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President Donald Trump disclosed Sunday that he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham just hours before the South Carolina lawmaker’s unexpected death, saying the senator was focused on advancing the SAVE America Act and appeared to be in good spirits despite mentioning he was tired after returning from Ukraine.

Speaking by phone on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump recounted what he believes may have been one of Graham’s final conversations, describing a senator who remained fully engaged in his work until the very end.

“What makes it even stranger is I got a call last night some time in the early evening, maybe in the sevens, and he called, and he said we’re all set for the SAVE America Act,” Trump said. “He was pushing the SAVE America Act like crazy.”

Trump said Graham had just arrived back in the United States after traveling to Ukraine, a demanding journey that left him fatigued but otherwise seemingly healthy.

“He said he just landed from Ukraine. That’s a long trip to make. He sounded a little tired, but perfect,” Trump said. “He actually said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the SAVE America Act, and I said, ‘Well, we’ll get it done, Lindsey. I’ll get it done. I’ll see you soon. We might even meet today.'”

Only a few hours later, Trump said, he received the devastating news that Graham had died following what has been described as a brief and sudden illness.

“It couldn’t have been much longer. It could have been his last call. I don’t know exactly, but I got a message at about 1:00 in the morning from one of the people in his office that he had passed away,” Trump said. “I said, I can’t believe it. He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough, actually.”

The president praised Graham as an exceptionally effective legislator, highlighting his ability to bridge partisan divides and negotiate with members of both parties.

“He was such an advocate,” Trump said. “If he wanted to get something, and you know, he had a unique ability. He was able to deal with Democrats. If I had a problem, a real problem, I wouldn’t often ask, but if I had a problem with a Democrat, he could work it out. He was a great politician, actually.”

Trump also said Graham had no intention of stepping away from public office and believed he was well-positioned for another electoral victory.

“There was nobody like him,” Trump said. “He loved being a politician, and he was going to win his election. He was going to win it big.”

Although Graham could be relentless when pursuing issues he cared deeply about, Trump said that determination earned him admiration from colleagues across Washington.

“He was a tough cookie. Don’t misunderstand,” Trump said. “If he wanted to get something, if he thought he was right and had people against him, he could be very tough, actually, but he was a good person.”

When asked whether Graham had indicated he was unwell during their conversation, Trump said the senator spoke only of being worn out from travel.

“He told me, ‘You know, I feel good, but I’m tired,'” Trump said. “He was fine. I knew him well. He would let you know if he wasn’t feeling well.”

Trump said the suddenness of the senator’s death came as a complete shock.

“It had to be something like that that would just be a quick end,” Trump said. “Other than being tired, he was fine.”

Looking back on Graham’s career, Trump singled out his forceful defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings, calling it one of the defining moments of the senator’s public life.

“His moment on Kavanaugh was one of the classics in the history of the Senate,” Trump said. “I think that saved Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court ascension.”

Trump also reflected on how his relationship with Graham evolved from political rivals during the 2016 Republican presidential campaign into a close friendship.

“We got friendly, and the friendship grew,” Trump said. “He was an amazing advocate. I don’t know how you find anybody like him.”

According to Trump, Graham became one of his most trusted allies in Washington, frequently visiting the White House and providing valuable insight into the mood of the Senate.

“He was a great gauge, a temperature gauge, of the Senate,” Trump said. “He was somebody that most Democrats liked, some didn’t, but most Democrats liked, and just about all of the Republicans liked Lindsey.”

Asked who should succeed Graham in the Senate, Trump said he already has a preferred candidate but believes it is too soon after the senator’s passing to discuss names publicly.

“I have someone that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said. “I don’t want to even talk about anybody.”

Instead, Trump voiced confidence in South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, saying he expects the governor to make a wise interim appointment until voters elect a permanent successor.

“The governor is a good friend of mine,” Trump said. “I endorsed him early on, and he endorsed me right from the beginning.”

Trump recalled that McMaster, then serving as South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, was among his earliest supporters during the 2016 presidential campaign. He also noted that his decision to appoint then-Gov. Nikki Haley as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations ultimately elevated McMaster to the governorship.

“By moving her, I got myself a great guy,” Trump said. “Henry McMaster has been a really good governor, and a really good guy. … He’s going to do the right thing, I think.”

While expressing confidence in McMaster’s judgment, Trump emphasized that South Carolina voters will ultimately choose Graham’s long-term replacement at the ballot box.

“Ultimately, there will be an election,” Trump said. “I have someone that I like, but I’m not going to tell you now because it’s too soon.”

Closing the interview, Trump once again honored Graham’s legacy, saying his contributions to the nation would endure long after his passing.

“He’s got so many legacies,” Trump said. “He was somebody that loved our country, and he fought very hard for the country.”

