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[Video below.] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a rain-soaked commencement ceremony at United States Military Academy today to deliver a forceful rebuke of diversity initiatives and identity politics in the military, declaring that the era of what he called weakened standards and political correctness in the armed forces is coming to an end.

Addressing graduating cadets at West Point, Hegseth sharply criticized previous military leadership, accusing them of prioritizing social agendas over combat readiness.

“The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy,” Hegseth told the cadets. “Combat is the ultimate test, and our best Americans must ace it.”

The Pentagon chief also took aim at what he described as an effort to reshape the academy along ideological lines, comparing the institution to his alma mater, Princeton University.

The Pentagon chief also decried “woke and weak leaders” for attempting to transform the military academy into “woke Princeton,” his alma mater.

“They embraced the DEI craze and tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies,” Hegseth said, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. “They hired professors who advocated for anti-American ideologies right here in these halls, but no more.

“West Point is set apart. It’s special. It’s above politics,” he continued. “Success here is based on merit. It’s how you perform that matters.”

Hegseth has repeatedly attacked DEI policies in the military and strongly backed President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting openly transgender individuals from serving in the armed forces.

Speaking directly to the graduating class, Hegseth praised the cadets for maintaining discipline and physical readiness.

“You are fit, not fat. You are disciplined, not distracted,” Hegseth told the cadets.

He went on to argue that many soldiers had witnessed what he portrayed as a long-term decline in military standards and traditions.

“Many of you, even in your short time in uniform have endured what I call the slow slide of the U.S. Army,” he continued. “You’ve seen standards lowered, you’ve seen an obsession with race and gender, you’ve seen the watering down of discipline, codes weakened and traditions tossed aside in the name of political correctness, statues taken down, paintings placed in the basement. I’m here to tell you the slow slide here at West Point and across the United States Army is over.”

During the address, Hegseth also referenced conservative activist Charlie Kirk while encouraging graduates to remain steady through changing times.

“As Charlie Kirk often said, ‘Remember, always this too shall pass,’” Hegseth said. “The good times will pass, the bad times will pass.”

The defense secretary further promised military personnel that the administration would support battlefield commanders making split-second decisions during combat operations without fear of bureaucratic interference.

Hegseth also pledged a commitment to “untie” the hands of military service members, saying, “lawyers don’t run battalions, commanders do.”

“No matter what, President Trump and I will have your back when tough decisions are made, especially decisions made in a split second in the heat of battle that air-conditioned offices in Washington, D.C., will never have,” Hegseth said, adding, “Understand, your hands are untied.”

Earlier this year, Hegseth unveiled what he described as a “ruthless, no-excuses” restructuring of the military’s legal divisions. Last year, he also dismissed the top legal officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, arguing that they had become obstacles to carrying out presidential directives.

Democrats in Congress have voiced growing concern over the administration’s approach, especially following deadly military operations targeting vessels suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions.

A group of Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence experience later released a joint video urging service members not to obey unlawful commands after the maritime strikes.

The president condemned this warning as “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by Death!” in a Truth Social post, and federal prosecutors sought to indict the lawmakers for breaching a law forbidding interference with the U.S. military’s loyalty, morale or discipline.

The Democrats included Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander. A grand jury ultimately declined to bring charges against the lawmakers in February.

{Matzav.com}

International health authorities are racing to contain a growing Ebola outbreak in central Africa that has already spread across parts of Congo and Uganda, prompting emergency declarations, tighter travel restrictions, and fears that the virus could expand into neighboring countries.

The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency last week after cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola continued rising in multiple regions. Health officials in Congo have confirmed 83 infections and nine deaths as of May 23, while another 176 suspected infections and 176 suspected fatalities are under investigation, according to figures released by the CDC. Uganda has so far confirmed five cases and one death.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday that the outbreak in Uganda appeared “stable,” but warned that conditions in Congo were “deeply worrisome” and “spreading rapidly.”

The U.N. health agency has since upgraded its assessment of the crisis, classifying the danger as very high within Congo, high across the region, and low globally.

Health officials say the outbreak appears to have begun in Bunia, the capital of Congo’s Ituri Province, after a nurse fell ill following treatment of several patients suffering from symptoms initially believed to resemble malaria.

Authorities now believe the virus had likely been circulating quietly through local communities for weeks before being identified.

Doctors in Mongbwalu, a mining center in Ituri, began noticing clusters of severely ill patients with unusually high death rates and formally alerted the WHO on May 5.

Laboratory testing conducted in Kinshasa later confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease in eight samples, leading Congo to officially announce its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15.

From there, the virus spread rapidly across several health zones in Ituri Province, including Rwampara, Bunia, and Nyankunde. By mid-May, confirmed infections had also appeared farther south in North and South Kivu provinces.

Uganda declared its own outbreak the same day after an elderly Congolese man died in a private hospital in Kampala following admission with severe symptoms.

The epidemic has erupted in one of the most isolated and medically fragile regions in the world, with healthcare workers warning that hospitals remain understaffed, poorly equipped, and lacking proper training to handle a crisis of this scale.

Public health specialists have voiced alarm over the “scale and speed” of the outbreak, particularly because infections are now appearing in urban areas alongside heavy cross-border movement.

Ghebreyesus cautioned Friday that “violence and insecurity” were disrupting containment efforts after unrest broke out at an Ebola treatment facility in Rwampara when residents attempted to retrieve the body of a local man.

A treatment tent operated by Doctors Without Borders in eastern Congo was also torched Friday, according to Dr. Richard Lokudi, director of Mongbwalu General Reference Hospital.

“We strongly condemn this act, as it caused panic among the staff of the Mongbwalu Referral Hospital and also resulted in the escape of 18 suspected cases into the community,” he said.

Officials are increasingly worried that infected travelers who have not yet developed symptoms could unknowingly carry the virus into additional countries.

Robert Redfield, who previously led the CDC, warned Wednesday that the disease could potentially “leak” into Tanzania, southern Sudan, and Rwanda, creating the possibility of a “very significant pandemic.”

The Bundibugyo strain is one of four forms of Ebola known to infect humans. It was first identified in 2007 in western Uganda’s Bundibugyo district, from which it takes its name.

The disease causes a rare but frequently deadly hemorrhagic fever. According to the CDC, the virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and can spread to humans through close contact with infected wildlife.

Transmission between people occurs through direct exposure to bodily fluids including saliva, urine, vomit, sweat, feces, breast milk, and blood, as well as contaminated surfaces. Health experts warn that hospitals and burial settings are especially dangerous because deceased victims can remain highly contagious.

The incubation period generally ranges from two to 21 days, though most patients begin developing symptoms within four to 10 days after exposure. Infected individuals are not believed to be contagious until symptoms emerge.

Early signs of infection often resemble common illnesses such as malaria or influenza, including fever, exhaustion, muscle aches, headaches, and sore throat, complicating efforts to identify cases quickly.

The Bundibugyo strain carries an estimated fatality rate of between 30% and 50%. No approved vaccine currently exists, leaving supportive medical care as the primary treatment option.

