NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned a recent anti-Semitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where cars were set on fire and properties were vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti.

Emergency services received reports of a car fire on Magney Street in Woollahra early Wednesday morning. Fire & Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, but multiple cars and buildings suffered vandalism.

Graffiti with messages like “Kill Israel” was found on walls. A crime scene has been established, and an investigation is underway. Police are looking to speak with two suspects aged 15 to 20, who were in the area at the time of the incident.

It’s just out of control!

Days after firebombing of Synagogue in Melbourne, now more #antisemitism in #Australia, this time in my former hometown of Sydney, with cars set alight and multiple homes vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti, in the strongly Jewish suburb of Woollahra. pic.twitter.com/gCdCrlSlXU

— Arsen Ostrovsky ️ (@Ostrov_A) December 10, 2024

Minns described the attack as “shocking” and stated, “This is not the Sydney we want.” He emphasized that such racist acts aimed at dividing the community would not succeed.

He plans to consult with police about the investigation, assuring the public that those responsible will face justice.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also denounced the incident, calling it offensive and concerning.

It follows a similar act of vandalism in November, where cars were spray-painted with phrases like “f**k Israel.” Various buildings, including the Chiswick restaurant, were also targeted in that incident.

U.S. small-business confidence reached its highest point in nearly 3-1/2 years in November, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index increased by 8.0 points to 101.7, marking the highest level since June 2021.

This surge followed the recent elections, which saw Donald Trump winning the presidential race and the Republican Party gaining control of Congress.

Small business owners, who typically lean Republican, showed increased confidence, a trend anticipated by economists.

Other sentiment surveys also reported improvements in consumer confidence post-election.

Economic improvement

The percentage of small business owners expecting economic improvement rose significantly, indicating a shift in outlook.

More owners believe now is a good time to expand their business, with expectations for higher sales growth increasing. Concerns about inflation slightly lessened, as fewer owners cited it as their primary issue.

Additionally, the uncertainty index for small businesses dropped, reflecting increased stability in economic expectations.

Despite ongoing labor shortages in various sectors, the number of businesses planning to hire rose to the highest level in a year.

Compensation for employees saw an uptick; 32% of owners reported increases, while a notable percentage plans further raises in the coming months.

A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.

Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.

During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.

Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.

Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.

Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.

Weapon possession

He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.

Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.

His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.

Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.