{Matzav.com}

A Ukrainian refugee who fled the war in his homeland, only to lose his son and son-in-law to Hamas terrorists on October 7, has now died in a tragic drowning accident in Ashdod, bringing yet another heartbreaking chapter to a family already devastated by unimaginable loss.

Vladimir Logvinenko, 60, drowned at an unrecognized beach near Citadel Beach in Ashdod. On Sunday, family members gathered at the Ashdod cemetery to bid him a final farewell, less than three years after Hamas murdered his son, Vitali, and his father-in-law, Oleg, during the October 7 massacre.

He is survived by his wife, Irina, his daughter, Katya, his daughter-in-law, Lilia, and his grandson, Yaroslav. According to relatives, Vladimir suffered from a hearing impairment, an experience that deeply influenced his son Vitali, who devoted himself to volunteering on behalf of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Born in Ukraine in January 1989, Vitali attended a police academy before marrying Lilia in 2017. The couple made their home in Kherson, where they welcomed their son, Yaroslav. Lilia recalled the extraordinary relationship between father and son, describing Vitali as a warm, generous man who loved cooking, entertaining family and friends, and spending his free time fishing by the sea. He also operated a successful food stand in Kherson and was widely admired for his kindness.

The family initially immigrated to Israel in 2019 but later returned to Ukraine. Vitali eventually came back to Israel on his own, and after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Lilia and Yaroslav joined him. Together they settled in Ashkelon, close to Lilia’s parents.

On the morning of October 7, Vitali and his father-in-law, Oleg, went fishing near the Gaza border. When Hamas launched its murderous assault on southern Israel, the two men attempted to flee but were caught by terrorists and murdered near the Gama Junction.

The family’s suffering deepened again on Saturday afternoon. At 4:27 p.m., Magen David Adom’s 101 emergency dispatch center in the Lachish region received a report of a drowning at an unrecognized beach near Ashdod.

MDA motorcycle unit paramedic Orel Asulin and MDA medic Simcha Hasid described the desperate efforts to save Vladimir’s life.

“We saw a man in his 50s who was unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, after he had been pulled from the water and beach rescuers were performing CPR. We continued providing medical care and carried out prolonged resuscitation efforts, but unfortunately, we had to pronounce his death.”

{Matzav.com}

A New Jersey township has agreed to pay $80,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a retired police lieutenant who alleged he was denied a promotion after reporting antisemitic comments made by a fellow officer, according to court records. The settlement resolves the case without any admission of wrongdoing by the township.

The lawsuit was brought by retired Montgomery Township Police Lt. Richard F. Szemcsak, who claimed he suffered retaliation after reporting remarks allegedly made by Sgt. Robert Bijl. Among the comments cited in the lawsuit was the sergeant’s reference to kosher food as “Jew food,” along with other alleged derogatory statements about Jews.

According to the complaint, Szemcsak reported the alleged comments through the department’s chain of command, believing they reflected religious bias that should be addressed within the police force. He later alleged that, instead of being commended for raising the issue, he was passed over for promotion to captain despite his qualifications and years of service.

The lawsuit contended that the failure to promote Szemcsak constituted unlawful retaliation for reporting discriminatory conduct in the workplace. Township officials disputed those allegations but chose to settle the case before it proceeded further through the courts.

Under the settlement agreement, Montgomery Township will pay Szemcsak $80,000. As is customary in many civil settlements, the agreement specifically states that the payment does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the township or any of its employees.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., repeatedly called for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now, after Graham’s sudden death, some are wondering if Putin got his wish first, Newsmax reports.

In March of 2022 Graham posted on X: “Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country – and the world – a great service.”

Asked about the matter later at a press conference, Graham urged the people of Russia to “rise up and end this reign of terror.”

“I hope he will be taken out, one way or the other. I don’t care how they take him out. I don’t care if we send him to The Hague and try him. I just want him to go,” said Graham during a press conference shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Among those raising the possibility of Putin’s involvement in Graham’s death is Russian opposition sociologist Igor Eidman, who argued that the Kremlin may have had both a motive and an opportunity to target the South Carolina Republican.

His comments, however, remain speculative.

Eidman pointed to Graham’s prominent role as one of Congress’ strongest advocates for Ukraine and one of Russia’s harshest critics.

According to Eidman, the senator’s continued push for increased military assistance to Kyiv and tougher sanctions against Moscow may have made him a target in the eyes of the Kremlin.

The opposition commentator also noted Graham’s recent visit to Ukraine, suggesting—without presenting evidence — that a hypothetical poisoning using a slow-acting substance could have occurred during the trip.

Eidman speculated that Russian intelligence services might have been capable of conducting such an operation through clandestine networks operating inside Ukraine.

He acknowledged that his theory was based on circumstantial considerations rather than direct proof.

No law enforcement agency, intelligence service, or government has publicly concluded that Russia played any role in Graham’s reported death. No forensic evidence, intercepted communications, witness testimony, or official intelligence assessments have been released supporting Eidman’s claims.

