Matzav

Senior Hamas terror figure Moussa Abu Marzouk announced that it may take a significant amount of time before the group can locate and return the bodies of the remaining hostages. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said that the process “won’t take weeks – it could take months.”

Abu Marzouk explained the difficulty of recovering the remains, stating, “I have said in the past that there will be a problem regarding the deceased hostages, because it is difficult to hand them all over and hard to locate them all at once. This won’t take weeks – it could take months.”

He continued by admitting that some bodies may never be found, saying, “It could be that we won’t be able to find some of the deceased hostages. We say clearly: We have no deceased hostages that we are able to hand over.”

Earlier this month, the Hamas leader made a similar assertion, predicting that locating both living and deceased hostages would take “months.” Yet less than two weeks later, the organization freed all 20 living captives in a single day, undermining his earlier claims about the expected delay.

Meanwhile, tonight, as previously reported here on Matzav, President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to Hamas, urging the terror group to promptly deliver the bodies of the slain hostages.

“We have a very strong PEACE in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being EVERLASTING,” Trump wrote. “Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages, including two Americans, quickly, or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action.”

He pointed out that while some remains may be harder to recover, others are accessible, saying, “Some of the bodies are hard to reach, but others they can return now and, for some reason, they are not.”

Concluding his statement, Trump made clear that his patience is limited: “Perhaps it has to do with their disarming, but when I said, ‘Both sides would be treated fairly,’ that only applies if they comply with their obligations. Let’s see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely.”

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Fatah, under the leadership of Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas, declared that any political or administrative arrangement in the Gaza Strip can only take place within the recognized framework of Palestinian national legitimacy — specifically, through the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine.

The movement asserted that these are the only legitimate entities empowered to safeguard what it called “the Palestinian national enterprise,” insisting that no external body has the authority to shape Gaza’s governance outside these parameters.

In its statement, Fatah stressed that sovereignty over all territories belonging to the State of Palestine — including the Gaza Strip — is a natural and irrevocable right of the Palestinian people and their governing institutions. The leadership, it said, is primarily focused on achieving “a ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.”

Addressing ongoing discussions about forming an interim administrative committee to oversee Gaza, the movement described the idea as “an important and necessary step,” but stipulated that such a body must “operate under the authority of the government of the State of Palestine.”

On matters of security, Fatah clarified that “responsibility for security in the Gaza Strip lies solely with the official security forces of the Palestinian Authority.” The group further emphasized that any foreign or international security presence “must be stationed only on the border with Israel and with the explicit consent of the Security Council,” ensuring that Palestinian sovereignty remains intact.

Fatah also voiced firm opposition to “any attempt to impose international educational reforms on the Palestinian people,” warning that outside interference would not be tolerated. It stated that the role of the International Peace Committee should be limited “to monitor the cessation of hostilities and to rehabilitate Gaza,” without encroaching on the independence of Palestinian decision-making.

As for disarmament, the movement made clear that any plan to remove weapons from Gaza must occur “within an overall national framework,” guided by the principle of “one authority, one armed force, and one law.” This approach, Fatah noted, would help secure internal unity while eliminating Israeli “pretexts” for maintaining military operations in the Strip.

{Matzav.com}

As Israel moved into the early hours of Sunday morning, the nation officially ended Daylight Saving Time and shifted its clocks back one hour, marking the start of winter’s shorter days.

At precisely 2:00 a.m., time was rolled back to 1:00 a.m., aligning the country with Standard Time once again. This adjustment will remain in place until March 27, 2026, when clocks will once more spring forward to Daylight Saving Time.

The twice-yearly time changes are regulated by the Time Determination Law enacted in 2013. According to this law, Israel reverts to Standard Time on the final Sunday of October, setting clocks back an hour. The return to longer evenings occurs each spring on the Friday preceding the last Sunday in March, when clocks move ahead one hour.

The goal of the seasonal shift is to synchronize waking and working hours with the reduced daylight of winter months, ensuring that mornings begin in sunlight. However, this also means that nightfall arrives earlier, with dusk now descending in the late afternoon.

Although the change allows many to start their day in brighter conditions, it shortens daylight after work, often leading to heavier traffic in the dark and curtailing outdoor and recreational activities during the early evening.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump issued a firm call tonight for the Hamas terror group to hand over the remains of fallen hostages without delay.

In his message he declared, “We have a very strong PEACE in the Middle East, and I believe it has a good chance of being EVERLASTING. Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies of the deceased hostages, including two Americans, quickly, or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action.”