“There’s a bit of evidence that vaccination for the Zaire Ebola virus might give a small amount of protection against Bundibugyo,” said Yonatan Grad, professor of immunology and infectious diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“But this work is preliminary, hasn’t been thoroughly tested in people, and there’s reason to be skeptical that it will show a benefit,” Grad added. “It’s a big question whether the Zaire vaccine will be deployed in the hopes of helping quell the current outbreak.”

Despite mounting concern overseas, U.S. health officials insist the immediate threat to Americans remains limited.

“Currently, the risk to the United States remains low, because Ebola is spread through direct contact with body fluids and because the United States has a strong public health monitoring, infection control, and healthcare preparedness system in place,” Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response leader, told reporters on Friday.

An American doctor who had been serving with a Christian mission hospital in Bunia is now isolating in Germany after exposure to Ebola patients.

U.S. officials also confirmed that another American citizen with high-risk exposure had been transported to the Czech Republic for observation and monitoring.

No infections connected to the current outbreak have been identified inside the United States.

At the same time, federal authorities have begun imposing stricter entry requirements for travelers arriving from affected regions.

Foreign nationals who visited Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days are currently prohibited from entering the United States. On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services expanded the restrictions to include green card holders.

The measures are being enforced under Title 42, which gives the CDC emergency powers to temporarily block entry of noncitizens during communicable disease threats.

The State Department has additionally directed all travelers bound for the United States — including American citizens — who recently visited those countries to undergo “enhanced public health screening” at designated airports before continuing their journeys.

The screenings are currently taking place at Washington Dulles International Airport near Washington and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport expected to join the program after May 26.

Travelers may be escorted for additional questioning regarding symptoms and travel history, undergo temperature checks using contactless devices, and in some cases be subjected to post-arrival monitoring.

Dr. Pillai said the precautions are intended to reduce the chances of the virus entering the country and follow containment strategies used during previous Ebola emergencies.

“This is an evolving situation, and the outbreak in the affected areas continues to expand,” Pillai said on Friday. “And with that in mind, that is why CDC has initiated entry screening processes, and which is a part of an overall broader, layered public health approach — starting with exit screening, airline illness reporting, and public health monitoring after arrival.”

{Matzav.com}

A shocking incident unfolded in Bnei Brak over Shabbos when a United Hatzalah emergency response vehicle was stolen by the very patient medics had arrived to treat during a life-saving call.

The unusual episode took place Friday night on Rechov Harav Shach, where the organization’s on-call Shabbos paramedic had been dispatched to provide urgent medical assistance. According to reports, moments after the medic arrived and began preparing to treat the individual, the patient suddenly jumped into the driver’s seat of the emergency vehicle and sped off.

Witnesses said the suspect drove recklessly through city streets, endangering pedestrians and other motorists as he fled the area in the stolen emergency vehicle.

An immediate emergency response was launched involving United Hatzalah dispatchers, additional volunteers in the field, and officers from the Bnei Brak police station. Using the vehicle’s tracking technology, dispatchers monitored the suspect’s movements in real time while police units pursued the vehicle.

A short time later, the stolen emergency car was located in nearby Petach Tikvah while still being driven dangerously. Police officers intercepted the vehicle, arrested the suspect at the scene, and took him in for questioning.

Efi Feldman, head of United Hatzalah’s Bnei Brak branch, sharply condemned the incident.

“This is an extremely serious incident involving harm to an emergency vehicle designated for saving lives,” Feldman said. “We strongly denounce any violence or damage directed at medical teams and their lifesaving equipment. We commend the quick thinking and alertness of the volunteers and dispatch center, and thank the officers of the Bnei Brak police station for their swift and decisive response, which brought the incident to an end without injuries.”

After being inspected, the emergency vehicle was found to be undamaged and was immediately returned to operational service for continued Shabbos emergency duty in the city.

{Matzav.com}

Yisrael Meir Godovitch, a well-known Israeli architect and former Tel Aviv city engineer who was a great-grandson of the Chofetz Chaim, passed away on Shavuos at the age of 92.

Godovitch was considered one of the most recognizable and colorful figures in Israel’s planning and architectural world. Over the years, he served as Tel Aviv’s city engineer and as chief architect for the Housing Ministry. Yet, many members of the broader public were unaware of his remarkable family background. He proudly carried the name Yisrael Meir after his illustrious great-grandfather, the Chofetz Chaim.

His mother, Frida Godovitch, was a granddaughter of the Chofetz Chaim’s eldest son, Rav Aryeh Leib, who served as the rov of Radin and assisted his father in preparing his monumental Torah works.

In 1932, Frida immigrated to Eretz Yisroel. The following year she married Yaakov Godovitch. Just months after their wedding, on the 24th of Elul 5693, the Chofetz Chaim passed away. Four months later, a son was born to the young couple in Tel Aviv, and they named him Yisrael Meir in memory of the revered Torah giant.

Although Godovitch’s life path led him into architecture and public planning rather than the Torah world, those close to him said he constantly spoke with pride and deep respect about his family heritage and the legacy of his great-grandfather.

Friends recalled that when rare historical footage of the Chofetz Chaim from the historic Knessiah Gedolah in Vienna was uncovered years ago, Godovitch became emotional and tearful, saying, “There must be a spiritual message from Heaven in this for all of us.”

Chareidi journalist Yisrael Cohen described him warmly.

“He was a precious and unique person. In every conversation he would proudly speak about his distinguished lineage and said that in the merit of his great grandfather he accepted upon himself to be careful not to speak lashon hara. His work as an architect was well known, and several times he told me that if he could, he would have planned Bnei Brak in a more aesthetic and beautiful way. I explained to him that high-rise buildings are impossible because of Shabbos elevators, but he still insisted that he would have designed the city in a more pleasant fashion with more greenery and gardens.”

In recent years, Godovitch suffered the loss of his wife, Arela, who had been his longtime partner. He passed away on Friday during the Yom Tov of Shavuos and is survived by two sons, grandchildren, and many descendants.

His levayah will take place Sunday afternoon in Tel Aviv.

{Matzav.com}

Tragedy struck a Bnei Brak family over Shavuos with the passing of Mrs. Ayala Davidson a”h, a 33-year-old mother of six who succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating crash on Highway 1 just one week after her infant son was killed in the same accident.

Mrs. Davidson passed away at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Yerushalayim on the first day of Shavuos. Her death came days after the petirah of her one-month-old son, Avinoam Meir Davidson z”l, who was killed at the scene of the horrific Friday afternoon collision and later buried in Elad.

The levayah was held on Motzaei Shabbos at midnight from the home of her parents, the Seller family, on Rechov Harav Kook 22 in Bnei Brak, proceeding to the cemetery in Elad.

Mrs. Davidson was born on the 17th of Teves 5753 in Bnei Brak to her father, Rav Aharon Seller, rosh kollel at Merkaz HaTorah Midrash Eliyahu in Elad, and her mother, Mrs. Shulamis Rosa Seller. She was a granddaughter of Rav Yitzchok Halberstadt zt”l, rov of Bais Medrash Ahavas Chesed in the Givat Yeshivas Ponovezh neighborhood of Bnei Brak.