The allegations nevertheless draw attention to Graham’s yearslong confrontation with the Kremlin.

Throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine, Graham emerged as one of the most vocal proponents of expanded U.S. military assistance to Kyiv.

He repeatedly called for stronger sanctions on Russia and advocated providing increasingly sophisticated weapons systems to Ukraine.

According to Eidman, Graham had recently stated that President Donald Trump supported legislation imposing what Graham described as “hellish sanctions” against Russia.

Eidman argued that Russian officials may have viewed Graham as one of the key figures influencing Trump’s evolving approach toward Moscow.

Those assertions also remain speculative.

For years, Graham has been a frequent target of criticism from senior Russian officials and state media.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has repeatedly denounced Graham’s remarks as provocative and irresponsible.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, has also regularly attacked Graham on social media, accusing him of promoting escalation of the conflict.

Russian state television commentators have often portrayed Graham as one of Moscow’s principal political adversaries in Washington, criticizing his support for Ukraine and his calls for additional military assistance.

Following some of Graham’s previous remarks regarding Putin, Russian officials discussed possible legal action against the senator under Russian law and publicly condemned statements they characterized as encouraging violence or regime change.

Those exchanges contributed to Graham’s reputation inside Russia as one of the Kremlin’s most outspoken American critics.

Still, political hostility does not establish responsibility for his death.

Security analysts have long noted that Russia has been accused by Western governments of involvement in several poisonings and assassination attempts targeting Kremlin critics and defectors over the past two decades.

Moscow has consistently denied those allegations.

© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed creating a “Presumed Injury List” for COVID-19 vaccine claims, a move officials say could significantly simplify and accelerate the compensation process for people who suffer certain recognized adverse reactions after vaccination.

The proposal, announced Friday by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would establish a list of specific medical conditions that are presumed to have been caused by a COVID-19 vaccine if they occur within a defined period after vaccination. Claimants whose injuries fall within those criteria would no longer be required to prove that the vaccine caused their condition, dramatically reducing the burden of filing a successful claim.

Under the current system, individuals seeking compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) must present medical evidence establishing a causal link between the vaccine and their injury—a process that critics have long argued is difficult, time-consuming, and often unsuccessful.

If adopted, the Presumed Injury List would function similarly to the Vaccine Injury Table used by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), which covers many routine childhood vaccines and allows certain injuries to qualify automatically if they occur within established medical timeframes.

HHS said the proposed policy is intended to make the compensation process more predictable, transparent, and accessible while ensuring that individuals with well-documented vaccine-related injuries receive compensation more quickly.

The department has not yet released a finalized list of injuries that would qualify under the proposal. Instead, HHS said the list would be developed based on scientific and medical evidence and would be updated as additional data becomes available.

The announcement marks one of the most significant proposed changes to the federal government’s handling of COVID-19 vaccine injury claims since the vaccines became available during the pandemic.

The proposal will undergo a public comment period before any final policy is adopted. During that time, HHS is expected to solicit input from physicians, scientists, patient advocacy organizations, vaccine manufacturers, and members of the public.

Supporters of the proposal argue that recognizing well-established vaccine injuries will provide faster assistance to those affected while strengthening confidence in the compensation system. Others are expected to closely scrutinize which medical conditions are ultimately included on the presumed injury list and the scientific standards used to determine eligibility.

No timeline has yet been announced for when the Presumed Injury List could take effect if the proposal is finalized.

Rabbi Moshe Wiener, executive director of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island, was planning a community gathering in response to a July 4 mass shooting in Coney Island, in which eight members of the same non-Jewish family were wounded, when he heard from City Hall.

Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York City and a frequent critic of Israel whom many Jewish leaders have decried as an antisemite, wanted to attend.

“He’s still the mayor of the city of New York, and we have to show respect,” Wiener told JNS. “He wants to do the right thing for the city of New York, and whether we agree or disagree with his policies, the best that we can do as a social service agency is try to impress upon and educate him to the greatest extent possible of what works, what’s needed, what unmet needs there are.”

One of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island’s programs that aims to curb violence is Operation H.O.O.D. (Helping Our Own Develop).

“I hope that he’ll agree and support initiatives that will make a positive change in the lives of the residents of the city,” Wiener said of the mayor.

“It was really extraordinary that he stayed there for the full hour-and-a-half,” said the rabbi, who is part of the Chabad movement but doesn’t hold an official or leadership role. “He was very, very compassionate. It was very impressive the way that he interacted with them.”

Mamdani even “stayed the extra time” at the end of the event to “talk to them and comfort them and encourage them,” Wiener said, of the shooting victims’ family members.

Wiener used the community gathering to urge the mayor and lawmakers to invest in violence prevention, trauma recovery and vocational training.

