A European space telescope launched to explore the dark universe has released a trove of new data on distant galaxies. The images and other information released Wednesday by the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory includes a preview of three cosmic areas that the mission will spy in finer detail, mapping the shapes and locations of galaxies billions of light years away. A light year is nearly 6 trillion miles (it is not a length of time). The observatory, which blasted off in 2023 from Florida, is creating a cosmic atlas to gain clues about how our ever-expanding universe works and how mysterious forces called dark energy and dark matter may play a role. The elusive duo make up most of our universe, but researchers don’t know exactly what they are. Over six years of observing, the mission hopes to capture glamour shots of over 1.5 billion galaxies. (AP)
President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued his most forceful warning yet to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, vowing their complete destruction as the U.S. military intensifies its relentless campaign against the terrorist group. “Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform Wednesday. Trump’s statement was not just a message to the Houthis—it was a direct warning to their powerful backer, Iran. “Iran must stop the sending of these supplies IMMEDIATELY. Let the Houthis fight it out themselves. Either way they lose, but this way they lose quickly,” he wrote, responding to reports that Tehran has slightly scaled back military aid to the Houthis but continues to provide large quantities of weapons and logistical support. His warning came as U.S. forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other strategic locations. According to eyewitnesses, American warplanes struck targets near Sanaa’s airport, as well as the northern town of Saada and the southeastern district of Al-Sawadiya. The latest strikes are part of an ongoing U.S. offensive against the Houthis, who have repeatedly attacked commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting global trade. On Saturday, the U.S. unleashed a series of devastating airstrikes that, according to Houthi-controlled media, killed 53 people and wounded nearly 100 others. The Pentagon has confirmed that several senior Houthi military officials were among the dead. Washington has vowed to continue these operations until the Houthis cease their attacks on international shipping lanes. As the U.S. ramped up its military campaign, the Houthis responded by launching a missile at Israel on Tuesday—the first direct attack from Yemen since a ceasefire was brokered in January. The missile, intercepted by Israeli air defenses, was allegedly aimed at an airbase. The Houthis, part of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” against the United States and Israel, have declared their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes to be in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their war cry—”Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews!”—has become a rallying call for Iran-backed terror factions across the region. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed Wednesday to a limited ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, as U.S. President Donald Trump suggested during a call with the embattled country’s leader that he consider American ownership of Ukraine’s power plants to ensure their long-term security. Trump told Zelenskyy that the U.S could be “very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise,” according to a White House statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz that described the call as “fantastic.” “One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said on social media following the roughly hourlong call, which came a day after Trump held similar talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it.” Trump suggested “American ownership of those plants could be the best protection for that infrastructure,” according to White House officials. The idea was floated even as the Trump administration looks to finalize an agreement to gain access to Ukraine’s critical minerals as partial repayment for U.S. support for Ukraine during the war. White House officials did not reveal any further details about Trump’s thinking on potential American involvement with Ukrainian power plant. Weeks after a disastrous Oval Office meeting between the two leaders that led to Trump temporarily pausing intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, Trump and Zelenskyy had “a very good conversation” in which they joked around, according to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to comment publicly. There was an emphasis during the call on how any ceasefire process would need to be monitored and how the various negotiating teams would still need to resolve technical issues, the official said. During the call, Zelenskyy requested additional Patriot defense missile systems. Rubio and Waltz said Trump “agreed to work with him to find what was available, particularly in Europe.” Trump has made clear that quickly ending the war is a top priority for his new administration. He has repeatedly complained about the cost — the U.S. has sent Ukraine more than $180 billion in military and economic aid since the start of the war. On Tuesday, Putin told Trump that he would agree not to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but refused to back a full 30-day ceasefire that Trump proposed. Zelenskyy signed off on the limited ceasefire deal to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, according to the White House. According to the Kremlin, Putin made clear to Trump that there must be a cessation of foreign military aide and intelligence sharing as part of any deal. But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday underscored that U.S. “intelligence sharing in terms of defense for Ukraine” would continue. The Kremlin says Kyiv isn’t upholding its end of the bargain Prior to his call with Trump, Zelenskyy said Putin’s limited ceasefire pledge was “very much at odds with reality” after Russia launched an overnight barrage of drone strikes across Ukraine, including some that struck Ukrainian energy facilities. Russia responded by saying it had halted its targeting of Ukraine’s energy facilities and accused Kyiv of attacking Russian equipment near one of its pipelines. “Unfortunately, we see that for now there is no reciprocity on the part of the Kyiv […]
WATCH WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS ELECTION! The Woke Left is Mobilizing to Destroy Kedushas Eretz Yisrael. Our Yeshivos! The Kosel! Our Torah Values! Are All Under Threat! But we have the power to fight back—with our VOTE! The voting process is simple, taking just two minutes of your time and a $5 voting fee. But the returns are immeasurable. Visit EretzHakodesh.org and cast your vote for SLATE 11 today! VOTE NOW!
