Month: May 2025

The Trump administration revealed on Tuesday they are urging all federal agencies to explore ways to terminate contracts with Harvard University, valued at roughly $100 million. This move represents the latest escalation in a prolonged conflict between the administration and Harvard, the country’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities. The New York Times was the first to report on the administration’s plan.

The Trump administration had announced last week that it had revoked roughly $450 million in grant funding for Harvard, which came on top of a previous freeze in April of about $3.2 billion in grants and contracts linked to the university.

The letter Tuesday from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) alleges that Harvard “continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admissions process and in other areas of student life.” The GSA is instructing agencies to provide them with a list of any Harvard contracts they’ve terminated by June 6. The letter states that “in light of this deeply troubling pattern, each agency should consider its contracts with Harvard University and determine whether Harvard and its services efficiently promote the priorities of the agency. Going forward, we also encourage your agency to seek alternative vendors for future services where you had previously considered Harvard.”

John Gruenbaum, head of the GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, accused Harvard of ongoing racial discrimination, particularly in its admissions process and other aspects of student life. These claims relate to the administration’s concerns over the university’s use of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and its alleged failure to protect Jewish students from antisemitic incidents. Gruenbaum also alleged that troubling information had surfaced about discriminatory hiring practices at Harvard and its affiliated organizations, suggesting these practices could constitute violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and pointing to possible systemic issues in hiring, promotions, pay, and other employment-related actions. Gruenbaum also cited issues within the Harvard Law Review, which it claimed had engaged in discriminatory behavior. Additionally, he criticized the university for what it described as a serious neglect of the safety and well-being of its Jewish student population.

Tensions between Harvard and the federal government intensified after the university resisted sweeping demands from the Trump administration’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, who had sought oversight of Harvard’s admissions and hiring decisions and proposed a federal audit of its faculty. In response to Harvard’s refusal, the administration revoked $2 billion in federal research grants.

Additionally, the Trump administration attempted to block Harvard from admitting international students, a move that was temporarily blocked by a federal judge after the university filed a lawsuit. A hearing to determine whether that injunction will remain in place is scheduled for Thursday.

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Law enforcement officials in northwest Arkansas are searching for a former Arkansas police chief serving a 30-year sentence for murder and rape who has escaped from prison, while disguised in what appeared to be a police-style outfit.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections shared in a press release that 56-year-old Grant Hardin fled from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, located in Izard County, at around 3:40 p.m. CDT. (Calico Rock is approximately 126 miles north of Little Rock).

Officials reported that Hardin was wearing an improvised uniform resembling that of a police officer at the time of his escape. However, he was not dressed as a corrections officer, and all prison-issued gear has been accounted for, suggesting he did not use official DOC equipment during the breakout. Authorities have described Hardin as being 6 feet tall and weighing roughly 259 pounds.

According to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, the ongoing manhunt involves a coordinated effort among the Arkansas Department of Corrections, state police, and various local law enforcement agencies. Hardin previously served as the police chief of Gateway, a small community in Benton County with a population of just 444 as of 2023 (Gateway lies near the Missouri state line, about 129 miles west of Calico Rock).

Hardin has been incarcerated at the North Central Unit since 2017. He is serving a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, along with two 25-year sentences for separate rape convictions. He admitted to the killing of 59-year-old James Appleton, a municipal water worker who was discovered with a gunshot wound to the face inside his service truck in October 2017. Hardin was also tied to a previously unsolved 1997 rape case through DNA evidence. The victim, Amy Harrison, was a teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary in Rogers. She was assaulted at gunpoint while preparing lesson materials after school, according to The Associated Press.

Rand Champion with the Department of Corrections in an interview with KHBS-TV: “Whenever an inmate escapes custody, we treat it as a serious public safety concern.  Given his law enforcement experience, this case raises additional red flags. He poses a credible threat to the community.”

The Stone County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning on social media, stating that Hardin is “considered extremely dangerous” and should not be approached under any circumstances. Authorities said anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact local law enforcement immediately.

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Charles Rangel, longtime U.S. congressman from New York City, has died at the age of 94. Born in Harlem, Rangel was a member of the House of Representatives for 46 years and represented his Harlem district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 2017.

Rangel died at a hospital in New York City; his family said in a statement announcing his death Monday: “A towering figure in American politics and a champion for justice, equity, and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated over four decades of his life to public service. Throughout his career, Congressman Rangel fought tirelessly for affordable housing, urban revitalization, fair tax policies, and equal opportunities for all Americans.”

Rangel was a prominent figure in American politics and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress in 1970, Rangel was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for leading a group of soldiers out of a deadly Chinese army encirclement during the Battle of Konu-ri.  Affectionately called “The Lion of Lenox Avenue,” Rangel was the last of Harlem’s so-called “Gang of Four” coalition — along with Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, Herman Denny Farrell and former NYC Mayor David Dinkins. They were known as the first to break down race and class barriers, cutting paths for others to follow. Over the following decades, he solidified his status as a key voice in Congress—helping to found the Congressional Black Caucus, leading the New York delegation, and in 2007, becoming the first Black member to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Despite his long list of accomplishments, Rangel’s career met with controversy; he stepped down from his leadership post in 2010 following allegations of ethical misconduct. Rangel faced 13 charges related to violations of House rules and was ultimately found guilty of 11. In a rare disciplinary move, he was formally censured by the House — the first member to receive such a penalty in nearly three decades.

