President Donald Trump chose to remove National Security Advisor Mike Waltz after learning that Waltz had held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu about potential military options concerning Iran, according to reports.
The Washington Post reported that Waltz spoke with Netanyahu several times in the lead-up to the Prime Minister’s February visit to the White House—interactions that reportedly provoked Trump’s ire.
However, the Prime Minister’s Office pushed back against the claims in a formal statement: “Contrary to the Washington Post report, PM Netanyahu did not have intensive contact with Mike Waltz on Iran. PM Netanyahu had a warm meeting with Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff at Blair House in February prior to the Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump at the White House. Mike Waltz also joined VP JD Vance in a meeting with the PM before leaving Washington. Since then, the PM, the former National Security Advisor and Steve Witkoff had one phone conversation that did not deal with Iran.”
Adding to the controversy, the Washington Post indicated that a final tipping point in Waltz’s removal came when a reporter from The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a private group chat where discussions about potential action against the Houthis were taking place.
Trump made Waltz’s dismissal official on Thursday. At the same time, he announced that Waltz would be nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take over the role of National Security Advisor. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
{Matzav.com}
Qatar issued a sharp rebuke late Saturday night following pointed remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu criticizing the Gulf nation.
Netanyahu’s comments came after Qatar condemned Israel during proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a public statement, Netanyahu said, “Israel is fighting a just war with just means. After the October 7 atrocities, Prime Minister Netanyahu defined the War of Redemption as a war between civilization and barbarism.” He continued, “The time has come for Qatar to stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if it’s on the side of civilization or if it’s on the side of Hamas barbarism. Israel will win this just war with just means.”
In reply, Dr. Majed Al Ansari, the official spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, took to X with a lengthy post condemning Netanyahu’s accusations. He wrote, “The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility. Portraying the ongoing aggression against Gaza as a defense of ‘civilization’ echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians.”
Al Ansari also emphasized Qatar’s active role in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, writing, “Since the outbreak of the war, the State of Qatar, working in close coordination with its partners, has made every effort to support mediation aimed at ending the fighting, protecting civilians, and securing the release of hostages. A legitimate question must be raised: Were the releases of no fewer than 138 hostages achieved through so called ‘just’ military operations, or through the very mediation that is now being unjustly criticized and undermined?”
He further accused Israel of inflicting immense suffering on Gaza’s population: “Meanwhile,” he charged, “the Palestinian people in Gaza are enduring one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of modern times marked by a suffocating blockade, systematic starvation, denial of medicine and shelter, and the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion. Is this truly the model of ‘civilization’ being promoted?”
Al Ansari concluded his response by asserting Qatar’s continued commitment to humanitarian principles, stating, “Campaigns of distortion and political pressure will not deter Qatar from standing with oppressed peoples, defending the rights of civilians regardless of background, and upholding international law without selectivity or exception.” He also said that Qatar is still working alongside Egypt and the United States “to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid, and advance a just and lasting peace one grounded in justice and humanity, not violence and double standards.”
Netanyahu’s remarks were prompted by statements made earlier by Qatari diplomat Mutlaq Al-Qahtani at The Hague, who declared, “We are witnessing new trails of tears in the West Bank, mirroring Gaza’s fate. In Gaza, Palestinians face famine-like conditions, as Israel has completely blocked life-saving aid for millions of Palestinians.”
Al-Qahtani continued, “It has continued its genocidal war against the Palestinian people of Gaza, which is not only an international crime but the crime of crimes, which shocks the conscience of mankind. Israel is using aid as a tool of extortion to further its military goals and as an act of collective punishment.”
{Matzav.com}
Today, the Hamas terror group released a video showing that hostage Maxim Herkin is still alive.
Herkin, 36, who lives in Tirat Hacarmel, was abducted during the Nova music festival in Re’im. Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine, Herkin’s mother is also a Russian citizen.
Back in February, Israel’s Ambassador to Russia, Simona Halperin, stated that Moscow was actively working on securing Herkin’s freedom.
