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President Donald Trump has instructed his top Cabinet officers to review U.S. policy toward Cuba, ordering them to examine current sanctions and come up with ways to toughen them within 30 days. In a memo Monday, Trump said the reviews should focus on Cuba’s treatment of dissidents, its policies directed at dissidents and restricting financial transactions that “disproportionately benefit the Cuban government, military, intelligence, or security agencies at the expense of the Cuban people.” In one potential significant change, the order said the U.S. should look for ways to shut down all tourism to the island and to restrict educational tours to groups that are organized and run only by American citizens. The move is not a surprise given that Trump has previously said he plans to rescind the easing of sanctions and other penalties in Cuba that were instituted during the terms of Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In the days before leaving office, Biden had moved to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Trump’s memo “supports the economic embargo of Cuba and opposes calls in the United Nations and other international forums for its termination,” according to a fact sheet. In Cuba, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded swiftly to the document. “The Presidential Memorandum vs #Cuba released today by the US government strengthens the aggression & economic blockade that punishes the whole Cuban people and is the main obstacle to our development,” he wrote on X. “It’s a criminal behavior that violates the #HumanRights of an entire nation.” The Trump administration also has made Cuba one of seven countries facing heightened restrictions on visitors and revoked temporary legal protections for about 300,000 Cubans, which had protected them from deportation. The administration also has announced visa restrictions on Cuban and foreign government officials involved in Cuba’s medical missions, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called “forced labor.” In an interview with The Associated Press this month, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio accused the United States of trying to discredit the medical missions and criticized reversal of policy welcoming Cubans to the U.S. Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been a proponent of sanctions on the communist island. (AP)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is facing serious accusations involving the employment of an illegal immigrant with a criminal background on her congressional team, according to reports.

According to Tom Homan, who is overseeing border enforcement efforts, federal authorities are actively investigating claims that Ocasio-Cortez hired an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record. She is also alleged to have guided the individual on how to avoid apprehension by ICE.

A video clip circulating on social media from The Benny Show features host Benny Johnson pressing Homan on the situation. “Just one final question, Mr. Border Czar, and it has to do with the region of New York and somebody who’s in the news a lot lately because she’s most likely planning on running for higher office: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. AOC has come—and what looks like to us crossed the line—a number of times. But two very curious stories out of her office: One, as soon as you were able to regain your position as Border Czar, AOC had a criminal alien who was working in her congressional staff flee the country. I can’t quite square how that’s possible. How is somebody allowed to be a criminal alien in this country and then go work in Congress where you have access to classified material and you have access to a lot of important information? Then AOC has gone on and obviously taught publicly illegal aliens how to avoid ICE. She’s done this with some of her colleagues in the Squad. Here’s the article of the criminal alien staffer that AOC had on staff. Maybe you could just start here, as an explainer to me and to this audience: How is this even possible?”

Johnson raised concerns about how someone living in the country illegally could find employment in a congressional office, especially given the sensitive information to which staffers often have access.

He also referenced public incidents where Ocasio-Cortez, along with other members of the progressive “Squad,” openly advised undocumented immigrants on ways to avoid deportation or ICE encounters, sparking intense political backlash.

{Matzav.com}

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, inaugurated United Hatzalah’s new National Emergency Preparedness Logistics Center, which is expected to significantly enhance the organization’s logistics capabilities and serve thousands of field medical responders. During the visit, the Prime Minister and his wife received a comprehensive briefing on the activities of approximately 8,000 male and female volunteers nationwide. They were presented with documentation of volunteer medical response operations during Operation Rising Lion. The Prime Minister and his wife commended the dedicated volunteers who save lives daily. The Prime Minister and his wife were accompanied by Health Minister Uriel Buso, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, United Hatzalah’s management, branch heads and their deputies, and medical volunteers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I decided to name this operation ‘Rising Lion,’ based on the verse ‘Like a lion the nation shall rise, like a lion it shall lift itself up.’ Do you know why? Because this is our nation, and you come from the nation, and you operate for the nation. There are none like you. You see it—from all sectors of Israeli society, from all communities, and with complete dedication. These ambulances are instruments; these Ambucycles are instruments. What we have here are people—women and men with tremendous spirit, with genuine willingness to throw yourselves into the fire and into the ruins, to extract and rescue. I want to tell you on behalf of all the people of Israel, the State of Israel, and all Israeli citizens—I tell you on behalf of many, many around the world—you deserve all the honor, and you deserve all the assistance.” United Hatzalah President and Founder Eli Beer said: “United Hatzalah volunteers represent the entire spectrum of Israeli society and operate with dedication around the clock for the noble value of saving human lives, working to arrive within 90 seconds of receiving a medical emergency call—with professionalism, courage, and heroism under fire. I am deeply moved by the tremendous appreciation of the Prime Minister and his wife, who work tirelessly for the safety and security of the people of Israel and have supported United Hatzalah’s sacred medical response work for many years. Together, we will continue to assist every citizen requiring medical care and always respond wherever needed.” Photo Credit: Maayan Tuaf/GPO

