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US Stocks Plunge After Record Rally On Trump’s Tariff Pause

Matzav -

U.S. markets tumbled sharply Thursday morning, reversing the dramatic upswing sparked by President Trump’s declaration of a three-month halt on most import tariffs.

By 10 a.m. Eastern Time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had shed 836 points, a 2.1% drop, after an extraordinary leap of 2,962.86 points the day before — the biggest single-day point increase on record.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 also turned negative, retreating 2.7% and 3.3% respectively in the wake of Wednesday’s monumental rally.

The previous day saw Wall Street reach new heights, with the S&P 500 surging more than 9%, marking its third-largest daily percentage rise since World War II, and the Nasdaq Composite experiencing its second-strongest session in history.

{Matzav.com}

IDF Airstrike Kills Haytham Sheikh Khalil, Commander Of Hamas’s Shuja’iyya Battalion

Yeshiva World News -

The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed Thursday that Haytham Sheikh Khalil, commander of Hamas’s Shuja’iyya Battalion, was killed in an airstrike on a Hamas command center in Gaza City. Khalil played a central role in the October 7 attack on Nahal Oz and was responsible for directing assaults on Israeli forces, as well as overseeing Hamas’s explosives and tunnel operations. He assumed command of the battalion following the deaths of its previous leaders. The IDF said the targeted strike was carried out based on precise intelligence and surveillance, stressing its efforts to minimize civilian harm. Meanwhile, Israeli ground forces expanded operations across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, with a major focus on the Tel al-Sultan and Shaboura neighborhoods of Rafah, as well as the Morag Corridor. Troops located and destroyed dozens of Hamas targets, including tunnel networks and other terrorist infrastructure. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces engaged and eliminated armed Hamas terrorists and dismantled a number of terror sites. The Israeli Air Force also carried out strikes on 35 Hamas positions that posed immediate threats to ground troops, the IDF said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Behind the Headlines: The Erev Pesach Story That We All Should Be Talking About

Yeshiva World News -

‎Let’s be honest, the past months have been extremely painful for anyone who cares about the reputation of Jews. Sadly, the onslaught of antisemitism and outright bigotry leaves Jews and all people of goodwill shaking their heads in dismay and despair. While bigotry and allegations of impropriety seem to always carry itself at the speed of light, what is not shared or rarely discussed in the media is the everyday stories of compassion, generosity, and kindness that personifies our people. What you won’t see on WhatsApp, X, or Facebook is what’s really going on in the Orthodox Jewish community behind the salacious headlines. Morally questionable news sites ( I’m being kind) don’t seem to report on the tens of thousands of cases of potatoes, grape juice, and Pesach staples distributed without cost to needy parents with hungry children. Nor do agenda driven podcasts or blogs pay a drop of precious attention to the seismic economic impact communal charity funds have made on local economies despite the global market meltdown and stubborn inflation. To thousands of struggling people wishing to celebrate the Passover holiday with dignity, however, these campaigns and distributions are a real lifesaver. The numbers are indeed staggering and worthy of significant coverage, though few seem interested in reporting on the extraordinary good works the Orthodox Jewish community is renowned for. No surprises here. But while many of our own people have their heads buried in their smartphones, absorbing the days latest shmutz packaged as “breaking news”, tzedokah funds, pesach collections, supermarket gift card handouts, food distributions, Rabbeyim appreciation organizations, and shul maos chitim campaigns have dominated the communal landscape across the Jewish globe. From Johannesburg to Jerusalem, Flatbush to Far Rockaway, Lakewood to Los Angeles, Boro Park to Boca, and everywhere in between, Pesach distributions have been undertaken ‎to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. That’s millions! *Encouraged and guided by our Rabbonim and communal leaders, we have witnessed the dramatic emergence of multiple chessed organizations, and their impact in cities across the globe has been immense and immediate. Local Jewish communities have rallied together in common cause and in ways once seemingly unimaginable. It is our must vulnerable and neediest brethren who have benefited the most. But make no mistake, everyone has benefited from the renewed spirit of achdus.* And so with all of the materialism and purported flaws we often hear so much about, the Jewish community has stepped up in a way that matches the great chessed generations ‎of Jewish history past. More broadly, our incredible network of charitable givers includes the most prominent and generous baalei tzedokah Klal Yisroel may have ever known.bThese philanthropic heroes have collectively raised the bar to unparalleled heights in charity and good deeds. The beauty of it all is that it’s mostly done quietly and behind the headlines to spare the “have nots” from public embarrassment and humiliation.‎ In a world that remains fixated on flaws and imperfections and thrives on defamatory headlines, can you possibly think of a more important story to share? And yet it’s not even mentioned as an afterthought, even around our own tables. That should change immediately. Our children need genuine role models, humble heroes, and news stories that we can all be proud to share. ‎This is it. So dearest brothers […]