He added urgency, noting, “Some of the bodies are hard to reach, but others they can return now and, for some reason, they are not.”

Referring to earlier commitments, he emphasized: “Perhaps it has to do with their disarming, but when I said, ‘Both sides would be treated fairly,’ that only applies if they comply with their obligations. Let’s see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely.”

The night before, a senior Israeli official told Yediot Acharonot that while Hamas could return the bodies of up to eight additional hostages, the group claimed ignorance of the whereabouts of five others.

“They’re playing games and stalling to prolong the ceasefire even without moving into the second stage, which requires disarmament,” the official alleged.

Though Hamas released 20 living hostages under Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the group has delayed returning the bodies of deceased hostages and insists it does not know the location of most of them.

On Thursday morning, Israel’s Defence Minister Yisroel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior officers from the IDF Intelligence Directorate briefed U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.

According to Kan 11 News, the Israeli delegation told Vice President Vance that Hamas is capable of retrieving at least ten of the thirteen hostage remains still in the Gaza Strip, even without external assistance.

The intelligence shared with Vance indicated that Hamas can act independently and does not require the deployment of Arab forces or an “international peacekeeping force” proposed under the Trump framework.

Further warning from military intelligence officials described how Hamas has used the ceasefire to rebuild its position in Gaza: rehabilitating terror tunnels, recruiting new personnel, repairing weapons and reorganizing its command structure. These sources cautioned that Hamas shows no sign of disarming or giving up its authority.

And the message delivered to Vice President Vance was direct: “Progress under the Trump framework cannot currently proceed until Hamas fulfills its part of the agreement.”

{Matzav.com}

A Channel 12 evening report on Friday relayed that a large portion of Hamas’s tunnel system was left intact after the Gaza fightingm with more than 60% still undestroyed, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz told U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Many of those subterranean routes reportedly run on both sides of the yellow line, meaning some lie inside zones currently under IDF control as well as inside Gaza.

The same coverage said one of the remaining tunnels was the route used by the militants who killed two IDF soldiers during last week’s Rafah operation. Taken together, the figures imply that, across the past two years, Israeli efforts have eliminated under 40% of the tunnel network.

In his conversation with Vice President Vance, Katz emphasized the strategic priority: “The destruction of the tunnels is the most important joint mission in the demilitarization of Gaza, in accordance with the Trump plan, and preparations must be made to carry it out.”

He added a broader objective: “We must bring back all the hostages and fallen, eliminate all the tunnels, take the weapons from Hamas, and ensure it is not a governing force in Gaza.”

A German manufacturer has turned this week’s Paris art heist into an unexpected marketing moment.

The company behind the furniture elevator used by the thieves in the dramatic Oct. 19 Louvre robbery — in which priceless Napoleonic jewels valued at roughly $102.63 million were stolen — is now capitalizing on the global attention with a tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign.

Husband-and-wife team Alexander Böcker and Julia Scharwatz, who head Böcker Maschinenwerke in Werne, western Germany, immediately recognized the equipment featured in photos of the crime scene circulating worldwide. The lift, an Agilo model produced by their firm, had been used by the burglars to haul away their loot through a museum window.

Once they confirmed that no one had been injured in the theft, the couple decided to seize the publicity opportunity. They purchased the rights to one of the now-famous images and published an ad the following day, Oct. 20. The campaign slogan read: “When you’re in a hurry, the Böcker Agilo carries your heavy treasures.”

Böcker told The New York Times that the company had no plans to actively promote the ad in France, but the reaction elsewhere was immediate. Speaking to Reuters, he said, “We have even had feedback from abroad saying, ‘Hey, you Germans do have a sense of humor after all.’”

Ironically, Böcker revealed that the Agilo elevator in question had itself been stolen — taken from a Paris-based company that had originally purchased it from Böcker Maschinenwerke in 2020.

The daring heist, which has left France reeling, continues to dominate headlines — and now, inadvertently, serves as an unorthodox showcase for German engineering and gallows humor.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that trade discussions with Canada have been suspended following outrage over a Canadian political advertisement that featured a manipulated recording of late President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The video, Trump said, was a “fraudulent” distortion of Reagan’s words.

“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” Trump declared on Truth Social.

Earlier this year, Trump had imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, leading to retaliatory measures from Ottawa. Despite that, both governments had continued working toward a deal addressing the metals sectors — until the controversy over the advertisement brought talks to an abrupt end.

The ad, released by Ontario’s provincial government more than a week ago, was designed to criticize protectionist trade policies. It featured Reagan’s voice saying tariffs trigger “trade wars and economic disaster.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford later confirmed that the clip had drawn Trump’s attention. “I heard that the president heard our ad. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy,” Ford said Tuesday.

The advertisement used segments from Reagan’s 1987 Presidential Radio Address, editing and rearranging several sentences to create a message opposing tariffs. “When someone says, Let’s impose tariffs on foreign imports, it looks like they’re doing the patriotic thing by protecting American products and jobs,” Reagan says in the clip. “And sometimes for a short while it works — but only for a short time.”

He continues in the same recording, warning that “over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer,” and that trade wars make “markets shrink and collapse; businesses and industries shut down; and millions of people lose their jobs.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation quickly objected to the ad, calling it a distortion of Reagan’s message. “The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address [by Reagan in 1987], and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks,” the foundation said in a statement, adding that it was exploring legal options.

According to the foundation, the video spliced together five complete sentences from the five-minute address but presented them out of context. Reagan’s speech, they noted, was actually meant to defend temporary tariffs his administration had placed on Japanese imports, calling them an unfortunate but necessary exception to his broader support for free trade.

While the Canadian federal government did not issue an immediate response, the controversy quickly escalated into a diplomatic headache.

Trump, a staunch defender of his tariff policy, has described tariffs as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary” and has repeatedly used them as leverage in global trade negotiations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed reporters Thursday, saying that Canada “will not allow unfair U.S. access” to its domestic markets if negotiations on various trade agreements falter.

The timing of the dispute is particularly sensitive. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are scheduled to review their 2020 continental free trade pact next year — a process that could be overshadowed by the latest breakdown in trust between Washington and Ottawa.

{Matzav.com}

Chelsea Clinton has come out swinging against President Donald Trump’s plans for a massive renovation of the White House, accusing him of transforming the historic building into what she called a personal monument rather than preserving it as a national treasure.

In a USA Today opinion piece headlined “Trump is Wrecking the People’s House,” Clinton denounced the project — a $250 million privately funded overhaul that includes replacing part of the East Wing with a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. “What was dismantled today isn’t just marble or plaster,” she wrote. “It is a reflection of how easily history can be erased when power forgets purpose.”

Clinton described her criticism as rooted in respect for tradition and civic duty, noting her own years growing up in the White House during her father Bill Clinton’s presidency. “Although I spent many of my formative years living in the White House, I always knew it wasn’t my house,” she wrote. “It was my home, absolutely, but not my house. The White House belongs to the American people.”

She contrasted Trump’s plans with those of earlier presidents who made renovations with historical sensitivity. “When Mrs. Kennedy restored and renovated the White House, she did so with historians, landscape architects and preservation experts,” Clinton said. “It is unsettling that such substantial alterations to the 225-year-old People’s House are being undertaken without a historic-preservation review and seemingly without the involvement of any historians.”

According to the Trump administration, the new ballroom will be completed in time for America’s 250th anniversary next year. Officials say the gold-trimmed space, designed to accommodate 650 guests, will feature bulletproof glass and cutting-edge broadcast equipment. Aides insist the expansion “will not interfere with the building’s original design.”

Clinton, however, called the project a symbol of what she described as the administration’s “disregard for history.” She accused Trump’s team of erasing cultural and historical references from government resources. “Our greatness doesn’t come because we ignore our history,” she wrote, “it comes because we acknowledge it, we learn from it and build a better future on it.”

Her essay also cited examples of what she views as cultural neglect under Trump, including the “censoring of museum exhibits” and the removal of content about women’s and LGBTQ history from federal websites. She charged that the White House renovation was part of the same pattern — “taking a wrecking ball to our heritage.”

Not everyone agreed with her critique. Social media users quickly mocked Clinton for what they saw as hypocrisy, given her own family’s history with the presidential residence. “You might want to sit this one out, Chelsea,” one user on X wrote. “…your mom ripped off the furniture and fine china when she left.”

Another user fired back, saying Clinton’s outrage was misplaced: “You should really rethink this post. Your parents did renovations all over the White House and used private funds to do so. The history of presidents leaving their make on the White House is long and available online in the public archives. Please stop treating the American people like we are dumb.”

