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The IRS is reportedly weighing the possibility of stripping Harvard University of its tax-exempt status, according to two individuals with direct knowledge of discussions inside the agency, CNN reported.

The unprecedented step, which sources say is being examined in coordination with the Trump administration, would mark a significant escalation in the administration’s conflict with the university.

Officials familiar with the situation said a final decision from the IRS could be imminent. The move follows rising tensions after Harvard refused to comply with federal demands regarding changes to its hiring practices and administrative oversight.

This development comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to halt more than $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, citing the university’s failure to adequately respond to antisemitic incidents on campus. In response, Harvard has asserted that it is protected by constitutional rights afforded to private academic institutions.

President Donald Trump has openly condemned Harvard’s actions, accusing the school of pushing a political agenda and failing to uphold standards of public accountability. “Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting ‘Sickness?’ Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

During an appearance on CNN with anchor Kasie Hunt, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said that while she could not confirm what action the IRS would take, the matter deserved scrutiny. “We’ll see what IRS comes back with relative to Harvard,” she said. “I certainly think, you know, in elitist schools, especially that have these incredibly large endowments, you know, we should probably have a look into that.”

She added that other colleges might also be subject to similar reviews: “It is my guess that the IRS is looking at tax-exempt statuses of other universities as well.”

The Trump administration has recently taken a harder stance against Harvard, issuing a clear ultimatum requiring the university to overhaul its internal policies in order to continue receiving nearly $9 billion in federal contracts and grants.

The university has faced mounting criticism following an increase in anti-Israel sentiment on campus after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack against Israel and the military conflict in Gaza that followed. Harvard has come under fire for its handling of antisemitism during this period.

Controversy intensified when, just 48 hours after the Hamas massacre, 34 Harvard student groups released a joint statement blaming Israel for the attack.

Tensions further escalated when Harvard’s then-president, Claudine Gay, appeared before Congress alongside the presidents of MIT and the University of Pennsylvania—Sally Kornbluth and Liz Magill, respectively—at a hearing on antisemitism in higher education.

During the hearing, all three university leaders offered similarly vague responses to questions from Rep. Elise Stefanik, declining to explicitly denounce antisemitic rhetoric or genocidal calls against Jews. Claudine Gay eventually stepped down from her position as Harvard’s president.

{Matzav.com}

Five years after COVID-19 triggered national lockdowns, economic uncertainty and killed millions, the World Health Organization’s member countries agreed on a draft “pandemic treaty” that sets guidelines for how the international community might confront the next global health crisis. After the world’s largely disastrous response to the coronavirus, countries tasked the WHO with overseeing a pandemic treaty in 2021. Negotiations concluded early Wednesday on an agreement expected to be adopted next month at the U.N. health agency’s annual meeting in Geneva. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus heralded it as a historic moment, saying countries have proven that “in our divided world, nations can still work together to find common ground and a shared response.” Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the country from the WHO in January, American officials were barred from participating in the talks by the Trump administration and are not expected to sign the treaty. During COVID-19, it was largely American research and development that produced the most effective vaccines and medicines. Weeks after Trump’s decision, Argentina’s President Javier Milei also exited the WHO, citing “profound differences” with the U.N. agency. Rachael Crockett, of the advocacy group Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, described the draft pandemic treaty as “a product of compromise.” She said it contained strong provisions, but only if countries chose to implement them: “This could change what we saw in COVID, when some populations didn’t get access to what they needed.” The draft treaty notably includes a provision to guarantee that countries that share critical virus samples receive any resulting tests, medicines and vaccines, with the WHO to hold up to 20% of such products to ensure poorer countries get supplies. Negotiations on this provision are expected to continue after the treaty is likely accepted by member countries in May. Crockett acknowledged that, as is often the case with international law, there are few consequences for countries that don’t comply: “There’s not much that can be done if countries choose not to ratify or abide by it.” Yuanqiong Hu, of aid organization Doctors Without Borders, said that if disputes arise between countries, the treaty includes a mechanism for them to use diplomatic channels, followed by arbitration. Countries are already legally bound by the International Health Regulations to do things like quickly report dangerous new outbreaks. But those have been flouted repeatedly, including by African countries during Ebola and other outbreaks, China in the early stages of COVID-19 and arguably the U.S. amid its ongoing bird flu epidemic. (AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed a group of Hamas-held hostages, including Sasha Troufanov—freed as part of the latest agreement—at the Kremlin on Wednesday, marking the first time such a meeting took place there.

