Feed aggregator

A group accused of orchestrating a sophisticated cargo theft operation that netted roughly $4.5 million in cigarettes, meat, cheese, copper, and other products was taken down Wednesday, according to authorities who say the suspects carried out a series of warehouse thefts across the Northeast using fraud rather than force.

Investigators allege that Murodullo “Murad” Khasanov headed the operation, which relied on cyber intrusions, forged shipping documents, and false identities to gain access to valuable cargo shipments. Rather than carrying out traditional armed robberies, the suspects allegedly tricked warehouse personnel into releasing merchandise by posing as legitimate trucking companies.

Authorities say the group enjoyed the proceeds of the scheme while living in upscale apartments overlooking the ocean in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Brighton Beach and Coney Island. They allegedly spent lavishly on luxury vehicles and flaunted large amounts of cash at local nightspots.

“These guys acted like they watched every mob movie ever made and emulated American gangsters – the Hollywood version,” one law enforcement source said. “The great American dream, Cosa Nostra style.”

Khasanov was arrested during a pre-dawn raid at his apartment on Surf Avenue, according to law enforcement sources. Investigators reportedly seized computers, mobile phones, and boxes of records from the residence, which overlooks the Coney Island boardwalk.

Authorities also arrested two additional suspects as part of the operation. The arrests stem from a wide-ranging indictment filed in Manhattan that names eight alleged participants in the scheme.

Prosecutors said the three defendants taken into custody will face charges that include first-degree grand larceny and conspiracy. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Port Authority Police Department, and the NYPD.

According to court filings, the theft ring carried out at least six separate cargo thefts between October 2025 and April.

Investigators allege the group stole approximately $165,000 worth of lamb, $266,000 in copper, $295,000 in beef, $432,000 in cheese, and an estimated $3.3 million worth of cigarettes.

One law enforcement source claimed that Khasanov and his associates entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration and do not speak English.

“These guys can’t speak English. Who knows how they got their [commercial driving] license, but they are right out of central casting,” the source said.

Court records allege that the crew worked alongside an unnamed organized crime group that helped penetrate the commercial shipping industry by masquerading as legitimate freight carriers and securing shipping contracts under false pretenses.

According to prosecutors, members of the criminal organization obtained shipment information through fraudulent means, while Khasanov allegedly supplied drivers with forged paperwork necessary to claim the cargo.

Authorities contend that the drivers traveled to pickup locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where they posed as authorized transport companies before taking possession of the shipments.

The stolen merchandise was then allegedly transported to New York City and sold through underground channels, generating substantial profits for the group.

Investigators say they assembled a significant body of evidence linking the defendants to the thefts, including WhatsApp communications, shipping records, photographs, and other documentation.

Among the evidence cited in court papers are photographs that allegedly show Khasanov loading stolen lamb into a Range Rover, arranging the sale of stolen copper at a Brooklyn scrap facility, and standing outside a warehouse containing stolen cigarettes.

Authorities are now examining whether the Brooklyn-based operation may have ties to a larger nationwide network involved in similar cargo theft schemes, according to law enforcement sources.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and other officials were expected to provide additional details about the investigation during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

Khasanov and his co-defendants were also scheduled to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court later in the day. Court records did not immediately indicate who would be representing the defendants.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Bernie Sanders is preparing legislation that would require some of America’s largest artificial intelligence firms to hand over 50% ownership to the federal government, with the value placed into a national investment fund designed to provide financial benefits directly to Americans.

The Vermont senator has named the proposal the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act. Under the plan, companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI would be required to transfer a substantial portion of their equity into a government-controlled fund, with future proceeds used for public benefit programs and direct payments to citizens.

Rather than imposing a conventional tax, Sanders is proposing a one-time transfer of company stock. The affected firms would surrender half of their outstanding shares, making the federal government a major owner in each company.

Under the legislation, Washington would gain significant influence over the companies’ operations. In addition to ownership rights, the government would receive voting power and board representation.

The federal government would then receive voting rights and “an equal representation on each company’s board,” which Sanders said would allow it to “block decisions that hurt our citizens and to push for policies that help them.”

Sanders argued that the extraordinary wealth being generated by artificial intelligence should be shared more broadly because the technology itself was developed using knowledge and content created by society as a whole.

“Since AI is built on the collective knowledge of humanity, the wealth it generates must benefit humanity,” he said in a video posted to X, naming Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Ellison as beneficiaries of what he called a wealth-extracting machine.

“The time has come to reclaim what was stolen from us.”

The senator portrayed the debate over artificial intelligence as a defining choice about who will shape and profit from the technology’s future.

“The question is not whether AI will change the world. It will,” Sanders said. “The question is, who will own and control that future?”

According to Sanders, the proposed fund could eventually accumulate enormous resources that could be used to support a variety of social programs.

The fund’s proceeds, which Sanders said could reach “billions, if not trillions,” would finance direct cash payments and help guarantee healthcare, education, and housing “as human rights.”

To support his argument, Sanders pointed to existing sovereign wealth funds around the world that use public assets to generate long-term returns for citizens.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, financed by oil revenues, now manages assets exceeding $2 trillion. Alaska has also distributed annual payments to residents for decades through a state fund supported by energy revenues.

The proposal comes as President Trump has already instructed federal officials to explore the creation of a national sovereign wealth fund through an executive order.

Sanders also noted that some major AI firms have floated similar concepts. He pointed to OpenAI’s discussion of a “public wealth fund” and Anthropic’s support for sovereign wealth fund structures tied to artificial intelligence investments.

Despite the attention the proposal is likely to generate, its path through Congress appears difficult. Democrats remain in the minority in both the House and Senate, and Sanders has recently struggled to attract support for other AI-related legislation.

His Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, introduced earlier this year, has yet to gain any Senate cosponsors.

Sanders acknowledged that implementing government ownership in companies whose AI divisions represent only part of their overall business operations would present challenges. He said additional details regarding governance, spending priorities, and implementation would be outlined when the legislation is formally introduced.

Industry observers noted that the proposal could have an immediate impact beyond Capitol Hill. OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI are currently pursuing major fundraising efforts, and analysts said public calls from a sitting U.S. senator to transfer half of their ownership to the government could create uncertainty among investors.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said he believes a face-to-face meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei could eventually take place, signaling optimism about ongoing diplomatic contacts despite the continuing conflict and the slow pace of negotiations.