The timing of the video’s release coincided with Israel’s internal discussions about intensifying its military campaign in Gaza. The proposal to escalate operations is scheduled to be brought before the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet on Sunday for approval.
The decision to step up military efforts was reached on Friday during a high-level discussion led by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, following the prior endorsement of the plan by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. An Israeli official later remarked, “As long as Hamas does not release our hostages, we will continue to significantly deepen our military action.”
“This is what is going to happen unless Hamas agrees at the last minute to a deal and to release the hostages.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
President Donald Trump ignited a wave of backlash online after he uploaded an image of himself clad in papal attire.
The digitally altered photo showed Trump seated on the papal throne, lifting one finger in the air. He posted it on his Truth Social platform, and the same image later appeared on his presidential Twitter account. There was no accompanying caption or explanation. While the post quickly attracted tens of thousands of likes, it also prompted a flood of criticism.
The controversial post surfaced shortly after Trump had been questioned by journalists outside the White House about who he thought should succeed Pope Francis. In response, he said, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” Many who saw the image on social media were not amused. One user commented that it was “disgusting,” while others described it as “disturbing,” “disrespectful,” and “offensive.”
“I love Trump but find his meme about the Pope disrespectful and insulting. God should not be ridiculed,” one person wrote. Another added, “Please remove this. Many Catholics, including myself, see it as a great disrespect towards the past and future leader of our church.”
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Matzav.com}
Passengers with flights to or from Newark Liberty International Airport encountered long delays and cancellations Saturday due to an air traffic controller shortage, a nationwide problem the Trump administration has pledged to fix. The busy airport outside New York City experienced disruptions all week. Faulting the Federal Aviation Administration’s alleged failure to address “long-simmering” challenges related to the air-traffic control system, United Airlines cut 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule starting Saturday. United CEO Scott Kirby said the technology used to manage planes at the New Jersey airport failed more than once in recent days. The flight delays, cancellations and diversions the equipment problems caused were compounded when more than one-fifth of Newark’s traffic controllers “walked off the job,” he said. “This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it’s now clear — and the FAA tells us — that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” Kirby wrote in a letter to customers. Airport status reports from the FAA said staffing issues were causing average delays of nearly two hours and ones as long as five hours for flights scheduled to arrive at Newark on Saturday morning. Departures were delayed by an average of 45 minutes. , and average delays of 45 minutes for departures on Saturday morning, according to the status reports. By late afternoon, arriving flights were running more than three hours behind schedule, while the delay for departing flights had shortened to a half-hour on average. The “misery map” maintained by flight tracking company FlightAware showed the ripple effect on airports in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Dallas and other cities. United Airlines operates the most flights out of Newark by far, and 35 flights represents about 10% of the round-trip domestic schedule operated by the carrier and its regional United Express network, according to information on the company’s website. Newark Liberty International Airport pointed to both staffing issues and “construction” when it warned travelers about delays on Thursday. The Trump administration says it’s been trying to “supercharge” the air traffic controller workforce and make moves to address the nation’s shortage of controllers. The U.S. transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, on Thursday announced a program to recruit new controllers and give existing ones incentives not to retire. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a workers’ union, said at the time that those moves could help address staffing shortages, but it also said the system is “ long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades.” Duffy said on Friday that he visited with “our hard working air traffic controllers as we work to fix these equipment outages caused by outdated technology.” United’s decision to pare back its flight schedule in Newark come at an already uncertain time for U.S. airlines. Potential customers across the industry are reconsidering whether to fly for work or for vacation given all the unknowns about what President Donald Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Uncertainty is so high that United recently made the unusual move to offer two separate forecasts for how it could perform financially this year: one if there were a recession, and one if not. From Newark, United flies to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations. […]
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The fight for Kedushas Eretz Yisroel has reached unprecedented levels.
As of this weekend, the Conservative, Reform and left movements have come out in droves to fight our community’s torah values.
To understand what they are trying to implement and accomplish in Artzeinu Hakedosha, you can watch their own video clip below.
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Our Yeshivos!
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The Kosel!