BREAKING: President Trump is expected to sign an executive order returning education power back to states. This comes after his administration cut nearly half the Department of Education’s staff.
TRUMP: The Democrats lost big because they’re backing these 90% negative things… men in women’s sports… but now they have a new one: backing murderers and people that hate our country… I think that might be a 100% issue for us. Backing Khalil is not a great issue.
WATCH: Vehicle of Mayor of Beit Shemesh, Shmulik Greenberg, is uprighted after a group of hundreds of violent Chareidi extremists attacked him and his family and overturned his vehicle after they were leaving a family Simcha. He had to be extricated by police while wearing a helmet.
Yeshiva Chanoch Lnaar in Eretz Yisroel under the leadership of HaRav Pinchus Baadush shlita came with his Talmidim to America, to visit the Olam Hatorah, and meet with Gedolim and Rabbonim. These boys are currently serving in the IDF. The attached video and photos were when the group of 38 boys visited Hagaon HaRav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, the Rosh Yeshiva of South Fallsburg. VIDEO & PHOTOS FOR YWN BY HOLY SHOTS
Spring is almost here — officially, at least. The vernal equinox arrives on Thursday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere. On the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon. Equinoxes are the only time when both the north and south poles are lit by sunshine at the same time. The events have been marked and celebrated around the world for centuries. Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is based on the spring equinox, for example. And at the Mayan site Chichen Itza in Mexico, people gather during the equinox to watch the sun create a shadow pattern that resembles a serpent descending a building called El Castillo. But what is happening in the heavens? Here’s what to know about how we split up the year using the Earth’s orbit. What is the equinox? As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle. For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. That means the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight. The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet. The Northern Hemisphere’s spring — or vernal — equinox can land between March 19 and 21, depending on the year. Its fall – or autumnal — equinox can land between Sept. 21 and 24. What is the solstice? The solstices mark the times during the year when the Earth is at its most extreme tilt toward or away from the sun. This means the hemispheres are getting very different amounts of sunlight — and days and nights are at their most unequal. During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half of the earth is tilted in toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This solstice falls between June 20 and 22. Meanwhile, at the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning away from the sun — leading to the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice falls between December 20 and 23. What’s the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons? These are just two different ways to carve up the year. While astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the sun, meteorological seasons are defined by the weather. They break down the year into three-month seasons based on annual temperature cycles. By that calendar, spring starts on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on Sept. 1 and winter on Dec. 1. (AP)
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of Americans say public behavior has become ruder, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. The report found that 47% of U.S. adults believe people are less courteous now than before the pandemic, with 20% saying behavior has gotten significantly worse. Beyond general perceptions of rudeness, the study explored specific social behaviors. The vast majority of Americans disapprove of certain actions in public, with 77% saying it’s rarely or never acceptable to smoke around others and 74% opposing taking photos or videos without permission. Other frowned-upon behaviors include bringing children to adult-oriented spaces, displaying profanity, and playing loud music. However, Americans remain divided on some etiquette issues—particularly bringing pets into stores. While 45% say it’s rarely acceptable, 14% believe it’s always or usually fine. Despite concerns over rudeness, 84% of Americans say they personally find it easy to know what’s appropriate in public. However, younger adults and those in lower-income households report slightly more difficulty navigating social norms. Although opinions differ across age and income groups, the survey found no significant political divide regarding public behavior. The findings suggest that while rudeness may be on the rise, social expectations remain widely understood. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Before building their new app, cRc Kosher asked many consumers what the most helpful tool would be to enrich their shopping experience. The number one request was a tool to allow users to scan unfamiliar Kashrus logos while shopping and instantly receive detailed information about the certification agency. The cRc went to work and has now launched this amazing tool as part of its completely redesigned mobile app (now available for download on the App Store and Google Play). This enhanced version retains all the familiar features users have come to appreciate like the Food & beverage product lists (including the popular Slurpees and Starbucks lists), recommended Hechsherim from around the world, guides for fruits & vegetable checking, Tevilas Keilim, and Kashering, information on kosher medicine and non-food products, and A Berachos guide for blessings on various foods. Aside for the Hechsher Logo Scanner, some other new features include Global Search, Share Feature, Kashrus Alert, Audio Library, FAQ Section, Policies of cRc Kashrus policies, Ask the Rabbi –where one can submit questions directly to a Kashrus Rabbi for expert guidance, and of course timely Pesach Information with seasonal updates and resources. Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, Kashrus Administrator of the cRc is thrilled with the tremendous feedback of the app and is particularly happy with the outcome of the Hechsher Logo Scanner. “With over 1,500 hashgachos in the world, it is almost impossible for the average kosher consumer to know who stands behind the symbol in question,” said Rabbi Fishbane. “We are very pleased that we are able to provide consumers with this groundbreaking innovation and access essential Kosher resources”. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Questions are mounting in Canada and in Europe over whether big-ticket purchases of high-end U.S. weaponry, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, are still a wise strategic choice for Western countries worried about their investment in U.S. defense technology. In less than two months, U.S. President Donald Trump has upended decades of foreign policy. He has left NATO members questioning whether Washington will honor the trans-Atlantic alliance’s commitment to defend each other, if other European countries are attacked by Russia. He’s also made repeat overtures to Moscow and suspended most U.S. foreign aid. That could impact foreign sales of the Lockheed Martin-produced F-35 and other advanced U.S. jets like the F-16. As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, it’s become clear that Eastern European NATO members still have vast stores of Soviet-era weapons in their stockpiles that weren’t interoperable with Western weaponry. A long-term plan to get all of NATO on similar platforms — by replacing old Soviet-era jets with Western ones, particularly the F-16 and in some cases, the F-35 — has gained momentum. Some of the NATO countries are now rethinking tying their defense to U.S.-made systems and potentially considering European jets. And the European Union on Wednesday announced a new drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defense equipment in Europe. In recent years, the EU’s 27 nations have placed about two-thirds of their orders with U.S. defense companies. Angering an F-35 partner In Canada, where Trump has launched a trade war and has threatened economic coercion to make it the 51st American state, new Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked Defense Minister Bill Blair to review its purchase of F-35s. Canada has been a partner with the U.S. in developing the fighter. Blair will see if there are other options “given the changing environment,” a defense spokesman said. Carney on Tuesday announced an early warning radar system purchase from Australia worth Canadian $6 billion ($4.2 billion). Officials say it will have a smaller footprint than a similar American system. And in Portugal, the outgoing defense minister recently told a Portuguese newspaper that “recent positions” taken by Washington compelled a rethink about the purchase of F-35s. Portugal is considering various options to replace its F-16s. “You’re not just buying an airplane, you’re buying a relationship with the United States,” said Winslow T. Wheeler, who spent three decades in U.S. Congress working for Democrats and Republicans on national security and defense issues. “People in the past have not just welcomed, but craved that kind of relationship.” The Netherlands and Norway, on the other hand, have recently voiced support for the F-35 program. The F-35 and a ‘kill switch’ The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter was designed to combine stealth, maneuverability and attack capabilities in a single aircraft. Each jet costs about $85 million (78 million euros), and the price jumps to as high as $150 million (137 million euros) when supporting infrastructure and spare parts are included. About 1,100 have been produced to date for 16 military services across the globe. The F-35B, a variant that can take off from ship decks vertically, is the latest model. It’s the most expensive weapons system the U.S. has ever produced, with estimated lifetime costs now expected to top $1.7 trillion. One […]