During an appearance on Miranda Devine’s “Pod Force One” podcast, released Wednesday, Trump said Khamenei continues to play a central role in Iran’s decision-making process, even though he has remained out of public view since the war erupted on Feb. 28 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was reportedly wounded during those attacks. Reports have also claimed that the strikes killed his father, Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s supreme leader, along with other members of the family.

“He’s involved, absolutely,” Trump said. “Yeah, I think they have a lot of respect for him.”

Trump explained that Khamenei’s absence from public appearances has added complications to diplomatic efforts, requiring messages to be passed indirectly through intermediaries rather than through direct contact.

“I haven’t had the privilege of meeting him … If you believe the stories, he’s missing a lot of different parts,” Trump told Devine.

Even so, the president indicated that discussions between the two sides have continued to move forward and suggested that communication channels remain effective.

“They say he is giving approval because that’s the way it has been for a long, long time,” Trump said. “His father and then him, I guess it’s a succession. But we seem to be getting along quite well.”

When asked whether he would welcome a personal meeting with the Iranian leader, Trump responded positively and left open the possibility that such a meeting could occur in the future.

“Yeah, I’d like to meet him. I’d love to meet everybody. I would like to meet him, and we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out.”

Trump has long favored direct diplomacy with foreign leaders, including figures regarded as hostile to the United States, arguing that personal engagement can help reduce tensions and advance negotiations.

During his first term in office, he held three meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in an effort to address concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program. He also pursued plans to bring Taliban leaders to Camp David for peace talks, although that initiative was ultimately canceled.

The president’s latest remarks mark a notable change in tone from comments he made earlier about Mojtaba Khamenei. In the past, Trump criticized him sharply, referring to the Iranian leader as a “lightweight” and an “unacceptable” choice to lead Iran.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Ben Tzion Mutzapi, one of the leading Sephardic gedolei Torah, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s draft law, the status of bnei yeshivah, and the arrests of Torah students, declaring that efforts to weaken Torah learning will ultimately fail.

In a letter sent to avreichim learning in a kollel in Ofakim, Rav Mutzapi sharply criticized those he believes are targeting the Torah world and expressed confidence that the Torah community will remain steadfast despite mounting pressures.

“My beloved friends, for 70 years the Erev Rav have exerted all their strength and burst with anger when they see Torah-observant Jews sitting and learning Torah. They do not need us in the army at all because they have additional soldiers and even surpluses.”

The senior posek argued that opponents of Torah study have repeatedly attempted to curtail the growth of the Torah world through a variety of measures, yet have consistently failed to achieve their goals.

“What have they not done? Four times every year, corresponding to the seasons of the year, through various regulations, difficulties, decrees, sanctions, temptations, threats, and incitement against Torah learners—and they have accomplished nothing.”

Rav Mutzapi went on to cite promises from Tanach, emphasizing that the Jewish people have been assured that Torah will never be forgotten or abandoned.

“Hashem promised us through Moshe, His faithful servant, ‘For it shall not be forgotten from the mouth of his descendants,’” he wrote. “And through Shmuel Hanovi, ‘For Hashem will not forsake His people, nor abandon His inheritance.’”

Rav Mutzapi stressed that those seeking to diminish Torah observance would not succeed and accused them of attempting to uproot Torah through cultural and social influences.

“They will not overcome us, they will not subdue us, because their goal is to cause Torah to be forgotten. All of the entertainment programs, the permissiveness disguised as freedom, the parades of donkeys, only add to their shame and disgrace.”

Concluding his message, Rav Mutzapi urged Torah students to remain committed to their learning and to draw strength from Hashem’s enduring love for His people.

“We will not abandon the Torah, and it will never abandon us. Remember, my friend, that every night we bless, ‘And Your love shall never depart from us forever.’ Hashem declares, ‘I love you.’”

Rabbi Dovid Boaron, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Kibbutz Givat Ze’ev, says one of his talmidim is still struggling to recover after spending five days in military detention following his arrest as a draft evader.

Speaking in an interview with Kol Chai, Rabbi Boaron recounted the recent arrest of Reuven Lamenatzeach, a student at the yeshiva who was detained while returning from a family event.

According to the rosh yeshiva, undercover officers stopped the bochur on Highway 1 and quickly discovered that he had been classified as a draft evader.

“When they saw that he was a draft evader, they immediately identified him. Unfortunately, they did not even allow him to make a phone call to his parents. They immediately took him away in handcuffs,” Rabbi Boaron said.

Although Lamenatzeach was released after only five days—a relatively short period compared to some similar cases—Rabbi Boaron said the experience left a deep impact on the young man.

“He came out broken. There is a lot of humiliation that people go through there,” the rosh yeshiva said.

Relaying what the bochur told him after his release, Rabbi Boaron described difficult conditions in both detention and military prison. He said the student slept on a thin mattress placed on the floor, had limited opportunities for tefillah, and faced challenging living conditions.

“The hardest part, he said, was the humiliation. If a shirt was slightly out, there were immediate punishments. These are things a ben Torah is not accustomed to.”

Rabbi Boaron added that the bochur was housed together with Bedouin detainees and encountered circumstances that were entirely unfamiliar to him.

“He told me, ‘I would not wish this on anyone.’”

The rosh yeshiva said that although the detention lasted less than a week, its effects remain evident.

“Today he has already returned to the yeshiva, but I see that the bochur is still not fully here. It will take time for him to recover from the experience.”

Following his release, Lamenatzeach visited several gedolim to receive encouragement and guidance.

Rabbi Boaron said that during a visit with Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, the message was simple and repeated several times.

“Do not be afraid, do not be afraid.”

According to the rosh yeshiva, Rav Bergman emphasized those words repeatedly in an effort to strengthen the young man’s spirits.

The bochur later visited Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, where the conversation turned to a friend who had been with him during the incident but was not arrested.

“He asked whether the friend was Ashkenazi, and when they answered that he only looked Ashkenazi, he replied with a smile, ‘No, it is important that he is Ashkenazi.’”

Rabbi Boaron also shared details about how that friend managed to avoid arrest.

“He started talking with the officers about the draft, chatted with them for a bit, and then simply took off and left,” the rosh yeshiva said, describing the escape as another miracle that occurred that night.