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Our Torah Values!
Are All Under Threat!
This is our last chance to push our values forward and follow the directives of our gedolei yisroel.
Elections are over on Sunday May 4th- in just 24 hours!
11:59 PM EST
The voting process is simple, taking just two minutes of your time and a $5 voting fee. But the returns are immeasurable.
Visit EretzHakodesh.org and cast your vote for SLATE 11 today!
VOTE NOW!
The fight for Kedushas Eretz Yisroel has reached unprecedented levels. As of this weekend, the Conservative, Reform and left movements have come out in droves to fight our community’s torah values.To understand what they are trying to implement and accomplish in Artzeinu Hakedosha, you can watch their own video clip below. Our Yeshivos! The Kosel! Our Torah Values! Are All Under Threat! This is our last chance to push our values forward and follow the directives of our gedolei yisroel. Elections are over on Sunday May 4th- in just 24 hours! 11:59 PM EST The voting process is simple, taking just two minutes of your time and a $5 voting fee. But the returns are immeasurable. Visit EretzHakodesh.org and cast your vote for SLATE 11 today! VOTE NOW!
YWN regrets to inform you of the petirah of Rabbi Sholom Lipskar zt”l, the longtime Rav of The Shul of Bal Harbour and founder of the Aleph Institute, who was niftar after decades of transformative avodas hakodesh and recent medical complications. He was approximately 77 years old. Rabbi Lipskar, born in 1946 in Tashkent in the former Soviet Union, was a lifelong servant of Klal Yisrael. As a baby, he was miraculously smuggled across the Soviet border and taken to a Displaced Persons (DP) camp in Germany, before eventually settling with his family in Ontario, Canada. His early life, marked by mesirus nefesh, shaped a neshama that would later inspire countless Jews across the globe. A proud talmid of the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn, he received semicha in 1968 and immediately entered the field of chinuch. In 1969, he was appointed principal of Landow Yeshiva in Miami Beach, where he helped lay the foundations for Torah learning in South Florida. But it was in 1982 that Rabbi Lipskar made his most lasting mark, founding The Shul of Bal Harbour in Surfside. Under his leadership, The Shul became not only a beacon of Torah, chassidus, and achdus, but a spiritual hub that drew Jews of all backgrounds. With unmatched warmth and charisma, Rabbi Lipskar built a kehillah where Yidden felt seen, uplifted, and connected. That same year, he also founded the Aleph Institute, a groundbreaking organization committed to supporting Jewish prisoners and military personnel and their families. With compassion and vision, Rabbi Lipskar championed those often forgotten by society—bringing them Torah, dignity, and hope. Through Aleph, he advocated for thousands, offering rehabilitation, legal assistance, and emotional support, all in the spirit of ahavas Yisrael. Rabbi Lipskar’s legacy is one of towering leadership, boundless heart, and an unwavering commitment to the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s shlichus. He was a man of depth, action, and boundless energy—equally at home giving a fiery derasha, comforting a prisoner, or inspiring a secular businessman to put on tefillin. Details of the levayah and kevurah will be announced as they become available. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Revered investor Warren Buffett shocked an arena full of his shareholders Saturday by announcing that he wants to retire at the end of the year. Buffett said he will recommend to Berkshire Hathaway’s board on Sunday that Vice Chairman Greg Abel should replace him. “I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” Buffett said. Abel has been Buffett’s designated successor for years, and he already manages all of Berkshire’s noninsurance businesses. But it was always assumed that he would not take over until after Buffett’s death. Previously the 94-year-old Buffett always said he had no plans to retire. Buffett announced the news at the end of a five-hour question and answer period without taking any questions about it. He said the only board members who knew this was coming were his two children, Howard and Susie Buffett. Abel, who was sitting next to Buffett on stage, had no warning. Abel returned an hour later without Buffett to conduct the company’s formal business meeting, and he responded to the news. “I just want to say I couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be part of Berkshire as we go forward,” Abel said. Many investors have said they believe Abel will do a good job running Berkshire, but it remains to be seen how good he will be at investing Berkshire’s cash. Buffett endorsed him Saturday by pledging to keep his fortune invested in the company. “I have no intention — zero — of selling one share of Berkshire Hathaway. I will give it away eventually,” Buffett said. “The decision to keep every share is an economic decision because I think the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg’s management than mine.” Thousands of investors in the Omaha arena gave Buffett a prolonged standing ovation after his announcement in recognition of his 60 years leading the company. CFRA research analyst Cathy Seifert said