Reports indicate that all 14 Jews arrested last week by Iranian authorities have been released, according to Iranian opposition activists and journalists speaking to JNS. Their arrests were part of a broader nationwide crackdown in which approximately 600 Iranians were detained after the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Rosa Parto, an Iranian-Israeli journalist, cited a reliable source inside the Iranian government — described as a Muslim man unfriendly to the regime — who confirmed that no Jews had been arrested in Tehran and that those detained in Shiraz and Isfahan on June 24 and 25 were later released. Parto explained that the Iranian regime’s security services were not specifically targeting Jews, but rather arrested hundreds for sharing or liking posts on social media deemed critical of the regime during the conflict. Among those detained were Jews who participated in a daf yomi group on WhatsApp. According to George Haroonian, an Iranian Jewish activist based in Los Angeles, regime cyber police had been monitoring the group, apparently mistaking its purpose for something political. Once authorities realized the group’s religious nature, those arrested were freed. Haroonian stated he had heard that as many as 35 Jews were detained, with all but two or three now released. Parto criticized exaggerated reports that as many as 700 Jews, including rabbanim and chazzanim, had been arrested. She attributed those claims to social media posts circulated by a small Iranian opposition group in Paris, which she said lacked genuine connections to the Jewish community in Iran. “They shamefully made up this fake news just to get media attention without any regard for the lives of Jews in Iran,” Parto told JNS, noting that her contacts in Tehran and other cities would have immediately informed her if large-scale arrests had truly taken place. Meanwhile, Iranian Jewish leaders have come under pressure from the regime to avoid contact with those outside the country, especially with Israel. A Jewish Iranian activist in Los Angeles told JNS, speaking anonymously, that community members inside Iran had been warned that communicating with Israelis could result in six months’ imprisonment on espionage charges. Some Jews in Iran have also been warned their phones and internet activity are being monitored. Parto recounted that several of her friends in Tehran and Isfahan had asked her not to contact them further out of fear of retaliation. Fred Saberi, an Iranian-Swedish analyst, suggested the regime’s actions reflected its weakness following military setbacks against Israel, describing the crackdown as a way to intimidate the broader population and deter dissent. On June 25, Iran’s state-controlled PressTV reported that three people accused of being Mossad spies had been executed, further fueling fear among the country’s Jewish minority. Jewish Iranian-American leaders have traditionally remained cautious in public comments to avoid provoking reprisals against the estimated 9,000-strong Jewish community still living in Iran. “The situation for Jews living in Iran right now is very precarious, and I would strongly urge anyone, especially groups in America, Europe, and Israel, to avoid making comments in the media that could possibly place our Jewish loved ones there in jeopardy,” Parto warned. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

President Donald Trump said Monday that there are no ongoing talks with Iranian officials and that he has not proposed any concessions to the regime, amid backlash from European leaders over threats reportedly made against the head of the UN nuclear agency.

Posting to Truth Social in the early hours, Trump wrote, “I am not offering Iran ANYTHING, unlike Obama, who paid them $Billions under the stupid ‘road to a nuclear weapon JCPOA (which would now be expired!), nor am I even talking to them since we totally OBLITERATED their Nuclear Facilities.”

His post appeared to counter claims made by Delaware Senator Chris Coons, who had told Fox News on Sunday that there are indications Trump “is now moving toward negotiation and offering Iran a deal that looks somewhat similar to the Iran deal that was offered by Obama. Tens of billions of dollars of incentives and reduced sanctions in exchange for abandoning their nuclear program.”

Trump also dismissed reports last Friday that his administration had explored a potential deal with Iran that would give them access to up to $30 billion to develop a civilian nuclear energy sector.

Iran responded on Monday by accusing Trump of playing political games, saying his mixed messaging on sanctions and diplomacy does not reflect a serious approach to resolving tensions between the two countries.

“These [statements by Trump] should be viewed more in the context of psychological and media games than as a serious expression in favor of dialogue or problem-solving,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a press conference.

At the same time, European powers voiced strong disapproval of Iran’s behavior toward the chief of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, following Iran’s refusal to allow a site visit after Israeli and American strikes on its nuclear facilities.

Iran has blasted International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing him of failing to condemn the attacks and calling his actions a “betrayal of his duties.” Iranian lawmakers voted this week to halt cooperation with the agency.

“France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the director general of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the agency,” foreign ministers Jean-Noel Barrot, Johann Wadephul and David Lammy said in a joint statement.

