New York
The Long Island Rail Road strike, the first in more than 30 years since a brief 1994 walkout, ended after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing approximately 3,500 workers reached a tentative contract agreement.
The three-day shutdown halted all service on the nation’s busiest commuter rail system and stranded more than 300,000 daily riders traveling between Long Island and New York City. Negotiations had stalled over wages for the fourth year of a new contract, after the parties agreed to 3 percent, 3 percent, and 3.5 percent raises for the prior years. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the deal, stating it “delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers.” Union members must still ratify the agreement. The strike forced many commuters into lengthy alternative commutes via buses, shuttles, and roads, disrupting routines across the region.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism after posting a video commemorating “Nakba Day,” which featured 88-year-old Inea Bushnaq, a New Yorker of Bosnian descent. The video prominently displayed a “Visit Palestine” poster of Jerusalem in Bushnaq’s home, created in the 1930s by Austrian Jewish artist Franz Kraus, a Holocaust refugee who signed the work in Hebrew. Mamdani described Bushnaq as a “Nakba survivor” displaced during Israel’s 1948 founding. Jewish leaders and commentators highlighted the irony of using a Jewish-created poster to illustrate Palestinian displacement narratives. The post, released just before Shabbos, drew accusations of a one-sided historical presentation.
Leaders from the UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, and the New York Board of Rabbis declined invitations to Mayor Mamdani’s Jewish American Heritage Month celebration held at Gracie Mansion. The UJA-Federation stated it would not attend “being hosted by a mayor who denies a core pillar of our heritage—the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.” JCRC CEO Mark Treyger and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, also skipped the pre-Shavuot event. Potasnik said, “Jewish heritage should include recognition of the State of Israel. Jewish history didn’t end in 1946.” In contrast, Rabbi David Niederman of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg announced he would attend, telling the New York Post, “I am going. It’s right and appropriate.”
New York State legislators passed the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, which bans potassium bromate from food manufactured, distributed, or sold in the state. The additive, commonly used in commercial flour to strengthen dough, improve rise, and create the stretchy texture associated with New York bagels, pizza crusts, and other baked goods, has been linked to cancer risks in studies and is already prohibited in the European Union, China, Canada, and California. The measure, also targeting Red Dye No. 3 and propylparaben, passed both the Assembly and Senate by wide margins as part of broader efforts to remove certain food additives. The bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. If enacted, distributors would have one year to transition away from bromated flour, while restaurants and bakers could use existing stock until expiration dates.
New York State lawmakers are advancing a proposal for a 1 percent tax on all-cash residential real estate purchases of $1 million or more in New York City. The buyer-paid levy, modeled after the existing mortgage-recording tax, aims to generate approximately $160 million to help close the city’s budget gap. Discussions are also underway about potentially expanding the tax to qualifying all-cash transactions statewide. All-cash deals have surged amid elevated mortgage rates, accounting for more than 60 percent of New York City home purchases in the first half of 2025, with nearly 90 percent of Manhattan transactions above $3 million completed entirely in cash. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie confirmed the measure as part of broader budget negotiations to provide aid to the city.
U.S.
The Justice Department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted or prosecuted by the previous administration. The fund forms part of a settlement resolving President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the unauthorized leak of his tax returns. Under the agreement, Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization receive a formal apology but no monetary damages and will drop the suit with prejudice. Claims will be processed through a commission with applications accepted until December 15, 2028. The money will come from the federal Judgment Fund, a permanent appropriation for government settlements. President Trump is not eligible to receive payments from the fund.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy was decisively defeated in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary, finishing third with approximately 24.8 percent of the vote and failing to advance. The two-term incumbent, one of seven GOP senators who voted to convict President Donald Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, could not overcome voter backlash five years later. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by President Trump, led with roughly 44.8 percent, while State Treasurer John Fleming placed second with about 28.3 percent. Letlow and Fleming will face each other in a runoff election on June 27. The winner is expected to secure the seat in November given Louisiana’s strong Republican lean. Cassidy conceded the race, noting that the country “is not about one individual.”
The Justice Department announced that it will seek the death penalty against the 31-year-old Chicago man charged in the May 2025 murders of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Rodriguez faces federal hate crime and murder charges in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, as they left an American Jewish Committee event. According to the indictment, the man opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun, shouting “Free Palestine” during the attack, then entered the museum and told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.” Prosecutors filed notice of intent to pursue capital punishment on three of the 13 counts, including murder of foreign officials and hate crime resulting in death. The man has pleaded not guilty to the terrorism-related charges. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office cited the premeditated and ideologically motivated nature of the attack.
