NEW YORK NEWS
The Nassau County Legislature in New York voted to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in county-owned facilities unless they play on teams that match their gender at birth or on coed teams. This legislative decision followed a similar executive order by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, which a judge ruled he did not have the authority to impose, prompting the move to the legislative body.
The measure, passed by a 12-5 vote, sparked a heated debate and strong opposition from transgender advocates, who argued it discriminates against transgender individuals. The bill requires sports leagues applying for permits to use county facilities to classify teams based on members’ sex at birth, primarily targeting the participation of transgender women in women’s sports. Critics, including Democratic legislators and civil rights groups, condemned the bill, likening it to discriminatory practices and warning of legal battles. The controversy highlights broader national tensions over transgender rights and sports participation, with significant public and political division on the issue.
In a controversial decision, Manhattan prosecutors announced Thursday that charges against 31 out of 46 protesters involved in the storming and occupation of Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall during anti-Israel demonstrations would be dismissed. The dismissals, attributed largely to lack of conclusive video evidence and challenges in identifying individual actions due to masked protesters, sparked outrage among law enforcement, Jewish advocates, and higher education officials. Critics condemned the move as undermining public safety and setting a dangerous precedent, while prosecutors defended their decision based on the available evidence and the individuals’ lack of prior criminal history. The lone remaining defendant faces multiple charges, including hate crimes, related to the incident and subsequent protests.
More than 100 victims of the October 7 Hamas attack have filed a lawsuit in a U.S. federal court in the Southern District of New York against the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and several of its officials. The lawsuit alleges that UNRWA participated in a long-standing money-laundering operation benefiting Hamas. It claims UNRWA diverted funds intended for Gaza residents into channels that supported terrorism, citing a scheme where aid payments were made in U.S. dollars, necessitating conversion through Hamas moneychangers. The lawsuit also accuses UNRWA of employing Hamas members and allowing its facilities to be used for terrorist activities.
Authorities are investigating an act of vandalism at Congressman Greg Meeks’ home, where pro-Palestinian and accusatory phrases such as “war criminal” were written in sidewalk chalk and on posters. Photos showed the messages on his driveway and a retaining wall, and an investigator was seen removing evidence. This incident follows Meeks’ recent involvement in approving an $18 billion arms sale to Israel, a decision he was initially hesitant about due to concerns over the use of the weapons. Despite the graffiti being cleaned up by Meeks or a family member, the NYPD is treating the case as criminal mischief.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation aimed at curbing the influence of social media algorithms on minors by restricting feeds on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to posts from accounts they follow, rather than algorithmically suggested content. The law, which also blocks notifications on suggested posts from midnight to 6 a.m., allows for parental overrides with verified consent. Implementation is pending rules from the State Attorney General on age and consent verification. This legislation, part of a broader effort to address the mental health impact of social media on youth, has faced criticism from tech industry groups like NetChoice, who argue it infringes on free speech. Additionally, the Child Data Protection Act prohibits the collection of personal data from minors without consent. These measures reflect growing concerns over social media’s role in youth anxiety and depression, with Hochul and other advocates emphasizing the urgent need to protect children from the addictive nature of these platforms.
The New York City Rent Guidelines Board approved rent increases for almost one million stabilized apartments, voting for a 2.75% increase for one-year leases and a 5.25% increase for two-year leases. This decision, influenced by the city’s affordability crisis, affects about a quarter of New York City’s population living in rent-stabilized units, which are significantly cheaper than unregulated apartments. The vote drew criticism from tenants and advocates, who argue the increases exacerbate the high cost of living, potentially leading to homelessness and financial strain. Landlords, facing rising costs from property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, supported the increases to alleviate financial stress. Mayor Eric Adams and other officials acknowledged the need for a balanced approach but emphasized the broader issue of housing affordability. Both landlords and tenants agree that sustainable solutions, such as increased housing supply and financial assistance for renters, are essential to addressing the ongoing crisis.
