Feed aggregator

A Minneapolis daycare tied to a sweeping federal fraud investigation was found sitting empty on Wednesday, one day after FBI agents raided the site along with roughly 20 other locations as part of a massive probe into alleged abuse of social services programs in Minnesota, the NY Post reports.

The facility, known as the “Quality Learing Center,” appeared deserted, with its original misspelled signage removed and replaced by a notice alerting passersby that the premises are under video surveillance.

The structure itself has also undergone visible changes. Once painted a light green shade, the exterior has since been redone in a muted blue tone. Newly posted “no trespassing” signs now flank the entrance, signaling that the property is no longer in operation.

Items scattered around the site added to the sense of abandonment. Striped hula hoops were seen discarded in a dumpster, while a lone stroller sat unused in the parking lot.

A security guard stationed nearby said he had never observed children entering or exiting the building and noted that, according to information he received, the center had shut down earlier this year.

“It’s been deserted for three years from what I found out from management. It’s interesting,” he told The NY Post.

“I wasn’t even sure what was there.”

Questions about the legitimacy of the center first surfaced in December after a video posted by YouTuber Nick Shirley suggested the location was inactive at the time.

A nearby resident echoed those concerns, saying they had not seen any children at the site until reporters began asking questions, at which point activity at the facility suddenly increased.

“That parking lot is empty all the time, and I was under the impression that place is permanently closed,” they said.

Looking through the glass entrance revealed little indication of regular operations, with only a grimy tile floor visible and boxes piled randomly in a hallway and near what appeared to be a front desk.

Federal authorities executed the raid on Tuesday as part of a broader investigation into suspected fraud involving social services funds, with the Trump administration estimating potential losses in Minnesota alone could reach $19 billion.

Prosecutors have already brought charges in related schemes. Since September, seven individuals have been indicted for allegedly enlisting members of the Somali community to sign up children for nonexistent autism services, generating approximately $14 million in fraudulent payments.

In a separate but related case, at least 65 defendants have been charged in the so-called Feeding Our Future scandal, which allegedly siphoned off roughly $250 million in taxpayer funds. Numerous defendants have entered guilty pleas in that case, which federal prosecutors began pursuing during the Biden administration.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump is again pressing for Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, arguing that such a decision would significantly boost Herzog’s stature.

Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said that if Herzog were to pardon Netanyahu, it would elevate him in the eyes of the public. “I like the guy, Herzog,” Trump said. “He will be a national hero if he gives Bibi a pardon. I will very much appreciate it.”

Trump also revealed that he had a conversation with Netanyahu on Tuesday night, during which the prime minister mentioned his ongoing corruption trial and that he was scheduled to return to court the next day. Trump voiced frustration over the situation, saying: “In the middle of a war? Give me a break.”

According to Trump, the legal case against Netanyahu is harming Israel’s reputation. He brushed aside the accusations, describing them as involving “wine and cigars,” and added: “Bibi is a wartime prime minister. He can’t have this hanging over his head.”

The president has repeatedly called for Netanyahu to receive a pardon in recent months, characterizing the trial as a “witch hunt” and drawing comparisons to his own legal battles.

Earlier in the week, Herzog convened Netanyahu’s legal representatives along with the attorney general and state prosecutor to explore possible ways to resolve the case. Herzog has made clear that he does not intend to consider issuing a pardon until those discussions are completed.

Trump, however, expressed doubt that a compromise solution would work, saying Netanyahu “can’t take” such a deal and instead needs a full pardon.

Netanyahu continues to deny all allegations and has given no indication that he is prepared to admit any wrongdoing, which is a legal prerequisite for receiving a presidential pardon in Israel. Any plea deal could also impose limits on his ability to remain in public office.

In earlier comments reported by Axios, Trump had taken a harsher tone toward Herzog over the matter, although in his most recent remarks his approach appeared more restrained.

{Matzav.com}

Concern is growing at Yeshivas Banecha Shavim in Gilo after one of its talmidim was arrested earlier this week by the Military Police and sentenced to 20 days in a military prison. Speaking with Nati Kalish on Kol Chai’s News Anash program, Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yehuda Menachem recounted the details of the arrest, the family’s distress, and his concerns about the pressure the bochur may face in custody.

According to Rav Menachem, the day began routinely, but when the bochur failed to show up for learning, it became clear that he had been taken during the night.

“At 3:30 in the morning they came to the house, loud banging on the door. They are simple people, they were frightened, they opened — and they simply took him,” he said. He added that the bochur was cut off from any communication for an entire day: “He was only given the right to call today. The parents didn’t know where he was”.