Turkey Confirms Coordination With Israel In Syria To Avoid Military Clashes

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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Wednesday that Turkey is working with Israel at an operational level in Syria to ensure that military activities do not clash, according to Reuters.

His statement came after a spike in Israeli air raids within Syria, which Israeli authorities said were aimed at stopping a Turkish military operation in the area.

As reported by Reuters last week, Turkey had conducted reconnaissance missions over several airbases in Syria as part of early-stage plans for a possible joint defense strategy. Those same locations were later struck by Israel.

“While we are conducting certain operations in Syria, there needs to be a deconfliction mechanism with Israel, which flies aircraft in that region, similar to mechanisms we have with the U.S. and Russia,” Fidan said during an interview with CNN Turk on Wednesday.

He clarified that the communication between the two nations is purely logistical. “There are technical contacts to prevent combat elements from misunderstanding each other,” he explained, adding that such coordination occurs “when needed.”

Fidan was quick to point out that this coordination should not be seen as a step toward broader political engagement. “These talks are limited to deconfliction in Syria,” he stated.

Ankara has become increasingly vocal in condemning Israel’s military actions. Just last week, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry slammed Israel for its strikes on Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

“These attacks have once again exposed Israel’s flagrant disregard for international law and its ongoing threat to the region’s security and stability. The international community must stand united against Israel’s efforts to create a perpetual state of conflict in the region,” the ministry said.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded, “While violently suppressing his own citizens and carrying out mass arrests of political opponents, [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan presumes to preach lofty values to the international community.”

“In Erdogan’s Turkey, there is no justice, no law, and no freedom. Israel does not need Erdogan’s ridiculous moral sermons. Israel acts to defend itself and its citizens against real threats and actual attacks — and it will continue to do so,” the statement added.

Since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, Turkish President Erdogan has ramped up his rhetoric against Israel. Prior to that date, both countries were in the process of mending their long-frayed relationship.

Most recently, Erdogan labeled Israel a “terror state” after it carried out a surprise assault on terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.

{Matzav.com}

Brooklyn Woman Sentenced to Over 19 Years for Recruiting for ISIS and Obstructing Justice

Yeshiva World News -

Sinmyah Amera Ceasar, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen from Brooklyn, NY, was sentenced Wednesday to 230 months in federal prison—nearly 19 years—for recruiting people to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), obstructing justice, and failing to appear in court. Ceasar pleaded guilty to the three federal charges in 2017, 2019, and 2022, respectively. ISIS is officially designated as a terrorist organization by the United States government. “Today’s resentencing marks the end of a righteous journey that began a decade ago,” said Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s national security division. “Terrorist organizations like ISIS rely on recruiters like Ceasar to attract, indoctrinate and enlist new followers.” According to prosecutors, Ceasar operated under the alias “Mother of Nutella” on social media, using her platform to promote ISIS propaganda and encourage others to join the group. She continued to engage in extremist behavior even after initially pleading guilty to providing material support to ISIS. “An unrepentant ISIS recruiter, [Ceasar] will be incarcerated for a significant period of time to protect Americans here and abroad from her violent extremism,” said John Durham, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “Even after pleading guilty, the defendant continued to support terrorists, obstructed justice, and fled from prosecution.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