In her younger years, she studied at the Rav Wolf Seminary in Bnei Brak. After her marriage, she built a home together with her husband, Rav Shlomo Zalman Davidson, a talmid of Yeshivas Tifrach and a respected member of the Ohel Avraham community in Bnei Brak, where the couple lived near their families.

Family members and acquaintances said she devoted herself fully to supporting her husband’s Torah learning and raising their children with warmth and dedication.

The tragedy unfolded as the family was traveling to Yerushalayim following the birth of their sixth child. The infant, Avinoam Meir z”l, was killed in the crash, and after battling for her life for a week, Mrs. Davidson passed away from her injuries.

She leaves behind five young children who are now orphaned of their mother.

Meanwhile, there has reportedly been improvement in the condition of the father, Rav Shlomo Zalman Davidson, who remains hospitalized in stable condition. He has been informed of the passing of both his infant son and his wife.

Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump celebrated the end of Stephen Colbert’s run at CBS on Friday, blasting the longtime late-night host as a “total jerk” after Colbert wrapped up his final episode of “The Late Show.”

“Colbert is finally finished at CBS. Amazing that he lasted so long! No talent, no ratings, no life. He was like a dead person,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday morning. “You could take any person off of the street and they would be better than this total jerk. Thank goodness he’s finally gone!”

Colbert exited the network after 11 seasons hosting the flagship late-night program, having taken over for David Letterman in 2015. CBS announced last July that the show would be ending, describing the move as a “financial decision” tied to the struggling performance of the series.

“This show has been a joy for us to do for you,” Colbert said in his final monologue. “I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other, and how much we mean to each other.

“We love doing the show for you, but what we really love, is doing the show with you.”

The 62-year-old comedian has publicly argued that political pressure connected to Trump played a role in the cancellation, particularly after Paramount — CBS’s parent company — reached a legal settlement with the president.

Throughout his time on air, Colbert became one of Trump’s most vocal television critics, intensifying his anti-Trump material after news broke that the program was being canceled.

Still, the farewell broadcast itself largely avoided direct political commentary.

One exception came during Wednesday’s next-to-last episode, when rocker Bruce Springsteen appeared and criticized the administration from the stage.

“I’m here in support tonight for Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke,” Springsteen told the crowd.

Over the years, Colbert’s show frequently featured Democratic politicians, liberal commentators, and anti-Trump media figures.

A report by media watchdog NewsBusters found that between 2022 and July 2025, Colbert hosted 176 guests identified as left-leaning compared to only one conservative guest.

Trump repeatedly mocked Colbert in the weeks leading up to the finale, escalating his attacks as the show neared its conclusion.

“Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success,” Trump said back in December.

“Now, after being terminated by CBS, but left out to dry, he has actually gotten worse, along with his nonexistent ratings. Stephen is running on hatred and fumes ~ A dead man walking! CBS should, ‘put him to sleep,’ NOW, it is the humanitarian thing to do!” he added.

The longtime host frequently accused Trump of influencing CBS and Paramount behind the scenes, particularly after the president filed suit against the network over its handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging election interference tied to the 2024 race.

{Matzav.com}

Yidden across Eretz Yisroel and around the world marked Shavuos with extraordinary scenes of Torah learning, tefillah, and spiritual elevation in the great chassidic courts, yeshivos, and botei medrash. From historic hachnosas Sifrei efer Torah and massive gatherings at the Kosel to heartfelt tefillos for the recovery of Rav Dov Kook of Teveria, the days of zeman matan Toraseinu were filled with inspiration and emotion.

Throughout Shavuos and Shabbos, tefillos continued for the recovery of the tzaddik Rav Dov Kook of Teveria, who has remained hospitalized at Poriya Medical Center for more than two weeks. Family members reported that during the Yom Tov he responded several times by opening his eyes when spoken to, though his condition remains serious and no major improvement has yet been seen. The tzibbur continues to be urged to strengthen itself in tefillah, kabbolos, and acts of chizuk for the complete recovery of Rav Dov HaKohen ben Shoshana.

Close associates said his sons, Rav Shmuel and Rav Yisroel Meir, the rov of Ashdod, remained near him throughout the Chag together with his grandson Rav Mordechai Shalosh. Tefillos for the Yom Tov were held close to his room, and despite his weakened condition, Rav Dov reportedly reacted several times to those around him.

In the court of Gur in Yerushalayim, preparations had been made well in advance for the tens of thousands of chassidim who arrived to spend the Chag with the Rebbe. Organizers prepared 6,500 dining accommodations and another 6,200 sleeping arrangements. Nineteen aufrufs for upcoming chassanim were celebrated over Shabbos. The Rebbe also hosted a kiddush in honor of his nephew’s wedding and announced after Shabbos that any bochur who had celebrated a bar mitzvah but had not yet received a Tehillim from the Rebbe could still come and obtain one.

In Belz, joyous news spread on Erev Shavuos with the birth of a great-granddaughter to the Rebbe, born to his grandson Rav Dovid Rokeach. The Rebbe himself led many of the tefillos over Yom Tov. The kiddusha rabba celebrating the birth was held on Shabbos Naso in Kiryas Belz with tens of thousands of chassidim in attendance from around the globe. The child was named Chaya Devorah after the Rebbetzin, wife of the Maharid of Belz, whose yahrtzeit falls this week.

During the emotional ne’ilas hachag gathering in Belz, the Rebbe’s gabbai, Rav Shimon Wolf Klein, announced that the campaign supporting lomdei Torah in Eretz Yisroel would continue into a third year amid what he described as growing governmental pressure against the Torah world through budget cuts and other decrees.

The gabbai praised the extraordinary mesirus nefesh shown by Belzer chassidim over the past two years in supporting kollel families and announced that the Rebbe’s “Keren Hatzolas HaTorah” would continue carrying an annual burden of roughly 12 million shekels. A public appeal was issued asking every Belzer chossid to undertake support for at least one kollel yungerman for a month at a cost of 900 shekels, or $300 abroad, while encouraging wealthier supporters to sustain multiple avreichim to ensure the continued strength of Torah learning.

In Vizhnitz, chassidim celebrated a historic hachnosas sefer Torah written by the Rebbe during the medical treatments he underwent in Los Angeles. On Erev Yom Tov, the Rebbe danced with the Torah atop a specially constructed platform. A lengthy tish followed Friday night davening, during which the Rebbe spoke about the upcoming yahrtzeit of Rav Yehudele Horowitz of Dzikov and invited Rav Mordechai Genut, publisher of the “Davar B’Ito” calendar, to share stories about the tzaddik.

Thousands also gathered in the court of Boyan in Yerushalayim, where the Rebbe spent the Chag with the chassidim in the central kloiz. Before Yom Tov, hundreds of bochurim assembled for a special two-hour learning seder. On Shabbos morning, the Rebbe invited the chassidim to the upcoming wedding of his granddaughter, daughter of the Ziditshov Chicago Rebbe. Motzoei Shabbos, the Rebbe held Kiddush Levanah in the newly developed expansion area behind the kloiz.

