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President Donald Trump informed Attorney General Pam Bondi that her time in the administration had come to an end during a car ride from the White House to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

As the two traveled to attend oral arguments in a closely watched birthright citizenship case, Trump reportedly told her, “I think it’s time,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

Bondi, who took office as U.S. Attorney General last February, is said to have asked the 79-year-old president if she could remain in the position through the summer.

According to the report, Trump declined her request.

Discussions about Bondi’s future had been ongoing for months, with Trump expressing concerns about the pace at which she was advancing his policy priorities, the report said.

Sources told the outlet that her removal was not triggered by a single issue but rather “a steady drip of frustrations,” including the handling of the Epstein files and dissatisfaction with the level of favorable media coverage surrounding the Justice Department.

Despite being told earlier in the day, Bondi remained at the White House that evening and attended Trump’s primetime address on the war with Iran.

Her departure marks the second major personnel change in Trump’s administration, following his earlier decision to remove Kristi Noem from her role as Secretary of Homeland Security.

“We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future, and our Deputy Attorney General, and a very talented and respected Legal Mind, Todd Blanche, will step in to serve as Acting Attorney General,” Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday.

Blanche is considered a potential long-term choice for the position, though Trump is also reportedly considering Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for the role.

Zeldin, a former congressman from Long Island, is viewed as a leading contender among a group of Trump allies that also includes Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Bondi addressed her dismissal Thursday night, pledging her continued support for Trump.

“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history,” she posted on X.

“I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again.”

The FBI is warning that Americans’ personal information could be gathered and stored in foreign countries—even by people who have never installed a foreign-developed app themselves—due to how widely used mobile platforms access contact data.

According to the alert, details such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses can be extracted from someone else’s contact list if a friend or relative grants an app permission to access their device, potentially exposing the information of non-users.

While scrutiny in recent years has largely focused on TikTok and its connections to China, the FBI’s latest warning indicates the issue is far broader and applies to a wide range of apps developed outside the United States.

In a public service announcement, the agency said that many commonly used foreign-built apps—especially those linked to China—can gain access to extensive data once users approve permissions, including full address books containing information about both users and individuals who have never used the app.

The bureau cautioned that some apps may continue harvesting data even when not actively in use, and in certain cases, that information could be stored on servers located in countries where authorities may have legal access to it.

“Developer companies can store collected data on users’ private information and address books, such as names, e-mail addresses, user IDs, physical addresses, and phone numbers of their stored contacts,” the FBI said. “The app can persistently collect data and users’ private information throughout the device, not just within the app or while the app is active.”

Although the FBI did not identify specific companies, the warning is believed to apply to a number of popular apps developed by Chinese firms, including video-editing tools, shopping platforms, and social media networks that rank among the most downloaded in the U.S.

Officials have long expressed concern that data collected by Chinese-linked apps could be used to build detailed profiles of Americans, track relationships and networks, and potentially assist intelligence-gathering operations—especially if accessed under China’s national security laws.

The FBI noted that apps operating within China are subject to those laws, which could compel companies to provide user data to the government if requested.

The agency also highlighted warning signs that may indicate excessive data collection, such as abnormal battery drain, sudden spikes in data usage, or suspicious account activity following installation.

Users were advised to minimize the amount of information they share, install apps only from official app stores, and routinely review app permissions. The FBI also cautioned that downloading apps from unofficial sources can expose devices to malware designed to access personal data without authorization.

Years of scrutiny over TikTok ultimately led to a 2026 agreement requiring its Chinese parent company to transfer control of its U.S. operations to an American-led ownership group in response to national security concerns.

The FBI’s latest advisory underscores that the risks tied to foreign-developed apps are not limited to a single platform but extend to a much broader digital ecosystem used by millions of Americans.

Iran declared today that a newly deployed air defense system—credited by Tehran with downing two American aircraft—will enable it to “definitely achieve full control” of its airspace, as U.S. and Israeli strikes against the country continue.

The claim was issued by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military headquarters in remarks carried by state media, according to Reuters.

According to a report in The New York Times, Iran may have relied on its Third Khordad system, a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile platform, to bring down an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet.

Other analysts suggested a different approach may have been used, pointing to passive infrared tracking systems that allow Iranian forces to follow and target aircraft without emitting radar signals—making detection by U.S. jets far more difficult, ABC News reported.

The F-15E, valued at approximately $31 million, is believed to have crashed in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in southwestern Iran near the Iraqi border. Both crew members ejected; one was recovered following the Friday incident, while the second remains unaccounted for.

During a follow-up rescue mission, an A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” was also struck. The aircraft ultimately went down after reaching Kuwaiti airspace, though the pilot managed to eject safely.