{Matzav.com}

After months of speculation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially threw his support behind Zohran Mamdani’s bid for New York City mayor, ending the suspense surrounding his long-delayed decision.

The Brooklyn lawmaker, in a statement given to the New York Times, said that while he and Mamdani share “areas of principled disagreement,” unity within the Democratic Party was essential when facing what he called the “existential” threat posed by President Trump.

“Zohran Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy,” Jeffries wrote in his endorsement statement.

Jeffries’ backing arrived just under two weeks before the November 4 election. The move followed months of hesitation by national Democratic figures to embrace the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, whose surprise primary win in June sent shockwaves through the party establishment.

Hints that Jeffries’ stance was shifting came Thursday during an appearance on the Rev. Al Sharpton’s radio program Keepin’ It Real. Jeffries told Sharpton that his endorsement would “likely come Friday,” saying, “I do hope to talk to the Democratic nominee either late today or tomorrow, in advance of early voting.”

He went on to praise Mamdani’s decision to reappoint NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, calling it “a positive step in the right direction.” Jeffries explained that keeping Tisch signaled a balanced approach: “while he is going to of course focus on affordability — and that is the number one concern of the people in the communities I represent.”

Speaking later with Bloomberg Television, Jeffries expanded on his praise, describing Mamdani’s intention to keep Tisch, whose leadership of the NYPD has been widely commended, as “a strong step toward community trust and public safety.”

“Zohran has demonstrated a real partnership with local communities and a willingness to work with all New Yorkers to make the city more affordable and inclusive,” Jeffries added.

Throughout the campaign, Jeffries, known for his pragmatic style and centrist instincts, maintained open lines of communication with Mamdani, focusing on affordability and housing policy.

Sharpton, who appeared with Mamdani at a rally in Harlem earlier this year, has lauded the candidate publicly but has not yet issued a formal endorsement. When Mamdani’s opponent, Andrew Cuomo, met with Sharpton in September, rumors swirled that the meeting was meant to secure Sharpton’s backing.

Cuomo did, however, gain a nod from Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday. Governor Kathy Hochul, who initially withheld her endorsement after Mamdani’s primary upset, followed a trajectory similar to Jeffries’ — ultimately announcing her support in a New York Times op-ed last month.

“We’ve had our disagreements,” Hochul wrote, acknowledging divisions over taxation and fiscal policy, while emphasizing shared priorities such as making New York “more affordable and safe.”

Her endorsement, which came after months of conversations with Mamdani, was seen as a breakthrough moment that helped close ranks between the party’s establishment and its progressive wing. It also underscored the growing legitimacy of the Democratic Socialist’s candidacy within the broader party coalition.

Still, some influential Democrats remain silent. Among them is U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has yet to publicly endorse Mamdani, leaving a few final pieces of the party’s unity puzzle unresolved as Election Day approaches.

{Matzav.com}

At a recent gathering marking the yahrzeit of the Chasam Sofer, leading posek Rav Shmuel Eliezer Stern delivered a forceful address condemning the growing trend of antiquities dealers who cut apart holy manuscripts for profit.

The rov, known as one of the foremost transmitters of the Chasam Sofer’s teachings, decried those who have taken the great tzaddik‘s original writings and sliced them into separate pages to sell individually at exorbitant prices. “Lo yinakeh mi she’asah es zeh — one who committed such a wrong will not be absolved,” Rav Stern declared, warning that “certainly, the Chasam Sofer, z’chuso yagen aleinu, is greatly pained and offended by this.”

To illustrate the magnitude of the desecration, Rav Stern offered a powerful analogy: “Imagine if someone were to take the Sefer Torah of the holy Baal Shem Tov, z’chuso yagen aleinu, and cut it into pieces just to earn a few more dollars.”

At Israel’s Civil Military Coordination Center, Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the complex and addressed reporters, describing it as “an impressive place” that represents a critical step forward. “This is the journey to get through the 21-point plan. I am here to get an understanding of the needs. We are starting to see more of the US military presence. A lot of progress is being made,” he said, noting the growing American role in ensuring stability and coordination on the ground.

Rubio emphasized that the task remains far from complete, warning that “on the other side of the yellow line there is still a terrorist group that is brutalizing Palestinians.” He urged global partners not to allow obstacles to stall progress. “In addition to that, we have to focus on points that shouldn’t derail the entire process. We have to coordinate between many organizations around the world. This is a massive undertaking,” he said.

