Members of the activist group Rise and Resist and allies gathered for a protest outside Trump Tower in Manhattan on March 13, 2024 holding signs and a banner reading No Dictators In The USA. (Photo by Erik McGregor/Sipa USA)
(New York, NY) – The Democratic infighting was on full display this past week as New Jersey Senior Senator Cory Booker said his party needs a wakeup call. The Midtown shooting on Monday is already impacting city politics. Also, an update on diplomatic talks in the Middle East as more countries move to recognize a Palestinian state. These are some of the stories you should know heading into the new week:
Jack Smith Under Investigation
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith is currently under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel. This is not the same office Smith was once heading, as he served as a special appointee under the Department of Justice. The OSC alleges Smith violated the Hatch Act which prevents government officials from playing into politics. Smith launched two criminal probes into Trump that were never brought to trial. If the OSC finds any wrongdoing, they may suggest criminal charges to the DOJ.
Midtown Shooting Impacting Mayor’s Race
The mass shooting in Manhattan which killed four people has the candidates for mayor discussing crime and safety in the Big Apple. Three candidates took the opportunity to point to the same rival who they believe is soft on crime: Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Sitting Mayor Eric Adams, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and Independent Andrew Cuomo all referenced past statements from Mamdani where he called for the defunding of police. Mamdani for his part appeared at a vigil for victims where he thanked the work of police officers responding to the scene.
Cory Booker Bashes Colleagues
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is no stranger to political theater, and this week he put on quite the show. Booker got into a spat with two fellow Democratic colleagues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, after there was a push to pass a group of bills tied to police funding in the wake of the Manhattan shooting. Booker was sent into a fury after Klobuchar and Cortez Masto called him out for not opposing the bills earlier when it was up for debate in committee. Booker accused Democrats of being complicit with the Trump White House.
US Middle East Envoy in Israel
The special envoy to the Middle East is telling families of hostages that the conflict will all be over soon. While on a weekend trip in Israel, Steve Witkoff told families in Tel Aviv that the US was working on a plan to bring home all those still in captivity. Witkoff says that it’s Trump’s belief that the hostages should all be released at once.
Former VP Harris Dodging Questions
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is not naming anyone who she thinks is in the driver’s seat for the Democratic party. While on her book tour for her campaign book, Harris made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Colbert asked the pointed question of who she believes will emerge as the clear leader, and prospective 2028 pick. Harris laughed the question off even when Colbert pressed her for a name, saying she can’t give a list out of fear she will leave someone out.
To hear more on these stories and some conversations from the news room, listen to the full New Hour Weekend Edition for today or download as a podcast:
