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Massive explosions were seen along the Tehran-Saveh highway following an Israeli Air Force airstrike.

Massive explosions were seen along the Tehran-Saveh highway following an Israeli Air Force airstrike.

The Israeli Air Force is currently striking the Diesel Abad area in Kermanshah, western Iran.

The Israeli Air Force is currently striking the Diesel Abad area in Kermanshah, western Iran.

Incredible video shows the launch of ballistic missiles last night by Iran against Israel, from the cockpit of a commercial aircraft flying over Dubai.

Incredible video shows the launch of ballistic missiles last night by Iran against Israel, from the cockpit of a commercial aircraft flying over Dubai.

Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer (Religious Zionist party) was in Azerbaijan when Israel launched the war on Iran. He returned to Israel overnight Sunday after a tense journey home, under heavy security and great concern for his life. On Friday night, citing risks to his life, Sofer [who is Shomer Shabbos] was flown to Athens. On Sunday, he traveled to Larnaca, Cyprus, and then to Limassol. He returned to Israel late Sunday night by yacht, under heavy security throughout the journey.

Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer (Religious Zionist party) was in Azerbaijan when Israel launched the war on Iran. He returned to Israel overnight Sunday after a tense journey home, under heavy security and great concern for his life. On Friday night, citing risks to his life, Sofer [who is Shomer Shabbos] was flown to Athens. On Sunday, he traveled to Larnaca, Cyprus, and then to Limassol. He returned to Israel late Sunday night by yacht, under heavy security throughout the journey.

The identities of four of the victims of the Bat Yam missile attack were cleared for publication on Monday and Sunday evening. The names of the remaining victims have not yet been cleared for publication, but the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that five of them hold Ukrainian citizenship. Among the victims are two children aged 8 and 10, and an 18-year-old. Since the start of the war, 24 civilians have been killed, and there is still grave concern for the life of a woman who is defined as missing at the impact site in Bat Yam. The victims who have been identified are: Meir (Miro) Vaknin, H’yd, 56, a resident of the city, was married and a father of three. Michoel (Miki) Nachum, H’yd, 61, a resident of the city and father of four children. Efrat Saranga, H’yd, 44, was married but did not leave behind any children. Bella Ashkenazi, H’yd, 94. Her husband and son were injured in the incident and are hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Their granddaughter, Shani Buana, told Ynet, “There was no secure room in their apartment. There is a shelter in the building, but both my grandfather and my grandmother are infirm. My grandfather is 100 years old and uses a walker. My grandmother couldn’t walk at all. She also suffered from dementia in recent years and was confined to a nursing bed that was in the living room.” “It was impossible to take both of them down to the shelter every time a siren went off. I think that’s why my uncle didn’t evacuate either—out of solidarity. He couldn’t run to the shelter and leave his parents unprotected.”  (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

In a powerful shmuess delivered last night in the beis medrash of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, Rav Dov Landau, addressed the bochurim and avreichim with words of chizuk in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.

“Klal Yisroel is experiencing very difficult days,” Rav Landau began. “These are days of confusion, days when it becomes so clear that HaKadosh Baruch Hu is guiding every aspect of creation. So many things people rely on disappear in a moment — swept away by the will of Heaven. This strengthens our understanding that we have no one to depend on other than our Father in Heaven. Ashreinu, how fortunate we are to have been raised with this awareness — that everything is from Shamayim.”

The Rosh Yeshiva continued: “We are living in a time when din and rachamim are intertwined. We don’t have prophets to tell us exactly what Hashem demands of us, but we do know what is expected of us. We, the bnei hayeshivos, the learners of Torah, are the crown of creation. We uphold the world. Our Torah study shields Klal Yisroel in the most literal sense. Therefore, we must fulfill our mission with even greater intensity. We must learn and learn, immerse ourselves in Torah without interruption, rejoice in a kushya, and find delight in every word of Torah.

