New York
Rep. Elise Stefanik announced Friday that she is suspending her 2026 New York gubernatorial campaign and will not seek reelection to Congress, citing a desire to focus on her family.
The decision leaves Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman as the sole Republican contender against Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. Stefanik, a key Trump ally and former House Republican Conference Chair, had positioned herself as a strong conservative voice on issues like border security and economic growth. Blakeman welcomed the development, stating it clears the path for a unified GOP challenge. Hochul’s campaign called it a sign of Republican disarray.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation prohibiting New York City sanitation officials from issuing trash tickets on Friday afternoons in neighborhoods where garbage collection occurs on Saturdays. Sponsored by State Sen. Sam Sutton and Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, the bill addresses concerns of frum residents who cannot handle trash after sundown on Friday due to Shabbos observance. The law blocks enforcement after 3 p.m. on Fridays in affected areas, ensuring compliance with religious practices while maintaining public sanitation standards. The change takes effect immediately and applies to relevant communities across the city.
Police arrested Charles Armani, 23, of Brooklyn, following a nearly week-long manhunt for the stabbing of Elias Rosner, 35, outside a shul in Crown Heights on December 16. Rosner reported overhearing Armani shout antisemitic threats and brandish a knife moments before the attack, which occurred as worshippers exited the synagogue. Armani allegedly stabbed Rosner multiple times in the torso and arm, leaving him seriously injured but stable after surgery. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force charged Armani with assault as a hate crime, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. Rosner told the New York Post he believes the attack was motivated by antisemitism, stating, “He wanted to kill a Jew, and I was the one he found.”
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed four new members to the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board on December 23, potentially blocking Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to freeze rents on roughly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments. The board, which sets annual rent increases for stabilized units, will have a majority not aligned with Mamdani’s progressive agenda due to Adams’ appointees and one carryover member into 2026. Adams described the new members as experienced housing experts who will prioritize long-term stability. Landlords warned that a rent freeze would exacerbate maintenance issues and reduce housing supply, while tenant advocates insisted it is essential relief amid years of rising costs. The appointments ensure the board retains a balanced or landlord-leaning composition in Mamdani’s first year.
SL Green Realty, New York’s largest office landlord, announced plans to sell approximately $2.5 billion worth of Manhattan properties to address elevated borrowing costs and maintain financial flexibility. The portfolio includes nine assets totaling about 30 million square feet, primarily in Midtown, such as full ownership of 1350 Sixth Avenue and stakes in 245 Park Avenue and 750 Third Avenue. Executives described the market as challenging, with high interest rates forcing sales to offset debt pressures rather than capitalize on growth. The firm anticipates offsetting some sales through over $1 billion in acquisitions in 2026, focusing on high-quality office and residential opportunities.
Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn’s largest independent hospital, is advancing negotiations to affiliate with NYC Health + Hospitals, aiming to finalize the deal by mid-2026 amid severe financial pressures. The safety-net facility, serving a diverse patient base where over 80 percent rely on Medicaid or Medicare, reported $150 million in losses for 2025 due to post-pandemic reimbursement shortfalls and rising costs. The partnership would grant access to higher Medicaid rates and a $2.2 billion state grant over five years, secured through Governor Kathy Hochul’s advocacy.
USA
The suspect in the December 14 shooting at Brown University, which killed two people and wounded nine others, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities located him after tracking surveillance footage and following tips that placed him in the Providence area during the manhunt. Investigators confirmed he acted alone and was motivated by personal grievances rather than ideology. Officials say there is no ongoing threat, and the investigation is now focused on reconstructing events and reviewing campus security and response protocols.
President Donald Trump announced plans for a new class of U.S. Navy battleships, calling them the “Trump-class” battleships. The design would revive the battleship concept with modern upgrades, including advanced missile systems, hypersonic weapons, directed-energy lasers, and enhanced radar. Trump stated the ships would ensure “American dominance on the seas” and counter threats from China and Russia. The Navy has not confirmed details, but preliminary studies estimate costs at $15–20 billion per ship. Critics question the strategic need, citing the rise of carrier strike groups and drones. Supporters argue the battleships would provide unmatched firepower for power projection.
The U.S. House passed a Republican healthcare bill by a 213–209 vote, allowing individuals to purchase insurance through association plans to reduce premiums by pooling risk across state lines. The legislation, supported by most Republicans and 11 Democrats, focuses on market-based reforms without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies favored by Democrats and major insurers. Proponents argue it addresses rising costs through greater competition, while critics warn it could weaken consumer protections and benefit insurers over patients. The bill now heads to the Senate, where passage remains uncertain amid partisan divides.
A Wisconsin jury convicted Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan of felony obstruction for helping an undocumented Mexican immigrant evade federal immigration authorities during a 2024 courthouse incident. Dugan was acquitted on a separate charge of concealing the man’s location. The case stemmed from her alleged assistance in allowing the immigrant to exit through a secure door, avoiding ICE agents waiting outside. Prosecutors argued her actions deliberately impeded federal enforcement, while her defense claimed she acted within judicial discretion. Dugan, the first sitting judge charged federally in such a case, faces up to five years in prison on the obstruction count at sentencing, scheduled for early 2026.
Brown University President Christina Paxson placed Vice President for Public Safety Rodney Chatman on administrative leave effective immediately, amid reviews of campus security following the December 13 shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others in the Barus and Holley Building. Retired Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements Jr. was appointed interim replacement to oversee an after-action review of the incident and broader safety policies. The U.S. Department of Education launched a probe into potential Clery Act violations, examining outdated cameras, delayed alerts, and ignored warnings of a suspicious individual reported by a janitor days prior. The Barus and Holley Building had limited surveillance, with unlocked doors during exams facilitating access.