American Ballet Dancer Jailed for Ukraine Donation Freed in Swap With Russia

Yeshiva World News -

Moscow freed a Russian American convicted of treason in exchange for a Russian-German man jailed on smuggling charges in the U.S., a prisoner swap that was completed Thursday as the two countries met to repair ties. Ksenia Karelina is “on a plane back home to the United States,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on social media platform X. She was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg in February 2024 and convicted of treason on charges stemming from a donation of about $52 to a charity aiding Ukraine. U.S. authorities have called the case “absolutely ludicrous.” Arthur Petrov was released as part of a swap in Abu Dhabi, United Araba Emirates, according to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, Russia’s main security and counterespionage agency. Petrov was arrested in Cyprus in August 2023 at the request of the U.S. on charges of smuggling sensitive microelectronics to Russia and extradited to the U.S. a year later. Karelina was among a growing number of Americans arrested in Russia in recent years as tensions between Moscow and Washington spiked over the war in Ukraine. Her release is the latest in a series of high-profile prisoner exchanges Russia and the U.S. carried out in the last three years — and the second since President Donald Trump took office and reversed Washington’s policy of isolating Russia in an effort to end the war in Ukraine. Russian and U.S. diplomats met Thursday in Istanbul for another round of talks on improving diplomatic ties. The discussions ended after six hours without statements from the delegations, the Tass and RIA Novosti state news agencies reported. In February, Russia released American teacher Marc Fogel, imprisoned on drug charges, in a swap that the White House described as part of a diplomatic thaw that could advance peace negotiations. That same month, Russia released another American just days after arresting him on drug smuggling charges. Karelina, a former ballet dancer also identified in some media as Ksenia Khavana, lived in Maryland before moving to Los Angeles. She was arrested when she returned to Russia to visit her family last year. The FSB accused her of “proactively” collecting money for a Ukrainian organization that was supplying gear to Kyiv’s forces. The First Department, a Russian rights group, said the charges stemmed from a $51.80 donation to a U.S. charity aiding Ukraine. Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, said on Instagram that she had been in touch with her family since her release. “I am overjoyed to hear that the love of my life, Ksenia Karelina is on her way home from wrongful detention in Russia,” Karelina’s fiancé, Chris van Heerden, said in a statement. “She has endured a nightmare for 15 months and I cannot wait to hold her. Our dog, Boots, is also eagerly awaiting her return.” He thanked Trump and his envoys, as well as prominent public figures who had championed her case. White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on X that “President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families.” The exchange was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Karelina was headed to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, according to a person familiar with the situation who insisted on […]

COMING THIS CHOL HAMOED: Watch the Livestream Premiere of “Leave it to Kletzkin”!

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[COMMUNICATED]

Get ready for 40 minutes of comedy gold!

This Chol Hamoed, join us for the livestream premiere of “Leave it to Kletzkin,” the must-see, hilarious comedy film for the whole family. 

Featuring the Stars of Bardak – starring in their first English Film.

Save the Date: Get your unique access code now for the livestream premiere on Motzei Yom Tov Rishon, April 14th at 9:30 PM EST.

Don’t Miss Out!

Vote and Get Your Access Code Now! – Click Here 

Presented by Eretz Hakodesh – Slate 11

Hamas Seeks Legal Removal From UK Terror List, Claims Proscription Unjust

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Hamas, the group responsible for the deadly October 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel, has begun a legal push to overturn its classification as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

The challenge was submitted to the UK Home Office and includes a formal witness statement from senior Hamas figure Mousa Abu Marzouq, who is disputing the group’s current banned status, the report said.

In his statement, which was published by Drop Site News, Abu Marzouq declared, “The British government’s decision to proscribe Hamas is an unjust one that is symptomatic of its unwavering support for Zionism, apartheid, occupation and ethnic cleansing in Palestine for over a century. Hamas does not and never has posed a threat to Britain, despite the latter’s ongoing complicity in the genocide of our people.”

Hamas contends that it is not a terrorist entity but rather a “Palestinian Islamic liberation and resistance movement whose goal is to liberate Palestine and confront the Zionist project.”

The Home Office declined to issue a comment on the matter, citing its policy of not speaking on ongoing legal proceedings.

The UK first added Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, to its list of proscribed terror groups in 2001. That designation was expanded in 2021 to include Hamas’s political division, with then-Home Secretary Priti Patel stating that the distinction between the two was meaningless and that Hamas functions as one unified terrorist body.

Under British law, any organization labeled as a terrorist group is banned entirely, making it a crime to belong to it, support it, or publicly display its insignia.

Hamas’s legal filing further argues that the UK’s stance has chilled free expression and stifled open conversation.

“Rather than allow freedom of speech, police have embarked on a campaign of political intimidation and persecution of journalists, academics, peace activists and students over their perceived support for Hamas,” their lawyers wrote. “People in Britain must be free to speak about Hamas and its struggle to restore to the Palestinian people the right to self-determination.”