The atmosphere was electric at the chasunah, but between courses, the conversation at our table turned to parnassah. Avi Goldstein, who runs a healthcare billing service, shared a common frustration with Moshe Blumenthal, a sought-after tech consultant. “I need something built for my business,” Avi said. “Off-the-shelf software doesn’t fit, but a fully custom system is too expensive.” Moshe nodded. “That’s the challenge. People think it’s all or nothing—either settle for generic software or spend a fortune on something custom. But there’s a smarter way.” Most businesses start with off-the-shelf software—affordable but limiting. Industry-specific solutions can offer more targeted functionality, but they often fail to accommodate unique business processes. On the other hand, fully custom software is tailored perfectly but comes with high costs in both time and money. A few weeks later, I met Ephraim Arnstein at Bitbean’s office in Lakewood. Bitbean, best known for large-scale enterprise systems, understands this challenge. Instead of replacing entire systems, they also build targeted solutions that solve specific business problems while working alongside existing software. Ephraim shared an example: A healthcare billing company had a unique performance-tracking method, but their current software couldn’t support it. Employees spent hours compiling reports manually. Instead of replacing the entire system, Bitbean built a custom reporting tool that extracted and presented data in the way they needed—preserving their competitive edge without major disruption. A Williamsburg wholesale distributor faced a different issue. Their ERP system handled inventory but struggled with fulfilling orders across multiple warehouses. Bitbean developed an add-on tool that streamlined workflows, integrating seamlessly with their existing system. These solutions weren’t massive six-figure projects. Most cost between $15,000 and $25,000, a fraction of a full system overhaul. More importantly, they provided exactly what businesses needed without unnecessary expenses or complications. When I saw Avi again at his son’s bar mitzvah, I told him about Bitbean’s approach. He nodded. “That makes sense—fix the biggest issue first, but leave room to grow.” He got it. In business, as in life, we build for the long term. The smartest solution isn’t always the biggest—it’s the one that fits, both now and for the future. For more information, contact Alex from Bitbean at Alex@bitbean.com or (732)-806-1125. —
US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon paid a historic visit to Lubavitch Educational Center in Miami on Tuesday afternoon, just two weeks after taking office, speaking to over 400 of the school’s students and staff members and visiting some of the preschool classrooms. It was her first trip to a Jewish school. The visit began with a prayer for return of the hostages led by the boys Elementary School principal, Rabbi Moshe Stern, and a welcome by LEC’s Head of School, Rabbi Benzion Korf, who emphasized the importance of teaching morality and ethics rooted in G-d’s guidance. “Education is not just about teaching arithmetic, but about imparting the values that guide how we live together, treating others with respect and understanding that there is a higher power that sees and hears all.” Secretary McMahon has vowed to empower all parents to choose the appropriate education for their children. “Every student in our country should have access to excellent education, and in order to do that, there has to be freedom of choice,” she said at the event. “Children should not be imprisoned in failing schools.” She also pointed to the administration’s efforts to crack down on antisemitism on campus, opening investigations into colleges across the country and beginning to defund them. “The president is absolutely and abundantly clear that [antisemitism on campus] will not be tolerated, that no one should have to face fear of being hurt on campus.” The visit was facilitated by Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, advisor to President Donald Trump, and who, with Dr. Miriam Adelson, hosted the president’s events on combating antisemitism. “Visiting the South’s largest Jewish day school so early in her tenure is a testament to the core values and ideals the president and secretary share,” Kaploun says. “They believe every child should have the opportunity to study and grow in a safe and secure environment. This administration has shown their understanding of the needs of the broader Jewish community and they have made the wellbeing of Jewish students their priority.” The girls’ high school was represented by a class of thirty students, with an eloquent message delivered by high school junior Necha Touger. She spoke about the profound impact Jewish education has on its students and how they are inspired to reach out and make a difference in the lives of others. Secretary McMahon shared with the girls her personal journey which included many ups and downs and imparted a lesson on perseverance. During the event, Secretary McMahon recognized and applauded the children’s fundraising efforts, now totalling over $50,000, toward their annual Passover campaign, to give back to the community and provide for the needy during the holiday. The students also received a letter from President Trump in 2019 lauding their initiative. The visit comes just weeks before the US marks Education and Sharing Day in April, on the birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who was a strong advocate for a moral education in the classroom and who pioneered the Moment of Silence in public schools. During the visit, Rabbi Korf presented Secretary McMahon with the Book of Genesis with traditional commentaries, underscoring the need for an education based on faith and G-dly morals. “We are grateful for Secretary McMahon’s visit and we wish her much success in restoring the moral compass of our […]
