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New York City voters turned out in extraordinary numbers Tuesday, surpassing the total turnout from the last mayoral election before polls even closed — a sign of the intensity surrounding the city’s most closely watched race in years.

By mid-afternoon, the Board of Elections reported that approximately 1.19 million people had already checked in to vote, eclipsing the 1.15 million total ballots cast in 2021. That figure includes both early voting and mail-in ballots, showing the city is on pace to set new records by night’s end.

Polling sites across all five boroughs remained open until 9 p.m., but the energy at the polls was already palpable. By midday, Brooklyn had logged more than 395,000 ballots, with Manhattan following at 328,000. Queens saw 276,000 voters, the Bronx 111,000, and Staten Island 82,000.

Four years ago, only around 462,000 voters had participated by midday on Election Day, with another 900,000 casting ballots before Eric Adams ultimately claimed victory. This time, the surge in participation highlights a dramatically more engaged electorate, drawn in by a fiercely competitive race.

The three leading contenders — Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo — all cast their votes early Tuesday morning, setting the tone for a charged final stretch.

“I voted for Cuomo. I like him. He’s trying to follow in his father’s footsteps, keeping the legacy going,” said 46-year-old engineer Omar Edwards at a Brooklyn polling site. “My mother voted for Zohran. I know nothing about the man. You want to defund the police, tax the rich – that’s the Z-man. That’s all I know about him.”

Not everyone shared Edwards’ enthusiasm for Cuomo. In Manhattan, longtime residents Adrian Buckmaster, 70, and his partner Irene Delgado, 56, said they proudly backed Mamdani.

“Zohran is a breath of fresh air,” Buckmaster said. “I think he’s straight and honest. He walks the walk. I hope it works.”

“If he gets in by a good margin, I think it’ll change how people see politics. It’ll give the right a big jolt. It’s telling how they are rallying against him,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cuomo spent Election Day hammering away at Mamdani’s platform and urging conservatives not to split the anti-Mamdani vote — echoing comments from President Trump, who publicly endorsed Cuomo on the eve of the election.

“President Trump saying to the Republicans, ‘Don’t vote for Sliwa, you are wasting your vote,’ that could be very helpful,” Cuomo said on Fox & Friends. “President Trump is pragmatic. He is telling them the reality of the situation, which is if you do not vote, Mamdani is going to win. Republicans, you have to get up and come out and vote. Even if you are not voting Republican, you are voting to save New York City.

“It’s all B.S. It’s all campaign rhetoric,” Cuomo added, dismissing Mamdani’s pledges.

As Election Night progressed, one thing was already clear — New Yorkers were showing up in numbers not seen in decades, determined to make their voices heard in a contest that has captured the city’s full attention.

{Matzav.com}

The passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney was met with near-total silence from the White House on Tuesday, as officials confirmed that the decision to fly flags at half-staff was made only because federal law mandates it.

When questioned by reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged that the administration had not made any personal gestures toward Cheney’s family or plans for memorial participation. “I don’t believe the White House is involved in that planning, or at least hasn’t gotten to it yet. I know the president is aware of the former vice president’s passing, and as you saw, flags have been lowered to half staff in according to a statutory law,” she said during her briefing.

Reporters pressed further, asking whether the president would deliver remarks, take part in the funeral, or support calls for Cheney to lie in state at the Capitol. “Last I checked, the president had not commented on the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Is the White House involved in the funeral arrangements in any way?” one journalist asked. “Does the president plan to speak at the funeral? Has he spoken to anyone in the Cheney family today? And does the White House have an opinion on whether or not the former vice president should lie in honor or state in the Capitol?”

The subdued response underscored the deep rift between the Trump administration and the Cheney family. President Trump has repeatedly derided Dick Cheney as a “warmonger” and publicly clashed with his daughter, Liz Cheney, who led the Republican contingent on the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol breach.

The political feud stretched into recent years, when both Dick and Liz Cheney endorsed then–Vice President Kamala Harris during the last presidential race. At the time, the elder Cheney declared, “In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.”

He continued, “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.”