The European trio also issued a direct appeal to Iran, warning against further steps to undermine the agency’s mission.

“We call on Iranian authorities to refrain from any steps to cease cooperation with the IAEA,” they added.

“We urge Iran to immediately resume full cooperation in line with its legally binding obligations, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of IAEA personnel.”

{Matzav.com}

Authorities say two firefighters were killed and another was critically wounded after they were shot while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Here’s what to know about Sunday’s attack, the investigation and next steps. Attack began with a brush fire Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said firefighters first responded to an early afternoon report of a brushfire at Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area near the outskirts of town. A man began shooting at them after firefighters asked him to move his vehicle. Law enforcement officials responded, locking down neighborhoods nearby and trying to find the shooter in hilly terrain that had plenty of cover, with thick brush and trees and smoke from the fire nearby. First hours were chaotic Over the next few hours, it wasn’t clear if hikers or other recreationists were stuck on the mountain, or if civilians had been injured in the shooting, Norris said. What was clear was the danger firefighters and responding law enforcement faced. “We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris told reporters at a Sunday afternoon news conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.” A spokesperson with Kootenai Health later confirmed that three patients were brought to the hospital. Two were dead by the time they arrived and a third was injured. The names of the slain and wounded firefighters were released by fire department officials on Monday afternoon. Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, who had been with the Kootenai County fire department for 17 years, was killed, county Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way said during a news conference. Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, was also killed. He had worked with the department for 28 years. Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Engineer David Tysdal, 47, was in critical condition after undergoing two surgeries. Cellphone data helps law enforcement find the suspect Faced with more than 17,000 square feet (1,580 square meters) of containment area, part of it burning, authorities used cellphone data to narrow their search. They identified a cell signal around 3:15 p.m. and noticed it had not changed location for some time, Norris said. A tactical response team went to the location and found a deceased man with a weapon nearby. Officials believe the man was the shooter and that he killed himself, the sheriff said. Investigators said he acted alone. Who was the suspect? The suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. He had ties to California and Arizona and was living in Idaho “for the better part of 2024,” Norris said. Authorities said Monday that Roley had relatives north of Coeur d’Alene around the Priest River area and that it appeared Roley had been living out of his vehicle. He lived with T.J. Franks Jr. for about six months in Sandpoint, Idaho, while working for a tree service, Franks said Monday. Franks had cameras in his apartment that caught Roley throwing gang signs at them one day, which worried Franks to the point that he called police. “I didn’t know what to really think about it,” Franks said. “I just called […]

The United States revealed on Monday that it has approved a major arms deal with Israel, authorizing the sale of bomb guidance systems and related support valued at $510 million, AFP reports.

The assistance comes in the wake of Israel’s extensive use of weaponry during its recent military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, leaving its reserves significantly depleted.

A statement from the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the proposed transaction and highlighted its significance to regional stability and national defense.

“The proposed sale will enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers,” the DSCA stated.

Reinforcing the close defense relationship between the two countries, the agency added, “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The State Department has already signed off on the deal, and the DSCA has formally submitted the notification to Congress, which must now decide whether to give the sale its final approval, AFP reported.

This move comes in the aftermath of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign that focused on crippling Iran’s nuclear operations and targeted top scientists and senior military officials.

In response, President Donald Trump authorized a retaliatory campaign—Operation Midnight Hammer—which included targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

Trump addressed the matter during a press conference at the White House on Friday, saying he would “absolutely” weigh the option of further strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if circumstances warranted it.

“Sure, without question, absolutely – it has to be unbelievable,” the President told reporters when asked specifically if he would consider bombing Iran if future intelligence reports offered a concerning conclusion on its enrichment of uranium.

Trump added that, in his view, Iran is not in a position to resume its nuclear development efforts in the near term as a result of the US military action.

He also mentioned that Iranian officials appear open to discussions with Washington, mirroring statements made by his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who indicated that preliminary conversations had already begun between the two nations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly pushed back last week against the notion that Tehran was preparing to reenter nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing any such reports following the recent hostilities.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu convened with the IDF General Staff Forum on Monday at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

During the meeting, Netanyahu praised the IDF’s senior leadership for their execution of Operation Rising Lion in Iran and acknowledged their efforts in safeguarding Israel’s long-term security.

“Personally, I would like to express immense appreciation and gratitude to you Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, to you IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and to you, the members of the General Staff Forum for perfectly executing that missions that we set. ‘A people that rises up as a lion’ – and much more,” said Netanyahu.

He reflected on Jewish history, noting that for centuries, Jews were unable to resist their aggressors, enduring displacement, massacres, and ultimately genocide.