Jewish leaders in California’s Bay Area condemned Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez after he shared antisemitic conspiracy theories online, falsely labeling the Bondi Beach terror attack a “false flag” and blaming Israel for rising antisemitism. The posts, made on social media, were quickly deleted, with Martinez issuing an apology for the “offensive” content. Community backlash intensified, with groups like the Jewish Community Relations Council calling the remarks “dangerous and unacceptable.” In response, local Jewish organizations announced the formation of a new political advocacy group to combat antisemitism and monitor elected officials.
The Delaware Supreme Court ruled unanimously on December 2 to reinstate Elon Musk’s $56 billion Tesla compensation package from 2018, overturning a Chancery Court decision that had rescinded it in 2024. The high court found the lower court’s total rescission “improper and inequitable,” noting Musk went uncompensated for six years despite Tesla meeting all performance milestones and delivering extraordinary shareholder value. The ruling restores the original 2018 package, valued at approximately $56 billion in stock options, and directs Tesla’s board to proceed with its implementation. Musk celebrated the decision on X, calling it “a victory for innovation and shareholder rights.” Tesla’s stock rose 8 percent in after-hours trading following the ruling.
Israel
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett confirmed that Iranian hackers successfully accessed sensitive information from his mobile phone, including his Telegram account. In a statement, Bennett said, “Access was indeed gained to my Telegram account. Content including contact lists, as well as many real and fake photos and chats, has been circulated.” The breach, attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, exposed personal communications and fabricated material intended to discredit him.
Israel’s Elbit Systems unveiled an upgraded version of its SkyStriker loitering munition, now boasting a strike range of up to 100 kilometers, approximately two hours of endurance, and a 5–10 kilogram warhead payload. The system retains its day-night electro-optical targeting capabilities for precision strikes against high-value targets. Designed for tactical use by ground forces, SkyStriker can be launched from vehicle-mounted launchers and offers both loitering and direct-attack modes. Elbit officials stated the enhancements improve survivability and effectiveness in contested environments. The munition has been exported to several countries and is actively used by the IDF.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the signing of a $35 billion natural gas export agreement with Egypt on December 23, appearing alongside Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. The deal involves U.S. energy giant Chevron supplying Israeli natural gas from the Leviathan and Tamar fields to Egypt over 15 years, with options for extension. Netanyahu stated he personally approved the agreement after ensuring Israel’s strategic and economic interests were fully safeguarded, emphasizing energy security and regional stability. The deal strengthens bilateral ties amid ongoing cooperation on security matters. Egypt will use the gas for domestic needs and potential re-export, enhancing its role as a regional energy hub.
A Russian citizen working in Israel, Vitaly Zvyagintsev, 30, was charged with spying for Iran after his arrest in early December. Shin Bet and Defense Ministry investigators discovered Zvyagintsev had been in contact with an Iranian intelligence handler, carrying out surveillance missions across the country. He photographed ports, ships, military bases, and critical infrastructure, transmitting the images in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. The indictment, filed this morning, includes charges of espionage and contact with a foreign agent. Zvyagintsev remains in custody as the investigation continues.
World
Gefen Bitton, a 30-year-old Israeli citizen, has been identified as the man seen rushing toward the shooter during the deadly Chanukah terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 8. Australian media reported Bitton initially escaped the scene but returned in an apparent attempt to stop the gunman, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. He underwent several surgeries and remains in intensive care at St. Vincent’s Hospital in a coma, in serious but stable condition. Bitton, who was attending the public menorah lighting with friends, is a father and known for his community involvement. The Jewish community in Sydney has rallied in support, with prayers and fundraisers organized for his recovery.
Avner’s, a prominent Jewish bakery in Sydney’s Surry Hills, will close after months of escalating antisemitic harassment turned into credible threats of violence. Owner Ed Halmagyi, a former champion boxer who opened the business in late 2023, cited sustained abuse including antisemitic graffiti, break-ins, vandalism, glue jammed in door locks, and human waste thrown at the storefront. Halmagyi stated he had endured intimidation before, but recent threats crossed a dangerous line, prompting the decision to protect his family and staff.
Belgium’s federal government has decided to withdraw police protection from Antwerp’s Jewish Quarter starting January 1, 2026, ending the deployment of 16 officers assigned since 2015. The move comes despite a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe and worldwide. Antwerp Mayor Filip Van Doesburg called the decision “incomprehensible,” warning it leaves the community vulnerable. Local Jewish leaders expressed deep concern, noting the quarter’s dense population and history of threats. The federal interior ministry justified the withdrawal as a budget measure, claiming local police can handle security. Community groups plan protests and legal challenges.
The United States imposed sanctions on two International Criminal Court judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, for their roles in issuing arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Treasury Department accused the judges of abusing their authority and undermining U.S. and Israeli sovereignty by pursuing cases without jurisdiction over non-member states. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the action protects allies from politically motivated prosecutions. The sanctions freeze assets and bar U.S. transactions with the judges.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected calls from Australia’s Jewish community for a royal commission into rising antisemitism and the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on Chanukah. Instead, he announced a targeted review of federal law enforcement agencies to assess their powers, structures, and processes for protecting Australians. The review, to be led by a senior official, will focus on operational effectiveness rather than broader societal or ideological factors. Jewish leaders, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed disappointment, arguing a royal commission is needed to examine root causes of hate crimes.