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Columbia University Task Force Grapples with Definition of Anti-Semitism Amid Campus Debate

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Columbia University in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan. Credit: Columbia.edu

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others, Columbia University in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan has taken decisive action to address the issue of anti-Semitism on its campus. However, according to a recently published report in the New York Times, the university’s task force charged with combating this pervasive issue has encountered a major hurdle: the inability to settle on a clear definition of what anti-Semitism actually is.

The debate within the task force reflects broader tensions within the university community and beyond, where competing factions advocate for divergent definitions of anti-Semitism, as was reported in the NYT.  At the heart of the issue is the question of whether criticism of the state of Israel should be considered anti-Semitic. This debate pits two distinct viewpoints against each other.

The first definition, favored by the U.S. State Department and many supporters of Israel, broadens the scope of anti-Semitism to include the “targeting of the state of Israel.” This expansive definition could potentially label much of the pro-Palestinian activism sweeping Columbia’s campus as anti-Semitic, sparking controversy and division among students and faculty alike.

Shai Davidai, a Columbia professor and advocate for the broader definition, expressed his frustration, stating, “If you don’t diagnose the problem, you don’t have to deal with it. Saying we don’t want to define it so we don’t have a problem, that’s copping out.” Photo Credit: shaidavidai.com

Conversely, the NYT report indicated that the second definition takes a narrower approach, distinguishing between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Advocates of this definition argue that conflating criticism of Israeli policies with anti-Semitism undermines legitimate discourse and could lead to accusations of the university not taking anti-Semitism seriously enough.

The task force’s refusal to settle on a specific definition has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the debate. According to the information provided in the NYT report, Shai Davidai, a Columbia professor and advocate for the broader definition, expressed his frustration, stating, “If you don’t diagnose the problem, you don’t have to deal with it. Saying we don’t want to define it so we don’t have a problem, that’s copping out.”

On the other hand, the report in the NYT noted that pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist faculty and students, many of whom are Jewish themselves, fear that without a clear definition, the task force’s efforts to combat anti-Semitism could inadvertently stifle free speech and activism on campus.

The pressure on universities to address anti-Semitism has intensified in recent months, with Columbia’s president, Nemat Shafik, and the co-chairs of its board of directors called to testify at a congressional hearing on April 17. Credit: news.columbia.edu

Columbia University’s dilemma underscores the broader challenge faced by universities across the country as they grapple with protecting free speech while also addressing instances of discrimination and harassment, particularly against Jewish students. The task force’s mandate to understand how anti-Semitism manifests on campus and improve the climate for Jewish faculty and students is further complicated by the contentious nature of the debate over definitions.

The pressure on universities to address anti-Semitism has intensified in recent months, with Columbia’s president, Nemat Shafik, and the co-chairs of its board of directors called to testify at a congressional hearing on April 17, as was mentioned in the NYT report.  This congressional scrutiny follows a contentious hearing in December, where presidents of other prestigious universities struggled to address questions regarding school policies on anti-Semitism, particularly in the context of calls for genocide against Jews.

Columbia’s legal woes further complicate its response to anti-Semitism allegations. The university is currently embroiled in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by over a dozen Jewish students. According to the NYT report, the lawsuit paints a grim picture of Columbia as an institution where “mobs of pro-Hamas students and faculty march by the hundreds shouting vile anti-Semitic slogans, including calls to genocide.”

However, the characterization of certain slogans and chants as anti-Semitic remains a point of contention. The information in the NYT report explained that pro-Palestinian demonstrators have argued that slogans such as “By any means necessary” and “There is only one solution, intifada, revolution” do not constitute calls to genocide but are merely expressions of political activism.

Led by co-chair Nicholas Lemann, a former dean of the journalism school, the task force is confronted with the daunting task of listening to the grievances of students and faculty while navigating the complex terrain of defining and addressing anti-Semitism. Credit: journalism.columbia.edu

In response to mounting pressure and legal challenges, Columbia formed a task force to address anti-Semitism on campus. The university appointed three Jewish professors as co-chairs of the task force, citing their experience and understanding of Columbia’s workings, as per the NYT report. While these professors may not be experts in anti-Semitism research, they bring a nuanced understanding of the university’s dynamics to the table.

The co-chairs of the task force emphasize that their goal is not to define anti-Semitism but rather to address the concerns of Jewish students and faculty and seek practical solutions to improve their sense of security and well-being on campus, the NYT reported. They argue that labeling incidents as anti-Semitic or not is not within the purview of the task force, which instead focuses on fostering a supportive environment for the Jewish community.

Led by co-chair Nicholas Lemann, a former dean of the journalism school, the task force is confronted with the daunting task of listening to the grievances of students and faculty while navigating the complex terrain of defining and addressing anti-Semitism.

Lemann, in an interview with the NYT highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “I get letters from parents every single day, just regular people, students… ‘Why aren’t you listening? Why aren’t you doing anything?’” He emphasized that the task force’s primary objective is not to define anti-Semitism but rather to lend a sympathetic ear to the concerns of the Columbia community and explore avenues to alleviate the discomfort and distress experienced by Jewish students and faculty.

The debate over the definition of anti-Semitism adds another layer of complexity to the task force’s mandate. According to the NYT report, pro-Israel Jewish advocacy groups have long advocated for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which encompasses anti-Zionist speech within its scope. Endorsed by over 40 countries, including Israel, since 2016, the IHRA definition frames anti-Semitism as a perception of Jews that may manifest as hatred, but its examples regarding Israel have sparked controversy, the report added.

Pro-Hamas demonstrators gather for a protest at Columbia University, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in New York. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Critics argue that the IHRA definition’s examples, particularly regarding the denial of Israel’s right to self-determination, could stifle legitimate political criticism of the Israeli government’s policies. As indicated in the NYT report, left-wing Jewish groups, on the other hand, advocate for alternative definitions, such as the Jerusalem Declaration, which adopt a more lenient stance on criticism of Israel, including support for boycotts and sanctions against the Jewish state.

Similar tensions have been observed at other prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Stanford, where task force members have faced criticism for not endorsing a more expansive definition of anti-Semitism. The report in the NYT said that at Stanford, this tension led to the resignation of a task force co-chair, highlighting the challenges universities face in navigating this sensitive issue.

At Columbia, the task force co-chairs are wary of falling into a similar predicament. However, the reluctance to define anti-Semitism poses significant challenges. Speaking to the NYT, Dov Waxman, an expert on anti-Semitism at UCLA, emphasized the importance of understanding the issue to effectively combat it, stating, “If you want to understand any issue and any problem, you need to have an understanding of what it is.”

Waxman suggested that the Columbia task force consider referencing multiple definitions, a strategy adopted by the Biden administration in its anti-Semitism strategy, as was explained in the NYT report. While the task force has not ruled out this approach, Lemann acknowledged the complexity of the issue.

Tensions have escalated during task force listening sessions on campus, with some sessions turning confrontational. During a session with graduate students, several anti-Zionist Jews questioned the definition of anti-Semitism and voiced concerns about their views being included in it. The report in the NYT said that this led to a heated exchange, with accusations of hostility leveled against task force co-chair Ester Fuchs.

Fuchs defended the purpose of the listening sessions amidst criticism from students, stating, “attempted to disrupt the session and ignore its purpose — to listen to students’ concerns and experiences with anti-Semitism on campus.”

In response to the incident, four students penned a letter to Columbia administrators calling for Fuchs’s replacement on the task force by an anti-Zionist representative. Noted in the NYT were the comments of Caitlin Liss, a Jewish graduate student who signed the letter. She emphasized the diversity of Jewish perspectives on Zionism and expressed frustration with the administration’s handling of the issue.

