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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering Ramzi Kassem, a law professor and member of his transition team, for the top legal position at City Hall. Kassem, who has defended controversial clients like al-Qaeda members and pro-Palestinian activists, has been honored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations for his work. However, his potential appointment has raised concerns among some, including Democrat political operative Ken Frydman, who believes it may not be well-received by the Jewish community. Kassem has also participated in anti-Israel protests and criticized Israels behavior in past writings. Despite this, he was named a senior policy adviser on immigration issues by the Biden administration in 2022. Neither Kassem nor Mamdanis campaign has commented on the potential appointment.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdanis potential appointment of Ramzi Kassem, a law professor with a history of defending controversial clients, as chief counsel has sparked concern. Kassems past representation of an al-Qaeda member and a pro-Palestinian activist, along with his anti-Israel statements, has raised eyebrows, particularly within the Jewish community. Despite CAIR honoring Kassem for his work, his potential appointment highlights the complex political landscape and scrutiny of high-profile city positions.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a person of interest in the shooting that killed two Brown University students in Providence, Rhode Island. The incident occurred in a classroom on Saturday, and the FBI released images and videos of the individual, described as approximately 58 with a stocky build. The Providence Police Department also released videos of the same person, believed to be the same one seen in earlier footage. The individual is considered armed and dangerous. The shooting resulted in two deaths and seven injuries, including Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Uzbekistan.

Eyewitnesses report police hesitation during Bondi Beach mass shooting, with attackers firing uninterrupted for several minutes before a bystander disarmed one of them. Despite criticism, Premier Chris Minns praises officers bravery, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces backlash for not mentioning antisemitism in his statement.

Eyewitnesses at Bondi Beach report police hesitation during Sundays mass shooting targeting Jewish Hanukkah celebrants. Video analysis suggests officers waited several minutes before engaging attackers, leading to at least fifteen deaths and forty injuries. Witnesses describe police officers nearby not immediately responding as gunmen fired into the crowd. Police appear to have been on the scene almost immediately, but returned fire only after a bystander disarmed one attacker. New South Wales Premier and Police Commissioner defend the response, urging public not to rush to judgment.

Former President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC, alleging that edited clips from his January 6th, 2021 speech misled viewers into believing he directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. The BBC has apologized for the edit, but maintains theres no legal basis for the lawsuit. Trumps lawyers argue the BBCs actions caused significant harm, while the broadcaster could argue the documentary was substantially true.

The Senate is nearing passage of the $911 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the upcoming fiscal year, with a crucial vote to end debate on Monday. This annual bill sets military policy and authorizes defense programs, and its considered essential legislation. A key amendment, sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, aims to remove stricter rules on military helicopter operations in busy airspace, including around Washington D.C., following a tragic mid-air collision in January. However, further changes to the NDAA are unlikely, as any new amendments would require the House of Representatives to vote on the bill again, potentially causing delays or further negotiations.

41% of Americans plan to spend less on holiday gifts due to inflation, with 46% citing high costs as the reason. This marks a significant increase from last year, reflecting growing concerns about purchasing power. Despite plans to spend less, the average holiday gift budget remains around $1,660, with a focus on value and deals. However, 57% of Americans are carrying debt into the holiday season, highlighting financial pressures.

A Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, is on trial for allegedly helping an immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade federal agents. Prosecutors claim she intentionally directed him out of her courtroom through a private back door, while the defense argues she was following a draft courthouse policy. The trial continues, with potential consequences including up to five years in prison if convicted.