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Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner brushed aside weeks of damaging headlines and secured a commanding primary victory Tuesday night, setting up a closely watched showdown with Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most consequential Senate contests.

Platner’s win had been widely anticipated, but recent allegations involving messages and accusations from former partners had raised questions about whether the controversy would significantly weaken his support among Democratic voters. Instead, the progressive candidate emerged with a decisive victory and now turns his attention to the general election campaign.

Addressing supporters after claiming the nomination, Platner acknowledged concerns surrounding his candidacy while pledging to win over skeptical voters.

“To any of those who feel let down or disappointed or disillusioned, it is my job to earn your trust, faith, and support, and I will spend every day of this campaign, and if I have the privilege, every day in the United States Senate, doing exactly that,” he told supporters at a rally.

“It is deeply humbling to stand here as your Democratic nominee,” he continued. “It is an honor, and I will not let you down.”

Leading Senate Democrats quickly rallied behind their nominee. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs Senate Democrats’ campaign organization, issued a joint statement expressing confidence in both Platner and the party’s prospects this fall.

“in November, Maine voters will elect Graham Platner, and we will win a Senate majority.”

Elsewhere, voters in South Carolina and Nevada also participated in pivotal primary elections that will help shape several major races heading into November, including contests for governor, Senate, and other key statewide offices.

Platner’s performance drew particular attention because many political observers wondered whether Democratic voters would use the primary to register dissatisfaction with his candidacy. Some had speculated that outgoing Gov. Janet Mills, despite suspending her campaign, might still attract a substantial protest vote.

Those expectations failed to materialize. With most ballots counted, Platner captured roughly 72 percent of the vote, while Mills received around 20 percent. Democrat David Costello trailed well behind.

Analysts were also closely monitoring turnout figures to determine whether Democratic voters were disproportionately participating in the gubernatorial primary instead of the Senate contest. The final numbers showed little difference between the two races, suggesting that dissatisfaction with Platner did not significantly affect voter participation.

The result represented an important victory for Platner, whose campaign had been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks.

Reporting by The New York Times included interviews that he understood a tattoo he once displayed resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner has denied knowing the meaning associated with the tattoo and has rejected accusations that he knowingly displayed the symbol.

Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Platner argued that critics were focusing on his personal controversies instead of the broader issues motivating his campaign.

“Maine, I love you. I love this state,” Platner said Tuesday. “Now the national pundits, the political establishment, they keep looking for that one story, that one headline, that one moment in my life that they can define the campaign by, but in trying so hard to understand me, they failed to understand that this is not about me at all.”

“This is a movement about us, about the far too many working far too hard and struggling far too much at the hands of the ruling class,” he added.

In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham comfortably secured renomination as he seeks another term in the Senate.

The veteran lawmaker avoided a runoff election despite facing multiple challengers and easily advanced to the general election.

His chief opponent, businessman Mark Lynch, attempted to portray Graham as insufficiently conservative and repeatedly highlighted past criticism of Graham by President Donald Trump.

Lynch entered the race with endorsements from former Trump adviser Michael Flynn, former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, and former Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. Campaign finance records showed that Lynch raised nearly $6 million, including approximately $5 million he personally loaned to his campaign.

Graham, however, entered the race with substantial support from prominent Republicans, including President Trump, Sen. Tim Scott, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

Both Trump and Graham criticized Lynch for aligning himself with Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics.

On the Democratic side, pediatrician Annie Andrews captured her party’s nomination and will challenge Graham in November. She faces long odds in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998.

Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace saw her bid for governor come to an abrupt halt after failing to advance from South Carolina’s Republican primary.

Because no candidate secured a majority of the vote, the race will proceed to a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Both finished ahead of Mace and Rep. Ralph Norman in the crowded contest to replace the retiring McMaster.

Evette received a late endorsement from President Trump just days before the primary, providing a significant boost in a state where candidates frequently emphasized their support for the president.

Mace had previously acknowledged that her criticism of the administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents may have jeopardized her chances of securing Trump’s endorsement.

Following her defeat, she defended her decision and reflected on the political consequences.

“I chose to expose the abusers of children. And apparently, I chose wrong if the goal was winning an election. I’m at peace with that. Because when a candidate is OK with corruption and cover-ups – something is broken. That’s not a political opinion. That’s a moral emergency,” Mace said.

Although her congressional career will end next year, Mace suggested she is not leaving public life permanently.

“This isn’t the end of the fight. It’s just the end of this chapter,” Mace said.

The South Carolina runoff now presents another opportunity to measure the continued strength of Trump’s endorsements in Republican primaries.

In Maine, several races remained unresolved because of the state’s ranked-choice voting system.

The retirement of Rep. Jared Golden opened a potentially competitive battle for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat Republicans view as a strong pickup opportunity after Trump carried the district in the last presidential election.

Former Gov. Paul LePage advanced unopposed on the Republican side, while Democrats headed into ranked-choice tabulations after no candidate secured a majority in the first round.

State Sen. Joe Baldacci narrowly led the Democratic field after the initial count, holding a slim advantage over state auditor Matt Dunlap and former congressional chief of staff Jordan Wood.

Under Maine’s ranked-choice system, the lowest-performing candidates are eliminated one by one, with their voters’ next preferences redistributed until one candidate receives a majority.

A similar process was expected to determine Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah held a narrow first-round lead over former state Sen. Troy Jackson and former state House Speaker Hanna Pingree.

Jackson, Pingree, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows had cross-endorsed one another during the campaign, while Shah encouraged voters who supported other candidates to rank him second.

On the Republican side, former federal official Bobby Charles led the initial round by a comfortable margin over businessman Benjamin Midgley and healthcare executive Jonathan Bush, a member of the Bush political family.

Although Democrats are favored to retain the governor’s mansion being vacated by Janet Mills, Maine has a long history of alternating between Democratic and Republican governors.

In Nevada, Gov. Joe Lombardo officially secured a rematch many political strategists have been anticipating for months.

The Republican incumbent is expected to face Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in one of the nation’s most competitive gubernatorial races.

Lombardo remains the only Republican governor elected during the GOP’s difficult 2022 cycle and is currently viewed as one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents seeking reelection.

The former Clark County sheriff has carefully balanced his relationship with President Trump while attempting to appeal to a broader electorate concerned about inflation, affordability, and economic pressures.

Ford, backed by Nevada’s entire Democratic congressional delegation, defeated five primary opponents and has frequently used his position as attorney general to challenge Trump administration policies.

Nevada remains one of the country’s premier battleground states after supporting Trump in 2024. Its economy, heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality, creates a uniquely fluid electorate that often requires candidates to continuously introduce themselves to voters.

The state’s large Hispanic and Latino population is also expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the gubernatorial contest, making the Nevada race one of the most closely watched battles of the 2026 election cycle.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham secured another Republican nomination Tuesday night, overcoming a spirited challenge from businessman Mark Lynch in a closely watched South Carolina primary that highlighted continuing divisions within the GOP between establishment conservatives and insurgent America First activists.

Although six Republicans appeared on the ballot, the race ultimately became a two-man contest between Graham and Lynch. Their campaign battle underscored the ongoing debate inside Republican ranks over the future direction of the party and the scope of the MAGA movement.

With the victory, Graham moves on to the November general election as he seeks a fifth term in the U.S. Senate. He will face Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who emerged victorious from a three-candidate Democratic primary earlier in the day.

Graham entered the race with significant advantages, including his prominent role in advancing the Republican Party’s $70 billion immigration enforcement package and his longstanding relationship with President Donald Trump.

The South Carolina senator has become one of Trump’s closest allies on Capitol Hill and received the president’s endorsement well before the primary campaign entered its final stretch.

Lynch, meanwhile, attempted to rally conservative voters dissatisfied with Graham’s foreign-policy positions and establishment credentials. He recently received the backing of Joe Kent, who previously served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center under Trump.

“He is the America First candidate,” Kent said in an endorsement video on X. “He’s gonna keep us out of all these foreign wars, and he is the best postured right now to get the warhawk neocon Lindsey Graham out of office.”

Lynch also argued that Republicans should send more outspoken populist conservatives to Washington, calling for “more MTGs, Gaetzes and Massies” in Congress, referencing former Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz, as well as Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

Both Greene and Massie have emerged as frequent critics of Trump and his administration in recent years. Massie, however, suffered a primary defeat in Kentucky last month at the hands of a candidate backed by Trump.