However, the task force’s efforts have not been without challenges. The NYT report said that Joseph Howley, a Jewish classics professor and supporter of Columbia’s pro-Palestinian movement, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the listening sessions, stating, “I have no reason to believe I’ll be taken seriously.” Despite invitations extended to faculty members, only a few critics of Israel attended the sessions, reflecting the deep divisions within the university community on the issue.

Dov Waxman, an expert on anti-Semitism at UCLA, emphasized the importance of understanding the issue to effectively combat it, stating, “If you want to understand any issue and any problem, you need to have an understanding of what it is.” Credit: C-SPAN.org

In one session, tensions flared when Amy Werman, a professor at the School of Social Work who supports Israel, questioned the task force’s efficacy, suggesting it might be mere “window dressing” to appease Congress. According to the NYT report, Professor Fuchs’s response to Werman’s inquiry was met with discomfort, with Werman recalling, “I felt like she was attacking me.” However, Fuchs disputed this characterization, affirming the task force’s commitment to its mandate.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, some Jewish students have found the listening sessions to be valuable platforms for expressing their concerns. Rebecca Massel, a sophomore covering anti-Semitism for The Columbia Spectator, noted that the sessions provided an outlet for students to voice their grievances and engage in constructive dialogue on the issue, the NYT report observed.

Looking ahead, the task force is taking steps to further its research and recommendations on anti-Semitism at Columbia. By hiring a research director to develop a comprehensive study on anti-Semitism and recommend training materials for the university, the task force aims to enhance its understanding of the issue and implement effective strategies to address it.

Columbia University’s task force on anti-Semitism has released its inaugural report in the form of a 24-page document that emphasizes the need for additional limits on protests and better enforcement of existing rules to tackle the virulent Jew hatred on campus.

Professor Fuchs highlighted the impact of protests on campus life, stating, “Protests are the most overtly disruptive to life on campus and make people feel like they’re unsafe, like they’re unwelcome and they should find another place to go to school,” according to the NYT report.

Addressing the issue of anti-Israel protest chants, such as “Death to the Zionist State,” the report refrained from making definitive conclusions, leaving the question of whether such chants constitute discriminatory harassment to legal experts, as was highlighted in the information contained in the NYT report. However, the task force urged the university to provide more guidance on the meaning of “discriminatory harassment,” including anti-Semitic harassment, to better address the concerns of Jewish and Israeli students.

Also speaking to the NYT was David M. Schizer, another co-chair of the task force and former dean of Columbia’s law school. He explained the rationale behind the decision not to define anti-Semitism within the context of discriminatory harassment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a general policy definition to ensure compliance with federal law and prevent differential treatment of protected classes, the NYT report added.

United Airlines Beset with String of Safety Incidents: What Travelers Need to Know

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Among the recent incidents reported, an engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a lost tire shortly after takeoff, and a plane veering off the runway have grabbed headlines, underscoring the challenges faced by the airline in ensuring the safety of its operations. Credit: nbcnews.com

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In recent weeks, United Airlines has found itself grappling with a series of safety incidents, sparking concerns among federal officials and passengers alike, as was recently reported in The New York Times. From engine fires to runway mishaps, these incidents have raised questions about aviation safety and put the spotlight on both United Airlines and aircraft manufacturers like Boeing.

Among the recent incidents reported, an engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a lost tire shortly after takeoff, and a plane veering off the runway have grabbed headlines, underscoring the challenges faced by the airline in ensuring the safety of its operations, according to the information provided in the NYT report. While no injuries have been reported in any of these incidents, the occurrences have nevertheless heightened anxiety among passengers and regulators.

“All of the incidents happened on flights that took off from or were headed to airports in the United States, and five involved airplanes made by Boeing, a manufacturer already under intense scrutiny,” revealed a spokesperson for United Airlines, the report in the NYT said. This concentration of incidents involving Boeing aircraft further amplifies concerns about the safety and reliability of these planes.

As United Airlines navigates this challenging period, passengers are left wondering about the implications for their travel plans and overall safety. Here’s what travelers need to know about the latest developments in aviation safety:

The aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been under scrutiny as of late of their models 737-900, 777 & 737 Max 8, among others have been involved in accidents due to plane malfunctions. Photo Credit: AP

Heightened Vigilance: Passengers can expect heightened vigilance and scrutiny of safety procedures and protocols in response to recent incidents. United Airlines, along with federal regulators, is likely to implement additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.

Ongoing Reviews: The airline is conducting comprehensive reviews of each incident, examining factors contributing to the mishaps and identifying areas for improvement. These reviews will inform future safety protocols and training initiatives.

Manufacturer Accountability: With several incidents involving Boeing aircraft, scrutiny is likely to intensify on the manufacturer’s quality control and safety standards. Boeing, already under scrutiny for past incidents, faces increased pressure to address any underlying issues.

Passenger Assurance: United Airlines is committed to maintaining open communication with passengers, providing updates on safety measures and addressing concerns promptly. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to the airline with any questions or inquiries.

Most of the aforementioned incidents have necessitated emergency landings or diversions, underscoring the seriousness of the situations faced by the airline and its passengers, the NYT report said.

On March 4, a Boeing 737-900 departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston was forced to return to the airport for an emergency landing after one of its engines ingested and burned plastic wrap, causing a potentially dangerous situation mid-flight.

As was indicated in the NYT report, three days later, on March 7, a Boeing 777 departing from San Francisco for Osaka, Japan, was compelled to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after the aircraft lost a tire shortly after takeoff, highlighting the critical nature of the issue that prompted the diversion.

The following day, on March 8, a Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a frightening incident as it veered off the runway upon landing at George Bush Airport in Houston, ultimately tilting onto the grass, raising questions about the factors contributing to the mishap, the report in the NYT noted.

Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and current head of an aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, offered insight into the situation. “Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally but often don’t get reported in the media,” he explained. Credit: Linkedin

Simultaneously, another United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco for Mexico City, operated by an Airbus A320, encountered issues with its hydraulic system, compelling the aircraft to be diverted to Los Angeles for further assessment and ensuring passenger safety.

The incidents continued to unfold on March 9, according to the NYT report, when an Airbus A320 en route to Salt Lake City was forced to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to reported maintenance issues, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential safety concerns mid-flight.

The report in the NYT also added that just two days later, on March 11, a Boeing 777 flying from Sydney, Australia, to San Francisco was compelled to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a hydraulic leak, emphasizing the critical role of regular maintenance checks in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents.

The string of incidents culminated on March 14, when an Airbus A320 departing from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport experienced a hydraulic leak shortly before landing at its scheduled destination in San Francisco, the NYT report pointed out.

In a separate incident on the same day, a Boeing 737-800 departing from San Francisco landed at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon missing an external panel, highlighting potential issues with aircraft integrity and maintenance oversight.

While United Airlines finds itself under scrutiny that have prompted questions about the airline’s safety protocols and overall reliability, experts caution against overreaction, emphasizing that the recent mishaps are not indicative of systemic problems within the airline industry.

Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and current head of an aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, offered insight into the situation. “Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally but often don’t get reported in the media,” he explained to the NYT. He also stressed that while these incidents are concerning, they are not necessarily uncommon in the aviation industry.

Kyra Dempsey, who specializes in aviation accidents and writes for the blog Admiral Cloudberg, echoes Sumwalt’s sentiment. Speaking to the NYT, she asserted that United’s recent issues should not be erroneously linked to broader challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing. “While it’s bad luck that United had so many incidents in such a short period, in general, such incidents happen frequently around the world, and they aren’t on the rise overall,” Dempsey affirmed to the NYT.

In response to the spate of incidents, United Airlines’ Chief Executive, Scott Kirby, took steps to reassure customers, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety. “These incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” Kirby stated in an email sent to customers on Monday, the NYT reported. He assured passengers that each incident was under thorough review by the airline, with findings influencing safety training and procedures moving forward.