U.S. electricity prices rose 6.1 percent year-over-year in April 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, marking the eighth monthly increase above 5 percent in the past 10 months. Headline consumer price index inflation increased 3.8 percent annually during the same period, meaning electricity costs climbed roughly 61 percent faster than broader prices. The energy index overall rose 17.9 percent over the last 12 months, with electricity specifically up 6.1 percent while gasoline surged 28.4 percent. Since January 2020, average U.S. residential electricity prices have increased about 44 percent, compared with a 28 percent rise in overall consumer prices. Analysts attribute much of the pressure to surging power demand from AI data centers and ongoing strain on the electrical grid, which have pushed wholesale prices higher in multiple regions. The April figures were released as part of the broader CPI report showing inflation at its highest level since 2023.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon announced an agreement in principle to form a joint venture aimed at eliminating wireless dead zones across the United States. The collaboration pools spectrum resources from the three major carriers and leverages satellite-based direct-to-device technology to extend mobile coverage to rural areas, national parks, highways, and during emergencies. The venture seeks to create a unified platform that allows satellite providers to reach more customers efficiently while increasing capacity and improving service reliability. The JV remains subject to final definitive agreements and customary regulatory approvals. Once operational, the partnership is projected to significantly reduce nationwide coverage gaps through combined investments in satellite capacity. This marks a rare level of cooperation among the nation’s largest wireless providers.
Israel
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, head of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the elimination of the senior commander, describing him as one of the last remaining architects of the October 7, 2023, massacre and a key figure in ongoing terror operations. Haddad had assumed leadership of Hamas’ armed wing after the death of Mohammed Sinwar and worked to rebuild capabilities while directing attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. Throughout the conflict, he oversaw the group’s hostage system, using captives as human shields around his locations. Hamas confirmed his death.
Wael Mahmoud Abd al-Halim, commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Beqaa region in Lebanon, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Baalbek. The IDF identified al-Halim as a senior operative who led the integration of Islamic Jihad fighters into joint combat operations with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. In recent weeks, he directed efforts to advance terrorist attacks against Israel Defense Forces soldiers along the border. The strike targeted al-Halim while he was active in the Beqaa Valley, a key area for Iranian-backed groups. Israeli officials stated the operation neutralized an immediate threat involved in planning and executing attacks on IDF positions. Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah sources confirmed the death and vowed retaliation.
The law providing capital punishment for convicted terrorist murderers took effect in Judea and Samaria after Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, commander of the Israel Defense Forces Central Command, signed the implementing military order. The measure, passed by the Knesset on March 30, makes the death penalty the default sentence in military courts for Palestinians convicted of fatal terrorist attacks against Israelis. Judges may impose life imprisonment only in exceptional special circumstances. The legislation allows military courts to hand down death sentences by a simple majority vote, with executions required within 90 days and no possibility of commutation or pardon. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the policy ensures terrorists “will pay the heaviest price.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the development as a shift toward stronger deterrence following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre. The order amends security regulations applicable exclusively in the West Bank military court system.
The IDF dismantled a Hezbollah guided missile depot located south of the ceasefire line in southern Lebanon. Troops operating in the area discovered and neutralized the site containing precision-guided missiles intended for use against Israeli targets. The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s remaining military infrastructure in the region. Israeli officials stated the depot posed a direct threat to IDF forces and northern communities. The action was carried out without reported clashes in the immediate vicinity. The IDF continues targeted operations to prevent rearmament and restore security along the border.
The United States announced that Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire for an additional 45 days to enable further progress toward a lasting resolution. The April 16 cessation of hostilities, originally brokered by the Trump administration, was set to expire on May 18 but will now remain in effect through early July. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott described the third round of direct talks in Washington as “highly productive,” noting both sides made advances on security and political issues. The parties will reconvene for the next round of negotiations on June 2 and 3 in Washington. A separate military coordination meeting between delegations from Israel, Lebanon, and the United States is scheduled for May 29 at the Pentagon.
The Israeli government unanimously approved a comprehensive package of financial incentives to encourage countries to relocate their embassies to Jerusalem and recognize it as Israel’s capital. The initiative will use ministry budgets to assist with costs related to establishing or moving embassies, including housing and planning support. Paraguay opened its embassy in Jerusalem in December 2024, Fiji followed in September 2025, and Ecuador established an innovation office with diplomatic status in the city in December 2025. The government aims to expand this momentum through targeted incentives and cooperation in additional fields.
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange reported a 116 percent surge in net profit for the first quarter of 2026, reaching a record NIS 77.4 million following its transition to a Monday–Friday trading week in January. First-quarter revenue rose 40 percent to NIS 183.3 million, equivalent to approximately $63.2 million, marking the highest quarterly revenue since the exchange’s IPO. Average daily stock trading volume jumped 92 percent to a record NIS 5.6 billion, while Friday turnover reached roughly NIS 4.4 billion, up significantly from previous Sunday sessions. The schedule change aligned trading hours more closely with global markets and boosted liquidity and foreign investor participation. Adjusted EBITDA increased 87 percent to NIS 115.6 million, with the margin expanding to 63.1 percent.
