California voters decided on 10 ballot measures including one that would turn some nonviolent crimes, like shoplifting, into felonies again, and another that would make the state’s minimum wage the highest in the nation. Here’s a look at some of the most consequential propositions put before voters: Proposition 36 Frustrated with what they see as rampant retail crimes, voters approved an initiative making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders again and increasing penalties for some drug charges, including those involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl. The tough-on-crime ballot measure also gives judges the authority to order people with multiple drug charges to get treatment. The measure partly rolls back a progressive law passed by voters in 2014 that downgraded several nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors, including theft under $950 in value and some drug offenses. The reversal reflects widespread anger among voters who are increasingly pinning the blame for homelessness and retail theft on criminal justice reform and progressive district attorneys. It’s hard to quantify the retail crime issue in California because of the lack of local data. But many point to videos of large groups of people stealing in plain sight, such as at a boarded-up Nike store in Los Angeles after the Dodgers won the World Series last week, as evidence of a crisis. Proponents said the initiative is necessary to close legal loopholes that have made it challenging for law enforcement to punish shoplifters and drug dealers. “This is a resounding message that Californians are ready to have safer communities,” said Anne Marie Schubert, co-chair of the coalition supporting the measure. Opponents, including Democratic state leaders and social justice groups, said it will disproportionately imprison poor people and those with substance use issues rather than target ringleaders who hire large groups of people to steal goods for resale online. The initiative will also take away drug and mental health funding that comes from savings from incarcerating fewer people. “Voters wanted solutions, but they were sold a false promise,” said Tinisch Hollins, executive director of the coalition that co-authored the 2014 law. “With this initiative passing and potentially threatening hundreds of millions of dollars to stabilize those programs, we’re going to be a lot worse off than we were before.” Proposition 32 This would increase the minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, up from the current rate of $16 per hour for most people. It was too early to call as of Wednesday morning. Fast food workers already got a pay boost this year to at least $20 an hour, and some health care workers now make a minimum of $23 an hour. If approved, California would have the country’s highest statewide minimum wage. In 2016 it became the first state to pass a $15 an hour minimum wage. About 40 cities and counties already have minimum wages higher than the statewide rate, and six of them require minimums above $18 per hour as of this year. Hawaii passed a law in 2022 raising its minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2028. Proponents of the California measure estimate that it would benefit 2 million workers including hotel and grocery employees. Opponents say it would increase costs, lead to higher taxes and push businesses to cut jobs. Proposition 4 California voters approved a plan to borrow $10 billion for various climate programs, the state’s largest investment to date in […]
Two Israelis were lightly injured in an attempted car-ramming/stabbing attack at the Shilo junction in Binyamin early Wednesday afternoon. The terrorist rammed into the Israelis and then emerged from his car with a screwdriver in an attempt to stab them. B’Chasdei Hashem, he was neutralized before he could stab anyone by armed civilians at the scene. The victims, a 15-year-old male and a 26-year-old female, were treated at the scene and evacuated to Hadassah Har HaTzofim Hospital in Jerusalem. Several people were also treated at the scene for shock. A large number of emergency forces arrived at the scene. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
The United States warned Iraq that if it does not prevent an Iranian attack from its territory against Israel, it will face an Israeli attack on its own land, two US officials told Walla. According to the report, the Biden administration is trying to prevent an Iranian attack on Israel and is concerned that if it occurs from Iraq, the result will be a serious further escalation of the regional war. US and Israeli intelligence officials say that Iran is planning a significant attack against Israel from Iraqi territory as retaliation for the Israeli attack in Iran on October 25. The New York Times reported on Thursday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the attack after he read a detailed report on the extent of the damage caused by Israel’s attack, including to Iran’s air defense systems over Tehran, Iran’s missile production capabilities, essential energy infrastructure and a main port in the south. Since the Israeli attack on Iran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has transferred drones and ballistic missiles to Shia militias in Iraq in preparation for a joint attack against Israel. The US has publicly and privately warned Iran against carrying out such an attack. Unsurprisingly, the Iranians have shown no willingness to avoid escalation since the Biden administration is unwilling to back up its warning with actions. The US officials told Walla that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Blinken spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani and warned him to prevent attacks by local Iranian militias against Israel as well as against US forces in Iraq and Syria. “If you don’t, we won’t be able to stop Israel from striking Iraq,” they told Al-Sudani. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
IMPORTANT As reported on YWN, if you own an LLC, corporation, partnership, or foreign entity in the U.S., you’re required to file a BOI Report with FinCEN.gov. Consequences of Failure to File: • $500/day fines per entity • Up to 2 years imprisonment • Criminal penalties up to $10,000 File Now—BOI Made Simple Makes It Easy: 1. Visit BoiMadeSimple.com. 2. Choose online or phone filing. 3. Fill out the simple form. File now—before it’s too late! BOIMadeSimple.com
Red alert sirens blared at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in central Israel, the Sharon and the Shefela, including in the cities of Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Rosh Haayin, Ra’anana, Kfar Saba, Beer Yaakov, Petach Tikva, Kiryat Ono, Givat Shmuel, Givatayim, and Bat Yam. Residents of the area reported hearing loud booms. Sirens were also heard in northern Israel. Following the sirens, which sounded in at least 179 locations in Israel, the IDF spokesperson said that projectiles were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. “Aalerts were activated in several areas in the north and center of the country due to launches that crossed from Lebanon,” the IDF spokesperson said. “The details are being investigated.” The Air Force reported that they successfully intercepted several rockets. There are reports of a rocket hit on Highway 1. Magen David Adom reported that so far there are no reports of injuries from the barrage. This is a developing story. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara congratulate Donald and Melania Trump on the former US president’s win in the elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (today, Wednesday, 6 November 2024): “Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu”
