Yeshiva World News

NPR Sues Trump Over Executive Order Cutting Public Media Funding

National Public Radio and three local stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump, arguing that an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for the organization is illegal. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington by NPR, Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio and KUTE, Inc. argues that Trump’s executive order to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR violates the First Amendment. Trump issued the executive order earlier this month that instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS” and requires that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations. Trump issued the order after alleging there is “bias” in the broadcasters’ reporting. “The Order’s objectives could not be clearer: the Order aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the President dislikes and chill the free exercise of First Amendment rights by NPR and individual public radio stations across the country,” the lawsuit alleges. “The Order is textbook retaliation and viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, and it interferes with NPR’s and the Local Member Stations’ freedom of expressive association and editorial discretion,” it said. (AP)

Walmart Fined for Shipping Realistic Toy Guns to New York, Violating State Law

Walmart fined for shipping realistic toy guns to New York, violating state law Walmart agreed to pay a small fine and promised to ensure its third-party resellers are unable to sell imitation toy guns to buyers in New York. New York Attorney General Letitia James said that the retail giant’s online store shipped at least nine such toys to the state. State law bans retailers from selling or shipping toy guns of certain colors — black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum — that look like real weapons.

Man Accused of Beating NYPD Officer in Broad Daylight Arrested Hundreds of Miles Away

A man accused of brutally assaulting an off-duty NYPD officer in a shocking weekend attack has been captured hundreds of miles away. Taveon Hargrove, 23, was taken into custody Tuesday morning by members of the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force in North Chesterfield, Virginia, bringing a dramatic end to a multi-day manhunt. He now awaits extradition to New York City, where charges are pending. The arrest comes just days after the violent incident rocked the Bronx. Early Saturday morning, near St. Peters Avenue in the Parkchester section, Hargrove and another still-unidentified suspect allegedly ambushed a 27-year-old off-duty officer, knocking him to the ground before punching, kicking, and robbing him at knifepoint. The officer suffered multiple facial fractures and remains hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities also arrested Hargrove’s father, who is accused of using the officer’s stolen credit card at several Bronx bodegas in the hours following the assault. Surveillance footage released Monday helped lead to Hargrove’s arrest, though the second attacker remains at large. The Police Benevolent Association issued a statement following the capture: “Thank you to our NYPD detectives and U.S. Marshals for ending this vicious cop-basher’s run. But the job is far from over. Even when his criminal partner is caught, we must still stand together to make sure the justice system does its job: protect the cops who protect NYC.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Crashed Sphere With Ancient Symbols And “Alien” Structure Ignites Global UFO Speculation

A bizarre metallic sphere, spotted soaring through the skies before crash-landing in the small town of Buga, Colombia, on March 2, has sparked a firestorm of speculation about its origins, with some researchers claiming it could be evidence of extraterrestrial technology. The discovery has drawn global attention, dividing scientists and fueling debates about whether the object is alien, an elaborate hoax, or something else entirely. The sphere, described as a seamless, silver orb roughly the size of a bowling ball, was recovered shortly after its dramatic descent. Witnesses reported seeing it zigzag through the sky in a manner that defied the movement of conventional aircraft, before it landed in a rural area near Buga. Local authorities quickly cordoned off the site to prevent tampering, and a team of researchers, led by radiologist Dr. Jose Luis Velazquez, began examining the object. Velazquez, who conducted initial X-ray scans, described the sphere as a “very rare piece” with no visible welds or joints—features typically associated with human manufacturing. “Its internal structure is composed of three dense layers of metal-like material, with 18 microspheres surrounding a central nucleus that appears to be a chip,” he told reporters. The absence of seams, combined with the object’s unusual composition, has led Velazquez to assert that the sphere could be of extraterrestrial origin. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he added, noting that the materials appear to be high-density and unlike anything known in human technology. Adding to the mystery, the sphere’s surface is reportedly etched with symbols resembling ancient writing systems, including runes, Ogham, and Mesopotamian scripts. The object, weighing approximately 4.5 pounds and cold to the touch, also reportedly emitted smoke and vaporized water when doused, according to David Velez el Potro, who claimed to have recovered it. Velez el Potro, speaking to Maussan Television, said the finder became ill for days after touching the sphere. However, not all experts are convinced of the sphere’s otherworldly origins. Dr. Julia Mossbridge, a physicist at the University of San Diego, has urged caution, suggesting the object may be a “really cool art project.” Speaking to Fox News Digital, Mossbridge emphasized the need for rigorous scientific analysis before jumping to conclusions. “It looks so human-made to me,” she said, warning that premature claims of alien technology could discredit legitimate investigations into unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). She recommended that the sphere be studied by nonpartisan groups like the Galileo Project, which could determine if its materials are “clearly non-human-made.” The discovery has reignited global interest in UAPs, coming at a time when governments and scientists are increasingly open about investigating unexplained phenomena. Mossbridge noted that the U.S. government, through the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), has acknowledged hundreds of UAP cases, though no evidence of extraterrestrial origins has been confirmed. “We’ve been looking at UAPs for decades,” she said, advocating for international cooperation to study objects like the Buga sphere. “The era of hiding things that are not hideable is over.” The Buga sphere is not the first of its kind to puzzle researchers. In 1974, a similar object, dubbed the “Betz Sphere,” was found in Florida and studied by the U.S. Navy, though its origins remained unresolved. Other comparable cases have been reported in Australia, Russia, and Japan, often attributed to experimental technology or natural phenomena like […]

