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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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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}

MCKINNEY, Texas — Karmelo Anthony was convicted Tuesday of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet, bringing a closely watched Texas trial to a dramatic conclusion after jurors deliberated for roughly three hours.

Anthony, now 19, was found guilty in connection with the April 2025 killing of Metcalf at a track and field competition in the Dallas area. The case attracted nationwide attention and included testimony from more than 20 witnesses called by prosecutors.

Jurors were instructed to weigh a single count of first-degree murder. Following the guilty verdict, the same jury immediately began the punishment phase of the trial to determine Anthony’s sentence.

Under Texas law, Anthony faces a prison term ranging from five years to life after the murder conviction.

Because he was under 18 when the incident occurred, prosecutors were barred from seeking the death penalty.

Judge John Roach Jr. had previously instructed jurors that they could consider the lesser offense of manslaughter if they concluded the killing was the result of reckless conduct rather than an intentional act. A manslaughter conviction would have carried a maximum punishment of 20 years behind bars.

During closing arguments, prosecutors forcefully rejected the defense’s claim that Anthony acted to protect himself.

Lead prosecutor Bill Wirskye argued that the circumstances did not justify the use of deadly force and told jurors that the evidence clearly pointed to murder.

“This is not self-defense, folks. It’s murder,” Wirskye said.

The prosecutor also questioned why Anthony had brought a knife to a school athletic event and characterized the stabbing as an unjustified escalation of a physical dispute.

“You do not get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove,” he told jurors.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors described the attack as a sudden and unprovoked assault.

Defense attorneys countered that Anthony acted out of fear and responded instinctively during a rapidly unfolding confrontation. They argued that he believed he was in danger after Metcalf made physical contact with him.

Seeking to bolster the self-defense argument, the defense called several witnesses, including a former teammate who was present at the meet when the confrontation occurred.

The witness testified that Anthony appeared emotionally shaken immediately after the incident.

“I was hearing him say, ‘I told him not to touch me,’” the teammate told the court.

Evidence presented during the trial included the folding knife authorities say was used in the stabbing, photographs of the weapon, images from the scene, and Anthony’s backpack.

A responding police officer testified that another witness directed investigators to the knife, which was recovered from the bleachers shortly after the stabbing.

Jurors also viewed police body-camera footage recorded at the scene. Prosecutors additionally demonstrated how quickly the knife could be opened and deployed.

According to investigators, the confrontation began when Metcalf approached Anthony and told him he needed to leave an area beneath a team tent.

Police allege Anthony then picked up his bag, reached inside, and warned Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens.”

Authorities say Metcalf then grabbed Anthony while attempting to move him from the area. Anthony allegedly responded by pulling out a knife and stabbing Metcalf once in the chest before fleeing.

Metcalf collapsed from the wound and later died, leading to the murder charge that culminated in Tuesday’s conviction.

{Matzav.com}

British authorities have filed charges against an 18-year-old man in connection with the March attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to Hatzolah, marking the latest development in a case that has heightened security concerns within London’s Jewish community.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced Tuesday that Subhan Ahmed, a British citizen, was charged Monday with “assisting an offender” in relation to the arson attack.

The incident occurred during the early hours of March 23, when four Hatzolah  ambulances were deliberately set on fire in Golders Green, one of London’s largest Jewish neighborhoods. In the aftermath, police increased patrols and security measures in Jewish areas across the city.

The investigation is being handled by the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command, which has continued to pursue multiple suspects connected to the attack.

Authorities have already brought charges against four other individuals in the case.

Those charged in April include British citizens Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and Judex Atshatshi, 18, as well as a 17-year-old dual British-Pakistani national. Prosecutors accused them of “committing arson, destroying or damaging property, and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.”

All four suspects remain behind bars while awaiting a trial scheduled for January. Ahmed, by contrast, was released and is expected to appear in court on June 16.

The destruction of the ambulances was one of the first in a series of alarming incidents that have unsettled Jewish residents throughout London and prompted a heightened police presence in Jewish neighborhoods. Since then, authorities have responded to several cases involving incendiary devices placed near synagogues, as well as the April stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green. Last week, Metropolitan Police data showed that antisemitic hate crimes across London increased by 72 percent in May.