A particularly elevated atmosphere filled the Vizhnitz beis medrash throughout Shavuos. Before Yom Tov, the Rebbe toured the rapidly advancing construction site of the future Vizhnitz World Center. In the early morning hours of Shavuos night, the traditional Vizhnitz kedrusa d’tzafra gathering took place. The aliyah for Aseres Hadibros was reportedly purchased for four million dollars by a benefactor who dedicated the contribution toward construction of the new mikveh in the grand beis medrash.

In Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok in Meah Shearim, davening on Shavuos concluded at 5:30 p.m. The Rebbe’s Friday night tish stretched from nearly midnight until close to 4:00 a.m. Shabbos morning, the Rebbe remarked emotionally that the chassidim who remained awake throughout the night had reached the level of “malachim.”

Hundreds of chassidim traveled to Antwerp for Shavuos with the Pshevorsker Rebbe in what locals described as unprecedented numbers. During the Chag, before Akdomus, a new sefer Torah donated by philanthropist Reb Dovid Leibish Yaakobovich was brought into the beis medrash with great celebration.

A rare moment took place in the court of Lelov when, after receiving the aliyah for Aseres Hadibros, the Rebbe personally recited a Mi Shebeirach for the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s recovery, something chassidim said is virtually unheard of, as such tefillos are normally handled by the gabbai.

In Sadigura, chassidim learned about the continued expansion of the Ateres Yisroel kollel network, which now includes more than 200 avreichim in seven branches throughout Eretz Yisroel. The Rebbe encouraged participation in “Yissochor-Zevulun” partnerships and announced a special upcoming trip to Chevron for supporters of Torah.

In Pinsk-Karlin, a Shabbos aliyah celebration took place ahead of the wedding of the Rebbe’s grandson, Yitzchok Menashe Rosenfeld. The wedding is scheduled for Tuesday in Beitar Illit.

In Sassov, a new sefer Torah written collectively by the chassidim in honor of the Rebbe was brought into the beis medrash in Ganei Tikvah with a large procession on Erev Yom Tov.

Thousands also traveled to Ukraine for Shavuos, particularly to Mezhibuzh at the kever of the Baal Shem Tov, whose yahrtzeit falls on Shavuos. The Makova rov traveled from Eretz Yisroel to lead the gathering. Accommodations were organized by Agudas Ohalei Tzaddikim. Hundreds more spent the Chag in Uman near the kever of Reb Nachman of Breslov.

Among the gedolei Yisroel and yeshivos, the atmosphere was equally uplifting.

Rav Moshe Sternbuch spent Shavuos with his talmidim in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Before Maariv on Erev Yom Tov, he addressed the crowd with words of chizuk. He participated in the all-night learning in the yeshiva and later personally recited a Mi Shebeirach for donors supporting the construction of new yeshiva buildings. On Shabbos, a kiddusha rabba was held in honor of the birth of his great-granddaughter.

Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman led tefillos in his beis medrash at Yeshivas Rashbi in Bnei Brak. Large crowds lined up after Maariv to receive a heartfelt “Gut Yom Tov.” During the Chag, he conducted Mi Shebeirachs for many gedolim and roshei yeshiva in need of refuos.

At the home of the mashgiach Rav Dan Segal, a special event was held marking the publication of “Yeshuas Dan,” his sefer on Ketzos HaChoshen. The mashgiach recited Shehecheyanu and shared a l’chaim with talmidim and supporters.

In Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rav Berel Povarsky received the aliyah of shlishi and later recited a special Mi Shebeirach for the thousands of talmidim and supporters of the yeshiva. The yeshiva additionally marked a full year since beginning use of its new sefer Torah dedicated to the memory of Rav Gershon Edelstein.

At Mir Yeshiva, the batei medrash were overflowing with thousands of talmidim, avreichim, and alumni led by the roshei yeshiva and mashgichim. Special preparation shmuessen were delivered before Yom Tov, and emotional singing filled the beis medrash before Shacharis. Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel received the aliyah for Aseres Hadibros while Rav Binyomin Finkel lained with visible emotion and tears. The yeshiva also celebrated the birth of a grandson to the mashgiach during the Chag.

The former Rishon Letzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, davened in his Or Chaviv beis medrash in Sanhedria surrounded by hundreds of talmidim who walked from across Yerushalayim to hear his shiurim on the halachos of Yom Tov.

Rav Chaim Feinstein instructed rabbonim delivering shiurim about korbanos on Shavuos night to avoid any implication encouraging practical korbanos today, amid recent controversies surrounding Har Habayis activism.

An especially unique initiative took place at Yeshivas Nachalas HaTorah in Bnei Brak. Following a pre-Yom Tov address by Rav Naftali Kopschitz, bochurim introduced a new seder they called “the cherry on top.” Rather than collapsing into bed after davening and eating dairy foods, bochurim returned to the beis medrash for an additional intense learning session before finally resting. Participants described those few extra minutes of Torah as the crowning achievement of their entire Shavuos.

At Kisei Rachamim, Rav Tzemach Mazuz led the traditional Tikkun Leil Shavuos. Witnesses described visible emotion on the rosh yeshiva’s face as he exclaimed “Oraisah, Oraisah” during the recitation of the Zohar. Thousands joined him in singing songs of longing and love for Torah.

Meanwhile, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that more than 100,000 people visited the Kosel over Shavuos and Shabbos. The peak came at sunrise davening on Shavuos morning, when over 20,000 people packed the Kosel plaza for vasikin, singing, and the recitation of Akdomus. Tens of thousands of personal kiddush packages were distributed afterward in partnership with Colel Chabad. Thousands also streamed to the nearby kever of Dovid Hamelech throughout the Chag in observance of his yahrtzeit.

{Matzav.com}

A British radio station sparked confusion and panic after mistakenly announcing the death of King Charles III during a live broadcast due to a computer malfunction that accidentally triggered the country’s emergency “monarch death protocol.”

The incident occurred at the well-known British station Radio Caroline, which abruptly interrupted its programming, aired the British national anthem, and then went silent for roughly 15 minutes before returning to regular broadcasts and issuing an apology.

According to a report in The Independent, listeners were stunned by the dramatic announcement, which falsely stated that King Charles had died. In reality, the monarch was alive and well at the time and was visiting Northern Ireland alongside Queen Camilla.

Peter Moore, the station’s manager, later published a public apology on the station’s Facebook page explaining that a technical failure struck the station’s main studio in Maldon, Essex, on Tuesday afternoon.

Moore said the malfunction accidentally activated what is known in Britain as the “monarch death protocol,” an emergency broadcasting system maintained by radio stations across the country in preparation for the death of a reigning monarch.

“Radio Caroline then fell silent, as required under the protocol, which alerted us that we needed to restore normal programming and issue an on-air apology,” Moore wrote. “We apologize to His Majesty the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”

He added that the station has long taken pride in broadcasting royal celebrations and hopes to continue doing so for many years to come.

Britain’s Press Association reported that recordings of the controversial broadcast between 1:58 p.m. and 5 p.m. were later removed from the station’s website and were no longer available for replay.