Orthodox Jewish Man Ambushed in Violent Carjacking Attempt Behind Baltimore Condo

An Orthodox Jewish man was violently attacked on Motzei Shabbos behind a condominium complex in North Baltimore, in what officials are investigating as an attempted carjacking. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the rear parking lot of Park Towers West. According to Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, two masked individuals ambushed the 62-year-old victim as he walked through the lot. “They just came up and punched him in the face,” said Schleifer, who was notified shortly after the attack and helped coordinate a police response. The assailants reportedly knocked the Jewish man to the ground and began striking him repeatedly. The victim ultimately drew a legally registered firearm, at which point the suspects fled. Schleifer said they initially ran off but circled back as the victim approached his car, continuing their aggression. “One of the suspects attempted to start the victim’s vehicle but was unsuccessful. As the suspects tried to assault him again, the victim drew his firearm and pointed it at them. The suspects then fled the scene on foot,” said a spokesperson for the Baltimore Police Department. Authorities believe the attackers may be juveniles. Emergency responders treated the Jewish man on scene for minor injuries. The incident is being investigated as an attempted carjacking. Councilman Schleifer noted a concerning uptick in vehicle-related crimes in the area. Just two months ago, several car break-ins were reported in the same lot, and police radio transmissions described suspects seen breaking into vehicles while wearing hoodies, masks, and light-colored jeans. On Sunday night, just miles from the scene of the previous night’s attack, another vehicle theft attempt occurred. “Someone attempted to steal his vehicle and damaged the driver’s side lock,” a dispatcher reported. The area has seen several similar incidents in recent months. In November, FOX45 reported a string of carjackings in the neighborhood targeting elderly residents, including a brutal attack that left one woman bloodied and unconscious in a parking lot. “What we’re seeing is that carjackings are up over 20% this month compared to this time last year,” said Schleifer. “It’s very troubling to see the numbers skyrocketing.” In addition to the rise in violent crime, Schleifer expressed concern over a national increase in antisemitic incidents. While the motive in this specific attack remains unclear, he said the Jewish community is feeling increasingly uneasy. “What we see is that people feel emboldened to be committing these kinds of violent acts and attacks against Jewish people, and that needs to stop,” he said. Schleifer criticized city leadership for failing to strongly condemn antisemitism, referencing a resolution in support of Israel that failed to pass last year. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

INCREDIBLE ASSISTANCE: 800th U.S. Military Aircraft Lands in Israel, Bolstering Defense Efforts Amid Ongoing War

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) reported today that the 800th aircraft in a massive military airlift operation touched down in Israel on Tuesday morning, delivering critical equipment and weapons to support the nation’s ongoing war efforts. The operation, launched immediately after the war’s outbreak, is a coordinated effort led by the IMOD’s Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) through its International Defense Transportation Unit. It involves collaboration with the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S., the IDF Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). According to the IMOD, the operation has transported over 90,000 tons of military supplies to Israel through 800 flights and approximately 140 maritime shipments. The equipment includes munitions, armored vehicles, individual protective gear, and medical supplies, all vital for sustaining Israel’s defense capabilities. The airlift and maritime efforts are part of a broader IMOD strategy to strengthen Israel’s domestic defense production while ensuring operational continuity. “This air and maritime transport operation constitutes a critical element in maintaining operational continuity, fulfilling comprehensive IDF requirements for achieving wartime objectives, and enhancing force readiness,” the IMOD stated. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