During the interview, Rabbi Boaron also discussed the growth of the institutions under his leadership in Givat Ze’ev. He said the local cheder now serves nearly 300 students and that the yeshiva, founded approximately two years ago, operates three daily learning sessions with a strong emphasis on intensive Torah study.

Concluding the interview, Rabbi Boaron expressed concern that additional arrests of yeshiva students may lie ahead.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “If there is no Torah, there is no derech eretz and there is no state.”

{Matzav.com}

A visit by a group of educators from a prominent Litvishe Talmud Torah to the city of Chevron reportedly ended with an ideological dispute after one of the institutions’ spiritual directors criticized aspects of the tour and declared that Jews are forbidden to reside in the city.

The unusual exchange took place during a recent educational trip attended by approximately 150 melamdim from a well-known Litvishe cheder in central Israel.

The educators visited several historic Jewish sites throughout Chevron, including the graves of Yishai and Rus, the resting places of the Sdei Chemed and Reishis Chochmah, and other revered figures associated with the city. The tour culminated with a visit to the Me’aras Hamachpeilah, where participants davened for personal and communal salvation.

The group was led by Rabbi Yeshayahu Rosenberger, a Gerer chossid, who presented the city’s Jewish history, tracing its story from Biblical times through the eras of Dovid Hamelech and Chizkiyahu, and continuing through the modern period, including the Chabad community, the arrival of the Slabodka Yeshiva, and the contemporary Jewish presence in Chevron.

During the tour, Rabbi Rosenberger recounted traditions connected to the Avrohom Avinu Shul, including accounts that Avrohom Avinu had revealed himself there. Some of the educators reportedly expressed skepticism regarding those traditions.

Rosenberger emphasized several times throughout the tour that his purpose was not to promote any particular ideology but rather to present historical narratives and traditions preserved by the Jewish community of Chevron.

The discussion intensified when he described one of the most famous episodes in the history of the renewed Jewish settlement in Chevron: the story of Sarah Nachshon, whose young son, Avrohom Yedidya, was buried in Chevron’s ancient cemetery in 1975. The burial was significant because it marked the first Jewish burial in the heart of the city since the 1929 Chevron massacre and the subsequent expulsion of the Jewish community.

Rosenberger recounted the statement Sarah Nachshon made at the graveside, words that later became closely associated with the modern Jewish return to Chevron.

“Thousands of years ago, Avrohom buried Sarah in Chevron, and thus acquired Chevron; and today I, Sarah, bury my son Avrohom here, and thus we will acquire Chevron in our generation.”

According to the report, some of the Litvishe educators were uncomfortable with the statement when interpreted literally, feeling that it drew a comparison between Sarah Nachshon and figures from Tanach.

Following the tour, one of the institutions’ spiritual directors reportedly approached Rabbi Rosenberger and expressed concern that elements of the presentation could encourage nationalist sentiment among educators.

“You have to be careful. It is forbidden to inject nationalism into the community of melamdim. And you should know that Jews are forbidden to live in Chevron; the holy Torah forbids living here. Nationalism must not be allowed to penetrate the younger generation.”

Despite the criticism, participants reportedly expressed appreciation for Rabbi Rosenberger’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation. Sources said the comments were delivered privately and respectfully, reflecting the menahel’s worldview rather than an attempt to publicly challenge the guide.

Those familiar with the event noted that the overwhelming majority of the tour focused on the city’s ancient Jewish heritage, the Avos HaKedoshim, and the historical significance of Chevron. Only a relatively small portion of the program addressed the contemporary Jewish community and modern settlement activity in the city.

The Jewish community of Isfahan issued a sharply worded statement condemning Israel and the United States during a memorial ceremony held in recent days for Iranians killed during the war, declaring support for the Islamic Republic and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people.

The event was held in memory of 170 teachers and children who Iranian officials say were mistakenly killed at the outset of the conflict. According to reports, the tragedy occurred on February 28, 2026, when a cruise missile struck the Shajara Tayeba girls’ elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab during a U.S. military operation targeting military sites in the area.

Addressing the gathering, Hakham Suleiman Sadeghpour, one of the leaders of the Jewish community in Isfahan, criticized Israel and the United States while emphasizing the longstanding coexistence of Jews and Muslims in Iran.

“Jews and Muslims throughout the history of this land have lived side by side and played a significant role in creating stable coexistence. In Iran’s history, the solidarity and unity of the people have been important factors in helping the country overcome various challenges and crises.”

Sadeghpour delivered his remarks during a memorial service held at the Keter David Synagogue in Isfahan. He also condemned what he called the “Zionist regime” and praised social cohesion as a key factor in Iran’s endurance.

“Cooperation and social unity are central characteristics of the continuity and stability of Iranian society throughout different periods of Iran’s history.”

He went on to say that Iran has faced numerous hardships over the centuries and has consistently overcome them through national unity.

“Iran has faced many difficult events and conditions throughout history, and history shows that the presence of the people alongside one another and the strengthening of the collective spirit have always played a decisive role in overcoming those conditions.”

Sadeghpour added that the concept of national solidarity remains relevant today and can help preserve peace and stability.

“Reference to the concept of national solidarity, beyond being part of the country’s historical heritage, can still help strengthen tranquility, stability, and peace.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Jewish community of Isfahan released an official statement concerning the war, known in Iran as “Roar of the Lion.”

“We condemn the Zionist and American activity against the Republic of Iran.”

The statement stressed that Iranian Jews identify strongly with their homeland and see themselves as an integral part of the nation.

“We, the Jewish community, express our sympathy and support wherever the name of Iran is mentioned. The distinction between religion and faith is no longer meaningful. Iranian Jews have always seen themselves as Iranians, are filled with sorrow over the martyrdom of Iran’s great leader, and rejoice at the selection of his lawful successor.”

The statement also expressed condolences over the deaths of the children in Minab and condemned the attack as a war crime.

“The Jewish community of Isfahan expresses its deepest condolences over the martyrdom of the children of the noble lineage of Minab and condemns this shameful war crime. The names of the martyrs have touched all of our hearts. This war crime is reprehensible, and the perpetrators of these crimes must be taught a lesson that Iranians will never surrender.”

In perhaps the most striking remarks of the event, Sadeghpour invoked the Biblical story of Moshe and Pharaoh, comparing Iran’s struggle against its adversaries to that ancient conflict.