Donald Trump clinched a sweeping victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, securing his return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States. Against nearly all predictions of a nail-biting, down-to-the-wire race, Trump’s performance surged far beyond expectations, turning what was anticipated as a protracted vote-counting marathon into a decisive triumph. Trump’s win will make him only the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century. The Election Day build-up was intense, with analysts everywhere forecasting an extremely tight race that could be delayed for days by the counting of mail-in ballots. In fact, election modeler Nate Silver’s 80,000 simulations had shown Harris winning just slightly more often than Trump. But as results poured in Tuesday night, the course of the election swiftly tilted in Trump’s favor. State after state showed the former president outperforming projections, with Harris struggling to keep pace. Within a few hours of the first polls closing, Trump had amassed a substantial lead in the Electoral College, and the night’s crescendo came with a victory in Pennsylvania—sealing his path to victory. Trump’s campaign resonated powerfully with a variety of voter blocs, especially Orthodox Jewish communities across the country. The community turned out heavily for Trump, grateful for his past administration’s policies against antisemitism, his outspoken support for Israel, and as a repudiation of the Biden-Harris administration, which many felt has been inadequately responding to the recent war in Israel and an unprecedented surge in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. The 2024 race was historic for more than just Trump’s return to power. Harris became the Democratic nominee without competing in a single primary, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal amid concerns over his electability and cognitive decline. Meanwhile, Trump entered the race as a convicted felon, facing legal challenges that added a surreal dimension to the campaign. Multiple assassination attempts on Trump, including one terrifyingly close call in Butler, Pennsylvania, kept tensions high as the race progressed. Trump’s victory stands as a remarkable political comeback, a testament to his influence and resilience in American politics. His supporters erupted in celebration as the final numbers were confirmed, anticipating the new term ahead with renewed enthusiasm. Come January 5, 2025, Donald Trump will once again take the oath of office, leading the nation into a new era—and etching his name into history as one of only two presidents to achieve the rare feat of non-consecutive terms in the Oval Office. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
In a closely contested race that garnered national attention, incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler has successfully defended his seat against Democratic challenger and former Rep. Mondaire Jones in New York’s 17th Congressional District. Lawler’s win underscores his appeal in a district where Democrats hold a numerical advantage. His campaign focused on local issues such as economic development and public safety, as well as his staunchly pro-Israel positions, resonating with a broad spectrum of voters. Jones, who previously represented the district, sought to reclaim the seat by emphasizing progressive policies and his prior legislative experience. The 17th District, encompassing parts of Westchester and Rockland counties, has been a focal point for both parties. Lawler’s initial victory in 2022 was by a narrow margin, making this year’s rematch particularly significant. Analysts have closely monitored this race, considering it a bellwether for suburban voter sentiments and a determinant in the overall composition of the House. Lawler’s re-election contributes to the Republican Party’s efforts to maintain or expand its presence in the House. Conversely, Jones’s defeat represents a setback for Democrats aiming to regain control. The outcome in New York’s 17th District exemplifies the competitive nature of suburban districts nationwide, where voter preferences are increasingly pivotal in shaping the legislative agenda.
Republicans have captured control of the U.S. Senate, marking a major shift in power after a four-year stretch in the minority. Decision Desk HQ projected the win on Tuesday night, a much-anticipated outcome for the GOP after two previous disappointing election cycles. The Republicans secured the Senate by flipping two key seats: Bernie Moreno’s victory over incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s win over the seat vacated by retiring Senator Joe Manchin. The victories capped a well-executed Republican strategy to challenge vulnerable Democratic seats across battleground states. Heading into the election, Republicans were widely viewed as favorites to retake the Senate, given that Democrats were defending 23 seats, including several in swing states, while Republicans were defending only 11. Republicans saw an additional boost from voter concerns about the economy and inflation during President Biden’s tenure. A recent poll from The New York Times/Siena College found that nearly a quarter of voters in battleground states, including Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin, named the economy as their top issue. As results poured in on Tuesday, several key races in states like Montana, Arizona, and Pennsylvania remained uncalled. However, Republicans’ strong showing reflected widespread voter support, especially as vulnerable GOP incumbents held onto their seats in states like Nebraska and Texas. Former President Donald Trump’s strong performance at the top of the ticket also provided a boost to Republicans across the board, helping incumbents survive tough challenges from independent candidates and Democrats. This historic election season featured high-stakes battles, including a race to succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Top GOP senators, including John Thune and Mike Crapo, have pledged to work closely with Trump, should he win the White House, to advance a conservative agenda in Congress. The GOP’s path to victory was paved by strategic candidate recruitment, a cornerstone of McConnell’s and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines’ planning. Daines’ successful recruitment of businessman and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy in Montana helped clear the field, as Sheehy secured Trump’s endorsement, discouraging conservative Rep. Matt Rosendale from running. In West Virginia, McConnell personally encouraged Justice to run, recognizing his high popularity in a state that Trump won by large margins. The financial stakes were equally high, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) raising over $260 million, while the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) brought in $241 million. Though Democratic candidates outpaced their Republican opponents in individual fundraising, the GOP’s strategic advantage ultimately prevailed. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