“Law enforcement is indispensable,” he said in his public remarks at the gathering. “Violence interruption is indispensable. Families are indispensable. Schools are indispensable. Faith communities are indispensable. Each has a unique responsibility that no one else can fulfill.”

Wiener asked the city to revive plans for a long-delayed vocational training center in Coney Island. Stable employment is one of the strongest long-term prevention tools, he said.

“City-owned property at Surf Avenue and West 28th Street was designated” for the site more than 25 years ago, he said at the gathering. “Then circumstances changed.”

The rabbi cited frozen land-use approvals and canceled funding and called for funding to be renewed. “That dream should not remain unfinished,” he said at the event.

He also called for permanent funding for H.O.O.D’s trauma recovery center, which relies on annual New York City Council appropriations.

“May the tragic shootings that have brought us together today become more than moments of grief,” he told attendees.

Wiener told JNS that he entered social services work 45 years ago, after seeking a rabbinic position in education.

What began with one contract in an office that “was a large closet in the local Jewish Y” has grown into a citywide organization with nearly 400 employees providing services across New York City’s five boroughs, he said. JNS

{Matzav.com}

Thousands of New Jersey families who qualify for the state’s Child Tax Credit will soon have a faster and simpler way to apply, thanks to a new online platform unveiled by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

The new website, called SimpleFile, is designed to help lower-income households quickly apply for New Jersey’s refundable Child Tax Credit, making the process easier for residents who may not normally file tax returns.

“Navigating tax season can be overwhelming for many families. SimpleFile provides a clear, convenient way to apply for the Child Tax Credit, particularly for low-income residents not required to file taxes,” said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Our goal is for every eligible family to apply for and receive this vital benefit.”

State officials also announced that the maximum Child Tax Credit will increase from $1,000 this year to as much as $1,250 next year. Approximately 200,000 families have already claimed the credit, and those who have not yet filed this year may still be eligible to receive the benefit.

Under the program, eligible New Jersey residents can claim a refundable Child Tax Credit on their NJ-1040 tax return for each qualifying child who is 5 years old or younger. The credit can reduce the amount of tax owed and may also increase a taxpayer’s refund.

To qualify for the credit, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey resident for all or part of the tax year.
• Have a valid Social Security number or Tax Identification Number.
• Be eligible to claim the child as a dependent.
• Have a qualifying child who is age 5 or younger by the end of the tax year.
• Have taxable income of $80,000 or less.
• File as single, married or civil union filing jointly, head of household, qualifying widow(er), or surviving civil union partner.

Eligible residents can submit an application through the new SimpleFile website at NJ.gov.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has long accused Israel of “genocide,” compared the Jewish state with Sudan and Russia in a statement.

“One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction,” the Jewish senator said. “Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades.”

In a statement ostensibly about “civil war and genocide in Sudan,” Sanders noted Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine “without provocation” and what he said is “genocide” in Gaza.

“In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages,” he said. “In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas. They waged war against the entire population of Gaza.”

He accused the Jewish state of destroying “virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza.”

Hamas is known to embed deliberately among the civilian population and to use it as human shields.

Five paragraphs into the statement about genocide in Sudan, Sanders finally mentioned Sudan, before pivoting to U.S. President Donald Trump. JNS

{Matzav.com}

The German parliament on Friday advanced a landmark bill criminalizing the denial of Israel’s right to exist and making it punishable by up to five years in prison.

The historic legislation, which was backed by Germany’s upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, and now heads to the lower house, the Bundestag, for approval, comes amid an 83% increase in antisemitism in Germany since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

The initiative, which was introduced by the German western state of Hesse, would impose penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine for statements made publicly that deny Israel’s existence or urge its destruction if they encourage “a willingness to commit acts of antisemitic violence or arbitrary acts.”

The bill is opposed by civil rights groups and free-speech advocates who say it endangers freedom of expression guaranteed by Germany’s Constitution, and supported by the German Justice Minister, the State of Israel and German Jewish community leaders as a necessary legal tool to fight the burst of antisemitism in the country.

Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor welcomed the parliamentary decision on Friday.

“The signal is clear: Those who deny Israel’s right to exist and spread antisemitic incitement will not get away with it unpunished,” he wrote on X. “I fervently hope that the German Bundestag will take up the decision and promptly enact the necessary amendment to the Criminal Code.”

The proposed legislation is expected to be examined by the lower house of parliament after the summer recess. JNS

{Matzav.com}

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Sen. Lindsey Graham’s final overseas trip took him to a highly classified Ukrainian drone production facility, where he praised the country’s military innovation just one day before his sudden death at the age of 71.

The South Carolina Republican died last night following what his office described as a brief illness. His final public appearances included meetings with top Ukrainian officials, discussions on sanctions against Russia, and a rare visit inside a secret factory producing some of Ukraine’s most effective combat drones.

