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A newly announced political alliance between former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid may signal unity on the surface, but reports indicate that tensions between the two leaders have not fully subsided.

According to a report aired Thursday by Channel 12 News, Bennett privately criticized Lapid shortly before the partnership was made public, allegedly referring to him in harsh terms during internal discussions.

The report said Bennett told close associates he had serious reservations about joining forces, warning that “Lapid is toxic, toxic, toxic.” He was also said to be concerned that aligning with Lapid could distance him from right-wing voters he hopes to attract.

In response, representatives of the newly formed Together party dismissed the claims and emphasized the strength of the joint list, arguing that it has already become the largest political faction in the country while labeling the current coalition as the only “toxic” factor.

Bennett and Lapid officially unveiled their combined slate on Sunday, announcing that they would run as a unified list headed by Bennett.

Their joint statement framed the move as part of a larger initiative to “repairing the State of Israel,” describing the alliance as an effort to bring together political forces and reduce divisions within their camp.

The announcement also said the merger is intended to streamline campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming elections, with the aim of securing victory and advancing political change.

It further noted that the partnership is meant to reinforce what it called the “bloc of repair,” presenting a consolidated political front designed to operate cohesively in both public and political spheres.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Gershon Ribner, rosh kollel of Kollel Nesivos Hatorah and son-in-law of Rav Shneur Kotler, has succeeded in applying classical Talmudical analysis and methodology to understanding all areas of Yiddishkeit, bringing out its profundity and sense.

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Brig. Gen. Omer Tishler was elevated to the rank of Major General on Thursday as he prepares to take over as commander of the Israeli Air Force next week, replacing the current chief during a particularly tense period.

Tishler, who held key leadership roles as Air Force Chief of Staff and deputy commander during the October 7 attack, is set to assume command from Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar in the coming days.

During the promotion ceremony, Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed ongoing regional developments, focusing on Israel’s confrontations with Iran and its allied forces. “Iran was dealt heavy blows over the past year, blows that set it back years in all areas.”

He said that while the country faces increasing challenges, there are also significant opportunities to reshape the regional landscape.

Katz highlighted coordination with the United States, noting that President Donald Trump, working alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading efforts to ensure Iran does not pose an existential threat.

He added that Israel “supports the effort and gives the needed backing, but we may soon need to act again to ensure that the goals are met.”

Turning to the conflict in Lebanon, Katz said Hezbollah has sustained major damage over the past two years, including during Operation Roaring Lion.

“We will act and destroy all terrorist infrastructure in the security zone up to the Yellow Line, both above and below ground, just as we did in Gaza,” he said, adding that Israel will act “to remove threats from the residents of the Galilee and crush Hezbollah’s capabilities throughout Lebanon. We promised security to the residents of the north, and that is what we will deliver.”

Addressing Tishler directly, Katz emphasized the need for full operational readiness across all fronts, both near and distant. “The State of Israel will not allow its enemies to threaten its existence. We will continue to act with determination, strength, and responsibility to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens for generations.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced that individuals aboard a flotilla intercepted while attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza will be transferred to Greece rather than held in Israeli custody.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the move follows coordination with Greek authorities after Israeli forces blocked the vessels from reaching Gaza.

“So far, Israel – through the IDF – has successfully blocked attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade on Gaza and the arrival of vessels from the provocative flotilla, including last night,” Sa’ar stated,

“All participants in the provocative flotilla who were taken off the vessels were taken off unharmed,” he said. “In coordination with the Greek government, the individuals transferred from the flotilla vessels to the Israeli vessel will be disembarked on a Greek beach in the coming hours.”

Sa’ar expressed appreciation to Greece for agreeing to receive those aboard the flotilla and urged that future humanitarian efforts follow established channels. “We call on anyone who is not interested in provocations but rather in humanitarian aid to Gaza to do so through the BOP, which also issued a statement on the matter today.”

“Israel will not allow the breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza,” Sa’ar concluded.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the Israeli Navy for intercepting the flotilla, emphasizing that the mission was carried out successfully.

“Well done to our Navy! I instructed them to prevent the flotilla of Hamas supporters from reaching the shores of Gaza. The mission was carried out with complete success: not a single ship and not a single Hamas supporter reached our territory, or even our territorial waters. They were turned back and will return to their countries of origin. They will continue to watch Gaza on YouTube.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the government’s decision not to detain the participants, calling it a sign of weakness.

“The unfortunate decision of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister – made in secret and in the dark – to release most of the flotilla participants without arrest and to allow the violation of Israel’s sovereignty just because of Erdogan’s threats, is a message of weakness towards Israel’s enemies and the spreaders of antisemitism in the world,” Ben-Gvir said.

