New York
A Columbia University anti-Israel student group posted “Marg bar Amrika,” which means “Death to America” in Farsi, on social media after U.S. and Israeli forces killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike. The group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), posted on X that the platform forced them to delete the post to regain account access, adding “the sentiment still stands.”
The group’s account had been temporarily restricted following the message. Columbia University issued a statement clarifying that CUAD “is not affiliated in any way with the University” and that “there is no evidence that anyone currently in control of their account is a current Columbia student, staff, or faculty member.” The school accused the operators of illegally using the Columbia name.
The Supreme Court allowed New York to use its existing congressional map for the 2026 elections, pausing a state trial court order that required redrawing a district to increase Black and Latino voters’ electoral influence. Seen as a victory for Republicans, the new map would have likely cost Member of Congress Nicole Malliotakis her congressional seat. Justice Samuel Alito, concurring, argued the lower court’s directive constituted unconstitutional racial discrimination and that federal intervention was necessary to preserve Supreme Court review. The dissent, led by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, criticized the majority for intervening in a state-law election dispute before state courts had finished reviewing it, calling the move inconsistent with the Court’s usual restraint and warning it could invite increased emergency election litigation nationwide.
NYPD arrested a man for assaulting police officers in Washington Square Park earlier this week. Officers say he resisted arrest, struck multiple personnel, and attempted to flee during a confrontation tied to a disorderly conduct call. He was charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and related offenses. This marks the man’s second arrest in less than three weeks. He was previously taken into custody for an attempted robbery in the subway system, but Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence or prosecutorial discretion. The repeated release has fueled criticism of the city’s bail reform and charging policies, with police unions and some elected officials arguing it endangers officers and the public.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to discuss a major proposed housing development that could deliver 12,000 units across the city. Mamdani arrived with top aides for the early afternoon meeting at the White House, marking his first in-person session with Trump since taking office. While the full agenda was not disclosed, city officials said housing was a primary focus, leveraging Trump’s extensive real estate background. Mamdani’s spokesperson described Trump as “enthusiastic” about the plan but offered no specifics on location, timeline, or funding sources.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul formally requested that the Trump Administration refund $13.5 billion to New Yorkers, arguing the funds represent excess revenue collected from tariffs rejected by the Supreme Court in February 2026. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Hochul claimed the tariffs—struck down as exceeding executive authority—constituted an unlawful tax on state residents and businesses, particularly those reliant on imported goods. She urged immediate reimbursement through direct payments or tax credits, calling it a matter of “basic fairness” after the ruling invalidated the levies. The Trump administration has not responded publicly, but White House officials dismissed the demand as political posturing, noting tariff revenue goes to the general Treasury fund rather than any state-specific pool.
Governor Hochul and American Express announced Wednesday that construction on the final office tower at the World Trade Center site will begin as early as spring 2026, with the building becoming the company’s new global headquarters. The 1.3 million-square-foot tower will rise on the last undeveloped parcel of the rebuilt complex nearly 25 years after the September 11 attacks destroyed the original towers. Completion is targeted for 2031. The project includes sustainable features and public space enhancements, with the company committing to relocate thousands of employees from Midtown.
The trial of Asif Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, began in Brooklyn federal court on terrorism-related charges. U.S. prosecutors allege Merchant maintained ties to the Iranian government and traveled to New York in 2024 to recruit individuals he believed would carry out political assassinations on American soil, including a potential plot targeting President Trump. Authorities say Merchant met with undercover FBI informants posing as willing participants and discussed logistics for high-profile hits. He faces life imprisonment if convicted of providing material support to terrorism and related offenses. Merchant has pleaded not guilty.
U.S.
