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A Northern California county grappling with a projected $91 million budget deficit has become the first in the state to formally adopt a far-reaching reparations blueprint for Black residents, approving a package of recommendations focused on housing, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reforms while leaving open the possibility of future direct cash payments.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the plan in a 5-0 vote on June 30, concluding more than two years of research, public meetings, and community input.

Although the proposal emphasizes institutional reforms and policy changes over immediate financial compensation, county leaders stressed that direct payments remain an option that could still be pursued.

The vote comes even as Alameda County wrestles with significant financial pressures. During this year’s budget discussions, officials warned of a projected $91 million shortfall for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Despite those challenges, supervisors approved a balanced $6.7 billion budget in June, describing the county’s fiscal outlook as difficult.

Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents District Four and has been a driving force behind the reparations effort, said monetary payments have not been eliminated from consideration.

“We haven’t ruled it out. It’s one of the items in the action plan. It’s not the only item.”

Miley suggested that pursuing cash payments could prove more difficult than implementing other portions of the proposal.

“I think if it were the only item, or if it was a priority item, it might be more challenging,” Miley said. “But I do think there’s some low-hanging fruit — some immediate things we can do, and some things we’re already doing.

“And then there might be the more challenging things. A cash payment might be one of those more challenging things.”

The county’s reparations framework calls for expanding affordable housing, promoting Black-owned businesses and economic development, increasing investments in education and healthcare, and advancing reforms within the criminal justice system.

Supervisors also voted to establish a permanent committee charged with overseeing implementation of the recommendations.

“The committee now has an action plan. It’s in our ballpark,” Miley said. “We need to take it up and deal with it.”

According to Miley, the county’s highest priorities should include criminal justice reform, housing, education, and expanding economic opportunities.

“Clearly, economic opportunity is another important factor,” explained Miley. “It’s hard to balance those four and say which is more prominent, but I do think all four of those are significant.

“I see reparations as a path, an opportunity,” he added. “I wouldn’t say it’s a panacea, but I do believe it’s definitely a part of the equation that could help African Americans.”

Separately, Alameda County has partnered with the City of Hayward on a compensation initiative tied to Russell City, a once-thriving multiracial unincorporated community that was acquired through eminent domain and demolished during the 1950s and 1960s to make way for industrial development.

That effort, known as the Russell City Redress Fund, began with $900,000 and has since grown to approximately $1.3 million.

The fund is intended to provide direct payments to surviving former residents and their descendants.

The broader debate over reparations payments is also unfolding elsewhere in the country. In Evanston, Illinois, the nation’s first city to distribute reparations through $25,000 housing grants is now defending the program in federal court.

The U.S. Department of Justice entered the lawsuit in June, arguing that the race-based eligibility requirements violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Miley argued that simply distributing checks would not necessarily achieve the long-term goals county leaders hope to accomplish.

“And once again, that’s why a cash payment isn’t necessarily always the objective,” he said.

“The objective is: How do we get people to have housing? How do we get people to be economically stable? How do you deal with criminal justice reform?

“A cash payment doesn’t always mean that those things will occur. We have to change policies, and we have to change programs. I think that’s where we need to invest our resources.”

Steve Hilton, the Republican nominee for California governor, sharply criticized the reparations effort and instead blamed Democratic leadership for the state’s economic disparities.

“Thanks to 16 years of Democrat one party rule we have a massive and unacceptable racial wealth and opportunity gap in California, and I am determined to fix it.

“The best way to increase opportunity is not more of the same welfare state bureaucracy but my plan to make our state ‘Califordable.’ That’s the way to fight the racial wealth gap, not the Democrats’ divisive and unfair reparations scheme.”

Meanwhile, Santa Monica is moving ahead with its own initiative aimed at addressing historical injustices.

On Tuesday, the Santa Monica City Council approved the creation of a citywide Restorative Justice Program.

City officials said the initiative will be built around three components: a dedicated Restorative Justice Fund, a City Council-appointed Restorative Justice Commission, and an independent administrative structure designed to ensure transparency and fairness.

Santa Monica plans to launch the fund with $3.5 million, money the city expects to receive after approving a Second Amendment to its development agreement with the RAND Corporation in mid-2025. Officials said the funding will not affect the city’s operating budget.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yosef Tzvi Geffen zt”l, one of Bnei Brak’s distinguished marbitzei Torah, who was niftar Sunday at the age of 82.

Rav Geffen, the son of Rav Yissachar Berish Geffen zt”l, was renowned for his exceptional refinement of character, tireless hasmadah, and devotion to Torah. From his youth, he immersed himself in limud haTorah with extraordinary diligence and was beloved by all who knew him. Those close to him recall his warm smile, genuine concern for every individual, and his constant practice of greeting everyone warmly, reflecting his deep ahavas Yisroel.

As a young man, Rav Geffen had the privilege of becoming a close talmid of his rebbi, Rav Shmuel Rozovsky zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh. He faithfully transmitted his rebbi’s teachings and distinctive approach to learning, passing them on with remarkable clarity and dedication to thousands of talmidim over more than half a century.

