NEW YORK NEWS
Federal agents conducted a raid on the home of Brianna Suggs, a prominent fundraiser and confidante to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Mayor Adams abruptly canceled a White House meeting and returned to New York amid the investigation. Suggs, who works as a campaign consultant for Adams, is associated with fundraising efforts and lobbying for a real estate client.
While the exact nature of the investigation remains undisclosed, it is part of a series of legal troubles involving individuals linked to Adams’ fundraising activities, though not directly implicating his campaign or administration. Suggs’ dual roles as a fundraiser and lobbyist had previously raised questions.
During the civil fraud trial, former President Donald Trump was admonished by the presiding Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engeron to keep his answers concise and reminded that it wasn’t a political rally, as he testified in a lawsuit alleging he significantly inflated his net worth. The trial is a convergence of Trump’s legal troubles and his political aspirations as he faces criminal indictments while aiming to reclaim the White House in 2024. Trump’s testimony allows him to use the witness stand as a campaign platform, but the under-oath format and the judge’s prior fines for incendiary comments outside of court pose risks for a businessman and candidate known for his freewheeling rhetorical style. The tension between the judge and Trump was evident, with the judge scolding him for the length and content of his answers. Trump downplayed his direct involvement in preparing financial statements that were allegedly inflated and fraudulent, and he complained about the lawsuit’s timing, arguing it involved documents from a statute of limitations perspective. Trump’s legal troubles have significant consequences, particularly the potential threat to his company and financial future.
Rep. George Santos narrowly avoided expulsion from the House as the majority of Republicans and 31 Democrats chose to withhold punishment while his criminal trial and a House Ethics Committee investigation continue. The effort to remove Santos from the House was led by his fellow New York Republicans who sought to distance themselves from a colleague accused of fabricating his life story and engaging in fraudulent activities. However, the resolution failed to secure the required two-thirds vote, with 179 members in favor of expulsion and 213 against. Many Republicans and some Democrats preferred to wait for the Ethics Committee’s findings and due process to unfold before taking such a drastic step, making it unprecedented for the House to expel a member before their federal court case is resolved. Santos faces multiple charges, including financial fraud.
Former cryptocurrency exchange mogul Sam Bankman-Fried has been found guilty of fraud and money laundering in a New York trial, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-renowned “King of Crypto.” The jury delivered its verdict after a brief deliberation, finding Bankman-Fried guilty of charges related to lying to investors and stealing billions of dollars, which contributed to the collapse of his exchange, FTX. Bankman-Fried, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, now faces a potential maximum prison sentence of 110 years, although the actual sentence is likely to be less. The case has been closely watched for its implications for the cryptocurrency industry and regulation. Bankman-Fried also faces the possibility of a second trial on campaign finance violations.
New York state has closed the last floating prison ship in the United States, the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, with its 500 occupants temporarily moved to Rikers Island as part of a broader effort to replace the city’s correctional system with smaller jails. The 800-bed prison barge arrived in New York over three decades ago to alleviate overcrowding at Rikers Island but faced criticism and scandal over the years. Detainees and advocates had harshly criticized the ship’s conditions, and it had been labeled a “modern-day slave ship.” The closure comes after years of controversy, including the death of a detainee from a treatable infection in 2021. While the ship’s future remains uncertain, it will stay with the Department of Corrections for now. Rikers Island itself is set to be closed by 2027.
Uber and Lyft will collectively pay $328 million to settle a lawsuit brought by New York state, accusing them of wrongly passing taxes and fees onto their drivers that should have been borne by passengers. As part of the settlement, both ride-hailing companies have also agreed to establish a minimum wage and provide paid sick leave for their drivers statewide. Uber will pay $290 million, while Lyft will pay $38 million, with the funds distributed to current and former drivers. This settlement addresses allegations that both companies had systematically deprived drivers of wages and benefits while working long hours in challenging conditions. Additionally, Uber has agreed to make quarterly payments to New York state’s unemployment trust fund, covering dues dating back to 2013. The exact amount was not disclosed due to state and federal law restrictions. New York was the first city in the U.S. to establish a minimum wage for app-based drivers, setting an example for other cities and states to address labor issues related to gig workers.
US NEWS
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the White House gates, demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and criticizing President Joe Biden for his support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The protesters chanted anti-Biden slogans, displayed signs, and Palestinian flags. Vandalism was reported in the area, with instances of red handprints, resembling blood, defacing one of the White House entrances. Video footage showed Secret Service agents within the White House perimeter tearing down a long banner attached to the fence from the outside. Protesters also climbed onto statues in nearby Lafayette Park, covering the historical statues with their signs and flags. Footage of the statue of Benjamin Franklin covered in a keffiyeh highlighted the myriad of images coming out of the event.
