New York City’s congestion pricing program raked in $159 million during its first quarter of operation, even as the Trump administration moves aggressively to dismantle the controversial tolling effort.
Drivers are charged $9 during peak hours for entering Manhattan below 60th Street. From the launch of the program on January 5 through March 31, the toll nearly matched its $160 million revenue target, according to data published Monday by the MTA.
The MTA, which operates the city’s public transportation system, oversees the congestion pricing plan, aiming to generate $500 million in 2025. The agency intends to leverage that income to secure $15 billion in bonds for major infrastructure upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration argues that the tolling policy is unlawful and has given the MTA until May 21 to comply, warning that otherwise the US Department of Transportation will cease approvals for select projects and may even pull federal funding. The MTA has maintained it will not halt collections unless compelled by a court.
Back in February, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy officially rescinded federal approval for the tolling initiative, which had been the first of its kind in the nation. The MTA swiftly filed a lawsuit to prevent Duffy’s reversal, and that courtroom battle is anticipated to stretch into the latter half of 2025.
Congestion pricing is intended to cut down on traffic and enhance air quality across Manhattan. According to the MTA, the program has already made a measurable impact, with data indicating that about 5.8 million fewer vehicles entered the priced zone during the first three months of implementation.
{Matzav.com}
By S. Rosen
I recently heard Rabbi Avi Shafran on Halacha Headlines with Dovid Lichtenstein explain that the primary rabbinic objection to voting in the WZO elections is the technical requirement to confirm that: “I pledge to support the Jerusalem Program and the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”
Curious, I decided to review the Jerusalem Program myself to see if it was something I could sign. Here are my thoughts, line by line:
While one might fear this is promoting Israel over Torah, it reminded me of the well-known Brisker teaching, based on the Rambam (Pirush HaMishnayos, Bechoros 4:3): Only Jews living in Eretz Yisrael are called Kohol. Certain halachic functions—such as Kiddush Hachodesh, Ibbur Hashanah, and Semichah—can only be performed by Jews in Eretz Yisroel, even when the Land is under foreign rule (Hilchos Sanhedrin 4:11). This underscores that Eretz Yisroel indeed plays a central role in the life of our nation, even for the non-Zionist.
No issue here. Many authorities maintain that the mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel remains binding today. Supporting Aliyah aligns with Torah values.
Admittedly, it would be more satisfying to see explicit mention of Torah. The phrase “Tikkun Olam” raises some concern, given how it is often misunderstood. However, judging strictly by the text:
Are we not charged with being an Or Lagoyim (a light unto the nations)? Isn’t our unique moral character derived from Torah? Is the Torah not the vision of Moshe, the Av Hanevi’im (Father of the Prophets)? And mutual respect for fellow Jews is indeed a Torah value, even when we disagree with their beliefs (yitamu chato’im v’lo chot’im, see Brachos 10a).
Thus, while the language could certainly be improved, it’s not terrible.
What do they mean by “Jewish education”? I read it as Torah education.
As for Hebrew education, while Modern Hebrew differs from Lashon Hakodesh, it’s not so far removed. Learning Alef-Bais still fulfills the mitzvah of limud Lashon Hakodesh, even when taught in Israeli schools.
Regarding “Zionist education,” consider what we pray for three times a day—Vesechezenah eineinu b’shuvcha l’Tzion b’rachamim. That is what “Zionism” means to me.
And even if you’re an Eitz supporter, what should the national language of Israel be? I’d guess most would say Hebrew. They speak it, don’t they?
“Mutual Jewish responsibility” sounds a lot like kol Yisroel areivim zeh lazeh.
Though parts of this sentence veer into jargon, the fundamental values of standing up for Jews and fighting anti-Semitism are undoubtedly Torah ideals.
Again, it would be preferable if this said “as an expression of Torah.” Yet, the mitzvah of yishuv ha’aretz—settling Eretz Yisroel—is undeniably a value we hold strongly.
A provocative thought: If it said, “Settling the country as an expression of Agudism” or “Chassidism,” would we object as strongly?
This clause obviously touches a sensitive nerve for frum Jews and bnei Torah.
