NEW YORK NEWS
Republican Congressman George Santos from New York has been indicted and arrested on multiple charges, including campaign finance fraud, false statements to Congress, and theft of public funds.
Santos surrendered to authorities and pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance. The indictment accuses Santos of engaging in fraudulent schemes and misrepresentations, with charges including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to the House of Representatives. He allegedly used campaign funds for personal expenses such as buying designer clothes and paying off credit card debt, instead of using them for his campaign. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized that the indictment portrays Santos as someone who relied on dishonesty and deception to gain a position in Congress and enrich himself, including unlawfully applying for pandemic-related unemployment benefits intended for those genuinely in need.
Attorneys representing Daniel Penny, who has been charged with manslaughter in the choking death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, have raised more than $2 million for his legal defense fund. The fundraiser on GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site, has received contributions from over 39,000 donors since its launch. Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, turned himself in on manslaughter charges and was released on $100,000 bond, with the requirement to surrender his passport. The funds raised are intended to cover Penny’s legal fees, potential civil lawsuits, and related defense expenses. Any surplus funds will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City. The decision to use GiveSendGo was made after Penny’s attorney claimed that he was unwelcome on GoFundMe. The GiveSendGo page experienced temporary downtime due to high traffic.
Two New York counties, Orange and Rockland, have declared states of emergency and are taking legal action against New York City’s plan to relocate asylum-seekers to vacant hotels in their communities. New York City Mayor Eric Adams aims to move 300 recent arrivals to these counties, but the move has sparked controversy and resistance. The counties’ states of emergency aim to prevent hotels from accommodating migrants from the city, and a judge in Rockland County has issued a temporary restraining order against such housing. The conflict arises as the federal Title 42 program is ending, leading to expectations of an increased influx of migrants to New York City. The standoff between county and city authorities highlights the tensions surrounding immigration policy at the local level.
The New York City Council has passed a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on weight in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodation. The bill adds weight and height to the list of protected identifiers under city law, alongside race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. Councilmember Shaun Abreu, the sponsor of the legislation, highlighted the need for legal protection against weight-based prejudice and stated that New York City would be joining a small number of cities in implementing such protections. While Michigan is the only state with a law specifically banning weight discrimination, a court in Washington state has ruled that obesity is covered by anti-discrimination laws for employees with disabilities. The bill now awaits the approval of Mayor Eric Adams, who has previously expressed his belief that weight should not be a basis for differential treatment.
Former President Donald Trump has filed an appeal against the $5 million judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll, a former magazine columnist who accused him of abuse and defamation. The notice of appeal was filed in the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals shortly after federal Judge Lewis Kaplan endorsed the jury verdict and ordered Trump to pay Carroll the full amount. The jury found Trump liable for battery based on Carroll’s claim and awarded her approximately $2 million in damages for the civil battery claim, as well as nearly $3 million in damages for proving her defamation claim. While the jury held Trump accountable for abuse, they did not find sufficient evidence to support Carroll’s rape allegation. Trump has consistently denied all accusations and criticized the trial verdict. The appeal does not affect Trump’s presidential candidacy, and he has previously stated that he plans to appeal the decision.
Two New York City police detectives have been indicted for allegedly stealing expensive champagne while on duty at an electronic music festival, with a third detective accused of not intervening. Detectives Wojciech Czech and Warren Golden pleaded not guilty to the charges, including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, while the third detective, Jonathan Gonzalez, is scheduled for arraignment later. The incident occurred during a drug enforcement assignment at the Electric Zoo festival, where Gonzalez took two unopened bottles of Ace of Spades Champagne from a VIP table. Czech allegedly handed the bottles back to Gonzalez, and Golden reportedly did nothing to stop them. The Champagne, valued at $2,900, was eventually returned to the rightful owners. The defense attorneys for the detectives expressed confidence in their clients’ innocence and believed the charges would be cleared.