U.S. and Israeli forces conducted a joint precision airstrike on Tehran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior IRGC commanders in what the Pentagon described as a “decisive action to degrade Iran’s nuclear and terrorist command structure.” The operation targeted a fortified underground command center, using bunker-busting munitions and stealth aircraft. President Trump, watching live feeds from Mar-a-Lago, confirmed the strike’s success in a Truth Social post, writing, “The world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism has lost its leader. Justice delivered.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Khamenei’s death “a turning point for Middle East peace and the end of a reign of terror.” Iran’s state media confirmed Khamenei’s death but vowed “severe revenge.” The strike marks the first direct U.S.-Israeli operation inside Iran since the 1980s.
A mass shooting occurred at a popular downtown Austin bar on Sixth Street, leaving 8 people dead and 19 injured. The shooter, identified as 27-year-old Muhammad Abdul-Rahim, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle shortly before 11 p.m., targeting patrons inside and on the sidewalk outside the venue. Witnesses and security camera footage show the gunman wearing a black sweatshirt with “Pro-Allah” written in large white Arabic script across the chest. Abdul-Rahim was killed by responding officers after exchanging gunfire; he had no prior criminal record in Texas but was known to local mosque communities. The FBI has joined the investigation and is examining whether the attack was motivated by Islamist extremism.
Protests erupted across the United States following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In major cities like New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Portland, demonstrators rallied both for and against the military action. Iranian diaspora communities celebrated Khamenei’s death with dancing, flag-waving, and calls for regime change, viewing it as liberation from decades of repression. Many expressed hope for freedom and democracy, though some voiced cautious optimism amid fears of escalation or U.S. imperialism. In contrast, white liberal and anti-war activists protested the strikes as unconstitutional aggression, condemning civilian casualties and urging an end to the conflict.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against the University of California system specifically targeting UCLA for allegedly violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint claims UCLA permitted and failed to remedy a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff, marked by pervasive antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and discrimination that went unaddressed despite repeated complaints. DOJ asserts the university’s inaction created conditions that interfered with equal employment opportunities based on religion and national origin. The suit seeks injunctive relief, compensatory damages for affected employees, and reforms to UCLA’s policies and training programs. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the action as part of the administration’s commitment to eradicate antisemitism in higher education.
Vice President JD Vance announced the Trump administration is temporarily halting certain Medicaid funding to Minnesota, citing concerns over mismanagement and fraud in the state’s programs. The move targets billions in federal dollars amid ongoing investigations into scandals like Feeding Our Future, where hundreds of millions were allegedly misappropriated, much of it involving Somali-American networks. Vance emphasized the decision ensures Minnesota acts as a “good steward” of taxpayer money, warning the pause will continue until the state demonstrates proper oversight and accountability. Governor Tim Walz condemned the action as political retaliation against a Democratic-led state, vowing to fight the cuts through legal and congressional channels.
Israel
Iran launched a large-scale missile and drone retaliation against Israel, striking multiple cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba, and Beit Shemesh. The deadliest attack hit Beit Shemesh, where an Iranian ballistic missile evaded defenses and struck a residential neighborhood, killing 8 civilians—mostly women and children—and wounding 34 others. Iranian state media claimed the barrage targeted military sites in response to recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Khamenei. Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems intercepted most projectiles, but several penetrated, causing significant damage and fires. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it “the most serious Iranian attack yet” and vowed a “devastating” counter-response. The IDF reported no military casualties but confirmed civilian deaths and injuries across the country.
The IDF used the Iron Beam laser-based anti-missile defense system operationally for the first time in northern Israel. During an overnight barrage of 12 rockets fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah, Iron Beam intercepted and destroyed three short-range projectiles in flight over the Galilee region. The system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and co-funded with the U.S., demonstrated its ability to neutralize low-cost threats at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors like Iron Dome. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the successful debut “a game-changer in air defense,” noting the laser’s unlimited magazine and near-instantaneous engagement time. No injuries or damage were reported from the intercepted rockets. The event marks a major milestone in Israel’s layered missile-defense architecture amid ongoing border tensions.
