New York News
Columbia University suspended 65 students after anti-Israel protesters occupied a campus building, causing significant disruption. The NYPD arrested 80 individuals—19 males and 61 females—in connection with the incident. Seventy-eight received desk appearance tickets for criminal trespass, while two were issued summonses.
The takeover, which echoed last spring’s Hamilton Hall occupation, prompted a swift police response to clear the building. Columbia’s administration cited violations of campus policies, including vandalism and unauthorized access, as reasons for the suspensions. The university is reviewing further disciplinary actions, amid ongoing tensions over pro-Palestinian activism and accusations of antisemitism.
Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers agreed to expand a pilot program for speed cameras in work zones to include the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels, part of the $254 billion state budget passed by the Legislature. The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, started in 2021, now covers the Verrazzano-Narrows, Robert F. Kennedy, Throgs Neck, Bronx-Whitestone, and Marine Parkway bridges, plus the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels. Drivers exceeding the roughly 30 mph limit face a $50 fine for the first violation, $75 for the second, and $100 for subsequent offenses within 18 months. Extended through 2031, the program has issued over 425,000 tickets since 2023.
Tarek Bazrouk, 20, of New York City, was charged with three federal hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish individuals at protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict between April 2024 and January 2025. Arrested on May 7, 2025, Bazrouk faces up to 30 years in prison for targeting victims wearing kippahs or Israeli flags, including a Columbia University student he punched and whose flag he stole. Court documents reveal his cellphone contained anti-Semitic texts, including calling himself a “Jew hater” and praising Hamas, with weapons like brass knuckles found in his apartment. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and FBI’s Chris Raia condemned his actions, noting his persistent violence despite prior arrests. Bazrouk pleaded not guilty, and the case is handled by the Southern District’s Civil Rights Unit.
The New York City Campaign Finance Board withheld $622,056 in public matching funds from Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral campaign, suspecting illegal coordination with the Fix the City super PAC. The board found that a May 4 ad, costing $622,056, mirrored messaging from a “Message for Voters” page on Cuomo’s website, a tactic known as “red-boxing” banned by city rules but allowed federally. Despite receiving $1.5 million in matching funds, the penalty cut into the $2.1 million he qualified for. The investigation began after rival Zellnor Myrie complained, with Cuomo’s team denying wrongdoing and planning to appeal, claiming compliance with all regulations. Fix the City has raised over $7 million, outspending other candidates’ ad campaigns.
US NEWS
The U.S. and China have agreed to a temporary trade framework, slashing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% for 90 days, effective Wednesday. Announced after talks in Geneva, the deal pauses retaliatory measures, including China’s export controls on rare earths, while retaining U.S. fentanyl-related tariffs and a 10% baseline tariff. Both sides established a consultation mechanism led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, USTR Jamieson Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to negotiate further, aiming to address the $1.2 trillion U.S. trade deficit. The agreement, hailed as a de-escalation, leaves key issues like market access unresolved, with talks set to continue.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center, during an oversight visit with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver. Baraka, who sued to block the facility’s opening over permit issues, was released after five hours, denying wrongdoing. ICE alleges he ignored warnings to leave, while the lawmakers, who were not arrested, dispute claims they “stormed” the facility, asserting their legal oversight rights. The Department of Homeland Security suggested further arrests of the congressional Democrats may follow, escalating tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Baraka’s campaign called the arrest an attack on democracy, while supporters rallied for his release. Body cam footage on scene showed members of Congress assaulting members of law enforcement.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to align U.S. prescription drug prices with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations through a “most-favored-nation” policy. The order sets a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to voluntarily lower prices, targeting 30% to 80% reductions, or face regulatory actions like increased imports or rule-making. It expands on April’s order, which enhanced Medicare drug price negotiations and allowed state imports from Canada. The policy aims to address U.S. prices, often triple those abroad, but lacks clear legal authority for private market mandates. The pharmaceutical industry, expecting legal challenges, saw shares recover as the order was less severe than feared.
