Moscow Fallout, Bond Deadline, and Celebrating Holi

Moscow Attack Fallout

The death toll in a mass shooting at a popular concert venue outside Moscow rose to around 140 over the weekend, with more than 150 others wounded. It marks the country's deadliest terrorist attack in two decades, with rescue workers saying heavy fire damage continues to impede search efforts (see footage—warning, sensitive content).

The attack was quickly claimed by a group known as ISIS-K, short for ISIS-Khorasan Province (see overview), an offshoot of the broader jihadi organization. Operating out of parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, analysts say the group has targeted Russia for its treatment of Muslims inside the country and its involvement in Syria. 

The group was also responsible for dual January bombings in Iran, as well as the bombing of the Kabul airport during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which killed 13 American troops and close to 170 Afghans. 

As of this writing, four suspects have been charged with committing acts of terror. 

Trump Bond Deadline Arrives

Former President Donald Trump faces a deadline today to cover a $454M judgment handed down in a February New York civil fraud trial to avoid the potential seizure of assets by the state. Lawyers for Trump have argued the fine should be stayed while the full appeals process plays out. 

Legal experts say a number of scenarios may play out. The former president may secure enough cash, an intermediate appeals court may intervene to require the fine be stayed, or state Attorney General Letitia James may begin seizing some Trump Organization assets. James has not revealed any details of such a move, nor has she said even whether she would proceed immediately. Declaring bankruptcy may be a fourth option for Trump, analysts say. 

Trump, who indicated he would argue the case to the Supreme Court, said Friday he had almost $500M in cash—funds he said are meant in part to support his 2024 campaign. 

Shifa Assault in Gaza

Israeli officials said 170 militants were killed and nearly 500 others detained following a weeklong raid at Gaza City's al-Shifa hospital in the northern half of the territory. The operation has been described by the Israeli military as one of the most direct engagements with senior Hamas fighters since fighting began. 

Located in northern Gaza, the complex was the region's largest operating medical facility. Israeli officials accused senior commanders of both Hamas and the associated Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group of attempting to regroup in the hospital. A February analysis by The New York Times suggested Hamas used the building for coverage and weapons storage and was accessible via underground tunnels (but fell short of confirming claims it was a "command and control" center).

During the current effort, Israeli officials said they also recovered at least $3M in US currency and Jordanian dinars, among additional weapons. Reports Friday suggested at least 3,000 civilians remained trapped in the facility.  

See updates on the broader war here.

In partnership with Timeline

In partnership with The Ascent

A Cash Back Dream

Thousands of Americans are seeking this leading cash back credit card, and here's why. It offers a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, and no annual fee.

What makes this card so unique is that not only is it a slam dunk for cash back, but it also touts 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers well into 2025. Talk about a one-card wallet. It’s not every day you get up to 5% cash back paired with 0% interest for nearly a year and a half. If that sounds like some of the highest cash back potential you’ve ever seen, well, it probably is. Learn more and apply today.

Please support our sponsors!