He added that the decision contradicted prior recommendations by security officials. “This decision is contrary to my position, and I demand that it be rescinded.”

The flotilla, which set sail from multiple countries including Turkey, Spain, and Italy, involved more than 100 boats and approximately 1,000 participants. Israeli forces intercepted the vessels late Wednesday night as they neared the Gaza coastline.

British authorities have increased the national terrorism threat level to “severe” following the stabbing attack targeting Jews in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, signaling that officials believe another attack is highly likely in the near future.

The upgrade was determined by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, the body responsible for independently assessing the country’s threat status. A “severe” level means that the risk of a terrorist incident in the coming months is considered high.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the decision, stating, “Today, the national threat level has increased to ‘severe’, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.”

A government statement said the change followed the Golders Green stabbing, while emphasizing that the move reflects a broader upward trend in threats rather than a reaction to a single incident. Officials pointed to increased activity from Islamist and far-right extremists, including individuals and small cells operating within the country.

Authorities also warned about growing concern over threats linked to foreign actors that are encouraging violence, including attacks directed at Jewish communities.

Mahmood acknowledged the anxiety the decision may cause, particularly among Jews in Britain, saying the raised level “will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much”.

She added that the government “will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism”.

“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police,” she stated.

The stabbing in Golders Green, in which two Orthodox Jewish men were seriously injured, has been officially classified as a terrorist attack by counter-terrorism police.

Investigators identified the suspect as a 45-year-old British citizen born in Somalia, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. After receiving treatment in a hospital, he was taken to a London police station, where he remains in custody. Police are also searching a residence in southeast London and examining another incident believed to be connected.

The victims were named as Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. Both were initially listed in serious condition but are now reported to be stable following treatment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is taking urgent steps in response to rising antisemitism, describing the attack as part of a continuing pattern targeting Jews.

“Yesterday’s terror attack wasn’t an isolated incident,” Starmer said. “It was the latest attack on the Jewish community for being Jewish.”

Starmer said he spoke with volunteer responders from Shomrim and Hatzola, commending their response to the attack. He added that additional funding has been directed toward increased police patrols and security, along with efforts to fast-track legislation addressing hostile state threats.

“My message to Jewish people is this: you belong here, and we will do everything we can to keep you safe,” he said.

The attack comes amid a broader surge in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom, including recent arson attacks and acts of vandalism targeting Jewish institutions.

An Iran-linked group calling itself Ashab Al-Yamim has claimed responsibility for the stabbing.

Officials in Israel also raised concerns about the situation. Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer warned that security for Jews in the UK is worsening and criticized what he described as an inadequate response by British authorities.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the recent wave of attacks shows the situation is not under control and urged the UK government to take stronger action to combat antisemitism.

The developments have led to heightened security measures at Jewish sites across Britain as authorities respond to the elevated threat level.

{Matzav.com}

Dear Matzav Inbox,

Everyone is busy arguing about the latest “smashburger” story—treif, not treif, who said what, who certified what. Fine. Have the argument. But the truth is, even if you settle that entire discussion, you’re still left with something much more uncomfortable that nobody seems eager to address.

What is going on with our obsession with food?

I’m not talking about enjoying a good meal. I’m talking about the nonstop, over-the-top fixation that has somehow become normal in the frum community. Open a WhatsApp status. Scroll Instagram for a minute. It’s the same thing on repeat—people standing over grills, filming themselves slicing steaks, zooming in like it’s a surgical procedure, narrating every bite as if the rest of us are supposed to be impressed.

Or people sitting in restaurants, rating every dish, telling us how good it is, making total fools out of themselves. “Wow. Wow. Guys, this is insane. Wow. Wow. Guys, guys, I’m telling you, you gotta try this. I’m telling you guys. This is incredible. Wow. Wow.”

For real?

And the reactions are just as bad. “I’m drooling.” “This is insane.” “Next level.”

Grown adults talking like that, publicly, about food. It would be funny if it wasn’t so embarrassing.

At this point, it’s not even about eating. It’s about performing. Showing. Broadcasting. As if putting meat on a grill has become some kind of accomplishment that needs an audience.

And it doesn’t stop there. Walk into any wedding today. Nobody even pretends otherwise. People size up the simcha based on the menu before they’ve even sat down. The conversation afterward isn’t about the chassan and kallah. It’s about the carving station, the sushi, the late-night buffet. You hear the same reviews every time, like people just came back from a restaurant critique instead of a wedding.

Restaurants are another story altogether. Every new place has to outdo the last one, and people run after it like it’s breaking news. Pictures, videos, commentary, endless hype. You would think we were dealing with something of real importance.

