Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Thursday that he will impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States if President Donald Trump follows through on a pledge to boost import taxes by 50% over the South American country’s criminal trial against his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Lula said he will trigger Brazil’s reciprocity law approved by Congress earlier this year if negotiations with the U.S. fail. “If there’s no negotiation, the reciprocity law will be put to work. If he charges 50 (% tariffs) from us, we will charge 50 from them,” Lula told TV Record in excerpts of an interview that will be fully aired later in the day. “Respect is good. I like to offer mine and I like to receive it.” Lula’s comments raise the risk of a tariffs war erupting between the two countries, similar to what has happened between the U.S. and China. Trump has vowed to respond forcefully if countries seek to punish the U.S. by adding tariffs of their own. The tariffs letter that Trump sent to Brazil — and posted on social media Wednesday — railing against the “witch hunt” trial against Bolsonaro opened up a new front in his trade wars, with the U.S. leader directly using import taxes to interfere with another nation’s domestic politics. Trump has already tried to use tariffs to ostensibly combat fentanyl trafficking and as a negotiating tool to change how other nations tax digital services and regulate their economies. In Brazil’s case, Trump is trying to dictate the outcome of the criminal trial of Bolsonaro, an ally who like Trump has been charged with attempting to overturn a presidential election. Bolsonaro maintains that he is being politically persecuted by Brazil’s Supreme Court over his charges on the alleged plot to remain in power after his 2022 election loss to Lula. “There’s nothing Lula or Brazil can do about Bolsonaro’s trial,” said Carlos Melo, a political science professor at Insper University in Sao Paulo. “Any change in that would be Brazil’s capitulation. Bolsonaro’s situation here won’t change. How do you negotiate over that?” Lula ordered his diplomats on Thursday to return Trump’s letter if it physically arrives at the presidential palace in Brasilia. The document attacks the country’s judiciary and mentions recent rulings on social media companies among the reasons why goods from the South American nation will have higher tariffs from Aug. 1. Trade negotiations now ‘up in the air’ Trump has initiated his tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, saying in April that the persistent deficit between what the U.S. exports and what it imports is a national crisis. But the U.S. runs a trade surplus with Brazil, undermining some of the rationale. A staffer of Brazil’s foreign ministry told The Associated Press that trade negotiations that were ongoing since Trump imposed a first set of tariffs in April are now “up in the air.” Some members of the Lula administration say Trump’s move is actually aimed at Brazil’s connection with other Southern economies, as displayed on Sunday at the summit of BRICS nations hosted in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil’s president once again mentioned the hope for an alternative currency to the dollar for transactions, a topic that frequently draws Trump’s ire. “Trump was never worried about democracy anywhere, much less with Bolsonaro’s destiny,” said Gleisi Hoffmann, Brazil’s institutional relations minister. “What […]
President Donald Trump dismissed a chilling threat from a senior Iranian official suggesting he could be assassinated by a drone while sunbathing at Mar-a-Lago, brushing it off with characteristic bravado and sarcasm. “It’s been a long time. I don’t know, maybe I was around seven or so,” Trump said, smirking when asked if he was concerned about the warning. “I’m not too big into [sunbathing]. I guess it’s a threat. I’m not sure it’s a threat, actually—but perhaps it is.” The threat came from Javad Larijani, a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Iranian state television that Trump should now “fear the sun.” “Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago,” Larijani said ominously. “As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It’s very simple.” The veiled threat follows last month’s U.S.-led strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities—operations coordinated with Israel and publicly authorized by Trump in an effort to derail Tehran’s nuclear program. While the Iranian government quickly agreed to a Trump-brokered cease-fire, experts have warned that the regime’s thirst for vengeance remains unresolved. This is not the first time Iran has been linked to plots against the former president. In 2024, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Iranian agent Farhad Shakeri for orchestrating an operation to surveil and assassinate Trump on U.S. soil. Two alleged co-conspirators were arrested in New York—Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt—with evidence pointing to a plot directly overseen by Tehran. Even before that, the Iranian regime had glorified the idea of Trump’s assassination. A propaganda video produced in 2022, depicting Trump being targeted on a golf course, reportedly won a regime-sponsored “animation contest” commemorating the