Fox News Digital reported Thursday that the New York branches of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be closing for good, a decision tied to what officials described as Attorney General Letitia James’ “corrupt and dangerous business practices.”
“We are shutting down the two New York offices for Fannie and Freddie as a result of Letitia James’ corrupt and dangerous business practices in the state,” a source close to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which supervises the mortgage giants, told Fox News Digital.
The same official clarified that the closures won’t mean an end to business with New Yorkers. “We’ll still employ New York residents, and we’ll still continue to do mortgage loans in New York, of course,” the source said. “But we are going to eliminate our physical presence. And to the extent that we have leases, we are going to be subleasing those.”
The FHFA is an independent federal body tasked with oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
James has long been at odds with President Donald Trump, famously campaigning in 2018 on a pledge to pursue him if elected attorney general. After her win, she declared she would expose the “con man,” and her office went on to file nearly 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration. Following his second election victory in 2024, she vowed to continue battling him in court “to defend the rights of New Yorkers and the rule of law.”
The decision to pull Fannie and Freddie out of New York follows news that the Department of Justice launched an investigation into James’ mortgage dealings in May. The probe began after FHFA chief Bill Pulte issued a criminal referral a month earlier, alleging James had falsified documents to secure better lending terms.
Central to the federal inquiry is a property James bought in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2023. According to Pulte’s referral, she claimed on mortgage documents and a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac form that it would be her primary residence.
As an elected statewide official in New York, however, James is legally obligated to live in the state.
The referral also pointed to earlier irregularities, including a Brooklyn home she purchased in 2001. City records list the building as a five-unit property, while her mortgage applications classified it as four units, which may have impacted loan arrangements.
James has rejected the accusations. Her office told the New York Times in April that another loan application tied to the Virginia property stated she would not live there full-time, and that her mortgage terms did not require the house to serve as her main residence.
Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, addressed the Justice Department directly in April. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, he dismissed the referral as “three pages of stale, threadbare allegations with no reason to proceed other than they are ‘based on media reports’ and are the next salvo in President Trump’s revenge tour against Attorney General James.”
{Matzav.com}
For the first time in more than a century, Maxwell House is altering its iconic name. The coffee maker, a staple since 1892, will be known temporarily as “Maxwell Apartment.”
The switch, announced by parent company Kraft Heinz, is meant to reflect what it says is a nod to changing lifestyles. The company explained the decision in a statement: the brand will be renamed “Maxwell Apartment,” a move it said it made “to meet the needs of today’s consumer.”
“In a time where value matters now more than ever, Americans seek value in areas of their everyday, including where they live,” Kraft Heinz said in a press release.
According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, close to one-third of the population rents rather than buys their home. Data from Realtor.com shows the typical asking rent across the 50 biggest American metropolitan areas now tops $1,700 a month.
Holly Ramsden, who heads coffee operations for North America at Kraft Heinz, tied the rebranding to consumer habits. “Two-thirds of American adults drink coffee every day, which can add up quickly, especially these days,” she said.
As part of the campaign, Maxwell House is introducing what it calls a 12-month “lease” on coffee, giving customers enough supply to last through the year.
The package includes four 27.5-ounce canisters of Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Coffee priced at $39.99. By comparison, a single canister of the same size retails for $12.99 on Amazon.
This offering arrives at a time when U.S. shoppers are grappling with higher costs for coffee. International shortages, combined with tariffs on imported beans, have driven prices close to historic highs.
Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest consumer price index (CPI) show that in August, coffee prices were 20.9% above the previous year and up 3.6% over the prior month. The yearly spike is the sharpest since July 2011, when prices increased by 21.2%.
The trend extended across categories. The BLS reported roasted coffee climbed 21.7% year-over-year and 4.1% in a single month, while instant coffee rose 20.1% annually and 4.9% month-to-month.
{Matzav.com}
In the aftermath of the tragic terror attack on Yom Kippur outside a Manchester shul, Israeli leaders issued sharp condemnations and drew attention to the alarming increase in antisemitism throughout Britain.
“Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester,” said Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
President Isaac Herzog reached out directly to Mark Adlestone, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, offering his deep condolences and prayers for those killed and injured.
Herzog also disclosed that earlier this week he had written to King Charles III to share his growing concern about antisemitism spreading in the UK and across the Commonwealth.
In the letter, the president pointed to the worsening conditions facing Jews in Britain, Australia, and Canada, where violent antisemitism has reached record levels.
