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A senior Religious Zionist Party official has accused the Noam party of costing his faction an additional Knesset seat in last week’s Israeli elections, arguing that Noam’s decision to compete independently squandered thousands of right-wing votes and weakened the broader national camp.

Noam, headed by Avi Maoz, received 9,876 votes in the election but failed to win representation in the Knesset. According to the Religious Zionist official, his party needed only 6,312 additional votes to capture a seventh mandate, which instead went to Likud under the surplus-vote agreement between the two parties.

“Seats are allocated using the Bader-Ofer method, which examines the relative number of votes when distributing the final seats,” the official explained to Arutz Sheva-Israel National News.

He maintained that Noam’s supporters could have changed the allocation of the final seat had they voted for Religious Zionism instead.

“If the votes cast for Noam had gone to the Religious Zionist Party, the additional seat would have gone to us rather than Likud. The meaning is simple: Noam brought Erez Tadmor into the Knesset instead of Tzvi Sukkot. That is its decisive contribution to strengthening the Jewish identity of the State of Israel,” he added sarcastically.

The official also dismissed Noam’s defense that its separate campaign had caused no meaningful damage because the right-wing bloc had fallen short of the 61 mandates required to secure a governing majority regardless.

“That is a lie on two counts,” he charged. “First, even without 61 seats, the internal composition of the Knesset and the strength of the Zionist, nationalist, and Torah-oriented parties are enormously important. The loss of a Religious Zionist Party seat to another party is a real blow to those forces, even if it does not, by itself, change the ability to form a government.”

He further contended that the cumulative impact of votes cast for unsuccessful right-wing parties may have been considerably greater than the loss of one Religious Zionist mandate.

“If you add up all the votes wasted on parties that failed to cross the electoral threshold, including Noam and other parties that ran independently, you find that the national camp could have reached around 55 or perhaps even 56 seats.”

The official argued that the difference between 53 seats and a stronger showing of 55 or 56 could have major implications for coalition negotiations, particularly regarding the influence of Arab parties.

“There is an enormous difference between a situation in which the change bloc, together with Ra’am, holds a majority over the national camp, and one in which it also needs the active support of the Joint List. Whether a government can be formed with Ra’am alone, with the Joint List abstaining, or only with its explicit support is a question of tremendous public and political significance.”

Election results released by Israel’s Central Elections Committee on Friday gave Likud 27 seats and Religious Zionism six, with Netanyahu’s broader bloc securing 53 of the Knesset’s 120 mandates. The opposition bloc received 48 seats, while Ra’am and the Joint List together won 19. No political bloc secured an outright majority.

Noam was among the parties that failed to clear the 3.25% electoral threshold, leaving its votes without direct Knesset representation. Updated election tallies showed the party receiving approximately 9,900 votes.

The Religious Zionist official insisted that even when an election produces no clear governing majority, the distribution of individual seats can determine which parties hold influence and what coalitions might ultimately be possible.

“The argument that if there are no 61 seats, it doesn’t matter where the votes go is simply untrue. Every vote affects the balance of power in the Knesset, the identity of its members, and the possibility of forming a government. In Noam’s case, the price paid by the Religious Zionist Party is clear to see.”

Iran is refusing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or return to formal negotiations with the United States unless Washington accepts seven conditions laid out by Tehran, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei declared Saturday, even as diplomatic efforts to avert another military confrontation continue.

Rezaei, identified as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told Iranian state television that the two countries have been exchanging proposals through diplomatic channels for more than a month. According to his account, the Trump administration has submitted three separate proposals, and Iranian officials are awaiting Washington’s reaction to Tehran’s latest demands.

“We are now waiting for the Americans’ response,” Rezaei said, insisting that the strategically important waterway “cannot reopen unless Iran’s seven conditions are met.”

The Iranian official characterized Washington’s first response as unsatisfactory but acknowledged that its second offer represented progress. He nevertheless accused the United States of attempting to draw Iran into negotiations while preparing another military offensive. A third American proposal, he said, remains under consideration because several provisions require clarification.

Rezaei said Iran’s demands are intended to resolve outstanding disputes stemming from an earlier understanding reached in Islamabad, particularly over shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s proposed collection of transit fees.

His remarks came amid reports of direct outreach from Vice President JD Vance, who reportedly sent Rezaei a letter on President Donald Trump’s instructions. The Wall Street Journal first disclosed the correspondence, while The Washington Post subsequently reported that Vance had offered to meet the Iranian official in person, potentially in Istanbul or Doha.

Rezaei acknowledged receiving and reading the vice president’s message but said he had not responded.

“The tone of the letter has completely changed,” he said, contrasting Vance’s communication with an earlier message from Trump.

On Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Rezaei maintained that Tehran has made no decision to alter its existing policy, notwithstanding calls within the country for a different approach following attacks on Iranian nuclear installations.

“There has been no new decision regarding a change in the nuclear doctrine,” he stated.

“If there are to be nuclear negotiations, we will demand our rights,” he added.

Separate reports from Qatar indicated that mediation efforts were advancing, with an Iranian delegation participating in discussions in Doha and American representatives reportedly expected to join the process. The talks have addressed Iran’s nuclear program, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potential economic concessions. China and Russia have also been mentioned as possible guarantors of a future agreement.

The diplomatic maneuvering comes as the Trump administration weighs additional military action. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, reportedly briefed Trump at the White House on Thursday about potential operations against Iran.

On Friday, Trump portrayed Tehran as eager to negotiate because of mounting economic and military pressures.

“There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking. They’re not paying their soldiers. They’re not paying their police. They’re in a lot of trouble,” Trump said.

The president also indicated that Washington was not facing an urgent deadline to reach a settlement.

“We have time, frankly. It’s a war, but it is not a typical war.”

President Donald Trump warned last night that the United States could eliminate Iran’s remaining nuclear facilities within minutes, even as he acknowledged that Tehran is seeking a new agreement with Washington. The president expressed serious doubts about whether the Iranian regime could be trusted to honor any deal and refused to rule out another round of American military strikes.

Speaking with reporters during a Halloween gathering at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump reiterated his determination to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while indicating that diplomatic negotiations remain underway.

“Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. They want to make a deal; we’ll find out about that,” Trump said.

.@POTUS: "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. They want to make a deal; we'll find out about that."

"How are the negotiations going?"@POTUS: "They're going fine, but they're not very reliable… They make a deal and then they back out." pic.twitter.com/D8zSNcnvzW

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 1, 2026

Asked whether the negotiations were making progress, the president suggested that discussions were proceeding but cautioned that Iran has a history of failing to follow through on its commitments.

“They’re going fine, but they’re not very reliable. They make a deal and then they back out. They want to make a deal. We’ll see if they make a deal.”

Trump also made clear that he sees little reason for Washington to rush into an agreement, pointing to the extensive damage American military operations have already inflicted on Iran’s armed forces and nuclear infrastructure.