In the message, Kirby outlined several measures aimed at enhancing safety protocols within the airline. Notably, starting in May, United pilots will undergo an additional day of in-person training, a change that was already in the pipeline prior to the recent incidents, as per the information in the NYT report.  Additionally, the airline will implement a centralized training curriculum for new maintenance technicians and allocate additional resources to bolster the carrier’s supply chain.

As concerns mount over recent safety incidents in the aviation industry, government agencies tasked with oversight and investigation are stepping up to address the issues at hand, as was indicated in the NYT report. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) play critical roles in ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s aviation system, with each agency handling specific aspects of safety regulation and investigation.

“The FAA regulates the country’s aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines,” explained Sumwalt when he spoke with the NYT.  “Meanwhile, the NTSB investigates the causes of accidents, collisions, and crashes involving planes flown by U.S. carriers, among other incidents involving commercial and mass transit operators.”

Sumwalt also highlighted the discretionary nature of investigations conducted by both agencies, indicating that not all incidents necessarily warrant formal inquiries. “Both agencies have discretion on what they investigate,” he added, according to the NYT report, as he underscored the need for prioritization and strategic allocation of resources.

Currently, the NTSB is actively investigating the incident that occurred on March 8 in Houston, where a plane veered off the runway during landing. Additionally, the NYT report said that the agency is looking into a February 10 flight from Los Angeles to Newark, operated by United Airlines, which experienced severe turbulence resulting in injuries among passengers.

According to safety experts, some issues may not reach the threshold for formal investigation by either agency. Also speaking to the NYT was Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and former FAA control tower operator, who shed light on this aspect. “Partial loss of some of an airplane’s multiple hydraulics systems is common,” McCormick noted. “The FAA may or may not get involved for this kind of issue unless there’s a pattern.”

Places to Stay in the Poconos

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Rediscover the outdoors at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

The Pocono Mountains offers resorts and lodging facilities to suit every need or budget.

By:  PoconoMointains.com

Even better is that the Pocono Mountains accommodations are as varied as the Poconos landscape. Consider a bed & breakfast atop a mountain peak overlooking one of Poconos many quiet coves, or an inn or guest house nestled among our rolling hills and scenic mountains. You can stay in a historic, boutique hotel that caters to your romantic side with their vintage charm and warm hospitality, or pamper yourself at a destination spa or luxury resort.

The family will love the Poconos wonderful selection of family-friendly motels, cabins, cottages and vacation rentals just steps away from the many lakes in the summer and miles of snowmobile trails in the winter. The region’s waterpark resorts welcome you to splash and stay in any season. Full service hotels and resorts serve up extensive amenities and make for a well-appointed home base as you embark upon your next Pocono adventure. If camping or glamping is your thing, you’ll find campgrounds along the water or in the woods. So whether you’re parking your RV or pitching your tent, you’re sure to find a Poconos campground to meet your needs. Generations of travelers have been attracted to Pocono traditional camps, while the varied summer camps inspire new groups of adventurers every year.

Start your search here for accommodations that will help make your Pocono Mountains experience memorable. But remember however you make your home away from home, when you visit the Pocono Mountains, we’ll take care of you. Visit our pet-friendly hotels for when you need to bring along your furry companion. Find packages and deals to help plan your stay.

1 – Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark

A thrilling year-round adventure hotel in the Pocono Mountains! With 453 spacious rooms and 16 unique suite layouts to choose from, you’ll find the perfect option for your family of four or 14 at Camelback Lodge.

2 – Chateau Resort & Conference Center

Escape the ordinary at Chateau Resort and Conference Center. Surrounded by the snowy slopes and natural beauty of Tannersville, PA, we offer a full range of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and sauna, and free Wi-Fi. Travel beyond our scenic property and visit the Camelback Ski Area, Camelbeach Waterpark, and Camelback Adventures, only moments away.

3 – Mount Airy Casino Resort

Mount Airy Casino Resort’s warm ambiance and long list of amenities, naturally accentuates the serenity of the Pocono Mountains’ setting. It’s the first casino resort in all of PA to receive AAA’s Four Diamond designation.

4 – Mountain Springs Lake Resort

Do everything or do nothing at all. You set the pace. Nestled in over 325 private woodland acres, Mountain Springs Lake Resort’s charming cottages range from tastefully appointed wood frame cottages to authentic log cabins, natural cedar…

5 – Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

Rediscover the outdoors at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort and be captivated by its majestic mountain scenery and historic charm. Just two miles from the Delaware Water Gap, the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is nestled on the banks of the Delaware River, on 250 acres of private property within the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Built in 1911, this historic retreat has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts and is poised to write a new chapter in its celebrated history with modern twists to those beloved pastimes. Accommodations include resort rooms and suites, premium cottages and tent glamping sites.

The DOJ’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple: A Critical Blow to Big Tech

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The Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, one of the world’s most prominent and valuable companies. Photo Credit: CNBC.com

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant escalation of the federal government’s crackdown on Big Tech, the Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, one of the world’s most prominent and valuable companies. According to a recent report in The New York Times, the lawsuit, joined by 16 states and the District of Columbia, represents a substantial challenge to Apple’s reach and influence in the tech industry.

The 88-page lawsuit alleges that Apple violated antitrust laws through practices aimed at maintaining its dominance in the market and preventing consumers from switching to competing devices. The government contends that Apple’s actions, particularly in restricting other companies from offering applications that compete with its own products like the digital wallet, have harmed both consumers and smaller companies. As noted in The New York Times report, these practices not only limit consumer choice but also stifle innovation and competition in the tech ecosystem.

The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks to put an end to these anticompetitive practices and holds the potential for more severe measures, including the breakup of Apple itself. This move signals a significant shift in the government’s approach to regulating Big Tech companies, particularly those that wield immense power and influence over the market.

For Apple, the lawsuit represents a critical blow to its sprawling empire, built upon the unparalleled success of its flagship product, the iPhone. Since its introduction in 2007, the iPhone has become not only Apple’s most popular device but also the cornerstone of its business, driving the company’s growth into a nearly $2.75 trillion public entity, as was noted in the NYT report. The lawsuit directly targets Apple’s reliance on the iPhone and underscores the government’s concerns over the company’s monopolistic practices.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, accuses Apple of engaging in anticompetitive practices that stifle innovation and limit consumer choice, as highlighted in a recent report by The New York Times.

Critics argue that Apple’s tight control over the user experience on its devices has created an uneven playing field, granting preferential treatment to its own products and services while restricting access for rivals. This has resulted in limitations on third-party access to core features, such as the payment chip and location services, which are crucial for finance companies and Bluetooth trackers,  as was noted in the NYT report. Additionally, Apple’s ecosystem makes it easier for users to connect its products, such as smartwatches and laptops, to the iPhone compared to devices made by other manufacturers.

The 88-page lawsuit alleges that Apple violated antitrust laws through practices aimed at maintaining its dominance in the market and preventing consumers from switching to competing devices. Credit: dailypioneer.com

The government’s lawsuit contends that each step in Apple’s course of conduct has fortified its smartphone monopoly, resulting in higher prices and less innovation. However, the information in the NYT report said that Apple has argued that these practices are necessary to ensure the security and integrity of its products. An Apple spokeswoman emphasized the company’s commitment to creating technology that meets consumers’ expectations, where hardware, software, and services intersect. She warned that the success of the lawsuit could set a dangerous precedent, granting the government undue influence in shaping technological innovation.

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, under the Biden administration, have sharpened their focus on updating antitrust laws to address the challenges of the modern era, as detailed in a report by The New York Times.

The lawsuit against Apple seeks to curb its current business practices, which include blocking cloud-streaming apps, undermining messaging interoperability across smartphone operating systems, and impeding the development of digital wallet alternatives.