death of Qasem Soleimani, the top Iranian general eliminated in a 2020 U.S. drone strike ordered by Trump. Though Tehran’s recent military response was limited to a symbolic barrage of missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar—with advance warning and no casualties—intelligence officials caution that Iran’s long game often includes sleeper operations, assassinations, and cyberattacks. Still, Trump appeared unfazed. Known for favoring golf and spray tanning over sunbathing, the former—and potentially future—commander-in-chief laughed off the threat with reporters, exuding the same defiance that has defined his approach to Iran since ordering Soleimani’s killing. Behind the jokes, however, the gravity of the threat looms. Experts say Iran’s warning was no accident, and the rhetoric could be a signal of continued operational intent. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
A man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump last year at his Florida golf course told a federal judge Thursday he wants to fire his court-appointed lawyers and represent himself. Ryan Routh made his request during a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon. When the judge asked Routh, 59, whether he wanted her to appoint new attorneys to defend him, Routh replied: “No. I will represent myself.” Cannon then closed the courtroom to reporters and the public for about an hour to discuss matters potentially involving attorney-client privilege. The hearing was scheduled to continue Thursday afternoon. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that criminal defendants have a right to represent themselves in court proceedings, as long as they can show a judge they are competent to waive their right to be defended by an attorney. Prosecutors have said Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Law enforcement obtained help from a witness who prosecutors said informed officers that he saw a person fleeing. The witness was then flown in a police helicopter to a nearby interstate where Routh was arrested and the witnesses confirmed it was the person he had seen, prosecutors have said. Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Routh also faces state charges of terrorism and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Routh’s federal trial is set for September. If convicted, he could face a sentence of life in prison, federal officials have said. (AP)
The Sleep Coach Academy Is Training the Next Generation of Holistic Sleep Coaches—Here’s Why You Should Join Sleep issues are everywhere—and so is the demand for real solutions. More than 1 in 4 adults struggles with serious sleep problems. And while the traditional approach has been to medicate or slap on a CPAP, there’s a growing need for professionals who can actually help people get to the root cause of their sleep challenges—naturally, holistically, and effectively. Enter the Sleep Coach Academy. Founded by renowned sleep expert Doron Lazarus, the Sleep Coach Academy is quickly becoming the gold standard in integrative sleep education, attracting aspiring healers, wellness practitioners, and passionate individuals from all walks of life. “The Sleep Coach Academy is doing an amazing job in bringing high-level sleep education to approximate that being received by most sleep doctors! The program is providing evidence-based information and is truly amazing. We need more people out there who have this knowledge and have a deep desire to help.” — Dr. Innessa Donskoy, Sleep Specialist, SCA Advisory Board & Guest Lecturer WATCH – Program Director Shares How to Jumpstart Your Career in Sleep Coaching Why Become an Integrative Sleep Coach? Imagine waking up each morning knowing you’re helping people reclaim their energy, restore their health, and change their lives for the better—while building a meaningful, profitable career on your own terms. Whether you want to launch your own coaching practice, add a powerful skillset to your existing work in health or education, or simply explore a new path that’s deeply rewarding, the Sleep Coach Academy gives you the tools to succeed. “The Sleep Coach Academy is a viable option for someone who wants to make a difference and earn profitably in the area of holistic health, even alongside a full family life and a day job. Covering all the theory of integrative sleep coaching, plus full guidance and support in marketing and setting up your practice, the SCA gives you the entire blueprint for you to finally feel that deep satisfaction of making a real difference and earning well.” — Nechama Miriam Steinhaus, Business Coach | Sleep Coach Academy CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT ACCESS – The Full Program Guide for the Sleep Coach Academy What Makes the SCA So Unique? ● Evidence-based, integrative approach that blends psychology, neuroscience, breathwork, nutrition, and functional medicine. ● Personalized mentorship from Doron Lazarus and a handpicked team of expert faculty. ● Business training and marketing support to help you find your voice, attract clients, and build a thriving private practice. ● Flexible, self-paced learning so you can train on your schedule, from anywhere in the world. “The Sleep Coach Academy is remarkable in the fact that it tackles every aspect of the mind, body, and breath, and treats each client with a customized approach. It is a phenomenal experience training under Doron, whose unique talent lies in his incredible ability to reach out to every student. I highly recommend The Sleep Coach Academy to anyone looking to make a difference in someone’s life.” — Rochel Greenstein, Program Graduate WATCH – Program Grad Shares His Experience Training at the Sleep Coach Academy The World Needs More Sleep Coaches. Maybe One of Them Is You. Whether you’re a nurse, a therapist, a wellness professional, a teacher—or just someone who […]