Joining him at the event were Troufanov’s mother, Yelena, and his partner, Sapir Cohen. Both women had been released earlier as part of a prior arrangement.

At the gathering, Putin expressed his appreciation to the political division of Hamas for their part in enabling Troufanov’s release, stating, “We must thank the political wing of Hamas for their cooperation with us in carrying out this humanitarian act.”

He then turned to Troufanov with words of encouragement: “I want to wish you well,” adding, “Russia will do everything to ensure the release of all the people who were in the conditions you endured for so long.”

The meeting was also attended by Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.

Moscow has been actively working over the past year to secure Troufanov’s freedom, largely because of his Russian nationality. Putin’s diplomatic leverage in these efforts has been strengthened by his close partnerships with nations such as Iran, with whom he also maintains military cooperation.

{Matzav.com}

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson lashed out at President Trump on Tuesday, accusing him of racism and refusing to engage in discussions over his administration’s immigration stance. Johnson, speaking at a press conference, went so far as to liken the president’s deportation policies to terrorism.

“Trying to force your will to break the spirit of working people in order to have a conversation, that’s terrorism. We’re not going to negotiate with terrorists,” Johnson said, as quoted by the Chicago Tribune. He accused Trump of deliberately targeting regular Americans and using fear as a tactic.

The Trump administration has cautioned cities led by Democrats—including Chicago—that continued obstruction of federal immigration enforcement could result in the withdrawal of federal financial support. That warning places at risk billions in federal aid, including $1.5 billion directed to Chicago’s already struggling public school system.

Attempting to temper his incendiary remarks, Johnson later sought to clarify his comparison of Trump to a terrorist. “What I’m saying is trying to hold people hostage and manipulating them to succumb to his will and then hold up our tax dollars, that is how terrorists behave. These aren’t threats anymore, right? These are real, adversarial attacks against working people,” Johnson said.

Johnson also connected Trump’s policies to broader racial tensions, suggesting that they disproportionately harm African Americans. “There’s a long history of Black political leaders talking to people who may not see us as first class,” he said, insisting he would not “kiss the ring.”

Chicago, meanwhile, is facing serious financial trouble. Even with federal assistance, the city is anticipating a deficit of $1.2 billion, and losing any portion of its aid could make the crisis worse.

Johnson’s administration is also under a cloud due to a recent controversy over undisclosed gifts. Reports revealed that the mayor had hidden hundreds of expensive presents in a locked room within city hall. He initially blocked access to that storage area, even barring the city’s inspector general from entering. Under public and political pressure, Johnson eventually revealed the inventory and allowed investigators in to examine the items.

Public opinion appears to reflect growing dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership. One poll conducted in February showed only 14 percent of residents supported the mayor. A separate survey from the same month painted an even bleaker picture, putting his approval rating at just 6.6 percent.

{Matzav.com}

New York Attorney General Letitia James listed a residence in Virginia—roughly 300 miles from her office in Manhattan—as her main home in official paperwork, The NY Post reports. However, locals said Wednesday that they’ve never seen her around the neighborhood.

The modest single-family house, which has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is currently occupied by a woman and her daughter who, according to neighbors, moved in only a few months ago.

A longtime resident who’s lived nearby for nearly two decades said the house had previously been inhabited by a married couple for around four years before the current occupants arrived.

“I’ve only met [the new resident] like maybe two or three times. She seemed really nice,” the neighbor said of the current resident. “The last time I saw her was, like, maybe a week or so ago and she was just outside smoking a cigarette and we were talking about her grandkids,” she added.

“She probably moved in a little over three months ago,” the neighbor continued. “It’s definitely not a year.”

This 1,450-square-foot home is now at the center of a federal criminal complaint, which accuses James of submitting false information in order to get a more favorable mortgage when she and her niece bought the property in 2023.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte laid out these allegations in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, citing possible manipulation of residency declarations to secure loan benefits.

The referral also accuses James of misrepresenting the size of a Brooklyn property she owns. While she claimed it had four units—which could qualify her for better loan terms—records from the NYC Department of Buildings show five.

“Ms. James was the sitting Attorney General of New York and is required by law to have her primary residence in the state of New York — even though her mortgage applications list her intent to have the Norfolk, VA, property as her primary home,” the letter stated.