The false report quickly ignited strong reactions online, with many listeners initially believing the shocking announcement before realizing it was a mistake.

One listener said he was completely stunned at first, but after speaking with his wife and neighbors, he realized the report was false and eventually began laughing about the incident.

Another listener recalled hearing the announcement while working in his garage. He rushed home in panic and shouted to his wife that King Charles had died. She immediately reminded him that the king had appeared healthy just a day earlier while attending a flower exhibition.

After checking news websites and discovering that the announcement was merely a broadcasting error, the couple joked that perhaps they should stop drinking alcohol for a while.

In reality, King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Belfast on Tuesday for their first visit to Northern Ireland this year, where they even attended a performance by an Irish folk band.

Just one day earlier, the king — who has recently been undergoing treatment for cancer and was hospitalized not long ago — toured the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Radio Caroline, which began operating in 1964, originally gained fame as a so-called “pirate radio” station established to challenge the broadcasting dominance of the BBC. In its early years, the station transmitted from ships anchored off the coast of England.

Although British legislation passed in 1967 forced many pirate radio stations to shut down, Radio Caroline continued operating intermittently for decades. The station permanently ended its offshore broadcasts in 1990 and today operates from land-based studios.

{Matzav.com}

A heavily armed man was shot dead by Secret Service agents this evening after opening fire near the White House in a chaotic scene that left at least one bystander seriously wounded, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Authorities identified the gunman as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who allegedly began shooting near a security checkpoint around 6:10 p.m. after drawing the attention of law enforcement by pacing erratically along 17th Street Northwest.

Sources said Best pulled out a revolver and fired several rounds before Secret Service officers responded with a barrage of gunfire, killing him at the scene before he could advance further.

At least one civilian nearby was struck during the exchange and suffered serious injuries, sources said.

Investigators have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack, though sources described Best as a mentally unstable individual who had previous encounters with federal authorities around White House security zones.

According to the sources, Best had repeatedly loitered near restricted areas surrounding the White House and had previously violated a court order barring him from the grounds.

“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.

The sudden eruption of gunfire sent journalists and White House correspondents scrambling for safety as many were conducting live broadcasts and routine reporting outside the building.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” said Selina Wang, a senior ABC White House correspondent.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”

Following the shooting, Secret Service personnel immediately locked down the White House complex and instructed reporters gathered on the North Lawn to run into the briefing room for protection. The lockdown remained in effect for roughly 30 minutes before officials declared the area secure.

The incident unfolded less than two hours after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he was in the Oval Office working on negotiations related to a possible peace agreement with Iran.

Records show that Best had multiple prior interactions with police and federal security personnel. On June 26, 2025, he was involuntarily committed after allegedly obstructing traffic near 15th Street and E Street NW.

He was later arrested again on July 10, 2025, on an unlawful entry charge after allegedly bypassing a restricted pedestrian checkpoint near the White House by walking through an exit turnstile lane.

Court documents from that earlier arrest stated that “[Best] claimed he was [Yoshka] and that he wanted to get arrested.”

Officials have not determined whether Saturday’s shooting was politically motivated, but lawmakers from both parties quickly denounced political violence in the aftermath of the attack.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the response of federal agents and expressed concern for the victims.

He offered thanks to the “brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”

Rep. Cory Mills echoed those sentiments, stating that “there is no place in America for political violence, and every leader should be condemning it unequivocally.”

Rep. Betty Column also condemned the violence and urged Americans to “unite behind a common belief that our differences should be resolved at the ballot box.”

Today’s shooting is the latest in a series of violent security incidents tied to national politics in recent years.

The attack came roughly a month after another gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner while Trump was attending the event. It also follows the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally, when a gunman grazed his ear during the shooting.

{Matzav.com}

Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday that she is stepping down as Director of National Intelligence in order to care for her husband following his diagnosis with what she described as “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”

Gabbard informed President Donald Trump of her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office earlier in the day. Her resignation will officially take effect on June 30.

In a resignation letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Gabbard thanked Trump for entrusting her with the leadership of the nation’s intelligence apparatus over the past year and a half.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the last year and a half.”

She then formally announced her departure from the administration.

“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” she wrote. “My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”

Gabbard said the diagnosis has created an urgent personal situation requiring her full attention in the months ahead.

“My husband faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”

“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” she said.

In her letter, Gabbard praised her husband for standing beside her throughout her military and political career, calling him a constant source of support during some of the most difficult periods of her life.

“Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role.”

“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she continued. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

President Trump later responded publicly to the announcement in a post on Truth Social, praising Gabbard’s work in the administration and expressing confidence that her husband would recover.

“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th.”

“Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together,” he continued. “I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her. Her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.”

Gabbard said she is proud of the changes made during her tenure at ODNI but acknowledged that work remains unfinished.

“I have made significant progress at the ODNI — advancing unprecedented transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community,” she said, while noting that “there is still important work to be done.”

She pledged to help facilitate an orderly transition before leaving office.

“I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and thorough transition over the coming weeks so that you and your team experience no disruption in leadership or momentum.”

She concluded her letter by thanking both Trump and the American public.

“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and difficult time for our family.”

“I will remain forever grateful to you and to the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI.”

Later Friday, Gabbard shared the resignation letter publicly on X, writing that “It has been a profound honor to serve the American people as DNI.”

During her tenure, Gabbard led a sweeping restructuring effort within the intelligence community, overseeing significant reductions in staffing levels and initiatives she said would save taxpayers more than $700 million annually. Her office also dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout the intelligence agencies.

This month, Gabbard ordered the declassification of more than 500,000 pages of federal documents, including records connected to the Trump-Russia investigation as well as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

She also authorized the release of records tied to the origins of the Trump-Russia “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation, arguing the documents demonstrated that Obama administration officials politicized intelligence regarding Russia’s 2016 election interference in an effort to weaken Trump after his first presidential victory.

Among her other initiatives, Gabbard established the federal government’s first “Weaponization Working Group,” which was designed to coordinate investigations into what the administration described as the Biden administration’s misuse of federal agencies against political opponents.

Under Gabbard’s leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center also intensified efforts targeting narco-terrorism. According to the administration, the agency blocked more than 10,000 individuals tied to narco-terrorism from entering the United States during 2025 and added more than 85,000 others with similar connections to the federal terror watchlist.

{Matzav.com}

The IRS is considering adding a citizenship-status question to next year’s federal tax forms as the Trump administration continues efforts to tie immigration enforcement more closely to federal agencies, according to people familiar with the internal discussions.

Sources said IRS officials are reviewing two possible versions of the standard Form 1040, the main tax return document Americans use to report income and apply for deductions and credits. The individuals spoke anonymously due to concerns about professional consequences.

One draft reportedly contains only routine revisions tied to updates in federal tax law. The second version includes the same changes but also introduces a new section asking taxpayers to identify whether they are non-citizens or hold dual citizenship.

The proposed language on the form reads: “Check this box if you are a non-U.S. citizen or have dual citizenship.”

Officials at the Treasury Department, which oversees the IRS, declined to comment Friday on the reported proposal.