Yet, in principle, we certainly support the need for an army to protect Jewish lives. We may disagree about who should serve or when—especially regarding yeshiva students—but the existence of the IDF is vital. Sheirut Leumi (National Service) can also be acceptable when conducted within a halachically appropriate framework. I’m not necessarily endorsing it, but this clause wouldn’t stop me from signing.
As for the phrase “protective force of the Jewish people,” while it may sound like kochi v’otzem yadi, think of this: If a headline read “Agudah Secures Tuition Relief Funding,” would we criticize it for not saying “Hashem Grants Tuition Relief Funding Through Agudah”? We can all improve at attributing successes to Hashem, but that doesn’t seem to be the core issue here.
Conclusion:
I’m not here to tell you what to do or whom to follow. My point is simple: We should research issues thoughtfully and not simply accept public rhetoric at face value, no matter whose name is attached to it.
Recent events have shown how even respected outlets can be infiltrated or manipulated. It’s a reminder: Be smart, be informed, and investigate matters for yourself.
The opinions and analysis shared here do not necessarily reflect the stance of Matzav.com and are shared here for informational purposes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday that Russia will observe a three-day truce next month during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies’ triumph in World War Two.
According to a Kremlin announcement, the ceasefire will take effect at the beginning of May 8 and continue until the conclusion of May 10, spanning 72 hours in total. Russia also urged Ukraine to participate in the pause.
The statement emphasized that if Ukraine breaches the ceasefire, Russia’s military would deliver an “adequate and effective response.”
{Matzav.com}
A United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet was lost to the depths of the Red Sea after slipping off an aircraft carrier in a serious incident — though, fortunately, the pilot survived, according to officials.
The incident occurred Monday aboard the USS Harry S. Truman as the fighter, valued at roughly $56 million, was being hauled out of a hangar when the tractor towing it lost control.
According to Navy reports, both the Super Hornet and the towing vehicle ended up plunging into the sea.
Both the pilot and the sailor operating the towing tractor were able to jump to safety, with one of them suffering only a minor injury.
The USS Truman, along with its carrier strike group, has been on high alert due to persistent threats from the Iranian-backed Houthi terror organization in Yemen. The group remains deployed in the Red Sea, safeguarding commercial vessels that have come under repeated attack by the Houthis.
{Matzav.com}
President Trump is set to sign executive orders on Monday targeting sanctuary jurisdictions and offering strong backing to police officers and departments accused of misconduct.
Trump has advocated stripping financial support from cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and the new orders will increase that pressure.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, one of the executive actions regarding sanctuary jurisdictions “direct[s] the attorney general [Pam Bondi] and also [Homeland Security Secretary] Kristi Noem… to provide a list of sanctuary cities in which local officials are not complying with this federal order and are not complying with federal immigration laws,” she said during a morning press briefing.
In addition, the order gives Bondi the authority to initiate lawsuits — both civil and criminal — against state or municipal officials who block “criminal or immigration law enforcement.”
The signing comes just three days after federal agents took Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan into custody, accusing her of obstructing justice and helping an illegal immigrant avoid capture after a court hearing related to battery charges.
The Trump team has already taken legal action against New York and Chicago over their defiance of federal immigration law.
“It’s quite simple,” Leavitt emphasized on Monday. “Obey the law, respect the law, and don’t obstruct federal immigration officials and law-enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities.”
Another executive order Trump will sign focuses on boosting “law and order” initiatives by empowering the federal government to “pursue legal action against state or local officials obstructing criminal or immigration law enforcement,” according to a summary of the plan.
This second directive lays out additional steps, including a Justice Department mandate to “create a mechanism to provide legal resources and indemnification for officers facing unjust expenses from official duties, including pro bono assistance.”
It also directs the federal government to “increase surplus military assets for local law enforcement” — reversing restrictions placed under Democratic leadership — and demands a comprehensive review of “federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgement orders that hinder law enforcement, and make modifications as needed,” potentially reshaping police operations in cities accused of systemic racial bias.
