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From Washington, DC, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday addressed the Israeli public at the conclusion of what he called a “historic visit” to the United States following what he described as “a historic victory in the war against Iran.” In a statement delivered in Hebrew and later translated into English, Netanyahu made several major announcements and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to achieving the war’s objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas. Gaza and Hostage Deal “I met yesterday with the families of the hostages whom I invited, including families of both living hostages and deceased hostages,” Netanyahu said. “We are determined to bring back everyone, I told them that. I told them we are now attempting to achieve a release of half of the living and deceased hostages, in return for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days.” He continued: “In the beginning of that ceasefire we will enter negotiations on a permanent end to the war, that is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve that, this has to be done on the minimal conditions that we’ve set: Hamas lays down its arms, Gaza is demilitarized, there are no longer any governing or military capabilities of Hamas. These are our fundamental conditions.” Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not hesitate to use military means if negotiations fail. “If this can be achieved in negotiations — so much the better. If this will not be achieved in negotiations after 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by applying the might of our heroic army.” Pressure from the U.S. and Continued Operations in Rafah Netanyahu acknowledged American resistance to parts of Israel’s military strategy but insisted Israel overcame these limitations. “We have had to contend with an American embargo: ‘do not enter Rafah,’ ‘do not conquer the Philadelphi Corridor’. Those are not simple matters. We overcame that and now we wish to complete that move.” He praised the IDF’s continued operations, stating: “While we were preparing and eventually carrying out perhaps the most daring military operation in our history — certainly one of the most daring, one that the entire world is dazzled by — at the same time we keep advancing in the Gaza Strip and retrieving deceased hostages.” Iran and the Nuclear Threat Turning to Iran, Netanyahu drew a parallel between the Gaza ceasefire terms and the broader threat from Tehran. “We have said the same thing with regards to Iran and removing the nuclear threat. If this will be achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the US and Iran, so much the better. But if it won’t be achieved, it will be achieved another way.” Public Concern and Military Strategy Addressing public frustration with the length of the war, Netanyahu stated: “I hear the questions raised by the public, the fighters, the reservists: ‘why is this taking so much time?’ First of all, this is a battleground that no army in the world has ever faced… there are still thousands of armed militants. And we wish to act, once again, by combining diplomacy with military force, and using military force if diplomacy doesn’t get the job done, in order to complete the mission.” Commitment to Hostage Return Netanyahu also addressed questions about the order of hostage releases. “I hear the […]

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Thursday that he will impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States if President Donald Trump follows through on a pledge to boost import taxes by 50% over the South American country’s criminal trial against his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula said he will trigger Brazil’s reciprocity law approved by Congress earlier this year if negotiations with the U.S. fail. “If there’s no negotiation, the reciprocity law will be put to work. If he charges 50 (% tariffs) from us, we will charge 50 from them,” Lula told TV Record in excerpts of an interview that will be fully aired later in the day. “Respect is good. I like to offer mine and I like to receive it.” Lula’s comments raise the risk of a tariffs war erupting between the two countries, similar to what has happened between the U.S. and China. Trump has vowed to respond forcefully if countries seek to punish the U.S. by adding tariffs of their own. The tariffs letter that Trump sent to Brazil — and posted on social media Wednesday — railing against the “witch hunt” trial against Bolsonaro opened up a new front in his trade wars, with the U.S. leader directly using import taxes to interfere with another nation’s domestic politics. Trump has already tried to use tariffs to ostensibly combat fentanyl trafficking and as a negotiating tool to change how other nations tax digital services and regulate their economies. In Brazil’s case, Trump is trying to dictate the outcome of the criminal trial of Bolsonaro, an ally who like Trump has been charged with attempting to overturn a presidential election. Bolsonaro maintains that he is being politically persecuted by Brazil’s Supreme Court over his charges on the alleged plot to remain in power after his 2022 election loss to Lula. “There’s nothing Lula or Brazil can do about Bolsonaro’s trial,” said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo. “Any change in that would be Brazil’s capitulation. Bolsonaro’s situation here won’t change. How do you negotiate over that?” Lula ordered his diplomats on Thursday to return Trump’s letter if it physically arrives at the presidential palace in Brasilia. The document attacks the country’s judiciary and mentions recent rulings on social media companies among the reasons why goods from the South American nation will have higher tariffs from Aug. 1. Trade negotiations now ‘up in the air’ Trump has initiated his tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, saying in April that the persistent deficit between what the U.S. exports and what it imports is a national crisis. But the U.S. runs a trade surplus with Brazil, undermining some of the rationale. A staffer of Brazil’s foreign ministry told The Associated Press that trade negotiations that were ongoing since Trump imposed a first set of tariffs in April are now “up in the air.” Some members of the Lula administration say Trump’s move is actually aimed at Brazil’s connection with other Southern economies, as displayed on Sunday at the summit of BRICS nations hosted in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s president once again mentioned the hope for an alternative currency to the dollar for transactions, a topic that frequently draws Trump’s ire. “Trump was never worried about democracy anywhere, much less with Bolsonaro’s destiny,” said Gleisi Hoffmann, Brazil’s institutional relations minister. “What […]