TENSIONS SIMMER: Israeli PM Netanyahu And President Trump Clash In Fiery Call Over Iran Strategy

A phone call between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump turned unexpectedly tense last week, according to a report from Israel’s Channel 12, exposing stark disagreements over how to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions—despite earlier claims of consensus between the two leaders. Sources familiar with the exchange described it as a heated conversation in which Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal.” Trump is said to have emphasized that he was aiming for a resolution that benefits both nations—a statement that reportedly stunned the Israeli side. The revelation sharply contradicts the tone of official readouts released by both camps after the call. Netanyahu’s office had initially said the two “agreed on the need to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons,” giving the impression of a unified front. But behind closed doors, the conversation painted a different picture. Trump, currently leading delicate nuclear negotiations with Tehran, is reportedly optimistic that “good news” is on the horizon. Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed U.S. demands for a temporary freeze on uranium enrichment, further complicating Washington’s diplomatic efforts. Adding to the intrigue, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—acting as a personal envoy from Trump—met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem shortly after the call. In an interview with Fox News, Noem described the meeting as “very candid,” noting that Netanyahu’s team admitted they had “never had a bilateral meeting that was quite that candid and direct.” Noem declined to disclose Trump’s full message, but hinted at pressure on Netanyahu to align with the administration’s vision. “We are on a short timeframe here… I asked the prime minister to work with President Trump to make sure we’re making wise decisions together,” she said. Asked whether Israel has dropped its reported plans for a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Noem responded cautiously, reiterating Trump’s position: “He will never accept a nuclear-capable Iran.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Southwest Airlines to Begin Charging for Checked Bags Starting Tomorrow

It’s the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives had described last fall as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. The airline announced the change in March, saying at the time that the the new policy would start with flights booked on Wednesday. Southwest said Tuesday that it will be charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Weight and size limits will apply for bags. Southwest had built years of advertising campaigns around its policy of letting passengers check up to two bags for free. Under its new policy, people who haven’t either reached the upper tiers of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bought a business class ticket or hold the airline’s credit card will have to pay for checked bags. Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag. People who don’t qualify for those categories will get charged to check bags. The airline said in March that it also would roll out a new, basic fare on its lowest priced tickets when the change takes effect. The airline estimated in September that charging bag fees would bring in about $1.5 billion a year but cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly Southwest because of its generous baggage allowance. Another policy that will take effect on Wednesday is Southwest requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires. These aren’t the only changes at Southwest. The Dallas airline previously announced that it was leaving behind another Southwest tradition, the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years. Southwest expects to begin operating flights with passengers in assigned seats next year. The airline also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights. Southwest has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. The airline reached a truce in October with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy fight, but Elliott won several seats on the company’s board. The airline announced in February that it was eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history. (AP)

Trump Administration Moves to Cancel All Federal Contracts with Harvard

The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administration’s demands for changes to several of its policies. Cuts to contracts could take away millions more from Harvard’s budget. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. The administration is planning to send a version of the letter Tuesday, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. (AP)

Three Jewish Boys Violently Attacked in Antisemitic Assault at Hampstead Station, London

Three Jewish boys were subjected to a violent antisemitic assault at Hampstead Underground Station in North West London. According to Shomrim North West London, the teens were attacked by a group of six to seven males. One of the victims required hospitalization for observation following the assault. Shomrim has issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, urging them to contact 0300 999 1234 and reference case number NW209 – 26 May 2025. The organization is collaborating closely with the British Transport Police to support the ongoing investigation.

Israeli Navy Deploys Unmanned Drone Boats to Monitor Territorial Waters

In recent weeks, the Israeli Navy has deployed for the first time unmanned vessels, also known as drone boats, in Israel’s territorial waters, the military reveals. “The vessels have the capability to construct a broad maritime picture and are engaged in monitoring and characterizing the movement of vessels within the economic waters,” the IDF says.

IDF: Two New Aid Sites in Gaza Begin Operations, Delivering Food to Thousands in Rafah

The IDF announces that two of four recently established aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip began operations today, delivering food packages to thousands of Palestinian families. The aid sites are being operated by a private American security company, while the IDF secures the surrounding area. Three of the distribution sites are located in the Tel Sultan area of southern Gaza’s Rafah, while the fourth is in the Netzarim Corridor area, south of Gaza City. The two sites that began operations today are in Rafah.

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