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Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that they intend to pursue the death penalty against an Afghan national charged with carrying out a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., that left a National Guard soldier dead and another service member critically wounded.

The defendant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, appeared in federal court for a hearing where prosecutors unveiled a sweeping new indictment containing additional charges that could make him eligible for capital punishment if convicted.

According to authorities, Lakanwal is accused of murdering West Virginia National Guard Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously wounding U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during an attack on Nov. 26, 2025.

During Tuesday’s court appearance, Lakanwal was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair and dressed in an orange jail uniform. Observers reported that he frequently blinked, spoke to himself, and at times displayed a wide-eyed, vacant stare.

The updated indictment contains 17 charges, including first-degree premeditated murder of a National Guard member while armed, attempted murder of three additional individuals, assault with intent to kill, transporting a firearm across state lines in furtherance of a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal used a stolen Smith & Wesson revolver to ambush Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, near the Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. Both victims were reportedly shot in the head during the attack.

Lakanwal, a former member of Afghanistan’s special forces who later entered the United States as a refugee, could face execution if he is convicted on the most serious charges.

Authorities say the attack came to an end when two nearby National Guardsmen intervened, shooting and stabbing the suspect before taking him into custody.

Investigators further allege that Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to the nation’s capital with a stolen .357 Magnum revolver specifically to carry out the assault.

The original indictment included murder, assault, and firearms offenses, but those charges alone did not expose him to the possibility of the death penalty.

At the time, prosecutors indicated they planned to seek additional counts that could support a capital punishment case.

Beckstrom had reportedly volunteered to work that day so fellow Guard members with children could spend the holiday with their families.

She succumbed to her injuries the following day, Thanksgiving Day.

Lakanwal has entered a plea of not guilty and remains in federal custody as the case moves forward.

{Matzav.com}

The developing agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to provide Tehran with a major economic boost by allowing the regime to resume oil exports, potentially injecting billions of dollars into the country’s struggling economy.

According to a source familiar with the arrangement, Washington will grant sanctions exemptions enabling Iran to restart oil sales during a 60-day negotiating window that is scheduled to begin following Friday’s signing ceremony for the still-unreleased memorandum of understanding.

The easing of restrictions is expected to be accompanied by a U.S. commitment to end its blockade of Iranian ports, a move that could rapidly restore revenue streams to the Islamic Republic after years of economic pressure.

In addition to permitting oil exports, the agreement reportedly includes provisions allowing access to the support systems necessary to carry out those transactions.

The agreement will also cover “necessary services including banking, transportation and insurance needed to facilitate the sales,” the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

When asked about the reported terms, a senior U.S. official emphasized that any benefits available to Iran would depend entirely on the regime meeting its obligations under the agreement.

Asked for comment on the report, a senior US official said every incentive in the MOU is “performance-based.”

“This is a performance-based agreement,” the senior official said. “Iran can only access any benefits of the MOU if they abide by all of the points they agreed to – including no nuclear weapon, neutralizing its enriched material, and not interfering with the free flow of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The official stressed that Iran’s access to sanctions relief and other incentives would be tied directly to compliance with the commitments outlined in the memorandum, including restrictions on its nuclear program and guarantees regarding maritime security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the war between Russia and Ukraine does not directly affect the United States, aside from American weapons sales, while stressing that he still wants to see an end to the conflict because of the enormous human cost.

Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, Trump suggested that although his administration is concerned about the loss of life caused by the war, he does not view the conflict as a central American interest. His remarks reflected his long-held position that European nations should take greater responsibility for a war taking place in their region.

“We have nothing to do with it,” Trump told reporters while discussing the ongoing fighting.

“We sell weapons to them. We don’t even give them. The European Union pays us full price for weapons,” the president said.

Trump also drew a distinction between his policy and that of President Barack Obama, criticizing the extensive financial assistance that had been directed toward Ukraine during earlier stages of the war.

“Obama gave them $350 billion worth of [aid], which was crazy,” Trump said.

The president reiterated that the conflict is taking place far from American shores and argued that its direct effect on the United States is minimal.

“It has no impact on us other than we sell weapons. We’re thousands of miles away,” he said.

Even so, Trump emphasized that he remains committed to pursuing an end to the war.

According to Trump, approximately 25,000 people are being killed each month in the conflict, a level of bloodshed he described as deeply disturbing.

“I don’t like to see 25,000 young people die every month,” Trump said. “Young people — they’re just starting their life. They go to this front, and they get blown up.”

Trump disclosed that he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday and met Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He added that another conversation regarding the conflict was scheduled later in the day.

The president said he had initially expected the Russia-Ukraine war to be among the simplest international disputes to resolve.