President Trump acknowledged that the Secret Service made serious errors during the attempted assassination at a 2024 campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet narrowly missed taking his life. Still, he said he maintains strong faith in the agency’s abilities. “Well, it was unforgettable,” Trump, 79, told his daughter-in-law Lara Trump during an interview set to air on Fox News Channel’s My View. “I didn’t know exactly what was going on. I got whacked. There’s no question about that. And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming, and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets.”

He also offered high praise for the Secret Service sniper who neutralized the shooter, Thomas Crooks. “His name is David,” Trump said. “He just, he went about his business. Less than just about four seconds, and that’s when it all stopped and he got him perfectly from a very long distance. So we got a little bit lucky in that regard.”

The Secret Service announced Wednesday night that disciplinary actions had been taken against six of its personnel for their roles in the security lapse during the shooting. Despite the failures, Trump said he was generally reassured by the information he’s been given since the attack. “They should have had somebody in the building [Crooks shot from], that was a mistake,” he said. “They should have had communications with the local police, they weren’t tied in, and they should have been tied in. So there were mistakes made … But I was satisfied in terms of the bigger plot, the larger plot, I was satisfied.”

He reiterated his overall support for the agency, even while acknowledging the shortcomings. “And I have great confidence in these people. I know the people. And they’re very talented, very capable. But they had a bad day. And I think they’ll admit that. They had a rough day.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump dismissed a chilling threat from a senior Iranian official suggesting he could be assassinated by a drone while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago, brushing it off with characteristic bravado and sarcasm. “It’s been a long time. I don’t know, maybe I was around seven or so,” Trump said, smirking when asked if he was concerned about the warning. “I’m not too big into [sunbathing]. I guess it’s a threat. I’m not sure it’s a threat, actually—but perhaps it is.” The threat came from Javad Larijani, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Iranian state television that Trump should now “fear the sun.” “Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago,” Larijani said ominously. “As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It’s very simple.” The veiled threat follows last month’s U.S.-led strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities—operations coordinated with Israel and publicly authorized by Trump in an effort to derail Tehran’s nuclear program. While the Iranian government quickly agreed to a Trump-brokered cease-fire, experts have warned that the regime’s thirst for vengeance remains unresolved. This is not the first time Iran has been linked to plots against the former president. In 2024, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Iranian agent Farhad Shakeri for orchestrating an operation to surveil and assassinate Trump on U.S. soil. Two alleged co-conspirators were arrested in New York—Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt—with evidence pointing to a plot directly overseen by Tehran. Even before that, the Iranian regime had glorified the idea of Trump’s assassination. A propaganda video produced in 2022, depicting Trump being targeted on a golf course, reportedly won a regime-sponsored “animation contest” commemorating the death of Qasem Soleimani, the top Iranian general eliminated in a 2020 U.S. drone strike ordered by Trump. Though Tehran’s recent military response was limited to a symbolic barrage of missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar—with advance warning and no casualties—intelligence officials caution that Iran’s long game often includes sleeper operations, assassinations, and cyberattacks. Still, Trump appeared unfazed. Known for favoring golf and spray tanning over sunbathing, the former—and potentially future—commander-in-chief laughed off the threat with reporters, exuding the same defiance that has defined his approach to Iran since ordering Soleimani’s killing. Behind the jokes, however, the gravity of the threat looms. Experts say Iran’s warning was no accident, and the rhetoric could be a signal of continued operational intent. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

An Israeli official revealed on Thursday that Iran’s nuclear materials, specifically uranium enriched to 60 percent, remain in place at key sites including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. These locations were struck by the United States during last month’s confrontation with Iran, which followed a nearly two-week conflict between Jerusalem and Tehran. Despite the strikes, intelligence suggests the uranium stockpile has neither been relocated nor removed.