Lynch’s support for Massie drew the attention of the president, who used social media to urge South Carolina Republicans to reject Lynch and stand behind Graham.

“Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a fantastic job,” Trump said. “He is running against a LUNATIC named Mark Lynch, who supports perhaps the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Trump continued his endorsement by warning Republicans against supporting Graham’s challenger.

“I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party, and Lindsey Graham just, GETS THE JOB DONE,” he continued. “VOTE FOR LINDSEY ALL THE WAY. MAGA!”

In the end, Graham’s coalition proved strong enough to fend off the challenge, preserving his place as one of the Senate’s most influential Republicans and setting the stage for a high-profile general-election battle this November.

{Matzav.com}

More than two months after President Trump declared that the United States and Iran were on the verge of a historic agreement, a final deal remains nowhere in sight despite repeated assurances from the White House that a breakthrough is imminent, CNN reports.

Since the early stages of the conflict, Trump has consistently projected optimism about negotiations with Tehran, repeatedly suggesting that an agreement was only days away. Yet after weeks of similar predictions, no formal accord has emerged.

On April 7, Trump announced a ceasefire and stated that both sides were nearing the finish line. In a social media post, he said the parties were “very far along” and estimated that only two more weeks would be needed before “the Agreement to be finalized and consummated.” He added that “it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution.”

That forecast did not materialize. Nevertheless, Trump has continued to describe a deal as imminent, making similar comments in interviews, public appearances, speeches, and online posts over the past two months.

CNN reports that by one count, Trump has publicly indicated no fewer than 38 times that negotiations were nearing completion or that Iran was eager to reach an agreement.

The President first began making such predictions on March 23, less than a month after hostilities began. Speaking with reporters near Air Force One, Trump referenced what he characterized as significant progress in discussions, saying there were “major points of agreement, I would say — almost all points of agreement.” Iranian officials, however, denied that negotiations were taking place.

The following day, Trump introduced a theme that would become a recurring feature of his comments, arguing that Iran was highly motivated to reach a settlement.

“I think we’re going to end it,” Trump added. “I can’t tell you for sure.”

Over the next several days, Trump intensified his rhetoric. On March 25, he claimed Iran wanted “to make a deal so badly.” One day later, during a Cabinet meeting, he asserted that Iranian officials were “begging to make a deal.”

Despite those declarations, negotiations remained unresolved.

On March 29, while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether an agreement could be completed within a week.

“I do see a deal in Iran, yeah,” he responded.

As the weeks progressed, the President’s confidence appeared to grow. On April 6, he stated that negotiators had previously been “very close to a deal” before encountering obstacles.

The next day, Trump announced a ceasefire that was expected to provide a two-week window for negotiations aimed at reaching a broader settlement.

By mid-April, Trump was again predicting a breakthrough. During an April 15 interview with Fox Business, he said, “I think it’s close to over, I view it as very close to over.”

“We’ll see what happens,” he added. “I think they want to make a deal very badly.”

The following days brought even stronger declarations.

On April 16, Trump told reporters, “It’s looking very good that we’re going to make a deal with Iran, and it’s going to be a good deal.”

A day later, he offered several optimistic assessments, stating that Iran had “agreed to everything,” that “I think we will get a deal in the next day or two,” and that “I don’t think there’s too many significant differences.”

On April 20, he took to Truth Social and predicted that “it will all happen, relatively quickly!”

As negotiations continued without resolution, Trump maintained his position. On April 30, he said Iran was “dying to make a deal.”

The next day, while discussing the conflict with reporters, he remarked, “When the war ends, which shouldn’t be too long …”

After a brief period with fewer public predictions, Trump returned to the subject on May 18. He revealed that he was postponing planned military action for “two or three days” after requests from regional governments that believed a diplomatic agreement was within reach.

At the time, Trump acknowledged that earlier expectations had repeatedly failed to produce results.

“We’ve had periods of time where we had — we thought pretty much getting close to making a deal and it didn’t work out,” Trump said.

Even so, he insisted, “But this is a little bit different.”

The negotiations continued without a breakthrough.

The next day, speaking at a congressional picnic, Trump declared, “We’re gonna end that war very quickly.”

By May 23, the President again signaled that a deal was nearing completion. He described negotiations as “getting a lot closer,” said the agreement was “largely negotiated, subject to finalization,” and predicted that an announcement would come “shortly” as negotiators worked through the remaining details.

Five days later, in an interview with Lara Trump, he said the administration was “close to a very good deal.”

The latest round of optimistic comments came over the weekend. Trump said the parties were “very close to having a deal,” while expressing concern that renewed tensions between Iran and Israel could complicate negotiations.

“We are very close to a final deal with Iran,” he told Axios. “It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now.”

It was at least the third time Trump had told the outlet that an agreement was imminent.

Despite ongoing military tensions in the region, the President has continued to project confidence.

During a tele-rally Monday in support of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Trump predicted that the United States would achieve “total victory” within two weeks and said Iran was “willing to give us everything.”

Then, after attending the NBA Finals in New York on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that negotiations were in their final stage.

“The strait will open up right away,” Trump added. “It’ll open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days.”

For now, however, the agreement that Trump has repeatedly described as imminent remains unsigned, leaving observers waiting to see whether the latest prediction will prove more accurate than the many that came before it.

{Matzav.com}

The tragic petirah of 8-year-old Shaindel Herzberg a”h plunged the Monsey community into mourning last week. Amid the immense grief surrounding the sudden loss, a remarkable and deeply moving scene unfolded during the shivah, one that left seasoned observers shaken and inspired, and prompted Rav Binyomin Eisenberger to pen an extraordinary letter calling upon Klal Yisrael to strengthen itself in Ahavas Yisrael.

Shaindel a”h was killed in a horrific traffic accident in Pomona, New York, near Monsey, while riding her bicycle close to her home.

The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the community, especially given the painful reality that the driver involved in the accident is a neighbor who lives in the very same neighborhood, intensifying the heartbreak felt by all who know the families.

During the shivah, the renowned mashpia, Rav Binyomin Eisenberger, mara d’asra of Kehillas Heichal HaTefillah in Boro Park, came to be menachem avel. Following his visit, Rav Eisenberger wrote a powerful and emotional letter that the family has requested be shared publicly as a source of hisorerus and a zechus for the pure neshamah of Shaindel a”h, daughter of Reb Yudi Herzberg.

The following is Rav Eisenberger’s letter:

“I witnessed this week a scene that I believe brought the Ribbono Shel Olam one of the greatest moments of nachas from His holy nation, Klal Yisrael.

“When my dear son Ari asked me to come to Pomona for just a few moments, I had no idea that I was about to witness something so profoundly moving that I would spend the remainder of the night searching for words worthy of describing it.

“We are a nation that, when tested—and especially when tested severely—rises above all the laws of human nature. We are bound together by a chain that transcends nature itself: ‘Banim atem laHashem Elokeichem.’ We are His children, and last night this truth was not merely a verse written on a page. It was alive and breathing, weeping and embracing before my very eyes.

“Indeed, we have weaknesses, and at times one can find people who harbor grievances. But that is not our essence. In the deepest recesses of our souls, at our innermost and truest core, we are one entity. And when we are squeezed and afflicted, we love one another with a fierce love, stronger than all the hardships of this world.

“Shaindel bas Chaim Yehuda Leib was taken from us in a tragic and sudden manner, in a single moment that shattered worlds and left behind a void that words cannot begin to fill. The loss, the sorrow, and the shock are only beginning to settle in, and perhaps things will never return to what they once were for the Herzberg family, for the family of the driver involved, and for all those who loved this precious child.

“And beyond the tragedy itself, there was another dimension to this catastrophe—a dimension that everyone is aware of, a dimension so painful and nearly unbearable that, from a purely human perspective, it could have led, chas v’shalom, to a terrible descent and to additional suffering piled upon suffering. But that is not what my eyes beheld.

“We walked down the street leading to the Herzberg home, and on our way we passed the site of the terrible tragedy. We passed by with profound trembling, with heavy hearts and a burden for which there are no words, with that absolute silence that descends upon a person when he stands somewhere between the human and the Divine, when the realization settles in that something irreversible occurred here, an event that forever altered the landscape of this quiet street and the lives of such special people. We walked slowly and with awe, as though the ground itself was both sacred and broken.