Other initiatives in the order call for racial discrimination investigations to rely on “direct evidence, not statistical disparities,” and instruct federal prosecutors to prioritize cases involving “violent crimes, drug trafficking, and recidivists with illegal firearms.”
{Matzav.com}
The New Jersey State Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin a key new phase of road improvement work along Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ this evening, April 28th.
The current area of focus, as part of the ongoing “Indian Head Project,” will be on and around Route 9 between Route 88 and 3rd Street, in both directions. Road closures and detours in that area are expected to begin Monday evening through early morning hours. These closures will continue on a nightly basis for the duration of this project, currently estimated to last approximately six months.
This phase of improvement work will focus on improving water drainage, as well as adding a variety of lane enhancements to speed up traffic flow on that busy stretch of road.
Additionally, the State is scheduled to begin, in the near future, improvement work on Route 9 between John and Pine Streets, with southbound traffic detoured via Martin Luther King Boulevard. (The Northbound lane in this area is expected to remain open.)
South Lakewood residents will also welcome the installation of new traffic signals within two months at the intersections of Route 9 and Oak Street, and Route 9 and Broadway. Extensive infrastructure work to prepare these intersections for the signals has already been completed.
Lakewood Township officials are working closely with the State (which has jurisdiction over Route 9) to ensure that road improvement work will proceed efficiently, while minimizing inconvenience to Lakewood motorists, and properly informing residents of their plans.
While the State initially planned to close all lanes of Route 9, in both directions (between Route 88 and 3rd Street), during improvement work, the Township requested that they modify the plans, as it would have posed a major inconvenience to Lakewood residents. The State agreed to leave a minimum of one lane open in each direction at all times.
Additionally, Township officials are working with the State to avoid closures, as much as feasible, on Lag Ba’omer (Thursday, May 15th) and during the busy shopping days ahead of the Shavuos holiday. Similarly, Township officials are working with the State to schedule some of the most intense road work during the Bain Hazmanim/Summer vacation season, when fewer vehicles are on the roads.
“Route 9 traffic has for long been a major challenge for Lakewood residents and businesses,” says Mayor Ray Coles, “and we are grateful that the State is taking real action on this matter, while working with us to minimize traffic disruptions during this period. Although Route 9’s traffic issues won’t be fully solved, we anticipate that residents will see a substantial improvement once this project is completed.”
“The State recognizes the importance that improving Route 9 has for Lakewood’s safety and quality-of-life,” says Assemblyman Avi Schnall, who represents Lakewood in Trenton. “Thankfully, this longtime priority is now a reality on the ground and we will continue working to ensure that Lakewood’s needs are optimally met.”
{Matzav.com}
Agudath Israel is outraged by several ordinances recently passed and others that are being contemplated by the City of Linden designed to prevent Orthodox Jews from moving there, in line with the mayor’s recent comments to “keep our community from being taken over by guys with big hats and curls.” These discriminatory measures represent a blatant attempt to marginalize religious and minority communities under the guise of land-use regulation.
“The recent ordinances target specific populations under the guise of ‘zoning regulation,’ raising serious concerns about discrimination and exclusion and potentially violate federal and state statutes that guarantee religious liberty and equal treatment under the law,” Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, said in a statement.
Agudath Israel calls on the Linden City Council to revoke these ordinances and to engage in an open, honest, and respectful dialogue with all community members. We also urge state and federal authorities to investigate and ensure that the rights of all residents are safeguarded.
Additionally, we are appalled by reports that members of the Orthodox Jewish community were barred from entering a recent meeting of the Linden City Council in what appears to constitute a clear violation of New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act that guarantees the public’s right to attend meetings of governing bodies. At the April 18, 2025 Special Meeting of the Linden City Council, which was held at the Susan Hudak Auditorium in Linden High School, dozens of residents were barred from entering the building.
“Orthodox Jews, like all New Jersey residents, have every right to engage in the democratic process. Any attempt to exclude them—or any group—from doing so is unacceptable – especially when it is committed by those who are tasked with upholding the rule of law,” Schorr added.
Agudath Israel will continue to strongly defend our communities against these discriminatory practices and will pursue all appropriate avenues — legal and otherwise — to protect the freedoms that every citizen deserves.