After news of Ahmed’s charge was made public, the Community Security Trust, which works to protect Britain’s Jewish community, expressed appreciation to investigators and prosecutors “for their ongoing work investigating this attack and other arson incidents targeting the Jewish community.”

The organization added, “These are very serious allegations, and it is right that those responsible are being held accountable.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Iran was responsible for shooting down a U.S. Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that America will respond to what he described as a direct act of aggression.

The president revealed the development in a post on Truth Social, saying he had been briefed by military officials about the incident involving one of the U.S. military’s advanced aircraft.

“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,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Trump said the aircraft’s crew survived the incident without injury, but stressed that the attack would not go unanswered.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

The reported shoot-down comes amid escalating tensions throughout the Middle East, where hostilities between Iran and Israel have intensified with continued exchanges of missile fire.

Despite the growing instability in the region, Trump has continued to express optimism that a broader diplomatic agreement remains within reach and has maintained that efforts toward a long-term peace arrangement are still progressing.

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational shiur is scheduled to take place tonight, Tuesday night, June 9, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur in Flatbush, Brooklyn, featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a noted expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The event, which will begin at 8:00 p.m. at Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin in Flatbush, is expected to draw Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the wider community interested in gaining a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What will make the evening particularly noteworthy is that the shiur will be accompanied by a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, providing attendees with a rare opportunity to see firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and other related areas of Torah study. Through practical illustrations and real-world examples, participants will be able to better appreciate the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers say the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners currently studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone seeking a clearer understanding of the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic topics in a clear and engaging manner. His work, Sichas Chulin, has become a classic for those learning about shechitah and treifos.

The shiur will take place at at Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin, located at 2913 Avenue L, at the corner of Nostrand Avenue, in Flatbush.

The event is being sponsored by Meal Mart.

{Matzav.com}

A growing dispute between the chareidi parties and the Religious Zionism faction has led to the postponement of a major government vote on a proposed NIS 1.5 billion development package for communities in Yehuda and Shomron, after United Torah Judaism objected to the plan over what it called unequal budget priorities.

The proposed initiative, which was scheduled for approval at the next cabinet meeting, includes extensive funding for construction, infrastructure, security, and community development projects throughout Yehuda and Shomron. The package is considered one of the largest government investments in the region in recent years.

However, according to a report by Ames, senior figures in United Torah Judaism strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that the government was willing to allocate massive sums for one sector while failing to address the ongoing daycare subsidy crisis affecting thousands of chareidi families.

Party officials reportedly described the situation as “blatant discrimination.” They noted that while the Treasury has resisted advancing a solution for the daycare subsidy crisis, which would require approximately NIS 300 million, significantly larger sums were quickly found for other priorities. Chareidi representatives argued that the government’s budgetary priorities have become increasingly unbalanced and are unfairly harming the chareidi public.

Amid the escalating tensions, Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni held an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu.

During the meeting, Gafni reportedly demanded immediate clarification regarding the government’s budget policy and pressed for a resolution to the daycare subsidy issue, which coalition representatives say is affecting thousands of families.

According to the report, the confrontation raised concerns about a broader coalition crisis, prompting Netanyahu’s office to intervene.

As a result of the disagreement and fears of further coalition instability, the government meeting that was expected to approve the package was postponed. The session, originally scheduled for this week, has now been pushed off until Thursday to allow additional negotiations between the parties.

Documents prepared for the cabinet discussion outline major investments across Yehuda and Shomron, including transportation and utility infrastructure, public buildings, educational facilities, employment centers, security enhancements, neighborhood expansion projects, and the construction of temporary sites and residential housing.

Coalition leaders are now expected to spend the coming days attempting to reach a compromise that would allow the development package to move forward while also addressing the demands of the chareidi parties regarding daycare subsidies and other budgetary concerns.

The latest dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the coalition as competing factions continue to battle over funding priorities, even as government leaders work to preserve unity and avoid a deeper political crisis.

{Matzav.com}

The Knesset is expected to give preliminary approval on Wednesday to the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, but coalition officials are reportedly working behind the scenes to revise the legislation by removing a controversial provision that critics said equated Torah learners with IDF soldiers.

According to coalition sources, senior figures in Likud are advancing a softened version of the bill that they believe will reduce public opposition and broaden support among coalition partners. Discussions are already underway regarding the language that will be promoted following the bill’s initial approval.