These incidents mark the first confirmed U.S. aircraft losses inside Iran since hostilities began on Feb. 28. To date, the U.S. military has conducted strikes on more than 12,300 targets throughout the conflict.

American officials have maintained that the ongoing bombardment has significantly weakened Iran’s offensive capabilities, claiming its missile and drone programs have been reduced by more than 90%.

Meanwhile, with the F-15E’s weapons systems officer still missing, reports indicate that armed local tribesmen have joined the search effort, as authorities have reportedly offered a $60,000 reward and urged civilians to assist in locating the missing crew member.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing intense backlash from elected officials and critics after focusing on gun violence rather than the perpetrators in response to the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old baby in Brooklyn.

The mayor issued a statement following the killing of Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was struck by a stray bullet while sitting in her stroller Wednesday, when a gunman riding a moped opened fire in what authorities believe was a gang-related shooting.

“This is not our first family to know this pain,” said the mayor, responding to the murder of infant Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was struck and killed by a stray bullet in her stroller Wednesday as a gunman on a moped opened fire in a suspected gang-related incident.

“Too many children have never grown up into becoming adults. To parents who’ve had to bury those they love most.

“We cannot accept it as normal in our city. We cannot grow numb to this pain, and today is a devastating reminder of just how much more work there is to be done… to combat gun violence across the city.”

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens) sharply criticized Mamdani, accusing him of ignoring the real issue by refusing to hold criminals accountable.

“Literally anything but blaming the criminals who our system releases onto our streets repeatedly, over and over again, with no consequences,” Paladino posted on X Thursday. “Absolute disgrace.”

Commentator Brittany Hughes also weighed in, pointing to another recent killing in the city and arguing that Mamdani selectively avoids addressing certain types of crime.

“an 83-year old veteran was killed in New York City last month after being randomly pushed onto the subway tracks by an illegal alien. Mamdani didn’t say a word because trains aren’t a good political prop, and he won’t condemn criminal aliens.”

She was referring to 83-year-old Vietnam War veteran Richard Williams, who was killed March 8 after being shoved onto subway tracks in Manhattan, allegedly by a migrant suspect.

Rafael A. Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said Mamdani’s response reflects an unwillingness to directly confront violent offenders.

“Hizzoner’s remarks about the heinous crime ‘suggests that he is uncomfortable with acknowledging that the murder of Kaori Patterson-Moore was committed by two evil thugs whose callous disregard for the value of human life should disqualify them from ever experiencing freedom,’” Mangual told Fox News Digital.

“Framing this as a gun problem rather than an evil gangbanger problem is more familiar territory for a self-styled progressive whose political base is constituted by people simultaneously — if dissonantly — committed to the cause of gun control as well as efforts to reorient the criminal justice system to be more lenient toward the offenders who pull triggers.”

Police said 21-year-old Amuri Greene has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the infant’s death.

Authorities also took a second suspect into custody Friday, identifying him as 18-year-old Matthew Rodriguez, who was arrested in Pennsylvania.

Investigators allege that Rodriguez was operating the moped used in the attack, transporting the suspected shooter who opened fire near the intersection of Humboldt and Moore streets in the Bushwick neighborhood.

The president of the Yerushalayim Magistrate’s Court, Judge Shmuel Herbst, turned down a police request to prohibit journalist Arnon Segal and his son from entering the Old City for 45 days following an incident tied to a Korban Pesach demonstration.

Segal and his son had been taken in for questioning after he filmed his son leading a young goat intended for use as a Korban Pesach near the Old City.

In his ruling, Herbst wrote that there was no basis for suspecting a criminal act and dismissed the allegation of animal abuse. “I did not find that a reasonable suspicion exists,” he wrote, adding, “We all love animals, but most of us also eat them. It cannot be said that every animal destined for slaughter makes the person slaughtering it an abuser.”

The judge characterized the act as a form of protest against the current status quo on Har Habayis, explaining that “its time has passed and its sacrifice is null,” since the designated time for the offering had already passed. He also opened his decision with a historical and halachic discussion, stressing that the Korban Pesach is a central mitzvah connected to Yetzias Mitzrayim and the geulah of Klal Yisroel.

Responding to police claims that the incident created a security threat, Herbst ruled that no concrete evidence had been presented to support that concern. “Claims of danger and volatility require proof, and such proof was not brought before me,” he stated, cautioning against relying on broad assumptions and noting that long-standing “security axioms” must be reevaluated carefully.

Herbst also pointed out that Segal and his son live in Ir Dovid, near the Old City, and that banning them entirely from the area would be an excessive restriction on their freedom of movement. Instead, he ruled they would be barred only from Har Habayis, which is already closed to visitors during the Yom Tov period.

