US Rep. Randy Fine Criticizes Muslim Democratic Politicians at RJC Summit US Representative Randy Fine addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual summit on Sunday night, delivering a speech that directly criticized Muslim politicians within the Democratic Party. Speaking to an audience of RJC members and students at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Fine focused on what he described as “the elephant in the room: the rise of Islam in America.” His remarks centered on the perceived absence of “moderate Muslims” in American politics, despite claims that the issue lies with “radical Islamism.” Fine questioned the presence of so-called moderate Muslims in the political system, stating, “We are constantly told that the problem is not mainstream Islam, but radical Islamism. But where are the so-called moderate Muslims in our political system?” His comments were met with applause from the audience. The speech was part of a broader discussion at the summit, where speakers condemned progressive figures within the Democratic Party, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, physician and activist Abdul El-Sayed, and streamer Hasan Piker. Fine emphasized that his focus on Muslim figures was intentional, pointing to a list of individuals he deemed problematic. After the event, Fine told reporters, “The fact that not all Muslims are bad does not mean that no Muslims are bad. People are unwilling to have that discussion, and if we don’t have it we’re going to have real problems in this country.” His remarks highlighted the tension between acknowledging the diversity within the Muslim community and addressing concerns about political alignment with certain ideologies. Another speaker at the summit, Texas Representative Brandon Gill, echoed similar concerns.#zohran_mamdani #republican_jewish_coalition #abdul_el_sayed #us_representative_randy_fine #hasan_piker
New York Mayor Opposes RSS Chief's Event at Madison Square Garden New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly stated that he cannot support an upcoming public event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden. While acknowledging that the city administration lacks legal jurisdiction to cancel the privately organized gathering, Mamdani expressed strong personal opposition to divisive ideologies. The event, scheduled for August 29 as part of RSS’s centenary celebrations, aims to promote global unity and brotherhood under the banner of the AHEAD Forum. Organizers describe the gathering as a platform to emphasize the concept of "one world, one family," aligning with the organization’s stated goals. Mamdani, who is the first Indian-American mayor of New York City, emphasized his commitment to secularism and pluralism. He highlighted his family’s enduring ties to India and recounted growing up with a vision of an inclusive India where all communities are treated equally. However, he condemned the promotion of divisive ideologies that prioritize specific groups over others, framing such perspectives as a threat to societal harmony. His stance reflects broader concerns about the RSS’s influence and its historical association with policies that have marginalized minority communities in India. The mayor’s opposition has drawn support from several advocacy groups, including the Hindu for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Center of New York. These organizations have staged protests outside City Hall, demanding the event’s cancellation. They argue that the RSS’s ideology, rooted in Hindu nationalism, perpetuates exclusion and intolerance.#new_york_city #zohran_mamdani #madison_square_garden #rss #mohan_bhagwat
Rabbis Urge NYC Mayor to Reconsider Israel Rhetoric in Private Meeting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced direct criticism from a diverse group of Jewish rabbis during a private meeting at City Hall, where they urged him to reassess his public statements about Israel. The hour-long roundtable, organized by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, brought together 10 rabbis representing Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Modern Orthodox communities. The rabbis emphasized that Mamdani’s frequent and harsh criticism of Israel, including his calls to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and organize protests against the Israeli leader, was harming Jewish New Yorkers and complicating efforts to collaborate on shared priorities. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, described the meeting as a unified effort to convey that Mamdani’s rhetoric was “causing harm.” Jacobs noted that despite the rabbis’ differing views on Israel, they all agreed that the mayor’s approach was unsustainable. “Everyone agreed that the current course can’t go on,” Jacobs said. He urged Mamdani to leverage his rhetorical skills—highlighted as “extraordinary” by Jacobs—to shift the conversation toward areas where Jewish leaders and City Hall could work together. Rabbi Rachel Timoner, senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, echoed these concerns. She noted that even progressive rabbis in the room, who share many of Mamdani’s views on social justice issues, expressed unease with his public denunciations of Israel. Timoner emphasized that many rabbis are “highly critical of Israel” but approach this criticism from a perspective rooted in their connection to the country.#new_york_city #zohran_mamdani #union_for_reform_judaism #rabbis_for_ceasefire #jewish_voice_for_peace
