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President Donald Trump is opening a new salvo in his tariff war, targeting films made outside the U.S. In a post Sunday night on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has authorized the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to slap a 100% tariff “on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands.” “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” he wrote, complaining that other countries “are offering all sorts of incentives to draw” filmmakers and studios away from the U.S. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” It wasn’t immediately clear how any such tariff on international productions could be implemented. It’s common for both large and small films to include production in the U.S. and in other countries. Incentive programs for years have influenced where movies are shot, increasingly driving film production out of California and to other states and countries with favorable tax incentives, like Canada and the United Kingdom. Yet Trump’s tariffs are designed to lead consumers toward American products. And in movie theaters, American-produced movies overwhelming dominate the domestic marketplace. China has ramped up its domestic movie production, culminating in an animated blockbuster grossing more than $2 billion this year. But even then, its sales came almost entirely from mainland China. In North America, it earned just $20.9 million. In New Zealand, where successive governments have offered rebates and incentives in recent years to draw Hollywood films to the country, the film industry has generated billions of dollars in tourism revenue driven by films which featured the country’s pristine and scenic vistas. More recently, a blockbuster movie was filmed entirely in New Zealand, and U.S. productions in 2023 delivered $1.3 billion New Zealand dollars ($777 million) to the country in return for NZ$200 million in subsidies, according to government figures. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was awaiting more details of Trump’s measures before commenting on them but would continue to pitch to filmmakers abroad, including in India’s Bollywood. “We’ve got an absolutely world class industry,” he said. “This is the best place to make movies, period, in the world.” The Motion Picture Association, which represents major U.S. film studios and streaming services, didn’t immediately respond to messages Sunday evening. The MPA’s data shows how much Hollywood exports have dominated cinemas. According to the MPA, the American movies produced $22.6 billion in exports and $15.3 billion in trade surplus in 2023. Trump, a Republican, has made good on the “tariff man” label he gave himself years ago, slapping new taxes on goods made in countries around the globe. That includes a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and a 10% baseline tariff on goods from other countries, with even higher levies threatened. By unilaterally imposing tariffs, Trump has exerted extraordinary influence over the flow of commerce, creating political risks and pulling the market in different directions. There are tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, with more imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be subject to new tariffs in the weeks ahead. Trump has long voiced concern about movie production moving overseas. Shortly before he took office, he announced that he had […]

Two suspects were arrested next to Ben Shemen Forest on suspicion of arson on Sunday The suspects, a minor and a 19-year-old, both residents of East Jerusalem, were arrested after an Israeli citizen called the police and reported seeing the two suspects on the side of the road, lighting something and throwing it into a wooded area. The suspects were arrested on the spot. Later on Sunday, Modi’in police officers brought them to a hearing in court, where the judge agreed to extend their detention for two days. Ben Shemen Forest, near Modi’in, is the largest forest in central Israel and one of the largest in the entire country. Most of the secondary fires that broke out last week in Israel in the wake of the massive fire in the Jerusalem Hills are believed to have been the result of arson. The Hamas terror group published posts on social media calling for Palestinians to “Light fires in forests near Jewish settlements” and “Ignite rage and flames of revenge in their homes and vehicles.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

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The IDF on Monday morning announced that a reserve soldier was killed on Sunday morning in an operational accident near the Gaza border. He was identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Dejen Daniel Sahalo, H’yd, 41, from Rechovot. He served as a heavy equipment operator in the Combat Engineering Corps’ 5067th Battalion. He was killed in the overturning of a military truck near Kibbutz Nachal Oz. Reservist forces from the Jerusalem Brigade are currently operating in the area to expand the buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF said that it is investigating the incident. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Israel’s security cabinet unanimously approved a decision to expand the military operation in the Gaza Strip in light of the lack of progress in reaching a hostage release deal. The decision was made early Monday morning following a seven-hour overnight discussion. It should be noted that Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar did not attend the meeting, with his deputy attending in his place. According to a political source, the plan includes the conquest of the Strip, with IDF forces to remain in the Strip for an extended period. “The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Strip and holding the territories, moving the Gazan population south to protect them, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies, and powerful attacks against Hamas,” the source said. “The cabinet also approved, by a large majority, the possibility of humanitarian distribution of aid, if necessary, that will prevent Hamas from taking control of the supply and destroy its governmental capabilities. In the cabinet discussion, it was said that at this stage, there is enough food in Gaza.” “The Prime Minister clarified that the plan is different from previous ones in that we are shifting from a raid method to conquering territories and staying in them,” the official emphasized. “The Prime Minister added that he is continuing to promote the Trump plan to allow the voluntary departure of Gazans, and that contacts are being held on the matter with a number of countries.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