{Matzav.com}
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu testified at his criminal trial on Monday, downplaying the significance of any cigars or champagne he received, saying it was minor compared to the vast supply owned by billionaire Hollywood producer, onetime confidant, and current state’s witness Arnon Milchan.
The defense is nearing completion of testimony for Case 1000, known as the “Illegal Gifts” case. Once these testimonies conclude, proceedings for Case 2000 will commence, followed by the prosecution’s cross-examination. In Case 1000, Netanyahu is accused of promoting legislation that would have benefited Milchan, allegedly receiving cigars and champagne valued at thousands of shekels in return.
The charges also allege that Netanyahu ordered Shlomo Filber—who was the Communications Ministry’s director-general in 2015 and who later turned state’s witness—to assist Milchan with regulatory challenges, specifically regarding a merger between media outlets Reshet and Keshet, where Milchan was contemplating an investment.
During his testimony, Netanyahu said that their friendship ended after Milchan was questioned by police in December 2016. On Monday, he firmly denied being involved in linking Filber and Milchan or facilitating any conversations between them. “I had no way to influence it,” he stated.
According to the indictment, Netanyahu abruptly assigned Filber to lead the Communications Ministry and then allegedly directed him to explore ways to assist Milchan. The indictment further claims Milchan and Filber were in contact after Filber’s appointment, with Netanyahu supposedly seeking to tighten his grip over Israeli media.
Netanyahu defended his actions, saying, “What interested me at the time was introducing range into the Israeli journalism sphere. We saw this yesterday [with coverage of the affidavit against Shin Bet Ronen Bar]. It is a monolith that hides things from people and serves as a massive danger to democracy. When you provide one narrative [only], that’s dangerous,” he said.
Israeli TV’s three major networks—Channels 11, 12, and 13—extensively aired reports on Netanyahu’s affidavit throughout much of Sunday afternoon and evening.
During the hearing, defense attorney Amit Hadad questioned Netanyahu about accusations that he encouraged Milchan to buy into Israeli news companies to gain editorial control.
Netanyahu responded that while he did care about the overall issue of media influence, he did not have a specific interest in Milchan’s plans. “Personnel is policy,” Netanyahu said in English.
He also blasted any suggestion of meddling in Milchan’s financial dealings as “absurd,” punctuating his rejection by adding, “This is crazy,” in English.
“I took two meetings with him, like I would with anyone else,” Netanyahu added, brushing off any notion of impropriety.
The indictment claims that between 2011 and 2016, Netanyahu accepted cigars valued at approximately NIS 267,254 (about $75,000) and champagne worth NIS 184,448 (around $52,000).
Hadad probed Netanyahu’s cigar consumption habits to test the plausibility of the charges. Netanyahu dismissed the prosecution’s assertion that he smoked five to six cigars daily as “crazy.”
“I smoke one cigar over the course of two days… I have no time otherwise,” Netanyahu explained.
The defense highlighted Netanyahu’s earlier police statements, where he said he personally paid for cigars his staff bought for him, aiming to dismantle the prosecution’s claim that the gifts formed a “supply line” of luxury goods. “There was no supply line” of cigars and champagne, Netanyahu insisted.
Netanyahu said that when Milchan visited, two to four times per year, he would casually offer cigars. “He would bring a box of cigars, open it up, and say, ‘Take, Bibi, take one.’”
When interrogated, police challenged Netanyahu, asking why the sheer cost of these gifts hadn’t raised red flags for him.
On Monday, Netanyahu mocked the line of questioning, comparing it to trivial concerns. “Asking how many cups of coffee you drink in your life, or how long your nails get… They [the prosecution] have nothing,” he said.
Netanyahu further testified that no receipts were ever given to him, implying that the gifts were too minor to require formal documentation. Hadad also revealed that during interrogations, police claimed to have receipts but refused to show them.
“That’s convenient, isn’t it?” Netanyahu remarked, adding, “When you’re trying to incriminate an innocent man, facts don’t matter.”