For approximately 60 years, Rav Geffen served as a R”M at Yeshivas Heichal Avrohom Elimelech of Karlin and at Yeshivas Ahavas Aharon. Talmidim remember him not only as an outstanding maggid shiur, but as a compassionate father figure who carried each talmid in his heart, caring deeply for their spiritual, personal, and material well-being while inspiring them to grow in both Torah and middos tovos.

His petirah leaves a profound void for his distinguished family and for the thousands of talmidim who mourn the loss of the beloved rebbi who shaped their lives.

Among those he leaves behind is his son-in-law, Rav Shemaryahu Yosef Finkel, one of the rabbeim of Yeshivas Mir in Modi’in Illit.

The levayah took place at his home at 8 Rechov Breslov in Bnei Brak, proceeding to the Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah for kevurah.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rabbi Dovid Berger zt”l, a distinguished sofer stam whose name became synonymous not only with excellence in safrus, but with exceptional yiras Shomayim, ehrlichkeit, and tzidkus. He was a beloved figure whose aidelkeit and ehrlichkeit left an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of meeting him.

A longtime resident of Georgian Terrace, Reb Dovid lived in Lakewood, NJ for decades, earning the admiration and affection of the entire community. His reputation as a master sofer extended far beyond the city, but those who knew him understood that his extraordinary skill was only one aspect of who he was. His true distinction lay in the purity of his character and the profound yiras Shomayim that permeated every facet of his life.

The greatest talmidei chachomim entrusted Reb Dovid with their Sifrei Torah, tefillin, and mezuzos, not merely because of his technical expertise, but because they recognized that his yiras Shomayim was on an altogether different plane. Reb Dovid’s name stood as a symbol of complete ne’emanus. His ehrlichkeit was beyond question, and his standards of precision and integrity never wavered.

Anyone who encountered Reb Dovid immediately sensed that they were in the presence of an exceptional individual. His refined demeanor, gentle nature, and unmistakable feinkeit reflected a life lived with constant awareness of the Ribbono Shel Olam. He carried himself with remarkable anavah, never seeking recognition or acclaim.

Those who interacted with him were struck by his warmth, sincerity, and dignity. Every conversation, every interaction, and every aspect of his conduct reflected a man whose life was defined by Torah and avodas Hashem.

His sudden passing leaves a profound void.

Reb Dovid is survived by his devoted wife, Mrs. Rivky Berger, along with a wonderful family of children and grandchildren who continue his legacy of Torah and yiras Shomayim.

Levayah details will be posted once they are finalized.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A sweeping new law regulating electric bicycles is now in force across New Jersey, imposing new rules on riders that include licensing, registration, insurance requirements for certain models, and mandatory helmet use.

Effective July 19, 2026, the legislation establishes a minimum operating age of 15 for anyone riding an e-bike. Riders who are 17 or older may use a valid New Jersey driver’s license, while 15- and 16-year-olds—as well as adults who do not hold a valid New Jersey driver’s license—must obtain a dedicated e-bike or moped license through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

The new law also requires every e-bike, including low-speed models, to be registered with the MVC. Insurance coverage is mandatory for motorized bicycles, including throttle-powered e-bikes and pedal-assist models capable of speeds between 21 and 28 mph. However, low-speed pedal-assist e-bikes with a top speed of 20 mph are exempt from the insurance requirement.

Another significant change is that every rider, regardless of age, must now wear a helmet while operating an e-bike. In addition, motorized bicycles are prohibited from traveling on interstate highways, divided highways, and any roadway with a posted speed limit above 50 mph.

State officials are encouraging riders to familiarize themselves with the new requirements before using their e-bikes. Registration forms, licensing information, and additional guidance are available through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

{Matzav.com}

The Gerer chassidus will hold a large tefillah and protest rally Monday night outside Israel’s Military Prison No. 10 following the arrest of a Gerer yeshiva bochur over military draft-related issues. The gathering will be led by the Gerer Rebbe after receiving approval from Israeli police.

The rally is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. and will include Maariv, the recitation of Tehillim, and inspirational addresses on behalf of Yisrael Yehuda Fein, a talmid of Yeshivas Sefas Emes in Yerushalayim, who is currently serving a military prison sentence.

The demonstration comes in response to Fein’s arrest after he appeared at a military induction office on his scheduled reporting date in an effort to regularize his draft status and obtain a medical exemption.

According to sources within the Gerer community, Fein initially reported to the military draft office in Yerushalayim but was informed that his file was registered in Haifa and that he needed to report there immediately.

Family members and associates say Fein asked officials whether traveling to Haifa that same day could result in his arrest. He was allegedly told that because it was his official induction date, he had nothing to worry about.

However, after arriving at the Haifa draft office, Fein was informed that he had arrived too late and was transferred to the military induction base at Tel Hashomer.