“Over the centuries of our exile, the Jewish People lost the ability to oppose those who attacked it. We became as a leaf driven in the wind, a people that experienced exile, pogroms, murders and, in the end, the worst act of murder in history,” he added.

Netanyahu described the birth of modern Zionism as a turning point, when early visionaries recognized that Jews wouldn’t be spared violence—but would instead need the strength to defend themselves.

“When the fathers of Zionism arose approximately 130 years ago, most of them did not think that the attacks on the Jewish People would end with the establishment of the State of Israel, but that we would formulate the diplomatic and military force to oppose these attacks. This is the line that separates between the generations of Jewish history and what has happened in our generation – the establishment of the state and the IDF.”

He spoke of Iran’s continued threat, calling it potentially more dangerous than the united Arab hostility Israel faced in past decades.

“In Iran, a threat was created for us that was no less strong and perhaps even greater than the pan-Arab threat at its peak, and it still threatens us,” the Prime Minister stated.

Netanyahu said he had long believed that the most serious threat to global safety was the combination of extremist Islamic regimes and nuclear weapons.

“40 years ago, and certainly 35 years ago, I thought that the greatest danger to humanity was the link between nuclear weapons and an Islamist regime, or the link between an Islamist regime and nuclear weapons.”

He outlined Iran’s multi-pronged strategy, saying it’s not limited to one path of destruction, but instead includes multiple layers of threats.

“But Iran did not suffice with this because, in effect, they built three axes of annihilation: First – the noose, a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of an axis. The second – a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of a missile threat. And the third – a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of a nuclear threat.”

According to Netanyahu, Iran’s ruling regime is built on the goal of eliminating Israel—not merely as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite to regional domination.

“This is the raison d’etre of the regime. This is not the only reason why they want to annihilate us and we are not their main objective. But in order to realize the main objectives, they must get rid of us. It is impossible to conquer the Middle East without annihilating Israel. And if there is no Israel, the Middle East collapses immediately.”

Using a vivid metaphor, Netanyahu compared Israel’s security threats to a patient with two malignant tumors, stressing that survival depends on proactive and aggressive intervention.

“The State of Israel was like a person who has two cancerous tumors – one was the nuclear threat and the second was the missile threat. If you do not excise them – you die. It could be that you excise them and they return, like you treat cancer. But if you do not excise them, we die,” said Netanyahu.

He emphasized that there was no alternative but to act, and praised both the political leadership and the military for their unity and decisiveness throughout the process.

“Therefore, there was no question here. We had to make this decision. And the way in which it was made, unanimously by the political echelon, and unanimously by the IDF command – under your outstanding leadership, which improved exceptionally on a daily and weekly basis.”

Netanyahu also addressed concerns about U.S. support, clarifying that although Israel worked to secure American cooperation, the operation would have gone forward regardless.

“The question arose regarding the US, and I told you that we would do everything to get them on board, but this was not a condition. It was not a condition,” he stressed.

He concluded by highlighting the long-term significance of the military action, describing it as a defining moment not just in Israeli history, but in global military doctrine.

“But none of this would have been possible without the intensive and superb operation that will be etched in the history of our people, and – in my view – in the history of the world, certainly in the military history, which I believe everyone will come to study. This has major implications for our economy – we are already feeling it.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

One person died and two others were injured after an explosion damaged several homes on Philadelphia’s north side early Sunday, according to authorities. Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion just before 5 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Fire Department. Daniel McCarty, the department’s executive officer, said there was extensive damage to about five homes, including collapsed structures. One person died and two others who were rescued were hospitalized. McCarty said one was reported stable while the other was in critical condition. Crews were expected to continue search and rescue operations. “The biggest thing is the stability of the surrounding houses, making sure that this hazard doesn’t spread,” McCarty said. “This will be an extensive, all-day operation for the Philadelphia Fire Department.” Authorities had not determined the cause of the explosion. (AP)