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), whose vote proved pivotal in confirming Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense earlier this year, says he now regrets the decision, sharply criticizing Hegseth’s performance and calling him “out of his depth.” Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper on The Lead, Tillis delivered a blunt assessment of Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon, citing recent missteps and a broader lack of managerial competence. “With the passing of time, I think it’s clear he’s out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organization,” Tillis said. Asked specifically about the so-called Signalgate controversy — in which Hegseth temporarily suspended secure communications between certain NATO-aligned commands — Tillis dismissed the episode as symptomatic of a larger problem. “That’s just one issue,” he told Tapper. “The whole idea of pausing Ukraine defensive arms — that’s amateurish. That’s from somebody who doesn’t understand large organization dynamics.” Tillis added that, at the time of the confirmation vote in January, he believed Hegseth deserved a chance, but now questions whether the Senate Armed Services Committee “was a little too generous” in its assessment of Hegseth’s qualifications to lead “the world’s largest, most complex, and arguably most consequential organization.” Reports at the time of the nomination indicated that Tillis faced intense pressure from President Trump and key MAGA figures to support Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Trump ally. Some threatened to back a primary challenger against Tillis if he opposed the pick. But that leverage has faded. Tillis announced earlier this year that he will not seek reelection in 2026 — a decision that has freed him to speak more openly, particularly after he opposed Trump’s “Big Beautiful” infrastructure and defense funding package. “I’m here to call balls and strikes,” Tillis said, reiterating that he intends to serve as an independent voice for the remainder of his term. Asked directly whether he would vote to confirm Hegseth again, knowing what he knows now, Tillis did not hesitate: “Based on the information I have today? No,” he said. “His probationary period hasn’t been very positive.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
TikTok is facing a fresh European Union privacy investigation into user data sent to China, regulators said Thursday. The Data Protection Commission opened the inquiry as a follow up to a previous investigation that ended earlier this year with a 530 million euro ($620 million) fine after it found the video sharing app put users at risk of spying by allowing remote access their data from China. The Irish national watchdog serves as TikTok’s lead data privacy regulator in the 27-nation EU because the company’s European headquarters is based in Dublin. During an earlier investigation, TikTok initially told the regulator it didn’t store European user data in China, and that data was only accessed remotely by staff in China. However, it later backtracked and said that some data had in fact been stored on Chinese servers. The watchdog responded at the time by saying it would consider further regulatory action. “As a result of that consideration, the DPC has now decided to open this new inquiry into TikTok,” the watchdog said. “The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether TikTok has complied with its relevant obligations under the GDPR in the context of the transfers now at issue, including the lawfulness of the transfers,” the regulator said, referring to the European Union’s strict privacy rules, known as the General Data Protection Regulation. TikTok did not respond immediately to a request for comment. TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has been under scrutiny in Europe over how it handles personal user information amid concerns from Western officials that it poses a security risk. Under GDPR, European user data can only be transferred outside of the bloc if there are safeguards in place to ensure the same level of protection. Only 15 countries or territories are deemed to have the same data privacy standard as the EU, but China is not one of them. (AP)
HY’D: Authorities have cleared for publication that the victim of Thursday’s deadly terror attack at the Rami Levi shopping complex near the Gush Etzion Junction was Shalev Zevuloni, 22, a resident of Kiryat Arba. Zevuloni was brutally attacked by two Palestinian terrorists who stabbed him multiple times and then fatally shot him—reportedly using his own handgun, which they had stolen during the assault. The terrorists were neutralized at the scene by an armed civilian and an IDF soldier.