According to the same source, Iran’s reserves, which amount to approximately 400 kilograms (880 pounds), are still at the sites. Speaking to Reuters, the official noted that while Iran might be able to access some of the material at Isfahan, extracting it would be highly challenging.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, in Washington this week, reiterated Israel’s ongoing alarm over Iran’s uranium supplies during an appearance on Fox Business. When questioned about whether Iran may have hidden any nuclear materials, Netanyahu stated, “We think we know where it is, it’s sort of buried underground, and we don’t have contrary information.”

Netanyahu explained that Israel deliberately chose not to target the enriched uranium directly during the military campaign. “The one thing that we didn’t deal with that we knew we didn’t deal with was the enriched uranium,” he said.

He emphasized that Iran must not be allowed to maintain access to that material. “So it has to be made clear to them, and I think it has been, that they don’t get this enriched uranium,” he said.

Although he clarified that enriched uranium alone cannot produce nuclear weapons, Netanyahu said it remains a vital part of the process. “It’s a necessary component, but it’s not sufficient,” he explained. Israel, he continued, wants that component to be closely monitored. “We want that necessary component to be under control too,” he said. “I think the Iranians understand that what the US and Israel did once we could do twice, and thrice.”

When asked why Iran wouldn’t simply restart its nuclear program, Netanyahu responded bluntly: “Because they’re afraid.”

President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, asserting that Iran had no opportunity to evacuate the enriched uranium prior to the US attack. He claimed the materials were stored beneath granite, making rapid removal impossible.

Nonetheless, reports from both American and European intelligence sources cast doubt on that assessment, suggesting the nuclear material might have been relocated before the airstrikes occurred and that the facilities were not completely destroyed.

On June 13, Israel launched a broad and forceful operation targeting top Iranian defense figures, nuclear engineers, uranium enrichment facilities, and missile infrastructure. Israeli leaders described the campaign as necessary to block Iran’s intentions to annihilate the Jewish state.

Though Iranian officials continue to deny aspirations for nuclear arms, their enrichment of uranium to 60% — well beyond what is required for civilian energy purposes — has drawn international concern. Israeli intelligence asserts that Tehran has taken concrete steps toward turning that material into weapons.

Following the military exchange, Iran cut all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Masoud Pezeshkian signed legislation terminating coordination with the IAEA, leading the UN body to withdraw its final inspectors from the country.

On Thursday, Pezeshkian criticized the IAEA, demanding an end to what he called biased treatment. If that doesn’t happen, he said, Iran won’t resume collaboration. His comments were reported by Iranian state media.

The diplomatic relationship between Tehran and the IAEA has steadily deteriorated in the wake of the US and Israeli strikes.

“The continuation of Iran’s cooperation with the agency (IAEA) depends on the latter correcting its double standards regarding the nuclear file,” Pezeshkian reportedly told European Council President Antonio Costa during a phone call.

He also warned of future consequences if further attacks occur. “Any repeated aggression (against Iran) will be met with a more decisive and regrettable response,” he said.

Iran has accused the IAEA of effectively giving the green light for the attacks by denouncing Tehran’s violations of nuclear non-proliferation agreements. Iranian officials argue the agency failed to condemn the military actions and instead exacerbated tensions.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said Wednesday that Israel must capitalize on the momentum from the recent campaign to prevent Iran from restoring its nuclear program.

“We need to formulate an enforcement program to prevent Iran from reviving the capabilities it had before [the war],” Katz stated.

He added that Tehran is undoubtedly working to regroup and adapt. “The Iranians will try in every possible way to learn their lessons and recover,” he said. “The enemy is learning and preparing — and our challenge is to step up our abilities so that we are not taken by surprise.”