“Just as Moshe Rabbeinu defeated Pharaoh and the Egyptians, so too will Iran and the Iranian people overcome the perpetrators of these crimes. We will prove that we, the men, women, and children, are present in the field and have shed our blood for this homeland. We, the followers of the Muslim, Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian faiths, have all sacrificed martyrs for this country and have always proven that America and the Zionist regime can only imagine bringing this nation to its knees.”

The statement concluded with a prayer that no more children would be harmed and a declaration of loyalty to Iran.

“With the hope that no student will be killed behind a school desk, and with the hope that no foreigner will be allowed to invade this land, Iran is our life.”

A major victory for the chareidi education system was secured this week after MK Moshe Gafni successfully negotiated a one-year reprieve for eight Talmudei Torah affiliated with the Chinuch Atzmai network that had been facing imminent closure.

Following intensive discussions involving Education Minister Yoav Kisch, senior Education Ministry officials, and direct involvement from Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office, an agreement was reached postponing the planned closures and giving the institutions at least another year to continue operating.

The arrangement brings relief to hundreds of families, teachers, and administrators who had been facing significant uncertainty and provides the Chinuch Atzmai network with additional time to address regulatory demands imposed by the Education Ministry.

Just last week, concerns mounted across the chareidi community as several institutions appeared to be on the verge of shutting their doors. Among the schools reportedly at risk were well-known Talmudei Torah in Bnei Brak, including Talmud Torah Zichron Meir and others, due to government requirements concerning core curriculum studies.

According to reports, Gafni became deeply involved in the issue and spent days conducting negotiations with Education Ministry officials in an effort to prevent the closures.

The talks took place against the backdrop of a High Court petition filed by the Hiddush organization against Chinuch Atzmai. The petition alleges irregularities in instructional-hour reporting and claims that some institutions are not fully complying with mandated core curriculum requirements.

Education experts familiar with the matter explained that while government funding formulas in the past often allowed a degree of flexibility based on partial compliance, government ministries and the courts have recently adopted far stricter standards.

Central to the dispute is the requirement that schools comply with the licensing conditions established by the Education Ministry, standards that critics argue are not currently being met by certain boys’ educational institutions.

The crisis intensified when school administrators received notices from Chinuch Atzmai Director-General Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin instructing them to prepare for a collective hearing process involving educational staff, melamdim, and teachers.

Although the move was described as largely procedural and driven by regulatory obligations, it raised alarm throughout the community. Hundreds of families feared potential layoffs, while thousands of students faced uncertainty regarding where they would study in the coming school year.

The newly negotiated agreement has now provided what many view as critical breathing room.

With the closure threat delayed for at least another year, school leaders and Chinuch Atzmai officials will have time to evaluate government requirements, explore possible solutions, and formulate plans that would allow the institutions to continue operating while addressing regulatory concerns.

The agreement is being viewed as especially significant for the hundreds of educators employed by the affected schools, as well as for the thousands of students and parents whose educational future had been thrown into doubt.

For now, the threat that hung over the institutions and jeopardized the upcoming school year has been lifted, allowing classes to open as scheduled.

Supporters of the arrangement say the delay creates an opportunity to pursue long-term solutions that will preserve the unique character of Chinuch Atzmai schools while enabling them to continue functioning within the framework required by government authorities.

Sources in the Torah world expressed appreciation for Gafni’s efforts and for the direct involvement of the Prime Minister’s Office in reaching the compromise.

Attention now turns to the coming year, during which Chinuch Atzmai officials will be tasked with finding a sustainable path forward that will allow the institutions to remain open while satisfying the demands of the educational and legal systems.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

This is the moment Klal Yisroel has been waiting for.

Next week, the largest delegation of gedolei Yisroel ever to travel on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah lands on American soil. Gedolei hador, roshei yeshiva, rabbanim, and admorim will be leaving their yeshivos, leaving their talmidim, and leaving the kehillos that are the center of their lives, to cross an ocean and stand in front of you. These gedolim, advanced in age and unwilling to part with even a single hour of limud haTorah, are clearing their calendars, boarding planes, and traveling to cities across the United States.

Why? Because for over two years the funding has been frozen. The yeshivos are drowning, the kollelim are buckling, and bochurim are now being arrested for refusing to put down a Gemara. This is the fight for the survival of Torah in Eretz Yisroel, and the gedolim recognize there is no one left to send in their place. So they are coming themselves.

We are being presented with the single greatest opportunity a Yid can be offered: to become a shutaf in the olam haTorah at the exact moment malignant forces are trying to tear it down. Now is the chance attach your name to the learning of an avreich you will never meet, in a beis medrash you may never see, and own a piece of every word he learns.

It is within reach for every single Yid. This is no longer something only gevirim can afford. A month of an avreich’s learning is $276. Spread it across the year and it is $23 a month. That is it. That is the price of a shutfus in the survival of the olam haTorah. And the more that you give, the stronger your shutfus will be. 

The gedolim are about to land. Do not wait for them to convince you. Become a shutaf with Keren Olam HaTorah today.

https://www.kerenolamhatorah.org/donate

The Israeli government’s campaign of economic measures targeting draft-eligible yeshiva students is intensifying, with Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon pressing ahead with efforts to revoke municipal property tax discounts from young chareidi couples whose husbands do not serve in the military.

In a sharply worded letter sent this week to Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Ozen, Limon rejected the ministry’s refusal to advance regulatory changes that would allow local authorities to deny arnona discounts to households headed by men classified as eligible for military service.

Limon argued that the Interior Ministry’s position conflicts with directives issued by Israel’s Supreme Court and instructed officials to continue promoting the measure without delay. The dispute stems from a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg requiring the ministry to determine how it would address the issue of municipal tax discounts for those subject to military draft obligations.

Last Thursday, the Interior Ministry informed officials that it did not intend to pursue the proposed sanction, citing several concerns. Among them were fears that the measure could undermine the financial stability of local governments, push vulnerable families deeper into poverty, and create legal and practical difficulties for municipalities being asked to enforce military service policy.

Limon dismissed those arguments, insisting that both the courts and government professionals have identified the loss of arnona benefits as an effective mechanism for encouraging military service.

“The arguments regarding harm to weaker populations and local authorities do not constitute sufficient justification,” Limon wrote. “We will not be able to defend this position legally.”