White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters renovation President Donald Trump’s budget chief said that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell “has grossly mismanaged the Fed.” Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought also suggested Powell had misled Congress about a pricey renovation of the central bank’s headquarters. Vought’s broadside opens up a new front in the Trump administration’s war on the Fed chief.
A joyous chasunah took place last night (Wednesday) in the main Beis Medrash of Machnovka-Belz in Bnei Brak, celebrating the marriage of the grandson of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe. The chassan is the son of the Spinka-Monsey Rebbe, who is a son-in-law of the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe, and the kallah is the granddaughter of the Ziditshov Rebbe of Bnei Brak. A distinguished group of Admorim participated in the simcha, which reached an emotional climax during the mitzvah tantz, as the Rebbe danced with fiery passion before the kallah. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy; and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna. They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin. Torah-24 A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l. Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun). Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests. Endorsements & Letters Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman. Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss. For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022
Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has officially secured more votes than any other mayoral candidate in a New York City primary election, according to updated tallies released Tuesday by the city’s Board of Elections. The progressive Queens assemblyman received 565,639 votes in the third round of the city’s ranked-choice voting system — surpassing the previous record set by David Dinkins in 1989, who won his primary with 547,000 votes in a traditional, non-ranked-choice format. The updated totals reflect the transfer of approximately 102,000 votes to Mamdani from eliminated candidates in earlier rounds, giving him a decisive edge in the Democratic field. “With the updated RCV totals just released by the Board of Elections, our campaign has officially earned the most total votes in a primary in New York City history,” Mamdani wrote on X, celebrating the milestone. In comparison, Mayor Eric Adams won the 2021 Democratic primary with just over 404,000 votes in the final round, including roughly 50,000 transferred through ranked-choice reallocations. Mamdani’s total may still grow slightly, as a small percentage of ballots remain uncounted. But his campaign has already declared the result a historic mandate, reflecting the strength of his insurgent campaign and the growing influence of left-wing politics in the city’s Democratic electorate. The achievement adds momentum to Mamdani’s general election campaign, where he currently holds a commanding lead in early polling over rivals including Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Mayor Adams. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Rumors spread on Thursday about the organization of a massive demonstration against the draft of Chareidim and a shaila about the matter was even posed to HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, Kikar H’Shabbat reported. The Chareidi sector is beside itself with anger and frustration over the failure to enact a draft law, and especially over the restrictions on lomdei Torah and the intention to harass and arrest them. One of the serious initiatives that arose was to hold a massive demonstration, like the one held in 2015 against the draft law, and in 2000 against the Supreme Court. Activists consulted with Rabbanim and a shaila on the matter was brought to HaRav Landau. HaRav Landau decided that there is no reason to hold such a demonstration at this time. The Rosh Yeshivah said, “The time is not yet right. At this moment, our activity needs to be firmly directed against the government, which is not honoring its commitment to us to regulate the status of lomdei Torah.” “It is also not advisable at this time to hold demonstrations of this kind, because Prime Minister Netanyahu might even arrive with his crowd to the demonstration and turn it into a right-wing demonstration—against the Supreme Court, for his own reasons. And we see him as no less guilty for the fact that until now there has been no satisfactory arrangement for the Olam Torah.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
Authorities have cleared for publication that the victim of Thursday’s deadly terror attack at the Rami Levi shopping complex near the Gush Etzion Junction was Shalev Zevuloni, 22, a resident of Kiryat Arba. Zevuloni was brutally attacked by two Palestinian terrorists who stabbed him multiple times and then fatally shot him—reportedly using his own handgun, which they had stolen during the assault. The terrorists were neutralized at the scene by an armed civilian and an IDF soldier. The attackers have been identified as Mohammed A’abed, 23, from Halhul, and Malik Salam, 23, from Bizzariya, near Shechem (Nablus). Both were reportedly members of the Palestinian Authority police force, raising immediate concerns over the role of PA security personnel in acts of terror. The Municipality of Kiryat Arba-Hebron issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its own: “Kiryat Arba-Hebron bows its head and extends condolences to the Zevuloni and Ozel families on the murder of their son, Shalev Zevuloni. On behalf of all the residents of the town, we send condolences to the dear family and send our warm embrace at this difficult time.” The Gush Etzion Regional Council also released a statement, noting that Shalev’s father, Shai Zevuloni, is a council employee: “The council mourns the murder of Shalev Zevuloni, who was murdered today in the severe terror attack at the Gush Etzion Junction. We extend our condolences to the family and embrace his father, Shai, during this difficult time. The council will continue to assist the family with anything it needs.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