{Matzav.com}

A man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course told a federal judge Thursday he wants to fire his court-appointed lawyers and represent himself. Ryan Routh made his request during a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon. When the judge asked Routh, 59, whether he wanted her to appoint new attorneys to defend him, Routh replied: “No. I will represent myself.” Cannon then closed the courtroom to reporters and the public for about an hour to discuss matters potentially involving attorney-client privilege. The hearing was scheduled to continue Thursday afternoon. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have a right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney. Prosecutors have said Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who prosecutors said informed officers that he saw a person fleeing. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested and the witnesses confirmed it was the person he had seen, prosecutors have said. Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Routh’s federal trial is set for September. If convicted, he could face a sentence of life in prison, federal officials have said. (AP)

The Sleep Coach Academy Is Training the Next Generation of Holistic Sleep Coaches—Here’s Why You Should Join Sleep issues are everywhere—and so is the demand for real solutions. More than 1 in 4 adults struggles with serious sleep problems. And while the traditional approach has been to medicate or slap on a CPAP, there’s a growing need for professionals who can actually help people get to the root cause of their sleep challenges—naturally, holistically, and effectively. Enter the Sleep Coach Academy. Founded by renowned sleep expert Doron Lazarus, the Sleep Coach Academy is quickly becoming the gold standard in integrative sleep education, attracting aspiring healers, wellness practitioners, and passionate individuals from all walks of life. “The Sleep Coach Academy is doing an amazing job in bringing high-level sleep education to approximate that being received by most sleep doctors!  The program is providing evidence-based information and is truly amazing.  We need more people out there who have this knowledge and have a deep desire to help.”  — Dr. Innessa Donskoy, Sleep Specialist, SCA Advisory Board & Guest Lecturer WATCH – Program Director Shares How to Jumpstart Your Career in Sleep Coaching Why Become an Integrative Sleep Coach? Imagine waking up each morning knowing you’re helping people reclaim their energy, restore their health, and change their lives for the better—while building a meaningful, profitable career on your own terms. Whether you want to launch your own coaching practice, add a powerful skillset to your existing work in health or education, or simply explore a new path that’s deeply rewarding, the Sleep Coach Academy gives you the tools to succeed. “The Sleep Coach Academy is a viable option for someone who wants to make a difference and earn profitably in the area of holistic health, even alongside a full family life and a day job.  Covering all the theory of integrative sleep coaching, plus full guidance and support in marketing and setting up your practice, the SCA gives you the entire blueprint for you to finally feel that deep satisfaction of making a real difference and earning well.”  — Nechama Miriam Steinhaus, Business Coach | Sleep Coach Academy CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT ACCESS – The Full Program Guide for the Sleep Coach Academy   What Makes the SCA So Unique? ●       Evidence-based, integrative approach that blends psychology, neuroscience, breathwork, nutrition, and functional medicine. ●       Personalized mentorship from Doron Lazarus and a handpicked team of expert faculty. ●       Business training and marketing support to help you find your voice, attract clients, and build a thriving private practice. ●       Flexible, self-paced learning so you can train on your schedule, from anywhere in the world. “The Sleep Coach Academy is remarkable in the fact that it tackles every aspect of the mind, body, and breath, and treats each client with a customized approach.  It is a phenomenal experience training under Doron, whose unique talent lies in his incredible ability to reach out to every student.  I highly recommend The Sleep Coach Academy to anyone looking to make a difference in someone’s life.”  — Rochel Greenstein, Program Graduate  WATCH – Program Grad Shares His Experience Training at the Sleep Coach Academy The World Needs More Sleep Coaches. Maybe One of Them Is You. Whether you’re a nurse, a therapist, a wellness professional, a teacher—or just someone who […]

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a video message from Washington in which he reaffirmed Israel’s firm commitment to securing the release of all hostages. He stated that if Hamas agrees to Israel’s core demands, the war could come to an end. “I told them that we are currently trying to achieve the release of half of the hostages, both alive and dead, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days,” he said, referring to conversations he had with families of those held captive. “At the beginning of this ceasefire, negotiations will be entered into to end the war permanently. That is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve this, this must be done under the minimum conditions that we have set: Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarized, Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities. These are our basic conditions.”

Those stipulations have remained consistent since the war began in the wake of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks. Netanyahu made it clear that if diplomacy does not yield results, Israel is prepared to act. “If this can be achieved through negotiations — that’s great. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army,” he declared, speaking after attending a memorial ceremony for two Israeli embassy staff members killed in May.

He drew a comparison to the Iranian nuclear threat, saying the same principle applies. “We said the same thing about Iran, removing the nuclear threat,” he noted. “If this is achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the United States and Iran, that’s great. But if it is not achieved, it will be achieved in another way.”