“This is our mission, this is our obligation, and it is our greatest zechus,” Rav Landau said. “Only through this can we protect Klal Yisroel from all its many enemies who cry out, ‘Let us wipe them out as a nation.’ Alongside our learning, we must increase our tefillah with deep kavanah. We must be even more careful with the halachos of tefillah. It is said in the name of the Chazon Ish zt”l that during times of trouble, reciting the chapter of Yosheiv B’Seser is especially effective.

“Of course,” the Rosh Yeshiva added, “we must strengthen our emunah and bitachon, to remember that everything that happens is from Hashem. One who lives with this knowledge is calm, happy, and places all his hope in the One Who is good and does only good. Kol ma d’avid Rachmana l’tav avid. When we strengthen our faith and trust, Hashem showers goodness upon His beloved, for Hashem is close to all who call out to Him.”

Rav Landau then addressed the importance of following safety instructions: “We also have an obligation of hishtadlus. There are laws of pikuach nefesh. One must be exceedingly careful to follow all official instructions. This is a Torah-level obligation — v’nishmartem me’od l’nafshoseichem. It is said in the name of the Brisker Rov zt”l that through fulfilling the commandment of v’nishmartem, HaKadosh Baruch Hu brings salvation.

“There is something else I must say,” Rav Landau stated emphatically. “It is absolutely forbidden to go out and look at ‘interesting sights’ related to the war. The Gemara in Berachos teaches that placing oneself in danger causes one’s sins to be scrutinized. But beyond that, what is this? Entertainment? A spectacle? A ben Torah should be learning and davening that no tragedy occur! How can someone walk outside just to satisfy irresponsible and inconsiderate curiosity? That is not the behavior of a ben yeshiva!”

In conclusion, Rav Landau offered one final piece of advice: “It is very important to remain calm and composed. And there is a way to do that: stop obsessing over every bit of news. It is enough to know the basics — don’t chase after more and more information. It’s unnecessary and only leads to fear and anxiety. Eleh varechev v’eleh basusim va’anachnu b’shem Hashem Elokeinu nazkir. Heimah kar’u v’nafalu va’anachnu kamnu vanis’odad. Hashem hoshia HaMelech ya’aneinu b’yom koreinu. May Hashem save us and answer us swiftly in our time of need.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Trump family said it is licensing its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures that have been announced while Donald Trump is in the White House despite ethical concerns that the U.S. president could mold public policy for personal gain. Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump’s sons running The Trump Organization, said the new venture called, Trump Mobile, will sell phones that will be built in the U.S., and the phone service will maintain a call center in the country as well. The announcement of the new mobile phone and service, called T1 Mobile, follows several real estate deals for towers and resorts in the Middle East, including a golf development in Qatar announced in April. A $1.5 billion partnership to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in Vietnam was approved last month, but the deal was in the works before Trump was elected. “Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that’s affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,” said Eric Trump in a statement. Trump criticized Apple last month because it planned to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India, and threatened to slap a 25% tariff on the devices unless the tech giant starts building the product in its home country. The Trump family company said the new, gold-colored phone available in August, called T1 Phone, won’t be designed or made by Trump Mobile, but by another company. The Trump Organization did not respond immediately to a request for more details. The service, which will cost $47.45 a month, is partnering with existing cellular carriers with access to a 5G network. The Trump service will offer free texts and calls, and unlimited data. It will also offer free roadside assistance and a telehealth service that will allow callers to get prescriptions. (AP)

The Trump family said it is licensing its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures that have been announced while Donald Trump is in the White House despite ethical concerns that the U.S. president could mold public policy for personal gain. Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump’s sons running The Trump Organization, said the new venture called, Trump Mobile, will sell phones that will be built in the U.S., and the phone service will maintain a call center in the country as well. The announcement of the new mobile phone and service, called T1 Mobile, follows several real estate deals for towers and resorts in the Middle East, including a golf development in Qatar announced in April. A $1.5 billion partnership to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in Vietnam was approved last month, but the deal was in the works before Trump was elected. “Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that’s affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,” said Eric Trump in a statement. Trump criticized Apple last month because it planned to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India, and threatened to slap a 25% tariff on the devices unless the tech giant starts building the product in its home country. The Trump family company said the new, gold-colored phone available in August, called T1 Phone, won’t be designed or made by Trump Mobile, but by another company. The Trump Organization did not respond immediately to a request for more details. The service, which will cost $47.45 a month, is partnering with existing cellular carriers with access to a 5G network. The Trump service will offer free texts and calls, and unlimited data. It will also offer free roadside assistance and a telehealth service that will allow callers to get prescriptions. (AP)