“Your Majesty,” he wrote in the letter, “some of the most difficult scenes of antisemitic hatred and violence have sadly been witnessed in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Three proud democracies. Three proud leaders of the free world. Three proud Commonwealth countries under the Crown. Three countries where Jews no longer feel safe.”
Herzog underscored that urgent action is necessary to confront the growing hatred targeting Jews.
Citing the words of the late Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Herzog wrote: “Antisemitism is the world’s most reliable early warning sign of a major threat to freedom.”
“These statistics and testimonies,” he wrote, “point to one very grave reality: the world, and the Commonwealth in particular, is suffering from an epidemic of antisemitism posing a real and present danger to the well-being of not only the Jews, but all in society.”
He added that “The nations which just eighty years ago stood united against fascism and Nazism have now become overrun with anti-Jewish hatred.”
Herzog noted that much of the surge in antisemitism is linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but stressed that “the free world cannot and must not allow the [Middle East] conflict to become a political tool against the Jewish people.”
The letter concluded with Herzog’s assurance that King Charles’s “concern and moral leadership on this issue will be a great source of comfort and encouragement for the Jewish community in the Commonwealth and around the world.”
Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman responded to the Manchester attack by urging British Jews to make aliyah.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also weighed in on social media, writing: “The truth must be told: Blatant and rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement, as well as calls of support for terror, have recently become a widespread phenomenon in the streets of London, in cities across Britain, and on its campuses.”
Sa’ar faulted British authorities for their inaction, saying they have failed to take “necessary action to curb this toxic wave of antisemitism” and have allowed it to continue.
“We expect and demand a change of course, effective action, and enforcement against the rampant antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement in Britain,” concluded the post.
He also asked Adlestone on Tuesday to pass along messages of support to the bereaved families and to strengthen the Manchester Jewish community as a whole.
Adlestone described the grief and pain felt by the kehillah following the attack, while noting that expressions of solidarity have poured in from across the UK.
Both Sa’ar and Adlestone agreed that a strong, united effort must be waged against antisemitism, and emphasized that those who push hatred cannot be permitted to disguise it as “anti-Zionism,” a term defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance as a modern form of antisemitism.
{Matzav.com}
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed outrage after a terrorist carried out a deadly car-ramming and stabbing outside a shul in Manchester on the morning of Yom Kippur.
“The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” he said, adding.
Starmer was in Denmark attending a scheduled engagement when the news broke, but he immediately returned to London to convene an emergency security meeting.
By late afternoon, Starmer confirmed that additional police units had been dispatched to protect shuls nationwide. He also said he had spoken with Mark Gardner of the Community Security Trust, as well as Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood voiced her dismay, saying she was “horrified” by the events and that her “first thoughts are with the victims, our brave police and emergency services.”
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch denounced the assault, calling it an “outrageous, vile and disgusting attack.”
“I know that many Jewish people in our country feel that they’re no longer safe and my heart goes out to the people who have been hurt by this, and everyone who’s been affected,” she told the BBC.
Local MP Graham Stringer, who represents Blackley and Middleton South, commented on BBC Radio Manchester about the area’s demographics. “The area … is a very large Jewish community next to a very large Muslim community, and by and large community relations are excellent between all the different ethnic groups and religious groups, but there are always extreme people who want to damage those relationships and want to, in this case, damage Jews and the Jewish community.”
He added, “We have to work at it and we have to make sure these evil people do not damage our community, which is composed of many different kinds of religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds.”
Afzal Khan, Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, wrote on X: “Horrifying news out of Crumpsall this morning following a major incident. Praying for the whole community on this holy day,” but his post did not specify that the victims were Jewish.
King Charles released a statement saying that both he and the Queen are “deeply shocked and saddened” and offered prayers for those affected by “this appalling incident.”
The Israeli Embassy in London condemned the violence, writing: “that such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
Akeela Ahmed, CEO of the British Muslim Trust, also spoke out. “The attack in Manchester this morning is shocking and utterly abhorrent, and to commit these acts on Yom Kippur is sickening. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and our thoughts and best wishes go to all those affected.”
She emphasized the importance of unity, adding, “Violence is never the answer and Manchester must stand together against these actions.”
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, issued a strong call for action. “Jews in Manchester, England, woke up this morning to pray, and were murdered in their own synagogue. More needs to be done to stamp out murderous ideologies. Governments the world over should spare us the statements about fighting antisemitism and instead ensure Jews are safe.”
{Matzav.com}
The BBC reported this evening that Qatar and Egypt reached out to Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, the commander of Hamas’s armed wing in Gaza, who conveyed outright opposition to President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 21-point initiative.