He stressed the need to build a sustainable structure for the future, explaining that “behind the yellow line, the areas are safe, secure. We have to ensure an international force, we have to see what it will look like, we have to get the right international mandate, to ensure that that entity can exist, is funded. Then is the rebuilding, so that we will never see again October 7th. That’s a longer term plan. But before we can get to that goal we have to ensure that we secure a ceasefire, while creating conditions to provide stabilization in the area.”

Rubio reiterated that American support for Israel remains unwavering. “We are very committed to Israel’s security. We want to ensure that there is no Gaza that is a risk to Israel. We want people to live in Gaza without Hamas, so that they won’t be terrorized by Hamas.”

He outlined Washington’s expectations of Hamas under the ceasefire framework. “Hamas will be fully demilitarized. That is the agreement they signed on. We don’t want to see any threats coming out against Israel from the areas where Hamas is still in control.”

Turning to the ongoing hostage arrangements, Rubio said, “Israel should have received all its live and dead hostages within 72 hours – we are going to ensure that this is going to happen. If not it’s a breach of the agreement.” He added that every country involved in the talks agrees that “Hamas has to commit to its side of the agreement.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he said, “There are still terrorists in Gaza, behind that yellow line. This is a long-term plan. The progress that has been made in 14 days, there is nothing to compare this to. This is very difficult, but will be something historic. It will change Israel’s security. There are going to be bumps along the road, but we are committed to making it work.”

Rubio also confirmed that discussions continue regarding the creation of an international task force to operate in Gaza. “I will not reveal the list, but there are many countries that want to take part,” he said. However, he cautioned that much remains unresolved: “Many gaps must be closed, such as what the mandate of the force is, what its authority is, who will be responsible for it and what are its sources of funding.” He underscored that any such multinational force “must be one that is acceptable to Israel.”

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Once derided as an embarrassment, New York’s LaGuardia Airport has now claimed the title of America’s best airport. The stunning turnaround was made official in Forbes Travel Guide’s second annual Verified Air Travel Awards, which spotlighted excellence in air travel across multiple categories.

The awards recognized 18 winners spanning first- and business-class cabins, airport lounges, and dining experiences. For the second year running, LaGuardia took home the crown for Best U.S. Airport — a remarkable achievement for a facility that President Biden once compared to “some third-world country.”

Nearly $8 billion in renovations have transformed the Queens travel hub into a modern showpiece. The Forbes report praised the airport for its “spacious gate areas, state-of-the-art architecture and food from New York culinary institutions,” highlighting local favorites like H&H Bagels and Junior’s.

The accolades didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, the Skytrax rankings also declared LaGuardia the Best Airport in North America for 2025, calling it the top choice for domestic and short-haul international travel.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton reflected on the transformation with pride. “A decade ago, the suggestion that LaGuardia Airport would one day be recognized on the world stage as the best regional airport in North America would have been laughable,” he said. “But the Port Authority and our private partners have built what we promised – a world-class airport, with inspiring architecture, public art, iconic concessions and state-of-the-art technology that has propelled LaGuardia from worst to best in the nation in the eyes of the critics and passengers alike.”

While LaGuardia celebrated its national victory, Singapore’s Changi Airport once again reigned supreme globally, taking home the award for Best International Airport. The travel hub’s unmatched amenities include a 10-story shopping complex, multiple indoor gardens, a butterfly sanctuary, a rooftop swimming pool, a museum, a 24-hour movie theater, a dinosaur-themed park, and the breathtaking Rain Vortex — the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet, standing at 130 feet.

For the airline categories, Emirates was named Best International Airline, while Delta Air Lines captured the title of Best U.S. Airline for the second consecutive year.

Delta had a particularly strong showing, earning five 2025 Verified Air Travel Awards — more than any other carrier. The Atlanta-based airline, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, was also recognized for Best U.S. First Class for its A321neo recliners and for Best U.S. Business Class through its Delta One service.

Passengers flying Delta One enjoy exclusive access to the Delta One Lounge, and its flagship location at JFK International Airport was singled out as the Best U.S. Airline Lounge.

Opened in 2024, the JFK Delta One Lounge is a sprawling, upscale retreat offering full-body massage chairs, fine dining options, private shower suites with robes and slippers, and soundproof work pods — setting a new standard for premium travel comfort.