President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House next Monday as the U.S. leader steps up his push on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza. The trip will be Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January, and it comes after the United States inserted itself into Israel’s war against Iran by attacking Iranian nuclear sites. After brokering a ceasefire between the two countries, Trump has signaled that he’s turning his attention to bringing a close to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Trump on Friday told reporters that “we think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire” in Gaza, but didn’t offer any further explanation for his optimism. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Trump and administration officials were in constant communication with Israeli leadership and that bringing about an end to the Gaza conflict is a priority for Trump. “It’s heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the president wants to see it end,” Leavitt added. “He wants to save lives.” Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is in Washington this week for talks with senior administration officials on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters. Talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over a major sticking point — whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement. About 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with about twenty believed to be alive. With Netanyahu’s visit, the timing of which was first reported by Axios, Trump will embrace the Israeli leader while continuing to push back against skeptical questions from Democratic lawmakers and others about how far U.S. and Israeli strikes have set back Iran’s nuclear program. A preliminary report issued by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, meanwhile, said the strikes did significant damage to the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan sites, but did not totally destroy the facilities. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the three Iranian sites with “capabilities in terms of treatment, conversion and enrichment of uranium have been destroyed to an important degree.” But, he added, “some is still standing,” and that because capabilities remain, “if they so wish, they will be able to start doing this again.” He said assessing the full damage comes down to Iran allowing inspectors access. Trump in recent days has also inserted himself into Israeli domestic affairs, calling for charges against Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial to be thrown out. He has condemned the trial as a “WITCH HUNT” and vowed that the United States will be the one who “saves” Netanyahu from serious corruption charges. The decision by Trump to plunge himself into one of Israel’s most heated debates has unnerved some in its political class. Meanwhile, the Trump administration on Monday approved a new half-billion-dollar arms sale to Israel to resupply its military with bomb guidance kits for precision munitions. The State Department said the sale is worth $510 million. It includes more than 7,000 guidance kits for two different types of Joint Direct […]

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer marks a year in office this week, fighting a rebellion from his own party over welfare reform and reckoning with a sluggish economy and rock-bottom approval ratings. It’s a long way from the landslide election victory he won on July 4, 2024, when Starmer’s center-left Labour Party took 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons to end 14 years of Conservative government. In the last 12 months Starmer has navigated the rapids of a turbulent world, winning praise for rallying international support for Ukraine and persuading U.S. President Donald Trump to sign a trade deal easing tariffs on U.K. goods. But at home his agenda has run onto the rocks as he struggles to convince British voters — and his own party — that his government is delivering the change that it promised. Inflation remains stubbornly high and economic growth low, frustrating efforts to ease the cost of living. Starmer’s personal approval ratings are approaching those of Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss, who lasted just 49 days in office in 2022 after her tax-cutting budget roiled the economy. John Curtice, a political scientist at the University of Strathclyde, said Starmer has had “the worst start for any newly elected prime minister.” Rebellion over welfare reform On Tuesday, Starmer faces a vote in Parliament on welfare spending after watering down planned cuts to disability benefits that caused consternation from Labour lawmakers. Many balked at plans to raise the threshold for the payments by requiring a more severe physical or mental disability, a move the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank estimated would cut the income of 3.2 million people by 2030. After more than 120 Labour lawmakers said they would vote against the bill, the government offered concessions, including a guarantee that no one currently getting benefits will be affected by the change. It pledged to consult with disability groups about the changes, and do more to help sick and disabled people find jobs. Some rebels said they would back the bill after the concessions, but others maintained their opposition. The welfare U-turn is the third time in a few weeks that the government has reversed course on a policy under pressure. In May, it dropped a plan to end winter home heating subsidies for millions of retirees. Last week, Starmer announced a national inquiry into organized child abuse, something he was pressured to do by opposition politicians — and Elon Musk. “It’s a failure of leadership for a prime minister with such a big majority to not be able to get their agenda through,” said Rob Ford, professor of politics at the University of Manchester. “I can’t think of many examples of a prime minister in postwar politics suffering such a big setback when presiding over such a strong position in the Commons.” It also makes it harder for the government to find money to invest in public services without raising taxes. The government estimated the welfare reforms would save 5 billion pounds ($7 billion) a year from a welfare bill that has ballooned since the COVID-19 pandemic. After the concessions, it’s only likely to save about half that amount. Starmer acknowledges errors The government argues that it has achieved much in its first year: It has raised the minimum wage, strengthened workers’ rights, launched new social housing projects and pumped money into the state-funded health system. But it […]

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A compensation agreement for the families of young victims of the Meron disaster will be brought before the court for approval, it was reported on Tuesday. This was an agreement reached after the Lod District Court, headed by Judge Irit Cohen, accepted the positions of attorney Eran Becker, who represents a number of the victims’ families in the disaster, who proposed a framework for compensating the families. According to the agreement, which will be submitted for court approval, families of young and minor victims—up to the age of 24—are expected to receive significant financial compensation. One of the families is expected to receive a sum of approximately NIS 2.9 million. Similar amounts have been offered in additional cases—in accordance with the age of the deceased. According to the agreement, the compensation will be paid by the State of Israel, the National Center for the Development of Holy Sites, and insurance companies. Attorneys Eran Becker and Moran Cohen Yonatan, who represent some of the victims’ families, said, “This is compensation that reflects not only the terrible loss caused to the families but also reflects the responsibility that must be placed on the state and the other bodies that were sued for the serious failures that were behind the disaster. “The writing was on the wall, and decades of deliberately turning a blind eye led to a foreseeable disaster. “The agreement that will be transferred for court approval is an important step—moral, legal, and public—that clarifies that human life is not cheap; that there is meaning to the suffering that the victims endured until their death; and that full responsibility must be taken for the serious failures that led to the disaster. “We are proud of the families who chose not to remain silent, who did not give up, and who stood bravely for the fact that justice must not only be done but also be seen. No amount will bring back the loved ones who were lost, but this is a significant milestone in the journey towards recognition, justice, and healing.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

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As Monday rolled on into evening, the Senate remained locked in a marathon session of votes, with Republican leadership working overtime to maintain momentum behind President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative proposal of tax reductions and spending reforms, even as Democrats offered a flurry of amendments in hopes of sinking the measure.