Rav Menachem described the bochur as a gentle, quiet, and well-liked young man. “An intelligent student, loves Torah, doesn’t harm anyone,” he said. He explained that the family is unfamiliar with legal and military systems, and that the yeshiva has taken on the responsibility of helping them navigate the situation. “We are their only help. Even the connection to the lawyer is being handled by us.”

In response to the situation, the yeshiva has begun organized tefillos for his release. “We distributed tefillah sheets, asking for a close salvation,” Rav Menachem said. At the same time, he expressed serious concern about the emotional strain on the bochur. “We are afraid he will break. He is delicate, sensitive, not equipped to deal with this pressure machine”.

Concluding the interview, Rav Menachem stressed that the yeshiva will continue supporting both the bochur and his family until he is released. “It pains us very much. We hope to hear good news.”

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was granted a unique heter halachah by his rav, Rabbi Dov Lior, permitting him to enter the entirety of Har Habayis, including areas that are ordinarily off-limits to the broader public due to their heightened kedushah.

The matter came to light following a visit by Ben-Gvir to the home of Rav Lior, who serves as the manhig ruchani of the Otzma Yehudit party.

It should be pointed out that all the leading poskim of this and previous generations have forbidden entry to the Har Habayis.

During their meeting, Rav Lior presented a detailed map outlining the halachically permitted route for those ascending Har Habayis, highlighting the importance of remaining strictly within those designated areas to avoid entering places that are assur due to their sanctity. In general, Rav Lior allows visits to Har Habayis only under specific conditions—limited to the permitted pathways and following proper tevilah in a mikvah.

However, the rav explained—according to a report in Matzav Haruach—that Minister Ben-Gvir’s situation is distinct from that of the general public. Due to his position within the Israeli government, a separate psak applies to him, rooted in the concept of “sovereign control” of the State of Israel and the Jewish people over the Har Habayis. Based on this reasoning, he is allowed to enter even those areas where there exists a halachic prohibition for others.

Rav Lior elaborated on the reasoning behind this ruling, stating: “This is done through the importance of the concept of sovereignty of the State of Israel and the Jewish people on the Har Habayis, expressed by a minister of the State of Israel ascending and demonstrating presence in these places. Of course, it is desirable to do so with as much solemnity as possible, befitting these holy sites.”

{Matzav.com}

Two Jewish men injured in a terror stabbing in London on Wednesday have been identified, as communal leaders urge the public to daven for their recovery following the attack targeting visibly Jewish individuals.

The victims, Moshe Rand (34) and Moshe Shine (76), were attacked in broad daylight by a terrorist while on their way back from Shacharis.

The incident took place in the Golders Green area of north London, a neighborhood with a large Jewish population, where a knife-wielding assailant attacked passersby in what authorities have classified as a terror incident. The victims sustained serious injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, released the names of the injured and called for tefillos on their behalf.

“Please join me in praying for a swift and complete recovery for the victims of today’s attack: Nachman Moshe ben Chaya Sarah and Moshe ben Baila,” the Chief Rabbi wrote.

Police apprehended the suspect at the scene shortly after the attack. Authorities indicated that the assailant deliberately targeted Jewish victims, and the case is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

The stabbing comes amid heightened concern within the Jewish community in London following a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent months. Community leaders and security organizations have increased vigilance, while calling for continued tefillah and support for the victims as they recover.

Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The criminal case filed Tuesday against David Morens, a longtime adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, has intensified demands that federal prosecutors bring charges against Fauci over his past testimony to Congress regarding U.S.-funded research in China before the COVID-19 outbreak.

With the statute of limitations set to expire on May 11, authorities have roughly two weeks remaining to pursue potential charges tied to Fauci’s sworn denial that he supported “gain of function” research involving bat coronaviruses in Wuhan, the same city where the pandemic first emerged.

Morens, 78, is now facing multiple federal counts, including conspiracy, as well as allegations of destroying, altering, or falsifying records tied to government investigations, and concealing or removing materials connected to inquiries into COVID-19’s origins. If convicted on all charges, he could receive a sentence of up to 51 years.

Critics argue that Fauci, 85, should face greater scrutiny, contending that ultimate responsibility lies with him. They say the case against Morens only underscores broader concerns about Fauci’s conduct and should lead to direct legal action.

President Trump said in a March 31 phone interview with The Post that he planned to “look into” Fauci’s situation. Republican officials have also indicated that acting attorney general Todd Blanche, who is seeking to keep the role permanently, may consider challenging the validity of preemptive pardons issued by President Joe Biden, including one granted to Fauci using an autopen.