Capping its list of achievements, Delta was also awarded Best Airline App for its seamless interface that offers real-time flight updates, personalized notifications, luggage tracking, and easy access to global upgrade certificates — reinforcing its place as the standout U.S. airline of 2025.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. national debt has soared to a staggering new high, crossing the $38 trillion threshold for the first time — a grim reminder of Washington’s relentless borrowing spree. Treasury Department figures released Wednesday put the total at $38,019,813,354,700.26 as of October 21.

It marks yet another rapid climb, with the country adding another trillion dollars in debt just two months after breaching the $37 trillion mark in mid-August, and less than a year since it first crossed $36 trillion last December. The speed of the increase highlights a troubling trend: America’s debt is ballooning at a rate never before seen in peacetime.

Much of the surge stems from demographic pressures. As America’s population ages, spending on Social Security and Medicare continues to climb, driving entitlement costs ever higher.

But it’s not only social programs fueling the problem. A growing share of federal spending now goes toward servicing the debt itself. Higher interest rates — imposed by the Federal Reserve to tame inflation — have made borrowing dramatically more expensive, creating a feedback loop that compounds the problem.

Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, told FOX Business that “reaching $38 trillion in debt during a government shutdown is the latest troubling sign that lawmakers are not meeting their basic fiscal duties.”

He added that the pace of borrowing is accelerating beyond historical norms. “If it seems like we are adding debt faster than ever, that’s because we are. We passed $37 trillion just two months ago, and the pace we’re on is twice as fast as the rate of growth since 2000.”

Peterson warned that the exploding cost of interest payments is draining resources that could otherwise be used for public investment. He noted that over the past decade, interest expenses cost the U.S. about $4 trillion — a figure projected to skyrocket to $14 trillion in the next ten years. Those mounting costs, he said, “crowd out important public and private investments in our future, harming the economy for every American.”

In the fiscal year that ended on September 30, the federal deficit hit roughly $1.8 trillion. Analysts expect that figure to worsen as entitlement spending and debt-servicing obligations continue to expand.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that by 2035, debt held by the public — the metric economists often use to gauge fiscal health — will surge from around 100% of GDP in 2025 to about 120% of GDP. Over that same period, annual deficits are forecast to reach $2.6 trillion, with a staggering $22.7 trillion added to the national debt over the next decade.

A major factor driving those deficits is the steep rise in interest payments. The CBO estimates that net interest costs will climb from $1 trillion this year to $1.8 trillion by 2035.

By then, total federal spending is projected to reach $88 trillion — about 23.6% of the nation’s GDP — while revenue will hover around $65 trillion, or 17.5% of GDP. That spending level is far above the 50-year average of 21.1% of GDP, while revenue is only slightly above its long-term norm of 17.3%, reflecting a widening gap between what Washington takes in and what it continues to spend.

{Matzav.com}

A sweeping surge of cold air from Canada is set to plunge much of the central and eastern United States into an early taste of winter, with more than 50 million Americans expected to face frost and freeze alerts. Meteorologists warn that the deep chill could bring temperatures as low as the 20s in some regions this morning.

FOX Weather meteorologist Dylan DeBruyn explained to The New York Post that the sweeping freeze warnings will stretch from southern Minnesota all the way to central New Jersey. “Frost and freeze alerts are posted for over 50 million Americans, who could see frosty conditions on Friday morning,” he said.

The cause of the frigid plunge, DeBruyn noted, is a powerful front sweeping down from the north. “A powerful cold front is allowing cool Canadian air to filter in behind it. Temperatures will drop 5–10 degrees below average and could drop below freezing into Friday morning,” he said.

He added that calm winds and cloudless skies will make conditions ripe for frost to settle overnight. “The drop below freezing, coupled with calm winds & clear skies, will allow frost to develop,” DeBruyn said.

In New Jersey, the National Weather Service has issued frost advisories for nine counties, including western Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Burlington, Ocean, Cumberland, and Atlantic, where temperatures are expected to dip into the mid- to upper 30s by dawn, according to NJ.com.

Such plunging temperatures mark the likely close of the growing season across much of the affected region, as frost and freezing conditions can destroy crops and harm sensitive plants.

While the cold front will touch much of the East, New York City itself will be spared any official frost warnings. Even so, the city will feel the chill as the mercury falls heading into the weekend. “While New York City is not included in any alerts, lows into Friday and Saturday morning will be in the mid-40s,” DeBruyn added.

Weather experts note that the first frost in the city usually doesn’t arrive until around mid-November—meaning this cold snap, though brief, is arriving weeks ahead of schedule.