An unusual but inspiring event occurred last Friday in the city of Ofakim, when the city’s Eruv wires were torn in several locations—which could have led to the Eruv being invalidated. During a routine inspection of the Eruv close to the start of Shabbos, an employee of the Religious Council identified rips and tears that had occurred in various areas. In a normal situation, they would have been manually repaired, but the short time remaining until Shkiyah necessitated a particularly rapid solution. During a consultation in the office of the chairman of the Religious Council, Rav Binyamin Malka, an unusual decision was made: to operate an advanced technological drone to repair the wires—while fully adhering to halacha and the strict instructions of the city’s Rav, Rav Amram Ohayon. The drone was operated under close halachic supervision and completed the mission in a short time—restoring the integrity of the Eruv and preventing possible Chillul Shabbos for the many residents. The Minister of Religious Services, MK Michoel Malkieli, praised the move: “The use of advanced technologies is an integral part of our vision for excellent religious services. The case in Ofakim illustrates how innovation can ensure full adherence to halacha—even in challenging conditions.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
The Palestinian Health Ministry named the two terrorists in today’s deadly attack in Gush Etzion as Mahmoud Abed (23) from Halhul and Malik Salem (23) from the Tulkarm Governorate. Both were police officers in the Palestinian Authority.
Iran is in advanced talks with China to buy J-10C fighter jets, frustrated by delays in Russia’s Su-35s and desperate to upgrade its battered air force after heavy losses to Israel in the war.
A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a ruling Thursday prohibiting President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship from taking effect anywhere in the U.S. Judge Joseph LaPlante issued a preliminary injunction blocking Trump’s order and certified a class action lawsuit including all children who will be affected. The order, which followed an hour-long hearing, included a seven-day stay to allow for appeal. The judge’s decision puts the birthright citizenship issue on a fast track to return to the Supreme Court. The justices could be asked to rule whether the order complies with their decision last month that limited judges’ authority to issue nationwide injunctions. The class is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted to include parents, but attorneys said that wouldn’t make a material difference. “This is going to protect every single child around the country from this lawless, unconstitutional and cruel executive order,” said Cody Wofsy, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a pregnant woman, two parents and their infants. It’s among numerous cases challenging Trump’s January order denying citizenship to those born to parents living in the U.S. illegally or temporarily. The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and others. At issue is the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” The Trump administration says the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” means the U.S. can deny citizenship to babies born to women in the country illegally, ending what has been seen as an intrinsic part of U.S. law for more than a century. “Prior misimpressions of the citizenship clause have created a perverse incentive for illegal immigration that has negatively impacted this country’s sovereignty, national security, and economic stability,” government lawyers wrote in the New Hampshire case. LaPlante, who had issued a narrow injunction in a similar case, said while he didn’t consider the government’s arguments frivolous, he found them unpersuasive. He said his decision to issue an injunction was “not a close call” and that deprivation of U.S. citizenship clearly amounted to irreparable harm. In a Washington state case before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the judges have asked the parties to write briefs explaining the effect of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Washington and the other states in that lawsuit have asked the appeals court to return the case to the lower court judge. As in New Hampshire, a plaintiff in Maryland seeks to organize a class-action lawsuit that includes every person who would be affected by the order. The judge set a Wednesday deadline for written legal arguments as she considers the request for another nationwide injunction from CASA, a nonprofit immigrant rights organization. Ama Frimpong, legal director at CASA, said the group has been stressing to its members and clients that it is not time to panic. “No one has to move states right this instant,” she said. “There’s different avenues through which we are all fighting, again, to make sure that this executive order never actually sees the light of day.” The New Hampshire plaintiffs, referred to only by pseudonyms, include a woman from Honduras who has a pending asylum application and is due to give birth […]