Growing increasingly animated, Netanyahu exclaimed, “You blew up the numbers [of money spent on cigars]! What are we sitting here for – bribery for basic press releases, and fraud and breach-of-trust for cigars? This is what we are wasting precious time for, stealing time from both the State and the judges!”
Netanyahu insisted that Milchan’s generosity wasn’t unique to him, pointing out that others also benefited from Milchan’s cigar stash. “Milchan had cigars in his basement for everyone – guests of his even said so – not just for me… When you’re framing someone, you need to know what you’re doing,” he charged.
Hadad later presented a video from an award ceremony in 2008, where Milchan was honored with a cigar as recognition “for your extensive contribution to the cigar industry.” When asked to comment, Netanyahu said the tribute suited Milchan perfectly. “This is what he does. To come and say that what he has in his various homes is all designated for me is ridiculous and so removed from reality. How can this be believed, let alone the basis for a charge? It’s ridiculous.”
Addressing the champagne allegations, Netanyahu joked that Milchan practically “swam in champagne,” and said that his wife, Sara, only received a small portion as a gift.
While the indictment cited 160 boxes of champagne as being delivered, Netanyahu downplayed the figure. “That is not even close to what I saw; I recall one box, and it was opened,” he said.
{Matzav.com}
Chareidi demonstrators gathered on Monday outside the Tel Hashomer induction center to protest against the IDF’s efforts to enlist members of the chareidi community.
Footage shows activists sitting across the roadway, obstructing traffic, until police intervened and forcibly removed them.
The police issued a statement labeling the gathering “illegal,” although they emphasized that they “view the right to protest as a cornerstone of a democratic state and allow demonstrations as long as they are conducted within the law.”
They added, “However, the police will not allow any disturbances of public order, violations of freedom of movement, or behavior that may endanger public safety.”
Monday’s enlistment efforts were part of a special chareidi-focused day at Tel Hashomer, with the IDF attempting to draft two new companies into the Hashmonaim Brigade.
One company is set to include new draftees entering regular service, while the second will consist of reservists.
The army explained that this recruitment drive aims to offer chareidim opportunities within military service that accommodate their religious practices and lifestyle.
According to the military, the initiative will create an environment that allows soldiers to combine serious Torah learning with military responsibilities, enabling them to protect Israel while preserving their religious way of life.
Among those present to show support for the drafting of chareidim was Religious Zionist Party member Zvi Sukkot, who said, “They came to enlist and give their lives, and there are people here to humiliate and curse them.”
“I stand here on behalf of the majority of the Jewish people in the face of the disgrace that they are facing here. Shame!” Sukkot added.
Although approximately 10,000 draft notices were issued in the past two months, KAN reported that only 994 chareidim responded by presenting themselves at draft offices. Additionally, 2,491 are currently wanted on arrest warrants for failing to report, with travel bans placed against them to prevent them from leaving the country.
Nevertheless, these latest figures show some improvement compared to the previous three months, when only 367 chareidim complied with draft orders out of 7,014 notices sent, while authorities issued 2,473 arrest warrants and placed 446 travel restrictions.
Brigadier-General Shay Taib, head of the IDF Personnel Planning Branch, told Army Radio, “I would be happy if there was support from the other side [the wider chareidi community], but, unfortunately, we have yet to see any change.” He added, “We proposed imposing sanctions that affect the individual draft dodgers in their daily lives.”
On Sunday, the High Court of Justice issued a conditional order giving the government and military until June 24 to explain why more chareidim have not been summoned to enlist and why no penalties have yet been enforced against those who evade the draft.
This court action comes at a time when Israel remains embroiled in a drawn-out war, with reservists stretched thin and facing exhaustion after a year and a half of nonstop mobilization and danger.
Government officials have set a target to enlist 4,800 chareidim annually, a figure they plan to increase significantly in the coming years.
The IDF has been tasked with creating specialized pathways for chareidi soldiers to serve in sectors such as the Air Force, Intelligence Corps, and front-line units. Building the frameworks will fall to the military, but supplying the manpower will be the responsibility of the chareidi community.
{Matzav.com Israel}