it had to be hard for Buffett to reach this decision to step down. “This was probably a very tough decision for him, but better to leave on your own terms,” Seifert said. “I think there will be an effort at maintaining a ‘business as usual’ environment at Berkshire. That is still to be determined.” Abel expected to do well In many respects, Abel has already been running much of the company for years. But he hasn’t been managing Berkshire’s insurance operations or deciding where to invest all of its cash. He will now take those tasks on, but Vice Chairman Ajit Jain will remain to help oversee the insurance companies. Investment manager Omar Malik of Hosking Partners in London said before Buffett’s announcement that he wasn’t worried about Berkshire’s future under Abel. “Not really (worried). He’s had such a long time alongside Warren and a chance to know the businesses,” Malik said about Abel. “The question is will he allocate capital as dynamically as Warren? And the answer is no. But I think he’ll do a fine job with the support of the others.” Cole Smead of Smead Capital Management said he wasn’t surprised Buffett is stepping down after watching him Saturday because the 94-year-old wasn’t as sharp as in past years. At one point, he made a basic math mistake in one of […]
Pakistan test fired a ballistic missile Saturday as tensions with India spiked over last month’s deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region. The surface-to-surface missile has a range of 450 kilometers (about 280 miles), the Pakistani military said. There was no immediate comment about the launch from India, which blames Pakistan for the April 22 gun massacre in the resort town of Pahalgam, a charge Pakistan denies. Pakistan’s military said the launch of the Abdali Weapon System was aimed at ensuring the “operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters,” including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability features. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated those behind the successful test. Missiles are not fired toward the border area with India; they are normally fired into the Arabian Sea or the deserts of southwest Balochistan province. Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Saturday’s missile was named after a prominent Muslim conqueror of India, underlining its symbolic significance. “The timing of this launch is critical in the current geopolitical context,” Ali told The Associated Press. He said the test was intended as a strategic signal to India after it had threatened to suspend a crucial water-sharing treaty. India’s navy said on April 27 that its vessels had successfully undertaken anti-ship firings to “revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long-range precision offensive strike.” Ashok Malik, a former policy adviser in India’s Foreign Ministry, said there was anger across the country following the gun attack. The 26 victims came from 13 different states. “Internationally, there is enormous sympathy for India and little patience with Pakistan,” said Malik. “I don’t believe anybody in India wants a full-fledged war. Even so, there is domestic pressure and diplomatic space for a sharp, targeted, and limited response.” The ongoing “muscle flexing” by both countries’ troops was reflective of the tense mood and also apparent in the “unremitting hostilities” on the Line of Control, the de facto border dividing Kashmir, he said. Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. They have fought two of their three wars over the stunning Himalayan region and their ties have been shaped by conflict, aggressive diplomacy and mutual suspicion, mostly due to their competing claims over Kashmir. The latest flare-up led the two countries to expel each other’s diplomats and nationals, as well as the shuttering of airspace. On Saturday, India suspended the exchange of all mail from Pakistan through air and surface routes and slapped an immediate ban on the direct and indirect import of all goods from its neighbor. India has also banned Pakistani-flagged ships from entering its ports and prohibited Indian-flagged vessels from visiting Pakistani ports. India’s military said Saturday that Pakistani troops had fired at positions across the border for a ninth consecutive night. The statement called the firing unprovoked and said Indian troops “responded promptly and proportionately.” Pakistan did not confirm the exchange of fire at the Line of Control. The incident could not be independently verified. In the past, each side has accused the other of starting border skirmishes. Passions ran high among the Pakistanis who traveled to the Wagah crossing with India to see the famous flag-lowering ceremony. The spectacle involves Pakistan’s Rangers and India’s […]