Under current law, foreign nationals living in the United States — including illegal aliens — are still required to file tax returns and generally use the same federal tax documents as American citizens. Supporters of immigration reform have long argued that paying taxes should be considered when determining whether illegal immigrants may eventually qualify for legal status.

The reported proposal comes after months of efforts by the Departments of Treasury and Homeland Security to coordinate more closely on immigration enforcement matters.

Throughout much of 2025, the two agencies worked to establish systems allowing immigration officials to gain access to confidential taxpayer information as part of the Trump administration’s broader deportation initiative.

That effort, however, hit a legal roadblock in November when a federal judge barred the IRS from handing over taxpayer records to DHS. The administration later appealed the ruling.

Court filings earlier this year also revealed that the IRS improperly transferred information tied to more than 42,000 taxpayers to the Department of Homeland Security. The agency acknowledged the error in February during proceedings related to the case.

{Matzav.com}

Sharp criticism erupted tonight over reports of a developing ceasefire and diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, with Senator Lindsey Graham and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman warning that the arrangement could dramatically strengthen Tehran’s position in the Middle East.

Graham, who is widely viewed as a close ally of President Donald Trump, posted a strongly worded reaction on social media questioning the logic behind any agreement that leaves Iran capable of threatening the Strait of Hormuz or attacking Gulf oil infrastructure.

“If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He warned that such an outcome would reshape the balance of power across the region in Iran’s favor and create long-term dangers for Israel and America’s allies.

“This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel. Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability. It is important we get this right.”

Lieberman also attacked the emerging agreement, arguing that any arrangement allowing the Iranian regime to remain in power poses a direct threat to Israel.

“Any deal leaves all the ayatollahs in power. And one must understand, regarding producing an atomic bomb, any advanced country today can produce one. For example, Germany and Japan. That is a political decision. Maybe it will take them a month and a half, maximum three months.”

He argued that the real danger lies not in Iran’s technological capabilities alone, but in the ideology of its leadership.

“There is all the technological infrastructure, all the knowledge, available manpower, no one is concerned, neither Japan nor Germany, because there there is a responsible measured elected leadership. In Iran, on the contrary, there is a fanatic leadership that says its supreme goal is the destruction of the State of Israel, and it does not matter what kind of deal it is,” he said.

Lieberman also addressed Israeli domestic politics, saying his political ambitions remain unchanged as coalition negotiations continue behind the scenes.

“I have two objectives: to bring down the October 7 government and to be prime minister,” Lieberman clarified.

Discussing the possibility of joining a future coalition, Lieberman said he would insist on sweeping military conscription changes as a condition for participation.

“There will not be a single exemption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal that would extend the ceasefire for an additional 60 days.

According to the report, the agreement would include a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and discussions regarding either diluting or removing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. The report also said the United States is expected to ease restrictions on Iranian ports, soften sanctions, and permit the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets held overseas.

The Associated Press, citing multiple individuals involved in the negotiations, reported that both sides are now reviewing the draft agreement and hope to reach a final decision within the next 48 hours.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakayi told Iranian media that negotiations are approaching the finish line.

“We are in the final stages of drafting a memorandum of understanding to end the war.”

Bakayi said the remaining discussions are centered on concluding the conflict and resolving issues tied to the release of Iran’s frozen financial assets abroad.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced tonight that a sweeping agreement involving Iran and several Middle Eastern nations is nearing completion, saying the remaining details are expected to be revealed “shortly.”

In a lengthy message posted to Truth Social, Trump said he had participated in a major call from the Oval Office with a number of Arab and regional leaders to discuss what he described as a developing peace framework tied to Iran.

“I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.”

Trump indicated that negotiators have already reached broad consensus on the framework and that only final steps remain before the agreement is formally unveiled.

“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well.”

He added, “Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

According to Reuters, the developing arrangement is expected to proceed in three phases: formally ending the conflict, addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and beginning a 30-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a broader long-term understanding, with an option to extend those talks if needed.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath reported that an official familiar with the negotiations said a public declaration could come within “a few hours.”

A source involved in the talks also told The Washington Times that Washington and Tehran are expected to jointly confirm the agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators finalized a draft proposal early Saturday and anticipated an announcement within 24 hours.

The report added that senior negotiators on both sides have already approved the draft text, leaving only formal signoff from the leadership of the participating countries.

Al Jazeera, citing an Iranian source, reported that the proposed memorandum would include an end to the war, the lifting of the blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of American forces from the active conflict zone.

According to the report, “the memorandum of understanding includes ending the war, lifting the siege, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of American forces from the war zone. The memorandum of understanding does not include nuclear issues because they are complex and require time for negotiations. Thirty days after the agreement, the door can be opened to nuclear negotiations.”

Even as momentum toward an agreement appeared to build, Trump cautioned that a final outcome was far from guaranteed.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said the odds of reaching what he considers an acceptable deal remain uncertain. “solid 50/50,” he said, before adding, “I think one of two things will happen: either I hit them harder than they have ever been hit, or we are going to sign a deal that is good.”

Trump also said he does not believe Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu fears the United States will agree to unfavorable terms. He reiterated that any final agreement would address Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

{Matzav.com}

A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran could be formally announced as early as Sunday, according to multiple reports, setting off growing debate in Washington over whether the proposed arrangement would strengthen Tehran’s position in the region.

Reuters reported that the emerging agreement would unfold in three phases: first, a formal declaration ending the war; second, steps aimed at stabilizing the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz; and third, the opening of a 30-day negotiating period for a broader long-term accord, with the possibility of extending those talks.

Saudi outlet Al Hadath cited an official who said the announcement is expected within “a few hours.”

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the discussions told The Washington Times that American and Iranian officials are preparing to unveil the finalized agreement by Sunday afternoon. The source said negotiators reached consensus on a draft framework early Saturday and anticipated a public announcement within a 24-hour period.

According to the report, senior negotiators from both countries have already signed off on the draft, leaving only final authorization from the leadership on each side before it can move forward.

The White House declined to comment on the report from The Washington Times.

The possibility of a ceasefire drew immediate criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who warned that any agreement leaving Iran with leverage over regional shipping lanes or oil infrastructure could embolden the regime.

US Senator Lindsey Graham responded, “If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He continued, “This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel.”

Graham also questioned the logic behind the conflict if the final result leaves Iran with the same military leverage that initially triggered the confrontation.

“Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability.”

“It is important we get this right.”

US Senator Roger Wicker voiced similar concerns, warning against trusting Tehran to negotiate honestly under a temporary ceasefire arrangement.

“The rumored 60-day ceasefire – with the belief that Iran will ever engage in good faith – would be a disaster. Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”

{Matzav.com}

The scheduled execution of a Tennessee death row inmate convicted in a triple murder case was abruptly halted Thursday after medical personnel spent more than an hour unsuccessfully attempting to establish the intravenous lines required for the lethal injection procedure.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee later announced that the state would not attempt to execute Tony Carruthers again for at least one year.