WORLD
Somaliland’s first ambassador in the country’s history, Dr. Mohamed Haji Omar Mohamoud, presented his letters of credence to Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The ceremony marked the formal establishment of diplomatic relations following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence in December 2025, making Israel the first nation to do so since Somaliland restored its sovereignty in 1991. Herzog welcomed the envoy, describing the occasion as the beginning of an “important new partnership” that will benefit both peoples and the wider region. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also hosted Mohamoud at the Foreign Ministry, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation. The ambassador, a longtime adviser to Somaliland’s president, played a key role in forging the ties between the two sides. The milestone occurred as Israel observed Somaliland’s Independence Day.
Pakistan deployed approximately 8,000 troops, a squadron of about 16 JF-17 fighter jets, two squadrons of drones, and a Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense system to Saudi Arabia under the mutual defense pact signed in September 2025. The deployment, financed by Saudi Arabia and operated entirely by Pakistani personnel, began in early April and forms a “substantial, combat-capable force intended to support Saudi Arabia’s military if the kingdom comes under further attack.” The pact, which treats aggression against one as aggression against both, builds on longstanding military cooperation between the two nations. The deployment occurs even as Pakistan continues its role as the primary mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly told his inner circle of his intention to resign and is discussing possible timelines for his departure. The Daily Mail reported that Starmer aims to “do it on his own terms” and “set out a timetable” after concluding the current political chaos is unsustainable. One source told the paper, “He realises the current chaos is unsustainable. He simply wants to be able to do it in a dignified way and in a manner of his own choosing.” The reports follow Labour’s heavy losses in the May 7, 2026, local elections, which saw the party shed nearly 1,500 council seats. Starmer has publicly insisted he has no plans to resign, stating the country expects the government to focus on governing. Allies have urged him to delay any announcement until after the Makerfield by-election on June 18.
London police are investigating an alleged antisemitic assault in the Golders Green neighborhood after a 22-year-old Israeli man reported being attacked early Monday morning. The victim told the Jewish Chronicle he had stepped outside his home to take a phone call when several men overheard him speaking Hebrew. The group approached, chased him through the street, shouted abuse in Arabic, and asked if he was Jewish before physically beating him. The man sustained injuries during the assault but did not require hospitalization. Metropolitan Police confirmed they are treating the incident as a hate crime and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
sNiPPeEtS oF StRaNgE
A New York high school has produced 21 valedictorians, presumably destroying the self-esteem of the remaining 279 students in a single administrative decision. Jericho High School in Nassau County uses unweighted letter grades, meaning you too could have been valedictorian — you just needed to get an A+ in every single class for four consecutive years. Simple! The school is celebrating this as a record, narrowly beating their previous personal best of 15 overachievers, which tells you this has been a problem brewing for some time. In a cruel twist, not all 21 will get to give speeches at graduation, which is frankly the first fair thing that has ever happened to any of these kids. Instead, they’ll be put at the front of the procession, which is either an honor or just a way to keep an eye on them.
A man who holds over 300 Guinness World Records and presumably zero chill, took a Disney Cruise with his family and thought, I should do something productive. While normal people were watching the ocean or eating their fourth plate of an endless buffet, the man lined up 100 toothpicks on a table and started snapping, destroying the previous record of 58 with a breezy 84 – in one minute. He is still awaiting official Guinness confirmation, which is the only remaining source of suspense in a life that has otherwise been completely conquered. His family, to their credit, has not yet staged an intervention.
New York City issued a $50 speeding ticket to a car that has not moved in over a decade, because bureaucracy does not care about your excuses. The Volo Museum’s replica KITT from Knight Rider was allegedly clocked doing 36 mph in a 25 mph zone on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, despite sitting completely stationary in an Illinois museum, minding its own business. The license plate it was ticketed for is a novelty item the museum literally sells in its gift shop, which raises uncomfortable questions about how the city’s traffic camera system works. Officials have since agreed to dismiss the ticket, stopping just short of issuing a formal apology to a fictional car. The museum, for its part, has publicly blamed David Hasselhoff and is requesting his phone number to settle the debt.
A 52-year-old British sailor is preparing to spend at least three months completely alone in a boat that is shorter than a dining room table, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, because some people simply cannot be talked out of anything. The man’s first attempt failed when someone dropped his boat on concrete and it shattered into pieces, which is not a great sign for a vessel intended to survive the open ocean. Undeterred, he has rebuilt it in aluminum and described himself as feeling “fine” about the whole situation, a word that has never carried less reassurance. The tiny craft is equipped with solar panels and satellite communication, which is genuinely impressive engineering in service of a genuinely baffling life choice. He is doing it all to raise money for cancer research, which is the only reason anyone is able to root for him rather than just stare at the horizon and worry.
A 49-year-old man from Aruba wrapped a rope around his own neck and dragged a 21,737-pound bus more than 65 feet, because the gym was apparently not enough of a challenge anymore. The man described the experience as a “psychological battle to remain composed,” which is one way to put it, and which most people achieve by doing something like a crossword puzzle. This is his tenth Guinness World Record, and his previous titles include pulling things with his teeth, his fingers, and now his neck, suggesting he is working methodically through every body part until someone stops him. He dedicated the record to his four children and the youth of Aruba, who will hopefully look at their father’s life’s work and choose a different path.
