Matzav

Today is the eleventh anniversary of the massacre in Har Nof, in which five of the neighborhood’s residents were killed.

Eleven years ago, in the middle of Shacharis on the morning of the 25th of Cheshvon, two terrorists armed with guns, an ax and a butcher’s knife entered Kehillas Bnei Torah in Har Nof and began to attack the mispallelim. Rav Moshe Twersky, Rav Aryeh Kupinsky, Rav Kalman Zev Levine, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, and Rabbi Yechiel Chaim Rotman were killed.

Hashem yikom domom.

{Matzav.com Israel}

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R’ Boruch Sholom Kahan z”l, a distinguished Chabad chossid known for his lifelong devotion to Torah and avodah, was niftar at the age of 91.

Born in Kharkov in 5694, he grew up in a home steeped in mesirus nefesh. His family’s unwavering faith under Soviet oppression shaped his character from the youngest age. When he was just two, they settled in Tel Aviv, where he was among the early students of the pioneering Chabad schools that were emerging at the time. There, he absorbed the chassidishe warmth and fiery inspiration of mashpi’im such as Reb Chaim Shaul Brook, Reb Shlomo Chaim Kesselman, and Reb Zalman Moshe Hayitzchaki.

A first cousin of Rav Yoel Kahn, the renowned choizer, R’ Boruch Sholom shared with him the same deep commitment to preserving and transmitting Chassidus. That dedication would define his life’s mission.

In 5717, braving the harsh winter seas, he undertook a difficult voyage to America to meet the Rebbe. That journey marked the start of a lifelong bond — filled with yechidusen, personal guidance, and profound exposure to the Rebbe’s formative years of leadership.

Gifted with a mastery of the typewriter he had learned as a young bochur, R’ Boruch Sholom became instrumental in preparing the weekly edited sichos that formed the foundation of Likkutei Sichos. His precise transcriptions captured the Rebbe’s words with clarity and faithfulness, preserving them for generations to come.

He also safeguarded rare reshimos of the Frierdiker Rebbe and created transcripts and recordings that remain invaluable today. His discreet recording of Purim 5718 preserved the opening hours of that farbrengen—material that, remarkably, the Rebbe later requested to hear.

In 5720, he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, to serve as a shochet. Years later, in 5736, he joined the plastic factory of Reb Dovid Deitsch, where he worked with diligence and integrity. Throughout those years, his passion for mivtzoim never waned.

R’ Boruch Sholom became one of the earliest pioneers of mitzvah tanks outside New York, spreading Yiddishkeit with energy and joy. His work on college campuses, particularly at Yale University, left an enduring impact—bringing Jewish identity and pride to countless students, many of whom eventually returned to a life of Torah and mitzvos.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Devorah, and their daughter, Mrs. Sara Dubov of Wimbledon, England, along with grandchildren who continue his legacy of light and dedication.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A stroke of Hashgocha in Georgia has turned one ticket holder into a multimillionaire overnight. The Georgia Lottery confirmed that a single ticket sold in the state matched every number in Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing, claiming an eye-popping estimated $980 million prize — the eighth largest jackpot since the game began.

The winning numbers drawn on November 14 were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, along with the gold Mega Ball 7. “After growing since the end of June, the Mega Millions jackpot was won for just the fifth time this year on Friday night. A single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers in the November 14 drawing – the white balls 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57, plus the gold Mega Ball 7 – to win the estimated $980 million prize ($452.2 million cash),” the lottery said.

This remarkable win breaks records for the month. “It’s by far the largest prize ever won in the month of November, and the eighth largest jackpot in the history of the game,” officials announced. They added that “in the 40 drawings since the jackpot was last won at $348 million in Virginia on June 27 — the most drawings in a single jackpot run in the game’s history — there were almost 14.3 million winning tickets at all prize levels.”

The last Mega Millions windfall of a similar magnitude occurred nearly a year ago, in December 2024, when a California participant claimed an even larger $1.269 billion payout. Despite the new Georgia win, the all-time record still belongs to Florida’s August 2023 jackpot of $1.602 billion.

In addition to the grand prize, plenty of others cashed in as well. “With the new greatly-enhanced prize values, total non-jackpot prizes won were nearly $343.4 million,” the lottery said, noting that “these include 21 second-tier prizes of $2 million or more (won in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia).”

The massive prize was fueled by a structural change to the game earlier this year. In April, Mega Millions raised the ticket price from $2 to $5, a move that lottery officials said would allow jackpots to “grow more rapidly” and increase the starting prize from $20 million to $50 million. The result was the quickest jackpot escalation in years.

Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, said this win highlights the impact of the new system. “$980 million is the largest jackpot that’s been won since the Mega Millions game changed back in April,” Johnston stated.

Governor Kathy Hochul is considering increasing New York’s corporate tax rate to help bankroll Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s sweeping socialist platform, according to new reports. The proposal, still in its early stages, would represent a major policy shift for the governor, who has long promised not to target the state’s wealthiest residents with new taxes.

Politico reported that Hochul has begun discussing the possibility of generating new revenue by raising corporate taxes, a move that could help close New York’s looming $4 billion budget deficit for next year. Bloomberg added that the measure could also fund some of Mamdani’s ambitious citywide initiatives once he takes office.

The two Democrats met Thursday to discuss shared policy priorities, including their goal of establishing universal childcare across the state. The meeting underscored Hochul’s willingness to engage with Mamdani’s progressive agenda, despite her previous resistance to tax hikes demanded by the party’s far-left wing.

If implemented, the proposal would mark a notable break from Hochul’s repeated assurances that she would not raise taxes. “The last thing on my mind” is increasing taxes, her budget director Blake Washington said earlier this week, asserting that “New York was in a good spot financially.” However, with federal aid expected to decline in the coming years, the state faces growing pressure to find new sources of income.

Mamdani has made no secret of his intention to raise the corporate tax rate from 7.5% to 11.5%, aligning it with New Jersey’s rate — currently the highest in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation. Critics warn that such a move would effectively push New York City’s overall business tax burden even higher, since companies already pay multiple local levies.

The mayor-elect insists the tax increase is essential to support his $10 billion package of campaign promises, including free public buses, universal childcare, and the creation of a new Department of Community Safety. Supporters frame the plan as a bold step toward social equity; opponents call it reckless and economically destructive.

Republicans wasted no time pouncing on the reports. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman blasted the idea, saying, “Kathy Hochul’s failed policies have already pushed businesses and residents out of New York for years. With Zohran Mamdani now steering the direction of this one-party controlled state, it’s clear the Governor is prepared to raise taxes even higher — forcing New York businesses to pay far more than competitors in states like Florida, New Jersey, and Texas.”

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik echoed that sentiment on social media, accusing Hochul of caving to the far left. “[Hochul] will bend the knee to the Socialists who will extract another tax hike out of her,” she wrote, adding that the governor is “weak, inept, and destroying New York’s economy.”

Political strategists expect such attacks to intensify as Hochul heads toward what could be a bruising 2026 re-election campaign. Her public support for Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, has already drawn fire from moderates and conservatives alike.

Meanwhile, both the state and city are staring down significant financial challenges. New York City alone faces a shortfall exceeding $5 billion in the next fiscal year, compounding the difficulties Mamdani will face in implementing his costly proposals. Business groups warn that new taxes could accelerate the exodus of employers and investors already fleeing to lower-tax states.

{Matzav.com}

Tucker Carlson ignited a storm Thursday when he accused the FBI of concealing information about the online behavior of Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump. The allegation quickly drew a sharp and public response from the bureau, sparking a fierce online confrontation.

On X, Carlson posted, “The FBI told us Thomas Crooks tried to kill Donald Trump last summer but somehow had no online footprint. The FBI lied, and we can prove it … Story tomorrow.” Within an hour, the FBI’s Rapid Response account fired back: “This FBI has never said Thomas Crooks had no online footprint. Ever.”

Carlson’s comments triggered immediate reactions from across the political spectrum. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., rallied behind him, declaring, “Americans are the most lied to people in the world … Thank you Tucker.” Talk show host Mark Levin was far less sympathetic, posting, “There he goes, again. Crackpot.”

The timing of Carlson’s accusation coincides with growing controversy surrounding him in conservative circles. He’s been under heavy criticism for his association with white nationalist and Holocaust-denier Nick Fuentes, and his show’s sponsorship has reportedly prompted internal turmoil at the Heritage Foundation, which has lost donors, trustees, and members in recent weeks.

Carlson’s charge of a “cover-up” contradicts the FBI’s publicly available findings about Crooks, a 20-year-old shooter whose extensive online activity has been documented for months. During congressional testimony, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate said that investigators identified a social media account Crooks used between 2019 and 2020, which contained about 700 posts reflecting extremist ideology, including antisemitic remarks, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and calls for political violence.