“99% of this country has no idea who Morens is,” said Oversight Project President Mike Howell. “It’s Fauci that they will blame for one of the worst government catastrophes in history in America. And so the test is Fauci. The Morens indictment is great, and we applaud it. But there are a lot of people out there that want to see Fauci held to account for the damage he wrought.”

Howell, whose organization previously submitted a proposed indictment against Morens to the Justice Department, argued that the adviser’s actions were closely tied to Fauci’s leadership.

“[Fauci] lied about one of the most damaging events in American history routinely and was behind a massive coverup of the key factors,” Howell said.

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has publicly accused Fauci of misleading Congress, said investigators have been reviewing evidence for an extended period and claimed the current administration has been more transparent.

“we’ve been looking through a lot of information on this for the last year or so. The Trump administration has been much more forthcoming than the Biden administration ever was.”

Paul said there may be grounds for multiple charges.

“On Anthony Fauci’s case, we think lying to Congress is one felony,” Paul said in an interview on Tuesday. “We also think that destroying federal records and advising others to destroy federal records is also a felony. So I think there’s opportunity there… There was a vast both organized and unorganized conspiracy to cover up the fact that the US government was funding the research that led to the pandemic.”

Questions surrounding Biden’s use of an autopen to issue pardons have also become part of the debate. Trump has argued that Biden’s condition at the time may have prevented him from knowingly authorizing those pardons, raising the possibility of legal challenges.

Biden, however, told the New York Times last year that he was aware of the pardons.

Paul said testing the legitimacy of those pardons would likely require prosecuting someone who had already been granted clemency.

“To determine the validity of those pardons, ‘you would have to indict somebody who’s been pardoned. And I think it’s worth a challenge,’” Paul said. “There’s some questions that have never been asked before. Is the pardon power so broad that you can pardon people for a period of time and not for a conviction? [Fauci’s pardon is] for a decade period of time for unspecified crimes.”

He added that Biden’s awareness at the time could become a key issue.

“You’d have to determine whether [Biden] was aware these pardons happened… My guess is that somebody around him will make him aware of which pardons he did by the time they get to trial, [but what matters is] whether he was aware at the time.”

“I’m for pushing it to find out, and I think the only way to find out is to take it before a court.”

Paul also suggested that any actions taken after the pardon could still expose Fauci to legal jeopardy.

“it might involve the question of conspiracy charges.”

If convicted of lying to Congress, Fauci could face up to five years in prison, with additional penalties possible if conspiracy charges are pursued.

Neil McCabe, who previously worked in the Trump Justice Department, said earlier DOJ leadership had accepted the validity of Biden’s clemency actions.

“from the beginning, Trump’s DOJ recognized and enforced Biden’s autopen clemencies — even the tranches [of prison commutations] that extended into the current administration.”

“Trump said anything done by autopen was invalid, so let’s see how [Blanche] handles it now that it is his decision,” McCabe added.

Fauci served as Biden’s top medical adviser in 2021 and 2022 and was widely seen early in the pandemic as a leading public health voice. However, critics have pointed to changing guidance over time, including evolving recommendations on mask usage.

On his final full day in office, Biden issued Fauci a broad pardon covering “any offenses” dating back to 2014.

Attempts to reach Fauci for comment were unsuccessful, though a voicemail was left at a number believed to be associated with him. The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment.

During the pandemic, Fauci was frequently praised and became a prominent public figure, even as debates over his guidance and statements intensified. His high-profile exchanges with Paul drew widespread attention, particularly as public opinion at the time largely favored Fauci.

At a Senate hearing on May 11, 2021, Fauci firmly denied that his agency funded gain-of-function work in Wuhan.

“The [National Institutes of Health] and [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] categorically has not funded gain of function research to be conducted in the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Fauci said at a Senate committee hearing on May 11, 2021, during a tense exchange with Paul. “You are entire, entirely and completely incorrect… the NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain of function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”

He stood by that statement at a subsequent hearing.

“I do not retract that statement” and angrily pointing his finger at Paul, shouting, “if anybody’s lying here, senator, it is you!”

Later disclosures added new context to the debate. Documents released in 2021 indicated that EcoHealth Alliance had used federal grant money from Fauci’s agency to support research in Wuhan involving modified bat coronaviruses.

According to those materials, experiments showed that certain altered viruses became more infectious in lab mice engineered to mimic human biology.

 “They twice submitted summaries of their work that showed that, when in the lungs of genetically engineered mice, three altered bat coronaviruses at times reproduced far more quickly than the original virus on which they were based,” The Intercept revealed. “The researchers reported, ‘These results demonstrate varying pathogenicity of SARSr-CoVs with different spike proteins in humanized mice.’”

Testimony delivered to Congress in 2024 has drawn renewed attention to the U.S. government’s involvement in research conducted in Wuhan, adding to the ongoing debate over how the COVID-19 pandemic began.