“We’re not in very much of a hurry from the standpoint that we’ve knocked out their navy. We’ve knocked out their air force. We’ve knocked out their anti-aircraft. We’ve knocked out almost every piece of military equipment they have. We’ve knocked out their nuclear. We still have to take care of, I would say, one or two sites, but we can do that in ten minutes. You probably have to look at Pickaxe Mountain. We could do that all very quickly.”

The president’s reference to Pickaxe Mountain appeared to concern a heavily fortified Iranian nuclear installation, highlighting the possibility that additional facilities remain potential targets despite previous American attacks.

When a New York Times reporter pressed Trump on whether the United States might resume military operations against Iran as soon as this week, the president refused to reveal his plans.

“Why would you ask such a stupid question? Let’s say I did – would I tell you? I can’t tell you things like that.”

Trump’s comments followed reports that he had spoken by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu earlier yesterday as Washington considered options for another military offensive against Iran. The conversation reportedly came amid preparations for possible renewed strikes, although no final decision on additional action has been publicly announced.

The diplomatic effort has also continued. Iranian representatives met with Qatari mediators in Doha yesterday, following lengthy discussions in Tehran on Friday. According to individuals familiar with the negotiations, the meetings explored possible arrangements to prevent another escalation, with mediators maintaining contact with Washington.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the administration remains receptive to a diplomatic settlement, while emphasizing that military options remain available if negotiations fail.

Regional governments have expressed concern that additional American strikes could trigger Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli interests across the Middle East. Iran has warned that it would respond to renewed attacks, while Gulf countries have reportedly urged Washington to avoid another major confrontation.

Reports from Qatar suggest that the indirect negotiations have achieved some progress, but American officials have not confirmed that a breakthrough has been reached or that an agreement is imminent.

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An avreich affiliated with the Biala chassidus was reportedly released from Israeli military custody shortly before the onset of Shabbos, as the ongoing crackdown on yeshiva students classified as military draft evaders continues to generate arrests, protests and mounting concern throughout the chareidi community.

The release came amid another turbulent week surrounding the military draft controversy, with dozens of bnei Torah remaining behind bars and activists working to secure the freedom of those detained over their refusal to enlist in the IDF.

According to chareidi media reports, 35 bnei Torah were expected to spend Shabbos in military prison as efforts to obtain their release continued.

On Friday morning, another yeshiva bochur was arrested while traveling home for Shabbos from Yeshivas Romemus Halev in Givat Ze’ev to his family’s home in Netivot.

The bochur was stopped by traffic police on Route 3 near Moshav Beko’a. During the encounter, officers discovered that military authorities had listed him as wanted over his draft status, and arrangements were made to transfer him to Military Police custody.

Before being taken away, the bochur managed to notify an emergency network that assists yeshiva students facing military arrests. However, military authorities reportedly transferred him before activists could reach the location.

News of the detention prompted demonstrators to gather along Route 3, where protesters blocked traffic in an effort to prevent the transfer. Confrontations subsequently developed between protesters and police.

Meanwhile, two other yeshiva students who had been detained over their draft status were released Friday and allowed to return home.

One of them, Alon Smadja, a talmid of Yeshivas Tiferes Shraga, had been arrested outside his home in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Yerushalayim.

According to reports, Military Police officers allegedly approached his residence under the pretense that a delivery was waiting for him. When he came downstairs, he was taken into custody.

His arrest sparked widespread outrage and contributed to a major demonstration Thursday near the Geha-Jabotinsky interchange outside Bnei Brak.

Protesters blocked Route 4, disrupting traffic and clashing with police, who deployed crowd-control measures. Chareidi media reported that several demonstrators were injured during the confrontations.

Another bochur released Friday was Elchanan Damati, a talmid at Yeshivas Torah B’Tifartah in Elad.

Damati had been summoned to the Kfar Saba police station for questioning in connection with a traffic-related matter. During the investigation, officers discovered his military draft status and transferred him to Military Police custody.

His detention also prompted demonstrations in Kfar Saba and near the entrance to Elad, where protesters attempted to prevent his transfer and blocked nearby roads.

The continuing arrests come amid a broader dispute over military conscription following court rulings requiring the government to enforce the draft law against eligible yeshiva students.

Recent Justice Ministry documents have revealed disagreements between Israel Police and the IDF over enforcement procedures, including cases in which individuals detained over their draft status were released because military personnel did not arrive within the required time.

A newly highlighted marriage document from 2009 shows Rep. Ilhan Omar’s surname being changed twice on an official Minnesota application, raising additional questions as federal investigators examine allegations involving the Democratic congresswoman’s identity, immigration history and past marriage to British citizen Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.

A certified copy obtained from Hennepin County records shows that Omar’s last name was originally entered as Omar, then crossed out and replaced with Elmi, before being changed back to Omar. The alterations have attracted renewed attention because investigators are reportedly examining whether the Minnesota lawmaker used inaccurate personal information in connection with her family’s immigration and citizenship proceedings.

The application, dated February 12, 2009, concerns Omar’s marriage to Elmi, whom critics have long alleged is her brother. Omar has repeatedly rejected that allegation, which has not been established in court.

Federal authorities are reportedly investigating whether Omar participated in an immigration fraud scheme involving the marriage and whether incorrect names or birthdates were supplied on government paperwork. The Justice Department recently identified the congresswoman in a court filing as “Congresswoman Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Abdullahi Omar.”

According to an individual familiar with the investigation, federal officials suspect that Elmi may have been Omar’s original family name. That assertion remains disputed, and the marriage application alone does not establish which surname was legally correct.

The 2009 paperwork contains another detail attracting investigators’ attention. In response to a question asking whether the prospective spouses were related through blood or adoption, the box marked “no” was selected.

It remains unknown who completed the document. The handwriting appears consistent throughout the application, although no determination has been made about who entered or corrected the information. One of the revisions identifies the bride as “Ilhan Omar Elmi,” rather than the longer name subsequently used in the Justice Department filing.

Images of the document have circulated for years, with Minnesota-based Alpha News publishing the application in August 2016. The newly obtained certified version has brought the corrections back into focus during the current federal investigation.

Scott W. Johnson, a retired Minneapolis attorney who has examined allegations involving Omar for approximately a decade, questioned the changes.

“Questions should be asked. She’s never answered them,” Johnson said.

“The whole thing was a joke. The marriage was a fraudulent marriage, brazenly fraudulent,” he added. “They didn’t take it seriously. It was entered into for a fraudulent purpose.”

AJ Kern, a former congressional candidate in Minnesota who has researched discrepancies in Omar’s immigration records, likewise argued that the available information warrants further investigation.

“I think it’s pretty clear she married her brother and committed immigration fraud,” Kern said.

Kern also questioned whether Omar properly obtained American citizenship, suggesting that any evidence of an invalid naturalization would raise serious constitutional concerns about her eligibility to serve in Congress.

“If the evidence seems to be pointing to the fact that she never obtained citizenship, Congress is failing to do their job. If we’ve had a foreign nationalist occupying a seat in Congress, that’s a problem,” Kern said.