A 69-year-old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, died from a head injury following a physical altercation during pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Thousand Oaks, Southern California. The altercation took place between Kessler and at least one counterprotester. Kessler fell and struck his head during the confrontation. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime and is actively investigating the incident. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles expressed condolences, while the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged against spreading rumors and encouraged waiting for the investigation results. A rabbi emphasized the need to let law enforcement conduct their inquiry, and the incident occurred in an area known for demonstrations with a history of counterprotest issues and hate speech.
The U.S. House approved a $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel, introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, which departs from traditional emergency aid bills by requiring offsets in government spending. The vote, largely along party lines, saw 12 Democrats joining Republicans in favor, with President Joe Biden threatening to veto the bill. The legislation falls short of Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion, as it lacks humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed skepticism about the bill’s chances in the Senate. The House GOP has attached provisions to cut IRS funding to pay for the aid, which could end up costing the federal government a net $12.5 billion. While the package provides support for Israel’s defense, it is seen as a partisan approach that diverges from past bipartisan support for Israel during conflicts.
Oscar-winning Israeli director Guy Nattiv and Israeli actress Gal Gadot are planning to host a private screening in Los Angeles of uncensored footage provided by Israel depicting the deadly massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists in the Jewish state on October 7. The film will show graphic and violent content, including videos of Hamas terrorists brutally killing civilians. The screening will be attended by around 120 people, primarily from the filmmaking industry, with the possibility of additional screenings if there’s more interest. Nattiv’s goal is to raise awareness about the events that transpired on October 7 when Hamas terrorists murdered approximately 1,400 people, primarily civilians, and took hostages. Only a few hostages have been released so far, while others have been confirmed dead.
The Biden administration is developing a national strategy to combat Islamophobia in the United States, aiming to bring together lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders to counter hatred against Muslims. This initiative is seen as the first of its kind and was announced amid concerns from Muslim Americans over the administration’s strong support of Israel during the recent conflict with Hamas. The initiative comes in response to a rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and hate crimes and is separate from the Israel-Hamas conflict, although some believe the two issues are interconnected. The administration has not provided a timeline for the development of this anti-Islamophobia strategy, which is expected to take months to formalize.
A woman intentionally crashed her car into a building in Indianapolis, which she believed was a Jewish school but was ironically the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge, an organization considered extremist and anti-Israel by the Anti-Defamation League. The woman, Ruba Almaghtheh, expressed anger over the Israel-Hamas war and her feelings for the Palestinian people. Police arrived at the scene and arrested her for criminal recklessness, while also informing the FBI about the incident. No injuries were reported, as the building was not a Jewish school, and the FBI is working with Indianapolis police to address the matter.
The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, with its primary interest rate in the range of 5.25% to 5.50%. The decision comes as the central bank continues to monitor the economy and inflation. The Fed’s statement noted a strong pace of economic growth and a healthy job market, although it has recently weakened. Inflation remains high, and while it is gradually decreasing, the timeline for reaching the Fed’s target of 2% annual inflation remains uncertain, with projections suggesting it might take until 2025 or 2026. The Fed raised interest rates significantly earlier in the year to combat high inflation, but the economy has remained strong, and the job market, though slightly cooler, is still robust. There is speculation that interest rates will likely remain high for an extended period, but the Fed’s actions will be data-dependent, and there’s a possibility of rate hikes in December.
A judge in Connecticut invalidated the results of a Democratic mayoral primary in Bridgeport, ordering a new one after surveillance videos showed individuals placing multiple absentee ballots into outdoor collection boxes. The ruling, coming just six days before the general election, has created an unusual situation in which voters will first decide the general mayoral election and then later choose the rightful Democratic nominee for the same race. The judge cited the large number of absentee ballots cast in certain voting districts and videos showing multiple individuals stuffing ballots into drop boxes in violation of state law. The new primary date will be determined in consultation with city and state election officials. The general election will proceed as planned with incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim appearing as the Democratic nominee and challenger John Gomes running as an independent candidate.
WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced a restructuring support agreement with its majority stakeholders to significantly reduce the company’s debt and assess its commercial office lease portfolio. The filing allows WeWork to request the rejection of leases for non-operational locations. The bankruptcy filing comes after WeWork struggled due to aggressive expansion, changing dynamics in remote work, and high lease liabilities. Founder and former CEO Adam Neumann expressed disappointment but suggested a strong reorganization could enable WeWork’s success. The bankruptcy filing will not affect WeWork locations outside the US and Canada or worldwide franchisees.