We’re not. We’re talking about food.

We’re supposed to be an am kadosh. That doesn’t mean we don’t eat well. It doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy things. But it does mean there’s supposed to be some sense of proportion, some awareness of what deserves this kind of attention and what doesn’t.

Instead, we’ve taken something basic and turned it into a centerpiece of our lives. It fills our conversations, our screens, our social interactions. It’s constant. And after a while, it just looks…small.

There used to be a certain dignity in how people carried themselves. Today, people are proudly putting their indulgence on display for anyone who wants to watch. Not privately. Not quietly. Loudly. Repeatedly. As if this is what we want to be known for.

That’s what makes the whole thing so uncomfortable. It’s not one person here or there. It’s a culture. It’s a tone. And it doesn’t feel like it fits who we are supposed to be.

There’s a difference between enjoying something and revolving around it. Right now, it feels like we’ve crossed that line a long time ago and just kept going.

So yes, argue about treife smashburgers all you want. Just don’t pretend that’s the real issue.

The real issue is what we’ve become comfortable with. The real issue is why we don’t feel like throwing up every time we hear someone say, “Wow. Wow. Guys, this is insane. Wow. Wow. Guys, guys, I’m telling you, you gotta try this. I’m telling you guys. This is incredible. Wow. Wow.”

Sincerely,
A reader who thinks we can do better

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A commercial flight from the United States landed in Venezuela on Thursday, restoring direct air travel between the two countries for the first time since 2019 and signaling improving ties after years of strained relations.

The flight, operated by Envoy Air, a regional carrier owned by American Airlines, departed Miami International Airport at 10:11 a.m. EDT and arrived at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas at 1:22 p.m. EDT, according to flight tracking data.

The aircraft is scheduled to make the return trip later in the day, leaving Venezuela at 2:40 p.m. EDT and arriving back in Miami at 6:11 p.m. EDT, according to the same tracking service.

Earlier Thursday, the State Department shared footage on X showing the American Eagle plane taxiing for takeoff. Officials said the route will operate daily between Miami and Venezuela.

Air travel between the two nations was halted in 2019 when the Department of Transportation suspended all commercial and cargo flights after the Department of Homeland Security concluded that “conditions” in Venezuela “threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew.”

Since then, political developments have led to a thaw in relations. After U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, the government led by his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has taken steps to loosen restrictions, including freeing hundreds of political detainees and easing limits on foreign investment in the country’s oil sector.

In addition, the Treasury Department moved earlier this month to scale back sanctions affecting Venezuela’s state-run banking system.

Despite those changes, human rights concerns remain. As of April 21, 473 political prisoners — including 43 foreign nationals — are still being held in Venezuela, according to the rights group Foro Penal.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who attended a ceremony in Miami marking the inaugural flight, described the development as a “critical milestone in strengthening the United States relationship with Venezuela and unleashing economic opportunity” in both countries.

“I am proud of our Department’s work behind the scenes to make this inaugural flight come to life, and I want to thank American Airlines for their continued commitment to servicing this essential aviation artery,” Duffy said in a release.

American Airlines executive vice president Nate Gatten said the carrier was “proud to be the first airline to resume service” between the two countries.

Flights between Miami and Caracas are already available for booking through May, though ticket prices exceeded $1,000 for a one-way trip as of Thursday afternoon.

The Transportation Department said additional airlines may soon follow, noting that other carriers “have expressed a strong interest in restoring operations to Caracas and other locations across Venezuela.”

Officials added that the department will “continue to review applications and provide updates in the coming months on new offerings.”

The restored route is expected to serve a large Venezuelan population living in the United States. As of 2024, about 1.2 million Venezuelans reside in the U.S., including roughly 254,000 in the Miami area and approximately 127,000 in the Orlando region.

{Matzav.com}

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have created an artificial intelligence system that can identify pancreatic cancer long before it is usually found, raising the possibility of earlier treatment for one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

The new technology, known as the Radiomics-based Early Detection Model (REDMOD), is designed to analyze standard abdominal CT scans and detect early warning signs of pancreatic cancer as much as three years before a formal diagnosis. According to researchers, the system evaluates hundreds of subtle imaging features related to tissue texture and structure, allowing it to recognize faint biological changes that are not yet visible as tumors.

In findings published in the journal Gut, the AI model successfully flagged 73% of cancers before diagnosis, with a median lead time of roughly 16 months. That performance is nearly twice as effective as specialists reviewing the same scans without the assistance of AI.

When looking at scans taken more than two years prior to diagnosis, the system proved even more effective, identifying almost three times as many early-stage cancers as human reviewers.

