The Trump administration has agreed to pay just under $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit that Ashli Babbitt’s family filed over her shooting by an officer during the U.S. Capitol riot, according to a person with knowledge of the settlement. The person insisted on anonymity to discuss with The Associated Press terms of a deal that have not been made public. The settlement will resolve the $30 million federal lawsuit that Babbitt’s estate filed last year in Washington, D.C. On Jan. 6, 2021, a Capitol police officer shot Babbitt as she tried to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speaker’s Lobby. The officer who shot her was cleared of wrongdoing by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia, which concluded that he acted in self-defense and in the defense of members of Congress. The Capitol Police also cleared the officer. Settlement terms haven’t been disclosed in public court filings. On May 2, lawyers for Babbitt’s estate and the Justice Department told a federal judge that they had reached a settlement in principle but were still working out the details before a final agreement could be signed. Justice Department spokespeople and two attorneys for the Babbitt family didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, was unarmed when she was shot by the officer. The lawsuit alleges that the plainclothes officer failed to de-escalate the situation and did not give her any warnings or commands before opening fire. The suit also accused the Capitol Police of negligence, claiming the department should have known that the officer was “prone to behave in a dangerous or otherwise incompetent manner.” “Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone,” the lawsuit said. The officer said in a televised interview that he fired as a “last resort.” He said he didn’t know if the person jumping through the window was armed when he pulled the trigger. Thousands of people stormed the Capitol after President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of supporters at his Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. More than 100 police officers were injured in the attack. In January, on his first day back in the White House, Trump pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or ordered the dismissal of charges for all of the more than 1,500 people charged with crimes in the riot. (AP)
Since Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was eliminated by Israel, his brother, Mohamed, has been the most hawkish terror leader in the Strip, the one refusing any hostage release deal that didn’t include ending the war. It was only intense US pressure, combined with the unusual direct talks between Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Hamas officials, that led to the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander. A day later, Sinwar convened a meeting of the military wing’s top brass in the underground complex beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Walla reported. The complex includes a conference room and command center, from where Sinwar managed the war since his brother was eliminated. Among those present at the unusual meeting were the Rafah Brigade Commander, Muhammad Shabana, who was also viewed as one of Sinwar’s successors, and the military wing’s spokesman, Abu Obeida. Other field commanders of lower ranks were also present at the site. Israel received “golden intelligence” regarding the time and location of the meeting. Shortly later, powerful explosions shook Khan Younis and the surrounding area. The operation to eliminate Sinwar already took shape six months ago, but was postponed many times for various reasons. Security officials who spoke with Walla said that Mohamed always operated in the shadow of senior Hamas officials who were an inspiration to him, but cruelty was part of his character, and this was expressed not only in planning attacks and building terrorist infrastructure but also in the execution of collaborators, at times with his bare hands. He accumulated power slowly, in the shadow of others, as “the brother of.” After the elimination of his brother Yahya in Rafah, he entered the role “naturally.” “During the war, he was involved in the perception and policy against Israel,” a security source told Walla. “He continued this after everyone was killed. Therefore, his neutralization is a very significant event. Ultimately, he was the figure with the most experience, action, and understanding of the other side.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced Monday their intention to enforce a so-called “naval blockade” on Israel’s Haifa Port, declaring that all vessels en route to the port are now considered legitimate targets. In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesman Yehya Saree warned, “All companies with ships present in or heading to this port are hereby notified that, as of the time of this announcement, the aforementioned port has been included in the target bank.” While the group has made similar threats before — including a recent declaration of a blockade on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport — their actual capacity to follow through remains limited. Nonetheless, such rhetoric marks a continued escalation in the group’s self-proclaimed campaign against Israeli infrastructure, and raises concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the eastern Mediterranean. The announcement comes on the heels of a missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport that, while intercepted, prompted several foreign airlines to suspend service to and from Israel. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have failed to cause sustained disruption or achieve the strategic objectives outlined in their threats. The Haifa Port, a major hub for Israeli imports and naval activity, has remained fully operational. Israeli defense officials have not publicly responded to the Houthi statement, though analysts say the announcement is likely more about optics and psychological warfare than a credible military threat. “The Houthis are clearly trying to project power beyond their region,” said a former Israeli naval commander. “But targeting ships bound for Haifa — hundreds of miles from Yemen’s coast — is more about grabbing headlines than executing viable attacks.