Among the expected changes is the removal of a clause that many interpreted as placing full-time Torah study on the same footing as military service. The disputed provision stated that individuals who dedicate themselves to Torah learning for a significant period would be regarded as performing meaningful service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, with implications for their rights and obligations.

The effort to modify the legislation follows a week of intense political pressure from the chareidi parties, which demanded that the coalition move forward with the bill.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issued a firm ultimatum, warning coalition leaders that if the Basic Law: Torah Study was not advanced this week, his party would refuse to support any other legislation.

“Especially during these days, when the people of Israel need additional merits for success in the campaign against our enemies, we demand that the Basic Law: Torah Study be brought for a vote already this week as a condition for supporting any other legislation,” Deri declared during a Shas faction meeting.

Deri was the first coalition leader to publicly insist on advancing the proposal last week. Following his demand, other chareidi factions also intensified efforts to move the legislation forward, although the bill is formally sponsored by Degel HaTorah.

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni said the legislation had already been placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation.

“On the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation is the Basic Law: Torah Study, which, under the instruction of our revered Torah leaders, I was called upon to submit and advance,” Gafni said.

Coalition officials believe that removing the disputed language could also help secure support from members of the Religious Zionism party, some of whom had reservations about the original wording.

According to coalition sources, the revised version is intended to strengthen recognition of the value of Torah study without creating a direct comparison between Torah learners and military personnel. Likud officials reportedly believe such a change will lessen criticism while preserving the bill’s central objective.

Supporters of the legislation say its primary purpose is to grant constitutional status to Torah study and the role of Torah scholars in Israeli society. They also argue that the measure would help shield the issue from intervention by the High Court of Justice, particularly in cases involving chareidi military service and arguments based on the principle of equality.

{Matzav.com}

A judge has sharply criticized authorities after a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation was not carried out for Guy Echtlinger, the suspect accused of murdering Reb Yishai Por z”l inside a Bnei Brak kollel last month.

According to a report by military radio correspondent Tuvia Yagelnik, Echtlinger was never transferred to the district psychiatrist as ordered by the court and did not undergo the inpatient psychiatric examination that had been mandated.

During a recent court hearing, the judge expressed strong frustration over the failure to implement the order.

“The decision was not carried out. I would appreciate an immediate response from the Prison Service explaining why the court’s decision was not implemented,” the judge said.

The controversy follows developments from last week, when the district psychiatrist reportedly expressed reservations about conducting the examination. In response, the judge quickly issued an additional ruling, directing that Echtlinger be transferred to the district psychiatrist before the onset of Shabbos. Despite that clear instruction, the transfer never took place.

In the meantime, the court extended Echtlinger’s detention until Wednesday and again ordered that he be transferred for psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible.

During the hearing, Echtlinger also claimed that fellow inmates were threatening him. Addressing the court, he said, “They are saying they are going to kill me here in prison.”

The shocking killing took place on May 20, 2026, inside the Chazon Ish kollel on Rechov HaAri in Bnei Brak. Authorities allege that Reb Yishai Por z”l, a 52-year-old avreich known for his diligence and dedication to Torah learning, was fatally stabbed during the regular learning seder.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the tragedy was that the victim’s 13-year-old son was reportedly seated next to his father at the time and witnessed the attack.

Following reports of the stabbing, large numbers of police officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Reb Yishai was initially transported to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors were ultimately unable to save him and pronounced him dead shortly afterward.

{Matzav.com}

Violent disturbances broke out Monday evening near Yerushalayim’s Bar-Ilan Junction, where protesters opposing ongoing light rail construction blocked major roads, set fires, and damaged infrastructure at the work site before police moved in to disperse the demonstration and make arrests.

The unrest centered around the busy intersection, where demonstrators disrupted traffic and engaged in confrontations with police officers attempting to restore order.

According to police, rioters obstructed roadways in the area, ignited fires within the light rail construction zone, and caused significant disruptions to public order. Following the escalation, a police commander formally declared the gathering an unlawful disturbance and instructed participants to leave the area.

Police said that when protesters refused to comply with orders to disperse, officers and Border Police personnel began clearing the streets and intersections, using force where necessary to reopen traffic lanes and reestablish public order.