“I settled eight wars,” Trump said. “This was the one I thought was going to be the easiest to settle. There’s a lot of dislike between the two leaders.”

His remarks underscored continuing disagreements between Washington and several European governments, many of which have advocated for a more active American role in helping broker a settlement.

Leaders attending the G7 gathering have continued to push Ukraine as a top priority, despite growing international attention on the administration’s developing diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Trump indicated that negotiations involving Iran have occupied much of his attention in recent weeks.

“We were focused on Iran,” he said. “That’s going to be in the rear-view mirror.”

While stopping short of announcing any expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Trump said he intends to keep encouraging negotiations, arguing that the scale of casualties demands a resolution.

“I’m going to do whatever I can,” he said. “The whole thing is ridiculous.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal authorities disrupted an alleged terrorist plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House, arresting five suspects and preventing what officials described as a potentially catastrophic attack, sources told The Post on Tuesday.

Investigators say the scheme involved several coordinated phases. According to officials, the attackers allegedly planned to launch drones carrying explosives at structures near the event, triggering panic among spectators and causing crowds to flee into areas where armed snipers were positioned to open fire.

Authorities said a further stage of the operation allegedly called for an assault on the White House perimeter after the initial attacks created confusion and chaos.

The alleged conspiracy was “stopped cold” on June 10 when federal agents carried out a search warrant in Cincinnati, leading to the first arrest in the case, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement.

Officials said some members of the group later traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or 13 as part of preparations connected to the planned attack.

A review of one suspect’s iPhone uncovered evidence that at least 23 individuals communicating through the encrypted messaging platform Signal had participated in discussions concerning details of the alleged operation.

According to investigators, one suspect claimed the intended targets included “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who received money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel later wrote on X praising the coordinated law enforcement effort.

The UFC event, one of the highest-profile sporting spectacles held in Washington this year, coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday celebration and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including roughly 1,200 active-duty military personnel.

Beyond the event itself, officials estimated that between 80,000 and 85,000 spectators gathered at a ticketed viewing party on the Ellipse, located just south of the White House. Thousands of additional fans assembled on the National Mall in hopes of watching the seven-bout fight card on large outdoor screens.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Iran could eventually gain access to as much as $300 billion in reconstruction-related investment from Gulf nations that were attacked by Tehran during the recent war, provided the regime fulfills its commitments under a newly signed memorandum of understanding with the United States.

“That’s the sort of thing they could have access to, funded by the Gulf Coast Coalition, so long as they honor their end of the obligation,” Vance told CBS News on Monday, when asked whether the US-Iran memorandum of understanding electronically signed Sunday allowed for a “$300 billion reconstruction fund.”

Vance emphasized that any financial assistance aimed at rebuilding Iran would be contingent on Tehran meeting strict conditions. Nevertheless, skeptics remain unconvinced, noting that the agreement itself has not been made public and Iranian officials have not publicly acknowledged any requirements tied to the proposed funding.

“We absolutely are open to the Gulf Coast countries investing in the reconstruction of Iran, but only if Iran ends their nuclear program, ends their enriched stockpile of material, and is really open to an inspections and enforcement regime that gives the American people confidence they’re never going to have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.

Appearing separately with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Vance reiterated that the money would remain off limits unless Tehran dramatically alters its conduct. He stressed that the “Iranians don’t get a dime unless they behave and change their behavior” and will “never get a dime of American taxpayer money. Ever. Full stop. Not even close.”

Among those voicing concern is Sen. Lindsey Graham, who questioned the wisdom of such a massive economic package. Writing on X last week, the South Carolina Republican argued that the “idea of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, given who is in charge of Iran, seems to be tone deaf. It would be akin to a Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge.”

Graham said Monday that he is waiting for the administration to publish the full agreement so lawmakers can evaluate it directly rather than relying on what he called “Iranian propaganda reports.”

At the same time, Graham indicated that if the administration’s description of the deal proves accurate, it could dramatically reshape the Middle East. He said that “the proposal as envisioned by the Vice President and the Trump Administration to end the Iranian conflict would be transformative for the region and a major achievement, leading to broader peace.”

The diplomatic effort follows months of hostilities that began after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded by targeting several Gulf nations hosting American military assets, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Although the agreement remains under wraps, officials say its immediate objective is to restore maritime commerce and regional stability by reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the American naval blockade. More complex negotiations involving Iran’s nuclear program are expected to follow.

The reconstruction proposal is only one element of the broader US-Iran understanding that was finalized electronically behind closed doors on Sunday.

