New York
A 7-year-old girl was killed after she was struck by a school bus on Blauvelt Road in Monsey, authorities and local emergency responders said. The victim was identified as Blima Weber, bas Reb Yisroel Ephraim Weber.
The tragedy comes just weeks after another fatal crash involving a young child in the region. Last month, 8-year-old Shaindel “Charlotte” Herzberg was killed in a separate traffic incident, renewing concerns about pedestrian safety in the community. Local officials and community leaders have called for enhanced safety measures around schools and residential areas.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a moratorium on new large data centers across the state. The move comes amid concerns over energy consumption and grid capacity as the technology sector expands rapidly. The moratorium is intended to allow time for a comprehensive review of the impact of large-scale data centers on electricity supply and infrastructure. Hochul stated that the pause is necessary to ensure responsible development and protect ratepayers from potential cost increases. Critics argue the decision could hinder economic growth and innovation in New York, a key hub for technology companies. The executive order will temporarily halt approvals for new facilities while studies are conducted. Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman reacted to the news with a simple, “China wins.”
Homeless encampments outside the Intrepid Museum in New York City have drawn comments from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Blakeman criticized the situation as emblematic of broader failures in addressing homelessness and public safety under progressive leadership in the city. The encampments have raised concerns among visitors and local residents about sanitation, crime, and the impact on a major tourist attraction. Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor, used the issue to highlight differences in approach to quality-of-life problems between Nassau County and New York City. Officials have been working to address the encampments, but advocates have pushed back against enforcement efforts. The Intrepid Museum remains a popular destination despite the visible challenges nearby.
New York City rents have hit record highs just weeks after Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated a “rent freeze” approved by the Rent Guidelines Board. Despite the freeze on rent-stabilized units, market-rate apartments continue to see significant increases driven by high demand and limited supply. Real estate analysts noted that the policy has done little to alleviate the overall housing affordability crisis in the city. Mamdani touted the freeze as a major victory for tenants, but critics argue it discourages new construction and maintenance while failing to address the root causes of high rents. Developers and landlords have warned that such policies could exacerbate the supply problem.
New York City says 31 buildings on the Upper East Side tested positive for Legionella bacteria after the city tested more than 180 cooling towers. The city initially reported 46 cases, including 22 people hospitalized, but the outbreak later grew to 59 confirmed cases, with 15 people still hospitalized. The bacteria, which thrives in water systems, can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. Officials are working with building owners to disinfect affected cooling towers and implement corrective measures. The Upper East Side has been a focus of the investigation due to the concentration of cases. Health authorities have urged residents with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath to seek medical attention. The city’s response includes expanded testing and public alerts to contain the spread. No deaths have been reported so far.
U.S.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died. The longtime Republican lawmaker, known for his strong support of a robust national defense and close alliance with Israel, died after an aortic dissection. Graham served in the Senate since 2003 and was a key figure in foreign policy debates. He was a vocal advocate for military aid to Ukraine and Israel and played a significant role in shaping Republican positions on national security. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with colleagues praising his dedication to public service. President Donald Trump expressed condolences, noting Graham’s contributions to conservative causes. Graham’s death leaves a vacancy in the Senate that will be filled according to South Carolina law. The senator was 71 years old.
South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone — sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham — to serve the remainder of her brother’s Senate term. The appointment ensures continuity in representation for the state following Graham’s death. Nordone, who has been involved in public service and community affairs, is expected to carry forward her brother’s legacy on key issues, including national security and support for Israel. McMaster praised the choice as honoring Graham’s commitment to South Carolina. Nordone will serve until the end of the term in January, while the state proceeds toward the November election for the next full term.
Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner has announced he is suspending campaign operations and intends to file paperwork to withdraw from the race. Platner denied recent allegations against him as “false” and argued that political pressure, not the allegations themselves, made it impossible for his campaign to continue. The decision comes amid controversy surrounding the candidate and leaves Democrats in a challenging position ahead of the November election. Platner had been the party’s nominee in the race to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
SMitch McConnell says a recent fall left him briefly unconscious and hospitalized, but doctors found no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumors, or hemorrhages. He said he also dealt with a mild case of pneumonia and is now recovering at a rehabilitation center. McConnell, the longtime Republican leader from Kentucky, reassured supporters about his health and expressed gratitude for the medical care he received. The incident has raised questions about the physical demands of serving in the Senate at an advanced age. McConnell has been a central figure in Republican politics for decades. The senator indicated he plans to return to his duties in the near future.