Former Labor Minister and staunch conservative Kim Moon Soo won the presidential nomination of South Korea’s main conservative party, facing an uphill battle against liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung for the June 3 election. Observers say Kim will likely try to align with other conservative forces, such as former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, to prevent a split in conservative votes and boost prospects for a conservative win against Lee. In a party primary that ended Saturday, Kim won 56.5% of the votes cast, beating his sole competitor, Han Dong-hun, the party said in a televised announcement. Other contenders have been eliminated in earlier rounds. “I’ll form a strong alliance with anyone to prevent a rule by Lee Jae-myung and his Democratic Party forces. I’ll push for that in a procedure and method that our people and party members accept, and I’ll ultimately win,” Kim said in his victory speech. The June 3 election is meant to find a successor to conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, a People Power Party member who was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly in mid-December and dismissed by the Constitutional Court in early April over his ill-fated imposition of martial law. Yoon’s impeachment is a major source of feuding at the PPP and a hot topic at the party’s primary. Kim, who served as labor minister under Yoon, has opposed parliament’s impeachment of Yoon, though he said he disagreed with Yoon’s decision to declare martial law on Dec. 3. Kim gained popularity among hardline PPP supporters after he solely defied a demand on Dec. 11. by an opposition lawmaker that all Cabinet members stand up and bow in a gesture of apology for Yoon’s martial law enactment at the National Assembly. Han Dong-hun, Kim’s main contender in the PPP’s primary, served as Yoon’s first justice minister. Han leads a reformist yet minority faction at the PPP who joined the liberal opposition in voting to overturn Yoon’s martial law decree and later impeach him. Without the support of Han’s faction members, an opposition-led impeachment motion on Yoon couldn’t have passed through the National Assembly because opposition parties were eight votes short of a two-thirds majority to approve it. Shin Yul, a politics professor at Seoul’s Myonggi University, said that public awareness of the conservatives’ campaign could have risen more sharply if Han had won, as he could have appealed to moderate, swing voters more. Kim, 73, was originally a prominent labor activist in the 1970-80s but joined a conservative party in the 1990s. Kim recently said he gave up his dream to become “a revolutionist” after observing the collapse of communist states. He has since served as a governor of South Korea’s most populous Gyeonggi province for eight years and a member of the National Assembly for three terms. Kim has said that if elected, he would push to fight corruption, overhaul financial regulations, reform pension systems and increase government spending on Artificial Intelligence infrastructure. He said he would maintain a solid military alliance with the U.S. and introduce nuclear-powered submarines as a way to increase deterrence against North Korean nuclear threats. Lee, who won the Democratic Party nomination last Sunday, is the clear favorite to win the election. But Lee’s campaign suffered a setback due to a recent Supreme Court decision to order a new trial […]
Tens of thousands of cyclists will bike through New York City tomorrow for the 47th Annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour. The first wave of riders will start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, with subsequent waves departing at 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:50 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The tour takes participants on a 40-mile ride from Lower Manhattan, through the Bronx, over to Queens and down through Brooklyn to Staten Island. Five Boro Bike Tour street closures The route closes to vehicular traffic at 7:15 a.m. Sixth Avenue will reopen to cars at noon. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be open with significant road closures to accommodate the bike tour. Motorists should expect delays. The Staten Island-bound lower level of the bridge will be closed to vehicles from 12:01 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Bay Street exit near the bridge will also be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Staten Island-bound upper level of the Verrazzano will remain open during the event, but is only accessible from 92nd Street and the Belt Parkway entrance ramps. Other closings at and around the Verrazzano Bridge include: One Brooklyn-bound lane on the lower level from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 92nd Street entrance ramp to the Staten Island-bound lower level from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Belt Parkway entrance ramp to the Staten Island-bound lower level from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Lily Pond Avenue exit from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The approach from the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel to the westbound Gowanus/Brooklyn-Queens Expressway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The New York City Department of Transportation has announced the following road closures: Manhattan Greenwich Street between Battery Place and Morris Street Trinity Place between Morris Street and Liberty Street Church Street between Liberty Street and Canal Street Chambers Street between Broadway and West Street Worth Street between Broadway and West Broadway Canal Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue 6th Avenue between Franklin Street and West 59th Street West 59th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue Grand Army Plaza