According to a Justice Department official, who spoke to the New York Times on the condition of anonymity, the government has the authority to demand structural changes to Apple’s business, potentially including a breakup. However, the specific actions the agency may pursue will depend on the court’s ruling regarding Apple’s alleged violations of antitrust laws.

The implications of the lawsuit for consumers remain uncertain, as the legal battle is expected to unfold over several years before reaching a resolution. As explained in the New York Times report,  Apple intends to file a motion to dismiss the case within the next 60 days, emphasizing its belief that competition laws permit the company to implement policies and designs that enhance the user experience on its devices.

In response to the allegations, Apple asserts that its practices are in line with competition laws and are aimed at improving the functionality and usability of its products. The company maintains that its policies contribute to making the iPhone a superior choice for consumers, despite objections from competitors.

Apple, in particular, has effectively navigated previous antitrust battles, leveraging arguments about customer loyalty and the benefits of its ecosystem to fend off legal challenges, according to the report in the New York Times.

In the highly publicized lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, Apple successfully argued that customers’ loyalty to the iPhone, rather than any anticompetitive practices, was the primary reason for their reluctance to switch to other operating systems. The report added that the company underscored its data showing the significant growth of businesses facilitated by the App Store, highlighting a 374 percent increase in paid app makers over the past decade, as reported by The New York Times.

However, Apple’s legal battles are just one facet of a broader regulatory crackdown on tech giants. According to the New York Times report, the Justice Department is pursuing cases against Google’s search business and its dominance in advertising technology, while the Federal Trade Commission has filed lawsuits against Meta (formerly Facebook) for anticompetitive practices related to its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, and against Amazon for alleged abuse of power in online retail.

These legal challenges reflect a concerted effort by regulators to apply greater scrutiny to the immense power wielded by tech companies. Under the Trump administration, antitrust inquiries were initiated into Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple, signaling a growing awareness of the need to address potential anticompetitive behavior in the tech industry, the New York Times report added.  The Biden administration has further intensified these efforts, appointing individuals critical of tech giants to key leadership positions within regulatory agencies.

Apple’s dominance in the tech industry is also facing increasing scrutiny worldwide, with regulators in Europe, South Korea, the Netherlands, and beyond taking aim at the company’s alleged anticompetitive practices. Recent actions by European regulators, including a hefty 1.8 billion-euro fine, underscore the growing momentum behind efforts to rein in Apple’s market power, as detailed in the New York Times report.

In Europe, authorities have penalized Apple for obstructing music streaming competitors from communicating with users about promotions and subscription upgrades. Additionally, the New York Times reported that app developers have appealed to the European Commission to investigate claims that Apple is violating regulations requiring it to open iPhones to third-party app stores, signaling a broader challenge to the company’s control over app distribution.

Similarly, in South Korea and the Netherlands, Apple faces potential fines over the fees it charges app developers to use alternative payment processors, while other countries like Britain, Australia, and Japan are considering regulations aimed at loosening Apple’s grip on the app economy.

The United States Justice Department, which initiated its investigation into Apple in 2019, has opted to pursue a more comprehensive and ambitious case than previous regulators. Rather than narrowly focusing on the App Store, as European regulators have done, the Justice Department’s lawsuit targets Apple’s entire ecosystem of products and services, according to The New York Times.

Furthermore, the government argues that Apple has hindered innovation by refusing to allow game streaming apps and “super apps” on its platform. By limiting the functionality of third-party applications, Apple effectively maintains the iPhone’s value as a premium piece of hardware and stifles competition in the app ecosystem.

Princess Catherine Reveals Cancer Diagnosis – What Does it All Mean?

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, y disclosed her recent cancer diagnosis, shedding light on the tumultuous journey her family has endured over the past months. Photo Credit: 11alive.com

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a poignant video message released on Friday, Catherine, Princess of Wales, bravely disclosed her recent cancer diagnosis, shedding light on the tumultuous journey her family has endured over the past months, as was reported on Friday in the New York Times. The announcement, coming on the heels of King Charles III’s own battle with cancer, underscores the profound challenges faced by the British royal family in the wake of these health crises.

The revelation marks a somber chapter in the life of Catherine, 42, who alongside her husband, Prince William, has navigated the public spotlight with grace and dignity. Addressing the public, Catherine acknowledged the trying nature of the past months, stating, “It’s been incredibly tough for our entire family,” the NYT report said.  Her words echo the sentiments of resilience and unity shared by her and Prince William as they confront this unexpected challenge.

Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Catherine remained steadfast in her resolve to prioritize her family’s privacy, urging the public and news media to respect their need for space during this period of treatment, as was indicated in the NYT report. “We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” Catherine expressed, emphasizing the importance of privacy in navigating this deeply personal journey.

The news of Catherine’s illness comes amidst a backdrop of speculation and uncertainty surrounding her health, exacerbated by her recent absence from public engagements following abdominal surgery in January. Her decision to address the rumors directly reflects her commitment to transparency and authenticity in sharing her experiences with the public.

“This of course came as a huge shock,” Catherine confessed, revealing the emotional toll of grappling with her diagnosis, the report in the NYT said. “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.” Her candid acknowledgment of the challenges faced by her and Prince William underscores the depth of their commitment to supporting each other and their children during this difficult period.

Speaking directly to the public in a video message recorded by the BBC in Windsor, Catherine recounted the journey that led to her diagnosis. The NYT report noted that initially, doctors believed her condition to be noncancerous when she underwent surgery, which was deemed successful. However, further tests revealed evidence of cancer, prompting her to embark on a course of chemotherapy.

“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” Catherine shared in the video, the NYT reported . “But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

The timing of Catherine’s announcement eerily parallels that of her father-in-law, King Charles III, whose own battle with cancer was made public earlier this year, as per the information in the NYT report. Despite assurances from Buckingham Palace that the king’s cancer is not prostate cancer, the specific details of his diagnosis and prognosis remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation and uncertainty.

The announcement serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the indiscriminate nature of illness, even within the highest echelons of society. With both the monarch and his daughter-in-law confronting grave health challenges, the British royal family finds itself plunged into a period of profound uncertainty, grappling with the implications for the future of the monarchy.

Prior to Catherine’s video message, Kensington Palace had released limited information about her condition, leading to a vacuum of information that fueled rumors and conspiracy theories on social media, as was explained in the NYT report.

In the video, Catherine is depicted sitting on a bench outside, surrounded by the beauty of nature with daffodils and blossoming trees in the background. Her hands clasped on her lap, she exudes a sense of calm and resolve as she bravely confronts the challenges ahead, the NYT report observed.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful,” Catherine revealed, according to the report in the NYT. “However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team, therefore, advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.” Her candid disclosure underscores the unpredictability of illness and the importance of remaining vigilant in monitoring one’s health.

Throughout her statement, Catherine emphasized the central role of her three children and their well-being in shaping the timing of her announcement. “As I have said to them,” she expressed, “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body, and spirit. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too,” as was reported by the NYT.

The decision to share the news with the public was carefully considered, with Catherine and William choosing to wait until the children’s school had broken up for the Easter holidays. The NYT report said that a Kensington Palace official explained that the couple wanted to share the information when they felt it was right for them as a family, highlighting their commitment to prioritizing their children’s well-being amidst the upheaval caused by Catherine’s diagnosis.

In concluding her video statement, Catherine offered words of encouragement and support to others grappling with a cancer diagnosis. “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer,” she remarked. “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.” Her message serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all those touched by cancer, offering solace and reassurance in the face of adversity.

Medicare Can Pay for Obesity Drugs like Wegovy in Certain Heart Patients

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Medicare can pay for the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy. Courtesy: Novo Nordisk

By: Jonel  Aleccia

Medicare can pay for the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy — as long as the patients using it also have heart disease and need to reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes and other serious problems, federal officials said Thursday.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued new guidance that says Medicare Part D drug benefit plans — which are offered through private insurers — could cover anti-obesity drugs that are approved for an additional use.