New York City Opens Safe Overnight Shelters Amid Severe Storm Threats New York City has expanded its network of "safe overnight locations" to accommodate residents facing potential flooding from severe summer storms, with over 50 shelters now available across the five boroughs. One of these locations, P.S. 230 in Kensington, Brooklyn, has been designated as a temporary shelter for those displaced by heavy rain. The city’s emergency management officials emphasized the need for preparedness as recent storms have intensified, posing risks to residents living in basements or flood-prone areas. The initiative follows a pattern of increasingly severe weather events, with Tuesday night’s storms prompting officials to balance hope for minimal impact with contingency planning for worst-case scenarios. NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell highlighted the city’s focus on vulnerable populations, particularly those residing in basement apartments. "We’re always thinking about people that live in basement apartments," Farrell stated, noting that heavy rainfall could lead to dangerous flooding in such areas. The city’s preparations include a network of flood sensors designed to detect rising water levels and trigger rapid response efforts. These sensors were instrumental in mitigating damage during a previous severe storm in Flushing, where heavy rain overwhelmed the sewer system. Farrell explained that the city’s operations center is actively monitoring weather patterns and coordinating with agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection and the Sanitation Department to deploy resources efficiently. "We have flood sensors, we have things so when it starts to rain, we can see where the rain may be hitting more.#new_york_city #zohran_mamdani #christina_farrell #department_of_environmental_protection #ps_230
El calor extremo en el este de Estados Unidos durante el fin de semana del 4 de julio de 2026 ha obligado a reevaluar las celebraciones tradicionales, con eventos cancelados, horarios modificados y medidas de seguridad implementadas. La ola de calor, que se prevé persistir hasta el viernes y afectar la Costa Este durante el fin de semana, ha generado preocupación por la salud de los ciudadanos y la seguridad de las actividades públicas. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional advirtió que temperaturas récord, superiores a los 37 °C (100 °F) en ciudades como Filadelfia y Boston, junto con altos niveles de humedad, harán que la sensación térmica sea aún más peligrosa. En el noreste, se esperan temperaturas alrededor de los 30 °C (90 °F), lo que ha llevado a varias comunidades a ajustar sus planes. En Boston, el acceso al Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular se retrasó a las 4 p. m. en lugar del mediodía, mientras que en Filadelfia se acortó un desfile, se canceló una fiesta "totalmente estadounidense" y se pospusieron eventos en Independence Mall. En Pennsylvania, una celebración del 250 aniversario de la Independencia fue reprogramada para el 8 de julio, y en Norristown se canceló un desfile tradicional por razones de seguridad. La administradora municipal interina, Jayne Musonye, expresó decepción por la cancelación, destacando la importancia del evento para la comunidad. El Parque Militar Nacional de Gettysburg trasladó sus actividades al aire libre a espacios interiores, y Amtrak canceló algunas rutas de tren, incluida la Acela entre Boston y Washington, con posibles demoras hasta el sábado. El calor también afectó eventos culturales y deportivos.#zohran_mamdani #philadelphia_phillies #boston_pops_fireworks_spectacular #filadelfia #independence_mall
Mamdani-backed candidates sweep Democratic primaries in New York City Three congressional candidates backed by New York City’s democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, secured decisive victories in key Democratic primaries, signaling a shift toward progressive influence within the party. Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and former mayoral candidate, defeated Democratic Representative Dan Goldman in his district. Claire Valdez, a state lawmaker and former union organizer, unseated Antonio Reynoso, the favored successor of retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez, in New York’s seventh district. In a surprising upset, public defense investigator Darializa Avila Chevalier ousted five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in the diverse 13th district. Mamadani’s growing political clout was evident as he celebrated the wins at events in Brooklyn and Queens. At a watch party for Valdez, he emphasized the need to abandon “old politics” that contributed to the nation’s crises. Meanwhile, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of JFK, failed to advance in his bid to replace Jerry Nadler in Manhattan’s 12th district. Despite his social media presence and charisma, Schlossberg was outpaced by Micah Lasher, a longtime New York politician and self-described “nerd,” who won the primary in a deeply liberal district. The race also featured George Conway, an anti-Trump critic, and Alex Bores, whose candidacy sparked what observers called an “AI civil war” among Democrats. Donald Trump capitalized on the losses, celebrating the defeat of Dan Goldman and George Conway on social media. He accused Goldman of “illegally targeting President TRUMP” and predicted Conway would receive only 5% of the vote.#zohran_mamdani #brad_lander #claire_valdez #daria_liza_avila_chevalier #adriano_espaillat
New York Authorities Seek to End Horse-Drawn Carriages After Teen's Death A horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park on June 17, 2026, that killed an 18-year-old Indian teenager has intensified calls for the city to phase out the centuries-old practice. Romanch Mahajan, who was visiting New York with his family to celebrate his high school graduation, died after leaping from the carriage to save his mother, who had fallen from the vehicle. According to his father, Deepak Mahajan, Romanch struck his head on the ground and later succumbed to his injuries. The family sustained minor injuries, though the carriage collided with another horse-drawn vehicle and overturned. Mahajan’s father described the incident as harrowing, noting his son had been shouting, “¡Mamá!” before the accident. The company operating the carriage involved in the incident suspended its driver indefinitely and removed the horse from service, as confirmed by the Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage drivers and owners. Alexander Kemp, the union’s vice president, expressed profound grief over the tragedy, stating, “This incident must be taken very seriously. It stole my son’s dream.” The union also announced plans to halt operations temporarily while reviewing safety protocols and exploring ways to enhance protections for both workers and the public. The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 850-acre park, confirmed that Mahajan’s death marks the first fatal incident involving a horse-drawn carriage since the practice was introduced over 150 years ago. The organization called for an immediate suspension of the industry until additional safety measures can be implemented, citing eight previous incidents involving horses in the park over the past 13 months.