Authorities later reported that most demonstrators had been pushed back onto nearby sidewalks and that all major roads in the area had been reopened to traffic. Police forces remained on scene afterward to prevent further disturbances.

Amid the unrest, detectives from Yerushalayim’s Lev Habira police station arrested two suspects accused of vandalizing the light rail construction compound.

According to police, the suspects were caught in the act while allegedly damaging equipment and infrastructure at the site. They were subsequently taken into custody and transported to a police station for questioning.

Video from the scene showed one of the arrests being carried out by an undercover detective disguised as a chareidi man, a tactic police occasionally employ during demonstrations to identify and apprehend suspects.

Police characterized the incident as a “serious disturbance of public order” and vowed to pursue criminal charges against those responsible for the vandalism and destruction.

Officials emphasized that the damage was not limited to the construction project itself, describing the actions as an attack on critical public infrastructure and major transportation routes serving the city.

{Matzav.com}

At least two American citizens, including an Iranian Jewish businessman, have been officially designated by the United States as being wrongfully detained in Iran, a classification that triggers additional legal and diplomatic mechanisms aimed at securing their release.

The issue gained renewed attention after President Donald Trump was asked during an NBC interview aired Sunday whether any future agreement with Iran would include provisions for the release of detained Americans.

“Not everybody really has an accurate list of who they are, what they are, or whether they are being held,” Trump said.

Despite Trump’s comments, the cases of two Americans whom the State Department has formally identified as wrongfully detained have received significant attention in recent months.

One of them is 71-year-old Kamran Hekmati, an Iranian Jewish dual citizen who traveled to Israel 14 years ago to celebrate his son’s bar mitzvah. Hekmati, who holds both American and Iranian citizenship, returned to Iran about a year ago for a brief family visit and was subsequently arrested and sentenced to two years in prison.

A jeweler and business owner in Manhattan’s Diamond District, Hekmati was detained in July 2025 and has remained incarcerated in Tehran’s Evin Prison ever since. Iranian authorities arrested him at the airport, alleging that he violated a law prohibiting Iranian citizens from visiting Israel. Although he emigrated to the United States at age 13, he entered Iran using an Iranian passport, as required under Iranian law, which does not recognize dual citizenship.

The second detainee is Reza Valizadeh, a 50-year-old journalist who also holds dual Iranian-American citizenship. After leaving Iran in 2009, Valizadeh returned in March 2024 to visit his elderly parents. According to reports, a senior commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had assured him that he would not encounter problems if he returned. Nevertheless, he was arrested by the Revolutionary Guards in September 2024.

Since his detention, Valizadeh has reportedly been interrogated and held in solitary confinement. He was later sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of “collaboration with a hostile government,” a broadly defined accusation frequently used by Iranian authorities against dual nationals and critics of the regime. His family and supporters contend that he was denied due process. In May 2025, the U.S. Secretary of State officially designated him as wrongfully detained.

Both men have now spent more than a year behind bars, and concerns regarding their health and welfare continue to mount. Family members told CNN that Hekmati is suffering from bladder cancer.

Attorneys representing the families said they were informed earlier this year that American negotiators are aware of the detainees’ cases. Another source involved in the matter reportedly said the names of the prisoners had already been provided to members of the U.S. negotiating team.

Valizadeh recently succeeded in sending an audio recording from Evin Prison to CBS News. In the recording, he referred to three additional American citizens being held at the notorious Tehran facility and claimed that all of them suffer from “various illnesses” while being denied adequate medical treatment.

When asked about detained Americans during Sunday’s NBC interview, Trump expressed a willingness to become involved in efforts to bring them home.

“If you give me their names, I’ll do my best to bring them home,” Trump said.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] LAKEWOOD, NJ — Thousands of lomdim packed the main dining room of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood on Monday as Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv Hadaas, delivered a highly anticipated shiur klali that sparked an intense and spirited Torah discussion.

Rav Schreiber, who is currently visiting the United States on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah, arrived at BMG’s main campus in Lakewood, where he addressed the large gathering of bnei hayeshiva.

Rav Schreiber focused his presentation on the sugya of tavra v’shasya in Maseches Bava Kamma. As the shiur progressed, it developed into a powerful display of rischa d’Oraisa, with vigorous discussion and debate filling the room.