Netanyahu addressed criticism over the prolonged timeline of the Gaza war, attributing the slow progress to the complexity of the battlefield. “First of all, this is a war zone that no army in the world has faced,” he said. “And thanks to the heroism of the fighters, thanks to the sacrifice of the fallen, thanks to the creativity, we dismantled most of Hamas’s military capabilities. But not all of them. There are still thousands of fighters there with weapons. And we want to act, again, with a combination of diplomacy and military force, and military force if diplomacy doesn’t work, to complete the mission.”

He also acknowledged that the Biden administration had delayed Israel’s entry into Rafah, but emphasized that Israel moved ahead despite that. “We overcame that too, and now we want to complete the move,” he said. “And I remind you — [all this has happened] during the very months, the last few months, in which we were preparing and finally carrying out the military operation that is perhaps the most brilliant in our history, among the most brilliant certainly, which the whole world is in awe of.”

Even as ceasefire discussions unfold, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli forces continue their operations. “Meanwhile, we continue to advance in the Gaza Strip and rescue the hostages who have died. In the meantime, we did not let up for a moment, and even now we are not letting up on this for a moment.”

He made it clear that if Hamas does not comply with the terms, Israel will not hesitate to return to the battlefield, pointing out that previous ceasefires ended with a resumption of fighting. Netanyahu said that while diplomacy is preferable, Israel’s objectives will be realized one way or another. “But one way or another, they will be achieved.”

On the sequencing of hostage releases, Netanyahu said he would much rather see everyone freed at once, but that Hamas’s cruelty complicates matters. “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organization. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone, and from our point of view, they are all humanitarian. I want to rescue everyone in one fell swoop,” he said.

Still, he noted, there will likely be a two-stage release process, not entirely under Israel’s control. “Here we are dealing with two stages, but the choice is not always ours. We will do everything to maximize this release in the best possible way. Not everything is in our hands.”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), whose vote proved pivotal in confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense earlier this year, says he now regrets the decision, sharply criticizing Hegseth’s performance and calling him “out of his depth.” Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper on The Lead, Tillis delivered a blunt assessment of Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon, citing recent missteps and a broader lack of managerial competence. “With the passing of time, I think it’s clear he’s out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organization,” Tillis said. Asked specifically about the so-called Signalgate controversy — in which Hegseth temporarily suspended secure communications between certain NATO-aligned commands — Tillis dismissed the episode as symptomatic of a larger problem. “That’s just one issue,” he told Tapper. “The whole idea of pausing Ukraine defensive arms — that’s amateurish. That’s from somebody who doesn’t understand large organization dynamics.” Tillis added that, at the time of the confirmation vote in January, he believed Hegseth deserved a chance, but now questions whether the Senate Armed Services Committee “was a little too generous” in its assessment of Hegseth’s qualifications to lead “the world’s largest, most complex, and arguably most consequential organization.” Reports at the time of the nomination indicated that Tillis faced intense pressure from President Trump and key MAGA figures to support Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Trump ally. Some threatened to back a primary challenger against Tillis if he opposed the pick. But that leverage has faded. Tillis announced earlier this year that he will not seek reelection in 2026 — a decision that has freed him to speak more openly, particularly after he opposed Trump’s “Big Beautiful” infrastructure and defense funding package. “I’m here to call balls and strikes,” Tillis said, reiterating that he intends to serve as an independent voice for the remainder of his term. Asked directly whether he would vote to confirm Hegseth again, knowing what he knows now, Tillis did not hesitate: “Based on the information I have today? No,” he said. “His probationary period hasn’t been very positive.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

It has now been cleared for release that the young man killed in Thursday’s terror attack at the Rami Levi shopping center near Gush Etzion Junction was 22-year-old Shalev Zevuloni, a resident of Kiryat Arba.

According to reports, two assailants attacked Zevuloni, stabbing him multiple times before fatally shooting him. Authorities believe the terrorists used Zevuloni’s own firearm, which they stole during the assault. Their attack was quickly stopped when an armed civilian and a soldier shot and killed both terrorists on the spot.

Zevuloni’s levayah is scheduled for Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. and will take place in the historic Jewish cemetery in Chevron.

The Municipality of Kiryat Arba released a message expressing its sorrow: “Kiryat Arba-Chevron bows its head and extends condolences to the Zevuloni and Ozel families on the murder of their son Shalev Zevuloni, a resident of Kiryat Arba-Chevron. On behalf of all the residents of the town, we send condolences to the dear family and send our warm embrace at this difficult time.”