#zohran_mamdani #romanch_mahajan #central_park_conservancy #deepak_mahajan #transport_workers_union_local_100
Police to charge suspect in fatal shooting of infant in Brooklyn A man suspected of shooting and killing a 7-month-old baby in a stroller will be charged with murder, and police are continuing their search for a second suspect, New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced at a press conference on Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Williamsburg, where a man riding on the back of a moped fired at a group of adults and children on a sidewalk, resulting in the death of Kaori Patterson–Moore. Kaori, who resided in Clinton Hill, was shot in her stroller around 1:21 p.m. at the intersection of Moore and Humboldt streets. She was transported to New York City Health and Hospitals/Woodhull by private means and was pronounced deceased at the hospital, according to police. The drive-by shooting has left the city in shock, with officials expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the public at a press conference at the scene on Wednesday, stating, “There are no words that can mend the heartbreak this family is feeling right now. A life that had barely begun was taken in an instant.” Tisch, speaking at the same press conference, described the shooting as a “terrible day in our city,” emphasizing the profound grief experienced by the victim’s family. Tisch provided details about the incident, noting that the shooter fired at least two rounds at a corner where several adults and two strollers were present, with multiple children nearby. The victim was in one of the strollers. A 911 call led police to believe the moped’s passenger was taken to The Brooklyn Hospital Center by Emergency Medical Services and was held in custody for an unrelated investigation.#zohran_mamdani #brooklyn #new_york_police_department #jessica_tisch #kaori_patterson_moore
Squad-backed progressives hit with ‘cold shower’ as moderates win Illinois primaries Progressive Democrats backed by members of "The Squad" faced significant setbacks in Illinois primary elections, as moderate candidates secured victories in key races. The results signal a shift in voter preferences, with mainstream Democrats gaining traction over far-left contenders. The losses raised questions about the viability of the party’s progressive wing in securing broader support. James Carville, a longtime Democratic strategist, dismissed the notion that Squad-aligned candidates were gaining momentum. He noted that only about 15% of the party identifies as progressive, and even that group rarely dominates primary outcomes. Carville cited Zohran Mamdani, the socialist mayor of New York City, who won just 50.5% of the vote in his recent race, as an example of the limited appeal of far-left platforms. The defeats came despite high-profile endorsements from progressive lawmakers. Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old Palestinian American candidate running on an anti-establishment platform, received backing from Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, as well as Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Similarly, Junaid Ahmed, a tech entrepreneur advocating for Gaza self-determination and universal healthcare, earned support from Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal. Robert Peters, a state senator who raised $1.1 million for his campaign focused on ending cash bail and raising the minimum wage, also lost to Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, despite endorsements from Sanders and Warren. Together, the progressive candidates raised over $5.7 million, yet their efforts failed to translate into electoral success. Anthony Driver Jr.#zohran_mamdani #james_carville #the_squad #rashida_tlaib #ilhan_omar
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Wife’s Past Work Linked to Palestine New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become embroiled in a political controversy after his wife, Rama Duwaji, drew criticism for her past illustration work connected to Palestinian activist Abulhawa. The situation has sparked mixed reactions, with some of Mamdani’s supporters accusing him of undermining his own stance on anti-Israel rhetoric by distancing himself from Duwaji’s past associations. The controversy began when conservative outlet the Washington Free Beacon reported that Duwaji, a freelance illustrator, had contributed to an essay compiled by Abulhawa as part of a collection titled “Every Moment is a Life.” The piece, later clarified by Abulhawa, was a short story by a Gazan resident displaced during Israel’s war, detailing the hardships of using makeshift public restrooms. Duwaji confirmed she was commissioned by a third party and had no direct contact with Abulhawa. Mamdani, who has previously condemned Abulhawa’s social media posts as “abhorrent,” faced backlash from supporters who argued his response risks reinforcing harmful narratives linking Palestinian advocacy with anti-Jewish sentiment. Critics pointed out that Abulhawa’s statements, which include references to “Jewish supremacist slaughter” and calls for retribution against Israel, have been rejected by her as personal expressions of grief over the war’s toll on Palestinians. She has described the conflict as a “genocide” and emphasized her commitment to speaking for those unable to defend themselves against state violence. Mamdani’s public denunciation of Abulhawa’s rhetoric, while distancing himself from Duwaji’s past work, has drawn sharp criticism from activists and commentators.#new_york_city #zohran_mamdani #rama_duwaji #abulhawa #tommy_tuberville
Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani, posted content on social media in her early adulthood that praised Palestinian terrorists, including Khaled, a member of the PFLP, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. Duwaji, who is of Syrian descent, shared posts celebrating acts of violence against Israelis and expressed support for groups like Hamas. One post included a caption stating, "If it does good for my cause, I'll be happy to accept death," referencing Khaled’s role in plane hijackings in 1969 and 1970. Khaled, who later became a revered figure in Palestinian society, threatened to detonate a grenade during one hijacking and is considered a "martyr" in Palestinian communities. Duwaji, who was in her late teens and early 20s when she posted much of the content, lived in the Middle East during that time. She spent her early childhood in New Jersey before moving to Dubai in 2006. Her education included time at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, which she later transferred to the Richmond campus. The posts she shared often included inflammatory rhetoric, such as a 2017 image of a Bangladeshi postage stamp reading, "We salute the valiant freedom fighters of Palestine," and a 2015 Tumblr post condemning U.S. military actions, which claimed American soldiers were "mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians" and fighting to maintain "American hegemony." Duwaji also reposted content linking white people to the creation of al Qaeda, quoting a user who wrote, "You can't blame muslims for terrorism because they didn't construct, fund nor train Al-Qaeda. White People did that too." In a 2013 post, she used the N-word in a comment on X, stating, "@_AlyaF Helllll yeah, nigga. Super duper genius* excuse you," at age 15.#zohran_mamdani #rama_duwaji #pflp #hamas #khaled
Mahmoud Khalil remains in limbo but ready to fight Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student known for his role in the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests, continues to face legal challenges a year after his detention. His case has become a focal point in the debate over immigration due process and the Trump administration’s policies on detaining and deporting noncitizens who criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. Khalil was arrested in March 2025 and spent over 100 days in immigration custody while awaiting a decision on his future. During this time, he missed the birth of his son and remained separated from his family. Despite the prolonged detention, Khalil has remained resolute, stating that the government has not charged him with any crimes or presented evidence of wrongdoing. He claims he was targeted for his activism, which he describes as part of a student movement opposing U.S. support for Israel. The Trump administration’s approach to Khalil’s case has been marked by legal maneuvering. Initially, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences” as a reason for his detention, a rarely used statute. Khalil’s legal team argued that the administration failed to follow proper procedures, and a federal judge in New Jersey ruled that the government’s actions likely violated the Constitution by penalizing him for his protected political speech. The case took a new turn when the administration attempted to revoke Khalil’s green card, alleging he lied about his work for the U.N. and the British Embassy. Khalil and his attorneys dispute these claims, asserting that his U.N. work was as an intern supervised by Columbia University.#new_york #marco_rubio #zohran_mamdani #mahmoud_khalil #columbia_university
Zohran Mamdani’s wife liked social media posts celebrating Oct. 7 attacks New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent his mayoral campaign distancing himself from the most radical anti-Israel elements of his leftist movement, but an examination of his wife’s social media activity reveals she liked multiple Instagram posts cheering on Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault. The posts, shared by Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-American artist and Mamdani’s spouse, unambiguously celebrated the terrorist attack, which resulted in nearly 1,200 Israelis and foreign workers killed, thousands wounded, 251 civilians and military personnel kidnapped, and numerous episodes of sexual assault. The first post, shared on the day of Hamas’ attack, came from The Slow Factory, an organization that describes itself as a “school, knowledge partner and climate innovation organization” centered on amplifying the voices of the Global Majority. The Instagram post features stills from livestreamed footage of the attack, including a bulldozer used to breach the barrier separating Israel from Gaza and attackers riding on a captured IDF vehicle. The images are accompanied by slogans such as “Breaking the walls of apartheid and military occupation,” “Resisting apartheid since 1948,” and “Systemic change for collective liberation.” The caption laments that Gazans would be “punished for wanting freedom from apartheid” if Israel retaliates. Duwaji, who met Mamdani on a dating app in 2021 and married him in early 2025, liked the post and others using her personal Instagram account, which she has used to post political illustrations and engage with the mayor. She has also directly criticized Israeli policy on the platform.#new_york_city #zohran_mamdani #rama_duwaji #the_slow_factory #people_s_forum