To ensure reliability, researchers tested the model on close to 2,000 CT scans collected from different hospitals, imaging systems, and clinical settings. The AI’s results remained consistent even when analyzing multiple scans from the same patient over time, suggesting it could be useful for continuous monitoring and early detection.

Another advantage of the system is that it operates automatically, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual input by clinicians.

This work is part of a larger push at Mayo Clinic to improve early detection of pancreatic cancer, a disease expected to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030.

The AI tool is intended to evaluate scans that patients are already receiving for unrelated reasons, particularly in individuals considered higher risk, such as those who develop new-onset diabetes. It can flag elevated cancer risk even before any visible mass appears.

Researchers are now moving forward with clinical testing through a study known as AI-PACED, which will examine how doctors can incorporate AI-assisted detection into care for high-risk patients. The trial will track early detection rates, false positives, and patient outcomes.

According to a press release, the research is part of Mayo Clinic’s Precure initiative, which “aims to predict and prevent disease by identifying the earliest biological changes in the body before symptoms start.”

Pancreatic cancer remains especially dangerous because it typically produces no symptoms in its early stages. More than 85% of patients are diagnosed only after the disease has already spread, and the five-year survival rate remains under 15%, according to the National Cancer Institute.

“This AI can now identify the signature of cancer from a normal-appearing pancreas, and it can do so reliably over time and across diverse clinical settings,” said Ajit Goenka, the study’s senior author and a radiologist and nuclear medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic.

Detecting pancreatic cancer earlier could allow more patients to receive potentially curative treatment, improving outcomes for a disease that is often diagnosed too late.

Researchers say the model’s ability to function across different hospitals and imaging systems could allow it to be widely adopted, potentially benefiting patients nationwide.

Firefighters brought a major blaze under control Thursday evening after a house fire in north-west London forced evacuations from nearby homes and a shul in Stamford Hill.

Emergency crews rushed to Cazenove Road shortly after 4:14 p.m., deploying 15 fire engines and approximately 100 firefighters to combat the fast-moving flames.

According to the London Fire Brigade, three individuals were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and two were transported to the hospital for additional care.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2049876724872048903

Police said the cause of the fire remains under review. The Metropolitan Police described the situation as being in the “early stages” and said it was “keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire”. The force added: “We appreciate that given the location of the fire and proximity to the synagogue, there will undoubtedly be community concern.”

Later in the evening, the London Fire Brigade indicated that there is no current indication that the fire was intentionally set, though investigators are continuing to examine what happened.

Officials confirmed that the blaze has since been contained.

Video from the area showed heavy smoke pouring into the sky as flames spread through the structure, leaving significant portions of the building badly damaged, including the entrance.

Onlookers gathered nearby as emergency personnel worked to control the fire and secure the scene.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the affected building was being used as a private residence or for community purposes.

Members of Shomrim assisted Hackney police with traffic control and street closures around the site.

Officials urged the public to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to continue their work safely.

The London Fire Brigade said it received more than 40 emergency calls beginning at 4:14 p.m., prompting the dispatch of crews from Stoke Newington, Islington, Walthamstow, and other nearby stations.

{Matzav.com}

The annual Lag BaOmer hilula at Meron will not take place this year, after a senior government official announced the cancellation due to a breakdown in coordination between key ministries responsible for the event.

Shimon Elbaum, Director-General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, which oversees the Meron celebration, informed the Director-General of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety that under the current conditions, the event cannot proceed. The decision follows disagreements over transportation arrangements, with the Transportation Ministry arguing that the proposed plan is unsafe and that it would be unable to evacuate large crowds in the event of a mass-casualty incident.

In his letter, Elbaum wrote that “in coordination with Minister Shlomo Karchi, and after it became clear that the Ministry of Transportation is not implementing the required transportation system in accordance with the government decision, the law, and the approved outline, I would like to clarify the following: according to the Temporary Law for the Regulation of the Hilula of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai, 2026, it was established that access to the Meron site during the hilula will be permitted exclusively via designated public transportation and designated travel tickets.”

He continued, “This directive constitutes a fundamental condition for maintaining controlled and limited entry in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines. The restricted outline for operating the hilula was approved by all security authorities and is based on regulating crowd movement and controlling the number of people present at any given moment. Failure to operate the transportation system in accordance with the approved outline does not allow for the implementation of this mechanism. This directly harms the ability to enforce the outline in line with Home Front Command instructions.”

Elbaum warned that without proper transportation coordination, serious public safety risks would emerge. “In such a situation, significant disturbances are expected to arise, including unusual congestion, uncontrolled crowd movement, and a real risk of clashes with law enforcement forces.”