Attorney Nati Rom of Honenu praised the decision, stating, “There are real judges in Yerushalayim. A ruling that respects the deep yearning of the people of Israel is one that honors the judicial system. I hope the police will draw conclusions.”

Segal also responded to the ruling, noting that the court had rejected the request for a prolonged ban and had highlighted the importance of the Korban Pesach in its reasoning. “There are real judges in Yerushalayim,” he echoed.

Several Iranian strikes were reported in Bnei Brak from Friday night through Motzaei Shabbos, including a direct hit on a residential building on Rechov Kehillos Yaakov and another impact in the city center on Shabbos afternoon, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

In one of the incidents, a residential apartment was hit, causing significant damage to the unit and leaving the entire building badly affected.

A 24-year-old man was transported to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center after suffering from smoke inhalation, with his condition listed as light. Magen David Adom (MDA) personnel also provided treatment at the scenes for several residents experiencing shock.

Footage captured by security cameras on Rechov Kehillos Yaakov documented the moment of impact Friday night, showing a massive blast that resulted in extensive destruction. One of the affected homes belonged to MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism, where windows were blown out and frames were ripped from their fittings.

In a separate incident on Shabbos afternoon, another strike in the city center led to the collapse of walls in an apartment, effectively destroying the unit and causing major structural damage to the surrounding building. MDA teams continued scanning the area to ensure no additional victims were trapped or injured.

City officials, together with Home Front Command personnel, arrived at the various locations to evaluate the extent of the damage and coordinate response efforts. Residents were reminded to adhere to safety instructions and enter protected spaces immediately upon hearing sirens.

Israeli Sephardic Chief Rabbi Rav Dovid Yosef sharply condemned a High Court decision issued on Shabbos night permitting a hearing regarding demonstrations at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, in light of Home Front Command guidelines on large gatherings.

In its ruling, the court approved a framework allowing up to 600 demonstrators at Habima Square, while limiting attendance at other locations across the country to a maximum of 150 participants.

“This is an unlawful act in a Jewish state,” Rav Yosef stated. “These judges sit on Shabbos, trample the law, and compel state representatives to respond on the holy day in complete contradiction to the law. They are acting recklessly and crudely trampling the traditions of Israel and our holy Torah.”

He noted that the religious tzibbur had the option to insist on holding the traditional Birkas Kohanim at the Kosel, but refrained due to the ongoing war. At the same time, he said, left-wing demonstrators turned to the court specifically in order to protest and be mechalel Shabbos.

Rav Yosef went on to say that confidence among the religious public in the judicial system has eroded, describing what he sees as a consistently one-sided and anti-religious posture.

“There is not a single religious Jew today who places trust in this brazen group of the Supreme Court. Through their actions, they have become enemies of Judaism,” he said.

“We will fight with all our strength for the identity of the State, and in the end, Judaism will be what prevails.”

New intelligence cited by The Telegraph indicates that, since the war began, four Chinese vessels have docked in Iran carrying materials used in the production of solid fuel for missile engines, raising concerns about Tehran’s potential to expand its ballistic arsenal.

The report states that the ships sailed from Gaolan port in Zhuhai, a major center known for housing some of China’s largest liquid chemical storage facilities.

According to expert assessments, the cargo may have included sufficient quantities of sodium perchlorate to support the manufacture of hundreds of ballistic missiles. At the same time, uncertainty remains over whether Iran is currently capable of producing such weapons after recent strikes by the United States and Israel damaged key facilities.

Against this backdrop, President Donald Trump warned Iran that it has 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face serious repercussions.

Previously, Trump had threatened to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure, including its power grid, oil installations, and desalination plants, cautioning that such an attack could effectively “return the country to the Stone Age.”

President Donald Trump tonight shared newly released video showing American airstrikes carried out in Tehran, highlighting the impact of the operation on Iran’s military leadership.

Posting the footage on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Many of Iran’s Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!”

Earlier in the day, Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the country faces severe consequences within 48 hours if it fails to change course.

In a message posted on Truth Social, he wrote, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

Since the conflict began, Iran has effectively blocked or heavily restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz. The regime has declared the passage “closed,” threatened commercial shipping, deployed fast attack boats, drones, and missiles, and reportedly placed naval mines in the area.

A far-left anti-war protest took place this evening in Habima Square in Israel, with police moving in to disperse participants after the crowd exceeded the permitted limits. Ten demonstrators were taken into custody.

At the scene, a police officer urged the crowd to leave, warning that the gathering posed a danger to public safety. He later announced that authorities would begin clearing the area, stating, “If necessary, we will use force.”