“It appears Ms. James’ property and mortgage-related misrepresentations may have continued to her recent 2023 Norfolk, VA property purchase in order to secure a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms,” Pulte wrote.

Pulte outlined several potential criminal charges that could arise from the matter, including bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements to a lender.

James’ office responded on Wednesday by clarifying that she co-purchased the Virginia home with her niece. “Her niece lives in the home as a primary residence and the AG has been clear that she is not using the Virginia home as her primary residence, because she lives in New York,” the statement said.

The response also accused the Trump administration of politicizing the issue. “Donald Trump’s weaponization of the federal government continues to careen out of control – and now they are using cherry-picked information to attack the Attorney General. We will have more to share on these political attacks, but the AG and our office remain focused on protecting New Yorkers every single day.”

James declined to speak with reporters outside her home in Brooklyn on Wednesday morning.

When asked about the referral on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” Bondi confirmed her office had just received it. “We haven’t looked at it, of course we’ll be reviewing it. You just told me more than I’ve heard about it so far,” she told host Bill Hemmer.

Near the Norfolk property, one neighbor said his grandmother had lived in the neighborhood his entire life and that he had never once seen James.

Back in 2019, James famously declared that “no one is above the law” while accusing President Trump of artificially inflating his asset values for financial advantage. Now, she finds herself facing scrutiny over her own dealings in both Brooklyn and Virginia.

According to legal records, James granted power of attorney to Shamice Thompson-Hairston to authorize the August 17, 2023, purchase of the Norfolk home. The pair secured a $219,780 mortgage for the transaction.

The document was signed in the presence of First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy and a New York state secretary and was officially notarized.

Pulte’s referral also casts doubt on whether James was truthful about the size of her Brooklyn brownstone.

The Department of Buildings certificate of occupancy lists five separate units in the structure, but James claimed on her deed and mortgage that it only had four.

This distinction is important because properties with five or more units are typically ineligible for residential loans under federal guidelines—meaning she may have received better financing by claiming only four.

Responding to those claims, James’ office stated, “The Attorney General has been clear in her financial filings that this is a 4 unit, owner-occupied building. The previous Certificate of Occupancy from January 2001 that lists it as a 5 unit building was filed by the previous owner before the Attorney General owned the home.”

During an interview on MSNBC’s “José Díaz-Balart Reports” Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “It’s up to the investigative bodies to do an unbiased investigation,” calling James “a longtime friend” and extending his well-wishes.

Pressed on whether politics could be driving the investigation, Adams said James would need to speak to that herself, though he added that both Trump and Biden had acknowledged politicization in the Justice Department.

“It’s imperative that our criminal justice agencies do what’s right,” he said.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is also a Democratic mayoral contender, had sharper words regarding the referral’s motive.

“Letitia James has spent her career standing up to powerful interests and fighting for everyday New Yorkers. Now she’s being targeted by a president who abuses the power of the federal government to go after his enemies,” she told The Post.

Republican critics, meanwhile, relished the development, pointing out the irony given James’ past rhetoric.

Michael Henry, who ran against James in 2022 as the GOP nominee for attorney general, issued a statement turning her own words back on her.

“No one is above the law. James has not denied the legitimacy of the documents. It should be investigated to the fullest extent of the law,” said Henry, who previously worked in the mortgage field before becoming a lawyer.

“There are clearly some issues here.”

Henry added that, at the very least, “there was something miscommunicated on her behalf numerous times,” and emphasized that as a lawyer—let alone the state’s top legal officer—James should have reviewed the property paperwork carefully, even if someone else signed on her behalf.

He called the situation “certainly ironic” in light of James’ high-profile legal battle with Trump over his business dealings.

As Donald Trump’s legal team waits for a verdict in his appeal of a $480 million fraud judgment, the drawn-out process has sparked accusations that Governor Kathy Hochul is leveraging her authority over the judiciary to intimidate the president, the NY Post reports. Sources from the White House allege that Hochul told Trump, “I control the judges” during a February policy discussion in the Oval Office that included topics like the controversial Manhattan congestion pricing plan.

Hochul strongly refutes ever making such a remark.

Despite her denial, insiders say Trump interpreted her words as a veiled message connected to his ongoing appeal of a civil fraud judgment handed down in February 2024 by Judge Arthur Engoron, who ordered him to pay $364 million, accusing him of exaggerating his assets to gain more favorable loan terms.