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, has endorsed Nachman Caller in the special election for New York State Senate, delivering a significant boost to the Republican candidate just 12 hours before polls open. In a robocall sent to voters in the 22nd Senate District, Stefanik said Caller “will stop Governor Hochul and the radical liberal politicians in Albany.” Caller, a longtime real estate attorney and community leader from Borough Park, is running on the Republican and Conservative lines to fill the Brooklyn seat vacated earlier this year. The district includes the frum neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood, Flatbush, and Marine Park. The State Senate plays a key role in shaping policy on education, housing, taxes, healthcare, and public safety. A victory by Caller would leave Democrats two votes short of a veto-proof majority in the chamber. “Nachman Caller will fight to keep our streets safe and fight for our schools,” Stefanik said. Stefanik has gained national prominence in recent years and earned praise in the Jewish community during congressional hearings last year, where she challenged university presidents over their failure to protect Jewish students. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from Rockland County, has also endorsed Caller, echoing the message that Albany needs experienced leaders to push back against radical liberal policies. “I am honored to receive the support of these esteemed Republican leaders in Washington,” said Nachman Caller. “With their help, and with a mandate from the voters in our district, we will bring common sense to Albany and deliver real results for all families.” The special election will be held tomorrow. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A serious kashrus concern has emerged in Houston, and travelers — particularly those attending conventions, conferences, or receiving airline-style meals — are urged to exercise extreme caution. A restaurant previously known as Genesis Steakhouse and now as Exodus Bar & Grill, is reportedly distributing food with misleading “kosher” labeling, despite no longer being under any kosher certification and now operating as a fully non-kosher establishment. The restaurant in question was previously certified by the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA), but the certification was terminated following kashrus violations, according to individuals familiar with the matter. Since then, Genesis/Exodus has reportedly shifted to serving clearly non-kosher fare, including cheeseburgers and non-kosher species of meat. Despite this, YWN sources indicate the restaurant has maintained long-standing contracts with medical conventions, hotels, and airline-style catering services. To preserve these business arrangements, the restaurant has allegedly begun using custom-printed “glatt kosher” tape on its packaging — without the name of the restaurant or any kashrus agency — creating the impression that the meals are kosher, when in fact they are not. The result: Frum attendees at a recent medical conference unknowingly consumed food prepared in a non-kosher kitchen under the assumption it was kosher, due to the deceptive labeling. Multiple rabbinic authorities and kashrus professionals familiar with the situation have verified that these meals are not kosher and should not be consumed by anyone who observes halacha. Travelers, conference participants, and anyone receiving catered meals in the Houston area are strongly advised to: 1. Check all meals for a visible and recognizable kosher certification logo 2. Avoid consuming food sealed only with generic “glatt kosher” tape that lacks agency identification 3. Consult a reliable rabbinic authority before eating pre-packaged meals from unfamiliar sources It is also worth noting that under Texas state law, presenting non-kosher food as kosher constitutes a Deceptive Trade Practice, punishable under the Texas Business and Commerce Code (§17.46). Misrepresenting a product as kosher — even by implication or appearance — is illegal. This alert is issued for informational and public safety purposes only. It is intended solely to help kosher-observant individuals avoid serious halachic pitfalls while traveling in or through Houston. If you or someone you know is attending an event or traveling through Houston, please share this information. And whenever in doubt, don’t rely on packaging alone — always verify with a trusted kashrus authority. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
President Donald Trump will look to build momentum for his sweeping tax cut and immigration bill on Tuesday, taking a trip to Capitol Hill to address House Republicans as they try to work out their differences before a planned floor vote later this week. Trump will attend the GOP’s weekly conference meeting, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss plans not yet made public. Republicans can afford only a few defections to get the bill through the House, and it’s clear differences remain. Some deficit hawks are insisting on quicker cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs before giving their full support. Others are seeking a large increase in the state and local tax deduction. Trump has been pushing hard for Republicans to unite behind the bill, which would enact many of his campaign promises. The bill carries his preferred title, the “ One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” House Republicans narrowly advanced the sprawling 1,116-page package in a rare weekend vote late Sunday, but just barely, as GOP leaders promise more negotiations ahead. “The bill does not yet meet the moment,” said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a leader of the House Freedom Caucus, in a social media post immediately after the late-night session. “We can and must do better before we pass the final product.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday it’s “absolutely essential” that Republicans unite and pass the bill so that Trump can deliver on the agenda. Leavitt said Americans gave Republicans a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to “course correct our country” and “there is no time to waste.” Republicans criticizing the measure argued that the bill’s new spending and tax cuts are front-loaded in the bill, while the measures to offset the cost are back-loaded. In particular, they are looking to speed up the new work requirements that Republicans want to enact for able-bodied participants in Medicaid. They also want to more quickly end tax breaks for green energy projects being used nationwide. Majority Leader Steve Scalise said on CNBC Monday that work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries would begin in early 2027, a big change from the 2029 start date that is currently in the bill. Scalise said GOP leaders are looking to give the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the time he needs to implement the work requirements, but would be “moving that date up dramatically.” Late last week, the House Budget Committee failed to advance the package when four conservative Republicans objected. But it was able to do so Sunday on a vote of 17-16, with the four hold-outs voting “present” to allow it to move ahead, as talks continue. Speaker Mike Johnson, who met late Sunday with lawmakers ahead of voting, indicated he wants to impose the work requirements “as soon as possible” but acknowledged it may take states longer to change their systems. “There will be more details to iron out and several more to take care of,” Johnson, R-La., said outside the hearing room. “But I’m looking forward to very thoughtful discussions, very productive discussions over the next few days, and I’m absolutely convinced we’re going to get this in final form and pass it.” Democrats have decried the cuts Republicans are proposing to Medicaid and food […]
CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon said Monday that she is resigning after four years, the latest fallout at the network as its parent company considers settling a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview with his former political opponent. McMahon, who has led both the network news division and news for the CBS-owned stations, said in an email message to staff that “it’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. It’s time to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership.” McMahon has made clear she opposes settling with Trump — just like “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, who quit last month. Trump has sued CBS, alleging it edited an interview with 2024 Democratic opponent Kamala Harris last fall to benefit her. CBS News has denied that. CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, is in talks to potentially settle Trump’s lawsuit. At the same time, Paramount Global is seeking administration approval of a merger with Skydance Media. George Cheeks, co-CEO of Paramount and head of the CBS network, said McMahon’s top deputies, CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell, will report directly to him. McMahon, in her note, said that “the past few months have been challenging.” “I have spent the last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place, and I have no doubt they will continue to set the standard,” she said. In addition to the tussle with Trump, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, has expressed unhappiness over some network coverage of Israel’s war in Gaza, including a “60 Minutes” piece this winter. Paramount began supervising “60 Minutes” stories in new ways, including asking former CBS News President Susan Zirinsky to look over some of its stories before they aired. That extra layer contributed to Owens’ resignation. One of the show’s correspondents, Scott Pelley, said on the air that “none of us is happy” about the changes. CBS News is also trying to establish the new anchor team of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois at its flagship “CBS Evening News” broadcast amid ratings troubles. In his note to staff members, Cheeks praised McMahon for expanding local news at CBS stations and improving their competitive positions, along with improving the network’s digital offerings. Despite the internal tensions, the “60 Minutes” broadcast has done several notably tough stories on the Trump administration, and it has drawn the ire of the president. He attacked the show after one episode in April. “Almost every week, 60 Minutes … mentions the name ‘TRUMP’ in a derogatory and defamatory way,” the president said on social media. On Sunday’s season finale of “60 Minutes,” a story that had been scheduled and publicly announced about cutbacks at the Internal Revenue Service was not aired. A spokeswoman said it was because on Friday, CBS learned that IRS leadership had told senior staff that it had decided to call some 7,000 probationary employees back to work. CBS said it would continue to report on the details and broadcast the story some time in the future. A Trump settlement with Paramount has precedence. The Walt Disney Co. decided in December to pay $15 million to end a Trump libel lawsuit against ABC News over […]
Nebraska is the first state to receive a federal waiver to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks under the benefit program for low-income Americans long known as food stamps. The move, announced Monday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, would affect about 152,000 people in Nebraska enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps families pay for groceries. “There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks,” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement. “SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver.” Six other states — Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa and West Virginia — have also submitted requests for waivers banning certain foods and drinks or, in some cases, expanding access to hot foods for participants, according to the USDA. The push to ban sugary drinks, candy and more from the SNAP program has been key focus of Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Rollins called Monday’s move “a historic step to Make America Healthy again.” Details of Nebraska’s waiver, which takes effect Jan. 1, weren’t immediately available. Anti-hunger advocates criticized it, saying it adds costs, boosts administrative burdens and increases stigma for people already facing food insecurity. The waiver “ignores decades of evidence showing that incentive-based approaches — not punitive restrictions — are the most effective, dignified path to improving nutrition and reducing hunger,” said Gina Plata-Nino, a deputy director at the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit advocacy group. SNAP is a roughly $100 billion program that serves about 42 million Americans and is run by the U.S. Agriculture Department and administered through states. The program is authorized by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which says SNAP benefits can be used “for any food or food product intended for human consumption,” except alcohol, tobacco and hot foods, including those prepared for immediate consumption. Over the past 20 years, lawmakers in several states have proposed stopping SNAP from paying for everything from bottled water and soda to chips, ice cream and “luxury meats” like steak. Until now, USDA rejected the waivers, saying there were no clear standards to define certain foods as good or bad. In addition, the agency had said restrictions would be difficult to implement, complicated and costly, and would not necessarily change recipients’ food purchases or reduce health problems such as obesity. (AP)
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President Trump speaks on Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis: “It’s very sad. I’m surprised that the public wasn’t notified a long time ago…I just had my physical…I think that test is standard…”
Israeli PM Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke to European leaders on Monday, accusing them of rewarding Hamas’ October 7 attack by demanding an end to Israel’s defensive war and pushing for a Palestinian state.