US NEWS
The southern border crisis has escalated into a significant humanitarian and national security crisis, with a record-breaking number of illegal migrants crossing the border this week. Border Patrol reported that approximately 83,000 migrants crossed illegally, a figure equivalent to a full-capacity Dallas Cowboys football stadium crossing the border in just one week. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been holding a record-breaking number of migrants, with up to 28,000 people in facilities that are well beyond capacity. The busiest detention centers are located in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and El Paso, as well as two areas in Arizona. The high volume of arrivals has led to some migrants being released without a notice to appear in immigration court, with instructions to report to an immigration office later. However, a federal judge in Florida has blocked such releases, citing procedural issues. On average, migrants are spending nearly three days in custody. President Joe Biden appeared to dismiss the media’s attempts to question him about the border situation, laughing as his staff shouted over the reporters. When asked in Delaware if he would be visiting the border, Biden said, “Not in the near term, no.”
A Jewish middle school teacher in Wisconsin was arrested for making terrorist threats towards students who drew swastikas in his classroom. The teacher, whose identity has not been disclosed, allegedly told the students that he possessed 17 guns in his basement and was not afraid to use them. Reports suggest that the teacher, who was angered by the drawings, also threatened to send his daughter to the students’ homes with a baseball bat. The teacher has been charged with making terrorist threats and exposing a child to harmful material, both of which are felonies. The school superintendent has placed the teacher on immediate leave pending a complete investigation.
Two staffers working for Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) were assaulted at his district office by an individual wielding a metal baseball bat. The attacker asked for the representative before carrying out the act of violence. Connolly confirmed that both injured staffers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the assailant was apprehended by the police. Connolly expressed concern for the well-being of his team members and commended the swift response of the first responders.
Vice Media has filed for bankruptcy, marking a decline for the once-promising digital publishing company. The bankruptcy filing will not disrupt Vice’s daily operations, including its website, ad agency Virtue, Pulse Films division, and Refinery29. A group of lenders, led by Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management, has submitted a bid of $225 million to acquire Vice out of bankruptcy, using their existing loans to cover the cost. This bid would also involve taking on significant liabilities. The bankruptcy represents a blow to Vice’s previous ambitions of a high valuation or stock market debut, with investments from companies like Disney and TPG rendered worthless. Vice, like other digital-media companies such as BuzzFeed and Vox Media, placed bets on the power of social media platforms to attract advertisers but struggled to generate significant profits. The bankruptcy highlights the challenges faced by media organizations reliant on social media for growth and audience reach.
Linda Yaccarino, the newly appointed CEO of Twitter, released her first statement after Elon Musk announced her hiring as he transitions to the role of executive chairman and chief technology officer. Yaccarino expressed excitement about working with Musk to transform Twitter into an all-encompassing platform. She emphasized the importance of user feedback and building Twitter 2.0 together. Yaccarino had a long tenure at NBCUniversal, focusing on advertising effectiveness measurement. Twitter users discovered her connections to entities like the World Economic Forum and the Ad Council. Musk assured that Yaccarino would not implement shadow bans, which previously targeted conservatives on Twitter. However, concerns were raised about content moderation and the influence of advertisers on the platform. Musk defended freedom of speech as paramount, even if it meant losing advertising dollars.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has issued a warning to congressional leaders that the US government could face a debt default within three weeks if an agreement on the debt ceiling is not reached soon. Yellen explained that the debt limit was surpassed earlier this year, and unless it is suspended or increased, the Treasury Department expects a default on obligations as early as June 1. Yellen emphasized the serious consequences of a debt default, including harm to business and consumer confidence, increased borrowing costs, and a negative impact on the US credit rating. The exact date of the default is uncertain but estimated based on federal data. Yellen urged Congress to take action to protect the nation’s credit and avoid severe hardships. Negotiations are ongoing, with disagreements centering on spending reforms and budget cuts. Failure to raise the debt ceiling could lead to a recession and pose financial risks to the US economy.
Israel NEWS
IDF spokesperson provided a summary of Operation Shield and Arrow against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza, which lasted five days. The operation resulted in the assassination of six high-ranking PIJ members and the dismantling of over 400 military positions. The IDF highlighted key achievements, including eliminating the top leadership of the PIJ, destroying rocket launch sites and control headquarters, and successfully thwarting PIJ counterattacks. The IDF destroyed numerous outposts, weapon manufacturing facilities, control centers, mortar sites, and rocket launch sites. The PIJ fired nearly 1,300 rockets, with most intercepted by Israel’s defense system. The conflict resulted in two deaths in Israel and a Palestinian worker. A ceasefire was reached and respected, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising the success of the operation and the changed equation it brought.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Sweden, marking the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the country in 22 years and indicating a shift towards warmer ties between the two nations. Cohen stated that the visit signaled a “change in direction” of relations, following years of critical positions by Sweden towards Israel. His meeting with Swedish counterpart Tobias Billstrom was described as “very good and productive.” Previous strained relations stemmed from Sweden’s recognition of a Palestinian state in 2014, leading to diplomatic tensions, but recent efforts have been made to mend ties, and the new Swedish government is expected to further improve relations with Israel.