“And after what felt like an eternity, we arrived at the door. It was that same beautiful, open, warm door of a Jewish home that represents everything Torah and chesed stand for—a door that always welcomed every person with warmth and kindness, with the sense that the Shechinah resides within those walls. We knocked with trembling, and the door opened.

“We entered quietly into the foyer and then into the kitchen, the beating heart of the home. This was not an ordinary kitchen. It was a vessel that contained conversations of constant self-sacrifice, where the only questions discussed were how to help another Jew, how to spread more Torah, how to give more, accomplish more, and grow more. A kitchen whose currency is chesed and whose language is pure Ahavas Yisrael. A holy place into which we entered on a night of darkness and pain.

“What was revealed before my eyes in that kitchen at midnight is a scene that I will carry with me for the rest of my life—something that transcends every word, and yet I must try to describe it, so that the entire world may know what a holy people looks like when it reveals its deepest inner essence.

“Through a curtain of tears, I witnessed the father of Shaindel a”h and the driver involved in the accident holding one another, embracing one another, merging together in a love that only holy Yidden are capable of discovering at such a moment.

“It was not an embrace of courtesy. It was not a painful, forced gesture.

“It was a real embrace—deep, authentic, and awe-inspiring—an embrace that proclaimed without words: ‘I see you. I feel your pain. You are my brother, and nothing will ever change that.’

“Two people whose worlds had been destroyed in a single moment were holding one another and refusing to let go.

“I saw Mrs. Herzberg and the driver’s wife finding comfort in one another’s arms; two Yiddishe mammes, two mothers who understood on the deepest possible level the burden the other was carrying—the grief, the pain, the guilt, the love, and the crushing heartbreak.

“They held one another with a strength that only mothers possess, and through that embrace there passed between them an ancient and holy bond, stronger than any pain and stronger than any tragedy.

“I witnessed a revelation of the Shechinah.

“I saw human beings rising above every natural limitation, above everything expected and accepted.

“I saw the Rachel and Leah of our generation.

“And in my heart I felt the Ribbono Shel Olam looking down from Heaven and saying, as it were:

“‘ראו בני חביבי, זוהי אומתי הסגולית, לכן בחרתי בהם מכל העמים, ולכן אבחר בהם שוב ושוב’.

“‘חֲזוֹ חֲזוֹ בְּנֵי חֲבִיבַי דְּמִשְׁתַּכְּחִין בְּצַעְרָא דִּלְהוֹן וְעָסְקִין בְּחֶדְוְותָא דִּילִי’.

“The sin of sinas chinam, which sent us into this bitter exile, melted away and disappeared before my eyes. In its place stood firm the ancient and unbreakable foundation of Ahavas Yisrael forged in the flames of Har Sinai—’k’ish echad b’lev echad.’

“This love is engraved upon the heart of every Jew by our Father in Heaven.

“Last night, these two families descended into the depths of their souls and drew forth that precious jewel of love despite all the pain, despite all the difficulty, at the most impossible moment imaginable.

“We have so much to learn from these noble souls.

“We must understand what true love is, and what genuine faith in the Creator and in His hashgachah pratis looks like, even when the price demanded is the most precious thing imaginable.

“For we know with certainty that no person so much as stubs his finger below unless it has first been decreed Above.

“The Ribbono Shel Olam does everything and guides everything, and every painful, confusing, heart-shattering chapter is written by His compassionate hand.

“Therefore, let us cast away every grudge.

“Let us distance ourselves from hatred and division.

“Let us not permit walls of alienation to rise between us.

“Let us dig deep into our hearts and discover there the Ahavas Yisrael that waits for us, always ready to help us hold one another during the most difficult moments—even when it seems contrary to all human logic, even when it costs us everything, and even when it is the loftiest act we can possibly perform.

“If I was proud to belong to the Chosen Nation before, that pride multiplied many times over last night.

“As I stood in that kitchen, witnessing the supreme kindness these two families bestowed upon one another and upon all of us, I felt from the depths of my soul the words:

“‘Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu u’mah na’im goraleinu.’

“How fortunate we are, and how exalted is this nation.

“This is how every person who enters this home of mourning should feel.

“And this is the magnificent gift that these elevated families are giving to everyone who watches, listens, and learns from their example.

“Let us repay them in kind.

“Let us give Shaindel a”h, this pure and sweet child who was taken so suddenly, a gift of eternity.

“Let us cast away every trace of resentment, every old hurt that we carry in our hearts and justify with endless excuses.

“Let us let go.

“Let us forgive.

“Let us do so for the elevation of her pure neshamah.

“Let us learn from these precious families a living lesson in true embrace, unconditional love, and a life of pure faith.

“And in this merit, for the elevation of the pure soul of Shaindel bas ybl”ch Reb Chaim Yehuda Leib, and in the merit of these two holy families, and in the merit of every sincere commitment to cast aside resentment and division, may we all merit to finally bring the complete and true Geulah with mercy, Amein.”

Yehi zichrah baruch. Tehei nishmasah tzerurah bitzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Demonstrations broke out Tuesday night in several locations across Yerushalayim and Beit Shemesh as dozens of chareidi protesters took to the streets, blocking major traffic arteries and disrupting the flow of vehicles. During the protests, participants burned objects in the roadway, prompting a significant police response.

Police, riot units, and Border Police forces were deployed to disperse the crowds and restore order.

In Yerushalayim, the protest was concentrated along Bar-Lev Boulevard, while in Beit Shemesh security forces operated near Rechov Nahar HaYarden. As officers attempted to clear the roads, police employed crowd-control measures, including stun grenades.

According to police, a senior officer declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and instructed protesters to leave the roadways. When the demonstrators did not comply, security forces moved in to reopen the roads and restore public order.

During the disturbances, a Border Police vehicle was reportedly attacked near Kikar Zaks, and several arrests were made as police worked to disperse the crowds.

In a statement, police said: “The Israel Police acts to allow freedom of expression and lawful protest. However, the blocking of major traffic arteries and harm to the daily lives of citizens will not be tolerated.”

Police also called on drivers to follow instructions from officers on the scene and to use alternate routes until the demonstrations conclude.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas says momentum is building in ongoing talks in Cairo as Palestinian Arab factions work to coordinate a common position on proposals aimed at advancing a broader Gaza agreement tied to President Donald Trump’s diplomatic initiative for the region, Arutz Sheva reports.

Taher al-Nunu, a media adviser to Hamas’s leadership, announced that discussions involving Hamas representatives and other Palestinian Arab groups have shown signs of progress. The meetings are focused on developing a joint approach to the framework Hamas has presented to international mediators in hopes of moving negotiations forward.

In a published statement, al-Nunu noted that “the talks addressed all matters pertaining to the first phase of the ceasefire agreement: consolidating the political rights of the Palestinian people, expediting the deployment of the national governing committee for the Gaza Strip and transferring all authorities to it, increasing humanitarian aid, initiating the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entirety of the Strip.”

The Hamas delegation participating in the Egyptian-hosted meetings is headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the organization’s senior leader in Gaza. In addition to consultations with representatives of various Palestinian Arab factions, al-Hayya also held discussions with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Turkey’s intelligence chief, and the Prime Minister of Qatar.

At the same time, senior officials cited by Al-Qahera television said that Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have intensified their coordination efforts in an attempt to speed up negotiations concerning the next stage of the ceasefire arrangement.

According to those sources, all three countries consider the preservation and continuation of the ceasefire to be a top priority. They are also pressing for reconstruction projects in Gaza to begin moving forward without additional delays, viewing the rebuilding effort as an essential component of the broader agreement.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration believes it is nearing a major agreement aimed at permanently preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, according to Vice President JD Vance, who said a breakthrough could come within days, though negotiations may continue for months before a final accord is reached.

Speaking in an interview with Robert Costa that is set to air on “CBS Sunday Morning,” portions of which were released Tuesday, Vance expressed confidence that the United States is on the verge of securing a long-term resolution to the Iranian nuclear threat.

“Right now, I feel that we are in a position to get a deal that is good for the United States economically and that really does deal with the Iranian nuclear program, not just now, not just while Donald Trump is president, but for the long term, to where my kids can say when they’re adults, ‘Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon,'” Vance said.

He stressed that the administration views such an outcome as the central objective of its policy toward Tehran.

“That’s the goal of the policy. And I think we’re very close to achieving that goal. But we still got some wood to chop. We’re going to keep doing it,” he added.

Vance also indicated that any agreement would be completed before Americans head to the polls for the November midterm elections.

