Israeli troops continue to battle Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, with over 800,000 Palestinians displaced and 1,530 killed since Saturday. A new poll reveals that 70% of Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should resign after the war ends, and the international community is pushing for an immediate cease-fire.
News Mash
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that a person of interest has been taken into custody following antisemitic threats made at Cornell University. The Anti-Defamation League reported a nearly 400% increase in reported incidents of antisemitism since the start of the conflict in the Middle East. In response, Gov. Hochul has taken steps to combat antisemitism on college campuses in New York, including increased security measures, increased training for faculty and staff, and the creation of a task force.
The Senate has confirmed Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, with support from only two Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of those Republicans, said the ambassadorship is "as important and timely as any nomination" due to the war against Hamas. Lew, who served as Treasury Secretary under President Obama, is expected to take up his post in Jerusalem soon.
The Education Department has released a new plan to provide debt relief to four groups of borrowers with federal student loans, estimated to be up to 12 million people. The proposal is open for public comment and will be finalized after a period of review, with details on implementation and when it will take effect yet to be released.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced plans to issue subpoenas to three individuals in connection with a probe into ethics practices at the Supreme Court. The 11 Democratic members of the panel are targeting two wealthy Republican donors and an influential conservative legal activist in order to uncover more information about the trips provided to two Supreme Court justices. The investigation is a significant escalation of the Democrats' efforts to hold the high court accountable, and the subpoenas could provide important insight into the relationship between the justices and wealthy donors.
Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old American ice hockey player, tragically died after suffering a skate cut to his neck while playing for the Nottingham Panthers at the Sheffield Steelers. His death has sparked a conversation about player safety, with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and National Hockey League (NHL) both expressing their condolences and committing to improving safety protocols and equipment. Johnson's family and friends are in the thoughts of many, and it is hoped that the measures being taken will help to make the sport safer for all players.
FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress Tuesday that the actions of Hamas and its allies in the Middle East could inspire other terrorist attacks, including by violent extremists in the United States. Wray noted that multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West, and the FBI is increasing its efforts to combat terrorism domestically and internationally. Wray said that the FBI is committed to protecting the American people from all threats and will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action.
Syracuse University has canceled a lecture due to safety concerns, as Israel's military has carried out airstrikes on the Palestinian Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties, including children and women. The situation in Gaza is dire, and the university is unable to ensure the safety of its campus community.