The legal documents also claim that the proscription violates international legal commitments, including Britain’s responsibilities to prevent genocide and challenge what Hamas describes as Israel’s “illegal occupation” of Palestinian land. Hamas is described in the brief as “the only effective military force resisting” such actions.

Responding to the challenge, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel stood by her original position, saying, “Hamas is an evil Iranian-backed terrorist organisation, which kidnaps, tortures and murders people, including British nationals. They pose an ongoing threat to our security and to the peace and stability of the Middle East… They show no respect for human rights, life and dignity and have oppressed people living in Gaza for too long.”

{Matzav.com}

Netanyahu Confirms: Israeli Delegation Met With Turkish Officials In Azerbaijan

Yeshiva World News -

The Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday afternoon confirmed that Israel and Turkey held direct talks in recent days about Syria, following multiple reports about such talks in recent days. According to the announcement, the head of the delegation is National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi. “Under the direction of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, last night a political-security delegation headed by the head of the National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi, and with the participation of senior representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the security agencies, met with a parallel Turkish delegation.” “Israel thanks Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the important talks.” “In the talks, each side presented its interests in the region, and it was agreed to continue the dialogue in order to maintain security stability.” Earlier today, a senior political source confirmed that Israeli and Turkish officials began direct talks in Azerbaijan on a deconfliction mechanism in Syria. The political source clarified what Israel’s red lines are. “Israel made it unequivocally clear that any change in the deployment of foreign forces in Syria – and in particular the establishment of Turkish bases in the Palmyra area – is a red line and will be considered a violation of all boundaries. Israel has already made it clear in the past that preventing this threat is the responsibility of the government in Damascus. Any action that endangers Israel will endanger the rule of al-Sharaa.” Turkish sources also confirmed the talks in Azerbaijan. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Canadian Liberal Leader On Israeli ‘Genocide’ Remark: I Didn’t Hear That Word

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Canadian Liberal leader Mark Carney is stepping back from comments made during a recent campaign rally in Calgary, where he appeared to affirm a crowd member’s allegation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, according to a report from CBC.

As Carney was preparing to address attendees at the event, someone from the audience shouted, “Mr. Carney, there’s a genocide in Palestine!” Though the speaker wasn’t shown on camera, the outburst was clearly audible.

Carney responded, “I’m aware. That’s why we have an arms embargo,” which prompted the crowd to erupt in chants of his name, effectively cutting off any further discussion at that moment.

Speaking to the press the next day, Carney attempted to clarify his response, explaining that he hadn’t heard the specific accusation involving the word “genocide” and had only meant to acknowledge the existing Canadian arms policy.

“I didn’t hear that word,” Carney said while campaigning in Calgary, according to CBC. “It’s noisy. If you’re up there you hear snippets of what people say and I heard Gaza, and my point was I’m aware of the situation in Gaza.”

He elaborated further, saying, “Canada does … have restrictions, probably from January 2024, on arms exports, or permits for arms exports to Israel with the sole exception of the Iron Dome which protects them more broadly.”

Since being chosen last month to succeed former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberal Party, Carney has spoken out about conditions in Gaza. He criticized the decision to halt electricity to the territory, though he avoided naming Israel specifically in his remarks.

“It has been more than two days that the supply of electricity to Gaza has been shut off,” Carney said. “It must resume. Essentials including food, electricity and medical supplies should never be used as political tools.”

He also urged international cooperation to support legal and humanitarian principles in the region, saying, “Canada must work with our allies to stand up for international law to promote sustainable peace and security in the Middle East and to support full access to humanitarian aid for Palestinian families.”

Carney called on both sides to make progress, stating that efforts should focus on “the return of all hostages and the completion of the ceasefire agreement.”

During the initial stages of the Israel-Hamas war following the October 7, 2023 attack, then-Prime Minister Trudeau supported Israel’s right to defend itself and endorsed a joint international statement emphasizing both that right and the importance of civilian protection.

However, Trudeau later condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza, saying the “killing of women, of children, of babies” had to stop.

Canadians will head to the polls for a federal election on April 28.