He concluded that since the Ministry of Transportation does not intend to fulfill its role in executing the approved plan, the event cannot be held safely. “Under these circumstances, and with great regret, we are compelled to announce that in the year 2026, no Lag BaOmer hilula events will take place in Meron.”

The letter further stated that responsibility for the consequences of the cancellation would rest with the Transportation Ministry. “It should be clarified that responsibility for all resulting consequences, including risks to public safety, overcrowding, public disorder, and danger to human life, will lie with the Ministry of Transportation.”

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said President Donald Trump pushed aside longtime supporters after returning to the White House and replaced them with figures she claims had previously opposed and mocked him.

Greene made the remarks during an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast Thursday night, where the two, both once strong Trump allies, discussed internal shifts within the Republican Party and the current administration.

According to Greene, Trump’s inner circle changed rapidly after he resumed office, saying that “in a matter of months,” individuals who had “fought for him when no one else would” were no longer part of his close circle.

She pointed to Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., claiming he “hated Donald Trump, made fun of him constantly, mimicked him, making fun of his voice,” and also referenced Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., describing him as “the worst.”

Greene further alleged that Lawler and “other guys” like him were being “ushered into the White House for meetings and all kinds of things,” replacing those she said had been loyal to Trump earlier on.

During the discussion, Carlson asked whether those who had previously opposed Trump were “servants of Israel,” to which Greene responded, “yeah…100%.”

Greene has previously made similar claims about Republican colleagues speaking differently about Trump in private. In an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes that aired late last year, she suggested that some Republicans supported Trump out of fear.

“I think they’re terrified to step out of line and get a nasty Truth Social post on them,” she said, adding that what they say behind closed doors “would shock people.”

She continued: “I watched many of my colleagues go from making fun of him, making fun of how he talks, making fun of me constantly for supporting him, to when he won the primary in 2024, they all started…kissing his ass and decided to put on a MAGA hat for the first time.”

Tucker Carlson, who hosted the conversation, has in recent months been among several prominent conservative figures who have voiced criticism of Trump, particularly regarding his decision to engage in military action against Iran.

In a recent podcast episode with his brother Buckley Carlson, a former Trump speechwriter, Carlson expressed regret over his past support.

“And I want to say I’m sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional, that’s all I’ll say.”

He added: “You and I and everyone else who supported him – you wrote speeches for him, I campaigned for him – I mean, we’re implicated in this for sure.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will eliminate a 10% tariff on Scottish whiskey, citing this week’s visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla as the reason for the decision.

Sharing the news on Truth Social, Trump said, “In Honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful Country, I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky,”

He added that the move had long been sought due to strong trade ties between the regions, particularly in connection with barrel production used in whiskey aging. “People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used. The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking! A wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A.”

The tariff had been introduced by the Trump administration in April 2025 as part of broader trade measures, and industry data showed that exports to the United States declined by about 15% between May and December of that year, according to the Scottish Whiskey Association.

{Matzav.com}

Attorneys for Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, initially argued he should be released before trial but later reversed course in court and agreed he should remain in custody.

In a filing submitted Wednesday, Allen’s legal team maintained that the 31-year-old CalTech graduate did not pose a threat and should not be detained ahead of trial. They pointed to the type of weapon he carried as part of their argument that he was not equipped to carry out a large-scale attack in a room filled with top government officials, including the president and first lady Melania Trump.

“Mr. Allen has no criminal history — not even prior arrests, which alone would rebut the presumption of detention,” they wrote in an 11-page filing.

“The government’s rhetoric about a ‘mass shooting’ is also unsupported by its own proffered facts. Mr. Allen was not alleged to be holding an automatic or even semi-automatic weapon that are the hallmarks of the modern-day mass shooting,” they added.

Federal authorities say Allen was armed with a loaded 12-gauge Mossberg Maverick shotgun with an extended magazine when he attempted to force his way through a Secret Service checkpoint at the event. Prosecutors also disclosed that he had taken a selfie showing himself carrying additional weapons, including a .38 Super-caliber semi-automatic handgun and several knives.

Despite the defense’s argument, authorities noted that shotguns have been used in past mass shootings, including the Columbine attack, the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, and the 2018 high school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas.

At a hearing Thursday, defense attorney Tezira Abe changed position, telling the court, “At this time, we are conceding detention.”

Abe indicated that the issue of bail could still be raised at a later stage.

She also asked Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya to move Allen out of the “safe cell” where he has been held under strict conditions since the incident, describing his confinement as “24-hour lockdown.”

Even while conceding detention, Abe reiterated the defense’s claim that Allen did not pose a threat, stating he was not “of danger to anybody.”