A shocking incident unfolded in Beit Shemesh as a group of Chareidi extremists launched a violent attack on Mayor Shmuel Greenberg, his family, and his vehicle. Sources tell YWN that the assailants targeted the mayor due to his efforts to support various Chareidi groups in establishing schools and securing funding for programs that include secular studies such as math and history—moves that have apparently sparked outrage among the extremists. The assault took place as Mayor Greenberg was leaving a family Chasunah. According to a statement from the Beit Shemesh Mayor’s Office, the situation quickly escalated into chaos. “Mayor Shmuel Greenberg was attacked by extremists as he was leaving a family celebration. His vehicle was smashed and vandalized, but the mayor and his family were rescued from the scene. The mayor’s son required medical treatment,” the statement read. “Mayor Greenberg trusts that the Israel Police will bring the lawbreakers to justice.” The mayor’s vehicle was reportedly destroyed in the attack, and while the mayor and most of his family were safely extracted, medical attention was needed for his son. Police in riot gear had to rescue the Mayor from the out of control group of hundreds of violent extremists. He was forced to wear a helmet as he was rescued. The Israel Police have yet to comment on the incident. קרדיט צילום: א”פ הפרגוד מקומי בית שמש (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday and signaled that it still expects to cut rates twice this year, though it said the outlook is more uncertain. The Fed also now expects the economy to grow more slowly this year and next than it did three months ago, according to a set of quarterly economic projections also released Wednesday. It also expects the unemployment rate to tick higher, to 4.4%, by the end of this year. Policymakers also expect inflation will pick up slightly this year, to 2.7% from its current level of 2.5%. Both are above the central bank’s 2% target. “Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased,” the Fed said in a statement released after its two-day meeting. The projections underscore the tight spot the Fed may find itself in this year: Higher inflation typically would lead the Fed to keep its key rate elevated, or even raise rates. On the other hand, slower growth and higher unemployment would often cause the Fed to cut rates to spur more borrowing and spending and lift the economy. It is the second meeting in a row that the Fed has kept its interest rate at about 4.3% as the central bank has moved to the sidelines as it evaluates the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on the economy. Economists forecast that tariffs will likely push up inflation, at least temporarily. But other policies, such as deregulation, could lower costs and cool inflation. The Fed also said it would slow the rate at which it is reducing its Treasury holdings, which grew massively during and after the pandemic. Previously it had allowed $25 billion of Treasurys to mature each month without reinvesting the proceeds. Now it will allow only $5 billion to mature each month. In effect, the Fed will be reinvesting more of the expiring bonds into new securities, which should keep interest rates on long-term Treasuries lower than they would have been otherwise. Yields fell slightly in Treasury markets. So far, growth appears to be slowing in the first three months of the year but the impact of tariffs on inflation hasn’t yet materialized. But economists at Goldman Sachs forecast that the import taxes will push inflation to 3% by the end of this year. Fed officials are closely watching measures of Americans’ inflation expectations, which spiked in one survey released just last week. Inflation expectations — essentially a measure of how worried people are that inflation will get worse — are important to the Fed because they can be self-fulfilling. If people expectat higher inflation, they may take steps, such as accelerating purchases, that can push prices higher. Retailers of both high-end and lower-cost goods have warned that consumers are turning more cautious as they expect prices to rise because of tariffs. Retail sales rose modestly last month after a sharp fall in January. Homebuilders and contractors expect that home construction and renovations will get more expensive. Many economists have sharply reduced their forecasts for growth this year, with Barclays, a bank, now forecasting growth of just 0.7%, down from 2.5% in 2024. And economists at Goldman Sachs now expect inflation — excluding the volatile food and energy categories — will tick higher to 3% by the end of this year, up from its […]