“The tzibbur drank in Reb Bunim’s words with thirst, and the roshei yeshiva joined the spirited discussion, which was entirely geshmak,” one attendee said.

Among those actively participating in the back-and-forth discussion was Rav Avrohom Birnbaum, son of the late Mirrer rosh yeshiva Rav Shmuel Birnbaum zt”l, who, characteristically, engaged Rav Schreiber in a lively exchange on the sugya.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

The Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings against 17 naturalized citizens in an effort to revoke their U.S. citizenship, alleging they obtained it through fraud, deception, or the concealment of serious criminal conduct during the immigration process.

Announcing the actions, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the administration is taking a hard line against abuse of the naturalization system.

“Gaining U.S. citizenship is a privilege and under the steadfast leadership of President Trump, this Department of Justice maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of this process,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a department statement.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed that message, arguing that citizenship must be earned through honesty and compliance with the law.

“American citizenship is a privilege, and it must be earned honestly,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “If you come here break our laws, and lie in your immigration proceedings, you forfeit that privilege,” he added.

Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization and removal of individuals who obtained citizenship through fraud or material misrepresentations during the immigration process. However, citizenship generally cannot be revoked solely because of crimes committed after a person has already become a U.S. citizen. In many cases, immigrants become eligible for citizenship approximately five years after receiving permanent residency.

While the new initiative has attracted attention, immigration advocates note that the number of cases remains relatively small compared with the overall naturalized population in the United States and the broader effects of decades of large-scale immigration policies.

“The expansion of denaturalization remains very small in scale,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a pro-migration advocate with the American Immigration Council. “17 people is a significant increase from historical efforts, true, but represents around 0.00006% of the total naturalized population.”

Even so, observers note that the latest cases extend beyond the types of denaturalization actions traditionally associated with war criminals or individuals involved in major human rights abuses.

According to the Justice Department, the current cases largely involve individuals accused of hiding criminal activity during the lengthy, multi-step path to citizenship.

“This Department of Justice maintains a zero-tolerance policy for the abuse of this process,” said Blanche.

Some analysts argue that if the government aggressively pursues such cases, many more naturalized citizens could potentially face scrutiny if evidence emerges that they concealed criminal conduct before becoming citizens. Such a possibility is expected to fuel political opposition to expanded denaturalization efforts.

The Justice Department released details of the 17 cases, several of which involve allegations of fraud, immoral crimes, immigration deception, financial crimes, or other offenses that officials say were concealed during the naturalization process.

One case involves Leidys Delmas Garcia, a Cuban-born woman accused of participating in a healthcare fraud conspiracy that allegedly billed insurers more than $36 million for unnecessary or nonexistent physical therapy services. Prosecutors allege she falsely stated during her citizenship process that she had not committed crimes for which she had not been arrested and had never provided false information to immigration authorities.

Another case targets Jean Claude Alfred, a Haitian immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in 1994. The government alleges that he repeatedly abused his minor daughter beginning shortly before filing for naturalization and continued the conduct while his citizenship application was pending. Officials say he failed to disclose the criminal behavior during the process.

Andrea Marroquin, originally from Colombia, is accused of obtaining permanent residency by concealing a bigamous marriage and later participating in wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering schemes involving funds inherited from her father, whom authorities describe as a major Colombian drug trafficker.

Talman Harris, a Jamaican national, is accused of participating in a long-running stock manipulation scheme that allegedly caused tens of millions of dollars in investor losses. According to the government, portions of the conspiracy overlapped with his naturalization proceedings.

In another case, New Jersey businessman Neeraj Sharma, originally from India, is accused of filing multiple fraudulent H-1B visa petitions while serving as owner and chief executive of a staffing company.

The Justice Department also filed a complaint against Abdikadir Ali Kadiye, a Somali immigrant whom authorities allege sought admission to the United States using two different identities.

Ronnie Price, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, is accused of concealing conduct that later resulted in a guilty plea. Prosecutors allege he falsely denied having committed crimes during his citizenship application process.

Rodger George Gurdon, originally from Jamaica, is accused of participating in a conspiracy involving the theft and resale of medical supplies from military hospitals before becoming a U.S. citizen.