Allen appeared in a Washington, D.C., federal courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit and canvas shoes, with his hands restrained behind his back. He spoke only briefly, quietly greeting the judge with “Good morning.”

Prosecutor Charles Jones sought to present arguments supporting continued detention, but the judge declined to hear them at that time.

“I’m denying the government’s request,” she said. “It’s truly unprecedented.”

Judge Upadhyaya explained that since the defense was not contesting detention at the moment, it would be inefficient to proceed with arguments that might need to be repeated if the issue arises again.

In their written submission, Allen’s attorneys portrayed him as a previously respected individual within his community.

“He is a devout Christian who has spent countless hours with church groups for as long as family and friends can remember. He is a loved and respected teacher and colleague who has always demonstrated kindness, empathy, and compassion, and never violence,” wrote the federal public defenders.

They also challenged the prosecution’s assertion that Allen specifically intended to target the president, disputing the interpretation of a manifesto he allegedly circulated. In that document, Allen expressed a desire to attack members of the administration, though he excluded FBI Director Kash Patel.

“The government’s evidence of the charged offense — the attempted assassination of the president — is thus built entirely upon speculation, even under the most generous reading of its theory,” they concluded.

“While the government may be able to say that the letter expresses an intent to target administration officials, it falls well short of narrowing those officials to President Trump.”

Prosecutors, however, are seeking to keep Allen behind bars as the case moves forward. He faces charges including attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony, and discharging a weapon during a violent crime.

Court filings also included images taken by Allen in a hotel room at the Washington Hilton prior to the incident, showing him armed before attempting to breach security.

Allen has not yet entered a plea.

{Matzav.com}

Shipping companies FedEx and UPS say they will return money to customers following a February court decision that struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

UPS confirmed Wednesday that it is coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has begun accepting refund applications through an online system, to process reimbursements tied to those duties.

The initial stage of refunds will apply to “certain tariff payments made starting Jan. 30, 2026, in addition to pending tariff payments,” according to UPS.

A company spokesperson outlined its approach to handling repayments. “UPS is processing refunds for eligible shipments where we served as the importer,” spokesperson Natasha Amadi said in an email. “We will expand our efforts as CBP launches future phases. We are committed to supporting our customers during the refund process.”

Customs officials have indicated that approved refunds could take between 60 and 90 days to be issued. Government filings show that about 330,000 importers paid more than $166 billion in tariffs subject to potential reimbursement.

During a recent earnings call, UPS CEO Carol Tome said the company had collected roughly $5 billion in tariff charges from customers.

“We are working with the Customs Border Protection to apply for those refunds,” Tome said. “We think it’s going to take some time before the Treasury remits money to us, but as soon as we get that money, we’re going to remit it right back to our customers.”

FedEx, which previously filed suit against the federal government seeking recovery of the import taxes, said it has already begun submitting refund claims through CBP.

A spokesperson emphasized the company’s position, saying, “Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our top priority.” The representative added, “Our intent is straightforward: when refunds are issued to FedEx, we will isse refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges.”

The tariffs had affected many consumers after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in July 2025 suspending the “de minimis” exemption for imports valued at $800 or less, leading to additional fees on smaller purchases.

One customer in Florida described the impact, telling The Associated Press that his shipment of fragrance oil from Toronto “wasn’t worth the $10 tariff for a $27 purchase.”

In a 6–3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court determined last April that Trump had overstepped congressional authority by setting import tariffs under IEEPA, citing the trade deficit as a national emergency.

Although the Supreme Court did not directly address how refunds should be handled, a judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade later ruled that businesses subject to the tariffs are entitled to reimbursement.

While the decision marked a setback for the administration’s broader trade policy, other tariffs remain in place, including those enacted under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.

Officials have also indicated that additional tariffs could be introduced in the future.

Trump has criticized companies warning of price increases tied to tariffs and has at times used the possibility of new duties as leverage in negotiations. He also recently commented on companies that have not yet sought refunds.

“I think it’s brilliant if they don’t do that,” Trump told CNBC of companies that hadn’t yet sought reimbursements. “If they don’t do that, they got to know me very well.”

Most agencies within the Department of Homeland Security are set to resume full funding after the House approved a spending bill Thursday, ending the longest funding gap in U.S. history.

Lawmakers cleared the measure by voice vote, allowing operations at most DHS components to be fully financed again. The approval comes 75 days after Democrats initially blocked the spending package, triggering the prolonged lapse.

Under the bill, agencies including the Coast Guard, Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Transportation Security Administration will receive complete funding once President Donald Trump signs it into law.

However, immigration-related agencies were left out of the measure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection are expected to be addressed separately in a future budget resolution.

