains Tuesday near the Hadera River mouth, now under analysis at Tel Aviv’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, with results pending, per Police Cmdr. Aryeh Doron. The search continues with Navy, Maritime Police, and ZAKA using boats and jet skis. Hadera, Michmoret, Beit Yanai, and Neurim beaches are closed. The man’s truck and belongings found on the shore confirmed his identity. Doron noted efforts to provide closure for the family after the rare attack, one of few recorded in Israeli waters.
WORLD NEWS
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died at 88 in Vatican City’s Casa Santa Marta of a stroke and heart failure, a day after blessing crowds at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he led the Catholic Church for 12 years, advocating for the poor, migrants, and climate action while facing conservative pushback for his inclusive reforms. His death, announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, triggered a nine-day mourning period, with his body set to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica before burial at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, per his wishes. A conclave to elect his successor will follow, with tributes pouring in from world leaders like Brazil’s Lula and France’s Macron.
A kosher pizzeria in Toronto’s Thornhill area, My Zaidy’s Pizza, and another Jewish-owned business were broken into on Shabbos, coinciding with the seventh day of Pesach. Local politicians, including Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman, whose grandfather founded the pizzeria, alleged antisemitic motives, calling it an attempt to intimidate the Jewish community. York Regional Police, however, reported that three businesses were targeted by a lone perpetrator, with damage limited to cash register areas and no antisemitic graffiti or symbols found, suggesting financial motives. Vaughn Mayor Steven Del Duca also condemned the acts as vandalism aimed at Jewish residents. The police investigation continues, with no arrests reported, and the community remains on edge amid a 7.4% rise in antisemitic incidents in Canada in 2024.
Rabbi Levi Duchman, Chief Rabbi of the UAE, announced the birth of a baby girl to Rivky Kogan, widow of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was murdered by terrorists in Dubai in November 2024. Duchman described the child as “a new light” and “a continuation” of her father’s legacy, bringing hope to the family and the UAE’s Jewish community. The birth follows the UAE’s sentencing of three Uzbek nationals to death for Kogan’s killing, deemed a terrorist act. Kogan, a Chabad emissary, was instrumental in expanding Jewish life in the Emirates. The announcement was made on Thursday, with Duchman expressing joy for Rivky and her family amid their loss.