Another case involves Milagros Marileisis Acosta Torres of Cuba, whom prosecutors allege participated in a scheme that defrauded a tribal casino in Florida of millions of dollars through fraudulent credit vouchers before her naturalization.

Alongside the denaturalization effort, Trump administration officials have also moved to tighten citizenship requirements by increasing expectations regarding applicants’ conduct and making the naturalization examination more demanding.

{Matzav.com}

Republican officials in New Jersey say they have identified hundreds of noncitizens listed in the state’s voter registration records, including some individuals who appear to have participated in elections, raising fresh questions about voter roll maintenance and election security.

According to a report released Monday, the discoveries were made after the New Jersey Republican Party and the Republican National Committee obtained voter registration records from all 21 counties across the state and reviewed the data.

Many of the individuals reportedly came forward while pursuing U.S. citizenship and requested that their names be removed from voter rolls. According to the report, a significant number were registered as Democrats but said they were unaware they had been registered and feared the issue could negatively affect their naturalization applications.

The findings come several weeks after New Jersey Republican Party Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon announced the creation of a statewide Election Integrity Task Force.

“Like many New Jerseyans, election integrity is of utmost importance to me. All Americans want free, fair, and secure elections and a system that maintains the public trust. The NJGOP Election Integrity Task Force will work to help ensure that New Jersey’s elections are securely and fairly administered and help safeguard the integrity of the process,” Hanlon said.

According to the report, some of the noncitizens identified during the review had documented voting histories. One individual who was removed from the voter rolls in 2015 reportedly cast ballots in 2000, 2001, and the 2008 general election.

Fox News reported that RNC Chairman Joe Gruters believes the individuals discovered so far may represent only a fraction of the overall problem and argued that election officials in New Jersey and other Democrat-led states have not provided sufficient transparency regarding voter list maintenance procedures. The RNC has reportedly requested similar information from 48 states.

“I mean, it’s really incredible because here the Democrats are saying that, you know, noncitizens never vote, this is a non-issue, but every county we’re finding people that are self-reporting now, and I’m glad we’re doing these records request because it’s really eye-opening, because this is just the people that have self-reported,” Gruters told Fox News Digital.

Gruters said maintaining confidence in the electoral process should remain a priority.

“You want a democracy that’s secure and elections that are free and safe and that people can depend upon, and people have full confidence in.”

Questions surrounding New Jersey’s voter rolls have surfaced before. In 2022, the Public Interest Legal Foundation reviewed state voter registration records and reported that nearly 2,400 registered voters were listed as being at least 105 years old.

The latest report comes as President Donald Trump continues urging Congress to approve the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship before an individual could register to vote.

According to Breitbart News, support for the proposal extends beyond Republican voters.

“The Save Act has support from 91 percent of Republicans, 50 percent of Democrats, and 69 percent of independents,” the outlet said in March.

Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) recently criticized Congress for failing to enact the measure and contrasted the American voting process with election procedures in Colombia.

“It’s kind of embarrassing from the perspective of Congress, that we can’t even pass a SAVE America Act. Let me lay out how Colombian elections are run. First of all, no mail-in balloting. Single day election, you have to have your proof of national citizenship with you to vote. So, it’s not only voter ID, but 100 percent strict proof of citizenship. If you don’t have it with you, they don’t even let you into the hall where you vote,” Moreno said. “All paper ballots, the ballots are counted by hand, and the results are delivered after an hour and a half, after polls close. They have election watchers there that are vigilant, they have judges there that are disputing any claims that are made.”

The restoration of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., is drawing positive reviews from visitors and social media users, despite months of criticism from left-wing activists and media outlets who questioned the Trump administration’s renovation efforts.

Administration officials have continued defending the project against attacks from critics, many of whom focused on aesthetic details of the restoration. Several media organizations scrutinized the work, including the decision to repaint the pool’s bottom in a new shade of blue. The Washington Post even consulted a color expert who predicted the color would appear “very dismal,” while The New York Times also published criticism of the renovation project.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contrasted the current effort with an earlier renovation undertaken during the Obama administration. According to Burgum, the Reflecting Pool was shut down for two years while $38 million was spent on repairs that ultimately failed to solve its underlying problems. He said the Trump administration’s overhaul was far more extensive, involving the draining of the pool, sandblasting surfaces, repairing pipes and bubblers, and restoring the pool’s appearance. Burgum noted that the bottom had faded to gray over time and said President Trump selected an American flag-inspired blue color for the restoration.