In this episode, Rabbi Reinman contrasts Rechavam, the first king of Yehudah, and Yeravam, the first king of Yisrael, after the partition.

WATCH:

Chapter Thirty: A Study of Two Kings

After Shlomo passed, his son Rechavam ascended to the throne. Rechavam did not possess a fraction of his father’s wisdom, and his rash actions immediately set into motion the fulfillment of the prophecy that the kingdom would be torn asunder.

For many years, there was an underlying tension between the ten northern shevatim and the southern shevatim of Yehudah and Binyamin. After Shaul was killed in battle, it took seven years of strife before they accepted the brilliant and charismatic David as the national king, but in the end, they embraced him. They also embraced his son Shlomo, the fabulously wise king who delivered wealth and status to his entire kingdom.

Rechavam, however, did not have any particularly extraordinary qualities. At most, he would be a caretaker king tasked with preserving the accomplishments of his predecessors, and the northern tribes were not confident that he would rise to even this challenge, let alone lead them to new heights. Nonetheless, with some reluctance, they agreed to accept Rechavam as their king, but they insisted that the coronation take place in Shechem, the principal city of the tribe of Ephraim.

Even before the coronation, they demanded that Rechavam ease the burden of taxes Shlomo had imposed on them. The counselors who had served Shlomo advised Rechavam to be prudent and conciliatory, but his hotheaded young friends urged him to assert his authority. Rechavam followed the advice of his friends and lost his kingdom. The ten northern tribes revolted, and after a narrow escape, Rechavam returned to Yerushalayim. The scheduled coronation never took place.

Israel was now split into two separate entities, the Kingdom of Yehudah in the south, comprised of the tribes of Yehudah and Binyamin, with its capital at Yerushalayim, and the Kingdom of Yisrael in the north, with its capital at Shechem. Rechavam was crowned as king of Yehudah in Yerushalayim. The Kingdom of Yisrael chose Yeravam ben Nevat of the tribe of Ephraim as its first monarch.

Yeravam ben Nevat, a brilliant scholar and a capable manager, was eminently suited for the responsibilities that come along with a royal crown. He was the foremost Torah sage of his time,[1] and he had also served under Shlomo as royal administrator of the tribes of Ephraim and Menasheh.[2] After the debacle of Shlomo’s pagan wives, the prophet Achiah of Shiloh had informed Yeravam that he would become the nagid[3] of the northern tribes, and now, the prophecy had come true.

The newly crowned Yeravam set about securing his realm and extending his royal power to all the tribes of the Kingdom of Yisrael. He transformed the provincial city of Shechem into a national capital. He built a royal palace, expanded the municipal boundaries and strengthened the fortifications. He undoubtedly looked forward to establishing a great royal dynasty, the House of Yeravam to rival the House of David, but he was faced with a problem.

Being that the Jewish people craved connection to God through the ritual sacrifice service, and being that the only place permitted for that service was the Bais Hamikdash in Yerushalayim, the people of the newly formed northern kingdom would have to travel to the capital city of the southern kingdom to bring their korbanos.

During the reign of Shlomo, they came to Yerushalayim from even the farther reaches of the land, but now that the kingdom was divided, Yeravam discerned a threat. By rule, only kings of the Davidic dynasty might sit in the Temple sanctuary; perhaps because they were spiritual exemplars and not just political functionaries. Therefore, when people from the north made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the annual Festivals, they would see King Yeravam standing while Rechavam was allowed to sit. Yeravam found this situation intolerable.

Why couldn’t Yeravam tolerate the requirement for him to remain standing even as Rechavam was allowed to be seated? It was because he saw the situation in the Temple sanctuary as a threat to his throne and to the continued independence of the northern kingdom …

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.