Omar has characterized the allegations as politically motivated attacks and rejected claims that her marriage was fraudulent. During an interview with MS NOW host Chris Hayes last week, she was asked whether she had married her brother and replied, “Not to my knowledge.”

President Donald Trump has also publicly questioned the congresswoman’s identity. Speaking in the Oval Office on Friday, he asserted that Omar “is not her real name.” He has previously described her as a “complainer” because of her repeated criticism of American policies.

The controversy intensified after federal agents searched Omar’s Washington residence on October 12 as part of an investigation involving alleged immigration irregularities.

Questions surrounding her marriage to Elmi were previously examined by federal authorities beginning in 2016, during the Obama administration. That investigation ended in 2021, after officials reportedly concluded that potential criminal charges related to the original marriage would be barred by the applicable five-year statute of limitations. Investigators were also unable to question Elmi, who had returned to Britain.

Omar’s marital history has drawn scrutiny because of overlapping relationships. She participated in an Islamic marriage ceremony with Ahmed Hirsi in 2002, and the couple had two children. She legally married Elmi in 2009, although their marriage ended in divorce in 2017. During that period, she had a third child with Hirsi in 2012. Omar subsequently married Hirsi legally in 2018, divorced him the following year and married political consultant Tim Mynett in 2020.

Investigators are also reportedly reviewing discrepancies concerning Omar’s date of birth. Some documents identify October 4, 1981, while others list October 4, 1982. The difference could be significant because Omar has said she obtained American citizenship at age 17 through her father’s naturalization.

If the earlier birth year is accurate, questions could arise about whether she qualified for derivative citizenship as a minor. Authorities are also reportedly examining the circumstances under which her father, Nur Omar Mohamed, became a citizen.

Legal experts have suggested that prosecutors could potentially pursue allegations involving more recent false statements or an ongoing conspiracy even if older conduct falls outside the criminal statute of limitations. Civil proceedings to revoke citizenship obtained unlawfully are generally not subject to the same time restrictions.

Omar has denied wrongdoing, and no court has determined that she committed immigration fraud or obtained citizenship improperly.

The Justice Department has issued a warning to election officials across the country just days before Tuesday’s midterm elections, reminding them that deliberately failing to preserve federal voting records is a criminal offense that can result in up to one year in prison.

The letters, sent Thursday and signed by acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, cite a federal statute enacted in 1960 requiring election authorities to retain records connected to federal elections for 22 months. Under that requirement, documents from the November 3 election must remain preserved through September 2028.

In correspondence addressed to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, McCotter specified that the preservation requirement covers voter registration applications, polling-place records, voter sign-in sheets, absentee ballot requests, mail-in ballot envelopes and completed ballots.

The Justice Department emphasized that the obligation extends beyond statewide election administrators to county clerks and other local officials responsible for conducting federal elections.

“It is a crime to willfully fail to comply with Section 20701,” McCotter wrote.

To illustrate the importance of maintaining complete election records, the letter referenced several historically close contests, including a California congressional race decided by just 187 votes in 2024 and the 2000 presidential election, when George W. Bush carried Florida by 537 votes.

By Friday, election authorities in at least 12 states had acknowledged receiving the notice or made copies publicly available. Those states included Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin.

Although the Justice Department did not specify how many jurisdictions received the correspondence, officials familiar with the distribution reportedly indicated that the letters were being sent to all 50 states.

A department spokesperson described the mailing as a reminder of existing legal responsibilities rather than the announcement of a new enforcement policy. Federal prosecutors rely on election documentation when investigating suspected illegal voting, registration violations and other potential election offenses.

“We are simply reminding them of their obligation under federal law to preserve these documents,” the spokesperson said.

Election administrators from both major political parties responded that their offices already follow the federal record-retention requirements.

“We already comply with what the letter states,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, a Republican, said.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs’ office, led by a Democrat, similarly indicated that election materials would continue to be maintained in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes.

Some former federal officials nevertheless questioned the timing and presentation of the warning. Justin Levitt, who previously served in the Justice Department and later advised the Biden White House on voting rights, said he was unaware of a comparable nationwide mailing in the past.

Levitt acknowledged that the department had the authority to send such a notice but argued that its emphasis on criminal consequences raised questions about its purpose.

The letter “certainly looks like it’s meant to intimidate rather than to inform,” he said.

The warning arrives as the Trump administration pursues a separate election-related legal dispute with California over voter eligibility.

Earlier in October, McCotter directed California officials to examine a federal list containing as many as 20,000 individuals suspected of being noncitizens registered to vote. The state was given 48 hours to conduct the review, and the Justice Department filed suit after that deadline expired.

Federal prosecutors subsequently asked a court to require California to separate ballots associated with the disputed registrations while their eligibility was investigated.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter rejected the request Wednesday, warning that the proposed action could interfere with voting rights.

“Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred,” Carter wrote.

The Justice Department appealed, but a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals refused Friday to order California to isolate the ballots. In a 2-1 decision, the judges concluded that the proposed measure risked disrupting election administration and potentially preventing eligible voters from having their ballots counted.

Federal investigators have also reportedly issued grand jury subpoenas to California election officials as part of their examination of voting records and registration practices.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed Friday that the federal investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar extends beyond the Minnesota Democrat and encompasses multiple individuals, describing the evidence assembled by investigators as substantial and confirming that the Justice Department is now directing the inquiry.

“This isn’t just a case that’s targeting one individual. This is a large case that we have presented to the DOJ, and the DOJ is leading the investigations,” Mullin told Fox News.

The disclosure comes nearly three weeks after Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on October 12 as part of an inquiry into allegations involving her immigration history. Federal authorities are also examining questions surrounding financial information reported by the congresswoman.

Mullin said Homeland Security personnel had devoted considerable resources to developing the investigation before referring their findings to federal prosecutors. Agents “did a lot of investigation to be able to present the case to them,” he said.

The secretary rejected accusations that the Trump administration was pursuing Omar because of her political views, insisting that investigators were acting on evidence rather than partisan considerations.

“And I’ll just say this again: We’re enforcing our nation’s laws, and we’re going to do that. We’re not weaponizing. We’re not using political theater on this,” Mullin said.

One focus of the inquiry concerns longstanding allegations that Omar entered into a fraudulent marriage with Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, a British citizen whom critics have claimed is her brother. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the marriage was used to circumvent immigration requirements and whether inaccurate information appeared in documents connected to Omar’s citizenship.

The congresswoman has consistently denied the allegations, and the claims concerning her relationship to Elmi have not been established in court.

Federal investigators are separately reviewing Omar’s congressional financial disclosures, including questions about the reported value of assets associated with her household. Authorities are reportedly seeking to determine whether financial information submitted to the House accurately reflected her circumstances.

A federal court filing this week provided additional details about the investigation’s scope. Prosecutors said the inquiry involved Omar and other unnamed individuals and sought to prevent the release of investigative records while authorities continued gathering evidence.

Federal agents also reportedly searched the residence of Omar’s sister, Sahra Noor, on October 12, removing documents. More than a dozen grand jury subpoenas have been issued, including to relatives of the congresswoman, with proceedings taking place in Minnesota.