The move could pave the way for thousands of new prescriptions, resulting in billions of dollars in increased spending, analysts have said.

In practice, the guidance opens the door to wider coverage of Wegovy, the brand name of Novo Nordisk’s obesity medication semaglutide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this month approved a label change that allows Wegovy to be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people who are overweight or have obesity and also have existing heart disease.

Recent research showed that Wegovy cut the risk of heart attack, stroke and other problems by 20% versus a placebo, or dummy drug, in such patients. Cardiologists and other experts said use of semaglutide to reduce the risk of often fatal or disabling conditions could change the way heart patients are treated.

Wegovy carries a price tag of more than $1,300 a month, or $16,000 per year.

Part D plans could begin covering the drug “some time this year,” said Tricia Neuman, a Medicare policy specialist at KFF, a nonprofit that researches health policy.

“Medicare plans may be reluctant to move quickly to cover Wegovy given its relatively high price, particularly because they won’t be able to adjust premiums before next year,” she said.

Even if plans do allow coverage, people who meet the criteria may still face other restrictions. Plans may require higher out-of-pocket fees, prior authorizations or step therapy, in which a patient is required to try a lower-cost drug before proceeding to the new treatment, Neuman said.

Medicare Part D plans are prohibited by law from covering obesity medications used for chronic weight management alone, and that would not change, CMS officials said.

Private insurers are evaluating the guidance — and the new indication for Wegovy — before making coverage decisions, said a spokesperson for AHIP, America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group.

Drugmakers and obesity advocates have been pushing for expanded coverage, including legislation that would require Medicare to pay for the obesity drugs.

At issue has been whether the cost of the expensive medications will be offset by the savings of reduced spending on medical care related to obesity — and, now, heart disease.

One lingering obstacle to broader use is limited supply of the drug, which has been in shortage for more than a year, according to the FDA. Novo Nordisk officials say they’re working to increase production and access.

(AP)

Allergy Season is Here – How to Keep Pollen from Ruining Your Spring

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More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Credit: HealthyActive.org

By: Devi Shastri

Allergy season is here — and it’s earlier and stronger than expected.

More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The level of misery people will face depends on where they live and what they’re allergic to, but there are things you can do to feel better.

Pollen counts were high early

Dr. Rachna Shah usually starts looking at pollen counts in the Chicago area in April. But she peeked at her data in mid-February, and saw tree pollen was already at a “moderate” level.

“This season has been so nuts,” said Shah, an allergist and director of the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count. “Granted, it was a pretty mild winter, but I didn’t expect it to be so early.”

Shah said she believes this season will be longer than other years, assuming the weather remains warm. Experts say climate change has led to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

Which cities have it the worst?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists. This year, the top five were Wichita, Kansas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; Dallas; and Oklahoma City.

Dr. Nana Mireku is an allergist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and said “people are pretty miserable right now and allergists are pretty busy.”

Which pollens cause allergies?

There are three main types of pollen that cause seasonal allergies. Earlier in the spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. After that grasses pollinate, followed by weeds in the late summer and early fall.

Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.

Pollen trackers can help you plan your day

The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. That’s easier said than done when everyone wants to enjoy spring weather.

To prevent allergy issues, keep windows closed at home and in the car, avoid going out when pollen counts are highest and change clothes when you get home.

Pollen trackers can help with planning. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology tracks levels through a network of counting stations across the U.S. Counts are available at its website and via email.

How to relieve allergy symptoms

The first thing to figure out is what specifically you’re allergic to, Mireku said, and many Americans are allergic to several things at once. Allergists can run tests for different triggers.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, but they take a while to kick in, so it’s best to start them in early March, Shah said.

Antihistamines are another option. Shah said she’s seen some patients benefit from switching to a similar brand if one stops working, but said that there isn’t much broader data to back the recommendation.

For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.

(AP)

Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research Establishes First Professor in Women’s Health Research

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From left to right: Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, benefactors Saul and Iris Katz, and Dr. Elizabeth Cohn at the 9th annual Katz Institute for Women’s Health Lunch & Learn event held in Boca Raton, Florida in February 2024 (Credit: Northwell Health/Jason Jackman)

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Thanks to a generous endowment from women’s health advocates and philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz, Northwell Health and its home of medical research, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, have established the Iris and Saul Katz Professor in Women’s Health Research in response to a national movement aimed at addressing the health care disparities facing women. Elizabeth Cohn, RN, PhD, FAAN, vice president of health equity research in the Institute of Health System Science at the Feinstein Institutes, has been appointed the inaugural recipient of the position, the first of its kind at Northwell.

The appointment follows first lady Jill Biden’s recent announcement that $100 million in federal funding would be allocated for women’s health research, the first major step from a White House initiative launched last November to prioritize the unique health care needs of women.

“While women’s health is now recognized as a national priority, Northwell has been addressing this issue for more than 15 years by creating solutions to close health gaps through the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, a network of more than 750 dedicated women’s health experts,” said Stacey E. Rosen, MD, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell and the Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health. “We’re at the beginning of a new era of growth that will elevate our women’s health research expertise and improve clinical care, thanks to the collaboration of the Feinstein and Katz institutes, the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Cohn and the visionary generosity of Iris and Saul Katz, who were trailblazers in identifying the gaps and supporting the need for specialized women’s care.”

Dr. Cohn is a distinguished nurse leader and renowned translational nurse-scientist. With more than 25 years of experience at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in Manhasset, she specializes in health equity, precision medicine and community-engaged research. She has been recognized as the Obama White House Champion of Change in Precision Medicine and Health Equity and is an award-winning speaker and author.

“Elevating women’s health and translational research is not just about improving health care outcomes for women; it’s about advancing the well-being of entire communities and fostering a more equitable society,” said Dr. Cohn. “I am thankful to the Katzes for their generous support, and I am eager to enhance our national presence through innovation, collaboration and a steadfast dedication to raise health for all.”

Dr. Cohn will be formally recognized as the Iris and Saul Katz Professor in Women’s Health Research in October at Northwell’s Celebration of Excellence event, which brings together philanthropists, physician-scientists and clinical leaders to honor newly endowed professors and chairs who are shaping the future of health care.

Endowment provides the financial stability that allows Northwell to make strategic investments in a rapidly evolving health care environment and recruit the physicians, researchers and academic scholars who are propelling groundbreaking research and advancing medicine.

“We are proud to support Dr. Cohn, who shares our passion to ensure that the health care needs of women are no longer overlooked,” said Iris Katz. “We are finally making some headway nationally in women’s health research, and we’re excited to see how she will raise the standard of research and care in this critical area.”

“Northwell has the bandwidth and the systems in place, and we believe this is a moment in time when we can lead the nation in advancing women’s health research through this endowment,” added Saul Katz.

For the last 16 years, Iris and Saul Katz have been the driving force behind Northwell’s mission to address gender disparities and create a new, transformative model of women’s health care. In 2008, they founded the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, which has grown into a vast network of clinical experts and specialized services and resources throughout Northwell’s footprint that address every aspect of a woman’s health through every age and stage of her life. The Katzes’ support also enabled Northwell to build Katz Women’s Hospitals at both Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park and NSUH.

Most recently, their generosity established the Katz Women’s Surgical Center at Glen Cove Hospital, which has become a premier destination for women’s surgery and features the latest advances in breast surgery, breast reconstructive surgery and preventative mastectomy, gynecological and urological procedures, and advanced robot-assisted surgery. Over the last three years, the center has increased women’s access to high-level care by as much as 60 percent for breast surgery, 40 percent for plastic surgery and 200 percent for gynecologic surgery.