According to a senior American official, Iran could also secure sanctions relief, regain access to frozen assets, and reconnect with the global economy if it demonstrates behavior consistent with what Washington considers that of a responsible nation.

“The more they behave like a normal country, the more that they show they’re willing to be a good partner, then we’re going to be willing to be extraordinarily generous in opening up their economy and opening up the sanctions relief that the deal contemplates,” the person said.

Officials said the agreement envisions a phased easing of sanctions, a gradual end to economic restrictions that currently cost Iran an estimated $14 billion each month, and access to frozen funds held abroad.

In return, the United States expects Tehran to satisfy undisclosed denuclearization benchmarks and potentially discontinue support for terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Should the arrangement move forward, Washington would also be relinquishing one of its most powerful tools against Tehran: extensive economic pressure.

“The blockade was incredibly effective towards causing financial stranglehold on them. Economic Fury was also incredibly effective on them, and we saw that all over,” the second official said, referring to the Treasury’s efforts to pressure Iran. “I think that led us to this dialog.”

Administration officials stressed that economic incentives would be released incrementally and only after Iran meets a series of benchmarks that remain confidential.

Because neither Washington nor Tehran has published the actual text of the agreement, speculation has exploded across political and media circles. Iranian outlets have highlighted what they portray as major gains for the Islamic Republic while largely ignoring potential concessions.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” the second official said. “… What you’re seeing now is that the hardliners on both sides — in the Iranian system that are protesting [the deal] and we have certain people in the American system who say there’s no deal you could ever do with Iran ever — are obviously making a lot of noise.

“But all the details of the agreement have not been put out yet,” the person added, noting that “technical discussions” with Iran will begin later this week.

Vance said the delay in publication is due to “diplomatic protocols” and repeated President Trump’s statement that the agreement is expected to be released by Friday.

Administration officials said the proposed reconstruction initiative would not involve direct cash transfers. Instead, Gulf nations would provide investment capital through infrastructure and development projects coordinated with US support.

However, Iran would not automatically receive those investments. Officials said Tehran must first become a viable destination for foreign capital by demonstrating long-term stability and compliance.

“That only happens if they make themselves investable, when they make themselves a country where you can really see that there’s not going to be snapback [sanctions for] pursuing a nuclear weapon or playing these games in the shadows,” a second official explained.

The official added that Iran would first have to make several undisclosed concessions before becoming eligible for the investment opportunities.

While Iranian state media has portrayed the proposal as reconstruction assistance, US officials insist the money would flow through investment ventures rather than direct aid.

“The hardliners in the Iranian system will overemphasize the benefits that Iran gets, while underemphasizing all the things that they have to concede, and all the things they have to provide, in order to get these benefits,” Vance said.

After more than three months of conflict and over two months of economic restrictions on its ports, Iran faces severe financial strain and is seeking quicker sources of relief, regional officials told The Post.

One potential avenue involves frozen assets held overseas. Unlike sanctions relief, which could take weeks or months to implement, releasing frozen funds could provide Tehran with immediate financial assistance.

US officials said those assets could potentially be unlocked as soon as Iran fulfills certain undisclosed requirements.

“We really do want to get to a place where we can unsanction a lot of the Iranian economy, where we can unfreeze these assets, but it requires Iran to do some of the things that they’re promising to do,” the first official said.

It remains unclear whether those benchmarks have already been defined, whether they will be finalized before Friday’s signing ceremony, or whether they will emerge from technical negotiations scheduled for later this week.

The memorandum also includes a US commitment to gradually end the maritime blockade that administration officials say has been costing Iran approximately $500 million per day.

In exchange, Tehran would permit unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing transit tolls.

Even after restrictions are lifted, officials cautioned that shipping traffic will take time to normalize.

“It takes a little bit of time because you have lines in the straits, you have ships that have different risk tolerances — some crews are ready to go down [now] … some crews want to see a little bit more stability for the next couple of days, maybe the next couple of weeks,” the official said.

“… That will ramp up slowly over time.”

Sanctions relief is also expected to be tied broadly to Iranian conduct rather than any single action, officials said.

“Sanctions relief is not tied specifically to any particular conduct, it’s tied generally to them behaving more appropriately,” the first official said. “Obviously the thing that we care the most about is the nuclear program, and making progress on … ensuring they don’t rebuild [nuclear facilities].”

Although officials declined to detail the exact conditions, they indicated that any easing of sanctions would be linked primarily to dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions and curbing support for terrorist groups.

Iran is also reportedly exploring additional revenue sources beyond the initial 60-day negotiation period.

According to a regional source, Tehran is working with Oman to establish mandatory charges for “birthing, insurance and other ancillary services” connected to maritime traffic after the negotiation window concludes.

