As a new week begins, a scandal shakes New York City’s mayoral race, a historic hostage release reshapes the Middle East, and President Biden undergoes intensive cancer treatment.
NYC Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani Under Fire for Foreign Donations
Democratic NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is facing scrutiny after reportedly collecting $13,000 in potentially illegal foreign donations, according to a New York Post investigation.
Records show at least 170 donations to Mamdani’s campaign came from individuals with addresses listed outside of the United States; a direct violation of campaign finance laws which prohibit foreign nationals from contributing. The most notable example was a $500 donation from Mamdani’s mother-in-law in Dubai — already returned by the campaign, which claims it has refunded $5,608 so far and vows to return any additional non-compliant donations.
However, 88 donations totaling $7,190 remain unreturned, the Post says. Mamdani’s total fundraising has neared $4 million, thanks in part to millions in matching funds — a point of contention for outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who accused the NYC Campaign Finance Board of bias.
“My campaign was denied matching funds over baseless allegations, while Mamdani’s received millions despite foreign money. The bias is undeniable,” Adams posted on X.
Republican challenger Curtis Sliwa echoed the concerns, warning of a broader vulnerability.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… It’s a license to illegally funnel money.”
Hamas to Release 20 Hostages Ahead of Trump Visit
In a major diplomatic development, Hamas has agreed to release 20 Israeli hostages — one day ahead of schedule — just before President Donald Trump lands in the region to solidify his brokered peace deal.
The release, coordinated through the Red Cross, will bring home captives who have been held for 2 years, following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel. All 20 hostages are expected to be transferred at once using six to eight vehicles, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu saying the country is “prepared and ready” for the operation.
The agreement — part of Trump’s 20-point peace framework — marks what many hope will be an end to the devastating war. Israel’s cabinet approved the deal Thursday, following Hamas’ acceptance last week.
Trump is scheduled to address the Israeli Knesset Monday, then travel to Egypt. The deal also includes a humanitarian component, with 400 trucks carrying over 9,000 tons of aid poised to enter Gaza.
Despite the breakthrough, Israel says the war isn’t fully over, and plans to continue targeting Hamas’ tunnel network, of which 30-40% has reportedly been destroyed.
President Biden Undergoes Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Joe Biden, 82, is undergoing five weeks of radiation therapy following a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer that has already metastasized to his bones.
The White House confirmed over the weekend that Biden is receiving radiation and hormone therapy as part of a targeted treatment plan. A Gleason score of 9 classifies the cancer as aggressive, though doctors say it’s hormone-sensitive — making it more treatable.
This is the latest in a series of cancer treatments for Biden. In September, he underwent Mohs surgery to remove a skin cancer lesion from his forehead. In 2023, a separate lesion was removed during a routine physical.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Biden is said to be “doing well.” Sources say the cancer may have gone undetected for years.
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