According to a legal insider familiar with what transpired in the Oval Office, Hochul pushed Trump to support her agenda — including withdrawing opposition to the $9 congestion fee, shelving plans for a gas pipeline, and approving federal money for green energy efforts and Penn Station improvements.

“She’s making all these demands while the case hangs over his head,” the source claimed. “It feels like extortion and blackmail.”

Responding to the controversy, Hochul spokesman Avi Small dismissed the allegations, suggesting there may be a misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of the conversation.

“Governor Hochul has never said this, or anything similar, to President Trump or anyone,” Small insisted. “The Governor respects the independence of the judiciary, has never attempted to interfere in ongoing cases, and does not have any role to play in the judicial process — nor did she ever say that she did.

“Someone must have completely misheard the governor during this conversation, or they’re purposefully lying to advance a political agenda.”

A senior member of the Trump administration responded, “Of course she would deny attempting to extort the president of the United States. Just like she denied overseeing the weaponization of justice in her own state.”

A member of the administration, who was not at the meeting, said Hochul later tried to win favor with Trump by suggesting a tribute — renaming Moynihan Train Hall after him.

When asked about that, Small responded that the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was viewed by the governor as a “mentor” and that “under no circumstances would she ever propose changing the name of Moynihan Train Hall.”

Still, he admitted, “The governor did make a lighthearted joke about how to get President Trump interested in contributing federal funds to renovate Penn Station.”

Legal observers have noted that the delay in resolving Trump’s appeal — now over a year — far exceeds the average turnaround time for the First Department of the Appellate Division.

“In the ordinary course, an appeal in the First Department is decided about five to six months from the date an appellant files an opening brief and record,” said Bill White, senior appellate counsel at Counsel Press LLC.

Trump’s team submitted their appeal on February 26, 2024, and the court heard oral arguments that September.

“It is obvious that they are dragging their heels,” said Joe Tacopina, a veteran trial attorney who has represented Trump in other legal matters.

Tacopina labeled the year-plus delay “insane and obviously another ‘special treatment’ for Trump.”

He added, “After oral argument or submission, the court usually issues a decision within a couple of months, though it can sometimes take longer depending on the complexity of the case or the court’s docket.”

A spokesperson for the Clerk’s Office of the Appellate Division declined to comment, saying, “We don’t discuss pending matters before the court.”

As New York’s governor since 2021, Hochul holds significant sway over judicial appointments, thanks to a system that doesn’t require Senate confirmation for Appellate Division judges — a level of control uncommon among other governors.

Although none of the five justices handling Trump’s appeal — Dianne Renwick, David Friedman, Peter Moulton, John Higgitt, and Llinét Rosado — were appointed by Hochul, she did promote Renwick to presiding justice last year. The other judges also rely on her for reappointment every five years.

Letitia James, the state attorney general who brought the case against Trump and his family business, has taunted him online about the daily interest piling onto his judgment — now over $480 million, with $112,000 accruing each day.

Trump’s attorneys were initially encouraged following the September 26, 2024 hearing, where judges expressed doubts about the attorney general’s legal arguments.

During the hearing, Judge Friedman asked if the AG had ever used this law before “to upset a private business transaction,” emphasizing that Trump’s dealings were with “some of the most sophisticated actors in business,” like Deutsche Bank.

He also observed that there were no financial losses involved: nobody “lost any money.”

Judge Moulton added that “the immense penalty in this case is troubling” and observed “the parties left these transactions happy.”

He also criticized the potential overreach of the AG’s approach, questioning whether the law had undergone “mission creep,” becoming something it was never intended to be.

Judge Higgitt suggested that the attorney general may be “going into an area where she doesn’t have jurisdiction.”

Despite those comments, the court has remained silent since, with no ruling issued seven months later.

Even if Trump prevails, he won’t recover the hefty expense of securing a bond for the appeal. Initially set at $464 million, it was reduced in March to $175 million, but his legal team estimates the cost to be in the millions — recoverable only by suing the state.

Trump’s lawyers say the case is politically motivated, arguing that James has turned the state’s legal system into a tool for targeting a political rival, and that Judge Engoron was blatantly biased throughout the proceedings.

James, who ran for office in 2018 on a platform that included opposing Trump, referred to him as an “illegitimate president” and “embarrassment” during her campaign.