Addressing concerns about the financial impact on affected households, Limon acknowledged that eliminating the discounts could significantly burden many families but maintained that the measure was specifically chosen because of its effectiveness.

“Revoking an arnona discount may be economically significant for many households, and for that reason it was identified as an effective step to encourage those obligated to serve. If consequences materialize, government authorities can be expected to formulate appropriate responses.”

Limon also pointed to what he described as a procedural issue, noting that the matter had not been presented to the appropriate ministerial authority. He wrote that because Israel has been without a serving interior minister for approximately ten months, the relevant powers should have been formally transferred to the prime minister, as required by law.

The letter follows another controversial development announced a day earlier. Under new guidelines currently being prepared by government agencies, Torah institutions that enroll students classified as draft-eligible could lose eligibility for tax benefits tied to charitable donations.

Those guidelines were formulated during high-level discussions involving the Justice Ministry, the Israel Tax Authority, and the Corporations Authority ahead of a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for July.

The Israel Tax Authority is expected to publish an official notice on the matter in the coming days. The proposal would add another layer to a growing list of financial penalties that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and her office have sought to impose on draft-eligible yeshiva students and the institutions in which they study.

Leaders in the Torah world view the latest move as part of what they describe as an escalating campaign of economic pressure aimed at chareidi families and Torah institutions.

The issue has also sparked sharp disagreements within the government. During a cabinet meeting approximately two weeks ago, several ministers reportedly criticized the attorney general’s demands. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi voiced particular opposition, declaring: “The government’s policy is that those who do not learn Torah enlist—so why are we discussing measures against those whose Torah study is their occupation?”

{Matzav.com}

A tense overnight hostage crisis at a Chase Bank in Bakersfield came to an end early Wednesday when the suspect, who claimed to be carrying explosives on his body, was fatally shot during a law enforcement operation, authorities said.

Police reported that every hostage held inside the bank was safely rescued and suffered no injuries. Although none required emergency treatment, those involved were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene. The standoff concluded shortly after 4:20 a.m.

“The hostage situation concluded following an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel,” Bakersfield police said in a news release.

Authorities have continued to block off streets surrounding the bank while investigators process the scene. Police announced that additional details would be released during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Earlier in the ordeal, negotiators succeeded in persuading the suspect to release two hostages. Law enforcement officials had maintained communication with him by telephone throughout the standoff.

As the situation unfolded, officials established a security perimeter covering the area between 18th Street and Truxtun Avenue and stretching from Chester Avenue to H Street.

When the suspect initially barricaded himself inside the bank on Tuesday, several customers and employees were still in the building. Some individuals managed to escape before the situation escalated further.

Authorities said no injuries were reported during the incident. In a statement issued around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the Bakersfield Police Department said that “an adult male subject had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members.”

Several hours later, police announced that negotiators had secured the release of another hostage.

“We remain on scene at the Chase Bank building and have negotiated the release of a second hostage,” police said. “There are currently no injuries reported. Avoid the area as this remains an active scene. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”

As the crisis continued into the night, the FBI assumed responsibility for tactical operations. According to reports, federal agents took over “SWAT operations,” while the FBI’s Sacramento field office said it planned to “support the response” throughout the overnight hours.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said she was closely following developments as law enforcement worked to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.

“The best way the public can help at this time is by avoiding the area and allowing law enforcement officers, negotiators, and other trained professionals the space and opportunity to safely carry out their duties,” she said in a statement.

The incident began Tuesday when authorities received reports of a bomb threat inside the Chase Bank, according to Good Morning America.

Police communications during the standoff indicated that officers believed the suspect might have been carrying an improvised explosive device.

“The suspect possibly has a makeshift detonator in his hand and wires coming out from under his shirt,” a police radio broadcast said.

{Matzav.com}

An Israir flight bound for Ljubljana was unable to reach its scheduled destination on Wednesday after Slovenian authorities declined to issue the landing authorization required for the aircraft, forcing the plane to divert and land in neighboring Croatia instead.

The flight, which had been scheduled to arrive in Slovenia’s capital city, was redirected to Zagreb after clearance to land in Ljubljana was denied by local officials.

Reports indicate that Slovenian authorities have recently adopted a policy of refusing landing permits to Israeli carriers, reportedly as a protest against the actions and policies of the Israeli government.

Israeli officials view the move as a breach of international aviation arrangements governing air travel among European Union nations. The incident prompted immediate involvement from both Israel’s Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, which began working to address the situation.

Efforts by diplomatic representatives and aviation officials to obtain last-minute approval for the aircraft to proceed to Ljubljana continued throughout the day but had not produced results by Wednesday evening.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev condemned the decision, accusing Slovenia of politicizing civilian air travel and unfairly targeting Israeli passengers.

“This is an unacceptable political decision that directly harms Israeli citizens,” Regev said. “Those who seek to boycott Israel through aviation should understand that there will be consequences. Israel will not stand idly by and will use every tool at its disposal to protect its airlines and the freedom of movement of its citizens.”

The dispute comes as Slovenia undergoes a change in political leadership. The outgoing administration has been among the most outspoken critics of Israel within Europe, and the landing ban was imposed during the transition period between governments.

Israeli officials are hopeful that relations may improve soon, as the incoming government, which is expected to assume office in the coming weeks, is generally regarded as more favorable toward Israel than the current administration.

{Matzav.com}

A Republican congressman known for his strong support of Israel has introduced a resolution urging the United States to end its annual military aid package to Israel and replace it with a new arrangement under which Israel would purchase American defense equipment using its own resources. The proposal has received the backing of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana unveiled the measure on Wednesday, calling for negotiations on a new memorandum of understanding that would gradually move the U.S.-Israel defense relationship away from direct aid and toward a framework based on arms purchases funded by Israel.

The proposal seeks to replace the current 10-year agreement that provides Israel with $38 billion in military assistance through 2028. Rep. Abe Hamadeh of Arizona has joined Stutzman in supporting the initiative.

According to Stutzman, he personally presented a draft of the resolution to Netanyahu during a 45-minute meeting at the prime minister’s office in Yerushalayim on May 27. Hamadeh also attended the meeting.

“I like it,” Netanyahu replied after reading, according to Stutzman.