[1] Sanhedrin 102a

[2] Redak, I Kings 11:26

[3] I Kings 14:7

As tens of thousands prepare to ascend Har Meron for the annual Lag Ba’omer hilula at the kever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, the families of the 45 victims who perished in the 2021 Meron disaster have issued a heartfelt public letter, urging attendees to strictly adhere to safety guidelines.

The letter, released through the Meron Kedoshim 5781 Organization — headed by Rav Yisrael Shimon Elchadad, who lost two of his brothers in the tragedy — was penned with what the families described as “unfading pain” and a profound sense of “mission and responsibility for every Jew who sets foot on the mountain.”

This year’s hilula, which falls on Thursday night and Erev Shabbos, follows a similar schedule and timeframe to that of the tragic year, with only a narrow 16-hour window for all events. Due to the Shabbos schedule, crowding and time constraints are once again a pressing concern.

“The mountain cannot accommodate everyone at once,” the families warned. “Overcrowding — chas v’shalom — is a danger to life.”

They noted that under the guidance of event organizers, engineers, and safety officials, each visitor’s time on the mountain will be limited to a maximum of five hours. The letter appeals to the public’s sense of collective responsibility and unity.

“We beg you: Please follow the rules. Don’t push. Don’t cause unnecessary congestion. And here lies the key — practice areivus hadadit, mutual responsibility. Every Jew who ascends the mountain does so on behalf of his brother as well,” the letter reads.

The families urged visitors to make the most of their time by davening, rejoicing, and thanking Hashem, and then descending in peace so others may experience the same.

“When you arrive, daven, rejoice, and express gratitude to Hashem. And when you are done, descend with love, so others can merit that same opportunity. In this way, we will all be able to go up in tefillah, joy, and safety. In this way, we begin to heal the break, and we honor the kedoshim not just with memory, but through real acts of responsibility and unity.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

POTUS on reopening Alcatraz to house our most ruthless, violent criminals: “It’s a symbol of law and order and it’s got quite a history, frankly — so I think we’re going to do that, and we’re looking at it right now.”

POTUS ON MIKE WALTZ: “He didn’t resign. You people are so bad. You’re trying to make a big deal out of something that’s not. You are so bad. That’s why nobody watches you anymore.”

Ynet reports that both the U.S. Army’s THAAD batteries in Southern Israel and the “Arrow-2/3” Anti-Ballistic Missile System failed to intercepted the long-range ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis targeting Ben Gurion airport this morning.

Shocking footage captures a suspect wielding a weapon at a gated condo complex in Fayetteville, NC, where a shooting left one person dead. Police have apprehended the gunman.

In a sharply worded critique delivered during a private meeting, MK Moshe Gafni, head of the Degel HaTorah faction within United Torah Judaism, lashed out at Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for what he described as a failure to prioritize the return of Israeli hostages. Gafni made it clear that, in his view, rescuing the captives must be the nation’s top concern.

“Anyone who abandons the hostages is sealing their fate to death. In Judaism, there is no concept of future pikuach nefesh. It’s now or never,” Gafni asserted, addressing senior representatives of the chareidi community.

The comments, made during a closed-door gathering, were first made public by Kol Barama radio.

Audio of the meeting captures Gafni repeating his point with force: “It is absolutely clear, and no one disputes, that the hostages are the most important issue. If he abandons them like this, he is sealing their fate to death.”

He also invoked halachah to underscore his argument, reinforcing that saving lives cannot be delayed. “In Judaism, there is no concept of future pikuach nefesh. There is only immediate pikuach nefesh. We desecrate Yom Kippur for pikuach nefesh—even if it’s in doubt.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors during an interview broadcast Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” but stopped short of endorsing either one definitively.

In that same interview, Trump addressed previous speculation about seeking a third term, stating that he has no plans to pursue it. “It’s far too early to say that. But you know, I do have a vice president … and JD’s doing a fantastic job,” Trump said.

When asked further about Rubio, Trump chose not to commit, instead offering praise: “I don’t want to get involved in that. I think he’s a fantastic, brilliant guy. Marco is great. There’s a lot of them that are great,” he added. “We have a lot of good people in this party.”