The investigation has renewed scrutiny of Omar’s 2009 marriage paperwork. A certified copy of a Hennepin County marriage document reportedly shows her surname altered from Omar to Elmi and subsequently changed back. The document has become part of the public debate over her past marriage, although the changes themselves do not establish immigration fraud.

During a recent interview with MS NOW host Chris Hayes, Omar was asked directly whether she had married her brother. She responded, “Not to my knowledge.”

The investigation has also prompted criticism from former President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats, who contend that the administration is improperly targeting a political opponent. More than 170 House Democrats have urged the Justice Department to end the inquiry, pointing to an earlier federal review that did not establish sufficient grounds for prosecution.

Mullin dismissed those objections, arguing that elected office and party affiliation should have no bearing on whether federal law is enforced.

“I’ve made this very, very, very, very clear: we’re enforcing our nation’s laws across the board equally, and we’re going to continue to do that,” he said.

“I don’t care where you’re seated, and I don’t care how you’re registered to vote, I don’t care what your job title is. We use it equally.”

The DHS secretary also accused Democrats of having previously used federal law enforcement against their political adversaries, saying they “came after their political enemies like President Trump, and they know they weaponized our DOJ and FBI.”

“We’re going to let the facts play out, we’re not playing politics with this — I said this from day one, we’re not playing politics with anybody’s lives,” Mullin said.

Omar has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as politically motivated. Her attorneys have demanded the “immediate return” of property seized during the federal search. No criminal charges against the congresswoman have been announced.

{Matzav.com}

Drinking coffee every day may provide benefits beyond a morning energy boost, with new research suggesting that both regular and decaffeinated coffee could influence emotional well-being, memory and the bacteria living in the digestive system.

Researchers at University College Cork in Ireland examined how coffee consumption affects the relationship between the gut and the brain, finding that participants who resumed drinking coffee reported improvements in several measures of mood, including reduced stress, depression and impulsivity.

The study also identified differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that some potential benefits may come from compounds other than caffeine.

“Coffee is more than just caffeine. It’s a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes, our metabolism and even our emotional wellbeing,” said John Cryan, the study’s corresponding author.

Cryan explained that the two varieties of coffee may affect the body “in distinct but complementary ways.”

The research involved 62 healthy adults, divided equally between habitual coffee drinkers and individuals who generally avoided the beverage. Those accustomed to drinking coffee, typically consuming three to five cups daily, were instructed to abstain for two weeks before beginning a three-week period of drinking either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee.

Throughout the experiment, researchers assessed participants’ emotional states and performance on cognitive examinations. They also collected urine and stool samples to investigate metabolic activity and changes in intestinal bacteria.

Following the return of coffee to their routines, participants in both coffee groups reported lower levels of stress, depressive symptoms and impulsive behavior compared with their earlier assessments.

Those consuming caffeinated coffee experienced an additional decline in reported anxiety and performed better on a test measuring attention. Participants assigned decaffeinated coffee, meanwhile, demonstrated improvement in episodic memory, the ability to remember events and previously encountered information.

Researchers also observed changes in the composition of gut bacteria following coffee consumption. However, the findings did not establish that the microbial changes were responsible for the improvements recorded in mood or mental performance.

“Public interest in gut health has risen hugely,” Cryan said. “The relationship between digestive and mental health is also increasingly being better understood, but the mechanisms behind coffee’s effects on this gut-brain axis have remained unclear.”

The findings add to growing scientific interest in the gut-brain connection, which examines how microorganisms in the digestive tract may interact with the nervous system and influence psychological and cognitive functioning.

Nevertheless, outside specialists warned that the relatively small number of participants makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about coffee’s long-term health effects.

Rebecca Steele, a New York-based clinical psychologist who was not involved in the research, said improvements observed during laboratory testing do not necessarily mean individuals will experience comparable benefits in everyday activities.

“How I perform with a paper-and-pen test might not be the same way that I perform when I’m out in the real world,” she said.

Steele also noted that researchers must account for other factors that could influence the results, including changes in sleep patterns, exercise habits and participants becoming more familiar with cognitive tests after completing them repeatedly.

Although caffeine has long been associated with temporary improvements in alertness and concentration, evidence concerning its lasting effects on memory and broader cognitive health remains uncertain.

The psychologist also cautioned against interpreting lower depression scores as proof that coffee can prevent or treat psychiatric conditions.

“Changes in self-reported stress and depression scores should not be confused with evidence that coffee treats clinical depression,” she said.

The researchers said larger and longer studies will be necessary to determine whether the observed changes persist over time and to establish which ingredients in coffee may be responsible for its possible effects on mood, memory and intestinal health.

Former Clinton administration Labor Secretary Robert Reich is urging Democrats to launch investigations into Elon Musk and begin preparing for a possible government takeover of SpaceX and Starlink, arguing that the billionaire has accumulated excessive economic and political influence.

Reich outlined his proposal during the October 24 episode of his podcast, “The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich,” calling on Democrats to pursue aggressive oversight of Musk’s businesses if they regain control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.

“When I say defund Musk, you know, 75% of his wealth is dependent on taxpayers who are buying Starlink systems for the Department of Defense,” Reich said.

The former labor secretary offered no supporting documentation for his claim that three-quarters of Musk’s fortune relies on taxpayer spending. SpaceX, however, has received billions of dollars in federal contracts through agreements with NASA, the Pentagon and other government agencies.

Reich went considerably further than proposing congressional investigations, suggesting that Democrats should develop plans to place Musk’s space exploration and satellite communications businesses under federal ownership.

“If we have a Democratic administration — and the Democrats ought to be starting this not just with oversight hearings, but also starting laying the groundwork for nationalizing Starlink and SpaceX,” Reich said. “It should be a public corporation. We should not ever have that kind of power in one person’s hands.”

His proposal would represent an extraordinary expansion of federal control over private industry. SpaceX has become a major contractor for American space missions and national security operations, while Starlink supplies satellite internet service to customers, businesses and government agencies around the world.

Musk responded sharply on October 25 after conservative commentator Collin Rugg circulated a video clip of Reich’s remarks on X.

“Stealing companies is a serious crime. Prison for Reich,” Musk wrote.

Reich also predicted that a Democratic victory in either chamber of Congress would bring intensified examination of Musk’s federal contracts, political activities and corporate operations.

“He knows that if the Democrats take over the House and possibly the Senate, one of the things they are going to be doing is focusing on Elon Musk. I mean, he’s really going to be targeted, and he knows it, and he’s going to be using his 360 million followers or 260 million followers on X to give him a buttress against that.”

The dispute has been fueled in part by controversy surrounding SpaceX’s satellite services in Ukraine. Musk recently acknowledged that his company restricted certain uses of Starlink, saying Ukrainian forces had violated service terms by employing the technology for offensive drone operations. Ukrainian officials disputed his explanation, while lawmakers from both parties sought answers about the restrictions and their impact on military operations.