Trump, in turn, has labeled her a “racist prosecutor” conducting a “witch hunt” against him.

Shortly after Trump took office, he revoked James’s security clearance, preventing her from entering federal buildings such as courthouses, FBI offices, or U.S. attorney facilities.

In a twist of fate, James was referred this week to the Department of Justice by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for possible criminal prosecution over allegations she falsified mortgage documents to get better loan terms on properties in Virginia and New York.

{Matzav.com}

What was nearly a tragedy turned into a powerful reminder of the Hashgacha Pratis that accompanies each Yid, wherever they may be—even in a Florida resort, on a sunny Chol Hamoed afternoon. Just 24 hours after pulling their unconscious two-year-old daughter from the water, the Cohen family of Baltimore gathered friends, family, and first responders for an emotional and deeply moving Seudas Hodaah. Their little girl, Aliza Rivka bas Chana, had been miraculously revived after a harrowing near-drowning accident—thanks to the quick actions of bystanders and the heroic intervention of Hatzalah of South Florida. The father, Levi Cohen, stood before the crowd, his voice thick with emotion. “You read about these kinds of stories on Yeshiva World News,” he said. “But not on your own WhatsApp chat. There are people in this room who literally saved a life 24 hours ago.” The story began with a moment every parent dreads. “Everything happened so quickly,” Reb Levi recalled. “In a split second, she was in the water. By the time I pulled her out, she wasn’t breathing.” Running into the house in a panic, he cried out for someone to call Hatzalah. But help had already begun to arrive in a most unexpected way. “A man driving by on a golf cart saw what was happening and jumped off. Like Eliyahu Hanavi, he started CPR right there on the lawn.” Within 90 seconds, the stranger had revived Aliza Rivka, and moments later, members of Hatzalah and Osceola County EMS were on the scene, taking over with their expertise and speed. The young child began breathing on her own. She was stabilized, airlifted by medevac to a nearby hospital—and, remarkably, was discharged the very next day. Aliza Rivka’s mother spoke as well, her voice steady but emotional. She described her terror as the helicopter lifted off, with her precious daughter unconscious in the back. She wasn’t even allowed to sit beside her child. “I didn’t know what was happening behind me… but I had one Hatzalah member sitting next to me in the front. He said, ‘If you need anything at all, we’re here.’” That Hatzalah member had already reached out to a colleague near the hospital to ensure someone would be waiting to assist. “They came like angels,” she said. “Not just to save my daughter’s life, but to carry us through the nightmare.” Despite the happy conclusion to this harrowing story, Hatzalah stresses that this incident cannot simply be brushed aside as “another close call.” “This must be a wake-up call,” Hatzalah of South Florida told YWN. “Drowning is among the most terrifying emergencies we respond to. Seconds matter. Supervision is not optional—it’s life and death.” As Yidden continue to travel during Pesach and in the coming summer months, Hatzalah of South Florida is urging the community to take pool safety seriously. Pools may offer hours of entertainment, but they are also among the most dangerous places for young children. Key reminders include: Never, ever leave a child unattended near a pool. Even for a second. Private pools lack the oversight of lifeguards. The responsibility is solely on the adults present. Know your address and resort name. Post it prominently in your rental unit, and program local emergency numbers into your phone. Pool gates and alarms must never be disabled […]

President Donald Trump stopped Israel from launching a planned assault on Iranian nuclear facilities, opting instead to pursue diplomacy with Tehran aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions, according to a report published Wednesday by the New York Times, which cited officials within the administration and other sources.

The report stated that Israel had crafted a military strategy to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as of May, intending to significantly delay Iran’s capacity to produce a nuclear weapon—potentially by more than a year.

According to the New York Times, Israel would have needed American military backing—not only to help shield it from an Iranian counterattack but also to ensure the operation’s overall effectiveness.

Following prolonged discussions within his administration, Trump ultimately chose to prioritize negotiations with Iran over lending U.S. support to an Israeli military offensive.

Last weekend, U.S. and Iranian officials met in Oman, marking the first such engagement during Trump’s presidency, including his initial 2017–2021 term. Both sides characterized the talks as “positive” and “constructive.”

A follow-up session is planned for this coming Shabbos, and a source familiar with the preparations said Rome is expected to be the venue.

{Matzav.com}

Fox News senior strategic analyst Ret. Gen. Jack Keane unpacks the driving forces behind Iran and the United States’ nuclear talks on ‘The Story.’