According to the account, al-Haddad views the American outline as nothing less than an attempt to dismantle Hamas’s authority in Gaza, insisting that the end goal of the proposal is to terminate the group’s control regardless of its response. In his words, agreeing to such terms would be pointless, and Hamas should instead persist in armed resistance.
During a briefing on Tuesday, President Donald Trump made clear that Hamas has only “three to four days” to decide on his peace framework, which he introduced the previous day at a joint appearance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Wednesday that this deadline remains firm.
At the same time, CBS News reported on Tuesday that the terror group was giving serious thought to embracing Trump’s deal as a way to bring an end to the conflict.
By Wednesday morning, however, a Hamas official speaking with the BBC dismissed that notion, asserting that the organization is leaning toward refusal because, in his words, it “serves Israel’s interests” and “ignores those of the Palestinian people”.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, in discussions with Hamas, issued a stark warning: “If Hamas rejects the Trump plan, the situation will be difficult and escalation is likely to occur.”
{Matzav.com}
Rabbi Daniel Walker, who leads the Heaton Park kehillah in Manchester, acted with extraordinary courage on Yom Kippur when he stopped a terrorist from bursting into the shul after the attacker had already plowed into mispallelim outside and began stabbing them. By blocking the doors, Rabbi Walker saved countless lives.
“Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm, he shut the doors to the synagogue to stop him getting inside. He barricaded everyone inside. He is a hero; this could have been even worse,” said eyewitnesses.
Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, acknowledged the quick response of those inside. “Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and worshippers inside, and the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access. All those inside were safely contained until police were able to confirm that it was safe to leave the premises.”
He explained that the hundreds of mispallelim gathered for Yom Kippur remained protected within the shul until police had thoroughly checked and cleared the area. The attack claimed the lives of two Yidden and left four others wounded, some in grave condition.
Video clips of the takedown of the terrorist quickly circulated across social media in the UK. Armed officers opened fire, killing the assailant who was brandishing a knife and wearing what initially appeared to be an explosive device.
Watson added further details. “We believe that the identity of the offender has been established but until we are certain of this fact, it is premature to set out this detail. In addition, I can confirm that two other individuals have been arrested in connection with this incident and enquiries are ongoing.”
He went on to confirm the devastating loss. “We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack. Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a sharp statement, mourning the victims and criticizing Britain’s policies on terror. “Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester. Our hearts are with the families of the murdered, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded. As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.”
The Israeli Embassy in London also released a strong condemnation. “The Embassy of Israel in the United Kingdom condemns the attack carried out today on Yom Kippur at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.”
“That such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
“The Embassy is in close contact with Manchester Jewish community, British authorities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to monitor developments and ensure that the necessary support is provided.”
“We thank the Greater Manchester Police for their swift response. The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed.”
“The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
{Matzav.com}
On Yom Kippur, two Jews were killed and three others were critically wounded in a brutal attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, England, where the assailant used both a vehicle and a knife to target worshippers.
Police said the attacker, who at first appeared to be wearing an explosive belt, was fatally shot by officers who rushed to the scene.
Witnesses described a horrific sequence of events, saying the car accelerated into the crowd outside the building before the driver jumped out and began stabbing people. Authorities quickly summoned bomb disposal experts, later confirming it was an act of terrorism. They also reported that two additional suspects were taken into custody.
Chava Levin, a nearby resident, recounted the ordeal to British outlets. “As soon as he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone nearby. He approached the guard and tried to break into the synagogue.” She continued, “Someone blocked the door. Everyone was in complete shock.” According to the Daily Mail, that individual was Rabbi Daniel Walker, who has led the congregation since 2008. “Rabbi Walker was incredibly calm,” Levin explained. “He closed the doors and blocked the entrance. He’s a hero. It could have been much worse.”
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson praised the swift actions of congregants and staff. “There were a large number of worshippers attending the synagogue at the time of this attack but thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the assault, issuing a strong statement: “I’m appalled by the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall. The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services and all the first responders.”
Before boarding a flight, Starmer pledged increased protection for Jewish institutions. “We will do everything to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Police presence will be increased around synagogues across the country.”
King Charles also spoke out, expressing his sorrow: he was “deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.” The Israeli Embassy in London likewise denounced the violence, calling it “heinous and very distressing,” and added in a post on X: “We are in close contact with the Jewish community in Manchester to ensure they receive the necessary support.”
{Matzav.com}