The legislation had earlier passed the Senate by unanimous consent in the early morning hours of March 27. At that time, House Republicans declined to advance it, citing concerns that it did not adequately fund border security.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump renewed his demand that ABC dismiss late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, intensifying his criticism of both the network and the comedian in a new post Thursday.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television? People are angry. It better be soon!!!”

Although Trump’s claim about ratings is inaccurate, anger toward Kimmel remains strong among MAGA-aligned media figures and supporters, who have continued to criticize both the comedian and ABC for standing by him.

ABC’s parent company, Disney, has not indicated any intention of removing Kimmel, despite mounting pressure from Trump and an unusual move by the FCC to challenge the licenses of ABC-owned stations.

The company has declined to publicly address calls for Kimmel’s dismissal. He remains under contract through next year, and ABC has continued airing his program without signaling any effort to distance itself from him.

Trump has frequently targeted Kimmel over the years, but the current dispute was sparked last week after the comedian joked that First Lady Melania Trump looked like an “expectant widow.”

The remark drew strong backlash from pro-Trump media outlets, particularly in the aftermath of Saturday night’s shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

On Monday, Melania Trump urged ABC to “take a stand,” and later that day the president said the network “should” fire Kimmel immediately.

The situation escalated further Tuesday when the FCC, aligned with Trump, directed Disney to begin an early renewal process for eight ABC station licenses—a step widely interpreted as a punitive action.

While the FCC said the move was tied to an ongoing investigation into Disney’s DEI policies, many observers believe it is connected to the dispute over Kimmel and ABC’s refusal to take action against him.

Disney responded by stating that its ABC stations comply with all applicable FCC regulations and that it will defend them through the “appropriate legal channels.”

Trump’s latest comments suggest he intends to continue pressing the issue publicly.

Legal analysts say Disney is likely to succeed if the dispute over station licenses reaches the courts.

Kimmel has not addressed the FCC matter directly in his recent monologues, though he has continued making jokes about Trump. During Wednesday night’s show, he said, “Donald and Melania lately have seemed closer than ever, and I like to think I played a part in that.”

Speaking at a press conference Thursday after the FCC’s monthly meeting, Chairman Brendan Carr repeated that the agency’s actions were tied to its review of Disney’s DEI initiatives and not influenced by Trump’s statements.

“The headlines can be what the headlines are, but that was the basis for our decision,” Carr said, adding there was “no pressure from the outside.”

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez rejected that explanation, calling it “clearly a pretext” and arguing the decision is “part of the pattern of harassment and retaliation in order to bend Disney to this administration.”

Free speech organizations and First Amendment advocates have also criticized the administration’s approach and the FCC’s involvement.

“Melania Trump has every right to say Jimmy Kimmel’s joke was vile,” said Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. “The First Amendment problem starts when the White House pressures ABC to punish a comedian for protected speech. That’s jawboning. And we’ve unfortunately seen this many times before.”

With less than one week remaining until the annual Lag BaOmer pilgrimage to the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, early visitors have already begun arriving in large numbers at Mount Meron, even as uncertainty continues over the official framework for this year’s event.

In recent days, conflicting reports have circulated regarding whether a formal plan will be implemented to manage the crowds, and if so, what it will include. Amid the confusion, reporters visited the site to provide a clearer picture of conditions on the ground and how preparations are unfolding just days before the hilula.

By midweek, buses were already arriving at the entrance to Meron, unloading dozens of groups who made their way toward the site. Police have begun restricting access for private vehicles, signaling the early stages of crowd control ahead of the expected influx.

Thousands of visitors are already present on the mountain, some planning to remain until Lag BaOmer itself, while others are taking advantage of the quieter days before any possible restrictions take effect.

In the courtyard near the kever, young boys celebrating their upsherin ceremonies have also begun arriving early, amid concerns that they may not be able to attend on Lag BaOmer due to potential security limitations.

Meanwhile, preparations continue throughout the complex, including in the rear areas, where infrastructure appears to be nearing readiness—though it remains unclear whether it is being finalized for a full-scale event or scaled back due to ongoing uncertainty.

For now, regardless of what will unfold in the coming days, large numbers of visitors are already making their way to the site, seizing the opportunity to spend time at the resting place of Rav Shimon bar Yochai in advance of the traditional celebration.

{Matzav.com}

A new musical initiative is underway following the composition of a special Mi Shebeirach by Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl, with a competition now launched to create melodies for the tefillah dedicated to those who study and toil in Torah.

The project was introduced on the radio program hosted by Menachem Toker, who announced a public contest inviting listeners to submit original tunes for the newly written Mi Shebeirach.