According to Ukraine Pravda, Graham toured a manufacturing facility operated by Ukrainian defense company SkyFall during his visit to the country. The trip came only hours before news emerged that he had fallen ill.

While in Ukraine, Graham also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), who was traveling with the senator, also met with the Ukrainian leader.

Just a day before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an understanding with the White House regarding legislation imposing additional sanctions on Russia, saying the Trump administration was prepared to back the measure.

During his visit to the SkyFall facility, Graham observed the production of Ukraine’s Vampire bomber drones, commonly referred to as “Baba Yaga,” which have become a key weapon in the country’s war effort.

The senator said the United States has much to gain from Ukraine’s rapid progress in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

“I believe that it would be a huge mistake for America not to cooperate with Ukraine in the field of drones. They are ready to help us, because we were ready to support Ukraine in the most difficult times,” Graham was quoted as saying.

The Vampire drones, designed to transport explosive payloads deep behind enemy positions, have become an important part of Ukraine’s battlefield strategy.

Following Graham’s passing, President Zelensky issued a heartfelt tribute honoring the longtime senator’s support for Ukraine.

“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky said in his statement, noting that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times during the war.

“We were in constant dialogue, which I will miss,” the Ukrainian President said, adding that “in recent weeks [Graham] worked on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including strengthening sanctions against Russia.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also mourned Graham’s death, describing him as a “true friend” and “one of the strongest voices” supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Sybiha said Graham consistently advocated for tougher sanctions on Moscow while helping ensure Ukraine received the assistance it needed to defend itself.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte likewise honored Graham’s legacy, saying the senator “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Graham’s office announced that he died “from a brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement read.

Authorities responded Saturday to a report of a “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s Washington, D.C., residence. Images from the scene showed emergency crews transporting a person on a stretcher from the home to a waiting ambulance.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reflected on Graham’s decades of public service, saying his “long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world,” adding that “he was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”

Thune added that Graham “believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

{Matzav.com}

Coca-Cola is widening its lead over longtime rival PepsiCo, with investors rewarding the beverage giant’s streamlined business model while Pepsi continues to struggle under the weight of its snack division. Coca-Cola’s stock is hovering near record highs, while Pepsi shares have fallen sharply from their peak as concerns mount over slowing sales and shrinking profit margins.

Shares of Coca-Cola are trading close to the highest levels in the company’s more than century-long history as a publicly traded company. By contrast, PepsiCo’s stock has dropped nearly 30% since reaching just under $200 per share in 2023.

PepsiCo reported second-quarter earnings on Thursday that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, but the stronger-than-expected results did little to ease investor concerns after the company’s core North American beverage business posted declining sales.

Overall, PepsiCo generated net revenue of $24.2 billion during the quarter, a 6.4% increase from a year earlier. Of that total, $7.2 billion came from its North American beverage operations.

For decades, Coca-Cola and Pepsi battled for dominance through high-profile marketing campaigns, including the famous “Pepsi Challenge” and Coca-Cola’s infamous “New Coke” rollout. While many believed Coca-Cola had already won that battle years ago, investors now appear to be reinforcing that conclusion through the companies’ market valuations and financial performance.

One of the clearest differences between the two companies is profitability. Coca-Cola posted a first-quarter operating margin of 35%, an improvement from roughly 33% during the same period last year. PepsiCo’s operating margin for the first half of the year stood at approximately 16.5%—less than half of Coca-Cola’s.

“It’s becoming more obvious to the investor base that Coke has a superior business model,” Nik Modi, co-head of global consumer research at RBC Capital Markets, told Barron’s.

Much of PepsiCo’s difficulty can be traced to its large snack-food business and the way the company manages its bottling operations.

Snack products such as Lay’s potato chips, Doritos, and Cheetos accounted for 58% of PepsiCo’s revenue in 2025.

However, steep price hikes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed heavily on demand, as many shoppers have increasingly turned to lower-priced store brands in an effort to reduce grocery bills.

During the second quarter, North American snack revenue declined 2% compared to the same period last year, while overall unit sales remained essentially unchanged.

PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said higher gasoline prices have also contributed to weaker snack sales because consumers are making fewer impulse purchases at convenience stores.

“I think the consumer is worse than what we had anticipated and driven mainly by gas prices,” the exec said Thursday during a conference call with investors.

Citi analyst Filippo Falorni said the company faced “continued weakness in North America” in a note to clients on Friday. He cautioned that sluggish sales are likely to continue as inflationary pressures tied to the Iran war continue affecting the U.S. economy.

“This dynamic also creates carryover risk to numbers in 2027,” he added, “with still elevated cost inflation pressuring margins.”

Unlike PepsiCo, Coca-Cola has concentrated almost entirely on beverages, fueling growth through products such as Fairlife ultra-filtered milk and smaller, premium-priced soda cans that generate higher margins.