The protest came after a High Court ruling issued during Shabbos permitting a demonstration of up to 600 participants in the square. The court criticized what it described as inconsistent enforcement, noting that Home Front Command restrictions were being applied to protests while similar guidelines were not uniformly enforced at other events and locations. “This situation is difficult to reconcile,” the ruling stated, adding that officials were aware of other gatherings where regulations had not been enforced.

The decision drew sharp backlash across the political spectrum, particularly because it was issued on Shabbos, raising strong concerns of Chillul Shabbos. The Shas party denounced the move as “a trampling of the sanctity of Shabbat” and announced plans to file a formal complaint against the judges after Yom Tov.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also sharply criticized the ruling, warning that it places the public at risk. “Supreme Court judges making such decisions – whose side are you on?” he said, adding that demanding a response within an hour on Shabbos is unreasonable and undermines security.

Deputy Communications Minister Yisrael Eichler condemned the ruling in strong terms, calling it “a declaration of war against the sanctity of Shabbat,” and accusing the justices of being out of touch and intent on eroding Jewish tradition.

UTJ chairman MK Moshe Gafni likewise spoke out against the decision, describing it as reckless and insensitive. He said issuing such a ruling on Shabbos was done “to prove their superiority over the public in Israel.”

An IDF soldier was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, the military announced Saturday night, identifying the incident as a friendly fire tragedy that occurred amid an active mission.

Sergeant First Class Guy Ludar, 21, from Yuvalim, served in the elite Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade and was killed on Friday while engaged in operational activity in southern Lebanon.

During the same incident in which Sergeant First Class Guy Ludar lost his life, another soldier sustained severe injuries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement following the news, saying: “Our hearts are with the family of Maglan unit fighter, Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar, of blessed memory, who fell in the unfortunate incident in southern Lebanon.”

“My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Guy, of blessed memory, who fought with courage and bravery to protect our communities and our citizens. May his memory be blessed.”

According to reports, Ludar was killed as a result of friendly fire during an operation in the village of Shebaa in southern Lebanon, where forces were carrying out an arrest mission. Another soldier was seriously wounded in the same event.

Preliminary findings indicate that a Maglan special forces team operating late Friday in Shebaa had surrounded a building as part of an effort to detain an individual suspected of collaborating with Hezbollah when the incident occurred.

At one point during the operation, a soldier spotted figures he believed to be “suspects” attempting to flee the area and opened fire.

It was later discovered that those individuals were fellow members of the same unit. The IDF has classified the incident as friendly fire caused by a breakdown in coordination regarding the positioning of troops, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

The suspect believed to have aided Hezbollah was ultimately captured and brought into Israel for interrogation.

NASA’s Artemis II mission lifted off Wednesday evening, sending a four-person crew aboard the Orion spacecraft on a historic journey around the moon — the first time astronauts have traveled beyond low-Earth orbit in more than five decades.

The crew — NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen — boarded the 322-foot Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center earlier in the day, ahead of a scheduled liftoff at 6:35 p.m.

The mission is set to carry the astronauts on a trip around the moon and back to Earth, marking the first crewed deep-space voyage since 1972.

While Artemis II will not include a lunar landing, it will take the crew farther from Earth than any human mission since the Apollo program.

NASA has described the Orion spacecraft as the most powerful rocket system it has ever developed.

Rising 322 feet into the sky, the launch system is designed to propel both the spacecraft and its crew into deep space, serving as a critical test for systems needed in future missions aimed at landing astronauts on the moon.

With the crew now in orbit, they are expected to spend several days in space, including a multi-day passage around the far side of the moon before returning for a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

The mission had originally been targeted for a February launch, but technical problems uncovered during testing delayed the timeline. Among the issues were fuel and helium leaks that required repairs to the Space Launch System rocket.

Artemis II follows the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission and represents a key step toward future objectives, including Artemis III, which is intended to place astronauts back on the lunar surface.

NASA has said the broader Artemis program is designed to support sustained exploration of the moon and to help prepare for eventual human missions to Mars.

The Artemis initiative was launched in 2017 under President Donald Trump as part of an effort to return American astronauts to the moon.

Ahead of Wednesday’s launch, Trump praised the mission and its crew.

“America is going back to the Moon!,” he said. “America doesn’t just compete, we DOMINATE, and the whole World is watching. God bless our incredible Astronauts, God bless NASA, and God bless the Greatest Nation ever to exist, the United States of America!”

House Speaker Mike Johnson also commended the astronauts and NASA’s efforts.

“Praying for the safety and success of the Artemis II crew and @NASA as they undertake a mission that will carry humanity farther into space than we have gone in over half a century,” he said. “I had the privilege of hosting these courageous pioneers at the State of the Union earlier this year. Americans are watching proudly as our Golden Age reaches new heights!”