The idea follows Iran’s earlier proposal to impose tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, a plan rejected by the Trump administration and widely viewed as inconsistent with international law.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagahei described the new fees as compensation for Iran and Oman’s role in “maintaining the environment,” though critics argue the plan is effectively an attempt to collect payments from vessels without formally calling them tolls.

While the United States has firmly opposed direct tolls, officials have not yet clarified whether the memorandum allows Iran and Oman to impose such service-related fees once the 60-day period expires.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Vice President JD Vance said Monday that President Donald Trump is fully prepared to take military action against Iran again if the regime fails to comply with the terms of its agreement with the United States, signaling that Washington is keeping all options on the table.

Speaking during an interview with Sean Hannity, Vance said America’s allies in the Gulf remain cautious about Iran’s intentions despite hopes that the agreement could pave the way for greater regional stability. He noted that many countries in the region remain skeptical of Tehran’s long-term commitments.

“They don’t believe anything either,” Vance said of U.S. allies in the Gulf. “They’re not certain. They’re not going to predict what the Iranians are going to do five years from now, but they see real opportunity.”

Vance added that the administration intends to test whether Iran is serious about following through on its promises. “So, we’re going to walk down this pathway. We’re going to see how serious the Iranians are.”

Asked about the consequences if Iran violates the agreement, Vance stressed that Tehran would forfeit any economic or diplomatic benefits offered under the deal.

“If they don’t do what they promise they’re going to do, they don’t get any benefits of the bargain, and as the president would say, we have all the cards,” Vance said.

He argued that Iran’s struggling economy remains heavily dependent on relief measures tied to the agreement and warned that those advantages could quickly disappear.

“Their economy will still be in very tough shape if they don’t get the relief that they need to get in order to make progress.”

Emphasizing Washington’s leverage, Vance continued, “We have the cards, and if they don’t honor the commitment, we’ll figure out what to do when we get there.”

The vice president indicated that one possible response could be a return to military operations against Iranian targets.

“I’ve known President Trump for a long time. I would say that means go back and resume bombing. It could. It could be, and he would. I don’t think he would hesitate,” Vance said. “It could mean the blockade goes back on, Sean.”

Vance also sought to clarify the administration’s broader objective, saying the White House is not pursuing regime change but rather a fundamental shift in Iran’s conduct.

“He wants Iran to be a normal country,” Vance said. “They’ve got to act like it.”

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism from some of President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters after agreeing to appear on Megyn Kelly’s program, sparking a backlash among segments of the MAGA movement.

News of Vance’s scheduled appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show” prompted a wave of reactions on social media Monday, with several Trump allies questioning why the vice president would sit down with Kelly following her recent disputes with the president over the Iran conflict.

The controversy intensified after Kelly announced that Vance would join her Tuesday to discuss his new book, “Communion.” Conservative activist Laura Loomer quickly responded on X, expressing disbelief over the decision and criticizing the choice to appear on the show.

“Why would our Vice President go on Megyn Kelly’s show? Megyn Kelly is constantly bashing President Trump and she recently said MAGA is dead and that Trump is ‘losing his mind,’” Loomer wrote on Monday. “I find this to be insane. Megyn Kelly has been condemned by Trump and she accused him of being ‘owned’ by Israel… in addition to defending Candace Owens’s vicious attacks on [Erika Kirk].”

Loomer continued her criticism by pointing to several controversies she associates with Kelly’s commentary.

“Megyn Kelly has entertained the lie that the Trump administration killed Charlie Kirk and she has insinuated Trump is covering up for Jeffrey Epstein. Not a good look.”

Despite her frustration, Loomer suggested there was still a possibility Vance could use the appearance to confront Kelly directly. She argued that the host is “truly out to destroy President Trump” and described the interview as “terrible optics,” adding that she could not “believe this [was] real.”

She concluded with a warning directed at the vice president’s advisers. “Wow. Whoever told our VP this was a good idea is leading him astray,” she concluded. “I say this in the most respectful and sincere way. Who thought this was a good idea?”

Loomer was not alone in voicing concern. Conservative commentator and activist Chris Loesch also criticized the planned appearance, suggesting it sent the wrong message at a time when Trump is facing attacks from political opponents and critics.

“He goes on the show of someone who has lambasted this administration,” he wrote, “who has befriended and defended the people dogging on Trump and this administration worse than progressives? This is signaling. The President needs people watching his back.”

Other critics went further, speculating that Vance may be positioning himself for a future presidential campaign. One commenter argued that the vice president was making a strategic mistake by engaging with a host who has repeatedly criticized the administration.