Investigators also uncovered that Crooks’ online searches intensified in the days before the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During that attack, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and volunteer fire chief Corey Comperator, 50, was killed. Police fatally shot Crooks at the scene.

Authorities say Crooks scoured the internet for information about explosives, Trump’s appearances, and even historic assassinations, searching “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” in reference to John F. Kennedy’s 1963 murder.

CBS News later obtained nearly a year’s worth of Crooks’ digital activity from his college’s Wi-Fi network, uncovering extensive records of visits to news outlets, encrypted messaging apps, gun forums, gaming sites, and social platforms—evidence of a robust and well-documented online presence.

Their analysis highlighted two key dates: on December 6, 2023, Crooks accessed the White House archives from Trump’s presidency before visiting firearm websites and major news pages; then, on January 24, 2024, he made over 1,300 online requests in one day and began consistently using a VPN to hide his activity.

NBC News confirmed similar findings, reporting that Crooks’ fascination with weapons surged in his final year. He legally purchased a rifle from his father in 2023, joined the Clairton Sportsmen’s Club, and made more than 40 trips to the range. He also escalated his use of encryption software to mask his digital footprint.

All of these verified records directly refute Carlson’s assertion that the FBI ever claimed Crooks “had no online footprint.”

{Matzav.com}

The websites of the cities of Houston, Texas, and Jackson, Miss., return three pages each that redirect to a website titled “Why are Jews so successful in business?”

The page to which the cities’ official websites redirect, and which lacks a government URL suffix, appears to be written by artificial intelligence.

“Mastering new skills should be both efficient and enjoyable, and that is exactly what Why Are Jews So Successful In Business was designed for,” the page states.

“Each reader begins from a different starting point, so Why Are Jews So Successful In Business accommodates all experience levels,” it adds.

Mary Benton, chief of communications and senior adviser to Houston Mayor John Whitmire, told JNS on Thursday that the city’s information technology team “has spent the past few days investigating this matter.”

“From what we can gather, doing a regular Google search, not the one specific to the city of Houston home page, it’s brightideas.houstontx.gov, which auto-redirects to a page independent of the city of Houston website,” she said.

“Steps have been taken to prevent the BrightIdeas page from auto-redirecting to the city of Houston website,” she told JNS.

Per the World Jewish Congress, assumptions have been made throughout history “about Jews and money, including that Jews are greedy global capitalists, wealthy communists, socialists and of course, that Jews unduly influence the world with their money.”

“These stereotypes have permeated cultures globally and are rooted in antisemitism,” the WJC said.

{Matzav.com}

Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, announced earlier in the week that he is running in New York’s 12th District, the seat held by retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.).

The former Vogue political correspondent, 31, who has more than 1.8 million followers across his social media platforms, has mocked Melania Trump, the U.S. first lady, and has expressed his love for the wife of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, claiming she is “hotter” than former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, his grandmother.

“I’m not running because I have all the answers to our problems,” he stated. “I’m running because the people of New York 12 do. I want to listen to your struggles, hear your stories, amplify your voice, go to Washington and execute on your behalf.”

Schlossberg also appeared to perform a Nazi salute several times in an Instagram video, which has since been deleted, the Washington Free Beacon reported. He also posted a recipe—also now deleted—calling for “Jew blood” among the ingredients.

Raised Catholic, Schlossberg has a Jewish father, the designer Edwin Schlossberg, and his mother is Caroline Kennedy, a former diplomat who is the daughter of the former president.

In a “who is Jack Schlossberg anyway” part of his campaign site, the candidate writes that he is “the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” and that “his paternal grandfather, Alfred Schlossberg, was also elected president … of his synagogue uptown and spent decades working in the garment business with an office in the Empire State Building.”

{Matzav.com}

Inna Vernikov, a Jewish member of the New York City Council who represents parts of Brooklyn, stated that she invited Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to visit New York City on Jan. 1—the inauguration of the mayoralty of Zohran Mamdani, who has said he would have the Israeli premier arrested should he come to the Big Apple.

In a letter dated Nov. 10, Vernikov wrote that it was a “great honor” to invite Netanyahu to the city to “meet with members of our community and to reaffirm the deep and enduring bond between the State of Israel and the people of New York City, home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.”

She decried the “irresponsible and frankly absurd statements made by mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has campaigned on the promise of ‘arresting’ you upon setting foot in our city.”

“Whether individuals agree or disagree with your policies, you are the duly elected prime minister of the State of Israel, a democratic nation that stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, western values, resilience and strength in a region surrounded by tyranny and terror,” the councilwoman wrote.”