Vice President JD Vance has informed intermediaries engaged in talks between the United States and Iran that President Donald Trump is eager to reach an agreement to bring the war to an end, according to a source familiar with the discussions cited in a CNN report Wednesday.

Vance, who has taken on a more central role in efforts to negotiate a resolution, has been in contact with officials from mediating countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, as recently as Tuesday.

According to the source, Vance conveyed a warning intended for Iranian officials, describing it as a “stern message” that pressure on Iran’s infrastructure would intensify “unless the Iranians made a deal.”

Trump has previously warned that critical infrastructure in Iran, including power stations and desalination facilities, could be targeted if Tehran refuses to allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

As he prepares to deliver a national address on Iran later Wednesday, Trump directed Vance to communicate that the United States is open to a ceasefire, provided its conditions are met, CNN reported.

One of those key conditions is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump reiterated in a social media post must be cleared before any halt in fighting would be considered.

In that same message, Trump also claimed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had sought a ceasefire.

Iran rejected that assertion, with its Foreign Ministry describing the claim as “false and baseless.”

Separately, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said it maintains full control over the strategic waterway.

“This strait will not be opened to the enemies of this nation through the ridiculous spectacle by the president of the United States,” it said, adding that the strait “is firmly and decisively under the control” of its forces.

A mohel from Bnei Brak who is under investigation for allegedly causing the death of an infant through negligence has been released to house arrest, following a court decision on Wednesday morning, just ahead of Pesach.

The Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court ruled to free the suspect under restrictive conditions, including house arrest. Police filed an appeal, but the District Court upheld the lower court’s decision, extending the house arrest until April 9, 2026. Police stated, “The investigation is ongoing in order to uncover the truth.”

The mohel’s attorney, Yair Ben Shitrit, said in response, “What began with great fanfare has ended quietly. My client shares in the family’s deep sorrow over this tragic incident. However, it should be emphasized that my client acted throughout in accordance with the required professional standards, and even beyond that.

“The police appeal to the District Court against the release decision was also rejected, and my client was released, which speaks for itself. It should be noted that the infant’s death occurred approximately three weeks after the circumcision—a significant detail that greatly weakens any attempt to establish a causal link or negligence on the part of my client. Under these circumstances, we are confident that once all examinations are completed, the case will be closed with nothing remaining.”

The mohel, a resident of Bnei Brak, was initially arrested on suspicion of negligence following the death of a baby after a circumcision he performed. The procedure took place about a month ago, and authorities suspect that a complication led to an infection that caused the infant’s death roughly two weeks later.

He is suspected of negligent manslaughter of a minor. After being questioned, he was detained, and as noted, was brought to court this morning for a hearing on extending his detention.

Israel Police said in a statement last night: “Investigators from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police opened an investigation upon receiving a complaint today regarding the death of an infant, on suspicion of causing death by negligence, due to a suspected complication from a circumcision procedure performed by the mohel. Patrol officers arrested the suspect, a 66-year-old mohel from Bnei Brak. Israel Police shares in the family’s grief and will continue a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and carry out all necessary actions.”

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated this week that she would reject all U.S. assistance to Israel, including funding for defensive systems, according to a report on remarks she made during a private meeting with members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The position represents a shift from her earlier stance. While she has long opposed aid tied to offensive military capabilities, she had previously supported funding for defensive measures such as the Iron Dome missile defense system.

The comments were first reported by Peter Sterne, an editor at City and State NY, who covered the meeting, which was streamed for DSA members. The gathering was held to consider whether the organization would endorse Ocasio-Cortez’s reelection campaign.

During the discussion, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about backing an arms embargo on Israel. According to the report, she responded, “I have not once ever voted to authorize funding to Israel, and I will never. The Israeli government should be able to finance their own weapons if they seek to arm themselves.”

A follow-up question pressed her on whether that position would extend to all military-related funding, including defensive systems. “If the moment presents itself in Congress, will you commit to voting ‘no’ for any spending on arms for Israel, including so-called ‘defensive capabilities?’”

Ocasio-Cortez answered, “Yes.”

Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive bloc in Congress often referred to as “the Squad,” has repeatedly voiced sharp criticism of Israel, including accusations related to its conduct in Gaza.

She later defended her use of the term “genocide,” arguing in an interview that conditions in Gaza had “crossed the threshold of intent.”

In an earlier 2019 radio interview, she described Israel as “criminal” in its treatment of Palestinian Arabs, asserting that they have no alternative but to “riot” against the country.

She has also previously said that reducing or cutting U.S. military and economic support to Israel should be “on the table” as a way to express opposition to Israeli policies, and has characterized Israel as an “apartheid state.”

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz visited the site of the missile strike in Bnei Brak on Wednesday, where 14 people were wounded by a direct hit from an Iranian ballistic missile, delivering remarks of support alongside senior officials.