According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, officials were able to place an initial IV line without difficulty, but medical staff could not locate an appropriate vein for the mandatory backup IV required under state execution procedures.

Officials then attempted to place a central line, but those efforts also failed, ultimately forcing the state to cancel the execution.

Maria DeLiberato, one of Carruthers’ attorneys, said the inmate appeared to be in visible pain during the prolonged attempts to establish access.

She said she watched Carruthers “wincing and groaning” throughout the procedure and described the ordeal as “horrible” to witness.

While speaking to reporters after the execution was called off, DeLiberato became emotional upon learning that Gov. Lee had formally granted a reprieve.

“That’s amazing!” she said. “I’m so grateful!”

Carruthers was sentenced to death for the 1994 abductions and killings of Marcellos Anderson, Anderson’s mother Delois Anderson, and Frederick Tucker in Memphis.

During his original trial, Carruthers ultimately represented himself after repeatedly clashing with his court-appointed lawyers and threatening several of them.

His current legal team argued that Carruthers suffered from severe “paranoia and delusions” that made it impossible for him to cooperate with counsel, though they said the trial judge interpreted his conduct as intentional obstruction.

The prosecution’s case relied heavily on testimony from witnesses who claimed Carruthers had either confessed to the killings or discussed them with others. No physical evidence directly linking him to the murders was introduced during the trial.

Prosecutors alleged that Marcellos Anderson was involved in drug dealing and claimed Carruthers wanted to seize control of the narcotics trade in that section of Memphis.

Among the witnesses who testified against Carruthers was a man later identified as a police informant. According to later reports, the informant subsequently stated publicly that he had been compensated for his testimony.

James Montgomery, who was initially sentenced to death alongside Carruthers, later had his sentence reduced and was released from prison in 2015, court documents show.

In recent legal filings, Carruthers’ attorneys argued that the death sentence was heavily influenced by testimony from a medical examiner who claimed the victims had been buried alive — a conclusion that was later retracted.

Subsequent expert reviews, according to the defense, determined that the original claim was false.

Carruthers’ lawyers also argued that he is mentally incompetent and therefore should not be executed.

According to court filings, Carruthers believed the government never intended to carry out the execution and instead was pretending to move forward in order to pressure him into accepting a plea agreement that existed only in his imagination.

His attorneys said Carruthers believed the government’s motive was to avoid paying him millions of dollars he thought he was owed.

Court filings further stated that Carruthers became convinced his own attorneys were participating in a conspiracy against him, leading him to refuse communication with them.

{Matzav.com}

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President Donald Trump announced Thursday that his administration is easing federal restrictions on refrigerants used in grocery stores and air-conditioning systems, arguing the rollback will reduce costs for consumers and prevent unnecessary economic burdens on businesses.

During a White House event, Trump said the Environmental Protection Agency’s action would delay expensive regulations limiting which cooling chemicals businesses and households are allowed to use.

According to Trump, the change will “substantially lower costs for consumers” by postponing mandates that would have forced companies to rapidly transition away from older refrigerants.

The decision marks another attempt by the administration to respond to mounting public frustration over inflation and rising living expenses ahead of critical elections later this year.

The rules being relaxed were adopted during the Biden administration and targeted hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs — chemicals commonly used in refrigeration and cooling systems that are considered harmful greenhouse gases.

Despite the administration’s claims, it remains uncertain whether the policy shift will meaningfully reduce grocery prices or how quickly any savings would reach consumers. Several industry groups warned that the move could actually increase costs because manufacturers have already spent years redesigning products, upgrading factories, and training workers to comply with the previous standards.

Inflation in the United States climbed to an annual rate of 3.8% in April as energy prices surged amid the Iran war and the impact of President Donald Trump’s broad tariff policies. Rising oil and gasoline costs have contributed to inflation outpacing wage growth.

Trump sharply criticized the prior regulations during Thursday’s ceremony, which included executives from grocery chains such as Kroger and Piggly Wiggly.

The Biden-era regulation was “unnecessary and costly and actually makes the machinery worse,” Trump said. He added that the EPA’s rollback would safeguard hundreds of thousands of jobs while saving Americans more than $2 billion annually.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which represents more than 330 manufacturers involved in air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration, criticized the administration’s decision and warned it could destabilize the market.

“This rule works against basic supply and demand,” said Stephen Yurek, the group’s president and CEO. “By extending the compliance deadline” for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, the administration “is maintaining and even increasing demand in the market for existing refrigerants while supply continues to fall.”

Yurek said manufacturers had already adjusted product lines and certified new systems based on the earlier compliance deadlines. According to the group, nearly 90% of residential and light commercial air-conditioning systems already rely on replacement refrigerants instead of HFCs.

The latest policy reversal is particularly notable because Trump himself signed bipartisan legislation during his first term aimed at reducing emissions from refrigerators and air conditioners.

That 2020 measure brought together environmental advocates and major industry organizations in a rare alliance on climate policy and received praise from both political parties.

The law reflected a broad agreement in Washington that the United States should move quickly to phase out HFCs, which are considered thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming.

The EPA’s latest action underscores the second Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle regulations viewed as supportive of climate initiatives.

Lee Zeldin has described the administration’s environmental agenda as an effort to drive a “dagger through the heart of climate change religion.”

Environmental groups blasted the move, arguing it would increase climate-related pollution while disrupting a transition the industry has spent years implementing.

The 2020 law signed by Trump — known as the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act — established a phased reduction of HFC use as part of an international agreement focused on ozone and climate pollution.

That legislation accelerated the industry’s shift toward alternative refrigerants using less harmful chemicals that are already widely available in global markets.

Major business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Chemistry Council, backed both the legislation and the international Kigali Amendment agreement, calling them victories for American jobs and manufacturing.

American companies such as Chemours and Honeywell have become major producers of the alternative refrigerants now sold domestically and internationally.

The EPA rule issued in 2023 — which is now being softened — would have imposed major restrictions on HFC use beginning in 2026.

Zeldin argued that the Biden administration’s timetable did not provide companies sufficient time to adapt and said the accelerated transition caused supply shortages and price spikes last year, though some industry officials dispute that claim.

The Food Industry Association supported the Trump administration’s proposal when it was first floated last year, arguing that the earlier requirements “imposed significant and unrealistic compliance timelines.”

{Matzav.com}

Marco Rubio said Thursday that negotiations with Iran are showing encouraging developments, though he cautioned that the situation remains fragile and warned that the United States is prepared to pursue other measures if diplomacy ultimately fails.

Speaking with reporters, Rubio struck a cautiously hopeful tone regarding the high-level discussions with Tehran, while making clear that Washington is keeping all options available.

“There are some good signs,” Rubio told reporters, adding, “I don’t want to be overly optimistic, as well. So, let’s see what happens over the next few days.”

Rubio explained that although American negotiators have managed to make progress in the talks, internal divisions within Iran’s ruling system continue to complicate efforts to reach a lasting agreement.

“But obviously we’re dealing with a system that itself is a little fractured.”