“I think we’re going to know a lot before the midterm elections,” he said. “Look, I think that the deal could happen in the next week, but the deal could also happen months from now.”

The Vice President’s latest remarks were consistent with comments he made Monday evening during an appearance on Fox News, where he underscored that while Washington and Jerusalem share many strategic priorities, the administration’s approach to Iran will ultimately be guided by what it believes best serves American interests.

“The Israelis and the United States, we have a lot of shared interests. But we also have some situations where our interests diverge, and I think where the president has been very clear here is that while Israel obviously has some objectives that it has, the United States’ main objective in Iran is to ensure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.

He argued that developments over the past 18 months have created an opportunity to reach a lasting solution to the nuclear standoff.

“Over the last year and a half, we’ve created the space necessary where the president believes – and I think he’s right – that we can get a long-term settlement to Iran’s nuclear issue,” Vance stated.

Vance acknowledged that Israel may not fully embrace every aspect of such an arrangement, but maintained that the administration is focused on advancing what it considers America’s national interest.

“Now, Israel may like that, they may not like that, but fundamentally, we think this is in the best interest of the United States of America,” he said, adding that Washington will continue pursuing that goal because “that’s what the president of the United States was elected to do.”

The comments came the same day that President Trump projected a decisive outcome in the confrontation over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying the United States expects to achieve a complete victory in the near future.

Trump made the remarks during a tele-rally held in support of Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and it’s as simple as that. They cannot have, the destruction is so powerful, they cannot have a nuclear weapon. And Lindsey has been fighting with me all the way, all the way for that,” Trump said.

The President expressed confidence that recent efforts are producing results and predicted a major announcement in the coming weeks.

“We’ve been a very tough team, and I think we are winning that battle, but you’re really going to win it over the next two weeks when we declare total victory. It’ll be a total victory. It’ll happen very soon. And oil prices will come tumbling down,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

America’s retirement system is facing a rapidly approaching financial reckoning, with a newly released federal report warning that the main Social Security trust fund is on track to exhaust its reserves in less than seven years, potentially triggering significant benefit reductions for millions of retirees.

According to the Social Security Administration’s 2026 Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund is expected to deplete all of its accumulated reserves during the fourth quarter of 2032, placing the nation’s retirement program under increasing fiscal pressure.

The report states that once those reserves are exhausted, incoming payroll tax revenue will be sufficient to cover only 78% of the benefits currently promised under the law.

The trustees report points to changes enacted through President Trump’s tax legislation, noting: “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Enacted on July 4, 2025, this law makes permanent the lower income tax rates and adjusted tax brackets originally enacted under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and both increases and makes permanent the larger standard deduction of the 2017 Act,” the report says.

The report further explains the impact of the legislation on Social Security finances. “The OBBBA also adds a temporary additional standard deduction for taxpayers over age 65,” it says. “As a result, less income tax will be paid on Social Security benefits, and the OASI and DI Trust Funds will receive lower levels of revenue in the future from income taxation of Social Security benefits.”

The Congressional Budget Office has previously cautioned that the trust fund’s projected insolvency would carry serious consequences. The agency explained that, “because the government would not have the legal authority to make payments in excess of receipts, it would no longer be able to pay the full amounts scheduled or projected under current law.”

Social Security is financed through payroll tax collections as well as money held in the OASI trust fund. Once the fund’s reserves are depleted, benefit payments would be limited to the amount generated by payroll taxes unless Congress intervenes, resulting in automatic reductions under current law.

Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., has warned that beneficiaries could face a reduction of roughly 24% if no legislative solution is enacted. He has argued that such cuts could dramatically increase the number of seniors living in poverty as the trust fund approaches its projected 2032 depletion date.

Speaking Monday on the “Moon Griffon Show,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., addressed the growing challenge facing entitlement programs. “The reason we’re in trouble is because over 74% of federal spending is on autopilot — mandatory spending, that is your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and things like Social Security — they have to be adjusted and fixed.”

Johnson emphasized the need for action, adding: “We have a plan to do that next year, and it’s critical, because we’re at $40 trillion-plus in debt. At some point you get into a hole so deep you can’t climb out of it, so desperate times call for desperate measures,” Johnson said.

The trustees report also outlines a possible path that could delay the retirement system’s depletion date. If lawmakers authorize transfers between the retirement program and the financially stronger disability insurance trust fund, the projected exhaustion date could be pushed back to the third quarter of 2034.

Even under that scenario, however, the report projects that once the combined trust funds are depleted in 2034, ongoing payroll tax revenue would cover only 83% of scheduled benefits.

The trustees urged Congress to begin addressing the shortfall before the crisis becomes more severe. “The Trustees recommend that lawmakers address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely way to phase in necessary changes gradually and give workers and beneficiaries time to adjust,” says the report. “Implementing changes sooner rather than later would allow more generations to share in the needed revenue increases or reductions …”

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration expects to finish construction of the long-awaited southern border wall by the end of 2027, according to Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who outlined the timeline during remarks in Washington on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, Scott said the reinforced steel barrier stretching along the U.S.-Mexico border will extend from the San Diego area to the Gulf of Mexico, with only a handful of exceptions in locations where officials have determined a wall is unnecessary.

“The primary border wall will be done by the end of 2027,” he said.

Scott explained that only a few sections will remain without a wall because of specific geographic conditions and strategic considerations.

“There’s a couple of gaps,” Scott said. “The only places we’re not building a border wall is places where we’ve made a conscious decision that we don’t need it. Big Bend National Park, for example — super remote area, some very, very high cliffs.”

In addition to the physical barrier, the administration plans to deploy a network of surveillance technology and monitoring systems designed to strengthen border security. Scott said those components should be fully operational by mid-2028.

The electronic infrastructure, including sensors and other security tools, is expected to be completed by “about July, maybe at the latest August 2028,” Scott said.

Texas’ lengthy border with Mexico, much of which follows the Rio Grande for more than 1,200 miles, will receive additional layers of protection beyond the primary wall.

“We’ll have the entire system to include a secondary barrier in places we need it — the water barrier and the Rio Grande River — and the technology,” Scott said.

Federal officials say the border wall initiative is aimed at reducing illegal immigration and disrupting drug-smuggling operations originating in Mexico. Government data indicates both have declined in recent years.

Still, Scott cautioned that physical infrastructure alone cannot eliminate all illicit activity along the border, noting that criminal organizations continue to develop new methods for bypassing security measures.

He pointed to underground tunnels, unmanned aircraft, and other tactics used by smugglers and cartels to monitor law enforcement activity and transport narcotics.

“We’d see the drones flying along the Rio Grande River watching and videotaping where all our guys are. That is their business model, and drones definitely make it easier,” Scott said. “They’re also smuggling narcotics across with drones.”

{Matzav.com}

Americans will soon have access to a new sunscreen ingredient for the first time in more than a quarter-century after federal regulators approved a widely used ultraviolet filter that has been available in Europe and other international markets for years.

The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that bemotrizinol has satisfied the agency’s safety and effectiveness requirements, providing protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation while showing minimal skin absorption and irritation.

According to the FDA, the ingredient has been approved for use by adults as well as children six months of age and older.

The new ingredient will make its U.S. debut through Dutch-based DSM Nutritional Products, which plans to market it under the Parsol Shield brand later this year.

Following an 18-month period of market exclusivity, other sunscreen manufacturers will be permitted to incorporate the ingredient into their products.

For decades, efforts to bring newer sunscreen technologies to the American market have been slowed by the FDA’s lengthy and complex process for updating approved over-the-counter drug ingredients.

Bemotrizinol is the first sunscreen ingredient to receive approval through a faster review pathway established by Congress in 2020.

Industry observers say the ingredient offers a significant advantage because it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation while avoiding the white residue commonly left behind by mineral-based sunscreens.

“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward,” said David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group. “The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that.”

Andrews and his organization have spent years urging regulators both to strengthen sunscreen regulations and to allow modern ingredients already used abroad to enter the U.S. marketplace.

Current FDA regulations require sunscreens to shield users from UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburns, and UVA rays, which are closely linked to skin cancer and premature aging.

Most chemical sunscreen ingredients presently sold in the United States protect against either UVA or UVB radiation, forcing manufacturers to combine multiple ingredients in order to achieve what is marketed as broad-spectrum protection.

Mineral sunscreens, such as those containing zinc oxide, provide protection against both forms of ultraviolet radiation but are often criticized for leaving a noticeable white film on the skin.