He was subsequently brought before a military officer, convicted in a disciplinary proceeding, and sentenced to 20 days in Military Prison No. 10.

Gerer officials contend that the decision failed to take into account Fein’s medical condition or the fact that he had voluntarily appeared in an effort to complete the process of obtaining a medical exemption.

Members of the chassidus also pointed to the student’s difficult family circumstances, noting that his father is currently under house arrest in the United States following extradition, leaving the family to cope with an especially painful situation.

In recent days, Gerer community leaders, together with veteran prison advocate Rabbi Shimon Shisha, have been working with the relevant authorities in an effort to secure Fein’s early release.

{Matzav.com}

Israel is preparing for the possibility of a significant escalation with Iran after the United States informed the Israeli government that it intends to broaden its military campaign against Iranian targets in the coming days, according to Israeli and American security officials.

Despite the planned expansion of the U.S. operation, Washington has made clear that it prefers to keep Israel out of the current phase of the conflict and avoid drawing it directly into the fighting.

During recent strategic discussions between Israeli and American officials, the possibility was raised that Iran could decide to “break the rules” by launching missile attacks against Israel, a move that would almost certainly trigger an Israeli military response. U.S. officials have indicated that they are seeking to prevent such a scenario and keep the conflict centered in the Gulf region.

Over the past 24 hours, the United States has transferred additional equipment and munitions to support American fighter aircraft operating in the region. At the same time, 10 more U.S. aerial refueling aircraft arrived in Israel from Europe and from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as part of preparations for potential Iranian attacks on American military installations throughout the Gulf.

According to senior Israeli officials, Turkey also warned that it could provide air support to Iran if Kurdish forces entered the country as part of a reported Mossad-backed ground operation. The officials said this was the scenario President Donald Trump was referring to when he recently stated that Turkey had come close to becoming directly involved in the conflict. Under the alleged Mossad plan, Kurdish fighters would have received aerial protection from the Israeli Air Force during the operation.

Meanwhile, Channel 13 News reported that Qatar has presented a new proposal aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Under the Qatari initiative, the United States would suspend its airstrikes, while Iran would commit to reopening two shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz for a period of 10 days.

Israeli officials are also evaluating several scenarios that could pull Israel into a broader war, including a direct Iranian missile attack, intelligence indicating preparations for an imminent strike that would require a preemptive Israeli attack, or a request from President Trump for Israeli military participation. One senior Israeli official said the likelihood of escalation “has increased significantly over the past 24 hours.”

The heightened concerns come after Iran fired four missiles Sunday toward Jordan and other areas in the Gulf following overnight U.S. strikes inside Iranian territory.

According to reports, President Trump has informed mediators that unless a ceasefire is reached this week, they should prepare for a further escalation of military operations.

A senior Israeli military officer told Channel 13 News that had any of the Iranian missiles struck Eilat, Israel would have been obligated to respond militarily.

In the meantime, Israel is increasing its preparedness for the possibility of Iranian missile attacks while sending a clear warning to Tehran.

“Our strike plans are ready,” Israeli officials said.

Senior Israeli officials also told Channel 14 News that the confrontation with Iran appears to be on a course toward an almost unavoidable collision. They believe key decisions could be made within days, raising the possibility of renewed high-intensity fighting with Iran as early as this week.

Even as Iran’s confrontation with the United States intensifies, Tehran has not yet decided whether to expand the conflict by attacking Israel directly. Israeli assessments indicate that Iranian leaders have not reached a final decision but could do so in the near future.

Israel’s political and security leadership has already determined that if Iran launches attacks against Israeli territory, the country will respond aggressively to eliminate the threat.

Another possibility under discussion is that the United States could decide to broaden its military campaign and ask Israel to join the operation. Israeli officials indicated that Jerusalem would welcome such a request and view it as an opportunity to conduct coordinated military action against Iran.

Israeli officials continue to monitor U.S. decisions closely, acknowledging that uncertainty currently outweighs certainty and warning that the growing number of unanswered questions may itself point to an increasing risk of escalation.

A senior Israeli official told Channel 12 News that while coordination with Washington remains constant, President Trump remains difficult to predict.

“We are in continuous dialogue with the Americans, but one thing is clear: Trump is unpredictable. Right now it appears that the decision to increase the intensity of the strikes against Iran will indeed be carried out,” the official said.

At the same time, Israeli intelligence believes Trump’s envoys—particularly Steve Witkoff—are still attempting to halt the cycle of escalation and revive negotiations aimed at reaching a diplomatic agreement.

Israeli leaders were also informed in recent hours that Iran does not currently appear interested in launching missiles at Israel, recognizing the consequences such an attack would bring. However, officials cautioned that the situation could change quickly as Iranian military activity continues moving closer to Israel.

“We are preparing for every possible scenario and developing both immediate operational options and long-term strategic plans,” one senior Israeli official said. “If the Americans decide to escalate or involve Israel, or if the Iranians take an unexpected and reckless step against us, we will be ready.”

{Matzav.com}