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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is still listed in critical condition at a hospital in West Palm Beach, though individuals familiar with his situation report noticeable improvement over the past day.

According to a source close to the family, Giuliani is no longer dependent on a ventilator and has begun breathing independently, a meaningful development in his recovery.

Despite the continued seriousness of his condition, physicians are said to be carefully encouraged as they continue to observe him in the intensive care unit.

Hospital staff have reportedly seen clear progress, including Giuliani regaining consciousness and being able to hold brief conversations with relatives and medical personnel.

Though the situation remains delicate, these updates have brought a sense of cautious optimism to those around him.

“He’s showing signs of strength,” one source close to the family said. “The situation is still very serious, but we are seeing positive signs.”

Giuliani, 81, was taken to a hospital in West Palm Beach on Saturday after experiencing respiratory distress, where doctors diagnosed pneumonia affecting both lungs.

He was placed on a ventilator shortly after arrival and admitted to the ICU.

Giuliani became a nationally recognized figure during his time as mayor of New York City from 1994 through 2001, especially for his role following the Sept. 11 attacks.

He has dealt with ongoing lung complications connected to his exposure during the aftermath of Sept. 11.

As our source put it, “He’s not out of danger yet — but he’s improving and fighting, and that means everything right now.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued an apology Monday to a man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet, expressing concern over how he has been treated while in custody following his arrest in connection with an alleged plot targeting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui told 31-year-old Cole Allen that he regretted the conditions the defendant faced in jail, particularly that he had been placed on suicide watch even after a mental health evaluation concluded he was not a danger to himself, according to Politico.

Faruqui emphasized that the court has a responsibility to ensure detainees are held under appropriate and safe conditions, adding that Allen was “being treated differently than anyone I’ve ever observed.”

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said the FBI supported the precaution after Allen told agents following his April 25 arrest that “he did not expect to survive the attempted assasination of the president.”

Tony Towns, representing the Washington, D.C., detention facility, said Allen was placed in isolation due to “ongoing” psychological evaluations and that medical personnel made the decision to keep him under those conditions.

Judge Faruqui, however, said he did not interpret Allen’s statement as evidence of suicidal intent, but rather as an expectation that he would be killed during the alleged attack at the formal event held at the Washington Hilton.

Although Allen’s attorneys had originally asked for Monday’s hearing, they sought to withdraw that request on Sunday after their client was reportedly taken off suicide watch.

Faruqui refused to call off the proceeding, citing “grave concerns” about how Allen had been handled while in custody.

Allen, who is from Torrance, California, faces multiple charges, including attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Former Vice President Mike Pence said the U.S. and Israel war with Iran “had to happen,” defending the ongoing conflict as a necessary response to decades of hostility from Tehran.

“Iran has been at war with America and our most cherished ally, Israel, for 47 years,” Pence said during a televised interview on Sunday, arguing that the Iranian regime has consistently targeted American forces and interests through proxy groups.

The fighting has now entered its third month, contributing to rising energy costs and escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Public sentiment in the United States remains cautious. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that 61% of Americans believe the U.S. military action against Iran was a mistake, reflecting widespread doubt about the operation.

Despite that, Pence has continued to strongly support Donald Trump and his handling of the situation, portraying the strategy as a necessary stand against a hostile regime.

In a post on X, Pence praised Trump’s recent move to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “strong move” and expressing backing for U.S. forces involved in the mission.

“God bless all our troops engaged in Project Freedom,” Pence wrote Sunday night.

The effort is aimed at restoring access to one of the world’s most vital shipping routes after Iran restricted movement in the area, sending global oil prices higher.

Those disruptions have translated into higher costs at home, with average gas prices in the United States climbing to approximately $4.46 per gallon, a sharp increase from last year.

Trump has described the operation as both a strategic and humanitarian mission, pledging to ensure safe passage for vessels moving through the strait and to stabilize global commerce.

The move is part of a broader push by the administration to increase pressure on Iran while maintaining leverage in ongoing diplomatic considerations.

Pence, who has long advocated for a firm U.S. approach toward Iran, reiterated his support for military action during recent public appearances.

Speaking earlier this month at an event in Ohio, Pence said he backs Trump’s decision to use force against Iran and emphasized the importance of projecting American strength on the global stage.

“We worked together closely,” Pence said of his time with Trump, The Columbus Dispatch reported, pointing to their shared approach on national security and foreign policy.

Supporters of the administration argue that decisive action is necessary to counter Iran’s destabilizing behavior and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Critics, however, warn that the conflict could escalate further and question whether the current strategy provides a sustainable long-term solution.

{Matzav.com}