Haiti's gangs have ‘near-total control' of the capital as violence escalates, UN says
UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the council, 'the ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince' and their strengthened foothold in the capital and beyond is 'pushing the situation closer to the brink.'
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'Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario,' he warned.
Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, and previously were estimated to control 85 percent of the capital. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.
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A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40 percent of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' proposal in February to have the UN provide drones, fuel, ground and air transport, and other nonlethal support to the Kenya-led mission has languished in the council.
In response to the gangs, the UNODC's Waly said there has been a rapid growth in the number and activities of private security companies and vigilante self-defense groups, with some trying to protect their communities while others act illegally and collude with gangs.
'Over the last three months,' Jenca said, 'these groups reportedly killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang association or collaboration.'
He said the last three months have also seen an increase in sexual violence by gangs, with the UN political mission in Haiti documenting 364 incidents of sexual violence involving 378 survivors just from March to April.
A new report by UN experts covering the period from last October through February said the gangs have exploited political turmoil and the disorganized response to Haiti's security crisis, pointing to competing political ambitions and allegations of corruption within Haiti's transitional governing bodies that have stymied action.
'While the expansion of territorial control brings gangs additional sources of revenue and bargaining power,' the experts said, 'these attacks are also backed by individuals trying to destabilize the political transition for their own political goals.'
One major result is that very little progress has been made toward restoring public security or implementing the roadmap for organizing national elections by February 2026, the experts monitoring an arms embargo on Haiti and sanctions against key gang leaders said in the report to the Security Council.
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With a weak national police force facing acute tensions in its leadership, an army that needs rebuilding, and the limited ability of the multinational force, the experts warned that the gangs will continue 'to have the upper hand unless stronger international support is provided.'
As for vigilante groups, the experts said, they 'often include local police officers, some of whom actively participate in human rights violations.'
The Haitian National Police have also carried out 'a worrying number of extrajudicial killings … with suspected gang members often summarily executed,' the experts said, pointing to 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024, including 22 women and eight children.
Despite the UN arms embargo on Haiti, gangs continue to obtain more powerful weapons not only from regional civilian markets but from police stockpiles in Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic, the experts said.
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Newsweek
35 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Will You Be Better Off Under Trump's Big Beautiful Bill? What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After months of debate and political brinkmanship, a massive new Republican-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act is moving closer to becoming law. The sweeping package touches nearly every corner of American life—from taxes and healthcare to student loans and food assistance. The bill continues tax cuts from President Trump's first stint in the White House, funds his border wall plan, and increases defense spending. The associated fiscal impact of this is offset by reducing federal support for key components of the social safety net, including food assistance and health coverage programs. Its scale is matched only by its controversy. Democrats are firmly opposed to it, and numerous groups have warned it could have a devastating impact on America's neediest, as well as increasing the deficit - much to the chagrin of certain fiscal hawks in the GOP as well. Regardless of opinions, the sprawling megabill will impact all Americans. As the House prepares to cast its final vote, here are the most important elements of the bill that may impact your money: Taxes The OBBBA is loaded with new tax legislation, with several new tax breaks on the horizon - as well as some eliminations: State and Local Taxes (SALT) deduction : Expanded to $40,000, up from $10,000, through to 2029. : Expanded to $40,000, up from $10,000, through to 2029. Senior tax break : Those over 65 would receive a $6,000 boost to their standard deduction from 2025 through 2028. : Those over 65 would receive a $6,000 boost to their standard deduction from 2025 through 2028. Overtime income : Allows individuals to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay from their taxable income for tax years 2025 through 2028, while couples filing jointly could deduct up to $25,000. : Allows individuals to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay from their taxable income for tax years 2025 through 2028, while couples filing jointly could deduct up to $25,000. Tipped income : Allows tipped workers to deduct tip income from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually. A full list of eligible occupations for tip deductions will be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law. : Allows tipped workers to deduct tip income from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually. A full list of eligible occupations for tip deductions will be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law. American-made tax break : If you're buying a new car made in America, you will benefit from an annual $10,000 interest deduction. : If you're buying a new car made in America, you will benefit from an annual $10,000 interest deduction. Electric vehicle tax credits : If you're buying a new electric vehicle however, you will no longer be able to get the current $7,500 deduction. : If you're buying a new electric vehicle however, you will no longer be able to get the current $7,500 deduction. Boosted Child Tax Credit : Families