Cyprus and Israel are in the process of finalizing a deal to construct a pipeline that will transport natural gas from both countries to Cyprus for liquefaction and export to Europe and other potential markets, according to the Cypriot energy minister. The pipeline could be completed in 18 months once the formal agreement is signed, while the construction of a liquefaction plant on Cyprus would take an additional 2 ½ years. Several significant gas deposits have been discovered off the coasts of Cyprus and Israel, making the collaboration economically viable. The project aims to facilitate the export of liquefied natural gas via ship to meet the growing energy demand in Europe and possibly Asia. The agreement between the two countries is a modified version of the previously proposed EastMed pipeline, which intended to deliver gas directly to Europe but fell out of favor in recent years. Negotiations between Cyprus, Israel, and energy companies licensed to explore the region’s gas deposits are ongoing to expedite the development and commercialization of their discoveries.
WORLD NEWS
China has sentenced a 78-year-old US citizen, John Shing-Wan Leung, to life in prison on spying charges, a move that could further strain relations between Beijing and Washington. The details of the charges against Leung have not been made public, as investigations and trials related to national security are typically held behind closed doors in China. The sentencing comes amid already deteriorating relations between the two countries over various issues, including trade, technology, human rights, and territorial disputes. China’s expanding influence globally and its authoritarian political system make it difficult to obtain further information or challenge court decisions. The US Embassy in Beijing expressed awareness of the case but could not provide additional details due to privacy concerns.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the United Nations to suspend Israel’s membership unless it fulfills resolutions that establish separate Jewish and Arab states and allows for the return of Palestinian refugees. Abbas made the plea during the U.N.’s first official commemoration of the flight of Palestinians from what is now Israel 75 years ago. Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, condemned the event and urged ambassadors not to attend, accusing it of distorting history and promoting antisemitism. Israel and the United States boycotted the commemoration. Abbas highlighted the lack of implementation of U.N. resolutions regarding the Palestinians and demanded that Israel fulfill its obligations or risk losing membership. The Nakba, which means “the catastrophe,” has been commemorated by anti-Israel activists since the creation of the Jewish State.
Turkey’s presidential election is headed for a run-off vote after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured 49.5% of the vote and his main challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, received 44.89%, according to official results from the Supreme Election Council. As neither candidate reached the required 50% threshold, they will face off in a second round on May 28. This marks the third time that Turks directly voted for a president, and Erdogan had previously won outright in the first round. The election comes amid a cost-of-living crisis and recent earthquakes, which have boosted opposition hopes of unseating Erdogan. The election also holds significance as it coincides with the centenary of the Republic of Turkey.
Commemoration professionals in Poland have criticized the opening of an ice cream stand near the Auschwitz-Birkenau former death camp. The stand, located just 200 meters from the Auschwitz II Historical Gate, features a drawing of an ice cream cone and a pink-colored logo. The stand was erected without a permit and will be relocated, according to a county official. The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum expressed disappointment, calling it aesthetically tasteless and disrespectful to the nearby historical site. Residents also expressed their upset, describing it as an eyesore.
King Charles III is considering a visit to Israel in the near future, which would make him the first reigning monarch to do so. While Queen Elizabeth II did not travel to Israel during her 70-year reign, other members of the royal family, including King Charles III in his previous visits, Prince Philip, and Prince William, have visited the country. Lord Polak, a political peer and former director of Conservative Friends of Israel, believes that King Charles III will break the pattern and make the historic visit, as preparations have already begun. The visit would likely include a visit to Palestinian territories as well. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has reportedly been involved in lobbying efforts for the visit. Despite recent obstacles, such as rocket attacks from Gaza, King Charles III has expressed a willingness to visit Israel in his official capacity as monarch.