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FBI Director Kash Patel delivered a fiery response to ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith’s claim that President Trump was behind the arrests of NBA stars and coaches involved in an illegal betting network. Speaking on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Patel mocked Smith’s theory, saying, “I’m the FBI director. I decide which arrest to conduct and which not to conduct.”

Patel went on to blast the sports analyst’s comments as utterly ridiculous. “That may be the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard out of anyone in modern history. And I live most of my time in Washington, DC,” he said, visibly exasperated.

He didn’t stop there, drawing a comparison to one of his least favorite political figures. “It’s right up there with Adam Schiff. We arrest people for crimes,” Patel added, rejecting the notion that the FBI’s actions were politically motivated.

The controversy erupted after Patel announced a massive federal operation earlier that day. More than 30 individuals — a mix of NBA figures and members of several notorious Mafia families — were arrested in what authorities described as one of the most significant gambling busts in years.

The investigation revealed that coaches and players from the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors were tied to the betting ring. Portland’s head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones were among those indicted. Officials said the operation pulled in more than $7 million in illicit profits over two years.

Smith, reacting on his ESPN show First Take, suggested the crackdown was politically timed. “Tell me when we’ve seen that … We’ve seen accusations before. We’ve seen athletes get in trouble with the law before. You don’t see the director of the FBI having a press conference. It’s not coincidental. It’s not an accident. It’s a statement, and it’s a warning that more is coming,” Smith said.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he continued. “It’s very concerning. We don’t know where this is gonna go. But everybody better brace themselves, because he’s coming,” Smith added, alluding to Trump.

The outspoken host went even further, speculating that the administration could extend its reach to other areas of pop culture and sports.

Patel, dismissing the theory as baseless political theater, emphasized that the arrests were driven by evidence and law enforcement priorities, not politics. “We arrest people for crimes,” he repeated, underscoring that the FBI operates independently — no matter who occupies the Oval Office.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump signaled he is weighing whether to urge Israel to free arch Palestinian terrorist murderer Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Fatah thug regarded by many Palestinians as their most unifying political figure.

The move would represent a major shift as Washington explores options for a new leadership structure in Gaza after the war.

In an interview released Thursday, Trump acknowledged that Barghouti’s case had come up in internal talks among his aides. “I was literally being confronted with that question about 15 minutes before you called,” he told TIME Magazine when asked about the idea. “So I’ll be making a decision.”

The White House declined to offer any comment regarding Trump’s contemplation of the matter. His acknowledgment of the ongoing discussions highlights the immense challenge facing U.S. and Israeli policymakers as they seek a credible authority to govern Gaza once Hamas is removed.

Barghouti’s name has long loomed large in Palestinian politics, but Israel has refused to consider his release. He was notably excluded from this month’s Gaza ceasefire prisoner exchange, even though Hamas negotiators reportedly pressed for his inclusion.

Israel considers Barghouti a terrorist responsible for orchestrating deadly attacks. Convicted in 2004 for involvement in assaults that left five Israelis dead, he is currently serving multiple life terms.

Yet, for many Palestinians, Barghouti’s imprisonment has only elevated his stature. Supporters describe him as a pragmatic nationalist who, while endorsing armed resistance at times, also promoted the vision of two states living side by side. His admirers liken him to Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon who rose from incarceration to lead South Africa.

Now 66, Barghouti remains one of the rare figures commanding respect across the fragmented Palestinian political spectrum. With Mahmoud Abbas aging and deeply unpopular, polls routinely show terrorist Barghouti as the leading choice to succeed him as head of the Palestinian Authority.

Before his arrest, the sickening terrorist led Fatah’s operations in the West Bank during the second intifada. Israel accused him of directing the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a coalition of Fatah-linked militants that carried out numerous deadly attacks.

Though he never confirmed or denied ties to the Brigades, Barghouti often defended the Palestinians’ right to resist amid expanding settlements and military crackdowns. He simultaneously spoke of his desire for a peaceful resolution and a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.

When captured by Israel, Barghouti refused to defend himself in court, declaring that he did not recognize its authority. He was convicted on multiple counts of murder tied to attacks by the Brigades and sentenced to five life terms, though acquitted on several other charges.

The latest prisoner release under the ceasefire deal primarily freed Hamas and Fatah members jailed since the 2000s, many serving time for deadly assaults or attempted attacks on Israelis. Most were subsequently sent either to Gaza or into exile abroad after regaining their freedom.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu pushed back against claims that the United States dictates Israel’s actions, declaring that Israel remains a sovereign nation in full control of its decisions.