Trump recently appointed Rubio to serve as interim national security adviser, in addition to his current roles as secretary of state, national archivist, and administrator of USAID.

Their current alliance marks a stark contrast from 2016, when Trump and Rubio were fierce opponents during the Republican primary. Trump famously mocked him as “Little Marco” at the time, but the two have since reconciled and now work closely together.

Several of Trump’s political allies, including Steve Bannon, have publicly supported the idea of a third term, even though the 22nd Amendment bars any president from being elected more than twice.

While Trump has hinted at the notion in the past, he indicated in the NBC interview that he has no serious intention of attempting a third term. “I will say this. So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But it’s something that, to the best of my knowledge, you’re not allowed to do,” Trump admitted.

“I’ll be an eight-year president. I’ll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important,” he added. “This is not something I’m looking to do. I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican.”

Not long ago, Trump’s company began marketing red “Trump 2028” hats, although they did not indicate whether he or another family member would be the candidate in that cycle.

Trump has frequently teased the idea of a third term, much to the irritation of his critics. In U.S. history, only Franklin D. Roosevelt served more than two terms in office.

Some constitutional theorists argue there may be a legal pathway for a third term under succession rules. According to this interpretation, while the 22nd Amendment bars re-election after two terms, it may not prohibit a return to the presidency through the line of succession.

The 12th Amendment states that “no person constitutionally ineligible” to be president can serve as vice president. Advocates of this theory suggest Trump could take on a role like Speaker of the House, then move up to the presidency if higher-ranking officials resign or are removed.

During the interview, Trump also gave his take on the nation’s economic condition under his leadership.

The Commerce Department announced last week that GDP declined at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the first quarter, partly due to increased imports as businesses prepared for new tariffs. It marked the first quarterly economic downturn since 2022. Although two quarters of decline usually signal a recession, the final designation rests with the National Bureau of Economic Research.

On the labor front, the Department of Labor reported that 177,000 jobs were added last month—surpassing forecasts.

“I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he’s done a terrible job,” the president quipped. “He did a terrible job on everything, from his autopen – which I’m sure he knew nothing about, some of the things he was supposedly signing.”

Some prominent economic figures, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, have raised concerns that Trump’s tariff strategy could trigger a recession by destabilizing markets and disrupting supply chains.

Trump acknowledged that uncertainty is always a possibility but offered an optimistic outlook: “Anything can happen,” he said, before asserting, “we’re going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country.”

Despite unease over his trade policy, Trump showed no signs of retreating from his aggressive tariff agenda.

“No, I wouldn’t do that because if somebody thought they were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States?” Trump explained.

As of last month, the president imposed a universal 10% tariff on nearly all imports into the country. He also enforced a 25% tariff on cars, steel, and aluminum, along with the same rate on Canadian and Mexican goods that don’t adhere to the terms of the USMCA.

Goods imported from China are now taxed at an aggressive 145% rate, with minimal exceptions.

Furthermore, Trump gave foreign nations until July 8 to finalize new trade agreements with the U.S., warning that otherwise, they will face additional tariffs.

In the interview, NBC’s Kristen Welker also pressed Trump about his past remarks on potentially acquiring Greenland and incorporating Canada as the 51st state.

Trump dismissed the idea of military action but didn’t rule out some form of future acquisition. “I think we’re not going to ever get to that point,” Trump said about using military force to acquire Greenland. “It could happen. Something could happen with Greenland. I’ll be honest, we need that for national and international security.”

When asked about Canada, he was more dismissive: “It’s highly unlikely. I don’t see it with Canada. I just don’t see it,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island off San Francisco that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” “That is why, today,” he said, “I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” Trump’s directive to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered penitentiary was the latest salvo in his effort to overhaul how and where federal prisoners and immigration detainees are locked up. But such a move would likely be an expensive and challenging proposition. The prison was closed in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. Bringing the facility up to modern-day standards would require massive investments at a time when the Bureau of Prisons has been shuttering prisons for similar infrastructure issues. The prison — infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — was known as the “The Rock” and housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies. Still in the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didn’t survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates — John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris — is of some debate and was dramatized in the 1979 film “Escape from Alcatraz” starring Clinton Eastwood. Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operate by the National Park Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Trump, returning to the White House on Sunday night after a weekend in Florida, said he’d come up with the idea because of frustrations with “radicalized judges” who have insisted those being deported receive due process. Alcatraz, he said, has long been a “symbol of law and order. You know, it’s got quite a history.” A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency “will comply with all Presidential Orders.” The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agency’s role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Service’s control of the island. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes the island, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years. “It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal […]

