New York
A tragic crash occurred at LaGuardia Airport when an Air Canada regional jet struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway while landing.
The collision killed both the pilot and co-pilot. Approximately 40 passengers and crew members were injured and transported to hospitals, with some sustaining serious injuries, though most were later released. Two Port Authority workers inside the fire truck were also injured but are expected to recover. The incident caused the airport to remain closed until 2 p.m. Monday as the National Transportation Safety Board launched a full investigation. This is the first fatal commercial aviation accident at LaGuardia in over 20 years.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul made an unusual public plea, urging New Yorkers who have left the state to return and help fund the state’s expansive social programs. Speaking at a budget event, Hochul acknowledged the ongoing population exodus and the resulting strain on tax revenue, saying the state needs more high-earning residents to sustain its generous Medicaid, housing, and welfare initiatives. “We need you back,” she said. “New York has incredible opportunities, and we need your tax dollars to keep our social safety net strong.” The remarks drew sharp criticism from Republicans and fiscal conservatives, who pointed to New York’s high taxes, crime, and housing costs as the very reasons many residents and businesses have fled to lower-tax states like Florida and Texas. Hochul’s appeal comes as the state faces a projected multi-billion-dollar budget gap for the coming fiscal year.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city will stop treating low-level traffic violations by e-bike riders and cyclists as criminal offenses. Under the new policy, infractions such as running stop signs, failing to yield, or riding on sidewalks will result in civil summonses rather than arrests or criminal charges. Mamdani described the change as a shift toward “fair and proportionate enforcement” that focuses on safety without criminalizing everyday mobility. The move reverses a previous policy that allowed criminal prosecution for certain minor cycling violations. Critics, including some NYPD officials and business groups, warned that decriminalization could encourage reckless riding and increase dangers to pedestrians.
Rama Duwaji, wife of Mayor Mamdani, was revealed to have previously posted and shared content praising terrorists and harshly criticizing Israel on social media. The lengthy report highlighted multiple instances where Duwaji appeared to express support for individuals and groups involved in attacks against Israel, as well as “liking” posts that referenced Hamas operations. The revelations have intensified scrutiny over Duwaji’s past online activity. Mayor Mamdani previously defended his wife, describing her as a private citizen whose personal views should not be conflated with his official duties. The report has drawn renewed criticism from Jewish organizations and elected officials who argue that such sentiments raise serious questions about influence and judgment at City Hall. Duwaji has not issued a public response to the latest findings.
A drone flew over the grounds of Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York shortly after 1 a.m. and dropped a package containing multiple knives, a cellphone, bandannas, hair clippers, and a green leafy substance between two inmate dormitories. Correctional staff detected the drone and quickly recovered the contraband before it could reach prisoners. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. No inmates or staff were injured, and the facility remained secure. Drone deliveries of contraband have become an increasing concern at prisons nationwide, prompting many facilities to install detection systems and anti-drone technology.
A 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, Alex Abramowicz, received a heartfelt surprise birthday celebration outside his Yonkers home after a blizzard delayed his original plans. Police officers, firefighters, and city officials gathered to honor him with music, cake, and well-wishes. Abramowicz, who survived the Nazi occupation of his Polish hometown and endured a concentration camp before being liberated in 1945, stepped outside his mezuzah-adorned door and was visibly moved by the gathering. “What did I do to deserve this?” he asked with emotion. After immigrating to the United States, he built a new life in New York.
U.S.
Massive lines formed at airports across the country as the partial government shutdown dragged on, with TSA staffing shortages worsening after more than 300 officers quit in recent days. Democrats in Congress have refused to pass a clean funding bill for the Transportation Security Administration unless it includes deep cuts or restrictions on ICE operations, stalling negotiations. In response, ICE agents have been temporarily reassigned to assist at major airports, helping screen passengers and ease bottlenecks at checkpoints in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. Travelers reported wait times exceeding two hours at some terminals. The Trump administration criticized Democrats for prioritizing political demands over public safety and efficient travel, warning that continued delays could disrupt spring break and Easter travel periods.
Oil prices remained highly volatile amid the escalating war with Iran, the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and President Trump’s repeated threats to destroy Iranian oil facilities if shipping is further disrupted. Brent crude surged as high as $112 per barrel early in the week before pulling back slightly, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $98, with the spread between the two benchmarks widening to over $14, the largest in years. Iran’s attempts to block or threaten tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil supply, have heightened fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Trump warned that any sustained interference would trigger the rapid destruction of Iran’s remaining energy infrastructure. Analysts say the market is pricing in both short-term risk premiums and longer-term uncertainty, with prices swinging sharply on each new development in the conflict.
Former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who led the investigation into alleged collusion between Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, has died at the age of 81. Mueller was appointed Special Counsel in May 2017 after President Trump fired James Comey. His nearly two-year probe examined Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign. The final Mueller Report, released in April 2019, concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not exonerate the president on the question of obstruction of justice. A decorated Marine veteran and longtime FBI Director from 2001 to 2013, Mueller was widely regarded for his integrity and low-key demeanor.
A Maryland man was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for sending threatening communications to Jewish institutions across the United States. Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Federal prosecutors said Seferlis sent hundreds of antisemitic messages and threats to synagogues, Jewish community centers, and organizations nationwide between 2022 and 2025. The sentence also includes three years of supervised release and a $40,000 fine. The Justice Department described the threats as part of a sustained campaign of harassment that caused fear and disruption within the Jewish community. Seferlis has been in custody since his arrest last year.