Israel NEWS
The Israeli military has released the names of nine soldiers killed in firefights in northern Gaza, with two more soldiers pronounced dead there on Tuesday, making a total of 11 soldiers killed in ground operations inside Gaza. Four additional combat soldiers were severely injured. A significant number of IDF soldiers have been killed since October 7. Seven of the nine soldiers were killed when a guided antitank missile fired by Hamas militants struck their armored vehicle, while the other two were killed when their tank ran over an explosive device. Tuesday marked the deadliest day for Israeli soldiers since October 7 and the first recorded destruction of an IDF armored vehicle and tank since the ground offensive commenced. The Israel Defense Forces says ground forces have killed some 130 terrorists during clashes in the northern Gaza Strip in the last few hours.
The Israeli military is conducting a ground assault in the Gaza Strip, encircling Gaza City and disrupting main north-south roads. The campaign’s objectives are defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages held in Gaza, but Israel has not provided a clear plan or publicly announced the operation’s beginning. There are reports of increasing casualties among Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers, as well as a rising Palestinian civilian death toll. Israel faces international pressure to minimize civilian casualties and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. The operation is focusing on isolating Gaza City and neutralizing Hamas’ tunnel network, which is challenging given the complex tunnel system. Calls for a humanitarian pause or cease-fire have grown, but Israel asserts that advancing its ground operation is the best way to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The situation raises questions about Israel’s exit strategy and the future of Gaza.
The head of the IDF stated that Israel could potentially allow fuel to enter Gaza for use by hospitals in the near future. The comment suggested a potential reversal of Israel’s previous refusal to allow fuel shipments into Gaza. This statement was immediately countered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, which insisted that no such approval had been given for fuel entry. Hospitals in Gaza have been warning of an imminent fuel crisis for weeks, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for patients. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing and diverting fuel intended for humanitarian use, which has been a point of contention. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has faced pressure, including from Israel’s allies, to allow more aid to enter, especially for medical facilities.
Israel has announced it will proceed with a tax revenue transfer to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank but will withhold funds designated for Gaza, where the PA assists in covering public sector wages and electricity costs. The Israeli cabinet also decided to withhold money to offset stipends paid by the PA to Palestinian militants and their families. The PA has not yet commented on this decision, but in the past, it has refused to accept trimmed tax transfers. These funds make up a significant portion of the cash-strapped PA’s public revenues and help cover civil servant salaries and various services in the West Bank. Gaza is ruled by Hamas, while the PA governs the West Bank. The PA president, Mahmoud Abbas, has demanded an immediate halt to Israeli attacks in Gaza.
WORLD NEWS
Since October 17, there have been approximately 38 distinct attacks targeting bases housing U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq, primarily involving one-way drones, mortars, or rockets. Notably, on October 18, at al-Tanf in southern Syria, two drones were used; one was downed, but the other hit the base, causing injuries to U.S. troops. A similar incident occurred at al-Asad air base in Iraq, also on October 18, where two drones were engaged and shot down, but one disintegrated over the base, leading to injuries among the personnel and damage to a hangar. On the same day, a U.S. contractor passed away from a heart attack while seeking shelter at al-Asad during the attacks. On October 25, a close call unfolded in Erbil, northern Iraq, when an explosives-laden drone landed on the roof of a building housing U.S. troops but failed to detonate, averting potential casualties. These attacks are attributed to Iranian-backed militia groups, and while Iran is not directly accused of directing them, it is held responsible for financing, arming, training, and supporting these militias. The U.S. is urging Iran to take specific actions to de-escalate the situation and instruct its proxies to stand down, in an effort to protect U.S. personnel from further attacks.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded his tour of the Middle East without achieving a sustained humanitarian pause and greater restraint in Israel’s assault on Gaza. Blinken’s efforts to secure a ceasefire have not been successful, and his attempts to persuade Israel to adopt a humanitarian pause have not yielded results. In the meantime, heavy exchanges of fire have resumed on the southern Lebanese border between Israel and Hezbollah. The slow erosion of the U.S.’s diplomatic standing and increased cooperation between Iran and Arab states are noted, with Iran announcing a joint conference with Saudi Arabia and Iran stepping up diplomatic efforts. The situation remains complex, and there are concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Abraham Accords between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel are not in jeopardy, according to a senior Emirati official, Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, despite the UAE’s criticism of Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza. Al Nuaimi emphasized that the Abraham Accords are here to stay and are essential for the future of the Middle East, aiming to bring security, stability, and prosperity to the region. He expressed the UAE’s commitment to recognizing Israel’s existence and the historical presence of Jews and Christians in the region. The UAE was the first Arab nation to condemn Hamas’s attacks on Israel, describing them as a “serious and grave escalation.” Despite criticism in international forums, the UAE and Israel maintain their commitment to the Abraham Accords.