Toker explained that the initiative began when Rav Shlomo Raanan of the Ayelet HaShachar organization approached him with the new wording. That same night, Toker forwarded the text to composer Bentzi Stein, who quickly committed to producing a melody. Singer Shmulik Sukkot has already agreed to perform the composition.

Announcing the contest, Toker encouraged widespread participation. “Let’s create as many melodies for this as possible,” he said, noting that the goal is to strengthen those engaged in Torah study. He also revealed a series of prizes for participants, including a desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, headphones, and a speaker system.

Among the first to join the initiative was composer and creator Moshe Walder, who appeared on the program in a surprise segment alongside singer Ephraim Mendelson. Walder said the text moved him deeply. “Yeshiva students feel persecuted, and Rav Nebenzahl is dedicating to them such a beautiful and moving text,” he said. He added that the melody “poured out naturally,” noting that he incorporated AI tools to produce a quick vocal demo.

Toker aired two of Walder’s vocal renditions during the broadcast and invited listeners to submit their own compositions via email or the program’s voicemail system.

{Matzav.com}

The Karlin-Stolin kehillah has unveiled its Lag BaOmer arrangements for this year, introducing major changes due to restrictions at Mount Meron, including relocating most central events to Givat Ze’ev and significantly limiting access to the mountain.

According to the plan, the main gatherings traditionally held at Meron will instead take place this year in Givat Ze’ev. The shift marks a notable departure from past years, when thousands would travel to the site of Rav Shimon bar Yochai’s kever for the annual hilula.

Despite the changes, Maariv on the night of Lag BaOmer will still be held in Meron at the customary location near the top of the mountain, led by the Karlin-Stoliner Rebbe. A tish in honor of the hilula is also scheduled to follow.

However, participation on the mountain itself will be sharply limited. Entry permits will be distributed in very small numbers, with priority given to parents of children celebrating upsherin. Registration is being handled through transportation coordinators in each city, and families are required to submit detailed information about the child, including name, ID number, date of birth, and school.

If additional slots remain, organizers may consider extending access to grandparents, though officials emphasized that the plan could still change depending on decisions by authorities.

The primary Lag BaOmer events will take place later in the day in Givat Ze’ev, at the central Beis Aharon VeYisrael Bais Medrash. These will include a tish, lighting ceremony, and upsherin celebrations, accompanied by live music.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] President Donald Trump hosted the crew of the Artemis II mission at the White House on Wednesday, honoring their recent journey around the moon in what has been described as a landmark moment in space exploration.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen joined Trump in the Oval Office, where they appeared before reporters following their successful mission.

Trump praised the astronauts for their achievement, saying, “We have some people that have captivated the attention of the whole world, not just our country, the whole world, and they’re very brave, and that was a lot of rocket under them.” He added, “I never saw anything like that.”

Reflecting on the difficulty of space travel, Trump remarked, “I don’t know how they do it. I wouldn’t want to do it. But it takes people like this to make our country great,” noting that many Americans closely followed the launch and were eager to see the mission conclude safely.

During the event, Trump jokingly asked Jared Isaacman whether a sitting president could participate in a future mission. Isaacman responded with a lighthearted remark: “We can get working on that, Mr. President.”

The press event lasted about 22 minutes, but drew criticism from administration officials after reporters largely declined to question the astronauts. White House Deputy Communications Director Kaelan Dorr expressed frustration on social media, writing, “Four American heroes are standing behind the President and reporters haven’t asked them a single question about their HISTORIC mission.” He added, “Truly shameful.”

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung echoed those sentiments, stating, “These astronauts are heroes for what they’ve accomplished. They deserve to be celebrated. Yet, the press didn’t have one question for them. It goes to show how out-of-touch the press is.”

One reporter did briefly acknowledge the crew, telling them, “It’s a great honor to meet all of you,” and welcomed them to the White House. The reporter also referenced a past interview with astronaut Gene Cernan and asked, “Is that what you would like to do, and Mr. President, do you think that will happen during your second term?” It was unclear whether the first part of the question was directed at the astronauts or the president.

Trump responded cautiously about future lunar missions, saying, “Well, we have a shot at it. I mean, we don’t like to say definitely, because then you’ll say, Oh, we failed… I think we could say we’re ahead of schedule.”

The conversation also turned to unidentified flying objects when another reporter asked about the possible release of related government files. Trump said, “It’s been in the minds of people for a long time… They want to find out about the UFOs and anything having to do with UFO or related material,” adding, “And we’re going to be releasing a lot of things… that we have, and I think some of it’s going to be very interesting to people.”

He concluded by referencing past conversations with pilots, saying, “I’ve interviewed people, my first term, primarily, but I interviewed some pilots, very solid people, and they said they saw things that you wouldn’t believe.”

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