“Megyn Kelly has been ripping the Trump administration for months, and JD Vance has been silent. And now he rewards her by going on her show. If Vance is betting on the Woke Reich’s vote in 2028, he’s not going to get it, and real Republicans are not going to allow it.”

Another detractor offered an even harsher assessment, branding Vance “Brutus” and urging President Trump to publicly address the matter.

Not everyone in Trump’s orbit viewed the interview negatively, however. Some supporters defended Vance and argued that the vice president’s actions likely have the president’s approval.

“There’s always a plan though you may not know what it is, Laura. You think Trump doesn’t know what JD is doing or where and why he’s going? How many more things does Trump need to do until you realize there’s always a plan and he knows exactly what he’s doing?”

The White House did not immediately provide a response when contacted for comment regarding the controversy, according to TheWrap.

Vance’s interview is scheduled to air today at noon Eastern Time on SiriusXM Channel 111 as part of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” with the full conversation expected to be posted to Kelly’s YouTube channel later that day.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican candidate sharing the same name as Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan has been removed from the state’s Senate primary ballot after election officials concluded that his campaign appeared intended to mislead voters and undermine the integrity of the election.

In a decision issued Monday, Alaska Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher ruled that Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy could not proceed, determining that it appeared to have been filed for the purpose of creating confusion among voters. In a formal letter, Beecher wrote that the campaign seemed to be “filed with a purpose to confuse or mislead and to thereby compromise the ballot’s fairness or neutrality.”

Dan J. Sullivan, a retired educator who entered the race as a Republican despite having no previous ties to the party, retains the right to challenge the decision through the appeals process, according to Beecher’s ruling.

The move follows weeks of criticism from Republican officials, who alleged that the late-entry candidacy was orchestrated to deceive voters by placing another “Dan Sullivan” on the ballot shortly before the filing deadline. GOP leaders argued that the effort amounted to a political maneuver designed to siphon votes away from the incumbent senator.

Under Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system, both Dan S. Sullivan and Dan J. Sullivan could have advanced from the primary to the general election if they finished among the top four candidates in August.

The race has attracted national attention as Democrats seek to capture a seat they view as one of their few possible pickup opportunities in the upcoming midterm elections. Sen. Sullivan is seeking a third term and is expected to face former congresswoman Mary Peltola, a Democrat who entered the race with support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Beecher’s decision cited multiple factors that she said raised doubts about whether Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign was a legitimate effort conducted in “good-faith.”

According to the ruling, the candidate sought to appear on the ballot simply as “Dan Sullivan,” despite being registered to vote under the name “Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr.” Beecher also noted that at one point he attempted to use the same middle initial as the incumbent senator.

“‘S’ is Senator Sullivan’s middle initial, not yours,” Beecher wrote.

The elections director further pointed to the fact that Dan J. Sullivan was not registered as a Republican before launching his Senate campaign. She also said that the design and branding of his campaign website closely resembled that of the incumbent’s campaign.

Beecher additionally referenced the candidate’s ties to Amber Lee, a Democratic political consultant in Alaska who has previously worked in support of Peltola. Earlier reports noted that metadata associated with the campaign’s launch identified Lee as its author.

“This consultant’s work on your behalf is, in isolation, innocuous,” Beecher wrote. “Alongside the other facts I have catalogued in this letter, however, it suggests a determined effort and a deliberate attempt to use the similarity of your name to confuse Alaska voters in the upcoming primary election.”

Representatives for Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.

The incumbent senator has repeatedly accused his challenger of participating in a coordinated Democratic effort to manipulate the race, previously describing him as a “far-left liberal” involved in an attempt to “rig” the election.

“Is Schumer or Gillibrand and their staffs or the DSCC or the staff at the DSCC — were they aware? Were they coordinating, orchestrating?
I mean, if that’s the case, that would be a huge scandal,” Sullivan told Fox News Digital last week.

Democratic officials have denied having any role in Dan J. Sullivan’s candidacy.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee celebrated the ruling after previously urging state election officials to examine the circumstances surrounding the campaign.

“Alaskans saw right through Chuck Schumer and Mary Peltola’s tricks to confuse and deceive them with a sham candidate,” NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia said in a statement. “Nobody delivers for Alaskans like Senator Dan Sullivan, which is why Alaska Last Democrats like Mary Peltola are stooping so low.”

The controversy has also drawn strong reactions from Senate Republicans, who view Sullivan’s seat as a key battleground and have vowed to defend it aggressively.

“Even by Chuck Schumer’s low standards, this was an outrageous attempt to trick Alaska voters and rig the election,” Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Monday.