A senior Iranian diplomat has revealed that Iran’s military and political leadership are willing to abandon uranium enrichment in order to preserve the regime, amid growing fears that the ongoing war with Israel could spell the end of the ayatollah’s regime. Speaking to IranWire on condition of anonymity, the diplomat—who previously served in the Islamic Republic’s intelligence services—said bluntly: “The real priority of the Supreme Leader and our government is survival. The ongoing cycle of attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Iran will inevitably weaken our military, security forces, economy, public morale, and ultimately, the government.” He warned that if the conflict continues, the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would “inevitably lose control of the situation,” adding, “We do not want to repeat Saddam Hussein’s mistake. We are ready to negotiate.” Dozens of explosions were reported across Tehran over the weekend, with columns of smoke rising from central and outlying neighborhoods, including Valiasr Street, Tehran Pars, and Niavaran. Residents described hearing loud blasts near prominent landmarks such as Ferdowsi Square, Palestine Square, and the Chitgar district. When asked whether Iran’s long-standing use of proxy groups and pursuit of nuclear capabilities justified Israel’s aggressive response, the diplomat repeated the government’s standard line that the nuclear program is peaceful. But he acknowledged a shift in tone: “Whatever happened in the past — whatever actions our government took — we live in a new reality now. The priority is to save the system and prevent the destruction of our country.” The diplomat added that any move toward abandoning uranium enrichment would require a “face-saving solution” to maintain domestic and international legitimacy. The diplomat appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump as the one figure who could bring a end to the violence. Trump, speaking ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, urged both Iran and Israel to seek a ceasefire but also noted that some conflicts “must be fought out” before peace is possible. “Mr. Trump may be the only person who can end this quickly and peacefully,” the diplomat said. “He understands that the continuation of this conflict is not in the interest of Iran, the U.S., or even Israel.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A senior Iranian diplomat has revealed that Iran’s military and political leadership are willing to abandon uranium enrichment in order to preserve the regime, amid growing fears that the ongoing war with Israel could spell the end of the ayatollah’s regime. Speaking to IranWire on condition of anonymity, the diplomat—who previously served in the Islamic Republic’s intelligence services—said bluntly: “The real priority of the Supreme Leader and our government is survival. The ongoing cycle of attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Iran will inevitably weaken our military, security forces, economy, public morale, and ultimately, the government.” He warned that if the conflict continues, the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would “inevitably lose control of the situation,” adding, “We do not want to repeat Saddam Hussein’s mistake. We are ready to negotiate.” Dozens of explosions were reported across Tehran over the weekend, with columns of smoke rising from central and outlying neighborhoods, including Valiasr Street, Tehran Pars, and Niavaran. Residents described hearing loud blasts near prominent landmarks such as Ferdowsi Square, Palestine Square, and the Chitgar district. When asked whether Iran’s long-standing use of proxy groups and pursuit of nuclear capabilities justified Israel’s aggressive response, the diplomat repeated the government’s standard line that the nuclear program is peaceful. But he acknowledged a shift in tone: “Whatever happened in the past — whatever actions our government took — we live in a new reality now. The priority is to save the system and prevent the destruction of our country.” The diplomat added that any move toward abandoning uranium enrichment would require a “face-saving solution” to maintain domestic and international legitimacy. The diplomat appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump as the one figure who could bring a end to the violence. Trump, speaking ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, urged both Iran and Israel to seek a ceasefire but also noted that some conflicts “must be fought out” before peace is possible. “Mr. Trump may be the only person who can end this quickly and peacefully,” the diplomat said. “He understands that the continuation of this conflict is not in the interest of Iran, the U.S., or even Israel.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Veteran military correspondent Yoav Zitun of Ynet, in what appears to reflect the thinking of top IDF officials, posted a message on X laying out the current reality of Israel’s confrontation with Iran and the strategic considerations that must guide its next steps. Zitun made clear: “Last night, after deliberation, it was permitted to publish – Israel does not have the capability to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