The company also maintains a leaner cost structure by franchising the vast majority of its bottling operations. PepsiCo, meanwhile, still owns roughly 80% of its bottling network, resulting in significantly higher operating costs that weigh on profitability.

PepsiCo’s recent struggles have also attracted pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

After revealing a $4 billion investment in PepsiCo last September, Elliott urged the company to simplify its business, reduce prices, and explore refranchising its North American bottling operations to more closely resemble Coca-Cola’s model.

Pepsi later reached an agreement with Elliott that calls for a broad restructuring effort. The plan includes eliminating 20% of its U.S. product lineup by early 2026, lowering prices on key brands, and closing several manufacturing facilities.

Although PepsiCo has stopped short of fully franchising its bottling business, it has begun experimenting with combining its snack and beverage distribution systems in an effort to improve efficiency.

According to RBC’s Modi, the company may ultimately have to reconsider its extensive ownership of manufacturing plants and distribution assets if it hopes to improve profitability.

“They may have to make some tough choices,” he said.

Investors continued favoring Coca-Cola on Friday, further expanding the gap between the two beverage giants.

As of 2 p.m. EDT, Coca-Cola shares were trading at $83.34, up 71 cents, or nearly 1%, from Thursday’s closing price of $82.63. The stock remains close to its 52-week high of $85.68.

PepsiCo shares, meanwhile, slipped 56 cents, or 0.4%, to $137.30, leaving the stock much closer to its 52-week low of $133.75 after closing Thursday at $137.86.

Coca-Cola is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings report on July 28, a report investors will watch closely to see whether the company can continue extending its lead over its longtime rival.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump led a wave of tributes Sunday following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, calling the longtime South Carolina Republican “one of the greatest people and Senators” he had ever known.

Graham, 71, died on Motzoei Shabbos following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, with lawmakers, administration officials, and longtime friends remembering his decades of public service, his unwavering commitment to America’s national security, and his steadfast support for Israel.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump expressed both personal grief and admiration for one of his closest political allies.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump wrote. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

The president’s tribute reflected a friendship that extended well beyond politics. Graham was one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate during his second administration and frequently accompanied the president on golf outings. The two also campaigned together extensively, including during Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign.

Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute, recalling both his policy disagreements and his respect for Graham’s character.

“Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one,” Vance wrote.

He recounted an early clash with Graham over Ukraine funding, only to discover the following day that Graham had quietly helped advance legislation important to him.

“That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted.”

Vance also praised Graham’s personality and political instincts.

“Lindsey had the best sense of humor in the Senate. He loved the game of politics. He was constantly asking which races were up and down, and how he could help.”

Although the two did not always agree, Vance concluded, “We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn’t help but like him. A one of a kind figure in our politics. I’ll be praying for him and his family.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Graham’s death a tremendous loss for both the country and the administration.

“America has lost a statesman,” she wrote. “President Trump and the White House have lost a friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Graham.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune remembered Graham as one of the chamber’s most influential voices on national security and foreign affairs.

“My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Thune said.

“Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

Thune noted that Graham’s influence on the federal judiciary, America’s military, and his home state “will be felt for generations.”

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott called Graham “a true statesman.”

“America’s lost a true statesman. We don’t have many left, but he was a true statesman,” Scott said during an appearance on CNN. “But I’ve lost a friend.”

Scott also recalled that Graham warmly welcomed him when he entered the Senate in 2013.

“He was one of the first folks in the Senate to welcome me in with open arms.”

Republican senators from across the country also honored Graham’s legacy.

Sen. Ted Cruz described him as “a fearless patriot, a devoted public servant, and one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security.”

“He loved this country deeply, and he dedicated his life to defending it,” Cruz said. “For years, I had the privilege of serving alongside Lindsey in the Senate. We fought shoulder to shoulder for conservative judges, stood together with our allies, and never wavered in confronting America’s adversaries.”

Sen. John Barrasso called Graham “my dear friend” and said he “represented South Carolina and America with pride and determination.”

“All of us in the Senate will miss his quick wit and infectious laughter. The Senate will never again see anyone quite like Senator Lindsey Graham.”

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who entered the Senate alongside Graham more than two decades ago, wrote that “it is hard to convey the loss that I feel knowing that we will no longer have his leadership in the Senate.”

Rep. Michael McCaul called Graham “a giant” in American politics and urged Congress to pass new sanctions on Russia in his memory.

“This is a loss not only for his family and friends like me, but for the entire nation,” McCaul said. “We shared a similar world view that America is strongest at home when we are strong abroad.”

He added that he would introduce House legislation mirroring Graham’s sanctions proposal and said, “Congress should pass it in his honor.”

Even political opponents praised Graham’s commitment to public service.

South Carolina Democrat James Clyburn said that although their relationship was “sometimes partisan and passionate,” it was “always pleasant and productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.”