{Matzav.com}

California Governor Gavin Newsom alleged Monday that President Donald Trump is weaponizing federal law enforcement against him, after federal agents reportedly questioned individuals connected to both the governor and his wife.

While the precise nature and scope of the federal inquiries remain uncertain, Newsom’s office said investigators have recently contacted a number of people within the couple’s personal and professional circles. According to aides, part of the scrutiny appears to involve Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the governor’s wife, with former staff members and individuals linked to her nonprofit organizations among those interviewed by federal agents.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that several federal investigations involving the governor are currently active, including one examining financial matters related to Mrs. Newsom. However, the source rejected the governor’s accusation that the inquiries are politically driven, saying the investigations originated with federal law enforcement personnel in California rather than officials in Washington. The source spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Newsom, a Democrat frequently mentioned as a possible 2028 presidential contender, portrayed the investigations as an effort to uncover wrongdoing where none exists. He claimed agents have been combing through extensive records and contacting people close to the family in search of evidence tied to an unspecified offense.

“Donald Trump isn’t just coming after me because of my mean tweets,” Mr. Newsom said in the video. “He’s coming after me because I am considering running for president.” He added, “To get me, he’s coming after my wife.”

According to the governor’s office, multiple individuals associated with the Newsoms have been approached by federal authorities over the past week. Newsom’s aides also suspect that investigators may have obtained banking records through subpoenas, although they acknowledged they have not seen any formal documentation confirming that action.

Federal officials have declined to discuss the matter publicly. Representatives for both the FBI and the Justice Department refused comment, while the White House directed all inquiries to the Justice Department.

The developments come as Newsom continues to emerge as one of the Democratic Party’s most prominent national figures, setting the stage for what could become a significant political and legal confrontation in the months ahead.

{Matzav.com}

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries faced pushback during a Monday morning television interview after criticizing President Donald Trump over rising fuel costs while discussing the administration’s recent agreement with Iran.

Appearing on “Good Day New York,” Jeffries argued that the conflict with Iran had imposed a financial burden on Americans and pointed specifically to fuel prices. “It was a reckless war of choice that has obviously cost the American people significantly, particularly as it relates to skyrocketing gas prices in an environment where the cost of living was already too high,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries then shifted the conversation toward domestic concerns, stressing the need for policymakers to focus on issues at home. However, co-host Rosanna Scotto responded by noting that gas prices had also climbed sharply during the administrations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

“Gas prices were up under Obama too. And Biden, right?” Scotto said.

As Jeffries began to respond, Scotto pressed further, asking, “Didn’t we have gas prices over $5?”

Attempting to explain the spike, Jeffries replied, “Well, there were gas prices in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic situation…”

Scotto then pointed to broader inflation concerns that affected consumers during that period. “And I remember eggs were like $12 a dozen,” Scotto said.

The discussion soon moved away from economic issues and turned to the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory, with Scotto and Jeffries discussing the team’s title run.

Fox News Digital later sought comment from Jeffries’ office regarding the exchange but reported that it had not received an immediate response.

National gasoline prices reached a record average of $5.02 per gallon in June 2022 during the Biden administration.

At the time, many Democratic officials attributed the increase to economic disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, frequently referring to the surge as “Putin’s price hike.”

Gas prices under President Trump climbed above $4.50 per gallon last month but have declined in recent weeks as the administration continues negotiations with Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Border Czar Tom Homan said Monday that a substantial majority of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have either been convicted of crimes or are facing criminal charges, arguing that the agency’s current enforcement figures reflect a successful approach.

Appearing on Newsmax TV’s “Carl Higbie Frontline,” Homan said the percentage of ICE detainees with criminal records or pending charges has declined slightly from earlier levels but remains strong.

According to Homan, ICE classifies criminals as individuals who have already been convicted or who are currently facing charges and were located while being held in custody.

“The bottom line is, we say a criminal is those who have a criminal conviction or pending criminal charges, which means we found them in the jail cell, locked in a jail cell, which means they’re probably not a choir boy, right?”

Homan noted that roughly 70 percent of ICE arrests previously involved individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges, while the current figure is somewhat lower.

“So, it was about 70%. Right now, I think we’re about 64%. But you know what? That’s a good number. For the people who say, well, you need to arrest everybody. I tell them, look, let’s say 60, 40, I think 60% criminal, 40% non-criminal is a good mix. I think it’s better than 40% criminal and 60% non-criminal. But everybody’s on the table.”

He emphasized that while individuals with criminal backgrounds remain the primary focus of enforcement efforts, ICE is not limiting its operations exclusively to that category and retains the authority to take action against anyone in the country illegally.