{Matzav.com}

Inflation Fell Last Month As Gas Prices Dropped Sharply, A Sign Prices Cooled Before Tariffs

Yeshiva World News -

U.S. inflation declined last month as the cost of gas, airline fares, and hotel rooms fell, a sign that price growth was cooling even as President Donald Trump ramped up his tariff threats. Consumer prices rose just 2.4% in March from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Thursday, down from 2.8% in February. That is the lowest inflation figure since September. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 2.8% compared with a year ago, down from 3.1% in February. That is the smallest increase in core prices in nearly four years. Economists closely watch core prices because they are considered a better guide to where inflation is headed. The report shows that inflation is mostly cooling, for now. Yet Trump’s huge tariffs on China and 10% universal duty are likely to push up prices in the coming months, economists say. The higher import taxes will likely weigh on the economy’s growth as well. On a monthly basis, prices actually fell 0.1% in March, the first monthly drop in nearly five years. Core prices rose just 0.1% in March from February. Used car prices dropped 0.7% from February to March, the government said. The cost of auto insurance fell 0.8%, welcome relief for car owners, though insurance costs are still up 7.5% compared with a year ago. One reason prices fell was sharp drops in travel-related costs, including air fares, which slipped 5.3% just from February to March. Hotel room prices dropped 3.5%. Economists said those drops in part reflected much slower international demand as the number of tourists visiting the United States has fallen sharply amid Trump’s aggressive trade policy. Visits to the United States from overseas fell nearly 12% last month, according to government data. The cost of groceries, however, jumped 0.5% last month, the report showed, as egg prices leapt 5.9% to a new record average price of $6.23 a dozen. Clothing prices rose 0.4%, though they have increased little in the past year. Trump had imposed sweeping tariffs on nearly 60 nations last week, which sent financial markets into a tailspin and caused sharp drops in business and consumer sentiment. Yet on Wednesday he paused those duties for 90 days. He kept a steep 125% tariff on all imports from China and 25% duties on steel, aluminum, imported cars, and many goods from China and Mexico. The remaining tariffs are still likely to lift inflation this year, economists say, even with the 90-day pause. Even with the pause, many companies are still uncertain where trade policy will go next. Trump has also said that duties on pharmaceutical imports will be imposed. Consumers will likely see some prices rise because of the existing duties, including the massive tariffs on China. The United States imports more than $60 billion of iPhones and other mobile phones every year from China, as well as massive amounts of clothes, shoes and toys. Many U.S. companies will likely shift production out of China, a process that had already started during Trump’s first term when he slapped duties on some of its exports. Still, China remains the Unite States’ third-largest trading partner. Shifting supply chains out of China will also likely take time and come with its own costs, which could raise prices for U.S. consumers in the coming months. […]

Trump On Iran: If It Requires Military Action, Israel Will Be the Leader of That

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President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that should it become necessary to take military steps against Iran’s nuclear development, Israel will be a key participant and may even spearhead the action.

“With Iran, if it requires military, we’re going to have military. Israel will be the leader of that. But nobody leads us, we do what we want to do,” Trump said during remarks from the Oval Office.

When asked how long he would give Iran to come to the table with a deal, Trump said, “I can’t really be specific, but when you start talks, you know if they’re going along well or not, and I would say the conclusion would be when I think they’re not going along well.”

While Trump has consistently voiced a preference for diplomacy over conflict, he has also made it clear that he won’t hesitate to use force if needed to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear threat.

Earlier in the week, Trump announced during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu that the U.S. planned to engage Iran in discussions over the weekend about its nuclear ambitions.

Even though Trump indicated that these would be direct talks, Iranian authorities clarified that any interaction would be indirect, not in-person negotiations.

Tehran had recently turned down Trump’s invitation for direct dialogue, declining the proposal delivered in a letter addressed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump later issued a strong warning, cautioning that serious consequences would follow if Iran did not commit to a nuclear deal.

He followed up with an even more severe threat, saying, “if they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing — and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

{Matzav.com}

COMING THIS CHOL HAMOED: Watch the Livestream Premiere of “Leave it to Kletzkin”!