Joseph Weiler, who holds several professorships at New York University School of Law, where he directs the Jean Monnet Center for International and Regional Economic Law and Justice, told JNS that heads of state and government have “absolute immunity” under international law, “even in the face of horrific crimes.”

Mamdani has said he would have Netanyahu arrested in response to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, a judicial body in The Hague, which is not part of the United Nations. The court operates under the Rome Statute, to which neither Israel nor the United States is a party.

States that are parties to the statute “are both under a duty and have the right to arrest even a head of state, since the general immunity is deemed to be waived, provided both parties—the arresting state and the head of state in question—are parties to the Rome Statute,” according to Weiler, a former president of European University Institute in Florence, Italy.

But since Washington isn’t a party, “the United States has neither the duty nor the right to arrest Netanyahu following an arrest warrant issued by the ICC,” Weiler said. “The only exception might be if the Security Council referred the case, but this is hypothetical because it has not, and will not in the face of an American veto.”

Marshall Wittmann, the AIPAC spokesman, told JNS that the International Criminal Court “has turned itself into a kangaroo court.”

“Its bogus arrest warrants against Israeli officials have no standing in the United States,” he said.

AIPAC supports legislation that Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced in September that would bar “state and local law enforcement officers from arresting foreign nationals within the United States solely on the basis of an indictment, warrant, or request issued by the International Criminal Court,” Wittmann said.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) led 20 fellow left-wing Democrats in a resolution to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” on Friday.

The non-binding resolution would “officially recognize that the State of Israel has committed the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza” and call for sanctions against the Jewish state.

“The Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza has not ended, and it will not end until we act,” stated Tlaib, an American of Palestinian descent. “Since the so-called ‘ceasefire’ was announced, Israeli forces haven’t stopped killing Palestinians.”

Co-sponsors of the resolution include some of Israel’s most vocal critics in the House and other prominent members of the progressive faction of the Democratic caucus, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).

Perhaps the most surprising co-sponsor was Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), whom AIPAC touted in May 2024 as the more pro-Israel candidate during her primary race in 2024 against the sister of Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), another co-sponsor of Friday’s resolution.

AIPAC’s super PAC put more than $2 million into helping Dexter during the race. (JNS sought comment from Dexter and AIPAC.)

More than 100 anti-Israel and left-wing advocacy groups, including anti-Israel Jewish groups, backed the resolution, among them American Muslims for Palestine, CodePink, Jewish Voice for Peace Action and Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. JNS

{Matzav.com}

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is calling on his massive online following to join a boycott of Starbucks, declaring solidarity with striking baristas across the United States. The move comes as the self-described socialist prepares to take office on a platform that includes free public buses, universal child care, and a citywide rent freeze.

“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract,” Mamdani wrote Thursday night on X. “While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee.”

His transition spokesperson, Dora Pekec, underscored his pro-labor stance, saying, “New Yorkers can absolutely expect the Mayor-elect to stand unequivocally with labor.”

The call to action came as Starbucks employees in more than two dozen cities walked off the job during “Red Cup Day,” one of the company’s most profitable annual promotions when customers receive free holiday-themed cups. Despite the strike, Starbucks reported that roughly 99.9% of its stores continued operating.

Starbucks Workers United, representing roughly 9,000 employees out of the company’s more than 200,000 baristas, said the walkout was necessary to push for fair contract negotiations. The group accused the coffee giant of dragging its feet and warned that the work stoppages could grow if progress remains stalled.

Starbucks has rejected those claims, maintaining that the union’s proposals are unrealistic and insisting it already provides generous pay and benefits. The company said it offers “the best job in retail,” citing an average hourly wage of $19—equivalent to more than $30 when factoring in healthcare, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.

This week’s strike marks the fourth national labor action organized by the union since 2023, and the third since CEO Brian Niccol assumed leadership in 2024. Although both sides appeared close to a deal earlier this year, negotiations collapsed soon after amid mutual accusations of bad faith.

Workers United says it has filed over 1,000 complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing Starbucks of retaliatory behavior such as firing union activists and closing stores that vote to organize. The NLRB itself has charged the company with anti-union tactics—allegations Starbucks firmly denies.

The current disruption echoes last year’s Red Cup Day, when similar strikes temporarily shuttered around 60 locations nationwide. That campaign drew attention to long-standing friction between management and employees demanding more influence in workplace decisions.