between West 59th Street and East Drive East Drive between Grand Army Plaza and Center Drive Center Drive between 5th Avenue and East Drive East Drive between Center Drive and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between West 110th Street and West 135th Street East / West 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Madison Avenue Madison Avenue between East 135th Street and East 138th Street Madison Avenue Bridge (Bronx-bound) Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 3rd Avenue Bridge and East 116th Street East 116th Street between FDR Drive and Pleasant Avenue Pleasant Avenue between East 116th Street and East 114th Street Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 116th Street and 63rd Street Exit East 63rd Street between FDR Drive (Southbound) and Queensboro Bridge Exit Queensboro Bridge Exit between East 63rd Street and East 60th Street Queensboro Bridge Upper Level (Manhattan-bound) The Bronx 138th Street between Madison Avenue Bridge and 3rd Avenue 3rd Avenue between 138th Street and 3rd Avenue Bridge 3rd Avenue Bridge (Manhattan-bound) Queens Queens Plaza South between 21st Street and Vernon Boulevard / Alternate Route 21st Street between 43rd Avenue and Queens Plaza South 21st Street […]
Anthony Albanese claimed victory as the first Australian prime minister to clinch a second consecutive term in 21 years on Saturday and suggested his government had increased its majority by not modeling itself on U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. “Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way, looking after each other while building for the future,” Albanese told supporters in a victory speech in Sydney. “We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people,” he added. His center-left Labor Party had branded Albanese’s rival Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, “DOGE-y Dutton” and accused his conservative Liberal Party of mimicking Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency. Dutton had earlier conceded his alliance of conservative parties had been defeated at the election and that he had lost his own parliamentary seat that he had held for 24 years. Dutton’s plight parallels that of Canada’s opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, who lost his seat after Trump declared economic war on the U.S. neighbor to the north. Poilievre had previously been regarded as a shoo-in to become Canada’s next prime minister and shepherd his Conservative Party back into power for the first time in a decade. Analysts argue that mirroring Trump switched from a political positive for Australian conservatives to a negative after Trump imposed global tariffs. Trumpet of Patriots, a minor party inspired by Trump policies with an advertising budget funded by mining magnate Clive Palmer that eclipsed the major parties, attracted only 2% of the vote. Zareh Ghazarian, a lecturer in politics at Monash University, in Melbourne, questioned the significance of the “DOGE-y Dutton” lable in the election result. “We won’t know. But I’m not sure it had a massive impact,” Ghazarian said. “It is a huge win for Labor and it’s a massive rebuke for the Liberal Party.” US congratulates Albanese on re-election U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Albanese on his election to a second three-year term. “Australia is a valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States. Our shared values and democratic traditions provide the bedrock for an enduring alliance and for the deep ties between our peoples,’ Rubio said in a statement. “The United States looks forward to deepening its relationship with Australia to advance our common interests and promote freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally,” he added. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a fellow center-left leader, congratulated Albanese on his victory. “The U.K. and Australia are as close as ever – which goes to show that long-distance friendships can be the strongest,” Starmer said. “I know that we will continue to work together on our shared ambitions, including on trade, investment and energy, working towards a better life for working people in the U.K. and Australia.” Labor had held a narrow majority of 78 seats in the 151-seat house House of Representatives, the lower chamber where parties form governments. Australian governments are usually elected for at least a second term, but are expected to lose seats at the second election. But Labor is on track to increase its majority in its second term. High prices are a major election issue Energy policy and inflation have been major issues […]