Katz toured the scene together with MK Moshe Gafni, Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, and Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper.

The visit followed a severe early-morning attack in which an 11-year-old girl was critically injured, a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded, and dozens of others were hurt by the blast and shrapnel. The missile, launched from deep inside Iran, caused heavy destruction in the center of the city.

Speaking at the scene, Katz extended holiday greetings to IDF soldiers and the Israeli public. “I want, from here, on behalf of all of us, to extend holiday greetings and great thanks to the brave IDF soldiers who are fighting in the air, at sea, and on land,” he said. “I meet them in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in Syria, and I meet the pilots before and after they fly to Iran and everywhere — I see their commitment to protecting the safety of Israel’s citizens.”

The defense minister added, “There is no nation in the world that has such brave soldiers. The entire people must embrace them and strengthen them.” He also urged the public to follow safety guidelines, emphasizing their importance. “I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and ask that you adhere to Home Front Command instructions — they save lives and allow the IDF to continue striking our enemies.”

In a separate message, Katz addressed the families of IDF soldiers and commanders stationed along Israel’s borders. “I turn from here to the mothers, fathers, spouses, and family members of IDF soldiers and commanders deployed across all of Israel’s borders,” he said. “We have prepared for the holiday evening to provide the best possible response for each of our soldiers in every sector.”

He noted that many troops would not be home for the holiday. “Most of them are not celebrating the holiday with you. Be proud of them. They are acting with dedication, determination, and responsibility for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens, even during this holiday.”

Katz also addressed children across the country. “Dear children, some of your fathers and mothers are not with you on the holiday evening. Know that they are protecting you. They are a generation of lions — heroes and heroines.”

The visit comes during a week of heightened tensions, with multiple missile strikes reported across Israel as Iran continues launching ballistic missiles. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin warned that Iran and Hezbollah could continue attacks during the Passover holiday.

At the same time, the IDF continues broad military operations across multiple fronts. Katz recently presented a strategic plan for operations in Lebanon that includes establishing a security zone inside southern Lebanon and preventing more than 600,000 residents from returning south of the Litani River.

Concluding his remarks, Katz emphasized Israel’s core sources of strength. “I can tell you what I say everywhere: we have allies, and we have enemies, and we have friends — but we rely on only two things: on the Rock of Israel and on the Israel Defense Forces. These are the things we rely on, and in their name we fight and will continue to fight.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman says he would dramatically reduce energy costs across New York immediately upon taking office, promising to slash average utility bills by 50 percent on his first day as governor.

In an interview with Miranda Devine on the Pod Force One podcast, the Nassau County executive outlined a plan that includes rolling back green energy requirements, reducing delivery charges, and cutting taxes that he says make up a large share of residents’ monthly bills.

“I can cut your electric bill in half, day one, when I become governor,” Blakeman told Devine, arguing that only a fraction of what consumers pay actually reflects the cost of electricity itself.

“I will control the regulatory authorities. We will bring down the taxes. We will bring down the delivery costs. And I will get rid of the green energy scam,” Blakeman vowed on the Thursday podcast.

Available data, however, suggests a more complex breakdown of utility costs. According to the Regional Plan Association, customers on Long Island typically see about 45 percent of their bill tied to energy supply, roughly 51 percent attributed to delivery expenses, and around 6 percent stemming from taxes. Delivery charges can also include fees connected to renewable energy programs.

Newly obtained federal records show that during the height of the COVID-19 Delta wave in 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy prepared a coordinated media strategy aimed at combating what officials labeled “misinformation,” even as Americans grew frustrated with shifting public health guidance.

According to documents reviewed by Newsmax, officials within the Biden administration worked in tandem to craft speeches, media appearances, and messaging that promoted a unified narrative on COVID-19—at times at odds with evolving scientific data.

The materials suggest a wider effort that extended beyond government, involving members of the press, technology companies, and emotionally driven messaging to encourage public compliance.

The documents, totaling more than 400 pages and obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests by Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT), outline Murthy’s internal talking points and broader communications strategy during July 2021.

PPT says the findings reflect a pattern it has documented in prior releases, alleging that administration officials adjusted messaging to fit a predetermined narrative during the pandemic.

“Once again, we’ve shown that the Biden administration used terms like ‘misinformation’ to control the narrative,” PPT Director Michael Chamberlain told Newsmax. “They sidelined science when it was inconvenient and pushed tech companies to censor information that turned out to be true.

“Whether it was prolonged school closures from which a generation of children may never fully recover, draconian lockdowns, or forcing vaccines on people at little risk from the virus, power, politics, and narrative control came first.”