US NEWS
A pro-Palestinian protest outside the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles devolved into violent clashes with pro-Israel counterprotesters, prompting widespread condemnation, including from President Joe Biden, who criticized the incident as antisemitic. The protests, which took place in the predominantly Jewish neighborhood of Pico-Robertson, led to street altercations, traffic blockages, and the arrest of a person with a prohibited item. Los Angeles officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Interim Police Chief Dominic Choi, emphasized the right to peaceful protest but condemned the violence and targeted actions against the Jewish community. The protest stemmed from opposition to a real estate event at the synagogue promoting property sales in Israel. The incident is part of a broader trend of increased hate crimes and bias incidents against Jewish communities in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a law this week mandating that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public classroom across the state. This law, enacted during Pride Month, comes as a counter-move to what proponents see as the proliferation of far-left symbols, like LGBT and transgender flags, in classrooms. The displayed text must include the full Ten Commandments in a large, easily readable font, alongside a historical context statement explaining their role in early American education, citing The New England Primer and McGuffey Readers. Landry asserts that the law aims to restore common sense and historical awareness in education, viewing it as a means to improve Louisiana’s education system and economy. Meanwhile, left-wing organizations are preparing to challenge the law in court, arguing that it imposes religious views in public schools.
The White House canceled a high-level meeting with Israel on Iran that was scheduled for Thursday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video accusing the US of withholding military aid, which President Biden’s advisers found shocking and offensive. Netanyahu’s video, where he claimed the US was withholding weapons and ammunition from Israel, led to a direct message from US envoy Amos Hochstein to Netanyahu, stating the accusations were false and inappropriate. Following this, the meeting was canceled, with US officials indicating this was a consequence of Netanyahu’s statements. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that only one shipment had been paused since the war began, and several Israeli officials were already en route to Washington when the meeting was canceled. This marks the second time such a meeting was abruptly canceled, adding to the tension between Biden and Netanyahu, who is set to address a joint session of Congress on July 24 amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint on Saturday night in the Tustin Fields 1 residential community in Orange County while President Biden was attending a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m., with the agent firing their weapon at the robbers who fled with a bag belonging to the agent. The Tustin Police Department stated that some of the stolen belongings were recovered, but the suspects, who left in a silver Infiniti FX35 SUV, remain at large. President Biden had arrived in Los Angeles from the G7 summit in Italy earlier that day for a fundraiser at the Peacock Theater, which raised over $30 million and was attended by notable figures like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand. Despite the robbery occurring close to the president’s location, he remained safe and continued his engagements.
In May, former President Donald Trump and his political operation outpaced President Joe Biden in fundraising for the second consecutive month, collecting $141 million compared to Biden’s $85 million. Trump’s fundraising surge was bolstered by significant donations following his criminal conviction in New York. Despite Biden’s lower May total, his campaign highlighted a robust cash reserve of $212 million heading into June, attributing it to a sustained and expanding fundraising effort. Biden’s campaign emphasized the importance of these funds in supporting a broad campaign infrastructure and staff across key battleground states. Meanwhile, Trump’s financial disclosures revealed substantial legal expenditures, with the majority of his Save America PAC’s May spending allocated to legal fees related to his ongoing legal challenges.
The Florida Panthers fulfilled their season-long declaration by winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in a decisive Game 7. After dominating the first three games of the series but faltering in the subsequent three, the Panthers rallied behind key performances from Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, solid defensive plays, and standout goaltending by Sergei Bobrovsky. This victory ended a long championship drought for the Panthers and marked a remarkable turnaround under coach Paul Maurice’s leadership, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and depth throughout their historic playoff run.
Israel NEWS
An Israeli man, Amnon Muchtar, was fatally shot in Qalqilya, a Palestinian-controlled city in the West Bank, reportedly while buying produce. Israeli forces responded, and investigations into the incident were launched. The shooting occurred despite Israeli citizens being prohibited from entering Palestinian-controlled areas like Qalqilya due to security concerns. This incident follows recent clashes, including a raid where Israeli forces killed two Palestinian Islamic Jihad members, and a separate attack where an elderly Israeli was assaulted near Qalqilya. Israeli authorities have intensified operations in the region, arresting over 4,150 Palestinians since October, with a significant number linked to Hamas.