“Integrating women’s health seamlessly across our health and research initiatives is not just a necessity; it’s the right thing to do,” said Karina Davidson, PhD, dean of Academic Affairs; director and professor, Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research; senior vice president of research, Northwell; and the Donald and Barbara Zucker Professor in Health Outcomes. “We express profound gratitude to the Katzes for recognizing this vital need and for their unwavering support of Dr. Cohn in advancing the health and well-being of women everywhere.”

“Dr. Cohn is highly regarded as a nurse-scientist and a champion for women’s health and medical research,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and the Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. “Her dedicated advocacy and leadership are an inspiration recognized by this endowment.”

The Katzes also serve as lead sponsors of the annual Katz Institute Luncheon and Fashion Event and the Summer Hamptons Evening (SHE), which collectively have raised $17 million to date for women’s health programming and research across Northwell. Supporters of the Katz Institute and these events advance the Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort to support Northwell’s promise to the people it serves.

About the Feinstein Institutes

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50 research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its five institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, and molecular medicine. We make breakthroughs in genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit http://feinstein.northwell.edu and follow us on LinkedIn.

Sherry-Lehmann’s Landlord Granted Permission to Clear Out Iconic Park Ave Store

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Glorious Sun is the landlord of Sherry-Lehmann’s flagship store at 505 Park Ave. Credit: Yelp.com

By:  Rob Otto

After more than a year of closure following a scandal, a New York judge, Suzanne Adams, has approved an “order of ejectment” enabling Glorious Sun, the landlord of Sherry-Lehmann’s flagship store at 505 Park Ave, to reclaim the space, NY Post reported

The renowned wine retailer, frequented by notable figures such as Henry Kissinger, Greta Garbo, and Andy Warhol, closed its doors on March 10, 2023, due to allegations of selling alcohol with an expired license.

Sherry-Lehmann, founded in 1934 by Sam Aaron and Jack Aaron, had relocated to Park Avenue in 2007, paying nearly $2 million annually for a 9,500-square-foot space. Despite its illustrious history, the retailer faced financial challenges, exacerbated by costly business decisions.

Glorious Sun, owed over $4.8 million in unpaid rent, initiated legal proceedings to retake control of the property. The closure of the store left shelves filled with outdated merchandise and fixtures gathering dust.

Efforts to clear the premises have been delayed, partly due to pandemic-related court backlogs. However, recent developments suggest progress in emptying the space, with glass doors covered and display windows concealed behind sheetrock walls.

While speculation persists about the potential auction of remaining fixtures, including historic wine barrels and memorabilia, investigations continue into alleged financial improprieties, including unpaid sales tax and unfulfilled wine orders. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service, have been involved in probing the matter.

Despite the store’s storied past and its role in introducing fine French wines to the US market, the fate of Sherry-Lehmann’s legacy remains uncertain as legal battles and financial woes persist.

Sherry-Lehmann’s legal troubles had  been escalating for some time. The Post reported that earlier in 2023, the New York State Liquor Authority shut down the retailer on March 10, 2023 for selling alcohol without a valid license. Subsequently, the store has remained closed since then, affecting its loyal customer base and raising concerns about its future.

Shyda Gilmer and Kris Green, the owners of Sherry-Lehmann, have been at the center of the investigation. The Post reported that they are allegedly being scrutinized for selling wine to customers but failing to deliver it, particularly regarding futures worth over $1 million that were never fulfilled. These allegations have further damaged the store’s reputation and raised questions about the trustworthiness of its management.

The Park Avenue store of renowned wine seller Sherry-Lehmann experienced a shocking turn of events as it was raided by the FBI IN 2023, as was reported by the New York Post. The iconic 88-year-old vintner, already facing significant legal troubles, saw federal agents descend upon its premises as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the business and its owners. The Post reported that the situation has escalated, prompting authorities to take action amidst allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.

In a surprising move, federal agents arrived at the Park Avenue store early in the morning. An unmarked white van was stationed at the corner of Park and 59th St., indicating the gravity of the situation. The Post reported that the operation was part of a multi-law enforcement agency investigation, although the specific details were not disclosed to the public.

The agents were observed carrying out boxes from the premises, indicating that they were gathering evidence related to their inquiry, according to the Post report. When approached, an FBI officer confirmed they had been inside the store for hours.

Developer Plans New 12-Story Mixed-Use Building in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen

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Plans were filed with the NYC Dept of Buildings by developer Cheskel Schwimmer of the Brooklyn-based firm Chess Builders to construct a new 180,577-square-foot structure at 622 11th Ave. Credit: Yimby.com

By:  Hellen Zaboulani

A Brooklyn-based developer has plans to build a 12-story mixed-use building in Hell’s Kitchen.

As reported by Crain’s NY, plans were filed with the New York City Department of Buildings by Developer Cheskel Schwimmer of the Brooklyn-based firm Chess Builders to construct a new 180,577-square-foot structure at 622 11th Ave.–a largely industrial block between West 45th and West 46th streets.  The space was formerly a Metropolitan Lumber & Hardware yard.  The permits propose turning the currently empty warehouse into 188 residential units, with the building’s cellar and first floors featuring a retail component.  Floors two through 12 will be apartments, per the filing.  The plan does not include parking spaces. The apartments will likely be rentals, with an average size of 677 square feet per unit, New York YIMBY reported.   The architect of record, Shmuel Wieder of Brooklyn-based S. Wieder Architect, did not immediately reply to Crain’s request for comment.

The Metropolitan Lumber & Hardware business had announced in December 2022 that it would shutter its Hell’s Kitchen location, consolidating its operations to its other sites in SoHo and Astoria, Queens.  The Metropolitan Lumber & Hardware had also occupied the west side of 11th Avenue, across the street from where the filing permits are being requested for the residential space.

As of yet, no plans have been submitted for the development of the adjacent site.  Both sites have become a neighborhood eyesores, filled with graffiti, since the closure.

Chess Builders, the privately held urban construction company and property manager founded in 1999, has most of its expansive portfolio of real estate in Brooklyn.  Schwimmer told Crain’s on Monday that he had just recently closed on the Midtown West property, but declined to offer more information or to disclose the sale price. The Department of Finance filing for the sale is not yet available, so it is not clear how much the property was purchased for.

The property is located just a block away from the renowned Hudson River Greenway –which is the busiest bikeway in the USA.

This may explain why the building has not include plans for parking spaces.  Getting the property approved for residential space may not be such a hurdle being that it sits within Community Board 4, which in contrast to many nearby communities, has been very keen to support large numbers of new housing units. Between 2010 and 2019, the neighborhood’s purely advisory civic panel approved 153.8 units of housing per 1,000 residents— which is a whopping six times more than the citywide average of 25.6 for that time frame, reported the watchdog group, the Citizens Budget Commission.

Manhattan Community Board 4’s (MCB4) Affordable Housing Plan was first created in 2015 for Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen and has set forth a 163-page summary of plans to help boost housing in the area –which includes specific planned rezonings in numerous districts.  “For decades, MCB4 has been a strong advocate for affordable housing at a range of incomes. Our community believes that socioeconomic diversity and integration are the only way to keep Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Yards and Chelsea the thriving neighborhoods they are today”, says the MCB4 Affordable Housing Plan, Revised in June & July 2022.

What Happens if You Accidentally Trash Your Valuables in NYC???

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Joshua Goodman, Deputy Commissioner, Public Affairs & Customer Experience for the NYC Department of Sanitation, told the Post that the department gets frantic calls several times a month. Credit: LinkedIn

By:  Serach Nissim

What happens if you accidentally throw away your valuables and only realize the mix up after the garbage has already been picked up?