According to Zitun, Israel’s political leadership launched the current campaign with realistic expectations, but the public must understand the broader vision: “The political echelon knew this and set out with a reasonable conception, but one that the public must be aware of: a ‘package’ that includes striking nuclear facilities, dismantling Iranian air defenses in a way that allows Israeli fighter jets to circle over Tehran as if they were over Jabaliya, reducing the ballistic missile threat, eliminating Iran’s security leadership and a credible threat to also behead the regime leaders and ayatollahs alongside possible strikes on national infrastructure like oil reserves – might be sufficient.”

The goal of this extensive military pressure, according to Zitun, is not total victory but to create leverage. “Sufficient for what? To return Iran to negotiations from a position of weakness that will force it to sign an agreement without expiration dates and with teeth – and if not, then at least to delay the nuclear project by several years.”

Achieving complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Zitun noted, is only feasible under two difficult conditions. “Destroying Iran’s nuclear program is indeed militarily possible, under two conditions: American participation in the attack with the massive bunker-buster bombs that only the US has and only it can use, which obviously depends on Trump’s decision – or a long ‘peeling’ operation by air force aircraft of the nuclear facilities’ defenses.”

The second option would mean entering a drawn-out battle with Iran, something Israeli defense officials are already preparing for. “The second option could lead to a scenario that the IDF leadership began discussing and preparing for yesterday: a long war of attrition with Iran, lasting months, perhaps beyond that; dripping missiles and drones, intermittent siege on Ben Gurion Airport, disruption (between interference and paralysis) of the economy and education system, and more.”

Zitun emphasized that despite the IDF’s strong performance in the initial strike, strategic planning must include a clear political goal. “Therefore, alongside the euphoria from the powerful opening blow and the justification for the move that senior IDF officials share – a closure mechanism must be demanded, the political deed or at least demand striving toward it. Iran has always excelled in multi-generational patience – lowering the flames and years of attrition with time-stretching are a victory for it.”

He added that Iran’s full arsenal has not yet been brought to bear, with even deadlier weaponry still on the table. “Iran has many hundreds more missiles of the type that created destruction sites here in recent days with warheads of 200–500 kg explosives, but according to various sources, including experts in the field – Iran has not yet used the Khamenei which carries between one to two tons of explosive material in its warhead and with 20% more blast effect than the missiles fired so far; Iran’s cruise missiles, which are difficult to detect in good time, have also not yet been launched 8.”

Even with a high-functioning air force and strong intelligence services, there are still hard limitations. “This multi-stage move, successful as it may be, also has force limitations, even for the large and strong air force and for military intelligence and the Mossad. In the end, the number of aircraft is an existing given against 5000–10000 relevant targets spread across Iran. And the prices will be several times heavier than war with Hamas. Therefore, the political ending is a necessity that there is no choice but to demand and expect, before the next casualties, and within the foreseeable future.”

Zitun ended with a blunt reflection on the strategic dilemma: “Why Iran would agree to any deal if it has so many cards to play and is at such a strategic advantage will remain forever a great mystery.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