WATCH:

Border Czar Tom Homan reacted to Democratic Party efforts to protect deported alleged MS-13 Kilmar Abrego Garcia and bring him back to the U.S.

Homan specifically went after Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who says Abrego Garcias was “abducted,” while speaking with Fox & Friends Wednesday morning.

“He wasn’t abducted. He’s an MS-13 gang member,” Homan said. “Classified as a terrorist who was removed from this country. So, we got rid of a dangerous person — an El Salvador national — he was returned to the nation of El Salvador, so he’s home.”

“I’m just disgusted that any congressional representative is going to run to El Salvador to his aid. When yesterday, I read in his state, an illegal alien charged with murder was released back into the community [because] the ICE detainer wasn’t honored, and ICE had to go find him,” Homan added.

“Rather than taking care of the victims of illegal crime in his state, he’s going to run to El Salvador to protect an MS-13 terrorist — it’s just disgusting.”

Watch the clip below:

 

Soul Parenting is a 6-week online parenting course based on the timeless wisdom of the Torah taught by Rabbi Shais Taub. In Soul Parenting, Rabbi Shais Taub gently guides participants to uncover the deep, powerful qualities of great parenting they already possess — qualities that too often lie dormant beneath the surface. This course isn’t about learning to become someone you’re not. It’s about discovering the spiritual tools you already have and using them to build a more connected, meaningful relationship with your children. Whether your child is a toddler or already grown, it’s never too late to grow as a parent. Through a soulful, Torah-based lens, participants learn to tune into their innate power, recognize the infinite value of each child, and tap into the unbreakable bond between parent and child. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY  Classes are LIVE and INTERACTIVE. Lesson 1
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President Donald Trump has reportedly blocked Israeli plans to carry out a major strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities this May, instead opting to pursue a high-stakes diplomatic push aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. According to a detailed report by The New York Times, Israeli officials had recently finalized a plan to hit multiple Iranian nuclear sites next month, a coordinated military operation that they believed would delay Iran’s nuclear program by at least a year. The ambitious operation was to include a combination of precision airstrikes and commando raids—one that would require significant logistical and military backing from the United States. But during an April 3 phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Trump made it clear he would not discuss Iran strategy over the phone. Instead, he invited Netanyahu for an in-person meeting at the White House. There, earlier this month, Trump firmly told the Israeli premier that the United States would not support a strike while negotiations with Iran were underway. Sources within both governments say Netanyahu had hoped to secure Trump’s approval to move forward with the strike before U.S. Central Command head General Michael E. Kurilla concludes his tour of duty—timing that was considered crucial for operational success. American and Israeli defense officials had been quietly developing scenarios to ensure a potential mission could be carried out with Kurilla still at the helm. But while some in the administration supported the idea of keeping the military option on the table—among them Gen. Kurilla and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz—others raised strong objections. Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, presented a fresh intelligence assessment warning that the visible U.S. military buildup could provoke a full-scale regional conflict with Iran, a risk the administration was unwilling to take. Her warnings were echoed by several senior officials in closed-door strategy meetings, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance. They all expressed concerns about the likelihood of escalation and the limited effectiveness of the proposed operation—especially given that many of Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities are deep underground or heavily fortified, making them difficult to destroy with commandos alone. Despite Netanyahu’s strong push—he had reportedly championed a hybrid option combining airstrikes with ground raids—Trump remained unmoved. He reiterated to Netanyahu during their White House meeting that America would not provide the necessary support, at least not while diplomatic talks with Iran were progressing. The decision represents a calculated gamble by Trump, who is betting on his ability to extract a new deal from Tehran that would curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities without dragging the United States into another Middle Eastern conflict. For Israel, the message is sobering: If it chooses to move forward, it may have to go it alone. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy offered a detailed briefing on upcoming drone operations, drawing a sharp distinction between the Trump administration’s open approach and what he described as the secrecy of the previous leadership.

“Do you remember the drone fiasco under the last administration from a few months ago?” Duffy asked in a video posted to X. Reflecting on that time, he noted that he had been living in New Jersey and recalled how concerned the public was over the mysterious, unexplained drone sightings.

Duffy emphasized that the Trump administration has adopted a completely different philosophy — one of “radical transparency.” He continued, “As part of that mandate, I’d like to share an update on drones and what we’re doing to protect you,” revealing that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would begin “drone detection testing in Cape May, New Jersey.”