One example in the documents shows Murthy preparing remarks for a speech at the Stanford Internet Observatory, where he described a country gripped by fear and division and argued that online platforms were amplifying emotionally driven falsehoods.

“If we want to fight health misinformation, we’ll need all parts of society to pull together,” his script declared. Individuals must “share information responsibly;” clinicians should counter doubts with patients; educators were to teach “information literacy.”

The messaging also included direct guidance aimed at media outlets and tech platforms. “We’re asking journalists and media outlets to address the public’s questions without amplifying misinformation. We’re asking tech companies to operate with greater transparency and accountability so that misinformation doesn’t continue to poison our sharing platforms.”

Internal briefing materials also show that Murthy was given detailed instructions ahead of interviews, including a July 12 appearance on the Pod Save America podcast, where he was expected to discuss targeted outreach to unvaccinated individuals.

Officials relied on data from the CDC and Census Bureau to estimate that a portion of unvaccinated Americans were still persuadable, while others might be moved through more targeted efforts.

The outreach strategy was designed to be highly localized. “community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, person by person,” read the talking points before his Pod Save America appearance.

Door-to-door engagement by trusted community figures—including doctors and religious leaders—was framed as outreach, while critics of the effort were addressed directly in Murthy’s prepared remarks: “For individuals or organizations feeding misinformation and trying to mischaracterize this work, you are doing a disservice to the country.”

Preparations for a Washington Post interview included references to direct coordination with major technology companies.

“We’ve increased mis/disinformation research and tracking within the Surgeon General’s office, and we’re flagging problematic posts for social platforms,” the document stated. “Facebook is aware of our concerns and we have requested changes.”

The talking points indicated that platforms unwilling to act were viewed as harming both the public and medical professionals, reinforcing language Murthy was expected to use in multiple interviews.

The administration also called for algorithmic adjustments to limit the spread of certain content while promoting what it described as reliable vaccine information.

Murthy’s messaging reached a more personal tone during a July 19 NBC Nightly News appearance, where he was encouraged to emphasize the human cost of misinformation.

The prepared remarks directed him to say that “health misinformation is costing us lives,” while referencing the deaths of “ten of [his] own family members” and urging social media companies to act more aggressively.

The tone of the messaging, according to the documents, was intended to frame disagreement not as debate but as a public health risk.

Murthy did not respond to requests for comment. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, Andrew Nixon, told Newsmax that the agency under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports open discourse.

“That kind of messaging is a big part of why public trust in our healthcare system collapsed during the pandemic,” Nixon said. “Public health should be grounded in transparency and open discussion, not shutting down disagreement.”

PPT says this is not the first set of documents to raise concerns about how COVID guidance was presented to the public.

One example cited involves August 2021 recommendations from Murthy advising quarantine for students who had been within close proximity—three feet for more than 15 minutes—of an infected individual.

According to the group, the supporting research cited in those recommendations was inconsistent, lacked peer review, or relied on data from unrelated settings.

The watchdog group argues that policies such as school closures and quarantines set students back significantly while relying on what it described as weak scientific grounding.

Additional criticism from PPT targeted federal agencies including the CDC and FDA, alleging that officials misrepresented data related to vaccine effectiveness and natural immunity. The group also pointed to a study that overstated pediatric COVID deaths by 32%, saying the error was not corrected despite being identified internally.

Earlier records obtained by PPT indicated that Murthy acknowledged collaboration with technology companies during a 2021 meeting with then-Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. The tone of those discussions, according to the group, was confrontational toward parents, while encouraging teenagers to advocate for vaccination within their families. Mask-wearing was presented as a collective obligation rather than a personal decision.

While the newly released documents do not allege unlawful censorship, they describe sustained efforts to portray dissenting views as dangerous, which critics say contributed to declining public trust.

Polling data cited in the report shows that trust in the CDC dropped sharply—from 85% at the start of the pandemic to 44% within two years.

The documents suggest that Murthy’s office pursued a broad communications campaign aimed at marginalizing opposing viewpoints, even as debates continued over key issues such as distancing guidelines, immunity, masking, and vaccinations for children.

A resolution to the 46-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security may be within reach, as House Republicans move toward supporting a Senate-backed funding framework that separates broader DHS funding from immigration enforcement agencies.

Under the emerging plan, lawmakers would restore funding for most of DHS while addressing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection through a separate reconciliation process.

President Donald Trump signaled his support for the approach, emphasizing that Republicans intend to secure funding for border enforcement without relying on Democratic votes. “We are going forward to fund our incredible ICE Agents and Border Patrol through a process that doesn’t need Radical Left Democrat votes, and bypasses the Senate Filibuster (which should be repealed, IMMEDIATELY!),” he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also pressed Congress to act quickly, adding, “I am asking that the Bill be on my desk NO LATER than June 1st,” referring to the reconciliation measure that would fund ICE and CBP.