.@SecRubio on Iran: "@POTUS's preference is to do a good deal… I'm not here to tell you that it's going to happen for sure, but I'm here to tell you that we're going to do everything we can to see if we can get one. If we can't get a good deal, @POTUS has been clear — he has… pic.twitter.com/dhah7hSlvV

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 21, 2026

The secretary of state emphasized that the Trump administration’s primary goal remains a broad and enforceable agreement capable of eliminating the threats posed by the Iranian regime. He stressed that President Donald Trump continues to favor a diplomatic resolution if one can be successfully achieved.

“It’s always been his preference. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great. I’m not here to tell you that it’s going to happen for sure, but I’m here to tell you that we’re going to do everything we can to see we can get one,” Rubio stated.

At the same time, Rubio warned that the administration’s willingness to negotiate should not be mistaken for weakness, signaling that serious consequences could follow if Tehran rejects American demands.

“But if we can’t get a good deal, the president’s been clear; he has other options. I’m not going to elaborate on what those are, but everybody knows what those are. But his preference is always a deal. His preference is always an agreement. His preference is always diplomacy,” he added.

Rubio’s comments followed Trump’s recent revelation on Truth Social that the United States had prepared to launch strikes against Iran on Tuesday but delayed the operation because what he described as “serious negotiations” were underway.

Trump also addressed the standoff with Iran earlier this week during remarks at a Congressional picnic held at the White House.

“I think we’re going to be finished with that very quickly,” Trump said.

The president added that Iranian officials appear eager to finalize an agreement and repeated his insistence that Iran will never be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons.

“They want to make a deal so badly. They’re tired of this, and we’re going to be finished with that very quickly. Hopefully, we’re going to get it done in a very nice manner,” he added, while once again stressing that “they won’t have a nuclear weapon.”

On Thursday, Trump predicted that the confrontation with Iran would soon come to an end while reiterating that Tehran will not be allowed to keep its stockpile of enriched uranium.

During remarks in the Oval Office, Trump said the United States intends to seize the highly enriched material and likely destroy it afterward.

“We will get [the highly enriched uranium]. We don’t need it. We don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it – but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump said.

Addressing the ongoing negotiations, Trump said the administration is continuing diplomatic efforts but insisted the outcome regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions is non-negotiable.

“Right now, we’re negotiating, and we’ll see, but we’re going to get it one way or the other. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also touted American military dominance in the region, claiming the United States has effectively shut down movement through the Strait of Hormuz and severely weakened Iran’s military infrastructure.

“We have total control of the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has been 100% effective. Nobody’s been able to get through. It’s like a steel wall. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world. We wiped out their Navy, we wiped out their aircraft. I would say we knocked out about 85% of their missile capacity,” the President stated.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Federal authorities are searching for a Minnesota man accused in a massive $90 million Medicaid fraud operation after he allegedly escaped FBI agents by jumping from a fourth-floor balcony and fleeing on foot Thursday morning.

Muhammad Omar, one of 15 individuals charged in connection with an alleged scheme targeting Minnesota’s Medicaid system, managed to evade capture shortly before federal officials held a press conference announcing the case.

Video captured during the incident showed Omar limping away across the property on one foot while carrying a shoe in his hand.

Authorities said the suspect was dressed in a white shirt and bright blue shorts. At one point during the escape, he appeared to stumble and fall before getting back up and disappearing into a nearby building.

Colin McDonald urged the public to assist law enforcement in locating Omar.

“I would encourage the public to help turn this man in to face justice for the fraud that he has perpetrated, and now, to face the additional charges for seeking to flee from law enforcement and seeking to obstruct justice by virtue of his conduct today,” he said.

Federal prosecutors have charged Omar with conspiracy to commit health care fraud along with four separate counts of health care fraud.

McDonald described the investigation as one of the most significant Medicaid fraud crackdowns ever brought by federal authorities.

“The bust involved the ‘highest loss amount ever charged in a Medicaid case’ as well as the ‘largest autism fraud scheme ever,’” McDonald said.

According to investigators, some of the fraudulent claims involved patients who allegedly received little or no legitimate care despite enormous sums being billed to Medicaid.

“One patient was supposed to be receiving 24-hour care … but he was actually being serviced by a fraudster and received no services,” McDonald said. “This patient was later found dead.”

Prosecutors allege the stolen taxpayer funds were funneled into luxury purchases, including upscale homes, expensive jewelry, and high-end vehicles.

McDonald warned that the broader scale of fraud affecting Minnesota’s Medicaid system could be staggering.

He suggested the overall amount of fraud impacting the state may ultimately surpass $9 billion.

{Matzav.com}

Nickolay Mladenov on Thursday rolled out a sweeping 15-point strategy intended to implement a diplomatic framework for the future governance and stabilization of Gaza, including the dismantling of terrorist control structures and the introduction of an international security presence.

The plan, which Mladenov published on social media shortly after addressing the United Nations Security Council, is aimed at carrying out President Donald Trump’s Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan in full.

Mladenov explained that the roadmap is divided into several operational stages. The opening five points establish broad civilian and administrative principles. Points six through eleven center on a major security transition process. Points twelve through fourteen call for the deployment of an International Stabilization Force together with a phased IDF withdrawal. The final point links Gaza’s long-term reconstruction to measurable and verified stability on the ground.

The international envoy stressed that the initiative is not meant merely to freeze the conflict temporarily.

“simply to preserve a ceasefire,” Mladenov warned, saying the objective is instead to permanently end Gaza’s recurring cycle of warfare and military escalation.

Recognizing the deep mistrust between the sides, Mladenov said the entire framework is built around strict reciprocal actions that would only proceed following independent confirmation by an Implementation Verification Committee, known as the IVC.

“trust between Israelis and Palestinians is effectively non-existent,” Mladenov acknowledged.

“The process therefore does not rely on promises alone,” Mladenov wrote on social media. “Each obligation by one side triggers an obligation by the other.”

The proposal would dismantle the current governing system in Gaza and replace it with a temporary transitional structure established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. Under the framework, oversight would be handled by the newly created Board of Peace together with the Office of the High Representative.

Civilian administration inside Gaza would be managed by the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or NCAG — a temporary body made up of Palestinian Arab technocrats tasked with overseeing governance until a restructured Palestinian Authority assumes control.

A central element of the proposal addresses Israel’s long-standing demand that armed terrorist organizations be separated entirely from civilian governance in Gaza.

“Gaza cannot recover while armed groups simultaneously operate as governing authorities,” Mladenov stated.

The roadmap seeks to cut Hamas leadership off from public institutions while at the same time protecting ordinary civil servants who pass vetting procedures from blanket punishment or retaliation.

The security component of the plan is built around the doctrine of “One Authority, One Law, One Weapon,” under which only approved, nonpartisan security personnel would be authorized to bear arms inside Gaza.

As part of the proposal, terrorist organizations would be required to permanently halt all military activity.

Mladenov also called for a major restructuring of Gaza’s policing apparatus, including extensive vetting procedures and reforms designed to absorb trained civilian police into unified local security systems.

According to the proposal, the approach is intended to create a gradual and internationally monitored disarmament process while preventing a broader collapse of internal security in the enclave.

{Matzav.com}