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Ukraine and Russia are at odds over competing ceasefire proposals, as Moscow accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of threatening the safety of dignitaries attending Victory Day celebrations after he dismissed Russia’s unilateral 72-hour ceasefire. Zelenskyy instead renewed calls for a more substantial 30-day pause in hostilities, as the U.S. had initially proposed. He said the proposed ceasefire could start anytime as a meaningful step toward ending the three-year war. “Let’s be honest — you can’t agree on anything serious in three, five, or seven days,” he said. Zelenskyy said that Moscow’s announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II is merely an attempt to create a “soft atmosphere” ahead of Russia’s annual celebrations. “It looks unserious,” he said, “so that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s guests on Red Square feel comfortable and safe.” Ukraine won’t guarantee safety for visitors to Russia He said that Ukraine cannot provide security assurances to foreign officials planning to visit Russia around May 9, warning that Moscow could stage provocations and later attempt to blame Ukraine. Zelenskyy said that some governments had approached Kyiv seeking safety reassurance while their delegations are in Russia. “Our position is very simple: we cannot take responsibility for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he said. “They are the ones providing your security, and we will not be offering any guarantees.” Zelenskyy said he had instructed Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry to advise against visiting Russia during this period. “We must tell those who approach us: we do not recommend visiting the Russian Federation from a security standpoint. And if you choose to do so, don’t ask us — it’s your personal decision.” The Ukrainian leader reiterated that Kyiv’s military actions will remain “mirror-like,” responding to Russia’s moves. He acknowledged that implementing a complete front-line ceasefire without robust international monitoring remains nearly impossible, but emphasized that the 30-day window offers a credible start. He confirmed ongoing efforts to convene the next round of negotiations with the U.S. He also expressed hope that it could happen in Ukraine, saying it was a “positive sign” that such a gathering is under discussion despite recent personnel changes in Washington. Russia wants Ukraine to ‘de-escalate’ In response to Zelenskyy’s comments, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that he had “unequivocally threatened the world leaders who are planning to arrive in Moscow on May 9.” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said Saturday that nobody could guarantee Kyiv’s safety if Ukraine attacked Moscow celebrations on May 9. “In the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one will guarantee that May 10 will come in Kyiv,” he wrote on Telegram. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia expects Kyiv to take steps to de-escalate before Victory Day. “We will, of course, expect (from) Kyiv not ambiguous, but final statements, and most importantly, actions aimed at de-escalating the conflict during the holidays,” Peskov told journalists. Russia’s ceasefire proposals, he said, were meant to “test Kyiv’s readiness to find ways for long-term sustainable peace between Russia and Ukraine.” Russia and Ukraine exchange drone strikes A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, wounded 47 people, officials said, and prompted another appeal from Zelenskyy for more decisive support from the country’s allies. Kharkiv […]
The Justice Department unit that ensures compliance with voting rights laws will switch its focus to investigating voter fraud and ensuring elections are not marred by “suspicion,” according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. The new mission statement for the voting section makes a passing reference to the historic Voting Rights Act, but no mention of typical enforcement of the provision through protecting people’s right to cast ballots or ensuring that lines for legislative maps do not divide voters by race. Instead, it redefines the unit’s mission around conspiracy theories pushed by Republican President Donald Trump to explain away his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s attorney general at the time, William Barr, said there was no evidence of widespread fraud in that election. Repeated recounts and audits in the battleground states where Trump contested his loss, including some led by Republicans, affirmed Biden’s win and found the election was run properly. Trump and his supporters also lost dozens of court cases trying to overturn the election results. But in Trump’s second term, the attorney general is Pam Bondi, who backed his effort to reverse his 2020 loss. The president picked Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican Party lawyer and long time ally who also has echoed some of Trump’s false claims about voting, to run the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, where the voting section is housed. “The Civil Rights Division has always worked to make sure Americans have access to the polls and that their votes matter,” said Stacey Young, an 18-year Department of Justice veteran who left that division days after Trump’s inauguration in January and founded Justice Connection, an organization supporting the agency’s employees. “The division’s job is not to promote the politically expedient fiction that voting fraud is widespread.” The department did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has already demonstrated his interest in using the Justice Department to pursue those who stood up for the 2020 election by directing the department to investigate one of his former appointees who publicly vouched for the safety and accuracy of the 2020 vote count. “The mission of the Voting Rights Section of the DOJ Civil Rights Division is to ensure