The Senate unanimously approved legislation last Friday that restores funding to DHS but excludes ICE and CBP, setting the stage for a separate effort to finance those agencies.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s strategy has been to pass the remaining funding for ICE and CBP through reconciliation, allowing Republicans to avoid the 60-vote threshold required to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

House Republicans initially pushed back on that approach, with Speaker Mike Johnson instead advocating for a temporary 60-day extension to fully fund DHS while negotiations continued.

That position shifted Wednesday, when Thune and Johnson issued a joint statement aligning behind the Senate’s two-pronged strategy after Trump publicly endorsed it.

“In the coming days, Republicans in the Senate and House will be following through on the President’s directive by fully funding the entire Department of Homeland Security on two parallel tracks: through the appropriations process and through the reconciliation process,” they said.

“Republican Congress will fully reopen the Department, make sure all federal workers are paid, and specifically fund immigration enforcement and border security for the next three years so that those law-enforcement activities can continue uninhibited.”

It remains uncertain whether the House, currently in recess, will return early to finalize the funding legislation.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham has already started the reconciliation process, which is known to be procedurally complex and time-consuming.

Earlier in the standoff, House Republicans rejected the Senate’s initial proposal because it did not include funding for ICE and CBP. While Johnson avoided directly criticizing Thune, he directed his frustration at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The partial shutdown began on Feb. 14 after Democrats blocked DHS funding over disagreements related to immigration enforcement policies, particularly concerning ICE and CBP operations.

Democrats had called for several changes, including banning ICE agents from wearing masks, imposing stricter warrant requirements, and limiting enforcement activity in certain sensitive locations.

Republicans declined to accept those broader restrictions but agreed to some measures, such as requiring body cameras. Meanwhile, Trump removed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from her position and ended Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, developments that contributed to the funding impasse.

“Democrats will once again demonstrate to the American people their support for open borders and keeping criminal illegal immigrants in America,” Johnson and Thune said.

Amid the shutdown, Trump also redirected funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—legislation passed through reconciliation last year—to cover pay for Transportation Security Administration workers and reduce delays at airport security checkpoints.

TSA employees received their paychecks on Monday, and Trump indicated he plans to use the same funding mechanism to ensure ICE and CBP personnel are paid while Congress works on a final reconciliation package.

“In the meantime, we will continue to use funding from THE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL, which is giving Record Tax Rebates to Citizens all over the Country, to ensure that ICE and Border Patrol Agents are paid ON TIME, and IN FULL, as we have been doing for them throughout the Democrat Shutdown,” he said.

A missile launched from Iran toward the Gush Dan area on Wednesday morning struck multiple locations in Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, wounding several people and causing extensive damage.

At Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, medical staff are battling to save the life of an 11-year-old girl who was critically hurt in the strike. Hospital officials said her father was also injured and is in moderate condition, while six other children were brought to the emergency room for treatment.

Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva reported that a 12-year-old boy who sustained serious injuries, along with his mother who was moderately wounded, were evacuated following the impact. The boy is set to be moved to Schneider Children’s Medical Center for further care. Additionally, eleven people with minor injuries were treated and transferred to Sheba and Beilinson hospitals. In a separate incident, a building was hit, causing a gas leak that was handled by emergency crews.

MDA paramedic Yissachar Weiss recounted what responders encountered at the scene: “We received a report of a missile impact and arrived on the scene with ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and rapid response motorcycles. We saw destruction and people walking around conscious, and an 11-year-old girl semi-conscious with shrapnel injuries to her limbs. We provided medical treatment and evacuated her by MDA mobile intensive care unit to the hospital in serious condition. Additional MDA teams treated several other injured people and also evacuated them to hospitals.”

Senior medic Lipa Hirsch said additional injured individuals were found during follow-up searches. “During our searches we saw a 13-year-old boy conscious after being injured by the blast. We placed him in an MDA ambulance and evacuated him to the hospital in moderate condition. Additional MDA teams are scanning to ensure there are no more casualties.”

In Cholon, the missile strike ignited a fire in an open area, while in Petach Tikva, debris from intercepted missiles fell in open spaces.

Police reported that fragments from interceptions were located in several cities across the Sharon region. Sirens were activated across central Israel, the Sharon, Shomron, and the south in response to the launch.

Earlier, sirens sounded in the Negev after a missile was fired by Houthi forces in Yemen. That missile was intercepted, and no injuries were reported.

Before that, alerts were triggered in the Upper Galilee after a drone infiltrated from Lebanon. Security officials said the drone was not intercepted and appears to have landed in an open area without causing any casualties.