The Israeli Ministry of Transport issued a statement today outlining new regulations intended to maintain seder at the kever of the Tanna Rav Shimon bar Yochai in Meron on Lag Ba’omer. To help manage the massive crowds expected to ascend to the holy site, visitors will be limited to a maximum stay of five hours within the site.

To uphold this policy, an advanced reservation system will be implemented. Every visitor will be required to secure a ticket ahead of time, which will indicate not only their allowed date but also a precise entry time. Each ticket will entitle its holder to a stay of five hours from the time of entry, after which the person will be expected to vacate the area.

Ticket reservations will open tomorrow afternoon and remain available until the following Monday.

Officials have made it clear that only those with confirmed reservations will be granted access to the tziyun, and anyone attempting to remain beyond their designated time will be asked to leave. There will be no exceptions, even for those already inside the compound.

Additionally, a significant adjustment has been introduced this year due to the timing of the hadlakah falling out on Erev Shabbos. To prevent any possible chilul Shabbos, all public transportation departing Meron toward central and southern regions of Eretz Yisroel will be suspended beginning Friday at 1:00 p.m., a notable change from previous years, when buses continued operating much later into the afternoon.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo, who is considered a close confidant of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, revealed on Sunday evening that a deal to release about ten Israeli hostages that was already closed was thwarted by Qatar. “The time has come to declare Qatar as an enemy state of the Jewish people,” Bardugo said. These remarks follow the Prime Minister’s Office’s unusual statements against Qatar in recent days. The Prime Minister’s Office published a rare official statement on Motzei Shabbos, saying: “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.” Netanyahu’s office chose to publish the message in English and publicly for the first time, hinting that Qatar is undermining the efforts to release the hostages. The attack sparked a strong response from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, which strongly condemned the remarks. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called Netanyahu’s statements “inflammatory” and “far from meeting the basic standards of political responsibility.” He claimed that Qatar is working “in coordination with its partners to end the fighting and return the hostages,” and asked sarcastically whether the release of 138 hostages so far was thanks to mediation or thanks to bombings. Bardugo’s words echo the message of the Prime Minister’s Office and exacerbate the tone: Qatar is not only not helpful as a mediator with Hamas but actively sabotages possible understandings with the terror group. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A newly aired exposé on Channel 13’s Hamakor program has brought to light the deep friction that existed between Israel and the Biden administration, particularly surrounding sensitive security decisions. The report uncovers a specific incident in which Israel’s communication with Washington broke down over a planned military operation targeting Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Mike Herzog, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States, explained on the show that Israeli officials had intended to notify Washington in advance of the operation, specifically reaching out to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. However, Herzog said their attempts were met with silence, stemming from American frustration over what they perceived as a diplomatic slight regarding a proposed Lebanon ceasefire. “It was agreed that we would update the Americans, at the level of Jake Sullivan,” said Herzog. “We tried setting up a phone call with Jake Sullivan and he didn’t get back to us. He was angry because he thought we had deceived them, and we let them make public the initiative for a ceasefire and make them look foolish, while we are planning to eliminate Nasrallah.”

Because the outreach to Sullivan failed, the responsibility to alert the U.S. ultimately fell to then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who connected with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shortly before the operation commenced.

When asked how Austin reacted to the bombshell news during the phone conversation, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro declined to describe the tone or details, saying only, “I’ll allow others to characterize that call.”

Gallant himself recounted the conversation during his interview with Hamakor, describing the precise moment he delivered the news. “I updated Austin 15 minutes before the operation. I told him, ‘We’re about to eliminate Nasrallah’. He asked me, ‘When?’. I told him, ‘15 minutes’. He really did not like this. He told me, ‘This could lead to a regional war’. I told him, ‘With all due respect, this man murdered thousands of Israelis and hundreds of Americans. I suggest you carefully consider your response.’”