free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion,” the mission statement declares. It adds that the unit will “vigorously enforce” Trump’s executive order seeking to reshape how elections are run. Parts of that order have been put on hold by a judge. The executive order signed late last month calls for people to provide documented proof of U.S. citizenship each time they register to vote; would require all mail ballots to be received by Election Day, which is counter to the law in 18 states; and directs an independent federal agency, the Election Assistance Commission, to amend its guidelines for voting machines. Several legal analysts say much of the order is unconstitutional because only states and, for federal contests, Congress, can set election procedures. The Constitution provides no provision for the president to set the rules for elections. The new mission statement for the Civil Rights Division also says the voting unit will focus on ensuring that “only American citizens vote in U.S. federal elections.” It’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote. People have to attest […]
Singapore’s long-ruling People’s Action Party won another landslide in Saturday’s general elections, extending its 66-year unbroken rule in a huge boost for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong who took power a year ago. The Election Department announced the PAP won 82 Parliamentary seats after vote counting ended. The party had earlier won five seats uncontested, giving it 87 out of a total 97 seats. The opposition Workers Party maintained its 10 seats. The PAP’s popular vote rose to 65.6%, up from a near-record low of 61% in 2020 polls. Jubilant supporters of the PAP, which had ruled Singapore since 1959, gathered in stadiums waved flags and cheered in celebration. A U.S.-trained economist who is also finance minister, Wong’s appeal for a resounding mandate to steer trade-reliant Singapore through economic troubles following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes has hit home. The government has lowered its growth forecast and warned of a possible recession. Wong, 52, said he was humbled and grateful for the solid mandate for the PAP. He acknowledged voters’ desire to have more alternative voices in government, but said a strong PAP team was needed to tackle challenges ahead. “The results will put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world,” he said. Eugene Tan, a law professor at the Singapore Management University, said the opposition’s failure to make further inroads after 2020 was a surprise. “Singapore voters played their cards close to their chest. Today, they indicated that their trust is with a party that has delivered over the years,” he said. Wong succeeded Lee Hsien Loong to become the city-state’s fourth leader. Lee stepped down in May 2024 after two decades at the helm but remained in the Cabinet as a senior minister. His retirement as premier ended a family dynasty started by his father, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first leader, who built the former colonial backwater into one of the world’s richest nations during 31 years in office. The PAP is seen as a beacon of stability and prosperity, but tight government control and the rising cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities also has led to growing unhappiness, especially among younger voters. Widening income disparity, increasingly unaffordable housing, overcrowding and restrictions on free speech have loosened the PAP’s grip on power. The opposition says giving it a stronger presence in Parliament will allow a more balanced political system and greater accountability. But they face an uphill task, often hamstrung by a lack of resources, fragmented support and a lack of unity. Critics said gerrymandering also gives the PAP an advantage. Pritam Singh, leader of the Workers Party, acknowledged it was a tough contest and vowed to continue the fight for a more balanced Parliament. “The slate is wiped clean, we start work again tomorrow, and we go again,” he said. ‘Bilateral defense and security ties’ The United States government offered its congratulations to Singapore and Wong. In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. and Singapore had shared a “strong and enduring strategic partnership and a commitment to a secure, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region” for almost 60 years. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the newly elected government and Prime Minister Wong to strengthen economic growth and our bilateral defense and security […]
The IDF overnight Friday carried out airstrikes on dozens of military targets in Syria, including anti-aircraft guns and a surface-to-air missile launcher. IDF Chief Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar and Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin commanded the operation from the Air Force headquarters. In addition, five Syrian-Druze citizens were evacuated to receive medical treatment in Israel after being injured in clashes in Syria. “IDF forces are deployed in the southern Syria area and are prepared to prevent the entry of hostile forces into Druze villages,” the IDF spokesperson stated. (YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)
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