The Jewish community in central Indiana held a rally after a building in Zionsville bearing Israeli and American flags was set on fire. The Zionsville Fire Department responded to a fire at the building, a former antique shop on South Main Street. It was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Zionsville Mayor John Stehr said during a press conference that investigators believe someone set fire to an Israeli flag that was hanging from the building. Community leaders used the rally to call for unity and stronger action against hate crimes. The attack on symbols of Israel and the United States has drawn condemnation from local officials and Jewish organizations. The rally served as a show of solidarity for the affected family and the broader Jewish community. No arrests have been announced.
The Trump administration is reportedly discussing plans to install permanent security fencing along Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House and around Lafayette Square as part of an effort to strengthen security around the White House complex. The proposed barriers would allow officials to more easily restrict pedestrian access during elevated security threats, replacing the temporary fencing often used by the Secret Service. The plans are still under review, and no final decision has been announced. Officials aim to enhance protection while maintaining the area’s accessibility for tourists and visitors when possible. The White House complex has faced increased security challenges in recent years. The proposed fencing would provide a more permanent solution to recurring security needs.
Israel
Israel has granted city status to Givat Ze’ev, marking a significant step in the development of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. The decision elevates the town, located north of Jerusalem, to formal city status, recognizing its growth and importance as a residential and communal center. Givat Ze’ev has expanded considerably in recent years, attracting families seeking affordable housing near the capital while maintaining a strong connection to Israeli society. Officials described the upgrade as part of broader efforts to strengthen Jewish presence in strategic areas and provide better services to residents. The move is expected to facilitate further infrastructure development and economic opportunities in the community. Givat Ze’ev has long served as a vibrant hub for religious and secular families alike.
The IDF eliminated terrorist Mohammed Emad Alrahman Abu Taima, a Nukhba cell commander in Hamas’ military wing, who infiltrated Kibbutz Nirim during the October 7 Massacre. Taima commanded a Nukhba cell that carried out ambushes against IDF troops. In addition to advancing attacks, he was involved in maintaining the operational readiness of terrorists and recruiting new terrorists to Hamas. Abu Taima’s role in the October 7 atrocities and subsequent operations made him a high-priority target. No Israeli casualties were reported in the operation.
Israel’s next national election is scheduled for October 27. The decision comes amid ongoing political developments and security challenges facing the Jewish state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has navigated a complex coalition while addressing multiple threats, including the war against Hamas in Gaza and tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The election will determine the composition of the next Knesset and potentially shift the balance of power in Israeli politics. Key issues likely to dominate the campaign include national security, economic recovery, judicial reform, and relations with the United States.
NVIDIA has opened a new 3,000-square-meter research and development center in Beersheva’s Gav-Yam Negev Advanced Technologies Park, tripling its footprint in the city and reinforcing its commitment to Israel’s tech sector. The facility already employs more than 150 people, with space for hundreds more as the company plans to hire chip developers, hardware and software engineers, and AI specialists. The center will develop critical hardware and software infrastructure powering advanced AI data centers worldwide. Since acquiring Mellanox Technologies in 2020, NVIDIA has expanded to more than 6,000 employees across five R&D centers in Israel and currently has more than 450 open positions nationwide.
World
The U.S. completed strikes against Iranian military targets for a third consecutive night, while Tehran hit two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and triggered fresh missile alerts in Bahrain. The five-hour mission struck military targets across the country and further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. U.S. forces attacked Iranian coastal defense systems, missile and drone sites, and maritime capabilities. The military action came hours after President Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping in the strait and briefly floated, then dropped, a 20% toll charge for ships traveling through the critical energy waterway. Iran retaliated with attacks targeting Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The UAE Defense Ministry said national tankers were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles, killing one Indian crew member and injuring eight others. Bahrain also came under renewed attack.
The Australian reported that Jewish patients and healthcare workers have faced widespread antisemitism since October 7. Incidents include verbal harassment, exclusion from professional opportunities, and hostile environments in hospitals and clinics across the country. Jewish medical professionals have described feeling unsafe and unsupported in their workplaces, with some reporting physical intimidation or discriminatory treatment. Patients have also encountered bias from staff, including refusals of care or derogatory comments linked to their Jewish identity or support for Israel. The surge in antisemitic incidents has coincided with heightened tensions following the Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing war. Jewish community leaders have called for stronger protections and training in the healthcare sector.