According to Duffy, the goal of these tests is to ensure that authorities can reliably identify drones operating in U.S. airspace and prevent any risk of interference with aircraft systems. He stressed that the public would be informed about when and where the tests will be held to avoid confusion or alarm.

“The FAA will operate more than 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones from everything like the drones you see behind me, to much larger vehicles,” Duffy explained, pointing out that local residents had already been briefed on the activity.

The drone testing is scheduled to wrap up on Friday, April 25. Duffy assured the public that the Department of Transportation under President Trump will continue offering “these kind of candid behind-the-scenes updates.”

“You deserve a government that’s always going to be transparent about what we see and what we do,” he added.

Late 2024 was marked by national unease over widespread drone sightings, with the Biden administration coming under fire for failing to explain the phenomenon. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI eventually issued a joint statement saying there was “no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”

Not long after President Donald Trump assumed office, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a statement to clarify the situation, confirming that the drones flying over New Jersey and elsewhere had actually been sanctioned by the FAA. “From President Trump directly, an update on the New Jersey drones,” Leavitt stated. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons.”

Although Leavitt did not elaborate on the specific nature of that research or the “various other reasons” mentioned, she did add that not all the drone sightings were part of official activity. “Some of the drones spotted were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones,” she said.

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed on Wednesday that the Trump administration will soon unveil multiple research initiatives aimed at pinpointing the exact environmental triggers behind the rise in autism cases.

This marks a major step in Kennedy’s broader health reform effort under the banner of Make America Healthy Again. In remarks delivered Tuesday, he addressed troubling data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which shows a sharp increase in autism prevalence — now affecting 1 in every 31 children in the United States. Kennedy described the situation as nothing short of an “epidemic.”

According to data from the CDC: “Results: Among children aged 8 years in 2022, ASD prevalence was 32.2 per 1,000 children (one in 31) across the 16 sites, ranging from 9.7 in Texas (Laredo) to 53.1 in California. The overall observed prevalence estimate was similar to estimates calculated using Bayesian hierarchical and random effects models. ASD was 3.4 times as prevalent among boys (49.2) than girls (14.3). Overall, ASD prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White (White) children (27.7) than among Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI) (38.2), American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) (37.5), non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) (36.6), Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) (33.0), and multiracial children (31.9). No association was observed between ASD prevalence and neighborhood median household income (MHI) at 11 sites; higher ASD prevalence was associated with lower neighborhood MHI at five sites.”

The trend line has continued to rise steadily over the years, with no indication of slowing down.

Kennedy referenced a state-commissioned investigation by the California legislature in 2009, which tasked the MIND Institute at UC Davis with determining whether the surge in autism cases was real or just a result of better diagnosis. The lead researcher, an expert in neurology and epidemiology, delivered a firm conclusion.

“The epidemic is real,” Kennedy emphasized. He noted that this finding has been reinforced by numerous scientific studies, all of which point to a dramatic increase in cases, not simply improved detection.

Rejecting the argument that the rise in autism is a myth, Kennedy urged the public and policymakers to examine the available evidence. “Instead of listening to this canard of epidemic denial, all you have to do is start reading a little science, because the answer is very clear, and this is catastrophic for our country,” he warned. He then pointed to another projection estimating that by 2035, the annual cost of autism treatment in the U.S. could reach a staggering one trillion dollars.

“This is added to already astronomical healthcare costs. And then there’s an individual injury. These are kids that — this is a preventable disease. We know it’s an environmental exposure. It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics,” Kennedy said.

“It can provide a vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin,” he explained, making it clear that identifying that toxin is now a top priority.

Kennedy announced that his department plans to roll out new investigations in the coming weeks. “This has not been done before, and we’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way, and we’re going to get back to …. an answer to the American people, very, very quickly,” he promised.

 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with reckless manslaughter and other charges for allegedly speeding through a steady red light before crashing into an Uber that was waiting for a family to finish crossing the street, plowing through the pedestrians as her car rolled over. A 34-year-old mother and her daughters, 5 and 8, died from the impact, and her 4-year-son suffered serious injuries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This horrific fatal crash was one of the worst I’ve seen in over 25 years as a prosecutor. It wasn’t an accident. This defendant’s unconscionably dangerous driving wiped out a family. The consequences of her flouting traffic laws and commonsense were disastrous, and we will now seek to hold her fully accountable for this criminally reckless behavior.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Miriam Yarimi, 32, of Midwood, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with multiple counts of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, and other related counts. She was ordered held without bail and to return to court on June 11, 2025. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 29, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2023 Audi, turning onto Ocean Parkway. Video surveillance shows her car drive through a red light a block before the crash, narrowly avoiding other cars and continue north on Ocean Parkway.