{Matzav.com}

A devastating tragedy struck the community of Karmei Tzur when six-year-old Daniel Klapholtz was killed in a horrific traffic accident near the entrance to the community. The heartbreaking incident occurred just two days after his family moved into their new home.

Daniel was identified as the young child who lost his life in the accident on Route 3515 near the entrance to Karmei Tzur. Despite extensive efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy became even more painful after it emerged that the Klapholtz family, formerly residents of Beitar Illit, had relocated to Karmei Tzur only days earlier and had moved into their new residence just two days before the fatal accident.

The first emergency call was received by Magen David Adom at 6:21 p.m. Medics and paramedics rushed to the scene and immediately began intensive resuscitation efforts on the child, who had suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save him and were forced to declare his death at the scene.

Volunteers from ZAKA’s Judea and Samaria District, along with teams from Beitar Illit and Gush Etzion, responded quickly to the scene and spent many hours handling the aftermath of the accident and ensuring the dignity of the deceased.

According to ZAKA volunteers who were present, preliminary findings indicate that Daniel was riding a small ride-on toy down the street when he apparently collided with the rear section of a bus near an intersection and was pulled beneath its rear wheels. Emergency personnel determined that his injuries were unsurvivable.

Hundreds of family members, friends, neighbors, and local residents gathered shortly after midnight Monday to accompany the young boy on his final journey. The funeral procession departed from the Gush Etzion Regional Cemetery at midnight, where Daniel was laid to rest amid scenes of profound grief and mourning.

The Klapholtz family is sitting shivah at their new residence on Einav Street in Karmei Tzur.

Umacha Hashem simah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge brought by the firearms industry against a New York law that permits lawsuits against gun makers and sellers when their products are connected to injuries caused by criminal or unlawful use.

The legal challenge was pursued by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) together with major firearms manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Beretta, Glock, Sig Sauer, and Sturm. The group sought to overturn a lower court ruling, arguing that New York’s 2021 statute effectively undermines federal protections established under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005.

That federal law provides broad legal safeguards for firearm manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, shielding them from most civil lawsuits stemming from crimes committed by third parties using legally sold firearms or ammunition.

“NSSF sincerely believes that those criminals who illegally misuse lawful products should be held responsible for the harms they cause when they commit their crimes,” Mark Oliva, a spokesperson for the industry group wrote in an emailed statement to Reuters.

Oliva argued that holding gun companies accountable for crimes committed with their products is no different than blaming automakers for offenses committed by intoxicated drivers.

“Holding the firearm industry responsible for the criminal misuse of a firearm is akin to holding and Ford Motor Company responsible for damages from drunk-driving crimes,” Olivia added.

Support for the industry’s position also came from Republican Representatives Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy of New York, who filed a legal brief backing the manufacturers’ challenge.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, however, maintained that the federal law does not provide absolute immunity and that firearm companies may still face liability in certain situations involving the actions of third parties.

According to James, even the 2005 statute allows circumstances in which members of the gun industry can be held accountable for the consequences of their conduct.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, a Democrat who authored the 2021 measure signed into law by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and defended the law as an important public safety tool.

“New York has an obligation to protect the health and safety of every resident, and any industry—including members of the gun industry—impacting New Yorkers has to take reasonable steps to do the same,” Myrie said on Monday, according to a local outlet in New York.

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, June 16, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur in Waterbury, Connecticut, featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 8:45 p.m. at Kehilas Ahavas Yisroel, located at 67 Columbia Boulevard in Waterbury, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding 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 subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place at Kehilas Ahavas Yisroel, located at 67 Columbia Boulevard in Waterbury, Connecticut, beginning at 8:45 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that international nuclear inspectors will “absolutely” be permitted to return to Iran as part of the developing U.S.-Iran agreement intended to bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for months.

Speaking in an interview cited by NBC News, Vance explained that both the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency would play a direct role in supervising the elimination of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium under the proposed arrangement.

“In fact, one of the core parts of the agreement is that the [International Atomic Energy Agency] and the United States are going to help Iran destroy the highly enriched stockpile, and that’s something that’s spelled out very clearly,” he said.

His remarks come as the issue of nuclear inspections remains one of the most contentious aspects of the broader understanding between Washington and Tehran. Reuters reported that verification procedures and inspection rights are among the key issues that have yet to be fully resolved.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has been pressing for broader access to Iranian nuclear facilities after years of interruptions to its monitoring efforts and restrictions placed on inspectors during periods of escalating regional instability.

The IAEA, which serves as the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, operates under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is tasked with ensuring that civilian nuclear programs are not used to advance weapons development. The agency carries out that mission through inspections, surveillance systems, and oversight of nuclear materials.