European regulators first approved bemotrizinol in 1999, and an application seeking FDA approval was submitted in 2005.

“The FDA is committed to ensuring the American consumer has access to the most effective and safe therapies, including over-the-counter products like sunscreens,” said Dr. Mike Davis, acting director of FDA’s drug center.

The FDA has gradually revised sunscreen regulations over the years. In 2011, the agency prohibited marketing terms such as “waterproof,” concluding that they were misleading, and required all sunscreen products to offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Prior to that change, some products only shielded users from UVB exposure.

A decade later, in 2021, regulators proposed additional reforms, including limits on SPF claims and tougher UVA-protection requirements. Those proposed changes, however, have yet to be finalized.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration and Iran are reportedly moving closer to a framework agreement aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program, with negotiators discussing a deal that would suspend Iranian uranium enrichment for 15 years and dramatically restrict the regime’s nuclear activities.

According to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times, citing American officials and diplomats familiar with the confidential negotiations, discussions have centered on four key provisions that U.S. officials believe could effectively neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions for well over a decade.

Under the proposed framework, Iran would agree to halt uranium enrichment for 15 years, reduce and dilute its current stockpile of enriched uranium, dismantle critical elements of its nuclear infrastructure, and allow expanded international monitoring of its nuclear activities.

American negotiators initially pushed for a 20-year enrichment ban, while Iran countered with a 10-year proposal. Officials involved in the talks now believe Tehran may be willing to accept a 15-year suspension, though it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump would consider that duration sufficient.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has consistently maintained that any agreement must address the entire Iranian stockpile of enriched uranium, estimated at roughly 11 tons, including approximately half a ton enriched to levels approaching weapons-grade material.

One proposal under consideration would place the process of diluting Iran’s uranium reserves under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

While U.S. officials favor a direct American role in overseeing and handling the material, Iranian negotiators have reportedly insisted that Washington participate only as an observer.

A central American demand involves the dismantling of Iran’s major nuclear installations at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan.

Iran has signaled a willingness to shut down two of those facilities but continues to insist on keeping one operational, arguing that doing so preserves what it views as its sovereign right to enrich uranium.

Inspection powers remain another major obstacle. U.S. negotiators are pressing for so-called snap inspections that would permit international inspectors immediate access to locations across Iran, including military sites that traditionally have been inaccessible to outside monitors.

The negotiations have continued against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions. On Tuesday, President Trump announced that Iran had shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the United States would respond.

Despite the military confrontation, diplomatic communications between Washington and Tehran have remained active. According to The Times, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stayed in contact during recent exchanges involving Iran and Israel, helping to prevent the conflict from expanding further.

U.S. officials told the newspaper that both sides had been approaching a preliminary framework agreement before the latest hostilities threatened to complicate the process.

The report also indicated that administration officials are actively preparing for the possibility that a deal could be reached. As part of those efforts, Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently traveled to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to examine potential methods for processing and neutralizing Iran’s enriched uranium reserves.

Another major point of contention involves approximately $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets.

Iranian negotiators are reportedly seeking access to a substantial portion of those funds at the outset of any agreement, while American officials are insisting that the money be released gradually as Tehran meets specific obligations under the deal.

According to the report, White House officials remain confident that the recent military tensions will not permanently derail negotiations and are hopeful that more detailed talks can begin in Switzerland later this month.

Even if a framework agreement is finalized, significant hurdles remain. Any deal would require approval from Iran’s senior leadership and could encounter fierce opposition from hardline factions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which some American officials believe remain determined to preserve the country’s nuclear capabilities.

{Matzav.com}

The British government announced a new round of sanctions Tuesday targeting organizations and individuals it says are connected to violence against Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria, while also warning of additional measures if conditions on the ground do not change.

Addressing Parliament, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Britain is coordinating with several allied nations to take action against networks it believes are involved in supporting attacks against Palestinian Arab communities.

The United Kingdom joined Canada, France, and Norway in imposing sanctions on six organizations and one individual. Australia and New Zealand unveiled similar coordinated measures last week.

According to the Foreign Office, those placed under sanctions will be subject to asset freezes and, where applicable, travel restrictions and bans on serving as company directors. British officials said the goal is to disrupt financial support systems connected to what they describe as extremist settler activity in Judea and Samaria.

In a joint declaration, the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom said the sanctions were a coordinated response to what they view as a worsening reality in the region.

The ministers asserted that violent extremist settlers and their supporters continue to carry out attacks against Palestinian Arabs and violate their rights. They claimed such actions are intended to force Arabs from their communities, damage property, and advance “settlement activity,” which they argued threatens the possibility of a Palestinian state and undermines efforts toward coexistence.

The statement further alleged that violent settlers have operated with little accountability for an extended period and charged that the expansion of Jewish communities and outposts has continued with assistance from the Israeli government. It also claimed that some incidents of settler violence occur while protected by Israeli security personnel.

The five governments called on Israel to ensure accountability for violence in Judea and Samaria by investigating incidents, taking action against organizations and outposts linked to violence, and preventing incitement.

The ministers reiterated their belief that lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only come through the establishment of two states and said they remain committed to advancing that objective.

The Foreign Office noted that Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all recognized a Palestinian state and said the coordinated sanctions are part of a broader effort to preserve the viability of a two-state framework.

Britain also restated its longstanding position that Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria violate international law and argued that continued construction harms prospects for a permanent peace agreement.

In a new policy step, Cooper announced that official British guidance will now explicitly discourage businesses from engaging in financial or commercial activity in areas the UK considers illegal settlements. The government said it remains supportive of trade with Israel within the pre-1967 boundaries while opposing economic involvement beyond those lines.

Cooper is expected to tell Parliament: “Today we are acting with our international partners to sanction those who support and sponsor violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.”

“Settler expansion and violence is illegal and a fundamental threat to the viability of a two-state solution, and to long-term peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

“These measures show the UK is leading with our partners to target those who are fuelling this violence.”

The Foreign Office said the sanctions come amid ongoing “settlement expansion,” including the E1 development project, as well as what it described as unprecedented levels of violence by Jews against Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria.

British officials also urged Israel to halt further community expansion, confront violence, prosecute offenders, and ease restrictions affecting Palestinian Arab economic activity. The government warned that additional steps remain on the table if progress is not made.

In their joint statement, Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom emphasized that they are prepared to escalate their response should Israel fail to take what they described as urgent corrective action.

As part of a broader package of initiatives involving Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Cooper is also expected to announce an additional £1 million for humanitarian mine-clearing efforts in Gaza, supplementing the £4 million Britain has already provided.

She is further expected to urge Israel to open all border crossings and eliminate restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries and equipment entering Gaza. Cooper will also reveal plans to attend a Palestinian Donor Group conference in Paris next month.

The Foreign Office additionally confirmed plans to provide at least £10 million in financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian Authority in 2026. The aid package is intended to help address the authority’s fiscal challenges and maintain essential public services, including healthcare.

The individuals and organizations sanctioned by Britain are The Farms Association, Ahavat Gilad, Ari Yshag, Artzenu, Shivat Zion Lerigvey Admata, Eyal Hari Yehuda Company Ltd., and Itamar Yehuda Levi.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply criticized the sanctions, describing them as “disgraceful.”

According to Sa’ar, “The real essence of these steps is the attempt to impose a political stance regarding the right of Jews to settle in the Land of Israel and concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, camouflaged as measures against violence.”

Sa’ar then accused the countries behind the sanctions of failing to address growing antisemitism within their own borders, stating: “What these governments have in common is their resounding failure to combat the antisemitism that is rampant in their own countries. Anti-Israeli policies of the kind adopted today only serve to fuel that antisemitism.”

He further charged that, “Astonishingly, these governments have also failed to impose sanctions or take action against the phenomena that truly drive violence – the Palestinian Authority’s salaries for terrorists (“pay-for-slay”) policy and incitement,” he added.

Yisrael Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, also denounced the move, saying: “Rather than confronting the security threat posed by the Palestinian Authority, the United Kingdom and other countries have chosen to impose sanctions on civilian leaders in Judea and Samaria. Strengthening the Palestinian Authority does not advance peace or stability; it increases the security risk facing every Israeli citizen. With the financial support it receives from foreign governments, the Palestinian Authority continues to fund terrorists and their families, promote incitement to terrorism through its education system, and maintain an armed force of tens of thousands of members of its security services just minutes from Jerusalem and Israel’s central population centers. At any moment, those weapons could be turned against Israeli civilians, raising the risk of another tragedy like the October 7 massacre.”