On October 27, Reich published another statement defending his position and rejecting Musk’s demand that he be imprisoned. He accused the billionaire of exercising excessive influence over government policy and reiterated his support for reducing federal reliance on Musk’s companies.

Reich has also advocated reviewing government contracts, challenging what he considers monopolistic business practices and increasing taxes on extreme wealth. He argues that Musk’s substantial political spending, combined with his companies’ role in national security, creates an unacceptable concentration of private power.

The Pentagon’s inspector general has meanwhile declined a bipartisan request from senators to investigate the Ukraine satellite restrictions, indicating that the Air Force was better positioned to examine the matter. The decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers seeking independent scrutiny.

An emotional meeting unfolded in the Oval Office on Friday as Stephen Hubbard, a 73-year-old American who spent four years imprisoned in Russia, personally thanked President Donald Trump for securing his freedom and revealed that he believed he was running out of time to survive his captivity.

“I wouldn’t have lasted another year,” Hubbard told the president during the White House visit, which took place just nine days after his return to the United States.

Hubbard, a retired English teacher who previously served in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard, was detained by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in 2022, shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. He had been living in the region with his partner when the war erupted.

Russian authorities subsequently accused him of serving as a mercenary on behalf of Ukraine, allegations Hubbard denied. He was convicted and sentenced to nearly seven years in prison, leaving him facing the prospect of spending much of his remaining life behind bars.

His release on October 21 followed a telephone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The diplomatic breakthrough also came less than two weeks after Trump announced that his administration would lift American sanctions on Russian diesel fuel as part of an effort to ease rising international energy prices.

During Friday’s meeting, Hubbard described the terrifying circumstances surrounding his initial detention, recalling how he found himself in an active combat zone as Ukrainian artillery fire landed near the Russian troops holding him.

“I was scrambling too,” Hubbard said, describing how he attempted to avoid incoming shells alongside the soldiers who had taken him prisoner.

As his imprisonment dragged on, Hubbard said he gradually stopped believing assurances that he might eventually be released. Repeated suggestions that freedom could be approaching had left him deeply skeptical.

“I had heard it many times before, and I reached the state where seeing is believing,” he recalled.

Hubbard explained that he remained doubtful even after prison officials informed him that arrangements were being made for his departure. It was only when guards provided him with fresh clothing and escorted him outside that he began to accept that his ordeal might actually be ending.

“I never trusted what they said. Only when they started giving me new clothes and leading me to the exit of the prison — I went out and I saw the car, and I was accompanied by a couple of Russians. Then I believed, finally believed, on the drive from Moscow to St. Petersburg, I’m really going somewhere.”

Hubbard’s son accompanied him to the White House and described the family’s fears that his father would die before returning home. He said Hubbard was now concentrating on recovering physically, including increasing his protein intake to rebuild strength lost during his imprisonment.

The State Department had classified Hubbard as wrongfully detained, and his family consistently disputed Russia’s accusations that he had participated in combat. His release was formally announced during a visit to St. Petersburg by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin as Washington continued diplomatic efforts concerning the war in Ukraine.

Trump said he had personally requested Hubbard’s freedom during discussions with Putin and emphasized that Washington had not been required to release a Russian prisoner in exchange. The administration’s recent decisions involving Russian diesel purchases and sanctions have nevertheless attracted criticism from lawmakers concerned about American concessions to Moscow.

During the Oval Office gathering, Trump commented on Hubbard’s appearance, telling him, “you look very healthy. I mean, you have no weight problem.”

The president then welcomed the newly freed American home, telling him, “It’s an honor to have you back. It’s a great honor.”

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is looking to sell her longtime Montclair mansion for $3.49 million, more than twice the $1.67 million she and her husband paid for the property in 2010, after moving into the state’s official gubernatorial residence in Princeton.

The Democratic governor and her husband, Jason Hedberg, have placed their six-bedroom Victorian home on the market after relocating their family to Drumthwacket, the historic mansion designated as New Jersey’s governor’s residence. The asking price represents an increase of approximately $1.82 million over their original purchase price, although that figure does not account for renovations, maintenance, taxes or selling expenses.

Sherrill, who was inaugurated in January, became the first New Jersey governor in more than 20 years to make Drumthwacket her full-time residence. The last governor to live there permanently was Jim McGreevey, who left office in 2004.

“We have loved our time in Montclair, and Essex County will always feel like home for us,” Sherrill and Hedberg said in a joint statement released through the governor’s office.

“This is where we raised our kids and built an amazing community that supported us through many milestones. Now, we’re so excited to be living in the People’s House at Drumthwacket and embracing Princeton as our new home.”

The couple purchased the Montclair property 16 years ago and raised their four children there. The residence has been one of several properties associated with the family’s real estate holdings, which have also included homes in Vermont and Washington, D.C.

Dating to 1865, the stately Empire Victorian occupies approximately 1.1 acres in one of Montclair’s upscale residential neighborhoods. The house contains six bedrooms, four full bathrooms and an additional half-bathroom, combining historic architectural features with modern amenities.

The exterior includes a spacious covered porch with decorative archways, landscaped gardens, mature trees and a bluestone patio. The grounds also feature weeping cherry trees, an outdoor hot tub and an illuminated multi-sport court, along with an attached garage accommodating three vehicles.

Inside, the residence retains much of its 19th-century character, including elaborate woodwork, high ceilings, refinished hardwood flooring and four fireplaces. Large windows provide substantial natural light throughout the living areas.

The kitchen opens into an expansive family room featuring a striking two-story ceiling topped by a cupola. Separate formal living and dining rooms preserve the property’s traditional layout, while updated gathering spaces provide a more contemporary arrangement for everyday use.

Beyond the multimillion-dollar asking price, the property carries a substantial annual tax bill. According to the real estate listing, taxes total approximately $66,642 per year, equivalent to roughly $5,550 every month.

Sherrill’s decision to sell follows her move to Drumthwacket, a 19th-century estate in Princeton that serves as the governor’s official residence. Although the property has long been available to New Jersey governors, several of Sherrill’s predecessors chose to maintain their primary homes elsewhere rather than reside there full-time.

The Montclair mansion’s listing marks the end of a lengthy chapter for the governor’s family, which spent much of the past two decades in the Essex County community before relocating to Princeton following Sherrill’s election.

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Three oil tankers, including a massive vessel transporting more than two million barrels of crude, were reportedly struck by naval mines and engulfed in explosions Friday in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raising fresh concerns about maritime security and global energy supplies.

Iranian military officials claimed that the largest vessel caught fire after entering a shipping corridor that Tehran considers unauthorized. The tanker allegedly encountered a mine while passing through the strategic waterway, which serves as one of the world’s most important routes for international oil shipments.

The Revolutionary Guard’s naval command reported that two additional petroleum tankers suffered similar explosions earlier Friday. According to the Iranian account, those vessels had disabled their electronic tracking systems and continued through restricted waters despite repeated radio messages instructing them to change course.

Iranian authorities did not release the names of any of the three vessels, identify their countries of registration or disclose whether crew members were injured or killed. They also offered no explanation of who had placed the explosives in the water.