Yeshiva World News -

Get ready for 40 minutes of comedy gold! This Chol Hamoed, join us for the livestream premiere of “Leave it to Kletzkin,” the must-see, hilarious comedy film for the whole family.  Featuring the Stars of Bardak – starring in their first English Film. Save the Date: Get your unique access code now for the livestream premiere on Motzei Yom Tov Rishon, April 14th at 9:30 PM EST. Don’t Miss Out! Vote and Get Your Access Code Now! – Click Here  Presented by Eretz Hakodesh – Slate 11

Trump Signs Executive Order Undoing ‘Dumb’ Obama-Biden Showerhead Regulation: ‘Makes America’s Showers Great Again’

Matzav -

President Trump issued a new executive order on Wednesday targeting federal water-use restrictions, specifically those implemented during the Obama and Biden administrations. He promoted the move with the slogan that it would help “Make America’s Showers Great Again.”

“Overregulation chokes the American economy and stifles personal freedom. A small but meaningful example is the Obama-Biden war on showers,” Trump declared in the executive order.

The directive eliminates lengthy federal guidelines—thousands of words long—set by the Obama-era Department of Energy, which redefined what constitutes a “showerhead.” These rules were brought back under Biden after Trump had previously eased them during his presidency.

“To the extent any definition is necessary for this common piece of hardware, the Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘showerhead’ in one short sentence,” Trump noted in the order. He instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to “immediately rescind the overly complicated” Obama-Biden regulations.

The administration confirmed that the rule change would restore the long-standing 2.5-gallons-per-minute water flow limit that had been in effect since 1992.

“President Trump is restoring sanity to at least one small part of the federal regulations,” the White House said in a statement.

“The Order frees Americans from excessive regulations that turned a basic household item into a bureaucratic nightmare,” the statement added. “No longer will showerheads be weak and worthless.”

The administration criticized the previous policy, claiming it was driven by “a radical green agenda that made life worse for everyday Americans” and even rendered certain multi-nozzle shower designs “illegal.”

The scope of the new executive order also extends to other household fixtures such as sinks and dishwashers.

“No market failure justifies this intrusion,” the White House said, referring to the rescinded water-use regulations. “Americans pay for their own water and should be free to choose their showerheads without federal meddling.”

“President Trump is slashing red tape and ending Biden’s dumb war on things that work.”

{Matzav.com}

Death Toll Rises to 218 in Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse

Yeshiva World News -

The number of dead in a roof collapse at an iconic nightclub in the Dominican Republic surged to 218 on Thursday, an official said. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, said crews at the scene were still looking for victims and potential survivors, although no one has been found alive since Tuesday afternoon. “We’ve practically combed through ground zero,” he said, adding that there’s one very small area of rubble left that crews are focusing on. “This has been very difficult for us all.” Doctors warned that some of the two dozen patients who remained hospitalized were still not in the clear, especially the eight who were in critical condition. “If the trauma is too great, there’s not a lot of time” left to save patients in that condition, said Health Minister Víctor Atallah. He and other doctors said that injuries include fractures in the skull, femur and pelvis caused by slabs of cement falling on those attending a merengue concert at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where more than 200 were injured. On Wednesday, dozens of people had anxiously searched for their loved ones, growing frustrated upon getting no answers after visiting hospitals and the country’s forensic institute. By Thursday, a lone family remained with no answers. María Luisa Taveras told TV station Noticias SIN that she was still looking for her sister. “We have gone everywhere they told us,” she said, her voice breaking. Taveras said the family has spread out, with a relative stationed at each hospital and at the forensic institute. The government said Wednesday night that it was moving to a recovery phase focused on finding bodies. The legendary club was packed with musicians, professional athletes and government officials when dust began falling from the ceiling and into people’s drinks early Tuesday. Minutes later, the roof collapsed. Victims include merengue icon Rubby Pérez, who had been singing to the crowd before the roof fell; former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera; and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi whose brother is seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz. Also killed was a retired United Nations official; saxophonist Luis Solís, who was playing onstage when the roof fell; New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco; the son and daughter-in-law of the minister of public works; the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth; and three employees of Grupo Popular, a financial services company, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Randolfo Rijo Gómez, director of the country’s 911 system, said it received more than 100 calls, with several of those made by people buried under the rubble. He noted that police arrived at the scene in 90 seconds, followed minutes later by first response units. In less than half an hour, 25 soldiers, seven fire brigades and 77 ambulances were activated, he said. Crews used dogs and thermal cameras to search for victims, rescuing more than 180 survivors from the rubble, authorities said. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse, or when the Jet Set building was last inspected. The government said late Wednesday that once the recovery phase ends, it will launch a thorough investigation. The club issued a statement saying it was cooperating […]

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