Ganz argued that Israel should respond decisively, adding that “Israel’s response to these sanctions should be addressed by the current Knesset rather than postponed to a future government. It should include dismantling the Palestinian Authority, ending the artificial division of Judea and Samaria into Areas A, B, and C, and strengthening Israel’s presence and sovereignty throughout the region. The Palestinian Authority is a corrupt entity that is bad for Arabs, bad for Jews, and bad for the world.”

{Matzav.com}

The United States launched military strikes against Iran on Tuesday, responding to Tehran’s downing of an American Apache helicopter the night before, according to U.S. Central Command.

In a statement announcing the operation, CENTCOM said, ”CENTCOM forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a US Army Apache helicopter.”

The military command added, ”The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”

Shortly after the U.S. operation began, Iranian state-run media reported that a “projectile” had hit the port city of Sirik, located near the strategic entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, a source familiar with U.S. military preparations indicated that any American response would likely focus on targets along Iran’s coastline near the strait, particularly locations believed to have been used to store or launch weapons.

The strikes came roughly four hours after President Trump disclosed that a military investigation had concluded Iran was responsible for bringing down the helicopter. Initial reports had described the incident simply as a crash.

Despite the attack, both American servicemembers aboard the aircraft survived. They were rescued approximately two hours later by a maritime drone after the helicopter went down.

Trump pointed to the crew’s survival while minimizing the severity of the incident, telling the Wall Street Journal that it “wasn’t a big deal” and stressing that “the pilot is fine.”

His comments contrasted with remarks he made less than a week earlier, when he said he would be open to a return to full-scale conflict if Iran were to kill American troops.

Meanwhile, an Iranian deputy foreign minister told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that the helicopter had not been targeted intentionally by Iranian forces.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a key figure in ongoing diplomatic negotiations, also suggested the aircraft may have been brought down accidentally.

“Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire,” he posted to X. “To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave.”

He further warned, “We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too,” he added.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is pouring cold water on speculation that he could mount another campaign for the White House in 2028, indicating that his age makes a future presidential bid highly unlikely after two previous runs for the Democratic nomination.

During a discussion with journalist Robert Costa at the National Press Club, Sanders was asked about reports that some supporters and longtime allies have urged him to consider entering the next presidential race, according to the Washington Examiner.

The Vermont independent responded with a joke that drew laughter from the audience.

“Because they want youthful vigor in the White House! That’s what they want. We’re tired of these 30- and 40-year-old people,” Sanders said.

Continuing the joke, he added, “What we really need are 80-year-olds running the country.”

After the lighthearted exchange, Sanders appeared to make clear that another presidential campaign is not in his plans.

“But I suspect that’s not going to happen,” Sanders said.

When Costa followed up and asked why he did not expect to run again, Sanders offered a blunt answer centered on his age.

“I know I look like I’m 30; I am not. And that’s that,” Sanders said.

Sanders previously sought the Democratic presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020, becoming one of the party’s most influential progressive figures. By the time the 2028 election arrives, he would be 87 years old. If he were elected, he would surpass President Donald Trump as the oldest person ever chosen to serve as president of the United States.

{Matzav.com}

With recent reports of kosher consumers accidentally receiving food from non-kosher establishments, awareness of proper food-delivery procedures has never been more important. Rabbi Yitzchok Hisiger speaks with Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc and Executive Director of AKO, about the halachos of chasimos, delivery services, and protecting the integrity of kosher food from restaurant to doorstep. Whether you order through an app or pick up takeout yourself, this episode contains practical guidance every consumer should know.

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Transcription

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Hello everyone and welcome back to Let’s Talk Kashrus, presented by the Kashrus Awareness Project in conjunction with the cRc of Chicago. Today I am privileged to be joined by Rabbi Sholem Yehuda Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator at the cRc of Chicago. Rabbi Fishbane, how are you? 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Baruch Hashem, thanks for having me. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s always a pleasure to have you here. 

Today we’re here to discuss a very, very important topic, something we’ll call a davar ha’omed al haperek, something of practical relevance now because of various stories that have made it to the news, specifically people who have ordered food from what they thought were kosher establishments and it ended up being non-kosher establishments, whether they confused the name, location, whatever it might have been, unfortunately people ordered treif and it came to their house, they didn’t realize, they ate it, they consumed it, terrible stories. These are stories that rightfully make headlines and draw people’s attention and that’s what we’re here for. We’re here for Kashrus awareness so we’d like to address this topic today and get your input and insight into what people could do to be better informed and know what to do in certain circumstances. So let’s start with what people should know, the aleph beis of receiving food deliveries. If you’re ordering food from an establishment and are there protective measures that should be taken? Give us some guidance. 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: So that’s a great point about protective because Chazal made siyagim, they made protective and Chazal were concerned with hachlafa, with switching around and they gave us halachos to protect the integrity of the Kashrus of the food and I think you’re 100 percent right, these are terrible stories and for every one we hear there’s a few that we don’t hear about. And really it starts and stops with the halachos of chosamos, of seals, of protecting the food that you when you get it and this goes for whether it’s not just the delivery services that you’re referring to, even if you order straight up from a kosher restaurant but the person they’re sending with, the halacha is if he’s not a shomer Shabbos, whether even if he’s not a goy, but even if he’s a Yid but he’s not a shomer Shabbos, he loses ne’emanus, you need to have a seal before you’re allowed to eat it. That’s the halacha, it’s very clear. 

If you go to a store and the entire store’s not under hashgacha, maybe one part is, this part is, that part is, and you buy something off the shelf, the halacha is it needs a chasimabefore you’re allowed to take it out. You go at work where there’s a public refrigerator, you can’t just leave your stuff there, there’s a halacha. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: It’s a great example. You send out the office secretary who’s not a shomer Shabbos to pick up something, right away there’s a halacha about this. 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: There’s situations all of these are scenarios over and over and as you said… 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: And to clarify before you go further, this is a meforash halacha in Shulchan Aruch, right? 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Meforash halacha in Shulchan Aruch. This is not a minhag, it’s not a new found custom. It’s not a new found and that’s exactly the point of Kashrus awareness is we’re so used to, baruch Hashem, Klal Yisrael’s growing and we’re eating and everything’s kosher, but whoa, whoa, whoa, Chazal knew what they were talking about when they said these are the halachos. 

So exactly I think today we’ll go through some of the very practical halachos and ways to make sure and that’s the halacha you’re allowed to eat beforehand. It’s funny, I saw somewhere where in places where there’s kosher restaurants, there are people that are not even Jewish that will davka order kosher food because if it comes in right, it comes in sealed. Why? Because they know that and there’s been studies on this, 30 percent of the Uber drivers or the drivers are noshing on the fries as they come in. Right. 

So they like their food protected as well. So this is a real thing. So it’s important to understand that these halachos and therefore let’s start with how many chosamos, how many seals do you need? So it’s actually a machlokes Rishonim of what are the reasons. Is it because you go with a more expensive item like Rashi says where you need two chosamos or you go it’s more de’oraisa de’rabbanan which is the Rambam and that’s how the Shulchan Aruch paskens de’oraisa versus… 

The d’oraisas therefore would be fish without skin, meat, if you’re in the techeiles business, you know, that would be need two chasimos, d’rabbanan‘s like bread and cheese and pizza and cake. These things would need one chasima. In Shulchan Aruch it talks about what about non-mevushal wine, which be’etzem is a d’oraisa but the Taz says today it’s it’s switched over to d’rabbanan. These are various things, but let’s go with how Shulchan Aruch calls it, you know, d’oraisa versus d’rabbanan, needing two versus one. 

Okay. So so what qualifies as a siman, right? So what qualifies as a siman is it it takes significant effort to duplicate it and it’s difficult to open the package without breaking or tearing the closure, the tape, the packaging. It looks like it’s like it’s broken. So for example, I went to the store and I bought this potato salad, okay? The potato salad as you see, this is d’rabbanan, okay? And it had a nice CRC tape around it and I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to open it, and as you can see I ate it and it was very good, and I tried to see if I could open without breaking it, and look on the bottom. 