The Iranian allegations have not been independently confirmed. American officials have maintained that U.S. forces successfully removed naval mines from the strait’s internationally recognized principal shipping lanes, although concerns remain about the safety of vessels operating outside those established corridors.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is a critical passage connecting Persian Gulf oil producers with international markets. Disruptions there can rapidly affect energy prices worldwide, particularly when tankers face the threat of mines, drones or other military attacks.

The reported incidents occurred amid continuing regional hostilities involving Iran and its allies. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting a drone near Mecca that it attributed to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi movement. Houthi representatives denied responsibility for the alleged attempted strike.

Additional reporting Friday indicated that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard later increased its claimed total to four tankers, saying another vessel carrying more than two million barrels of crude had struck a mine and caught fire. The claims remained unverified, and authorities had not established whether all the reported explosions involved separate vessels.

There was, however, independent confirmation of at least one serious maritime incident. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker had been struck while leaving the strait. Maritime security reporting indicated that explosive devices had been attached to the ship by a small boat, causing a fire in its engine room. Oman subsequently rescued 25 crew members from a burning tanker in the area, although it was unclear whether that vessel was among those identified in Iran’s statements.

Tehran also claimed to have destroyed an American unmanned naval vessel operating in the eastern portion of the strait. U.S. Central Command rejected that assertion, stating, “All U.S. military unmanned surface vessels in the Middle East are accounted for, including a squadron of advanced sea drones on patrol in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The latest incidents helped drive oil prices sharply higher Friday, with Brent crude climbing toward $118 per barrel, its highest level since late April. U.S. crude futures also advanced, approaching $105 per barrel as traders weighed the possibility of further interruptions to Middle Eastern energy shipments.

Analysts warned that the approaching November 3 U.S. midterm elections, Israel’s recent parliamentary elections and uncertainty surrounding negotiations with Iran could contribute to additional market instability. Saxo Bank projected that crude could remain in a range of $70 to $90 per barrel even after the conflict concludes, compared with approximately $60 to $70 before the war.

“Continued kinetic action around the Strait of Hormuz amidst doubts of a viable diplomatic pathway is keeping oil prices elevated in expectation of an escalation of the conflict in coming weeks,” said Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee, to Reuters.

Diplomatic efforts continued Friday, with Qatari intermediaries reportedly returning to Tehran in an effort to advance negotiations between Washington and Iran. However, the renewed threats to commercial shipping added to concerns that further military confrontation could disrupt the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota Democrat facing separate federal investigations involving alleged immigration fraud and questions about her financial disclosures, has retained two prominent Washington attorneys with extensive experience representing Democratic political figures and litigating high-profile cases against President Donald Trump.

Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, both partners at Hecker Fink LLP, have been brought in to represent Omar as federal authorities examine allegations surrounding the congresswoman. Their involvement brings two seasoned litigators into a legal confrontation that has already drawn national political attention.

The attorneys have handled cases involving senior Democratic officials, congressional investigations, election disputes and lawsuits against Trump. Both have established reputations in politically sensitive litigation, making their selection particularly noteworthy as Omar confronts growing legal pressure.

Jeffress, a former federal prosecutor, spent approximately a decade at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., where she handled more than 40 trials and led its National Security Section. She also served as a Justice Department attaché before entering private practice.

Among her prominent clients was President Joe Biden, whom she represented in litigation seeking to prevent the Justice Department from releasing recordings of his conversations with Mark Zwonitzer, the ghostwriter who worked on Biden’s memoir “Promise Me, Dad.”

Those conversations, recorded in 2016 and 2017, became the subject of a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Heritage Foundation in 2024. They also attracted attention during special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents after leaving the vice presidency.

The recordings became politically controversial because of questions about Biden’s memory and mental sharpness. A federal court ultimately rejected the effort to prevent their disclosure, and the audio was released publicly in July.

Jeffress, who graduated from Yale Law School in 1992, also served as legal counsel to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. She defended the committee in litigation brought by Taylor Budowich, a Trump campaign spokesman whose banking records had been subpoenaed by congressional investigators.

Another notable client was Lisa Page, the former FBI attorney whose private messages with FBI official Peter Strzok became a major controversy during investigations into the bureau’s handling of matters involving Trump and Russia.

The correspondence included Strzok’s reference to an “insurance policy” concerning a possible Trump presidency. Page subsequently sued the Justice Department over the public release of her messages, and the litigation ended in a settlement in 2024.

Jeffress is married to U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who ruled in May against adding Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center. Trump criticized the judge as “highly conflicted” because of his marriage to Jeffress.

Omar’s second attorney, Joshua Matz, brings a similarly extensive background in politically charged litigation. A Harvard Law School graduate and former clerk to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Matz has represented government officials, political organizations and private litigants in major constitutional and election-related disputes.

“Joshua’s practice has long included a focus on democracy and elections,” his biography page says.

Matz represented Pennsylvania in litigation defending the certification of its election results, including proceedings that reached the Supreme Court. He also worked with House Democrats during both impeachment proceedings against Trump during his first presidency.

Among his best-known assignments was representing E. Jean Carroll in civil litigation against Trump. The cases concerned Carroll’s allegations of a 1996 encounter and Trump’s subsequent public statements rejecting her account.

In one proceeding, a New York jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. In a separate defamation trial, another jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages. The proceedings were civil cases, and Trump was not criminally charged in connection with Carroll’s allegations.

Matz has also represented opponents of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, legislation that restricted certain classroom instruction concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. His professional biography refers to the measure as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

His other clients have included Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, whom he successfully defended against legal challenges to pandemic restrictions and school closures, as well as plaintiffs pursuing claims stemming from the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The legal team is now confronting the fallout from an October 12 search of Omar’s Washington residence, when Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a court-authorized warrant as part of an inquiry into immigration documents dating back to her family’s arrival in the United States during the 1990s.

Investigators are examining whether inaccurate information was provided about Omar’s age or her father’s background during the immigration and citizenship process. Authorities also seized her cellphone, passport and documents during the search. Separately, questions about Omar’s congressional financial disclosures have attracted federal scrutiny. Omar has denied wrongdoing, and no criminal charges against her have been announced.

Jeffress and Matz have already challenged the government’s handling of the raid, accusing Justice Department officials of disregarding judicial safeguards intended to protect a member of Congress. In an October 16 letter, they demanded the return of seized property and preservation of recordings documenting the search.

The Justice Department rejected their accusations, maintaining that investigators followed the applicable court orders and legal requirements. Prosecutors have also asked a federal judge to keep the search warrant materials sealed while the investigation continues, arguing that releasing them prematurely could interfere with their work.

Omar has characterized the investigations as politically motivated and has appealed to supporters for financial assistance with the mounting legal expenses. Following the search of her home, her campaign collected more than $1.5 million in contributions over two days, according to an analysis of campaign finance records.

The congresswoman has also warned supporters that defending herself against the federal investigations will require substantial resources. With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, her legal battle has become another major flashpoint between the Trump administration and one of its most outspoken congressional critics.