In Israel, an early summer outbreak of West Nile virus has resulted in the deaths of two elderly women in their 80s. Twenty-one people have been diagnosed with the virus, with 17 hospitalized due to neurological symptoms. Most infected individuals do not display symptoms, but around 20%, particularly the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaise, headaches, or body aches. Neurological complications are rare, affecting less than 1% of those infected. This year’s outbreak is unusual for occurring earlier than usual, first reported in north Tel Aviv, primarily affecting central Israel where high humidity promotes mosquito breeding.
A senior operative affiliated with Hamas and al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya was killed in a drone strike in Lebanon’s Western Beqaa District. The operative, Ayman Ghatma, was responsible for supplying weapons to these groups and was targeted by the IDF due to his involvement in planning attacks against Israel. The strike occurred near the town of Khiara, approximately 40 kilometers from the Israeli border.
Archaeologists discovered the oldest deep-sea shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea off Israel’s coast, dating back 3,300 years to the Bronze Age. Found over a mile underwater, the well-preserved wreck contained hundreds of intact jugs used to transport wine, food oils, and other goods across the Mediterranean. This rare find offers insights into ancient navigation techniques, indicating that sailors navigated using stars rather than relying on coastal landmarks. The ship, believed to have sunk due to a storm or pirate attack, measures over 40 feet and provides valuable historical clues about seafaring and trade during the Bronze Age.
WORLD NEWS
In a series of coordinated terror attacks in Dagestan, southern Russia, a synagogue was set on fire, a priest was reportedly beheaded, and six law enforcement officers were killed. The attacks occurred simultaneously in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala. In Derbent, photos showed significant flames and smoke engulfing the synagogue, which was destroyed by the fire. In Makhachkala, both a synagogue and a police traffic post were targeted with gunfire. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the attacks, noting fatalities among local guards but no casualties reported from the Jewish community as worshippers were not present during the assaults.
The Maldives is reconsidering its decision to ban Israeli citizens due to concerns that the ban would also affect Palestinians with Israeli passports, according to Attorney General Ahmed Usham. The ban was initially proposed to block all Israeli passport holders and those with dual citizenship, which raised concerns about discrimination against Jews. Businessman and lawmaker Qasim Ibrahim criticized the bill for potentially targeting Jews, while the US Congress proposed sanctions against the Maldives in response to the ban. The Maldives, which relies heavily on tourism, fears economic fallout from the ban. Israel’s foreign ministry advised Israelis to avoid the Maldives, and the Israeli Embassy in India suggested Israeli tourists visit Indian beaches instead. The Maldives, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, is among several countries that prohibit Israeli passport holders.
Armenia’s recent unilateral recognition of Palestine as a state, amidst ongoing Gaza conflict, underscores its strained relations with Israel following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Azerbaijan’s use of Israeli weaponry. Armenia’s deepening ties with Iran, involving military cooperation and allegations of facilitating Iran’s drone transfers, further complicate its relationship with Israel. Additionally, Armenia has faced accusations of rising antisemitism, evidenced by neo-Nazi demonstrations and attacks on Jewish symbols, highlighting a divergence from Israel’s interests. This decision to recognize Palestine amid conflict and align with Hamas’ agenda raises questions about Armenia’s geopolitical direction and its commitment to peace in the Middle East.
Environmental protesters from Just Stop Oil sprayed orange paint on Britain’s Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an act of protest on the eve of summer solstice celebrations. The incident led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of damaging the ancient monument. English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge, expressed distress over the damage caused and stated that investigations are underway while ensuring the site remains open to visitors. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the act, labeling it a “disgrace,” as Just Stop Oil continues to gain attention in Britain for its disruptive environmental activism, including previous incidents like shutting down roads and disrupting cultural events.