So you can see right away how it was, so the tape is still there but you see that somebody did something to it. It got squeezed, something’s off, something’s off. So the driver or whoever it is that might also want to will say, “Okay, you know, I’m not going to bother with this.” This is what Chazalhad in mind. It’s very… 

so let’s let’s talk about some of these things. There could be zip ties, there could be staples, you can staple a thing where you can take… this is, this is a one valid chasima. Here’s the, here’s a receipt, okay, of of the guy’s name and what I ordered and all of that, and what they’ll do in a kosher restaurant is they’ll they’ll staple it on. 

So that’s one chasima, right? And then what the what the mashgiach will tend to do is you’ll see there’ll be tape, they’ll put tape, that would be a second chasima. Right. So that’s a very good thing. Or they’ll or they’ll just do one with with the bill inside. 

That would be another way of doing it. Another way is you can do an atypical knot, obviously kosher tape, Hebrew writing. Sometimes we’ll be run out of tape so we can write on a piece of paper, we can put a piece of regular masking tape, and we’ll write our name in Hebrew, our names across it, so that if you if you try to open it, it will it will go through. Right.

Holograms. You know, there is a concept called a simanmuvhak. A siman muvhak is like to, even though it’s one, but be’etzem like it’s halachically like two seals. So for example, you know, if you go buy a cryovac pack of chicken from the shlachthouse. 

If you look at it, there’s really just one one covering, even though it says kosher in two different places. That’s called a siman muvhak, because most people that are delivering don’t have cryovac machines on their belt to redo that. That’s a siman muvhak. Pre-printed tape with kosher tape in it, that’s voiding. 

In other words, if you peel it off, it will like rip. That would be also siman muvhak. So here, I brought two pizza boxes. Typical pizza box, right? It needs for sure one chasima. 

So if it just has the the company name on it without anything on it, that’s not a chasima. Right. You can’t accept that necessarily. If it has something like this, look at this. 

So easy, so easy to open. The way it’s supposed to come is, you can see the tape is wrapped around once. For me to, for someone to try to open it, they would ruin the they would ruin the box, exactly. Now there are many times you’ll find a product, all it will have is the company name on top of it. 

Lechiora, this doesn’t mean anything because, you know, anyone could open it, you know, same over here, you know, Miriam’s cookies, you know, this this doesn’t do much. Now the proper way therefore to to do, let’s say you’re buying something like a meat sandwich, it needs like a crisscross. You need to have, this is considered two, that’s considered a double chasima. A double chasima. 

So these are the many many examples of how how these things come out and and really it’s it’s critical for us to teach our children, for the schools to teach the students, what qualifies as a chasima, what doesn’t qualify, and therefore there’s no such thing as, “Oh, I only have to worry about it like when I order something on online,” but it’s anytime you go shopping, let’s educate the consumers of what’s considered a good chasima, what’s not, and which products need two and which products need one. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Right. So we mentioned two chasimos, let’s say meat, poultry, fish, things like that would need two chasimos. What are some of the items that would need one chasima? Would it be baked goods? 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Baked goods, yeah, anything from a bakery. bread or anything like that, anything with cheese, which is, you know, d’rabbonon, milk, you know, I don’t know if you order something from a Dunkin’ Donuts, the kosher one versus the non-kosher, and it’s a coffee, you know, that would be one chosimah or a Starbucks or, you know, that type of thing. Almost everything that doesn’t have in it meat, fish, poultry, and those types of things, d’Oraisas, then that would need one chosimah. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: What happens in a scenario where someone does their due diligence, they order from a place that they know is certified, it comes, the order comes, they look at the bag, they look at the package and they see there’s something off, either it’s missing the seal or the seal seems tampered? What do they do? Is there any way to salvage the food at that point? 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: So that’s a great question, and we get this all the time where someone will call our office and say, I’m downtown, I ordered from one of the establishments and it didn’t come with a… you know, I want to tell you something interesting. 

I asked the kosher restaurants, why don’t you make it a policy every single time that anyone comes for a takeout food, it has to be chosum automatically? Right. They said, ’cause they get upset with us. Most people that walk in want to make sure we have enough ketchup packets and forks and knives. Don’t seal it over. 

I need to see what you put in there. Was it the right order? Oh, that’s a very interesting point. Very interesting point. So therefore we don’t do it, and you know, unless we know for sure that it’s… 

you know, we try, but when there’s pressure at a restaurant, lunch hour, forget it. Oh, forget it. Sure. So what do… 

so we get this call all the time. So there is a concept inhalacha called tviyas ayin. So tviyas ayin means that if a ne’eman kashrus can tell you, I can give a shvua this is… that that food is kosher, that is acceptable. 

So we do this, you know, the guys downtown, he’s starving, there’s a convention, three-day convention, he finally got something kosher. We’ll have him take a picture of the food and or maybe even a livestream to the mashgiach in the restaurant who will look around and say, I can identify that is exactly what we sent out. Aha. That’s called tviyas ayin. 

And tviyas ayin works across the board. Even in your own home. You go out and there’s someone working in your home, you know, in the kitchen or in the home that’s not Jewish or not shomer Shabbos, that’s the halachos basar she-nisalammin ha-ayin. So if you have a tviyas ayin on the food, that works as well. 

But that would be the primary way to get it to fix up something that came in that didn’t have proper chosimos. R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Would you say that a classic case of tviyasayin for a homeowner who’s not a kashrus expert, doesn’t necessarily know how the food is prepared is perhaps, I’m just asking as a suggestion, if someone always orders from the same place and they know the way the food is usually presented and now they got the same order that they usually order but it didn’t have the seal? Is that enough of a tviyas ayinbecause they know what it usually looks like? 

R’ Sholem Fishbane: Yeah, the tviyas ayin can be on both sides of the aisle. It could be if you are, you know, fries are fries, and that’s easier. Or even a… 

you can make the argument that a pie of pizza kind of will look… but if it’s a certain knish, a meat knish that you like getting, and the way it’s done, I recognize this from this the way they grill it, the way they… yeah, that would be tviyasayin as well. Obviously, as we said, let’s educate ourselves in chosimos that we don’t have to come onto what-ifs, but of course there are ways to salvage if something doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. 

But again, we… I think it would go without saying, we would advise someone in any scenario if they have a kashrusprofessional they could consult, a rov, they should always do so if they can to be sure. Right. And if I could make a suggestion or a plea, as I said earlier, the schools should have some sort of education. 

R’ Yitzchok Hisiger: Education, right. Of what’s called a chosimah so that everyone, no matter where they are, they could be in the most metropolitan frum area versus vacationing in who knows where, it’s the same halachos and therefore they should be educated. So we thank you for the education that you brought us and to the public, and continue to have hatzlacha in all you do. Thank you. 

The Trump administration is pushing back against efforts to force the federal government to repay billions of dollars in tariff revenue collected before the Supreme Court invalidated President Donald Trump’s worldwide tariff program earlier this year, setting up a major legal fight over who is entitled to reimbursement, Newsmax reports.

At the heart of the dispute is whether every importer that paid the now-defunct tariffs should receive a refund or whether repayments should be limited to businesses that still have active claims pending before the government.

While federal officials have already authorized the return of tens of billions of dollars, the administration is challenging a ruling by the Court of International Trade that would require a much broader repayment effort.

“The message from the government is pretty straightforward: We don’t have the authority to issue these refunds, and unless a court orders us to repay a specific company, we’re not going to do it,” a former Trump administration official and trade lawyer close to the White House told Politico.

“They’re ready to claw back what they know they legally can,” the lawyer added.

Justice Department attorneys contend that the trade court overstepped its legal authority when it ordered refunds on a universal basis. Several trade-law specialists say the administration’s position may ultimately prevail.

“That issue could really go both ways,” said James Kim, an international trade partner at ArentFox Schiff, adding that “the DOJ has good arguments” and that “it’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out.”

Matthew Seligman, who represents importers seeking repayment, acknowledged that an appeal was expected. He said, “It was inevitable that the government would appeal [Court of International Judge Richard Eaton’s April order requiring universal tariffs] and win,” maintaining that the lower court’s decision was inconsistent with prior Supreme Court rulings.

The latest phase of the case is unfolding at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, where Susan Thomas, executive assistant commissioner for trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is expected to provide testimony regarding how the government is handling refunds.

In court documents, Thomas stated, “Should the court’s order become final and require reliquidation of entries of all importers, CBP intends to fully comply with the court’s final decision as expeditiously as possible.”

Judge Richard Eaton has demanded additional information from the administration regarding its plans for repayment and indicated that the purpose of the hearing is “to ascertain if it is the government’s policy to return all of the unlawfully collected duties either by complying with the court’s order or by some other means.”