Newark Liberty International Airport has faced significant disruptions since late April due to multiple air traffic control outages. On April 28, a 60- to 90-second outage at Philadelphia’s TRACON facility, which manages Newark’s airspace, caused radar and communication failures, leading to 210 delays, 88 cancellations, and 36 diversions. A second 90-second outage occurred on May 9 at 3:55 a.m., minimally impacting overnight flights but exacerbating delays. The FAA cites aging infrastructure, including a burnt copper wire, and a shortage of 3,000 controllers nationwide, with five Newark controllers taking trauma leave after the first incident. United Airlines cut 35 daily flights, and the FAA plans to meet airlines on May 14 to discuss further reductions. Runway construction and staffing issues continue to fuel chaos, with average delays of 1 hour 41 minutes reported on May 12.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), a Jewish congressman, wore his yarmulke during a House hearing on campus antisemitism, prompted by his teenage son, who urged him to display his faith proudly. Fine, who won Florida’s 6th District seat in January, rarely wears the head covering publicly but did so to honor college students feeling unsafe expressing their Jewish identity. The hearing addressed rising antisemitic incidents, with Fine citing a 7.4% increase in U.S. hate crimes against Jews in 2024. He told JNS he may continue wearing it, inspired by students’ courage amid protests. Fine, a former state senator, has pushed for stronger measures against antisemitism, including funding cuts to universities like Columbia.
President Donald Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as U.S. surgeon general, withdrawing his initial pick, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, amid criticism over her credentials. Means, a Stanford-educated physician with an inactive medical license, dropped out of her surgical residency to focus on functional medicine and co-founded Levels, a health tech company. She advocates for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, emphasizing nutrition and chronic disease prevention, but has faced scrutiny for vaccine skepticism and unorthodox views, like claiming glucose causes widespread health damage.
Political commentator Camryn Kinsey, 24, fainted live on air during a segment of “Fox News @ Night” in Los Angeles, collapsing mid-sentence while discussing President Biden’s comments on Kamala Harris’s 2024 election loss. Viewers heard her hit the studio floor as host Jonathan Hunt, substituting for Trace Gallagher, called for help and cut to a commercial. Paramedics treated and cleared Kinsey, who was conscious and moving post-incident. She posted on X, thanking the Fox News team and EMTs, saying she’s recovering and “taking it slow.” The cause of her collapse remains unclear, but she plans to return to Fox News soon. Hunt faced criticism online for initially continuing the segment, though some defended his response given crew assistance.
The Democratic National Committee’s credentials panel voted 13-2, with three abstentions, to void the February election of David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta as vice chairs due to a procedural error. The challenge, filed by Oklahoma activist Kalyn Free, alleged the voting process violated DNC rules by favoring male candidates to meet gender balance requirements, disadvantaging women of color. If the full DNC approves, new elections will be held with the same five candidates. Hogg, who faced criticism for his $20 million plan to primary incumbent Democrats, claimed the vote reflected opposition to his reform efforts, though the hearing focused solely on procedure. The decision awaits a full DNC vote later this year.
Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter died peacefully at his New Hampshire home at age 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter served nearly 20 years, becoming a reliable liberal vote on issues like abortion and church-state separation, disappointing conservatives. He retired in 2009, succeeded by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and continued hearing cases on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Chief Justice John Roberts praised his wisdom and kindness, noting his distinguished service. Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, Souter graduated from Harvard and Oxford, later serving as New Hampshire’s attorney general. Known for his frugal lifestyle and love of books, he shunned Washington’s social scene, leaving a legacy of judicial restraint.
Israel NEWS
Hamas released Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier after 583 days in captivity since his abduction on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, Gaza, he was transferred to the IDF, reunited with his family at Reim Military Base, and taken to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv for medical evaluation. The release, a goodwill gesture to the Trump administration ahead of President Trump’s Middle East trip, followed direct U.S.-Hamas talks led by envoy Steve Witkoff, bypassing Israel. Hamas aimed to facilitate ceasefire talks and aid flow into Gaza, but Israel committed only to a safe corridor, not a truce. Alexander, believed to be the last living American hostage, prompted celebrations in Tenafly, New Jersey.
The IDF struck over 60 targets across the Gaza Strip targeting terror cells, buildings, weapon depots, and infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force conducted dozens of overnight strikes on Hamas targets in the Morag Corridor, southern Gaza, in a joint operation with the 36th Division. A drone strike killed a terrorist emerging from a tunnel near ground forces, and another hit a building firing on troops. In Rafah, the Gaza Division destroyed Hamas infrastructure in the Shaboura area, while the 252nd Division in northern Gaza eliminated operatives planting a bomb. Hamas reported 23 deaths and dozens wounded, though figures are unverified. The operation aims to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal.