President Donald Trump said today that the United States could strike Iran’s remaining nuclear facilities in as little as ten minutes, warning that American forces retain the ability to launch further attacks even as his administration holds off on additional military action.

Speaking to reporters during a Halloween gathering at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said previous U.S. operations had inflicted extensive damage on Iran’s military capabilities, leaving Washington with little reason to rush into another round of strikes.

“We’re not in that much of a hurry from the standpoint that we’ve knocked down their Navy, we’ve knocked out their air force, we’ve knocked out their anti-aircraft,” Trump said.

The president suggested that only a small number of Iranian nuclear targets remain and indicated that American forces could eliminate them rapidly if he decided to authorize another operation.

“I would say 1 or 2 sites, but we can do that in ten minutes,” Trump said.

Trump specifically identified Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried Iranian nuclear facility, as a potential target for future U.S. military action.

The remarks come at a particularly sensitive moment, with the administration considering whether to resume military operations against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections. Trump has previously pledged that the United States would refrain from launching new attacks before Election Day, while making clear that military action remains an option afterward.

Reports in recent days have indicated that American military planners have developed options for renewed attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile installations and drone infrastructure. The White House has declined to discuss specific operational plans, maintaining that Trump intends to preserve the ability to act if Iran refuses to meet Washington’s demands.

Pickaxe Mountain has emerged as a central concern in the administration’s assessment of Iran’s remaining nuclear capabilities. The heavily fortified underground complex is believed to be buried deep beneath a mountain near one of Iran’s principal nuclear facilities, presenting a particularly challenging target for conventional airstrikes.

Trump raised the possibility of attacking the site earlier this month, saying American forces were capable of destroying it quickly. He has also ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran and indicated that he does not anticipate deploying American ground troops for such an operation.

The president’s latest comments follow renewed diplomatic activity aimed at preventing another escalation. Iranian negotiators met with Qatari mediators in Doha today after lengthy discussions in Tehran the previous day. The negotiations are part of an effort to find a framework for ending the conflict, including arrangements involving Iran’s nuclear program and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Trump has yet to make a final decision on further military action and would prefer a diplomatic solution, although Washington remains prepared to use force if necessary.

Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed American attack would trigger retaliation. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has instructed the country’s armed forces to prepare for a forceful response, while Iranian officials have threatened American and Israeli interests throughout the region if hostilities resume.

The conflict has already inflicted substantial damage across the Middle East. An Associated Press examination of satellite imagery and regional accounts found that Iranian and Iran-backed attacks damaged American military facilities in multiple countries, including aircraft, radar installations, hangars and other infrastructure. The findings illustrate the risks of renewed fighting despite Trump’s assessment that Iran’s military has been severely weakened.

On Friday, Trump predicted that the war with Iran would end soon, although he provided no timetable or detailed explanation of how an agreement might be reached. He reiterated that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a central American objective.

Today’s comments reinforced the administration’s dual approach of pursuing negotiations while threatening additional military action. Although Trump portrayed Iran’s remaining nuclear targets as vulnerable to a rapid American strike, he stopped short of announcing a new operation or specifying when such an attack might take place.

For now, the president’s message to Tehran is that Washington sees no immediate need to resume bombing, but believes it can move swiftly against the remaining nuclear sites if negotiations fail.

New York City residents receiving food stamps will soon be eligible for additional money to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani announcing a 40% increase in the city’s Health Bucks incentive program beginning in January 2027.

Under the expanded program, New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to receive up to $14 per day in additional purchasing incentives when shopping for fresh produce at participating farmers markets and farm stands, compared with the current daily maximum of $10.

The increase represents an additional $4 per day in potential benefits for eligible shoppers, allowing families struggling with rising grocery prices to stretch their food assistance dollars further.

The change does not increase recipients’ regular federal SNAP allotments. Instead, it expands a separate New York City program that rewards food stamp recipients for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from qualifying vendors.

Health Bucks provides a $2 coupon for every $2 in SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets, effectively matching eligible purchases dollar for dollar up to the daily limit.

Beginning in January, a recipient who spends $14 in SNAP benefits on qualifying purchases can earn an additional $14 in Health Bucks coupons, providing a combined $28 in purchasing power for fresh produce.

The coupons can be redeemed at more than 100 participating farmers markets and farm stands throughout the five boroughs.

City officials estimate that the expanded program will distribute nearly $2.3 million in Health Bucks to SNAP recipients during 2027, while also providing additional business to local farmers and produce vendors.

“Every day, New Yorkers walk into a store hoping prices haven’t gone up again,” Mamdani said in announcing the initiative. “As food insecurity rises, far too many families are forced to skip the fruits and vegetables.”

The mayor said the additional assistance is intended to make nutritious foods more affordable while supporting neighborhood markets and agricultural vendors serving New York City residents.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said the cost of fresh produce has become an increasing obstacle for families already struggling to afford basic groceries.

“Purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables should not be considered a luxury, they should fit every family’s budget,” Arteaga said.

She added that many New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity report difficulty obtaining sufficient fruits and vegetables, even though those foods are important components of a healthy diet.

City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin similarly emphasized the financial challenges that can prevent families from following recommended nutritional guidelines.

“Many chronic diseases, including heart disease, are linked to your diet. But knowing that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you and being able to afford them are two different things,” Martin said.

The administration cited recent findings from the New York City Health Department indicating that nearly 80% of adults considered at risk of food insecurity experienced difficulty affording balanced meals.

The research also found that 18% of those surveyed had not eaten any fruits or vegetables the previous day, while nearly one-third had received food assistance from emergency services, including food pantries.

Officials said programs that provide financial incentives for purchasing produce have been associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption and improved food security among lower-income households.

The Health Bucks initiative is supported by city funding and $5.7 million in new grant funding through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, a federal initiative designed to encourage SNAP recipients to purchase healthier foods.

In addition to providing matching coupons for purchases made with SNAP benefits, the city’s Health Department works with community organizations and faith-based groups to distribute Health Bucks to residents participating in nutrition education and other health-related activities.

Those distributions can also benefit eligible residents who are not enrolled in SNAP, although the newly announced increase specifically concerns the daily matching incentive available to SNAP participants.

The program has operated for more than two decades, with the city distributing over $20 million in Health Bucks since its establishment in 2005.

The latest expansion comes as Mamdani pursues a broader effort to address grocery affordability in New York City.

Earlier this year, the mayor identified La Marqueta in East Harlem as the first planned location for his administration’s municipal grocery store initiative, which aims to establish a city-backed grocery store in each of the five boroughs before the end of his first term.

For SNAP recipients seeking to take advantage of the expanded Health Bucks program, the additional incentives will become available in January 2027 at participating farmers markets and farm stands. Regular supermarkets and grocery stores are not included in the matching program unless they operate an eligible participating market or stand.

Israel has completed extensive military preparations for a possible new confrontation with Iran, with its armed forces reportedly ready for both offensive operations and defensive measures as President Donald Trump considers whether to authorize another round of strikes against Tehran.