A series of arson and vandalism attacks on Jewish sites in Britain were the work of a proxy group backed by Iran, according to the U.K. government. The government announced that it is banning the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, or IMCR, also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. It also banned Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The decision comes amid heightened concerns over Iranian-sponsored terrorism and antisemitic violence in the United Kingdom. Officials linked the group to multiple incidents targeting synagogues, schools, and other Jewish institutions. Jewish leaders welcomed the move as a necessary step to combat rising threats.
The U.S. and Canada have reached a deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge, ending a dispute that delayed the project’s launch. President Trump announced the breakthrough on Truth Social, saying he was able to secure a “much better deal for America.” The bridge is now set to open July 27, becoming another crossing linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The agreement resolves longstanding disagreements over tolls, operations, and border procedures. The bridge is expected to significantly ease congestion and boost trade between the two countries. The project has been years in the making and represents a major infrastructure achievement. The opening will provide additional capacity for commercial and passenger traffic in a key economic corridor. The bridge is named after the legendary Canadian hockey player.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian missile attacks. Trump made the announcement as he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Turkey, praising him as having “done an amazing job” and “been very effective” in the war. The decision represents a significant step to bolster Ukraine’s defenses in the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth year. The move is expected to accelerate production and delivery of the advanced systems to Ukrainian forces. Trump emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine while protecting American interests. The development comes amid continued Russian aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities.
Children attending Camp Gan Israel – Young Shluchim in Russia uncovered what organizers described as a rare antique pocket watch and centuries-old Russian ruble coins while participating in an archaeological excavation at the historic courtyard of the Chabad Rebbes in Lubavitch. The items were turned over to Rabbi Gabriel Gordon, who oversees the restoration and maintenance of the historic complex. After a preliminary examination, Gordon said the craftsmanship and quality of the pocket watch suggest it may have belonged to a member of the family of the Chabad Rebbes, although additional study will be needed to determine its origin. The excavation is part of broader efforts to preserve Jewish heritage in the region. The children’s involvement in the dig provided an educational experience connecting them to Jewish history. The artifacts will undergo professional conservation and analysis.
sNiPPeEtS oF StRaNgE
Somebody paid nearly $3.9 million for a single page of comic book art, which works out to roughly one small house per panel. The page in question is Iron Man’s very first appearance, from 1963’s Tales of Suspense No. 39, and six separate bidders were still gleefully hammering away at each other well past the $3 million mark, apparently unbothered by the concept of rent. The auction house’s comic art director described it, with admirable restraint, as a fantastic image meeting a historic book. The previous record belonged to a page featuring Spider-Man’s edgy black costume debut, which had held the crown since 2022 and has now been politely asked to step aside. Somewhere, a man whose mother threw out his childhood comics is lying face down on the floor.
An Idaho man with more Guinness World Records than most people have socks decided to run an entire marathon wearing 125 T-shirts, because he had previously run a half marathon in 137 shirts and concluded, with the confidence of a man who has never been humbled, that doubling the distance would be fine. It was not fine. He overheated, ran out of ice, and had to be rescued by a support runner who sprinted into a golf course pro shop to beg strangers for frozen water, which is now the most heroic thing to ever happen at a golf course. He finished in 5 hours, 54 minutes and 50 seconds, with a whole five minutes to spare before the cutoff. Peeling off 43 pounds of shirts afterward, he reports, felt like an exorcism. His back had a dent in it. The record is his.
A group of Italian engineering students looked at a paper airplane and thought: what if that, but the size of a bus? They then built one, out of nothing but paper and glue, with a wingspan of 65.75 feet and a length of 23 feet, and launched it at a tech fair, where it flew 193.5 feet before presumably being tackled by everyone in the room. This shattered a German record that had been sitting untouched since 2013, which is a long time for anyone to be the reigning champion of large paper. The students, who call themselves Project Icarus — a name that suggests either bravery or an alarming gap in classics education — said it all started as a joke between classes and ended in months of simulations, mistakes and restarts.
A New Zealand great-grandfather has been officially declared the world’s oldest water skier, achieving this at the age of 94 years and 318 days, which is roughly 94 years and 318 days older than most people last attempted water skiing. He started in 1955, competed in tournaments all over the country, dragged his entire family into the sport, and simply never got around to stopping. He notes that people constantly tell him he’s an inspiration, which he seems to find encouraging rather than exhausting. He has no plans to quit and intends to extend the record over the summer, presumably while the rest of us consider a nap. His philosophy: you don’t stop because you get old, you get old because you stop. Somewhere, a boat is already warming up.