“For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto State together in Congress,” Clyburn said. “Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant.”

Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews likewise urged South Carolinians “to set partisanship aside and offer gratitude to Senator Lindsey Graham for his service to the great state of South Carolina.”

{Matzav.com}

The Ozherover Rebbe was rushed to the hospital on Sunday morning after suffering a heart attack while at his beis medrash in Bnei Brak.

The Rebbe reportedly began feeling severely unwell while in his beis medrash on Rechov Chazon Ish.

Hatzalah volunteers and Magen David Adom emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they provided him with initial medical treatment.

After undergoing a preliminary evaluation, doctors determined that the Rebbe had suffered a heart attack. He was transported by Magen David Adom ambulance to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where he was taken for an emergency cardiac catheterization procedure.

All are asked to daven for Rav Tanchum Binyamin ben Miriam.

{Matzav.com}

Police arrested several suspects, including minors, during a major anti-crime operation in Beitar Illit targeting juvenile delinquency over the summer vacation. The suspects are under investigation for a range of alleged offenses, including illegal possession of a knife, making threats against a public official, property damage, diesel fuel theft, and drug trafficking.

The operation, dubbed “Breaking the Waves,” was carried out by detectives from the Etzion Police Station in the Judea and Samaria District. As part of the initiative, officers increased patrols and inspections throughout the city in an effort to identify and apprehend young suspects allegedly involved in criminal activity.

During the operation, detectives stopped a 16-year-old Beitar Illit resident who was allegedly carrying a knife in violation of the law. After being taken to the police station for questioning, the teenager allegedly damaged chairs in the station’s waiting area by scratching anti-police graffiti into them with his fingernails while a police officer was present. He was subsequently arrested on additional suspicion of causing damage to public property.

In a separate case, police arrested two suspects, including a minor, following an investigation launched earlier this week into alleged threatening harassment directed at a public official. The investigation also involved suspected property damage after a garbage dumpster near the official’s home was set on fire. Police said the suspects were located with the assistance of station intelligence personnel.

Authorities also reported progress in an ongoing investigation into the theft of diesel fuel from buses and suspected drug trafficking. During an earlier phase of the investigation, detectives seized jerry cans, hoses allegedly used to siphon diesel fuel, and discovered a concealed location containing a large quantity of illegal drugs.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, police identified one of the suspects and arrested the minor during Thursday night’s operation. A search of his home allegedly uncovered a quantity of hard drugs that police said was inconsistent with personal use.

Police said all of the investigations remain ongoing at the Etzion Police Station and indicated that additional arrests are expected as the investigations progress.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday announced a sweeping new consumer protection initiative aimed at eliminating subscription traps and hidden fees, introducing what he called the nation’s first municipal “Click to Cancel” rule.

The new regulation will require businesses to make canceling a subscription just as simple as signing up for one. Under the policy, companies will no longer be permitted to bury consumers in lengthy cancellation processes after allowing them to enroll with only a single click.

Mamdani unveiled the proposal alongside New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine and other city officials.

“I think many of us have come to feel this is inevitable,” Levine said. “The feeling like we’re navigating a minefield when we’re shopping is simply the price of modern convenience.”

The regulations are scheduled to take effect in October and are intended to protect consumers from recurring subscription charges—such as those associated with gyms and hotels—as well as so-called junk fees that are not disclosed until the final stages of a purchase.

City officials estimate that the Click-to-Cancel rule alone could save New Yorkers as much as $162.5 million annually.

“For years, companies have built their business model around making it harder for working people to hold onto their money,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Whether it’s hidden fees that suddenly appear at checkout or subscriptions that take one click to sign up for and a dozen steps to cancel, the result is the same: working people pay more while corporations profit. That ends now. If you can sign up with one click, you can cancel with one click.”

Many city residents welcomed the proposal, saying subscription services have become an expensive burden that is often difficult to escape.

“Like we have so many subscriptions that we barely even use or like family plans,” said Financial District resident Paige Southworth.

“I would say Netflix, or honestly all of the above. They definitely never give you a chance, I guess, to catch a break,” said Lower East Side resident Ike Sanchez.

The city initiative mirrors a similar nationwide rule introduced by Lina Khan while serving as chair of the Federal Trade Commission during the Biden administration. That federal regulation was later blocked by the courts during the Trump administration.

Khan now serves as an adviser to Mamdani and has played a leading role in bringing a comparable policy to New York City.

“The Mamdani administration’s work to tackle the affordability crisis and promote economic fairness continues to set a new standard nationwide, modeling effective governance and a relentless focus on using all of the city’s levers to improve life for New Yorkers,” she said.

Businesses found violating the rule could face consumer restitution orders as well as civil penalties beginning at $525 for each violation.

Questions remain, however, about how aggressively the city will enforce the new regulations and what the overall cost of implementing and policing the program will be.