According to a report today night by Ynet military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua, Israel’s political and military leadership has reached an advanced state of readiness for renewed hostilities. However, the ultimate decision on whether and when to launch an operation is expected to come from the White House rather than Yerushalayim.

Trump is reportedly weighing two principal options: continuing diplomatic negotiations in pursuit of an agreement with Iran on terms more favorable to Washington, or resuming military operations in coordination with Israel, backed by an expanded American military presence in the Middle East.

The preparations come amid a substantial buildup of U.S. military assets in the region, including additional air defense systems, transport aircraft, naval forces and combat aircraft.

During the past week, 10 American military transport planes reportedly landed in Israel as part of an operation to deliver equipment and supplies and strengthen regional military capabilities.

The United States is also transferring another Patriot air defense battery from a military installation in Texas to Israel, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The deployment is intended to strengthen Israel’s defenses against possible Iranian missile attacks in the event of renewed fighting.

The additional Patriot system would supplement Israel’s existing multilayered air defense network, which includes the Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome systems. Together, the systems are designed to intercept a range of aerial threats, although their capabilities differ depending on the type and trajectory of incoming missiles.

American forces are also reportedly being repositioned away from certain bases considered especially vulnerable to retaliation by Iran or Iranian-backed militias, including facilities in Iraq and Syria.

The military buildup is reportedly intended to provide Washington with the capability to conduct a concentrated campaign against Iran while reducing the exposure of American personnel and regional allies to retaliatory attacks.

Foreign media reports have also described unusual Israeli Air Force exercises in recent weeks, involving dozens of fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft flying routes across Syria and Iraq toward the Iranian border before returning to Israel.

According to those reports, the exercises were coordinated in advance with American officials and were intended to demonstrate Israel’s ability to conduct long-range operations against Iranian targets.

Israeli defense officials reportedly believe that the country’s military performance during Operation Roaring Lion, including its ability to operate in Iranian airspace and intercept incoming attacks, has strengthened its position ahead of any future confrontation.

At the same time, Israeli and American planners are said to be replenishing ammunition supplies and preparing additional aircraft for possible deployment.

Another American aircraft carrier strike group, accompanied by Marine forces, is reportedly expected to arrive in the region next month, joining approximately 20 U.S. naval vessels already operating in Middle Eastern waters.

Despite the extensive preparations, questions remain about the strategic objectives of a renewed campaign, including what military achievements would constitute success and what conditions would bring the fighting to an end.

According to the Associated Press, American diplomatic and defense officials have privately warned several Gulf countries to prepare for the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran following the November 3 U.S. midterm elections.

Two diplomats familiar with the discussions said the warnings included the possibility of Iranian retaliation against neighboring countries, particularly those hosting American military installations or other strategic facilities.

The diplomats emphasized that Trump has not yet made a final decision, although he has repeatedly suggested that additional military action could follow the elections.

American officials have reportedly advised regional governments to take precautions against possible Iranian attacks targeting energy installations and other critical infrastructure. Although Washington has discussed the possibility of a relatively short military campaign lasting several days, regional governments fear that Iranian retaliation could prolong the fighting.

The White House and other American officials declined to comment on the diplomatic warnings.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s senior regional commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, recently briefed Trump at the White House on military developments and available options concerning Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine also participated in the discussions.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the military preparations. Reuters reported today that Iranian representatives met with Qatari mediators in Doha following lengthy discussions in Tehran, as regional governments attempt to prevent another major escalation.

Qatar has reportedly presented a proposal intended to establish confidence-building measures between Washington and Tehran, but Iranian officials rejected the suggested terms as inadequate.

An Iranian official involved in the negotiations characterized the Qatari initiative as a collection of unacceptable ideas rather than a formal proposal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that Tehran remains willing to pursue diplomacy, although Iranian officials continue to reject the conditions being advanced through intermediaries.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today that Trump has not decided whether to resume military operations and would prefer a diplomatic solution, while emphasizing that the United States remains prepared to use military force if necessary.

Iran has simultaneously issued increasingly forceful warnings about the consequences of another American or Israeli attack.

A statement attributed to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Tehran would respond immediately to renewed military action and would determine the course and conclusion of any subsequent confrontation.

Iranian officials have also raised the possibility of targeting undersea communications cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could disrupt internet connectivity and commercial activity across parts of the Persian Gulf.

The warnings come as both sides continue preparing for the possibility that diplomatic efforts will fail, leaving Trump to determine whether the next stage of the confrontation with Iran will unfold through negotiations or renewed military action.

Two people were killed in separate accidents in southern Israel on Shabbos, including a man in his 30s who died after his vehicle slammed into a utility pole in Be’er Sheva and a hiker who was reportedly struck by a vehicle driven by a family member in the Negev.

The fatal crash in Be’er Sheva occurred on Rechov Cheil HaHandasa shortly after 8:25 p.m., when a private vehicle collided with a pole, leaving the driver trapped inside the badly damaged car.

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services received an emergency call at 8:29 p.m., just one minute after Magen David Adom dispatchers were notified of the collision at 8:28 p.m.

Firefighters from the Be’er Sheva station rushed to the scene and began a complicated extrication operation, using specialized rescue equipment to free the driver from the wreckage.

MDA emergency medical personnel who arrived at the scene found the approximately 30-year-old driver unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing. Despite efforts to assist him, his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

MDA emergency medical technicians Bat-El Ilayev and Aya Peretz described the horrific conditions they encountered.

“This was an extremely serious accident. When we arrived at the scene, we saw a vehicle that had crashed into a pole, with a man approximately 30 years old trapped inside, without a pulse and not breathing. He was extricated from the vehicle, and we performed medical examinations, but unfortunately his injuries were too severe, and we were forced to pronounce him dead at the scene,” they said.

ZAKA 360 volunteers Omri Alturi and Hamouda Abu Yahya were also dispatched to the crash site to assist with the aftermath.

“This was a very serious accident involving a driver approximately 30 years old whose vehicle struck a pole, leaving him trapped inside,” the volunteers said. “Fire and rescue personnel extricated him, and medical teams evacuated him while performing resuscitation efforts. He was subsequently pronounced dead. We are working at the scene to collect the findings.”

Firefighters continued searching the damaged vehicle and the surrounding area after the driver was removed, checking for the possibility that additional people had been involved or trapped in the wreckage.

Earlier on Shabbos, a separate fatal accident occurred near Nachal Kedarot in the Negev, where a hiker was struck and killed by a vehicle.

According to a report by Ynet, investigators suspect that the vehicle was being driven by a female relative of the victim, who may have struck him accidentally.

The Har Hanegev Rescue Unit was dispatched to the remote area, and a military helicopter assisted in recovering the victim. An IDF physician who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead.

Traffic investigators from the Negev District of the Israel Police opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, including how the vehicle came to strike the hiker.

The two fatalities add to a series of serious traffic accidents reported across Israel in recent days.

{Matzav.com}