There was still no clear indication of when the final tally would come. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota admitted Republicans are still “figuring out how to get to the end game.”

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson hinted at difficulties that may arise when the legislation returns to the House for final approval later in the week, ahead of Trump’s July 4th deadline. “I have prevailed upon my Senate colleagues to please, please, please keep it as close to the House product as possible,” Johnson said Monday evening as he left the Capitol. The House GOP already passed their version of the bill last month.

This marks a crucial juncture for the GOP, who hold both chambers and are racing against the clock to finalize their agenda by Friday. The sprawling 940-page legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has dominated the congressional calendar, representing a shared top priority with the president.

With only slim majorities in the House and Senate, Republican leaders have little margin for error. Thune can’t afford to lose more than three GOP senators. Two—North Carolina’s Thom Tillis, who’s concerned about potential Medicaid cuts, and Kentucky’s Rand Paul, who’s against raising the debt ceiling—have already voiced objections. Over the weekend, Tillis announced he won’t seek reelection, following threats from Trump to oppose him politically. Rumors suggest up to six other Republican senators may be undecided or leaning against the bill, enough to jeopardize its success.

Adding to the political storm, billionaire Elon Musk lashed out at the Republican plan, branding the party the “PORKY PIG PARTY!!” over its inclusion of a $5 trillion debt ceiling hike necessary to maintain government borrowing.

Prior to Monday’s voting, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York warned that the most difficult decisions for Republicans were still ahead. “With every rewrite Senate Republicans have made their bill more extreme,” Schumer said. “All to give tax breaks to billionaires.”

Democrats have submitted dozens of proposed amendments during what’s known as a vote-a-rama, although few are expected to pass. United in their opposition to the president’s plan, Democrats eagerly lined up to challenge the bill provision by provision.

A new report from the independent Congressional Budget Office projected that, should the legislation pass, 11.8 million more Americans would be without health insurance by 2034. The same report estimated the bill would swell the national deficit by roughly $3.3 trillion over the next ten years.

The White House remained confident in the final outcome, urging Republican lawmakers to stay the course. “Republicans need to stay tough and unified during the home stretch,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Still, the pace of voting dragged throughout the day—suggesting GOP leadership hadn’t yet locked in the support needed to bring the bill across the finish line.

Tillis, voicing deep concerns, said the bill betrays the president’s pledge not to strip Americans of health coverage, especially if hospitals in rural areas are forced to close.

Maine Senator Susan Collins has proposed adding $25 billion for rural hospitals, while Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski is working to shield her constituents from steep reductions to Medicaid and food assistance. Neither has revealed how they intend to vote on the final measure.

At the same time, several right-leaning Senate Republicans—including Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming—are pushing for deeper spending cuts, especially in health care. Trump, for his part, has urged them not to go “crazy.”

Early amendments debated Monday, such as those aimed at removing limits on Medicaid funding for rural facilities or preventing the cost of food stamps from shifting to state budgets, saw minor Republican backing, but none passed.

Senator Mike Crapo, who heads the Finance Committee, dismissed the dire warnings of healthcare fallout as fearmongering by Democrats. He accused them of engaging in the “politics of fear.”

The legislation would slash taxes by a total of $4.5 trillion, according to the latest CBO review. It would lock in the Trump-era 2017 tax rates, which are due to expire by year’s end, and introduce new provisions from the president’s recent campaign promises—such as eliminating taxes on tips.

The bill would also cancel billions in clean energy incentives, a move Democrats argue would devastate the wind and solar industries nationwide. Additionally, it proposes $1.2 trillion in cuts, mainly targeting Medicaid and SNAP benefits, through stricter eligibility criteria, mandatory work requirements, and changes to how the federal government reimburses states.

Another major component is a $350 billion boost for border and national security, which would include enhanced deportation efforts—partially funded through new immigration-related fees.

Without the votes to stop the bill outright, Democrats are relying on procedural maneuvers to delay its progress.

They demanded the entire bill be read aloud on the Senate floor, a process that took 16 hours, and continue to introduce a steady stream of amendments aimed at slowing the GOP’s momentum.