The Gush Etzion Regional Council also issued a statement mourning the loss: “The council mourns the murder of Shalev Zevuloni, who was murdered today in the severe terror attack at the Gush Etzion Junction. We extend our condolences to the family and embrace his father, Shai, a council employee, during this difficult time. The council will continue to assist the family with anything it needs.”

The attackers were later identified as Mahoud Yusuf A’abed, 23, from Halhul in the Gush Etzion region, and Salim Malik, 23, from the village of Bizzariya near Shechem. Both men were members of the Palestinian Authority’s police force.

{Matzav.com Israel}

TikTok is facing a fresh European Union privacy investigation into user data sent to China, regulators said Thursday. The Data Protection Commission opened the inquiry as a follow up to a previous investigation that ended earlier this year with a 530 million euro ($620 million) fine after it found the video sharing app put users at risk of spying by allowing remote access their data from China. The Irish national watchdog serves as TikTok’s lead data privacy regulator in the 27-nation EU because the company’s European headquarters is based in Dublin. During an earlier investigation, TikTok initially told the regulator it didn’t store European user data in China, and that data was only accessed remotely by staff in China. However, it later backtracked and said that some data had in fact been stored on Chinese servers. The watchdog responded at the time by saying it would consider further regulatory action. “As a result of that consideration, the DPC has now decided to open this new inquiry into TikTok,” the watchdog said. “The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether TikTok has complied with its relevant obligations under the GDPR in the context of the transfers now at issue, including the lawfulness of the transfers,” the regulator said, referring to the European Union’s strict privacy rules, known as the General Data Protection Regulation. TikTok did not respond immediately to a request for comment. TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has been under scrutiny in Europe over how it handles personal user information amid concerns from Western officials that it poses a security risk. Under GDPR, European user data can only be transferred outside of the bloc if there are safeguards in place to ensure the same level of protection. Only 15 countries or territories are deemed to have the same data privacy standard as the EU, but China is not one of them. (AP)

HY’D: Authorities have cleared for publication that the victim of Thursday’s deadly terror attack at the Rami Levi shopping complex near the Gush Etzion Junction was Shalev Zevuloni, 22, a resident of Kiryat Arba. Zevuloni was brutally attacked by two Palestinian terrorists who stabbed him multiple times and then fatally shot him—reportedly using his own handgun, which they had stolen during the assault. The terrorists were neutralized at the scene by an armed civilian and an IDF soldier.

John Kerry, who previously held the role of climate envoy under President Joe Biden, acknowledged during a podcast interview on Thursday that President Donald Trump had been “right” about the need to secure the U.S. border, saying Democrats had failed to uphold it.

Speaking on the BBC’s “Reflections” podcast, Kerry stated, “The first thing any president should say, any president, or anybody in public life, is, without a border protected, you don’t have a nation — I believe that. If you’re going to define your nation, you have to have a border that means something,” adding, “We have a system. I wish President Biden had been heard more often saying, ‘I’m going to enforce the law.’”

Kerry, who also served as Secretary of State under Barack Obama and ran as the Democratic nominee for president in 2004, was questioned by BBC’s James Naughtie about whether Trump would likely tout Kerry’s comments as vindication of his stance.

“He was right,” Kerry replied. “The problem is we all should have been right. Everybody should have been right, doing the same thing, all moving in the same direction.”

Earlier in the discussion, Kerry shared that he had expressed to Biden that the Democratic Party had mishandled the border situation.

“They just allowed the border to continue to be sieged, under siege,” he said.

Kerry also pointed out that Democrats had backed immigration reform legislation that faced opposition from Trump and several Republican lawmakers.

Later in the interview, Naughtie shifted the topic to Biden’s re-election campaign, asking whether things might have played out differently had Biden stepped aside earlier instead of doing so after pressure from fellow Democrats.

“I think in retrospect that’s pretty clear, it answers itself,” Kerry responded.

When pressed further on whether Biden had realized this himself, Kerry declined to speculate.

“He’s my friend, and he did a hell of a job. I don’t think he’s gotten enough credit for what a great president he was,” he said of Biden.

Meanwhile, immigration remains a central issue in Trump’s policy agenda, especially as he seeks to return to the White House. His administration has prioritized aggressive enforcement and deportations.

