Israeli defense chief visits U.S.; 4 men charged in Moscow concert hall attack
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Today’s top stories
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is in Washington today to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior officials. Gallant said he will discuss U.S. military aid. But some Democrats say Israel’s actions may disqualify it from aid. Gallant’s visit comes at a time of increasing tensions between the two allies about the next steps in the war and reducing civilian suffering in Gaza.
Russia says it has arrested four men and charged them with terrorism in connection to an attack at a Russian concert hall in Moscow that killed more than 130 people last week. An affiliate of the Islamic State known as ISIS-K has claimed responsibility — a claim the U.S. agrees with. Russian President Vladimir Putin insists the assailants were captured while trying to flee to Ukraine.
Former President Donald Trump is facing two legal battles today in New York City. Today is his deadline to pay a $454 billion penalty for his civil fraud trial. Though he’s appealed the decision, he’s still required to set the money aside. New York Attorney General Letitia James says she is ready to seize Trump’s properties if he’s unable to make the payment. A criminal court judge will also hold a hearing today to set a trial date for Trump’s hush money case. The former president is accused of falsifying business documents and making payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election to cover up an alleged affair.
Today’s listen
Most of the news about Trump rallies concerns the controversial statements made by the former president himself. But who are his supporters, and what’s it like from the inside? There are the Make America Great Again merch sellers. And then there are the Jan. 6 insurrectionists singing the national anthem. One supporter at a rally in Georgia compared it to being at a Phish rock concert.
Listen to NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben’s experience inside a Trump rally, or read her account.
Picture show
Korean food is climbing the list of Michelin Star-awarded cuisines. While in Seoul, one chef is reinterpreting traditional Korean dishes, another kitchen in New York is leaning into the city’s openness to new experiences and offering authentic Korean food that simply tastes good. South Korea’s other cultural exports, like K-pop bands and TV series, have also increased Korean food’s popularity — with support from its government.
See photos of Korean haute cuisine and read the story.
3 things to know before you go
This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi. Anandita Bhalerao contributed.