The episode is not so far fetched and not too rare.  As per the NY Post, Jill, a Staten Island mother-of-three, realized last Friday that her wallet, keys and jewelry were all unintentionally tossed out with the trash. Her wallet, which held cash and credit cards, also contained her car keys and a heirloom pair of gold earrings from the 1940s, was thrown out when her daughter had helped to unloaded bags from their car.  She only realized the faux-pas after the Department of Sanitation garbage truck had already picked up their trash.  She told the Post that while it would have been a big deal to replace any of those things,  the loss of the earrings which had been passed down in her family, was the pinnacle in her mind.  “I wore the earrings for my wedding, my daughter wore them for her high school graduation and prom,” said Jill, who did not wish to publish her last name. “When you lose something so personal, you are hysterical.”

The city collects some 24 million pounds of trash daily.  She didn’t know if it was even possible to find her treasures. In fact though, over the years, New Yorkers have thrown out and managed to recover goods including laptops, passports, valuable clothing, a lottery ticket worth $1,500, and even tefillin, or the Jewish ritual leather scroll boxes which orthodox men bind around their arms and forehead during prayer.

Joshua Goodman, Deputy Commissioner, Public Affairs & Customer Experience for the NYC Department of Sanitation, told the Post that the department gets frantic calls several times a month, with owners looking to recover something from their trash.  Goodman said the instances are “a good reminder that every item in the trash used to belong to someone.”

Jill’s first move was to drive around her neighborhood, looking for the garbage truck.  When this was to no avail, she called 311, which connected her with the Staten Island transfer station, where neighborhood waste is loaded onto bigger trucks headed to the final disposal destination.  Lucky for her, employees were able to pinpoint the local truck that had picked up Jill’s garbage and prevent the cargo from being shipped out of the city.  “You have a finite amount of time” — two or three hours after street pick-up — “before the trash is taken to a transfer station and taken out of the city via a barge or rail car,” said Goodman. If Jill had called after that time frame and missed the truck before it was taken out of the city, her chances of finding her goods would have been doomed.  The DOS allowed her to come down to the station and dig through the mountain of trash.  She was told she wouldn’t have more than 90 minutes and it was suggested she bring a friend to help with the search.

“I’m usually in pressed pants and lipstick,” said Jill, noting that the trash was “pretty smelly.”  After  searching with heavy duty gloves for about 30 minutes she spotted and reclaimed her green wallet.  “I was in shock,” she said. “Everything was intact. [But] it smelled like a pile of garbage.”

Donald Trump’s Net Worth at $6.4B, Placing Him as Top 500 Richest People in World

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In all, his personal net worth is roughly $6.4 billion. For the first time ever, Trump will be on the world’s top 500 wealthiest people in the world, based on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Credit: AP

By:   Hadassa Kalatizadeh

Donald J. Trump is back on top—and not just politically.

Former President Trump has been troubled with a shaky monetary state after being put on the hook to post a $500 million bail for his NY fraud lawsuit.  On Monday, when his entire business empire may have been in crisis, it ended up turning into the former president’s single-greatest day gain on record.

As reported by Crain’s NY, first, a state appeals court awarded him a lifeline, complying with his request to reduce the bond.

His bail was cut to $175 million — an amount Trump says he’ll be able to cover. About the same time, his social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, wrapped up a 29-month-long merger process.   The merger officially makes Mr. Trump, 77, the owner of shares worth billions of dollars.  In all, his personal net worth baloon by over $4 billion—to roughly $6.4 billion.  For the first time ever, Trump will be on the world’s top 500 wealthiest people in the world, based on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Previously, his fortune had peaked at $3.1 billion– largely consisting of real estate properties, the value of which may have been inflated to get better his terms on loans, as per the NY Fraud case.

Monday’s bail deadline had put his business in peril because his assets are not liquid and he may have had to sell his real estate holdings to be able to post the $454 million bond– which is a bond for 120% of the judgment while he appeals the case. New York Attorney General Letitia James may have have gotten the chance to seize his assets if he couldn’t pay.   His team of lawyers had argued that it was “unconstitutional” and unreasonable to have him payout, for hold in escrow, the entire 120 percent of judgment, even though he was still appealing the case.

He had also said that immediately selling his real estate assets at a fire-sale price would be unfair because he wouldn’t be able to buy it back later at a similar price if he won the appeal.  On Monday, when the state appeals court slashed the amount payable, Mr. Trump vowed to quickly post cash or a bond to cover the lowered amount. Still, even despite his windfall from Trump Media’s merger with Digital World Acquisition Corp., he still can’t cash out on those shares, for about six months.

Per Crain’s, completion of the merger meant jumping through hoops including multiple last-minute lawsuits, as well as an investigation  and settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  After the merger, the DWAC shares closed Monday at $49.95, up around 185% since the start of the year. Trump’s 58% stake in the company is valued at about $3.9 billion, based on that price.

The shares are now included in Bloomberg’s calculation of Trump’s net worth. The day before, his stake had been valued at only $22.5 million, based on his most recent financial disclosure form.

Mr. Trump’s newly updated net worth of $6.4 billion is based on ethics disclosures required for presidential candidates, and  public filings tied to key real estate holdings and staff reporting.

A representative for Trump did not reply to Crain’s request for comment.

Harvard could lose ‘some’ federal funding for failing to provide documents to House committee

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Another elite bastion of Jew hatred is Harvard University. Credit: hillel.org

Harvard University could lose federal funding over its decision not to provide the House Committee on Education and the Workforce with the documents it sought, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the committee chair, told The Washington Free Beacon on Monday.

“The ultimate thing is obviously, trying to hold back some of their money if they’re just not going to make the students safe,” Foxx told the publication. “That’s always an option for us.”

“It’s hard to know whether it’s arrogance, ineptness or indifference that is guiding Harvard,” Fox added.

The $625 million in federal funds Harvard received in 2021 “accounted for approximately 67% of total sponsored revenue in fiscal year 2021,” per the Ivy League school.

JNS sought comment from Foxx’s office about why “some” of the federal funding is potentially in jeopardy.

“Elite universities didn’t seem at all worried about the genocidal antisemitic rhetoric on their campuses until they started losing donations,” Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the education committee, told the Free Beacon.

“For these schools, it’s all about the money. Congress sends elite universities billions of taxpayer dollars each year, and if Harvard keeps giving haven to antisemitism, there’s a lot that House Republicans should do to make them pay,” he added.

Capturing Sinwar, dead or alive, key to saving hostages: Herzog

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By World Israel News Staff

Israeli president Isaac Herzog said that capturing Hamas head Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7th attacks, is crucial for the release of the Israeli hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking in Jerusalem at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new offices of auto tech company Mobileye, Herzog stressed that Sinwar was the driving force behind Hamas and whether or not it will free Israeli captives.

“The reality is this, and the world and us must accept it, everything begins and ends with Yahya Sinwar,” Herzog said.

“He’s the one who decided on the October 7 massacre, it’s he who has looked to spill the blood of innocents, he who works to enflame the whole region, to destroy Ramadan, does everything to ruin coexistence, here and across the region, to cause us to fight with each other and with the whole world,” he continued.

“We must get to Sinwar – either dead or alive – so that we can see the hostages back home,” he added.

Nabbing Sinwar, he said, is the IDF’s top priority. Only when the Hamas head is in Israeli custody will there be a chance to repatriate the captives from the Strip to Israel.

“It’s he who seeks to deploy terror, and the whole world and the whole region should know that responsibility is his alone and he won’t get away with it. We won’t let him.”

In what may have been a reference to the recent proposal to free some 700 terrorists from Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of the captives, Herzog stressed that Israel is “making every effort to bring the hostages home.”

Hamas officially rejected the Israeli offer on Tuesday morning.

Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, Herzog said that Israel has “no choice” but to “continue the fight.”