{Matzav.com}

Elon Musk reignited his criticism of President Trump’s major spending legislation on Monday, just as the Senate continued its prolonged effort to push the bill through in time for the July 4 deadline.

Once known for his close ties to the Trump administration and his presence at the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has now fully broken with Trump over what he mockingly calls the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!” Musk wrote on X, his social media platform.

“Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” added the billionaire entrepreneur.

In another message, Musk took an even harder stance, blasting lawmakers who support the spending package.

“[T]hey will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk warned, promising political consequences for those backing the measure.

Later that same day, he wrote, “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day.”

He added that the current political system is broken: the public is stuck between “an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”

The White House brushed off Musk’s escalating rhetoric by pointing to President Trump’s recent interview with Fox News, where he addressed Musk’s frustration about provisions that would eliminate subsidies for electric cars.

“I think Elon is a wonderful guy, and I know he’s going to do well, always. He’s a smart guy,” Trump said in the interview.

Musk, who previously led a sweeping overhaul of federal departments under the Department of Government Efficiency, has consistently opposed the scale of Trump’s spending bill, which analysts now estimate will add over $3 trillion to the national debt.

Tensions between Musk and Trump became increasingly public earlier this month, when Musk unleashed a flurry of critical posts on X targeting the president—comments he later partially walked back.

Musk, who once boasted about playing a role in Trump’s election win, had also used an X poll on June 5 to gauge support for launching a brand-new political movement.

{Matzav.com}

The New York City Rent Guidelines Board cast a narrow vote Monday night approving rent increases for rent-stabilized apartments across the five boroughs.

By a 5-to-4 margin, the board opted for a 3% rise for one-year leases and a 4.5% bump for two-year leases. These final figures fell within the range previously proposed, which had included possibilities as high as 4.75% for one-year leases and 7.75% for two-year contracts.

These changes are set to apply to leases commencing between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.

In the spring, the board gave preliminary approval to a range of potential increases. Later, the focus shifted to potentially limiting the hikes for two-year leases, a concession to tenant advocates pushing for restraint.

Before the final vote, tenant organizations gathered to call for minimal increases, urging the board to consider the financial burden renters already shoulder.

Landlords argued that rising costs for upkeep, insurance, and taxes leave them little flexibility, while tenants countered that they’re equally strained by inflation and stagnant wages.

The outcome left both tenant and landlord groups unhappy with what they saw as either an excessive burden or an insufficient adjustment.

“I’ve been in my building for 16 years. What happened to the money that they got from me for my rent? What happened to the money? What did they do? Did they [go] on vacation? Did they buy another building?” said tenant Mercedes Escoto.

“So it’s a waste of time. This is done every year for no good. People are making money, but we’re not making more money,” said fellow tenant Joanne Lawson.

“I look at $600 a year more on a one-year lease, or $900 more a year and that means what are we gonna cut back on?” added tenant Johnny Rivera.

Ann Korchak, who leads the Small Property Owners of NY and advocates for landlords who own a handful of units, sharply criticized the board’s decision after the vote.

“The RGB’s independent public members, like their predecessors, have failed small building owners. We needed rent increases proportional with the 6.3% surge in building operating costs presented in the RGB’s own reports. They didn’t follow the math, and now these rent adjustments will further plunge small rent-stabilized buildings into distress and foreclosure. Capping rent increases when operating costs are rising is unsustainable. It’s time to seriously consider in the future separate, higher rent increases for apartment leases in small economically distressed buildings with high numbers of rent-stabilized apartments,” Korchak stated.

Landlords representing smaller properties argued that the board’s data is misleading and doesn’t accurately portray the financial strain they face.

“That data is grossly incorrect. Why? Because they’re mixing different kinds of buildings. They’re mixing the pre-1974 buildings, small buildings, 100-year-old buildings mostly that have dramatically more expensive costs,” said property owner Bryan Liff.

“We’re not millionaires and all of us aren’t white. How about that? And we go to work to supplement what’s happening in our small properties,” added landlord Joyce Holland.

The board’s nine members are appointed by the mayor, and the vote became a lightning rod in this year’s mayoral race.

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani of Queens, who just claimed victory in the Democratic primary, campaigned heavily on a rent freeze pledge. His win is expected to be confirmed when the final ranked choice tabulations are released Tuesday, likely showing him surpassing the 50% threshold.

Mayor Eric Adams, now seeking reelection as an independent, has generally shown empathy toward small landlords. Yet following the board’s decision, he expressed disappointment over the final outcome.

“Another massive cost for New Yorkers each month is rent, and the city’s historically low rental vacancy has millions of us feeling the squeeze, which is why, earlier today, I urged the Rent Guidelines Board to adopt the lowest increase possible, as I’ve done in the past. While the board exercised their independent judgment, and made an adjustment based on elements such as inflation, I am disappointed that they approved increases higher than what I called for,” Adams said in a statement.