According to the U.S. Flag Code, the national flag must be lowered following the death of a former vice president “from the day of death until interment.” Cheney, who served two terms under President George W. Bush, died Monday at age 84.

{Matzav.com}

A 19-year-old talmid of a Chabad yeshivah was arrested and imprisoned after arriving at an IDF induction center with medical documents to receive an exemption from service According to a report by the military correspondent for Kol Berama Radio, the bochur is a yasom who suffers from depression and suicidal tendencies. His father collapsed and […]

Our students are as diverse and talented as the souls they’re discovering within — each one a unique spark of Hashem’s light. Each BJX student brings a unique background, voice, and spark to the tapestry of Klal Yisroel.  If you met one particular student, Allison, several years ago, you would’ve never anticipated or imagined her […]

Amid growing criticism by the public and within the State Attorney’s Office over Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s decision to personally oversee the Sde Teiman investigation despite her severe conflict of interest, Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced Tuesday morning that he has informed Acting Civil Service Commissioner Daniel Hershkowitz of his decision to appoint Israel’s retired […]

Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening received a casket believed to contain the body of an Israeli hostage from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The casket, transferred by the Red Cross after being collected from Hamas in Gaza City, was brought to an IDF base for inspection and […]

A new letter from Lakewood’s leading rabbanim and roshei yeshiva calls on every resident to vote in today’s election for the Vaad-endorsed candidates.

Former President George W. Bush issues statement on the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

REPORTER: “Zohran Mamdani blamed the President for bomb threats and intimidation at polling locations…” WH PRESS SEC.: “I saw those comments… I think they are completely irresponsible, and they are based on zero evidence.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies next week if the government shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck. There have already been numerous delays at airports across the country — sometimes hours long — because the Federal Aviation Administration slows down or stops […]

BREAKING: Senate Democrats have refused for the 14th time to reopen the federal government.

President Donald Trump could be heading into political disaster — not just on Tuesday night, but well into next year’s midterm elections — according to CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten, who said Democrats are “on the precipice of delivering a huge blow” to the president’s political standing. Appearing Monday on CNN News Central, Enten […]

UPDATE: The ground stop at Washington DCA due to a “security incident” has been lifted. Flight operations are now resuming.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Tuesday afternoon announced the appointment of Attorney Itai Ofir as the new Military Advocate General, replacing the disgraced Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. Katz stated, “At this critical time, in light of the grave facts now coming to light, it is important to immediately appoint a Military Advocate General from outside the Military […]

For the first time, gedolim of Eretz Yisroel traveled to Geneva this week as part of the Keren Olam HaTorah mission, a powerful initiative to strengthen Torah learning and support kollelim and yeshivos in the Holy Land.

The visit to Switzerland began Monday morning in Zurich, where the delegation of Gedolim davened Shacharis before departing by air for Geneva. Upon arrival, they embarked on a full day of gatherings, inspiration, and meetings aimed at bolstering support for Torah institutions.

Their first stop was Talmud Torah Sinai, where hundreds of excited children greeted them with singing and joy. The Gedolim addressed the students and faculty, offering heartfelt words of chizuk and encouragement, before meeting privately with numerous philanthropists who came seeking guidance and an opportunity to partner in this sacred cause. Many of the participants pledged substantial contributions to Keren Olam HaTorah.

At 6:00 p.m., a central dinner for Geneva’s benefactors took place at the InterContinental Hotel. The event featured stirring addresses from Rav Yosef Chevroni, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron; Rav Mendel Pevzner, rov of Geneva; and Mr. Reuven Wolf, chairman of Keren Olam HaTorah. Each speaker emphasized the immense merit of supporting Torah scholars in Eretz Yisroel and the vital role of the fund in sustaining Torah learning worldwide.

Following the dinner, the Gedolim entered a neighboring hall filled to capacity with thousands of local residents and guests from surrounding French communities who had arrived by bus to attend the momentous gathering.

A special video message from Rav Dov Landau, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, was screened, as he was unable to attend in person. Rav Yitzchok Toledano read a heartfelt letter from Rav Berel Povarsky, rosh yeshiva of Ponevezh, in which he described the serious challenges facing Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel and praised the establishment of Keren Olam HaTorah by devoted Jews committed to increasing kavod Shamayim throughout the world.