His comments came after President Donald Trump told TIME Magazine that Israel would not move forward with applying sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, warning, “Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened.”

“I deeply, deeply appreciate President Trump’s support – both for the wartime operations, for my decision to enter Gaza City, and for his mobilization of the Arab world to help bring back our hostages through our military pressure and his diplomatic pressure,” Netanyahu said in response to a question from Channel 12 News.

The prime minister went on to describe the joint efforts between Israel and Washington, noting the success of recent operations. “We brought back 20 hostages alive, something no one believed would happen. Now, in the framework we’re advancing – including tonight’s conversation with Marco Rubio, and earlier with Vice President Vance – we’re working to promote the goals of demilitarizing Gaza and disarming Hamas, along with other matters important to us. That’s what matters. The cooperation between us, between partners, is a blessing for the State of Israel. We are an independent country,” he emphasized.

The exchange followed a contentious Knesset session on Wednesday, during which lawmakers approved in a preliminary reading two bills proposing the application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu’s office quickly distanced the government from the move, asserting that “the Knesset vote on annexation was a deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Israel.”

According to the statement, both pieces of legislation were introduced by opposition Knesset members, not by members of the governing coalition.

Vice President JD Vance reacted sharply to the developments as he boarded Air Force Two to leave Israel, calling the vote “weird” and expressing bewilderment over the timing. He told reporters that he had been informed the move was “symbolic” and merely a “political stunt.” In his words, “If it was a political stunt, then it was a stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it.”

Vance made clear that Washington’s position remains unchanged, stating, “The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy.”

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that an unnamed benefactor had stepped forward with a stunning act of generosity — donating $130 million to the federal government to make up for the gap in military pay caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting that the donation came after a personal phone call from the contributor. “He called us the other day and he said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown. I’d like to contribute, personally, contribute any shortfall you have with the military, because I love the military and I love the country, and any shortfall, if there’s a shortfall, I’ll contribute it,’” Trump said.

According to the president, the donor wanted no recognition or fanfare. “He doesn’t really want the recognition, if you want to know the truth, but he gave us a check for $130 million, which was sort of a shortfall, and that’s going to go to the military,” Trump added.

The revelation immediately set off a wave of speculation online as users tried to piece together who the anonymous patriot might be. Trump offered only two clues: the donor was a personal friend of his and preferred to remain unnamed. That didn’t stop the internet from guessing.

One of the most frequently mentioned possibilities was Elon Musk. With a net worth approaching $500 billion, observers noted that a $130 million gift would barely make a dent in the X founder’s fortune. “According to President Trump, an anonymous billionaire sent a $130 million check to pay off our troops during the Schumer Shutdown. What’s the odds it was Elon?” one X user asked.

Others joined in the guessing game. “Who do you think paid donated $130,000,000 to pay the salary shortfall for the military? I say it was Elon,” another wrote, while someone else posted, “Was it Elon Musk who donated $130 million dollars due to the shutdown?”

Grok, responding to the speculation, weighed in with an analysis: “Elon Musk is the most likely candidate, having funneled over $130 million into pro-Trump efforts via PACs while vocally prioritizing U.S. military and space dominance. His close ties to Trump and aversion to some spotlight align with the anonymity request. Other possibilities like Jared Isaacman exist, but Musk’s scale and patriotism make him the prime fit.”

Still, others thought the credit might go to another billionaire — Jared Isaacman, the founder and CEO of Shift4. With a net worth of roughly $1.3 billion, Isaacman certainly had the means. Grok commented on this theory as well, saying, “Yes, Jared Isaacman (aka rookisaacman) is a billionaire. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3 billion as of late October 2025, primarily from founding Shift4 Payments. A $130 million donation would represent roughly 10% of that, which is substantial but feasible for someone of his wealth who’s already funded private space missions.”

Not everyone believed the donor was a third party. Some even floated the idea that Trump himself might have made the donation. Independent journalist Nick Sortor, who broke the story, wrote, “Wouldn’t surprise me! He’s got a history of doing things like this without mentioning it publicly.” Still, since Trump described the donor as “a friend,” many dismissed that theory.

As of now, the donor’s identity remains a mystery. The names circulating — Musk, Isaacman, or even Trump himself — are purely speculative. What’s certain is that someone quietly stepped in with $130 million to keep America’s troops paid during a political standoff in Washington.