Israel responded to the deadly Iranian missile attack on Israeli civilians on Monday morning by announcing that the war is moving to a new phase. According to a Yisrael Hayom report, the IDF is expected to soon announce an evacuation order for residents of neighborhoods in Tehran ahead of extensive airstrikes by the Air Force that will lead to the collapse of buildings—similar to what was done in the past in Beirut, Lebanon. The goal is to stop Iranian attacks on Israeli population centers. Israel sees this as a real threat and is directing its response deep into civilian areas in Tehran—as part of moving the war to the enemy’s territory itself. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated on Monday morning, “Tehran’s boastful dictator has become a cowardly murderer, deliberately firing at Israeli civilians to deter the IDF operatoins crippling his military capabilities. The residents of Tehran will pay the price soon.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Israel responded to the deadly Iranian missile attack on Israeli civilians on Monday morning by announcing that the war is moving to a new phase. According to a Yisrael Hayom report, the IDF is expected to soon announce an evacuation order for residents of neighborhoods in Tehran ahead of extensive airstrikes by the Air Force that will lead to the collapse of buildings—similar to what was done in the past in Beirut, Lebanon. The goal is to stop Iranian attacks on Israeli population centers. Israel sees this as a real threat and is directing its response deep into civilian areas in Tehran—as part of moving the war to the enemy’s territory itself. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated on Monday morning, “Tehran’s boastful dictator has become a cowardly murderer, deliberately firing at Israeli civilians to deter the IDF operatoins crippling his military capabilities. The residents of Tehran will pay the price soon.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

In a dramatic and carefully coordinated extraction, the Stoliner Rebbe has returned to Israel following a whirlwind trip to Ukraine, marking him as the first admor successfully evacuated amid the current international travel crisis.

The rebbe had departed Israel early Thursday morning on a private jet to visit the kever of the Beis Aharon of Karlin, located in the town of Malyniv, Ukraine. After arriving in Poland and crossing the border into Ukraine, the rebbe visited the kever and held a tish there in honor of the occasion.

On Thursday night, the rebbe set out on his return journey, traveling first to Warsaw and then flying to Larnaca, Cyprus, where he spent Shabbos together with his seven children. They were hosted at the villa of philanthropist Lev Leviev. A few well-resourced chassidim, who were also stranded in Larnaca, arranged all Shabbos provisions and meals for the rebbe and his family.

On Sunday, the rebbe boarded a private jet from Larnaca to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Upon landing, he was provided with Egyptian security detail and escorted to the Taba border crossing near Eilat. From there, he entered Israel and began the journey to his residence in Givat Ze’ev.

Sources indicate that the operation to bring the rebbe home spanned multiple countries and involved extensive logistical planning. The rebbe , determined to return to Eretz Yisroel, has now safely arrived.

Meanwhile, many Stoliner chassidim remain stranded in Larnaca, as well as in Italy and other locations. Some are reportedly en route to Israel aboard a luxury yacht.

The Stoliner Rebbe is the first gadol to successfully return to Israel since the escalation of the regional conflict disrupted global travel. Others remain abroad, including:

• Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, currently in the U.S.
• Rav Dovid Cohne, currently in the U.S.
• Rav Don Segal, in Switzerland, heading to the U.S.

• The Gerrer Rebbe, currently in the U.S.

• Rav Yitzchak Yosef, who traveled from Rome to the U.S.

• Rav Ezriel Auerbach, now in London

• Rav Meir Isamar Rosenbaum, mashpia from Derech Emunah, who remained in Kerestir for Shabbos and will return to the U.S.