He made clear, however, that he opposes calls to completely freeze rent.

“While our administration is always fighting to make this city more affordable, what we will never do is sell New Yorkers on an idea that would ultimately leave them in worsening housing conditions. Rent may be on the rise, but so are deteriorating housing conditions — including inadequate heat and heating breakdowns, mice and rat problems, mold, and leaks — especially for New Yorkers in rent-stabilized housing,” Adams stated. “Demands to ‘freeze the rent’ would exacerbate these harmful health and safety issues inside the homes of more than 1 million New Yorkers by depriving owners of the resources needed to make repairs — a cruel and dangerous proposal. While freezing the rent may sound like a catchy slogan, it is bad policy, short-sighted, and only puts tenants in harm’s way.”

City Comptroller Brad Lander, who currently sits in third place in the Democratic mayoral primary as ranked choice tabulations continue, laid blame squarely at the mayor’s feet.

“For the fourth year in a row, Mayor Adams’ appointees on the NYC Rent Guidelines Board stuck tenants with a rent increase they can’t afford — even as landlord profits have soared, vacancy rates are at historic lows, and the proportion of rent-burdened households has reached unsustainable levels,” Lander said. “New York City tenants are facing the highest rents ever. Given the severity of the housing emergency, it is vital that the City do everything it can to keep rents as low as possible, ensure units are well-maintained, and cover essential costs. Instead, Mayor Adams’ appointees to the RGB jacked up tenants’ rents once again.”

Lander and Mamdani had previously endorsed one another and are aligned in their opposition to any further rent hikes.

“After carefully reviewing research compiled by the Rent Guidelines Board, I concluded that a rent freeze was appropriate for the upcoming year, following three years of rent increases that have raised rents by nearly 9%. Economists, tenant advocates, and even the City’s own reports also concluded that a rent increase would lead to more displacement and inequality. And last week, over half-a-million voters — well over half of the electorate — came out and voted for candidates supporting a rent freeze,” Lander said. “Unfortunately, Mayor Adams’ appointees to the Rent Guidelines Board failed to listen.”

{Matzav.com}

In an inspiring encounter between two leading gedolim, the renowned mekubal, Rosh Yeshivat Ahavas Shalom, Rav Yaakov Hillel, visited the home of senior posek Rav Moshe Sternbuch. The two engaged in a heartfelt and profound conversation, focused on the pressing spiritual needs following the conclusion of the war with Iran.

At the outset of the meeting, Rav Sternbuch warmly greeted Rav Hillel with the words: “Fortunate are you, who disseminates Torah in Klal Yisroel, increasing kedushah, increasing taharah, increasing truth—for the Toras Hashem is truth in your mouth.”

When asked by those present what area requires strengthening in light of recent events, Rav Sternbuch answered unequivocally: “In limud haTorah. Torah protects and saves. All brachos come through Torah study. One who merits to increase Torah study has acquired a tremendous treasure.”

Later in the discussion, Rav Sternbuch was asked how women can strengthen themselves. He responded, “They should not waste their husbands’ time or prevent them from learning Torah.”

Regarding young women who are not yet married, the posek was asked how they can fortify themselves during this time. Rav Sternbuch replied succinctly: “In emunah.”

The conversation then turned to the mekubal’s renowned commentary on the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Rav Sternbuch emphasized the importance of teaching these concepts in a meaningful way, encouraging teachers to ensure that their students not only recite the ikkarim, but understand the meaning of each word.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The United Torah Judaism faction announced on Monday that it has unanimously decided to suspend all coalition support in the Knesset until the government finalizes deliberations on the long-disputed draft law and brings it to a vote.

The faction, which includes both Degel HaTorah and Agudas Yisrael, issued a clear message: it will not participate in any coalition votes this week as a protest against the continued delay in resolving the issue.

In recent months—prior to the outbreak of war with Iran—UTJ had already launched a similar boycott, refusing to vote with the coalition unless a concrete solution to the draft law was advanced.

The crisis peaked two weeks ago when UTJ threatened to support a bill to dissolve the Knesset, following the directive of Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva Rav Dov Landau. After hours of overnight discussions, MKs from Degel HaTorah and some members of Agudas Yisrael ultimately voted against the dissolution bill, swayed by direct assurances from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and coalition leadership that real progress on the draft law would be made.

Now, UTJ is once again drawing a line in the sand. The party is demanding that negotiations over the draft law conclude immediately and that the bill be brought to a full Knesset vote. Until that happens, UTJ has declared that it will maintain its freeze on cooperation with coalition voting.

{Matzav.com Israel}