Under standard safeguards agreements, inspectors routinely conduct both scheduled and surprise visits to declared nuclear sites. Those inspections are supported by cameras, monitoring equipment, and inventory-tracking mechanisms designed to confirm enrichment levels and account for uranium stockpiles.

However, Reuters has reported that the agency’s ability to carry out those responsibilities in Iran has been increasingly challenged in recent years, as repeated restrictions on access have limited its capacity to independently verify enrichment activities and nuclear material inventories.

International scrutiny intensified further after the IAEA Board of Governors approved a U.S.-backed resolution demanding that Iran fully cooperate with inspectors, disclose details regarding its uranium reserves, and restore access to nuclear facilities affected by previous disputes.

The resolution reflected growing concern among Western nations over Iran’s expanding stockpile of uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels, as well as lingering questions surrounding nuclear material that has not been fully accounted for following disruptions at several key sites.

While the measure stopped short of referring Iran to the U.N. Security Council, it significantly increased diplomatic pressure on Tehran to comply fully with its obligations under international nuclear safeguards.

Taken together, the latest developments highlight the central role that inspections and verification will play in any final agreement. Both American officials and international nuclear authorities have stressed that meaningful on-the-ground monitoring will be critical to ensuring that any future deal is enforced.

{Matzav.com}

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Senate who recently covered up a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, accused Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu of war crimes on Monday.

“Benjamin Netanyahu is an international fugitive,” Platner stated. “He is charged with the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.”

Platner has said that he didn’t know his tattoo was a Nazi symbol, but those who were close to him, including an ex-girlfriend, said that he bragged about it being a Nazi symbol.

“The man with a Nazi tattoo is lecturing on war crimes,” stated Yaakov Kaplan, a member of Brooklyn Community Board 12. JNS

{Matzav.com}

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared Monday that Israel must continue its military campaign in southern Lebanon regardless of pressure from Washington, arguing that the country’s overriding obligation is to protect its own citizens and borders.

Speaking during a faction meeting and responding to a question from Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Ben Gvir stressed that Israel must make decisions based on its security needs rather than foreign expectations.

“We are an independent country, and we cannot stop demolishing houses in southern Lebanon,” Ben Gvir stated.

He called on the government “to continue acting even against the position of the United States,” adding, “We cannot stop preventing the population in southern Lebanon from returning. It endangers our soldiers; it endangers our residents. We must not allow them to return to the borders, to return to the status quo before October 7.”

The minister argued that Israel should maintain control of strategic areas in southern Lebanon even if doing so creates friction with the Trump administration.

“We must retain control of the territory, even against the wishes of President Trump,” he said.

Ben Gvir emphasized that existential security threats require Israel to act independently and decisively.

“Faced with existential threats, we must not act out of external pressure, but rather out of our national conscience. Just as an individual is obligated to do whatever it takes to defend their home, the State of Israel is obligated to do what Israel must do.”

Warning against what he described as failed policies of restraint, Ben Gvir said Israel cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

“History teaches us a painful lesson: every time we chose the path of containment, deferred a decisive outcome, or relied on a false quiet, we paid the heaviest price. Let me be unequivocally clear: the era of endless rounds of fighting is over. Not in Gaza, not in Lebanon, and not against Iran. I demand that the Prime Minister allow IDF soldiers to continue the critical work of demolishing homes, eliminating Hezbollah terrorists, and keeping residents away from their houses – we must not operate according to understandings reached between Trump and Khamenei,” Ben Gvir added.

He further warned that any future attacks from Lebanon must be met with overwhelming force.

“any fragment of a drone or missile launched at us will demand a crushing response, to the point of setting the Dahieh ablaze. Firing at the State of Israel is tantamount to a declaration of war, and in war, as in war, you strive for a decisive victory. We have proven through concrete action that when a security window opens, our moral duty is to see the mission through to the very end. Stopping halfway is neither a strategy nor an option. We deeply cherish and appreciate our profound friendship with the United States and President Trump’s standing with Israel. However, the direct and exclusive responsibility for Israel’s security rests solely on the Israeli government. Israel must maintain total freedom of military action at all times and in all places; we will not accept a reality where terrorist organizations retain capabilities that threaten our sovereignty and the lives of our citizens.”

Concluding his remarks, Ben Gvir addressed Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu directly, urging him to stand firm and prioritize long-term security over temporary diplomatic arrangements.

“Our dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: it is in moments like these that leadership is tested. History will never remember those who sought a temporary, fake quiet, but only those who dared to secure the safety of the people and the state. The People of Israel returned to their land to live in security, freedom, and pride, and that is exactly how I expect you to continue to act.”

{Matzav.com}

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