Continuing the account, Gallant described how Austin sought assurance that the intelligence behind the strike was sound. “So he (Austin) asks me, ‘Are you convinced he’s there?’. I told him, ‘There is a very high probability.’”

{Matzav.com}

Seventy to eighty percent of mothers experience the “baby blues,” but a staggering one in seven go on to develop postpartum depression—making it the most common complication of childbirth. The perinatal period—from the start of pregnancy through the first year after childbirth—can be a time of great excitement and joy, but for many, it is also marked by mental health challenges. In frum communities, where we place a strong value on having children and have high birth rates, awareness of perinatal mood disorders is especially important. Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression that occurs after giving birth, typically within the first few weeks or months, but can last for quite a while if untreated. It can affect a mother’s mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and ability to bond with her baby or care for herself and her family. The “baby blues” refer to a short-lived period of mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability that many new mothers experience in the first few days after childbirth. Postpartum depression (PPD) can result from various factors: hormonal fluctuations, the physical recovery from childbirth, and sleep deprivation. Individuals with a personal or family history of depression or anxiety, a traumatic or stressful birth experience, limited social support, or additional life stressors are at elevated risk. The transition to motherhood is a major life shift, and many women find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. A woman may enter motherhood with high expectations, only to be surprised by how difficult it is. The pressure to “get everything right” can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. Some may struggle to bond with their baby, leading to guilt or sadness. What surprises many is that nearly 10% of fathers also experience postpartum depression. Hormonal shifts, increased stress, and sleep loss all play a role. Unfortunately, stigma and a lack of awareness often prevent men from seeking help. Symptoms of PPD can include: Persistent sadness or hopelessness Irritability and mood swings Fatigue and low energy Difficulty bonding with the baby Sleep disturbances Appetite changes Trouble concentrating or making decisions In severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide Treatment options include therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. The baby blues typically resolve within two weeks after childbirth. If symptoms persist beyond that, it may indicate a perinatal mood disorder. If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and concern. Normalize the challenges of postpartum adjustment and offer concrete support—such as helping find a therapist, watching the baby, or simply listening without judgment. Sleep is vital to mental health. Offering to care for the baby so a parent can rest can be tremendously helpful. Reducing social isolation is also key; spending time with the new parent can make a big difference. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” offer something specific: “Can I bring you a meal?” or “How about I hold the baby while you shower?” This reduces the pressure on the parent to ask for help and makes your support feel more genuine. It takes a village to raise a child—and nowhere is this more true than when parents are struggling with postpartum mood disorders. These conditions are common and treatable. Awareness, detection, and timely intervention are essential. […]

President Donald Trump on Sunday said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected his proposal to send U.S. troops to Mexico to help thwart the illegal drug trade because she is fearful of the country’s powerful cartels The comments by Trump came a day after Sheinbaum confirmed that Trump pressed her in a call last month to accept a bigger role for the U.S. military in combating drug cartels in Mexico. Trump said it was “true” that he proposed sending the troops to Mexico and lashed into Sheinbaum for dismissing the idea. “Well she’s so afraid of the cartels she can’t walk, so you know that’s the reason,” Trump said in comments to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. “And I think she’s a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can’t even think straight.” The U.S. military presence along the southern border with Mexico has increased steadily in recent months, following Trump’s order in January to increase the army’s role in stemming the flow of migrants. The U.S. Northern Command has surged troops and equipment to the border, increased manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and sought expanded authority for U.S. Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels. But Sheinbaum said that U.S. troops operating inside Mexico was going too far. “We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours,” Sheinbaum said she told Trump. Trump in February designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” many gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the U.S. , restricting their movements and lending law enforcement more resources to act against them. But Sheinbaum’s stance — and Trump’s response — suggest that U.S. pressure for unilateral military intervention could create tension between the two leaders after cooperation on immigration and trade in the early going of Trump’s second term. Trump said the U.S. military is needed to stem the scourge of fentanyl in the United States. “They are bad news,” Trump said of the cartels. “If Mexico wanted help with the cartels we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country.” (AP)