At the next intersection, with Quentin Road, the mother, Natasha Saada, 34, was crossing Ocean Parkway from west to east, holding hands with her three children, Diana, 8, Deborah, 5, and Philip, 4. The evidence shows that a Toyota Camry was in the process of turning right from Quentin Road onto Ocean Parkway and was waiting for the pedestrians to finish crossing.

When the family was a step or two from the sidewalk, the Audi driven by the defendant sped through the intersection against the light, smashed into the back of the turning Toyota and plowed through the victims with her car continuing to roll over, stopping about 130 feet away. According to evidence obtained from the black box, the Audi was traveling at about 68 mph (in a 25-mph zone), was at full throttle (suggesting the gas pedal was floored) and zero brake was applied.

The mother and two daughters were killed at the scene. Her son suffered skull fractures, brain bleeding and had a kidney removed. The Toyota had five occupants – the Uber driver, a mother and her three kids – who sustained minor injuries. The Audi ended up upside down and had to be cut to get the defendant out. She suffered minor physical injuries.

The District Attorney thanked detectives from the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Boykin, Deputy Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Aaron Gauthier, of the Green Zone, with assistance from Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau, Paralegals Devi Kempadoo and Lauryn Mordaunt, of the Street safety Bureau, and Green Zone Supervising Paralegal Aneudy Mata, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Chief of the Green Zone.

{Matzav.com}

BREAKING: Patty Morin, whose daughter was slaughtered by an illegal alien in Maryland, speaks at WH press briefing: “To have a senator…fly to El Salvador to bring back someone that’s not even an American citizen….I don’t understand this.”

Golf cart parade at Encore in Orlando. Videos for YWN via Shimi J / Q-106

As of this month, New York City has begun enforcing its mandatory composting policy with fines—sparking backlash from homeowners and prompting several City Council members to push legislation to roll the rule back.

The proposed bill, spearheaded by members of the Common Sense Caucus, aims to undo the Department of Sanitation’s composting mandate. The law technically took effect in October, but penalties for noncompliance only began on April 1.

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who represents the northeast Bronx’s 13th District, told 1010 WINS that approximately 2,000 fines have already been issued. She is leading the repeal effort alongside fellow Councilmembers David Carr, Vickie Paladino, Inna Vernikov, Susan Zhuang, and Robert Holden.

“One neighborhood in my district in Pelham Bay there were over 150 tickets given out in that first week and these people are outraged, they’re upset, they feel like it’s just another taxation on private homeowners, on the working class,” Marmorato said.

She argued that many of her constituents are frustrated because the city didn’t do enough to explain how composting works or how to comply with the new requirements—an accusation the Department of Sanitation strongly pushed back against.

“We have done extensive outreach on this: door knocking, traditional media, social media, and visits to Community Boards and civic groups,” a sanitation spokesperson said. “Every New York City resident has received a clearly worded mailer on mandatory curbside composting this week or last, with [tailored messaging].”

The DSNY noted that before issuing fines, it had already distributed 30,000 warnings to alert residents about the upcoming enforcement.

Marmorato and her colleagues argue that composting should be encouraged, not imposed. They believe it should be something residents can opt into voluntarily, not a mandatory burden.

“I think it should be an option. We shouldn’t be forced to compost. We live in the city. It’s not like we’re in the country where we can go out to our yard and just throw this composting out in the mulch pile,” she said. “What’s going to happen in the heat? It’s going to end up being gross … it’s going to be a disaster over the summertime.”

Under the current regulations, residents are required to place organic waste—including food scraps, leaves, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper—into designated bins with secure lids or use official brown DSNY bins.

“We would note that it was the City Council that passed the mandate in the first place,” the DSNY spokesperson added. “Our understanding is that this proposal was introduced by a few specific council members.”

The composting mandate was approved in June 2023 as part of the city’s broader “Zero Waste Act”—a legislative package intended to reduce landfill contributions, combat climate change, and promote sustainable waste practices.

{Matzav.com}