Meta Oversight Board Recommends Loosening Standards To Allow Users To Glorify Terrorists as Martyrs

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Meta, the parent company for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, is facing a new onslaught of lawsuits, alleging disturbing social and mental effects of Instagram on children and teens. Photo Credit: Wikipedia.org

Jessica Costescu-Free Beacon

Meta’s oversight board is recommending the company loosen its standards regarding the glorification of terrorists. Under the board’s recommendation, Facebook and Instagram users can refer to terrorists as “shaheed,” an Arabic word for “martyr.”

The board released its recommendation Tuesday, calling Meta’s current policy “overbroad.” As of now, Facebook and Instagram posts that refer to “designated dangerous individuals”—such as Hamas terrorists—as “shaheed” are removed under a Meta policy that bars users from glorifying terrorists. Those posts would be allowed under the board’s recommended policy, so long as they do not include other “signals of violence,” such as an image of a weapon.

“Acts of terrorist violence have severe consequences—destroying the lives of innocent people, impeding human rights and undermining the fabric of our societies,” the board’s recommendation says. “However, any limitation on freedom of expression to prevent such violence must be necessary and proportionate, given that undue removal of content may be ineffective and even counterproductive.”

The move comes amid a spike in online anti-Semitism in the wake of Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel. Anti-Semitic posts increased 28 percent in the week after the attack, according to Anti-Defamation League (ADL), while such posts increased 919 percent on X, formerly Twitter. The difference between the two platforms suggests Facebook “enforced their hate speech policy more robustly and/or their content moderation tools were more effective at removing violative content,” the ADL found.

For the World Jewish Congress, the Meta oversight board’s recommendation is misguided.

“There must be no confusion as to where Meta stands when it comes to praise of terrorists, terror groups and acts of violence [on] its platforms,” the group’s technology director, Yfat Barak-Cheney, said in a Tuesday statement. “[A]t such a precarious moment for Jewish communities and many others around the world, it would be irresponsible to reduce safety measures online.”

Meta did not respond to a request for comment. Its oversight board consists of 40 “diverse” members, according to its website, and was created in 2018 to “bring accountability” to content moderation decisions.

The company pledged to respond to the board’s recommendation in 60 days. Meta has “committed to observing board rulings that apply to specific posts and users,” according to Axios.

For years, Hamas has used the term “shaheed” to glorify suicide bombers. In 2016, for example, it announced the “martyrdom of shaheed Abdel Hamid Abu Srour,” a teenaged boy who carried out a suicide bombing that targeted a bus in Jerusalem.

At Columbia, an Israeli-Designated Terror Group Teaches ‘Palestinian Resistance 101’—And Lauds Plane Hijackings

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Jessica Costescu- Free Beacon

On Sunday, a group of keffiyeh-clad individuals huddled around a computer to discuss the “Palestinian resistance.” Charlotte Kates, a member of the Israeli-designated terror group Samidoun, praised Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attack for showing “the potential of a future for Palestine liberated from Zionism.” Khaled Barakat, a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine activist, lauded airplane hijackings as “one of the most important tactics that the Palestinian resistance have engaged in.”

While those speakers and other attendees were explicit in their support for terrorism against Jews, the event did not take place in Gaza, Doha, or Tehran. It took place in New York City, where an anti-Semitic Columbia University student group—Columbia University Apartheid Divest—invited the speakers to deliver a lecture on “the fight for liberation,” titled “Palestinian Resistance 101.”

The event, which the Washington Free Beacon attended virtually, reflects the extreme anti-Semitic activism seen on college campuses in the wake of Hamas’s attack. In some cases, faculty members have advanced that activism.

A Columbia faculty group, Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, promoted the event in an Instagram post, which featured an image of a Palestinian boy throwing stones at an Israeli tank during the second intifada. The group launched in January, pledging to stand with anti-Semitic student protesters and “take back our University.” Its members include classics professor Joseph Howley, history professor Manan Ahmed, and history professor Marwa Elshakry.

In addition to Kates and Barakat, the Sunday event featured Within Our Lifetime founder Nerdeen Kiswani, who has called for Israel to be “wiped off the map.” The three speakers routinely praised Hamas and Hezbollah, advocated for armed resistance against Israel, and encouraged attendees to “be of service … to the resistance movements that are on the front lines fighting Zionism.”

The event was initially scheduled to take place at Columbia’s Barnard College, the university’s all-female undergraduate school. A flyer promoting the event listed the Barnard Center for Research on Women as a host. At the start of the event, however, student organizers said they were forced to “change rooms” at the last moment after a Ph.D. student lodged a complaint to the university. The change was “part of a long line of Columbia’s long line of repression,” the organizers said.

The event was moved to Columbia’s “Q House,” an “LGBTQ+ special interest community at Columbia University,” according to an internal email obtained by the Free Beacon. “This location change is due to Columbia University continuing to repress Palestinian students and the allies of the Palestinian struggle for liberation on campus,” read the email, which was addressed to “comrades.”

A Columbia spokeswoman said the university is “aware of an unsanctioned, unapproved event that took place last night” at a “residence.” Kates and Barakat addressed attendees via Zoom, while Kiswani attended in person.

“Columbia canceled the event, denying requests to use university space, as did Barnard,” the spokeswoman told the Free Beacon. “Despite this, the event organizers held the event in a residence with an online option.”

“We are investigating this matter and will not tolerate violations of university policy,” the spokeswoman said.

Neither Barnard nor Columbia University Apartheid Divest responded to requests for comment.

The Sunday event featured a who’s who of anti-Semitic activists. Kates serves as “international coordinator” of Samidoun, a group that advocates for “Palestinian prisoners,” many of whom are convicted terrorists. In addition to its Israeli terror designation, Samidoun is banned in Germany over its support for Hamas terrorism.

Barakat, Kates’s husband, has conducted interviews on behalf of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Palestinian news sites describe him as a leader of the terror group. Israeli intelligence agencies say they have internal documents that cement his status as a PFLP terror leader.

Kiswani, meanwhile, has led pro-Hamas rallies in New York City through Within Our Lifetime, which she founded in 2015. Instagram removed the group’s account last month after Kiswani used it to endorse Hamas’s attack and advocate for “whatever means necessary it takes” to topple Israel.

During the event, Kates praised Iran as “a nation on the side of the Palestinian people, intervening and building a movement of resistance to free this entire region … from U.S. imperialism.” She also advocated for a campaign to end America’s list of designated terror organizations “entirely,” saying the list stops Palestinian activists from staying “in contact” with foreign actors.

“It is important to popularize campaigns to … scrap the U.S. terror list entirely, or at the very least to get Palestinian, Lebanese, Yemeni, Filipino, and other revolutionary organizations off the terror list,” Kates said. “Because that’s a weapon that’s being used against the Palestinian people, against the Arab people, and against the solidarity movement as a whole, and in order to kind of fundamentally deform the politics of the movement.”

For his part, Barakat glowingly discussed the PFLP’s wave of terrorism during the 1960s and 1970s. He specifically praised the terror group for hijacking airplanes, which he said “introduced the Palestinian questions to the world.” Barakat falsely claimed the hijackings were done peacefully—in fact, PFLP hijackers killed at least two pilots and one Israeli passenger.

“If we take, for example, certain tactics that the Palestinian movement have practiced—take, for example, hijacking airplanes,” Barakat said, “it was one of the most important tactics that the Palestinian resistance have engaged in.”

“If it wasn’t for these tactics, we would [have] never heard of … Palestinian women who led these kinds of heroic operations that introduced the Palestinian questions to the world,” he continued. “If you take, for example, the speeches that were given to the people in the airplanes by Palestinian fighters … they’re all about what our struggle is about.”

Kiswani called on fellow activists to openly advocate for violence against Jews. In the wake of Oct. 7, she said, anti-Israel “organizations” asked her not to discuss Oct. 7 or “resistance” during her speeches. Now, according to Kiswani, those organizations “mention resistance—now they’ll talk about it three months later or five months later because they saw we did it, we got away with it, we got support for it.”