Arizona became the first state to file criminal charges against the prediction market platform Kalshi, accusing the company of operating an illegal gambling business within its borders. The 20-count charging document filed by the Arizona Attorney General’s office alleges that Kalshi accepted bets on political outcomes, college sporting events, and individual player performances, all in violation of state gambling laws. Arizona explicitly prohibits unlicensed wagering businesses and bans betting on elections. Officials described the platform’s activities as clear violations that undermine state gambling regulations. The move marks a significant escalation in the growing legal battle over prediction markets and could set a precedent for other states considering similar action.
The FBI has opened an investigation into former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent over allegations that he improperly leaked classified information, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the probe. The inquiry predates Kent’s resignation this week in protest over the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. The investigation, described as months-long by some sources, is being handled by the FBI’s Criminal Division. Kent, a Trump ally who previously ran for Congress, stepped down Tuesday, citing objections to the justification for military action against Iran. Trump aides quickly denounced him as untrustworthy following his departure. Kent has denied leaking classified material.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been subpoenaed by the Department of Justice regarding his role in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian election interference. The subpoena, issued as part of an ongoing review ordered by the Trump administration, seeks documents and testimony related to the preparation and dissemination of the assessment that concluded Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump. Comey’s involvement in the high-profile report has long been a point of contention for Trump and his allies, who have accused the intelligence community of politicization.
The U.S. national debt surpassed a record $39 trillion, climbing past the milestone just weeks into the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The sharp increase reflects competing fiscal pressures, including the cost of expanded defense operations, heightened immigration enforcement, and the implementation of major tax legislation. The figure comes despite President Trump’s repeated campaign promises to reduce the national debt. The Treasury Department’s latest data shows the debt has grown by more than $2 trillion since Trump took office in January 2025. Economists warn that sustained high deficits, combined with rising interest payments and new military expenditures, could complicate long-term efforts to stabilize the nation’s finances.
For the first time, three Israeli players appeared in the same NBA game when Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers faced off against Brooklyn Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. The milestone took place during a game hosted by the Nets. Avdija, already an established star, squared off against the two young Israeli rookies in a matchup that highlighted the growing presence of Israeli talent in the league. Nets coach Jordi Fernández described the occasion as “special,” emphasizing the significance of seeing three players from Israel competing at the highest level of professional basketball. The game drew attention both in Israel and among NBA fans as a notable moment for the country’s basketball development.
Israel
An Iranian ballistic missile struck the Old City of Jerusalem, causing significant damage near the Western Wall and the Temple Mount area. Israeli officials confirmed the missile penetrated air defenses and impacted within the historic walled city. Debris and shrapnel damaged several buildings, including structures adjacent to the Jewish Quarter. Magen David Adom reported at least 12 people were injured, several seriously, with some suffering from blast trauma and flying debris. No fatalities have been confirmed so far. The IDF stated that most incoming missiles in the barrage were intercepted, but at least one evaded defenses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike on the Old City “a barbaric attack on the heart of the Jewish people” and vowed a “crushing response.”
The Israel Defense Forces struck and destroyed two bridges on the Litani River in southern Lebanon, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced. The military said the bridges were used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons and transport terrorists into the region south of the river. Katz said that the strikes send a clear message to the Lebanese government that Israel will not tolerate Hezbollah exploiting civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The IDF stated the targets were precisely hit and that the action was taken in response to repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701.
Fifteen people were injured in Tel Aviv, one of them moderately, after a cluster munition warhead from an Iranian ballistic missile detonated over the city. Emergency teams responded to multiple bomblet impact sites across central Tel Aviv and surrounding neighborhoods, treating victims for shrapnel wounds and blast injuries. The moderately injured individual was hospitalized, while the rest sustained light injuries. Israeli air defenses intercepted most incoming missiles, but at least one warhead released submunitions that reached populated areas. The IDF confirmed the use of cluster munitions in the latest Iranian barrage, marking a significant escalation.
A 30-year-old foreign worker was killed by shrapnel from an apparent cluster munition warhead in Moshav Adanim, central Israel, following Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack. Magen David Adom medics treated the man for critical injuries at the scene, but he was pronounced dead a short time later. The strike marks the first fatality from Iranian cluster munitions in the current round of attacks.
The IDF announced that it has killed more than 570 Hezbollah terrorists since the recent escalation began, including approximately 220 members of the elite Radwan Force. In the past three weeks alone, the IDF struck over 2,000 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, among them roughly 120 command centers, 100 weapons depots, and 130 rocket launchers. The military described the operation as part of its ongoing effort to degrade Hezbollah’s military capabilities and neutralize the threat posed to northern Israel. The figures reflect intensified airstrikes and ground operations aimed at dismantling the terror group’s infrastructure and leadership following repeated ceasefire violations.
WORLD
Four Hatzalah ambulances belonging to the Jewish community emergency service were deliberately set on fire in northwest London. Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime. No injuries were reported, but nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution due to explosions believed to have been caused by gas canisters on the vehicles. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “deeply shocking,” saying antisemitism has no place in British society. Officers are examining CCTV and online footage and believe three suspects are involved.
Belgium has deployed military personnel to support security for the Jewish community amid a sharp rise in antisemitic threats, Defense Minister Theo Francken and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin announced. The decision comes in response to increased incidents targeting Jewish institutions, schools, and individuals across the country. “The safety of every citizen must be guaranteed,” Francken stated, adding that “antisemitism and hatred against Jews will never be tolerated.” Troops will assist local police in protecting synagogues, community centers, and other sensitive sites, particularly in Antwerp and Brussels, home to Belgium’s largest Jewish populations.
Qatar accused Israel of attacking the South Pars/North Dome natural gas field it shares with Iran. The Iranian side of the massive offshore field was hit and left burning, according to Iranian reports. Qatar, which jointly develops the world’s largest gas field with Iran, expressed concern over the potential threat to its own energy infrastructure and regional stability. Israel has not commented on the allegation.