Meanwhile, importers and their legal teams are preparing further action in court, including efforts to pursue class-action litigation aimed at securing broader refunds.

Sara Albrecht, chair and CEO of the Liberty Justice Center, commended Eaton’s management of the case, saying he has been “very proactive in directing this case” and that Tuesday’s proceedings “will explain a lot on what the government is thinking and their positions.”

She also signaled that additional legal options remain on the table, declaring, “We’ve got plans A, B, C, and D for June 9. We’re ready.”

Some affected companies accuse the administration of creating obstacles that make it difficult for businesses to recover money they believe they are owed.

Jay Foreman, CEO of toy manufacturer Basic Fun!, compared the process to insurance disputes, saying, “It’s almost like the insurance companies, they just deny your claim, and it’s only the people that are willing to fight through four or five, six denials that get paid.”

“They figure a bunch of people will drop out,” said Foreman.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance has formally referred Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice for a potential criminal fraud investigation tied to the administration of state social services programs, Newsmax reports.

Announcing the move Monday, Vance argued that state officials must be held accountable if wrongdoing occurred.

“Minnesota state officials are not above the law, and if they facilitated fraud, lied under oath about what they knew, or harassed and intimidated whistleblowers, they must face justice,” Vance wrote Monday on X.

According to NBC News, Vance said his referral was based on findings outlined in a letter and investigative report issued by the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee.

The committee’s report alleged that the Walz administration failed to adequately address widespread fraud involving taxpayer-funded assistance programs and took action against employees who raised concerns about suspected abuse of public funds.

Investigators with the committee concluded that senior Minnesota officials had been aware of allegations of fraud for years but did not utilize available tools to stop questionable payments or remove providers accused of misconduct.

On Sunday, the House Oversight Committee sent Vance a letter urging him, as chairman of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, to examine Minnesota’s social services operations more closely.

President Donald Trump appointed Vance to oversee the anti-fraud task force in February after declaring a nationwide “war on fraud” during his State of the Union address.

Soon after taking on that role, Vance joined Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz in announcing a temporary halt to certain federal Medicaid reimbursements flowing to Minnesota.

Walz sharply criticized that decision, insisting it was politically motivated rather than connected to concerns about fraud.

At the time, Walz said the action had “nothing to do with fraud” and called it a “campaign of retribution.”

In a post on X dated Feb. 25, Walz accused the administration of targeting Democratic-led states, writing: “Trump is weaponizing the entirety of the federal government to punish blue states like Minnesota.”

Minnesota has come under intensified federal examination during Trump’s second term amid claims that fraud was occurring within daycare and other publicly funded assistance programs.

State officials maintained earlier this year that childcare centers connected to some of the allegations were operating appropriately and had not engaged in misconduct.

In April, federal agents carried out multiple raids across the state as part of a broader investigation into alleged misuse of welfare funds.

At the time, the Department of Homeland Security said the operations were conducted pursuant to court-authorized warrants connected to “the rampant fraud of American taxpayer dollars.”

Trump and several of his allies have alleged that members of Minnesota’s Somali community played a role in some of the suspected fraud schemes.

Following the raids, Walz expressed support for the enforcement action, noting that Minnesota agencies had worked alongside federal authorities after identifying and reporting suspicious conduct.

“That’s how the system is supposed to work, and our agencies will keep at it as long as there are fraudsters around to put behind bars,” Walz wrote on X.

The latest referral adds to a growing list of federal investigations and legal disputes involving Walz and Minnesota during the Trump administration.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department launched an inquiry into Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, alleging that public statements by the two officials may have interfered with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

That investigation followed a major immigration operation in Minneapolis that triggered demonstrations and was followed by the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Walz has repeatedly dismissed that inquiry, arguing that it was driven by politics rather than evidence.

Last month, the Justice Department also filed a separate complaint challenging Minnesota’s policies concerning global greenhouse gas emissions regulations.

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors recently charged 15 individuals in Minnesota in what officials described as the largest Medicaid autism fraud case ever pursued by the Justice Department. Authorities allege that approximately $90 million was improperly taken from the program.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump suggested that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu may be weighing whether to remain in office after the current conflict ends, saying it remains uncertain whether the longtime Israeli leader intends to seek another term.

Speaking with ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump reflected on Netanyahu’s lengthy tenure and his role during the ongoing war.

“I don’t know, he’s had an amazing career. Does he want to continue? Because, you know he’s a wartime prime minister. We will very shortly win the war one way or the other, and you know he’s a wartime prime minister,” Trump said, before adding, “That’s okay, just like I’m a wartime president.”

Karl later noted in a social media post that the conversation took place Monday evening before Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.

Trump also provided additional details about his recent discussion with Netanyahu following Iran’s missile launch at Israel in violation of the ceasefire agreement. In contrast to some previous descriptions of the conversation, Trump indicated that he explicitly urged the Israeli leader to refrain from escalating the situation.

According to Trump, he told Netanyahu, “I don’t want to do anything that’s going to hurt the deal, but I said, ‘You have to use your own judgment.’ Just go out and use your own judgment, but I don’t want the deal to be hurt.”

While Trump said he believed Israel’s retaliatory strike against Iran on Sunday was not necessary, he acknowledged the reasoning behind Jerusalem’s decision to respond militarily.

Discussing Israel’s actions, Trump said the country felt compelled to answer Iran’s attack.

“They wanted to show retribution,” he said. “When you get attacked, there really has to be retribution.”

{Matzav.com}

A Royal Jordanian pilot is facing criticism after video footage from one of the airline’s flights appeared to capture him using the aircraft’s public-address system to make political remarks about Israel while flying over the region.

The recording, which has spread widely across social media, shows the pilot addressing passengers in both Arabic and English as the aircraft traveled above Israel. During the announcement, he stated: “Distinguished Royal Jordanian passengers, we wish to notify you that we are flying over Palestinian lands. Anyone who misses Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Palestine, can see it at this moment from the left window. You can see al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, in gold, and the Haram al-Sharif. The plane will pass over the city of Bethlehem.”

The incident prompted a sharp response from Noam Party Chairman MK Avi Maoz, who sent an urgent letter to Civil Aviation Authority Director Shmuel Zakai. In the letter, Maoz characterized the announcement as a serious abuse of a civilian flight for political purposes and called for immediate intervention.

Maoz urged Israeli authorities to demand a formal clarification and apology from Royal Jordanian regarding the pilot’s comments.

The lawmaker further requested that regulators examine possible sanctions against the airline, including barring it from Israeli airspace and pursuing other administrative measures. In his letter, Maoz wrote: “The use of Israel’s airspace to spread messages that deny the state’s sovereignty and identity can not go ignored.”

Although Royal Jordanian suspended its direct service between Tel Aviv and Amman following the outbreak of the Gaza war, the carrier’s aircraft continue to routinely traverse Israeli airspace on flights traveling to and from destinations in Europe and North America.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump minimized the significance of Iran’s downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, even as he vowed that America would respond and continued to project confidence about defeating Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

During a telephone interview with The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Trump brushed aside concerns over the incident, saying it “wasn’t a big deal” and emphasizing that “the pilot is fine.”

The remarks came only hours after the president issued a forceful statement accusing Iran of shooting down the aircraft and promising retaliation.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he wrote on Truth Social.

According to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, the helicopter’s two crew members remained in the water for approximately two hours after the aircraft went down, waiting to be rescued as nightfall approached. One senior U.S. official, speaking to The Wall Street Journal, characterized their survival and escape from the wreckage as a “hand of God” moment.

Trump also told the newspaper that the American naval blockade has severely weakened Iran’s economy, saying the campaign is making the regime “very poor.” He indicated that the blockade would remain in effect for as long as necessary.

At the same time, Trump continues to pursue an agreement that would permanently prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. On Monday, he predicted that the United States would soon achieve a decisive outcome.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and it’s as simple as that. They cannot have, the destruction is so powerful, they cannot have a nuclear weapon. And Lindsey has been fighting with me all the way, all the way for that,” Trump said during a phone appearance at a rally held in support of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Expressing confidence in the administration’s strategy, Trump added, “We’ve been a very tough team, and I think we are winning that battle, but you’re really going to win it over the next two weeks when we declare total victory. It’ll be a total victory. It’ll happen very soon. And oil prices will come tumbling down,” he added.

{Matzav.com}