“This is the direction I’ve been wanting to go for a long time,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu later reinforced that position in a letter sent Monday expressing support for the effort. In the letter, he wrote that Israel remains grateful for American military assistance but believes the relationship has reached a new stage.

Israel, he wrote, “appreciates the financial component of the military aid” but that “the time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner.”

Supporters of the proposal stress that it does not call for an abrupt termination of military cooperation. Instead, it envisions replacing direct aid with a trade-based defense partnership while maintaining extensive strategic collaboration between the two countries.

Additional forms of cooperation could continue under joint defense programs, including discussions surrounding provisions in the next National Defense Authorization Act that would expand cooperation in weapons development and military technology.

During the Jerusalem meeting, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s desire for greater self-sufficiency while preserving its close alliance with the United States.

“We want to stand on our own feet,” Netanyahu told the lawmakers in Jerusalem, language the prime minister has used publicly for months.

Stutzman argued that changing the structure of the relationship would address shifting attitudes in the United States and help strengthen public support for the alliance.

“A lot of taxpayers don’t even like foreign aid altogether, but there’s a lot of questions around why are we giving Israel $3.8 billion a year under the MOU,” he said.

The congressman said the proposal would demonstrate that Israel is a capable strategic partner rather than a nation dependent on American assistance.

The goal, he added, is to signal “to the rest of the world that Israel is not just leaning on America,” and that “even though we will have a strong partnership with them going forward, it’ll look different.”

Stutzman said he has already discussed the idea with the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office, senators, and AIPAC, and reported a generally favorable reception.

He described the response as “very much an openness to the dialogue.”

Recent developments suggest that the proposal is gaining traction among some policymakers. Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee publicly referenced a future arrangement based on trade rather than aid.

In a post on X, Huckabee wrote that the “New MOU w/ Israel ends aid & will be based on trade,” marking the first public confirmation by an American official that such a framework is being discussed.

The debate comes as public opinion toward Israel has become more divided in the United States. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in spring 2026 found that 60 percent of American adults view Israel unfavorably, compared to 53 percent a year earlier. Among Republicans under age 50, 57 percent expressed negative views.

Hamadeh praised the proposal, saying it reflects the evolution of the U.S.-Israel alliance into a more equal partnership.

The relationship, he said, is “moving towards true collaboration as strategic partners.”

The resolution itself would not immediately change existing policy. As a nonbinding measure, it serves primarily as a statement of congressional intent and would not alter the current military aid agreement, which remains in effect through 2028.

Police have arrested two additional suspects accused of throwing stones and other objects from the roof of a Yerushalayim hotel at demonstrators affiliated with Peleg Yerushalmi during a protest earlier this week.

The arrests mark a significant development in an ongoing investigation into the incident, which drew widespread attention after footage surfaced showing objects being hurled at protesters marching on a nearby roadway.

Earlier in the week, police arrested a security guard employed at the hotel who is suspected of facilitating access to the roof for those involved in the attack.

Investigators from the Moriah police station continued gathering evidence and eventually identified two additional suspects—a 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, both residents of eastern Yerushalayim.

According to police, the pair are believed to be the individuals seen in video footage throwing stones and other objects at demonstrators below.

The investigation included reviewing videos circulated on social media, collecting witness testimony, and examining evidence gathered from the scene.

According to police, footage obtained during the investigation allegedly shows hotel employees throwing objects from the rooftop while the armed security guard, who had already been arrested, stood nearby without intervening or attempting to stop the incident.

The three suspects are expected to appear Wednesday before the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court, where police will seek an extension of their detention as the investigation continues.

Authorities said they remain committed to fully investigating the incident and pursuing legal action against all individuals found to have been involved.

Earlier this week, the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court granted a police request to extend the detention of the hotel security guard by three days.

Investigators believe the guard, who was employed as an armed security officer at the hotel, accompanied other workers to the roof and played a role in enabling the incident.

According to the allegations, he used his authority to unlock the secured rooftop access door, effectively allowing the other suspects to reach the roof.

Police contend that despite his responsibility to maintain order and security, the guard failed to prevent the attack, did not stop the individuals involved, and did not notify the appropriate authorities about what was taking place.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump acknowledged that tensions surfaced during a recent phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, confirming reports that he sharply criticized Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon amid concerns that the fighting is hindering efforts to reach an agreement with Iran.

In an interview released Wednesday on The New York Post’s “Pod Force One,” Trump said he was frustrated by the continued conflict but emphasized that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong despite the disagreement.

“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,” Trump told The New York Post’s “Pod Force One.”

Trump’s confirmation of the heated exchange comes as his administration faces mounting pressure to bring the Iran conflict to an end. Rising energy costs, economic uncertainty, and disruptions to international trade have become growing political concerns for Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump declined to offer a firm timeline for when the conflict might be resolved. He also suggested that shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for some time, though he expressed confidence that the situation would eventually improve.

“I don’t know. I mean, I think it could be (closed through Labor Day), but I think it’s unlikely. I think that we’ll have it. I think this will resolve itself fairly quickly,” Trump said.

The president reiterated that a central American objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and reopening the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies pass.

Trump also discussed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he remains involved in efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

“They have a lot of respect for him,” Trump said in the interview with “Pod Force One.”

According to Trump, Khamenei continues to play a role in approving decisions despite reportedly suffering injuries in a previous airstrike.

“They say he’s giving approval because that’s the way it has been for a long, long time.”

While diplomatic activity continues, prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain as military operations in Lebanon show little sign of ending.

On Wednesday, an Israeli strike targeted a vehicle traveling along a major highway south of Beirut, just hours before a second round of negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives was scheduled to take place in Washington.

The strike occurred in the town of Khaldeh without prior warning. Officials did not immediately confirm whether the individual targeted in the attack was killed. Israel has frequently stated that such operations are directed at Hezbollah operatives.

The attack came only days after Israel and Lebanon reached a U.S.-mediated understanding under which Israel agreed to refrain from striking Beirut’s southern suburbs while Hezbollah would halt attacks on northern Israel.

That agreement was announced shortly after Israel signaled plans for extensive operations near Beirut, which would have represented the most significant strikes in the area since a ceasefire formally took effect on April 17.

According to the State Department, negotiators made progress during Tuesday’s opening session. Lebanese officials are seeking a broader ceasefire covering all parts of the country, while Israel continues to insist that Hezbollah must be disarmed before Israeli forces end their operations and withdraw from southern Lebanon.

