N.Y. Today: Militia Commander Tied to Iran Plotted Attacks in U.S., Prosecutors Say

May 16, 2026

Two men sit next to each other in front of a map on a wall.

Department of Justice

Militia Commander Tied to Iran Plotted Attacks on Jewish Sites, Prosecutors Say

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi is accused of leading attacks in Europe and being part of a retaliation campaign by Iran. Prosecutors say he is a leader of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia with ties to Iran.

By Benjamin Weiser, Olivia Bensimon and Maia Coleman

A police officer in a blue jacket reaches out to separate groups of protesters holding phones and shouting on either side of a metal barricade on a city street, with a bus in the background.

How Fights Over West Bank Settlements Are Unfolding at N.Y.C. Synagogues

Demonstrations outside synagogues have turned real estate sales in Israel and in the occupied territories into a political issue in the city. The protesters’ tactics have disturbed some New Yorkers.

By Liam Stack

A building with four columns on the campus of Cornell University is in the background. Two people with backpacks walk on a paved path in the foreground.

Cornell Criticizes Students After Its President Bumps Them With His Car

After the president bumped into students with his car, an investigation by the university’s trustees said that the students’ actions were “inconsistent with university policies.”

By Santul Nerkar

Harvey Weinstein sits at a table in a courtroom in a dark suit and tie. Three police officers are standing behind him.

Judge Declares Mistrial in Weinstein Rape Trial

This was the third time Harvey Weinstein was on trial accused of raping an aspiring actress at a hotel in Manhattan in 2013.

By Hurubie Meko and Kate Christobek

Neo-Nazi Who Plotted to Poison N.Y.C. Children With Candy Gets 15 Years

Michail Chkhikvishvili, 22, was the leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an extremist group that encouraged people to commit acts of hate and violence, prosecutors said.

By Michael Levenson

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