Non-Israeli Mossad agents, embedded in Syria for years, recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Tzvika Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub, in a high-risk operation. Following the Assad regime’s collapse, breakthroughs enabled the team to locate a graveyard dozens of kilometers from Israel’s border. Operating under fire, they confirmed Feldman’s DNA and retrieved his tank overalls, marking a 43-year effort’s success. The covert mission, led by Lt. Col. Y., involved navigating armed guards and relied on precise intelligence. Prime Minister Netanyahu personally informed Feldman’s family, vowing to continue searching for Sgt. Yehuda Katz, the last missing soldier from the battle.
IDF, Shin Bet, and Yamam forces killed Nur al-Bitawi, a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader in Jenin, during a Nablus operation. Wanted for months, Bitawi fled Jenin after Operation Iron Wall, a major West Bank offensive. He was located in a residence, encircled, and killed with another operative in a drone strike. Bitawi planned attacks, funneled terror funds to Jenin, and maintained Hamas ties, including abroad. Described as the “most wanted” in the West Bank, he was linked to recruiting, arming, and building explosives. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in Judea and Samaria, with over 700 terrorists killed since October 2023.
A boat carrying 12 passengers capsized near Neviot Beach in Eilat after a sharp turn at high speed, killing 21-year-old Yitzhak Lizerowitz, a Breslov Hasid from Tiberias, and injuring ten others. Magen David Adom treated two in moderate condition and eight with light injuries or anxiety at Yoseftal Medical Center. One person remains missing, with Eilat marine police and rescue teams continuing searches. The boat’s 24-year-old operator and a 33-year-old Eilat resident were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and negligence, with their detention extended. Police are investigating whether the accident, which involved a collision with another vessel, stemmed from human error or technical issues.
WORLD NEWS
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the first American pope, taking the name Leo XIV, on May 8, 2025. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who also holds Peruvian citizenship, was chosen on the second day of the conclave by 133 cardinals, defying expectations that a U.S. pontiff would be avoided due to America’s global influence. Prevost, a member of the Augustinian order, spent decades as a missionary in Peru and led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops since 2023. In his first address from St. Peter’s Basilica, he emphasized peace and dialogue, echoing Pope Francis’s focus on the poor and marginalized. His election launched celebrations in Chicago and Peru, with world leaders, including President Trump, praising the historic moment.
India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday following U.S.-mediated talks to halt their most intense military clash in decades, which began with a deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blames on Pakistan. The truce, announced by President Trump, involved 48 hours of negotiations with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance engaging leaders like Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. Hours later, India accused Pakistan of violating the deal with border intrusions, reporting explosions in Srinagar and Jammu, while Pakistan claimed India initiated the breaches. Both nations committed to the ceasefire, urging restraint and communication to resolve issues, with talks planned at a neutral site.
President Donald Trump, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, signed multiple agreements with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focusing on energy, defense, and mining, as reported by Saudi TV. The deals include a $100 billion arms package featuring C-130 aircraft, missiles, and radar systems from companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, aimed at bolstering Saudi military capabilities. Additionally, Saudi Arabia committed to investing $600 billion in the U.S. over four years, targeting sectors like AI and manufacturing, with potential to reach $1 trillion. The agreements, inked at a Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, also advance Vision 2030 projects like NEOM. These economic pacts, highlighted by Trump’s lunch with U.S. business leaders like Elon Musk, underscore a focus on trade over regional security issues like Gaza
The Trump administration plans to accept a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, valued at about $400 million, to serve as a temporary Air Force One, with the U.S. Air Force covering refitting costs. After Trump’s term, the plane would transfer to his presidential library, raising concerns about personal use. Qatar’s media attaché, Ali Al-Ansari, said the deal is under review between Qatar’s and U.S. Defense Ministries, with no final decision. Trump confirmed the plan on Truth Social, calling it a “transparent” gift to the Pentagon, but Democrats, like Rep. Jamie Raskin, argue it violates the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, requiring congressional approval.
The Israelite Confederation of Brazil (Conib) sharply criticized President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his Moscow remarks accusing Israel of targeting “women and children” in Gaza under the guise of fighting terrorists, labeling Israel’s actions a “genocide.” Conib’s president, Claudio Lottenberg, called the statements antisemitic, arguing they promote a “blood libel” and ignore Hamas’s role in initiating the conflict by hiding among civilians and hostages. Lula also questioned the UN’s failure to secure peace in Palestinian territories, contrasting it with its 1948 role in creating Israel. Conib stated that Lula’s comments risk inciting antisemitism in Brazil, where the Jewish community lives securely, and urged him to retract them. The remarks echo Lula’s prior comparisons of Israel’s Gaza campaign to the Holocaust, which also drew widespread condemnation