President Trump announces that he is considering working with Pope Leo to use Rome and the Vatican as a meeting place for discussing peace between Russia & Ukraine
Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault after a skirmish with federal officers who arrested the Newark mayor outside an immigration detention center, New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor announced Monday. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charge of assaulting, impeding or interfering with law enforcement on social media, but court papers providing details were not immediately released or publicly available online. At the same time, Habba announced that her office was dismissing a misdemeanor case brought against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested after he attempted to join McIver and two other members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation inspecting the facility in their oversight capacity. Habba said the decision was reached “for the sake of moving forward” and said she has invited the mayor to tour the Delaney Hall detention center and will join him herself. “The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe,” Habba said in a statement. McIver has denied any wrongdoing and has accused federal agents of escalating the situation by arresting the mayor. She denounced the charge as “purely political” and said prosecutors are distorting her actions in an effort to deter legislative oversight. “This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” she said in a statement. “I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court.” Her attorney called the decision to charge McIver “spectacularly inappropriate,” saying she went to Delaney Hall “to do her job” and she has the responsibility as a member of Congress to oversee U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment of detainees. “Rather than facilitating that inspection, ICE agents chose to escalate what should have been a peaceful situation into chaos,” Paul Fishman, the former U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said in a statement. “This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICE’s behavior to Congresswoman McIver. In the courtroom, facts — not headlines — will matter.” A nearly two-minute clip released by the Homeland Security Department shows McIver on the facility side of a chain link fence just before the arrest of the mayor on the street side of the fence. She and uniformed officials go through the gate and she joins others shouting “surround the mayor.” The video shows McIver in a tightly packed group of people and officers. At one point her left elbow and then her right elbow push into an officer wearing a dark face covering and an olive green uniform emblazoned with the word “Police” on it. In a post on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said McIver was being charged after a “thorough review of the video footage” and investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. “Assaults on federal law enforcement will not be tolerated,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a post on X. “This Administration will always protect those who work tirelessly to keep America safe.” House Democratic leaders decried the criminal case against their colleague in a lengthy statement in which they called the charge “extreme, morally bankrupt” and lacking “any basis in law or fact.” “The proceeding initiated by the so-called U.S. Attorney in New Jersey […]
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, has endorsed Nachman Caller in the special election for New York State Senate, delivering a significant boost to the Republican candidate just 12 hours before polls open. In a robocall sent to voters in the 22nd Senate District, Stefanik said Caller “will stop Governor Hochul and the radical liberal politicians in Albany.” Caller, a longtime real estate attorney and community leader from Borough Park, is running on the Republican and Conservative lines to fill the Brooklyn seat vacated earlier this year. The district includes the frum neighborhoods of Borough Park, Midwood, Flatbush, and Marine Park. The State Senate plays a key role in shaping policy on education, housing, taxes, healthcare, and public safety. A victory by Caller would leave Democrats two votes short of a veto-proof majority in the chamber. “Nachman Caller will fight to keep our streets safe and fight for our schools,” Stefanik said. Stefanik has gained national prominence in recent years and earned praise in the Jewish community during congressional hearings last year, where she challenged university presidents over their failure to protect Jewish students. Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from Rockland County, has also endorsed Caller, echoing the message that Albany needs experienced leaders to push back against radical liberal policies. “I am honored to receive the support of these esteemed Republican leaders in Washington,” said Nachman Caller. “With their help, and with a mandate from the voters in our district, we will bring common sense to Albany and deliver real results for all families.” The special election will be held tomorrow. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp rebuke to European leaders on Monday, accusing them of rewarding Hamas’ October 7 attack by demanding an end to Israel’s defensive war and pushing for a Palestinian state. In a statement, Netanyahu outlined Israel’s position, emphasizing the need for Hamas’ destruction and Gaza’s demilitarization while aligning with President Trump’s vision for peace. “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities,” Netanyahu said. He described the war’s origins, stating, “The war began on October 7 when Palestinian terrorists stormed our borders, murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more innocents to the dungeons of Gaza.” Netanyahu called for European leaders to adopt President Trump’s approach, asserting, “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.” Framing the conflict as a broader struggle, he concluded, “This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