Under Niccol’s leadership, the company has tried to boost morale through small initiatives, including a widely mocked plan to purchase 200,000 Sharpies so employees could write friendly messages on coffee cups. Baristas quickly criticized the idea, saying the practice was time-consuming and risked being misinterpreted as flirting.

Adding to the tension, Starbucks has shuttered hundreds of locations in recent months, including 59 unionized stores, some with only days of notice. The sudden closures have caused confusion and outrage in New York City, where workers, local officials, and landlords were left scrambling in the aftermath.

{Matzav.com}

FOX Business’ Lauren Simonetti joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to give an inside look at IBM’s ‘Nighthawk Quantum’ computer that will redefine AI, energy and the global tech race.

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Just a typical Monday morning at the Ezreinu office:

9:02 

“Hello, Ezreinu!”

 “Hi! You sent us a volunteer last Sunday for my daughter? Basically, my sister who lives out-of-town invited us for the simcha she’s making this week. We just got a call from the family hosting us that our daughter can’t come along… Can you find someone to take her for Shabbos?” 

9:18

 Hi, My care manager told me about your organization. Do you know of someone who can do a thorough evaluation for my 8-year-old daughter? She’s really struggling in school and at home. We suspect she might have ASD or another undiagnosed issue. Not sure if we can afford someone private… About how much would an eval cost? Thanks, Reuven

 9:39 

“Hello, Ezreinu!” “Hi… Um… So I got your number from my neighbor. Maybe you can help…? No one else could. My son has learning and behavioral challenges. He was in Yeshivas Torah for elementary. It was okay, but high school’s been a nightmare… He started in a small mainstream place, but they couldn’t accommodate his needs. They dumped him in their self-contained class for kids with all kinds of struggles. He calls other boys in class “weirdos”. He’s miserable. He used to be the class leader; he has great social skills and had so many friends. Now, he feels like a nebach… I can’t watch my son suffer like this.” 

10:05

 “Hello, Ezreinu!” “Hi. My son’s been getting ABA after school for years, but the agency just informed us that they aren’t accepting his insurance anymore… They’ll continue to service him if I switch to a different insurance, but I don’t know where to begin the process, or if there’s something I should know that the agency isn’t telling me. And what if this change will affect his other services? I’m so confused. Can you help me figure this out?” 

Ezreinu, a support organization for families of children with special needs, is a one-stop-shop where parents can access much-needed respite volunteers and receive referrals for anything their child needs, including therapists, medical professionals, special ed program placement, and guidance navigating government services. Ezreinu keeps over 1,100 families afloat with their compassionate guidance and support – for free. To support Ezreinu’s essential work, click HERE.

Click HERE to Donate!

Anticipation is building across the Torah world as the distinguished Staten Island Rosh Yeshiva, Harav Reuven Feinstein, will headline the upcoming National Business Halacha Summit with a keynote address titled “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life.”

The Rosh Yeshiva, known for his profound clarity in Torah and practical insight into contemporary issues, will share timeless Torah perspectives on navigating the complexities of today’s business world.

The event will take place Monday and Tuesday, November 24–25, at The Westin in Lombard, Illinois. Following the keynote, participants will be treated to a special Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with Harav Feinstein and hear guidance on real-world halachic and ethical dilemmas in commerce, finance, and everyday business dealings.

The H3 National Business Halacha Summit—known as the Hub of Halacha and the Hub of Business—brings together business professionals, rabbanim, and halacha experts for two days of immersive learning, networking, and inspiration. The Summit provides a unique forum where Torah values meet professional practice, ensuring that those engaged in business do so with yiras Shamayim and halachic precision.

Organized under the auspices of Agudath Israel of Illinois, the Summit has become a cornerstone event for Torah-observant businesspeople across North America. Attendees will explore topics ranging from partnership agreements and financial ethics to modern technology’s impact on halacha. Each session is crafted to offer practical application of halachic principles in the fast-paced world of commerce.

Registration is now open at H3Summit.org.

{Matzav.com}

Iran announced today that its Revolutionary Guards had taken control of a tanker transporting petrochemical products through the Gulf, claiming the vessel violated maritime regulations. The incident marked the first reported seizure by Tehran since Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iran in June.

According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that “the tanker was in violation for carrying unauthorized cargo.” The statement offered no additional clarification about what rules were broken or what prompted the action.

Maritime security officials and a U.S. government source confirmed on Friday that Iranian forces had intercepted the oil products tanker and forced it into Iranian territorial waters. The seized vessel, the Talara, is registered under the Marshall Islands flag and was sailing near the United Arab Emirates when the incident occurred.