Between June 1 and June 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded 5,414 arrests at the border, with the El Paso area seeing the most activity. During the same period, there were 986 confirmed “gotaways.” Both statistics represent record lows.

For comparison, the number of apprehensions in May under Trump stood at just under 9,000—dramatically lower than the approximately 118,000 reported during the same month a year earlier while Biden was still in office.

{Matzav.com}

White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters renovation President Donald Trump’s budget chief said that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell “has grossly mismanaged the Fed.” Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought also suggested Powell had misled Congress about a pricey renovation of the central bank’s headquarters. Vought’s broadside opens up a new front in the Trump administration’s war on the Fed chief.

A joyous chasunah took place last night (Wednesday) in the main Beis Medrash of Machnovka-Belz in Bnei Brak, celebrating the marriage of the grandson of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe. The chassan is the son of the Spinka-Monsey Rebbe, who is a son-in-law of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe, and the kallah is the granddaughter of the Ziditshov Rebbe of Bnei Brak. A distinguished group of Admorim participated in the simcha, which reached an emotional climax during the mitzvah tantz, as the Rebbe danced with fiery passion before the kallah. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy;  and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna. They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin. Torah-24 A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l. Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun).  Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests. Endorsements & Letters Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman. Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss. For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022

Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has officially secured more votes than any other mayoral candidate in a New York City primary election, according to updated tallies released Tuesday by the city’s Board of Elections. The progressive Queens assemblyman received 565,639 votes in the third round of the city’s ranked-choice voting system — surpassing the previous record set by David Dinkins in 1989, who won his primary with 547,000 votes in a traditional, non-ranked-choice format. The updated totals reflect the transfer of approximately 102,000 votes to Mamdani from eliminated candidates in earlier rounds, giving him a decisive edge in the Democratic field. “With the updated RCV totals just released by the Board of Elections, our campaign has officially earned the most total votes in a primary in New York City history,” Mamdani wrote on X, celebrating the milestone. In comparison, Mayor Eric Adams won the 2021 Democratic primary with just over 404,000 votes in the final round, including roughly 50,000 transferred through ranked-choice reallocations. Mamdani’s total may still grow slightly, as a small percentage of ballots remain uncounted. But his campaign has already declared the result a historic mandate, reflecting the strength of his insurgent campaign and the growing influence of left-wing politics in the city’s Democratic electorate. The achievement adds momentum to Mamdani’s general election campaign, where he currently holds a commanding lead in early polling over rivals including Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Mayor Adams. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A federal judge in New Hampshire has temporarily halted the implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to eliminate birthright citizenship. In addition, the court granted class-action status covering all newborns affected by the directive across the country.

U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante announced he would publish a detailed explanation of his decision later in the day. The injunction he issued limits the case’s scope by excluding the parents of impacted children from the certified class, focusing solely on infants.

Judge LaPlante’s ruling stated that stripping individuals of their citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment, as well as reversing longstanding government policy, would lead to “irreparable harm.”

Despite the ruling, the Trump administration is expected to move swiftly to appeal. The development follows a recent Supreme Court decision from late June in which the justices, in a 6-3 vote, declared that plaintiffs pursuing broad relief must file as a class action, thereby curbing the ability of district courts to impose nationwide injunctions.

The Supreme Court’s ruling was limited to procedural issues regarding lower courts’ jurisdiction and did not address whether Trump’s executive order itself was lawful under the Constitution.

Nevertheless, attorneys for the Justice Department informed a federal court last week that the administration is preparing to implement Trump’s order starting July 27. They cited a 30-day grace period provided in the Supreme Court’s decision as the basis for their timeline.

Trump’s directive, which he signed on the first day of his second term in office, instructs all federal agencies to withhold citizenship documentation from children born in the United States to parents who entered the country illegally or who do not have at least one parent who is either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.

The order, issued at the outset of Trump’s second presidential term, immediately came under legal attack in January from more than 22 states and various immigrants’ rights organizations. The plaintiffs argued that eliminating birthright citizenship violates the Constitution and undermines over a century of legal precedent.

Federal judges moved quickly to put a hold on the order, setting the stage for its eventual escalation to the Supreme Court, which took up the case in May.

Following the high court’s decision, new legal challenges emerged from groups like the ACLU and other immigration advocacy organizations, who re-submitted class action complaints in states such as Maryland and New Hampshire. Judge LaPlante’s review on Thursday was part of that legal wave.