The IDF recently demolished five kilometers of Hamas tunnel infrastructure in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun area during ongoing operations. In one tunnel, troops located and seized a significant weapons cache containing explosive devices, firearms, RPGs, grenades, ammunition, and surveillance equipment used for monitoring IDF movements and planning attacks.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Israel, becoming the first foreign leader to receive the Medal of the Knesset, the legislature’s highest honor. During the ceremony in Jerusalem, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana praised Modi’s “courageous, consistent and sincere friendship with Israel,” highlighting his strong support during regional conflicts and his role in deepening bilateral ties through defense, technology, and economic cooperation. Modi addressed the Knesset, reaffirming India’s commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening the strategic partnership. The visit included meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, focusing on cybersecurity, agriculture, and water management.
Israel’s Knesset gave preliminary approval to a controversial bill placing the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate in sole control of the entire Western Wall. The legislation defines any prayer deviating from the rabbinate’s strict Orthodox guidelines as “desecration” of a holy site, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Critics warn the measure would effectively eliminate the egalitarian prayer section (Ezrat Israel), ending mixed-gender services and non-Orthodox practices south of the traditional plaza. Supporters, including ultra-Orthodox factions, argue it preserves the site’s sanctity and historical Jewish tradition. The bill must pass additional readings to become law. Non-Orthodox Jewish groups and Reform/Conservative leaders condemned it as discriminatory and a step backward for religious pluralism.
WORLD
Iran launched a massive retaliatory missile and drone barrage against UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia following the U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed Ayatollah Khamenei. Iranian state media described the operation as “Operation True Promise 3,” targeting military bases, airfields, and intelligence facilities in response to what Tehran called “martyrdom of the Leader.” Jordan intercepted dozens of missiles over Amman, reporting no casualties, while Saudi Arabia downed missiles near Riyadh. Hezbollah and Iraqi militias fired additional rockets in solidarity. President Trump condemned the attack as “desperate” and vowed “overwhelming” consequences, while Israeli PM Netanyahu declared a state of emergency and authorized immediate counterstrikes. The assault marks Iran’s largest direct attack on multiple countries simultaneously.
A Jewish family in a suburb north of Paris received a formal notice from their building’s property management company, Century 21 L’Ami Immobilier Conseil, ordering them to remove a mezuzah from their apartment doorframe within 15 days or face legal action. The notice claimed the doorframe belongs to shared common areas and that any modification requires prior approval, asserting the mezuzah alters the building’s appearance. The company warned it could restore the frame at the family’s expense if they do not comply. Century 21 France’s national headquarters distanced itself from the order, stating it does not support removing the mezuzah and is reviewing the local branch’s decision. French Jewish organizations condemned the demand as discriminatory and an infringement on religious freedom, noting mezuzahs are protected under French law as expressions of faith. The family has appealed to local authorities and the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France) for support.
Mauro Poggia, a member of Switzerland’s Council of States (upper house of parliament) from Geneva, sparked controversy by criticizing a newly established eruv in parts of Zurich. In public remarks, Poggia described the eruv as a “voluntary ghetto.” He questioned its necessity and suggested it promotes self-segregation rather than integration. The eruv, approved after years of planning and legal review, serves Zurich’s growing Orthodox Jewish community. Jewish leaders and anti-discrimination groups condemned Poggia’s comments as inflammatory and historically insensitive, noting the term “ghetto” evokes forced segregation during the Holocaust. Poggia has not retracted the statement.
The Pakistani Air Force launched a series of precision airstrikes against Taliban military infrastructure in and around Kabul, targeting training camps, weapons storage facilities, command posts, and vehicle depots used by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The operation, described by ISPR as a direct response to recent cross-border attacks that killed 12 Pakistani soldiers and 19 civilians, involved fighter jets and armed drones striking multiple sites in Kabul city and surrounding districts. Pakistani officials reported the destruction of several high-value targets and the elimination of at least 35 TTP militants, including mid-level commanders responsible for planning attacks inside Pakistan.