{Matzav.com}

Mr. Sol Werdiger, CEO of Outerstuff and Chairman of Agudath Israel of America, speaks to Lara Trump on Fox News in honor of the USA’s 250th anniversary.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed profound sorrow over the sudden death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, hailing him as one of Israel’s strongest allies and describing his passing as a tremendous loss for both Israel and the United States.

In a statement, Netanyahu said he and his wife, Sara, were mourning alongside the American people.

“Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Netanyahu said.

Recalling their most recent meeting, Netanyahu reflected on the close bond they shared and the senator’s unwavering commitment to Israel.

“In our recent meeting, I said, ‘Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.'”

The prime minister praised Graham for recognizing the close strategic partnership between the two nations and for dedicating his public life to strengthening that alliance.

“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”

Netanyahu concluded by emphasizing the magnitude of the loss on both a national and personal level.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

Offering condolences to Graham’s loved ones and to the American people, Netanyahu added, “Our hearts are with Lindsey’s family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing. “

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid tribute Sunday to the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, remembering him as one of Israel’s most loyal allies and a lifelong friend whose unwavering support for the Jewish state never faltered.

In a video message delivered from the President’s Residence in Yerushalayim, Herzog expressed deep sorrow over Graham’s sudden passing.

“I was deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of a great American patriot, a true friend of Israel, and a dear friend of mine, US Senator Lindsey Graham,” Herzog said.

Herzog praised the longtime South Carolina senator as “a beacon of moral clarity” who brought “an exceptional sense of justice, truth, and loyalty to his decades of public service.”

Reflecting on Graham’s role in international affairs, Herzog said the senator stood out as “a maverick in world affairs, and one of Israel’s greatest friends and allies in the United States of America, who maintained his steadfast and unwavering support for the people of Israel, especially at our most difficult and painful moments.”

The president said Graham possessed a deep appreciation for the unique relationship between the United States and Israel, noting that he understood “the profound importance of the US-Israel partnership” and “tirelessly advocated for our shared values and shared interests.”

Herzog also spoke of his personal relationship with Graham, emphasizing the senator’s lasting impact on both Israel and those who knew him.

“The people of Israel will always remember, and always cherish, his exceptional friendship,” Herzog continued. “On a personal note, Lindsey was a dear friend, whom I met with many times, and I will miss him dearly.”

Concluding his remarks, Herzog extended condolences on behalf of the State of Israel to Graham’s loved ones.

“On behalf of the State of Israel, I send my deepest condolences to Senator Graham’s family and friends at this devastating moment. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.”

{Matzav.com}

A Beis Din in Beit Shemesh has issued a unique compromise ruling to resolve a prolonged dispute between residents of an eight-story apartment building over the operation of a Shabbos elevator, balancing the needs of elderly and upper-floor residents with concerns about preserving the building’s Shabbos atmosphere.

The ruling follows lengthy deliberations over a dispute that erupted in a residential building in the city’s Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled neighborhood, highlighting an issue that has become increasingly common as high-rise construction expands within the chareidi community.

According to sources, the building was originally equipped by the developer with a Shabbos elevator control system, which was included as part of the apartments’ specifications when the units were sold. However, after residents moved in, disagreements emerged over whether the system should actually be operated on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Residents supporting the elevator’s operation argued that the feature was purchased as part of their homes and that they were entitled to use it. They noted that an elderly resident living on the seventh floor, as well as a family residing on the top floor, face significant hardship without a functioning Shabbos elevator, at times making it difficult even to attend tefillos on Shabbos.

Opponents countered that operating a Shabbos elevator would undermine the atmosphere and sanctity of Shabbos within the building. They also argued that it could negatively affect the chinuch of children and alter the building’s unique character, which is home primarily to bnei Torah families.

Both sides ultimately agreed to submit the matter to a Beis Din composed of Rav Naftali Tzvi Hirsch Rotenberg, one of Beit Shemesh’s rabbanim, together with Rav Yitzchak Lezenovsky, a dayan at the Nesivos Chaim Beis Din in Yerushalayim and the Ashkenazi Beis Din in Beitar Illit.

During the proceedings, the dayanim heard extensive arguments from both sides. In their written ruling, they discussed at length the sanctity of Shabbos, the unique religious character of Beit Shemesh, and the sensitivity within the chareidi community regarding the operation of electrical systems on Shabbos. At the same time, they also took into account the residents’ property rights and the fact that the Shabbos elevator system had been installed by the developer as part of the original building plans.

Rather than adopting either side’s position in full, the Beis Din fashioned a detailed compromise. Under the ruling, the Shabbos elevator will operate only during designated hours, its operation will be limited in scope, and additional measures will be implemented to minimize any perceived impact on the building’s Shabbos atmosphere while still accommodating residents who require its use.

{Matzav.com}