The Talara had been transporting high-sulfur gasoil from Sharjah in the UAE to Singapore, traveling through the Indian Ocean when it was stopped, according to shipping data and maritime reports.

Columbia Shipmanagement, which operates the vessel, said contact was lost early Friday about 20 nautical miles off Khor Fakkan’s coast. The company reported that it was working with the vessel’s owner and international maritime security authorities to reestablish communication.

Ownership records show the ship belongs to Cyprus-based Pasha Finance. The U.S. military acknowledged it was “aware of the incident and was actively monitoring the situation,” according to an official statement.

Over the past several years, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have occasionally detained commercial ships transiting the Gulf, often justifying the seizures by accusing vessels of smuggling or other technical violations.

A U.S. official, who requested anonymity, remarked that the move came unexpectedly since Iran had not conducted such actions for several months. The last known instance of a similar seizure occurred in April 2024, before Iran appeared to scale back its naval operations following the joint Israeli-American bombing campaign in June.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance talks all things working alongside President Donald Trump, the possibility of him running for President in 2028 and more on ‘Hannity.’

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President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order Friday eliminating tariffs on a range of imported goods — including beef, coffee, and tropical fruits — in a bid to reduce food costs for American consumers.

The decision came as frustration over rising prices continued to mount. After voters in recent off-year elections identified economic struggles as their top concern, resulting in strong Democratic showings in key states like Virginia and New Jersey, the administration moved quickly to show action on inflation.

Announcing the order aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that the United States had reached framework agreements with Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Argentina to scale back import levies on agricultural products from those nations. The White House described the move as part of a larger push to bring down grocery costs while maintaining fair trade relationships across the hemisphere.

When asked if more tariff reductions were in the works, Trump indicated he believed the latest action would be sufficient. “I don’t think it’ll be necessary,” he said. “We just did a little bit of a rollback. The prices of coffee were a little bit high, now they’ll be on the low side in a very short period.”

Trump noted that this week’s adjustments were targeted specifically at easing costs for consumers. “We just did a little bit of a rollback,” he repeated, explaining that Americans could expect to see cheaper coffee and related goods soon thanks to the removal of import duties.

The president had hinted earlier in the week that coffee tariffs might soon be reduced, saying it was time to “help increase its importation.” His administration has consistently argued that tariffs do not necessarily drive consumer prices upward, a claim that has drawn debate among economists.

Many of the commodities included in the new executive order — such as tropical fruits and certain types of coffee — are not produced domestically, making them logical candidates for tariff relief. But beef, a staple of the American diet, has been at the center of growing concern as prices have surged to record highs.

Trump acknowledged that his own tariffs on Brazilian beef had contributed to those elevated costs and said Friday’s move was intended to correct that. “The prices of coffee were a little bit high, now they’ll be on the low side,” he reiterated, expressing confidence that consumers would soon feel the impact at the supermarket.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is rolling out a sweeping review of the nation’s food aid system, requiring millions of Americans receiving benefits to reapply in an effort to eliminate fraud and misuse, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed in an interview with Newsmax.

Appearing on Rob Schmitt Tonight, Rollins explained that her department is preparing to overhaul the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, saying, “I plan to have everyone reapply for their benefits, make sure that everyone that’s taking a taxpayer-funded benefit through … food stamps, that they literally are vulnerable and they can’t survive without it.”

Rollins said the decision followed an extensive investigation across 29 red states, uncovering shocking irregularities. “186,000 deceased men and women and children in this country are receiving a check,” she reported. “Can you imagine when we get our hands on the blue state data what we’re going to find?”

She said the discoveries will lay the groundwork for deep structural reform of the program. “It’s going to give us a platform and a trajectory to fundamentally rebuild this program,” Rollins stated.

Among the more egregious examples of fraud, Rollins cited a man who was found collecting the same federal benefit in six different states. “So, these are the things that we’re uncovering that for years no one has really ever dug into because the feds didn’t have the system in place to do it,” she said. “But we do now. The president has made this a priority. We will fix this program.”

According to Rollins, enforcement has already begun, with authorities taking decisive action against those abusing the system. “We are actively with the [Department of Justice], with a lot of the other investigation units around the country, already arresting. There’s a lot of people already sitting in jail, but I think we’re just at the very tip of the iceberg and what we’re going to find,” she said.

She added that roughly 120 individuals have already been arrested for “committing fraud on the system,” and that further investigations are underway as part of what she called a long-overdue cleanup of federal food aid.

{Matzav.com}