with children will benefit from a $200 boost to the CTC, bringing it to $2,200. However, there is no boost to the $1,600 refundable portion of the credit, which could mean low-earners will not fully benefit compared to higher earners. : Families with children will benefit from a $200 boost to the CTC, bringing it to $2,200. However, there is no boost to the $1,600 refundable portion of the credit, which could mean low-earners will not fully benefit compared to higher earners. Estate taxes: The bill will raise the exemption threshold starting in 2026 to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples—up from the current $13.99 million and $27.98 million. U.S. President Donald Trump stops and talks to the media before he boards Marine One on the South Lawn at the White House on June 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump stops and talks to the media before he boards Marine One on the South Lawn at the White House on June 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tasos Katopodis/GETTY Healthcare One of the most talked about elements of the bill has been its impact on Medicaid. Here's how it will change: Work requirements: Able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled through Medicaid expansion must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. Eligibility and cost changes : Expansion enrollees would undergo more frequent eligibility reviews. Enrollees could be required to pay up to $35 for certain types of care. : Federal funding cuts : States would receive less federal funding for Medicaid. This could lead to states eliminating benefits, tightening enrollment, or making other cost-cutting changes. : Increased administrative burden : Enrollees may face more paperwork and verification requirements, which could make it harder to apply for or maintain coverage. : Food Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit recipients will also face a slew of changes: Work requirements : Similar to Medicaid, able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Again, there is an exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. : Similar to Medicaid, able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 must work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Again, there is an exemption for those with children aged 14 and under. States facing cost share: For the first time, states with high improper payment rates will be required to start paying a share of benefits, up to 15 percent. Many states have warned this is unaffordable, which could lead to states ending their participation in the program entirely. Student Loans There are some big changes coming for student borrowers. Here's the breakdown: Changes to payment plans : Several widely-used repayment plans—the Biden administration's SAVE plan, Income Contingent Repayment, and Pay As You Earn—would be discontinued. They will be replaced by the newly introduced Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), or the traditional standard repayment option, in July 2026. : Several widely-used repayment plans—the Biden administration's SAVE plan, Income Contingent Repayment, and Pay As You Earn—would be discontinued. They will be replaced by the newly introduced Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), or the traditional standard repayment option, in July 2026. Graduate PLUS loan program will be no more, also effective July 2026. It currently allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. It will be replaced with a cap of $100,000 for most graduate students and $200,000 for those in medical or law programs. will be no more, also effective July 2026. It currently allows graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. It will be replaced with a cap of $100,000 for most graduate students and $200,000 for those in medical or law programs. Parent PLUS loans would also face a borrowing limit of $65,000 and would no longer qualify for any income-driven repayment options. would also face a borrowing limit of $65,000 and would no longer qualify for any income-driven repayment options. No more deferment options for those in financial difficulty, although loan rehabilitation for those who are in default will be permitted twice instead of once. Trump Accounts Good news for newborn babies: they'll be getting $1,000 from the federal government. The so-called "Trump Accounts" will see babies born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 who are U.S. citizens with parents that have Social Security numbers get a one-time government contribution of $1,000 into a dedicated account. The accounts will track a stock index and allow for additional private contributions of up to $5,000 every year. The money unlocks at 18 years of age, and according to PBS, can be spent on higher education expenses, small business or small farm expenses, or put toward purchasing a first home. Other Changes End of the Internal Revenue Service Direct File program : Totally free tax filing direct with the IRS under the Biden-administration's program will end. It was initially piloted in 2024, before being expanded to more than two dozen states in 2025. : Totally free tax filing direct with the IRS under the Biden-administration's program will end. It was initially piloted in 2024, before being expanded to more than two dozen states in 2025. Unemployment payments for millionaires: Federal funds cannot be used for unemployment compensation benefits for millionaires. Will Americans Be Better Off Under Trump's Bill? This depends on your own personal situation. Not all of the measures apply to everyone. For example, if you have student debt, collect SNAP benefits, and are on Medicaid, you may end up worse off under the OBBBA. But if you're a hospitality worker hoping to keep more of your own tips, or a couple about to have their first child, you could find your financial situation looking up. According to analysis by the Yale Budget Lab, this is how the bill will, on average, impact different income brackets, according to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Lowest earners (AGI under $13,350): Average income loss: $600 Change: –2.5 percent Lower earners (AGI between $13,350 and $36,475): Average income loss: $65 Change: –0.2 percent Middle-income earners (AGI between $36,475 and $64,955): Average income gain: $720 Change: +1.4 percent Upper-middle earners (AGI between $64,955 and $120,390): Average income gain: $1,730 Change: +2.0 percent High earners (AGI over $120,390): Average income gain: $6,495 Change: +2.4 percent However, there may be some amendments to come before the House casts its final vote, meaning these estimates could change.