Shortly after the Khaldeh strike, the Israeli military reported intercepting what it described as a hostile aircraft launched from southern Lebanon. Officials did not immediately attribute the incident to Hezbollah, which has not publicly claimed responsibility for any cross-border attacks since the recent agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, Israeli military activity continued throughout southern Lebanon, particularly around the heavily damaged cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh. Overnight strikes near Tyre reportedly killed four Syrian nationals and two Palestinians.

Israel also issued warnings to residents of Christian neighborhoods in Tyre, alleging that Hezbollah operatives were operating among the local population. Many Shiite residents had relocated to those areas in recent days after other coastal regions came under heavy bombardment.

Following the warning, the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed troops to the Christian district in an effort to demonstrate that Hezbollah maintains no military presence there and to discourage further Israeli attacks.

The current conflict began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with a military campaign that eventually expanded into a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have advanced deeper into Lebanese territory while Hezbollah has continued to announce rocket and drone attacks against Israeli targets.

The fighting has taken a heavy toll. Lebanese authorities report that 3,468 people have been killed and approximately 1.2 million displaced since the conflict began.

According to Netanyahu’s office, at least 27 Israeli soldiers and one defense contractor have been killed during operations in or near southern Lebanon. Two Israeli civilians have also lost their lives in attacks in northern Israel.

Among the latest casualties was an Israeli soldier whose death was announced Monday night. The military said seven additional soldiers were wounded in the same incident, including three who sustained serious injuries.

Israeli military officials have also cited Hezbollah’s growing use of fiber-optic-guided drones, which are difficult to detect and have posed a significant challenge to Israeli forces operating in the region.

{Matzav.com}

George Santos, the disgraced former New York congressman whose political career unraveled amid fraud convictions and expulsion from Congress, is now facing questions over his activity on online prediction markets, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The scrutiny reportedly centers on betting activity tied to a market offered by Kalshi that asked whether Santos would attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address earlier this year.

According to one source, Kalshi detected unusual trading patterns involving the market and launched an internal review. The platform allegedly concluded that the account responsible for the activity belonged to Santos.

The market attracted millions of dollars in wagers from users betting on whether various public figures would appear at the president’s address. Those listed reportedly included Santos, Barron Trump, hockey star Jack Hughes, and MAGA-aligned journalist Nick Shirley, whose reporting on a Minnesota fraud case drew widespread attention online.

Before the speech, Santos publicly indicated that he planned to attend. However, he ultimately did not appear at the event.

The source said Kalshi determined the account belonged to Santos, froze the account, and referred the matter to the Justice Department and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

A second source said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency responsible for overseeing prediction markets, has opened an investigation into the matter.

CNN contacted Santos for comment. Kalshi declined to comment on the allegations.

The federal inquiry was first reported by NPR. In comments to NPR, Santos said he was unaware of any investigation involving insider trading allegations. NPR further reported that the Justice Department is also examining the matter. CNN subsequently sought comment from the department.

The latest controversy comes after Santos’ highly publicized criminal case. He had been serving a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted on aggravated identity theft and wire fraud charges tied to his 2022 congressional campaign. President Trump commuted his sentence last year, resulting in Santos spending fewer than three months behind bars.

The case also shines a spotlight on the rapid growth of prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow users to wager on a wide range of future events, from sporting contests and elections to entertainment outcomes.

These platforms operate under federal oversight and are regulated as commodity futures markets. However, critics argue that the industry’s explosive expansion has outpaced the regulatory framework governing it, prompting growing concern among lawmakers and state officials who believe additional safeguards may be needed.

{Matzav.com}

Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified overnight after American forces reportedly struck a Revolutionary Guards communications tower on Iran’s Qeshm Island, prompting Tehran to launch missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain in what it described as a retaliatory operation.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, explosions were reported overnight on Qeshm Island. Shortly afterward, Kuwait’s military announced that its air-defense systems had been activated to intercept incoming missiles and hostile drones.

A short time later, air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain amid what authorities believe was a missile attack launched from Iranian territory.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile and drone barrage directed toward Kuwait, saying the operation targeted American military installations in response to the earlier U.S. strike on Qeshm Island.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. According to the military, the strikes on Qeshm Island were conducted as acts of self-defense following Iranian attempts to carry out attacks elsewhere in the Middle East.

Iranian officials said the United States targeted a Revolutionary Guards communications tower located in the southern part of Qeshm Island.

“The American enemy attacked a communications tower belonging to the Revolutionary Guards in southern Qeshm Island using air-launched missiles,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

Iranian officials also claimed that their retaliatory operation struck American military facilities in the Gulf region.

“They struck an air force base and the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet in one of the countries in the region,” the Revolutionary Guards asserted.

The group further warned that additional attacks could follow if the confrontation continues.

“Any aggression will be met with a different and harsher response, and this has indeed been carried out.”

The exchange comes amid mounting friction between Washington and Tehran as President Donald Trump continues efforts to secure a new agreement with Iran while also facing domestic pressure related to energy prices and regional stability.

At the same time, reports have pointed to growing disagreements between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over policy toward Iran and the conflict in Lebanon, adding another layer of complexity to the regional crisis.

The latest Iranian attacks come at a particularly delicate moment, with the U.S. administration reportedly seeking to advance an interim arrangement with Tehran.

According to recent reports, Iranian officials are reviewing a new draft proposal submitted by the United States. However, Tehran is said to be maintaining a tough negotiating stance even as diplomatic efforts continue alongside the escalating military confrontation.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday establishing a new voluntary review framework that encourages artificial intelligence companies to submit advanced AI models for government evaluation before making them available to the public.

The measure calls on developers to provide their AI systems for federal review 30 days prior to launch, a shorter timeframe than what administration officials had initially considered.

According to Politico, the order represents a revised version of a proposal circulated last month that would have asked companies to participate in the review process 90 days before releasing new models. The president approved the updated policy after meeting with senior officials to discuss growing concerns surrounding AI safety and cybersecurity risks.

The executive order emphasizes both the strategic benefits and potential security challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technologies.