Attorneys representing the administration emphasized last week that the Supreme Court’s opinion does not prevent the government from taking other steps in the meantime. They said the administration intends to “immediately” begin rolling out official guidance on how the order will be enforced.

Immigration advocates have expressed grave concerns, warning that the consequences of the executive order could be “catastrophic.”

{Matzav.com}

Rumors spread on Thursday about the organization of a massive demonstration against the draft of Chareidim and a shaila about the matter was even posed to HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, Kikar H’Shabbat reported. The Chareidi sector is beside itself with anger and frustration over the failure to enact a draft law, and especially over the restrictions on lomdei Torah and the intention to harass and arrest them. One of the serious initiatives that arose was to hold a massive demonstration, like the one held in 2015 against the draft law, and in 2000 against the Supreme Court. Activists consulted with Rabbanim and a shaila on the matter was brought to HaRav Landau. HaRav Landau decided that there is no reason to hold such a demonstration at this time. The Rosh Yeshivah said, “The time is not yet right. At this moment, our activity needs to be firmly directed against the government, which is not honoring its commitment to us to regulate the status of lomdei Torah.” “It is also not advisable at this time to hold demonstrations of this kind, because Prime Minister Netanyahu might even arrive with his crowd to the demonstration and turn it into a right-wing demonstration—against the Supreme Court, for his own reasons. And we see him as no less guilty for the fact that until now there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the Olam Torah.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

President Donald Trump revealed that he is imposing a 50% tariff on all goods imported from Brazil beginning August 1, citing what he called the political persecution of conservative leader Jair Bolsonaro and a broader assault on democracy and free speech. He labeled the situation a “witch hunt” and said the targeting of Bolsonaro was nothing short of an “international disgrace.”

In a strongly worded letter to Brazil’s leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump outlined several grievances. Chief among them were actions taken by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) that he claims have infringed on American free speech rights by pressuring U.S.-based social media companies into compliance with censorship orders. Trump also condemned Brazil’s handling of its recent elections, suggesting they were manipulated.

“Due in part to Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans,” Trump wrote in his letter, “starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.”

Trump argued that the 50% tariff was actually a restrained measure given the scale of imbalance in trade relations. He warned Lula that if Brazil retaliates with its own tariffs, the U.S. will raise its rate even further to match. “Whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 50-percent that we charge,” he wrote.

“Please understand that these Tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of Brazil’s Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, causing these unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States,” Trump said. “This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!”

This move follows a recent post Trump shared on Truth Social, in which he expressed strong backing for Bolsonaro. Since stepping down in early 2023, Bolsonaro has faced mounting legal pressure in Brazil, spearheaded by STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes. De Moraes, who claims to be cracking down on disinformation, has led a sweeping crackdown that many critics say targets conservative voices, with Bolsonaro as the most prominent figure under investigation.

Bolsonaro, currently prohibited from seeking elected office until 2030, is in the midst of a trial involving serious accusations. He is alleged to have been part of a scheme to poison President Lula and stage a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a sentence of up to 39 years—something he described in March as the “end of his life.”

Beyond the so-called coup case, Bolsonaro also faces charges of keeping lavish jewelry gifts from Saudi Arabia that were meant for the Brazilian state. Another set of accusations—that he faked a COVID-19 vaccination record to travel to the U.S.—was recently dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Responding to Trump’s letter, Lula issued a statement on Twitter defending Brazil’s autonomy and judicial system. “Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being controlled by anyone,” he declared.

He went on to contest the claims of a trade imbalance, stating, “Statistics from the U.S. government itself show a surplus of $410 billion in the trade of goods and services with Brazil over the past 15 years.” Lula warned that any one-sided tariff increases from Washington would be met with equal retaliation by his government.

Lula’s message also defended Brazil’s legal system and its right to prosecute those accused of plotting a coup. “The judicial proceedings against those responsible for planning the coup d’état fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of Brazil´s Judicial Branch and, as such, are not subject to any interference or threats that could compromise the independence of national institutions,” Lula’s message read.

He also addressed the issue of digital censorship, stating that Brazilian society does not accept “hateful content, racism, child pornography, scams, fraud, and speeches against human rights and democratic freedom.” According to Lula, “In Brazil, freedom of expression must not be confused with aggression or violent practices. All companies—whether domestic or foreign—must comply with Brazilian law in order to operate within our territory.”

{Matzav.com}