Business Wire
39 minutes ago
- Business Wire
JLens and ADL Condemn UN Report Targeting Companies for Israel Ties
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JLens, a Registered Investment Advisor and sponsor of the JLens 500 Jewish Advocacy U.S. ETF (NYSE: TOV; the 'TOV ETF'), along with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the world's leading anti-hate organization, strongly condemn the report issued by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Titled 'From economy of occupation to economy of genocide,' the report urges companies to sever ties with Israel, halt operations, and pay reparations. JLens and ADL emphasized that these extreme recommendations seek to further the goals of the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign and are based on distorted legal interpretations and inflammatory rhetoric. The report even goes so far as to call on governments to investigate and prosecute corporate executives whose companies do business in Israel for so-called complicity in 'international crimes and the alleged laundering of related profits.' JLens believes that this is not a serious human rights assessment but rather a politicized attack on the Jewish state and the businesses that operate within it. Of the 13 U.S.-listed public companies named in the UN report, all are currently held in the TOV ETF portfolio. These companies—including leaders in defense, technology, and finance—are long-standing contributors to Israel's economy, security, and innovation ecosystem. 'This report is not a human rights analysis—it is a blatant effort to economically isolate Israel,' said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of ADL. 'Francesca Albanese has a long record of antisemitic rhetoric and abuse of her UN platform, and has been condemned by the US, France, and Germany for her antisemitism. Her work undermines human rights and fuels hate, not accountability.' Of the 13 TOV-held companies named in the report, five—HP Inc., Microsoft, BlackRock, Lockheed Martin, and IBM—have earned JLens' highest ' metzuyan ' (excellent) designation and are overweighted in the ETF. 'We helped build the TOV ETF so Jewish investors could stand up for our values and stand with companies that do the right thing, including supporting Israel,' said Ari Hoffnung, Managing Director of JLens. 'This report directly attacks many of TOV's top holdings. We are proud to represent shareholders in these U.S. companies and will reach out to each one to reaffirm our support and urge them to continue rejecting BDS pressure.' Since launching on the New York Stock Exchange in February 2025, the TOV ETF has grown to over $160 million in assets, reflecting strong interest from investors seeking a values-aligned strategy rooted in Jewish advocacy and shareholder engagement. The Fund tracks the 500 largest U.S. public companies and uses a proprietary screening and scoring process to assess alignment with Jewish values—including support for Israel. JLens then engages with portfolio companies through proxy voting, board-level dialogue, and other forms of shareholder advocacy to combat antisemitism, oppose BDS, and advance the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). TOV was developed in response to the alarming rise of antisemitism, and the increasing efforts to target U.S. corporations as instruments in an attempt to economically harm Israel. Anti-Israel activists are targeting companies through sophisticated tactics—including shareholder resolutions and university divestment campaigns. At the same time, many Jewish employees face challenging workplace environments, with internal employee protests taking place at major companies like Alphabet. The ETF provides a mechanism for investors to engage directly with companies on these emerging risks. The UN report's call for divestment and reparations is part of a broader trend of politically motivated financial activism that poses real risks for investors. In a prior analysis, JLens forecast that the 100 largest U.S. university endowments would forgo $33 billion in investment gains over 10 years if they adopted BDS-aligned investment strategies. This illustrates how such ideologically driven divestment campaigns not only undermine Israel but also jeopardize long-term portfolio performance. JLens and ADL jointly urge asset managers, trustees, university boards, and institutional investors to reject this UN report and stand firmly with the companies committed to Israel's future. JLens' shareholder advocacy focuses on combating antisemitism and hate, supporting Israel, and promoting the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). JLens has a strong track record of running campaigns which call on shareholders to reject anti-Israel shareholder proposals at top companies including Alphabet, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Intel. Public U.S. Companies Named in the UN Report (Alphabetical with Tickers): Airbnb, Inc. — (NASDAQ: ABNB) Alphabet (Google) — (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Amazon — (NASDAQ: AMZN) BlackRock — (NYSE: BLK) Booking — (NASDAQ: BKNG) Caterpillar Inc. — (NYSE: CAT) Chevron Corporation — (NYSE: CVX) Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) — (NYSE: HPE) HP Inc. — (NYSE: HPQ) IBM — (NYSE: IBM) Lockheed Martin — (NYSE: LMT) Microsoft — (NASDAQ: MSFT) Palantir Technologies — (NYSE: PLTR) Private U.S. Companies Named in the UN Report (Alphabetical): Drummond Company Keller Williams Realty Vanguard Empowered Funds (dba ETF Architect, LLC) is the Fund Advisor. For