“Advanced AI capabilities make our Nation stronger, but also introduce new national security considerations that require coordinated action across executive departments and agencies (agencies), and components. As these capabilities evolve, my Administration will continue to work closely with industry to ensure that the best and most secure technology is deployed rapidly to confront any and all threats to our country. We will continue to lead an America First cybersecurity effort that enhances both our national security and our global AI dominance.

“It is the policy of the United States to promote AI innovation and security by working collaboratively with the private sector to modernize government and private sector information systems and harden them against external threats; to protect American ingenuity and intellectual property from exploitation and theft by adversaries; and to cultivate America’s advanced AI-enabled capabilities.”

The administration had originally planned to move forward with the more expansive 90-day review requirement on May 21. However, that proposal was withdrawn just hours before it was scheduled to be signed.

Throughout Trump’s presidency, the administration has generally favored reducing regulatory obstacles for AI developers in an effort to maintain America’s competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technology sector. At the same time, officials have expressed growing concern about the security implications of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Those concerns have been heightened by reports that Anthropic’s Mythos AI model may possess capabilities that could threaten even highly sensitive computer networks, fueling calls for stronger safeguards while still allowing continued innovation.

{Matzav.com}

Although the 2026 tax season has ended, a number of Americans are still waiting for their federal tax refunds. For many of those taxpayers, however, their money could arrive in the coming weeks.

Federal officials projected that average refunds for the 2025 tax year would exceed $3,400, representing an increase of roughly 11 percent compared to the previous year. While that marked a notable rise, it fell short of claims by some administration officials that refunds would increase by as much as $1,000.

The timing of a refund depends largely on when a taxpayer submitted a return and whether it was filed electronically or on paper.

According to the IRS, most taxpayers who submit returns electronically receive refunds within approximately 21 days. Those who mail paper returns often face longer processing times, and any errors, corrections, or amended filings can further extend the wait.

As a result, taxpayers who filed by the standard April 15 deadline generally should have received their refunds already.

There are exceptions, however, and some groups of taxpayers remain in the processing pipeline.

Among those most likely to receive refunds in June are filers who submitted returns in May, either because they obtained filing extensions or because the IRS granted additional time in areas affected by natural disasters.

The IRS routinely extends tax deadlines for communities impacted by severe weather and other emergencies. For example, residents affected by storms, flooding, and the “remnants of Typhoon Halong” in parts of Alaska last October were given until May 1, 2026, to file returns and make certain payments that had originally been due before October 8, 2025.

Additional May 1 extensions applied to taxpayers affected by storms and flooding in Montana, as well as those impacted by “severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides” in parts of Washington state. Similar relief deadlines continue to affect certain taxpayers in Mississippi, Hawaii, and Georgia.

Another category of taxpayers who may finally see refunds arrive this month includes those whose payments were delayed because they failed to provide required banking information.

Earlier this year, Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee disclosed that thousands of taxpayers had received notices informing them that their refunds were being held up. In some cases, the delays lasted “more than 2 months” because the IRS lacked the necessary banking details needed to issue payments electronically.

The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service previously cautioned taxpayers that refunds could be placed on hold if direct-deposit information was missing. Those refunds generally remain frozen until taxpayers either provide the required information or choose to receive a paper check instead.

Many affected individuals have already received IRS notices directing them to update or verify their banking information through the agency’s website. Others may simply be issued paper refund checks after a waiting period of approximately six weeks.

Lawmakers have warned that taxpayers relying on mailed checks could face significantly longer delays.

In a letter earlier this year, Reps. Danny K. Davis of Illinois and Terri A. Sewell of Alabama noted that taxpayers receiving paper checks “could face more than a 10-week delay (over 2 1/2 months).”

For taxpayers who filed closer to the April deadline and later encountered processing issues, those extended timelines could mean that their long-awaited refunds may not arrive until sometime this month.

Your tax return will still be processed, even if you did not include banking information, the IRS said. You can find more details, including how to receive assistance by phone, here.

You can track your refund’s status with the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? Tool. If you filed electronically, your refund status is available within 24 hours. If you filed a paper return, it takes four weeks for your status to appear.

{Matzav.com}

The Social Security Administration announced Tuesday that it plans to finish phasing out paper benefit checks during 2026, advancing a government-wide effort to shift federal payments entirely to electronic methods.

Officials are urging beneficiaries who still receive checks through the mail to switch immediately to either direct deposit or a government-backed prepaid debit card to prevent any interruption in future payments.

The initiative is part of a broader federal modernization effort launched through Executive Order 14247, titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” which President Donald Trump signed on March 25, 2025.

Under the order, the Treasury Department was instructed to end the use of paper checks for nearly all federal payments by September 30, 2025. The directive applies to programs including Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs payments, and federal tax refunds issued by the IRS.

Administration officials have argued that eliminating paper checks will reduce fraud, lower administrative expenses, and decrease problems associated with lost or undeliverable mail.

Although the September 2025 deadline formally ended routine issuance of federal paper checks, Social Security has continued serving a small group of recipients who have not yet transitioned to electronic payment methods while encouraging them to make the change.

According to agency data released last year, fewer than one percent of the approximately 70 million people receiving Social Security benefits were still being paid by paper check.

In a blog post published Tuesday, the agency cited Treasury Department statistics showing that producing and mailing a paper check costs an average of $3.07, approximately twenty times the cost of sending an electronic payment. The agency also noted that paper checks are sixteen times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned than digital transactions.

Federal officials have estimated that maintaining the infrastructure required to support paper payments cost taxpayers more than $657 million during fiscal year 2024.

Recipients who wish to enroll in direct deposit can do so through their online my Social Security account or by providing their banking information directly to the agency.

Individuals without traditional bank accounts can instead receive benefits through the Treasury Department’s Direct Express program by calling 1-800-967-6857 or visiting GoDirect.gov.

The government said exemptions remain available for certain beneficiaries who face significant barriers to electronic banking. Those living in remote locations, lacking banking access, or experiencing documented hardships may seek a waiver through the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-877-874-6347.

As of Tuesday, Social Security had not announced the exact date when the final paper benefit check will be issued, stating only that it expects all remaining beneficiaries to complete the transition sometime during 2026.

The move mirrors similar efforts across the federal government. In recent months, agencies including the Labor Department, Justice Department, and Internal Revenue Service have issued their own guidance outlining how they will comply with the Treasury’s mandate to eliminate paper payments.

{Matzav.com}