As the project nears completion, photos and videos of the renovated pool have spread widely online, generating favorable reactions from many observers.

“I’d heard so much about the newly renovated Reflection Pool, so I decided to come see it for myself. It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Donald Trump, for helping restore our nation’s capital!” one X user wrote, sharing a video showing the partially filled pool reflecting the Washington Monument.

I’d heard so much about the newly renovated Reflection Pool, so I decided to come see it for myself. It’s absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Donald Trump, for helping restore our nation’s capital! pic.twitter.com/j1V7cO4PeP

— Xi Van Fleet (@XVanFleet) June 8, 2026

A Democrat in DC says she hates she’s forced to admit the Reflecting Pool now looks good.

“I thought it was a stupid idea to paint the Reflecting Pool, but it looks really good. It makes the reflection look extraordinarily prominent in a way it did not before, and I hate that.” pic.twitter.com/yVTHm4rHUh

— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) June 5, 2026

https://twitter.com/i/status/2063965325922619455

https://twitter.com/i/status/2062890406002504105

Another video circulating online featured a woman who had previously expressed doubts about the project but later acknowledged that she was impressed by the final result.

The White House also celebrated the progress of the renovation.

“The water is ON, the Reflecting Pool is reflecting, and D.C. is looking better than ever,” the White House declared. “We are so back. THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP. ”

In an interview with Breitbart News Daily, Burgum said the project involved much more than cosmetic improvements and credited Trump’s background in large-scale development projects for helping bring the renovation to completion.

Highlighting the pool’s previous condition, Burgum said it had been losing approximately 45,000 gallons of water each day before repairs began.

“We had to have water continuously running into it just to keep even. All of that’s going to be taken care of, because we’ve got the master builder,” Burgum said. “We’ve got President Trump. You know, he’s the only guy that’s ever occupied that office that’s done the level of complex construction projects. And he loves construction workers. He loves construction, and he knows exactly what he’s talking about on these projects.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that would have imposed a one-time $100,000 charge on companies seeking to hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program, ruling that the fee exceeded the authority granted by Congress.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, who serves on the federal bench in Massachusetts, invalidated the administration’s effort to require employers to pay the substantial fee when sponsoring foreign H-1B workers. Sorokin concluded that the measure effectively functioned as a tax and therefore could not be imposed without explicit congressional approval.

In his ruling, the judge wrote, “… the Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress,” Sorokin wrote:

Accordingly, the Court VACATES the Policy materials implementing the Proclamation’s $100,000 payment requirement. In addition to vacatur, Plaintiffs seek a “judicial declaration that the Policy is unlawful in violation of the APA and the Constitution.” Defendants’ only objection to this requested relief is that “declaratory judgment alone would not redress Plaintiffs’ alleged injuries because . . . that judgment would not affect the Proclamation nor would it enjoin any future action.” But this concern is not applicable here, where the Court has also ordered vacatur of the challenged agency action. Therefore, the Court issues declaratory judgment. [Emphasis added]

The H-1B program permits American employers to recruit foreign professionals, most of them from India, for skilled white-collar positions in the United States. Each year, hundreds of thousands of such workers are employed through the visa category.

Critics of the program have long argued that major corporations use H-1B visas to reduce labor costs by replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. Various studies have pointed to the program as a significant cost-saving mechanism for large companies.

For years, Breitbart News has reported on cases involving American professionals who lost their jobs and were subsequently required to train foreign workers brought in through the H-1B system before leaving their positions.

At any given time, approximately 650,000 H-1B visa holders are employed in the United States, according to estimates cited in the report.

President Trump announced the $100,000 fee last year as part of an effort to discourage businesses from relying heavily on foreign labor. The proposal immediately drew legal challenges from business groups and corporate organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Supporters of the fee argued that it would make it more expensive for companies to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labor. However, some corporate executives and visa recipients reportedly believed the policy contained loopholes that could have reduced its impact and allowed employers to continue utilizing the program with limited disruption.

{Matzav.com}