more information about the JLens 500 Jewish Advocacy U.S. ETF, please visit About TOV ETF The JLens 500 Jewish Advocacy U.S. ETF (TOV) empowers investors to combat antisemitism and hate, support Israel, and promote the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) through shareholder advocacy. It aims to deliver performance comparable to index funds that track the 500 largest U.S. public companies. About JLens Founded in 2012, JLens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Registered Investment Advisor that empowers investors to align their capital with Jewish values and advocates for Jewish communal priorities in the corporate arena. JLens' Jewish Investor Network is composed of over 30 Jewish institutions, representing $11 billion in communal capital. In 2022, JLens established an affiliation with ADL (Anti-Defamation League), the leading anti-hate organization in the world. More at About ADL ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is 'to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.' Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at The fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The Prospectus and SAI contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling (215) 330-4476. Read it carefully before investing. ADL and JLens are affiliated nonprofit organizations. Neither organization's staff receive direct or indirect compensation for referrals or purchases of TOV ETF or any other investment products. This communication is informational and does not constitute a securities offer. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Visit for the fund's standardized performance and holding details. The Index considers JLens' Jewish Value Pillars in its index methodology and may exclude otherwise profitable investments in companies which have been identified as being in conflict with JLens' Jewish Value Pillars. The Fund is not actively managed, and the Adviser will not sell any investments due to current or projected underperformance of the securities, industries or sector in which it invests, unless the investment is removed from the Index, sold in connection with a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology, or sold to comply with the Fund's investment limitations. Large-Capitalization Companies Risk: Large- capitalization companies may trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large capitalization stocks tend to go through cycles of doing better – or worse – than the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. When large capitalization companies are out of favor, these securities may lose value or may not appreciate in line with the overall market. In addition, large capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology or consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful small companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. Jewish Values Investing Risk. The Index considers JLens' Jewish Value Pillars in its index methodology and may exclude otherwise profitable investments in companies which have been identified as being in conflict with JLens' Jewish Value Pillars. The Index does not select constituents for inclusion in the Index on the basis of future anticipated performance or capital appreciation, similar to traditional market capitalization-weighted indexes. Responsible Investing Criteria Risk. Because the methodology of the Index selects securities of issuers using responsible investing considerations, the Fund may underperform the broader equity market or other funds that do not utilize responsible investing criteria when selecting investments. New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors have no track record or history on which to base their investment decision. The Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. The fund's investment advisor is Empowered Funds, LLC, which is doing business as ETF Architect. JLens serves as the Sub-adviser to the Fund. Quasar is not affiliated with ETF Architect or JLens.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Report of many deaths in Israeli attacks in Gaza
Dozens of Palestinians have once again lost their lives in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian reports said on Thursday. Citing medical sources, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that 63 people have been killed since Thursday morning. Many of the victims were said to have been waiting for aid supplies in various areas. It was not initially disclosed whether they were waiting for UN deliveries or aid packages from the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). WAFA further reported that 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured when an Israeli airstrike hit the building of a former school in Gaza City. Displaced people were housed in the building, it said. When asked, Israel's army said that they were investigating the report. A video circulated on Palestinian and social media is said to show the heavily devastated building after the bombardment. The authenticity of the footage could not initially be verified. Meanwhile, Israel's military stated that the Israeli Air Force attacked around 150 targets across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, including members of terrorist organizations and their tunnels. The Israeli military said it had also killed in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip those responsible following a rocket attack on Israel on Wednesday. The claims from both sides could not initially be independently verified.