• The Admor of Stropkov, still in Italy

• The Admor of Ozherov

{Matzav.com Israel}

Millions of Americans are seeing their credit scores suffer now that the U.S. government has resumed referring missed student loan payments for debt collection. After 90 days of non-payment, student loan servicers report delinquent, or past-due, accounts to major credit bureaus, which use the information to recalculate the borrower’s score. Falling behind on loan payments therefore can affect an individual’s credit rating as severely as filing for personal bankruptcy. A lower credit score makes it harder or more expensive to obtain car loans, mortgages, credit cards, auto insurance and other financial services at a time when inflation, high interest rates, and layoffs have strained the resources of some consumers. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that in the first three months of 2025, 2.2 million student loan recipients saw their scores drop by 100 points, and an additional 1 million had drops of 150 points or more. Declines that steep may mean the difference between a manageable credit card interest rate and an unmanageable one, or approval or rejection of an application to rent an apartment. The U.S. Department of Education paused federal student loan payments in March 2020, offering borrowers relief during the economic chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. Though payments technically resumed in 2023, the Biden administration provided a one-year grace period that ended in October 2024. Last month, the Trump administration restarted the collection process for outstanding student loans, with plans to seize wages and tax refunds if the loans continue to go unpaid. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, about 1 in 4 people with student loan accounts were more than 90 days behind on payments at the end of March. Kat Hanchon, 33, who works in marketing and higher education in Detroit, was one of them. Hanchon said her score dropped by 57 points as a result of her loans falling delinquent this year. That put her score below 600, or subprime. When Hanchon received her statement from her loan servicer, her expected monthly payments were higher than before the pandemic-era pause, even though she had enrolled in a repayment plan that takes a borrower’s full financial situation into account. “They said I now have to pay $358 per month,” she said. “I’m not going to be able to pay that. … But I’m not unusual in the world we’re living in right now.” Hanchon said she’s had to prioritize paying medical expenses — for a dental crown, a root canal, and an endoscopy — before she’ll be able to consider putting money toward the loans. While her housing situation is secure for the moment, she worries about the annual percentage rate for her credit cards fluctuating. Lenders, landlords, credit card companies, employers and utility companies all look to consumers’ credit scores to gauge the likelihood of borrowers being able to make regular payments. A higher score typically results in lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms, while a lower score makes it harder to access credit. The Education Department has said borrowers should receive bills from lenders three weeks before any payments are due, but some people have reported that they have not been notified. Wait times for calls with loan servicers have been high, and layoffs at the Department of Education have also likely contributed to delayed […]

Millions of Americans are seeing their credit scores suffer now that the U.S. government has resumed referring missed student loan payments for debt collection. After 90 days of non-payment, student loan servicers report delinquent, or past-due, accounts to major credit bureaus, which use the information to recalculate the borrower’s score. Falling behind on loan payments therefore can affect an individual’s credit rating as severely as filing for personal bankruptcy. A lower credit score makes it harder or more expensive to obtain car loans, mortgages, credit cards, auto insurance and other financial services at a time when inflation, high interest rates, and layoffs have strained the resources of some consumers. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that in the first three months of 2025, 2.2 million student loan recipients saw their scores drop by 100 points, and an additional 1 million had drops of 150 points or more. Declines that steep may mean the difference between a manageable credit card interest rate and an unmanageable one, or approval or rejection of an application to rent an apartment. The U.S. Department of Education paused federal student loan payments in March 2020, offering borrowers relief during the economic chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. Though payments technically resumed in 2023, the Biden administration provided a one-year grace period that ended in October 2024. Last month, the Trump administration restarted the collection process for outstanding student loans, with plans to seize wages and tax refunds if the loans continue to go unpaid. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, about 1 in 4 people with student loan accounts were more than 90 days behind on payments at the end of March. Kat Hanchon, 33, who works in marketing and higher education in Detroit, was one of them. Hanchon said her score dropped by 57 points as a result of her loans falling delinquent this year. That put her score below 600, or subprime. When Hanchon received her statement from her loan servicer, her expected monthly payments were higher than before the pandemic-era pause, even though she had enrolled in a repayment plan that takes a borrower’s full financial situation into account. “They said I now have to pay $358 per month,” she said. “I’m not going to be able to pay that. … But I’m not unusual in the world we’re living in right now.” Hanchon said she’s had to prioritize paying medical expenses — for a dental crown, a root canal, and an endoscopy — before she’ll be able to consider putting money toward the loans. While her housing situation is secure for the moment, she worries about the annual percentage rate for her credit cards fluctuating. Lenders, landlords, credit card companies, employers and utility companies all look to consumers’ credit scores to gauge the likelihood of borrowers being able to make regular payments. A higher score typically results in lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms, while a lower score makes it harder to access credit. The Education Department has said borrowers should receive bills from lenders three weeks before any payments are due, but some people have reported that they have not been notified. Wait times for calls with loan servicers have been high, and layoffs at the Department of Education have also likely contributed to delayed […]