The keynote address was delivered by Rav Avraham Salim, rosh yeshiva of Maor HaTorah, who spoke passionately about the responsibility to uphold Torah in these trying times. The evening concluded with inspiring words from Rav Shimon Galai, whose fiery message of spiritual upliftment left a deep impression on the audience.

After the gathering, the Gedolim departed for the airport, returning to Eretz Yisroel and concluding a remarkable journey of chizuk and hisorerus for Swiss Jewry, marking another milestone in the global work of Keren Olam HaTorah.

מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק

מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק מסע קרן עולם התורה בז’נווהצילום: דניאל נפוסי ומאיר זלזניק ע

{Matzav.com}

BREAKING: All flights at Reagan National Airport (DCA) have been halted following a reported bomb threat on an incoming plane, a source familiar with the situation said. The aircraft has been relocated to the east side of the airfield as a safety precaution.

A new storm may be brewing in the chareidi world after the son of a close aide to one of Yerushalayim’s leading Rebbes was arrested Monday night on charges of desertion from the IDF and transferred to a military prison.

The young man, a ben Torah who was planning to travel with his family to the United States for his brother’s wedding, was detained when he arrived at the draft office to handle paperwork ahead of his trip abroad. During the visit, military police reportedly took him into custody and transferred him to a detention facility. Before being taken away, he managed to make a brief phone call to his wife, informing her of his arrest and that he would be held for the coming days.

Within the chassidus, efforts are underway to resolve the matter discreetly. Senior community figures and influential askanim have been mobilized to negotiate behind the scenes and prevent the situation from escalating publicly. For now, the leadership has imposed a media blackout, preferring to deal with the authorities quietly.

However, voices inside the group warned that the restraint might not last if the matter isn’t resolved swiftly. “If we don’t see a change within the next 24 hours, Eretz Yisroel will burn,” one source said. “What happened in Ateres Shlomo will look like child’s play compared to what’s coming.”

{Matzav.com}

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a group of bankers, financial institutions and others accused of laundering money from cyber crime schemes — money the Treasury Department says helps pay for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Over the past three years, North Korean malware and social engineering schemes have diverted more than $3 […]

The White House flags have been lowered to half-staff to honor former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away this morning.

A groundbreaking piece of legislation advanced in the Knesset Monday night could soon give Israelis the option to bring civil and monetary disputes before rabbinical courts — with legal recognition from the state.

The Arbitration Law Amendment, sponsored by MKs Moshe Gafni and Yisrael Eichler along with several other lawmakers, passed its first reading in the Knesset plenum with 63 votes in favor and 43 against.

The proposal seeks to formally enshrine in Israeli law the authority of rabbinical courts to act as arbitrators in civil matters — but only with the consent of both parties. This means that business or financial disputes could be adjudicated by a Beis Din under a din Torah, and the resulting ruling would carry the same binding legal force as any other arbitration award recognized by Israeli courts.

According to the bill’s explanatory notes, “The rabbinical courts have for many years adjudicated civil disputes with the consent of the parties. However, a previous Supreme Court ruling determined that in the absence of a legal basis, the rabbinical courts are not authorized to handle such disputes.”

The new proposal aims “to anchor in law the authority of the rabbinical courts to serve as arbitrators, with the consent of the parties, in civil matters that may be subject to an arbitration agreement between parties, thereby allowing those who wish to resolve their disputes according to Torah law to do so through the rabbinical courts.”

The timing of the vote followed a political arrangement between the chareidi parties and the coalition. The bill was brought to the floor immediately after the chareidi factions voted in support of Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s controversial media reform — in exchange for coalition backing of the arbitration bill.

If passed in its second and third readings, the law would mark a historic shift, granting state-backed recognition to rabbinical courts in handling civil financial cases, so long as both sides agree to the process.

The move has been met with enthusiasm among the chareidi parties, who see it as a long-overdue step toward strengthening the role of Torah-based jurisprudence within Israel’s legal framework.

{Matzav.com}