Following his retirement from public office, he took on a role as statesman-in-residence at The City College of New York. In a tribute posted to its website, the college described Rangel as “a war hero, a pioneering lawmaker, and one of the most dedicated legislators ever to serve in Congress.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow New Yorker, honored Rangel in a message shared on social media Monday morning: “Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent & champion for justice. The Lion of Lenox Ave was a transformational force of nature. Harlem, NYC & America are better today because of his service. May he forever rest in power.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also reflected on Rangel’s passing on X: “Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America. The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute to Rangel on social media, writing: “Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country — first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and a congressman. For nearly 50 years, he represented his community as one of our city’s greatest elected leaders. I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage. My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him. Rest in power, my friend, and I hope you and Alma are together once again.”

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A small private aircraft crashed into a residential area of San Diego early Thursday morning, resulting in two fatalaties and sparking a massive fire that damaged homes and numerous vehicles.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the Cessna 550 jet went down around 3:45 a.m. local time in the 10000 block of Sample Street (near Salmon Street and just west of the Admiral Baker Golf Course), just moments before it was scheduled to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The flight originated in Wichita, Kansas, and was on final approach to the San Diego airport when it crashed. FAA records show there was no distress call issued prior to the crash, and the aircraft was about 500 feet above the ground during its last radar contact. In a statement, the FAA said, “A Cessna 550 crashed near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in California at approximately 3:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, May 22. At this time, the number of individuals on board remains unconfirmed.”

Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy stated during a press briefing that all the confirmed fatalities so far were occupants of the aircraft.  Eddy said that the incident led to the destruction of several houses and a vehicle fire. San Diego police reported that one individual was taken to the hospital, while two others were treated on site and later released, with almost 100 other people evacuated from the area in Murphy Canyon — known as one of the world’s largest military housing communities, according to Capt. Robert Heely, commanding officer at Naval Base San Diego.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, six people were on board the plane. Music agency Sound Talent Group said Thursday that three of its employees, including co-founder Dave Shapiro, died as a result of the crash. (Shapiro is listed as the owner of the plane and has a pilot’s license, according to the FAA). The agency didn’t share the names of the other two employees who died, but said in a statement: “we are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy.”

Mayor Todd Gloria during the press conference that “these are military families—an essential part of our community—and our city will be doing everything we can to support them.”  Police Chief Scott Wahl added: “It’s hard to describe just how devastating the scene is. Jet fuel was running down the street, fires were breaking out everywhere—it was chaos. The bravery shown by officers and firefighters, running in to evacuate people and try to save lives, was nothing short of heroic.”

In response to the crash, multiple elementary schools in the vicinity were closed for the day  Evacuation efforts are ongoing, with residents being directed to a nearby school. Emergency teams are also conducting door-to-door checks to ensure no one remains trapped inside affected homes.

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The man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials and other counts. The shooting has been described by the FBI has called ‘a targeted act of terrorism,’ with the suspect shouting “Free Palestine” as he was being detained.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victims in a statement as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim: “We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. May their memory be a blessing. We embrace the grieving families during this painful time and will continue to support them always. Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts — defending the country with their very lives. We will not be deterred by terror. We will continue our mission across the globe, with unwavering commitment to represent Israel with pride.”

The incident occurred as Lischinsky and Milgrim were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the shooting as a deliberate act of terror.  Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said the shooting was reported at 9:08 p.m. local time and occurred outside the museum, which is located near an FBI field office in the heart of the U.S. capital. The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said that responding officers found the victims with gunshot wounds, unconscious and not breathing.

Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., told reporters that Milgrim was from Kansas, and Lischinsky was an Israeli citizen; and said the couple were on the verge of getting engaged: “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”  Lischinsky worked as a political researcher, and Milgrim was involved in coordinating U.S. delegations to Israel, serving as support staff at the embassy.

The alleged shooter, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. The suspected shooter is said to have waited for police to arrive before saying he “did it for Gaza.” U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said at a news conference Thursday afternoon: “this is a horrific crime, and these crimes are not going to be tolerated by me and my office.”  Pirro said Rodriguez appeared in court Thursday and was advised by the judge that, if convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison. A preliminary hearing is set for June 18 and Rodriguez will remain in detention.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Bongino said: “the subject is currently being interviewed by DC Metro in conjunction with our FBI JTTF team. The US Attorney’s office is on scene with me, and our WFO management team, at the Washington Field Office reviewing the evidence to determine additional actions  The shooting happened a short distance from our Washington Field Office. Our FBI police officers, assigned to posts on the WFO property, immediately responded and rendered aid after the attack  Early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence. Our FBI team is fully engaged and we will get you answers as soon as we can, without compromising additional leads.”

President Donald Trump called Ambassador Leiter to express condolences and pledged support in the fight against antisemitism. He later posted on Truth Social: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that current evidence suggests Rodriguez acted alone: “a young man with his whole life ahead of him, planning to propose, has been taken from us. This hate must end. We will pursue full justice … Nobody could have predicted what happened. This was a peaceful gathering. Law enforcement responded swiftly, and both the FBI and MPD are doing an outstanding job.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the murders: “I was shocked by the killing of two embassy staff members in Washington. I have instructed for increased security at Israeli missions worldwide and offered strength to their colleagues and families.” Netanyahu personally spoke with the parents of both victims and remains in close contact with Israeli officials in the U.S.

Following the attack, the U.S. Secret Service ramped up protection at the Israeli Embassy and the ambassador’s residence in Washington. In New York, the NYPD also heightened security at Jewish and Israeli institutions. These measures will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The Capital Jewish Museum, which has been closed since the incident, plans to reopen soon with additional security, said executive director Beatrice Gurwitz.

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