During a House committee hearing, NIH principal deputy director Lawrence Tabak acknowledged federal funding tied to gain-of-function work in China. “Dr. Tabak, did NIH fund gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology through EcoHealth?” asked Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.). “It depends on your definition of gain-of-function research,” Tabak answered. “If you’re speaking about the generic term, yes, we did.”

Questions surrounding the origins of COVID-19 remain unresolved, in part because Chinese authorities have not permitted an independent international probe. Within the U.S. government, some officials continue to view a laboratory leak in China as a plausible explanation for the outbreak.

{Matzav.com}

[Videos below.] King Charles III and Queen Camilla began their time in New York City on Wednesday with a solemn visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where they paid tribute to those killed in the 2001 terror attacks and met with family members of the victims.

The memorial visit came as part of a packed itinerary during the couple’s four-day trip to the United States, marking 250 years since American independence. It also marks the first time a sitting British monarch has traveled to New York City since Queen Elizabeth II made the trip in 2010.

Arriving by motorcade, the king and queen were welcomed by officials at the site and joined by Michael Bloomberg. Together, they walked toward one of the parapets surrounding the twin reflecting pools, where the names of the victims are inscribed. King Charles placed a floral tribute along the edge.

Following the ceremony, the royal couple greeted and spoke with a line of attendees that included relatives of those who died in the September 11 attacks and first responders. Some family members displayed photographs of their loved ones. Also present were Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul, Mikie Sherrill, and other dignitaries. The visit comes ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Consistent with longstanding custom, Charles and Camilla did not deliver public remarks during their time at the memorial. The site traditionally does not host speeches by political figures or visiting dignitaries, reserving commemorative events for voices of victims’ families and loved ones.

Later in the day, the queen was scheduled to stop at the New York Public Library, where she planned to present a new Roo doll to join the institution’s well-known collection of Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia, coinciding with the character’s 100th anniversary.

The existing display includes five original stuffed animals—Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Kanga—which inspired the characters in the children’s stories written by A. A. Milne. These toys once belonged to his son, Christopher Robin, during the 1920s, and were later donated to the library in 1987, where they remain a centerpiece of its children’s literature collection. In the stories, Roo is portrayed as Kanga’s young kangaroo son.

Meanwhile, the king was expected to visit a youth-focused urban farming initiative that supports communities facing food insecurity, and later meet with business and financial leaders in Manhattan.

The couple is also scheduled to attend an event connected to the The Prince’s Trust, a charity established by Charles in 1976.

This visit marks Charles’ first official trip to the United States since ascending the throne. Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II made four such visits during her reign.

Earlier in the week, the king and queen joined President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House.

On Tuesday, Charles held a private meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, followed by a speech before Congress—the first time a British monarch has addressed the body since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991—and later attended a formal state dinner hosted at the White House.

Before concluding their trip, the royal couple is expected to make additional stops in Virginia and return to Washington, where they will take part in a formal farewell ceremony hosted by Trump on Thursday. Afterward, Charles is set to travel alone to Bermuda, marking his first visit there as king.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

A new national survey finds Democrats holding a clear advantage over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with a 10-point lead as the party benefits from stronger backing among key voter groups.

According to polling released Wednesday by Emerson College Polling, 50% of respondents said they would support a Democratic candidate for Congress, compared to 40% who favored a Republican. Another 10% of those surveyed said they have not yet decided.

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said the Democratic edge is being fueled by growing support among several demographic groups.

“Democrats’ strength is driven by an increase in support among Hispanic voters, women, and independents,” Emerson College Polling executive director Spencer Kimball said. “Hispanics break for Democrats [over Republicans] by a 35-point margin, 61% to 26%, women by 21 points, 55% to 34%, and independents by 19 points, 50% to 31%.”

The survey also examined public views on President Donald Trump, showing his approval rating at 40% among likely voters, while 56% disapprove. Compared to March, that reflects a two-point drop in approval and a five-point increase in disapproval. The poll was conducted prior to the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Kimball also highlighted a shift among Hispanic voters in their views of Trump.

“Trump is underwater among Hispanic voters, 70% to 29%, compared to this time last year when they were split: 44% disapproved, and 41% approved,” Kimball said.

Respondents in the survey also expressed negative views of Trump’s performance on several major issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, where disapproval outweighed approval in each category.

The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted from April 24 through April 26. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, and the results were adjusted to reflect demographic factors such as gender, education, race, age, party registration, and geographic region based on U.S. Census data and voter file information.

President Donald Trump said he turned down an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to assist on Iran, instead urging the Russian leader to concentrate on efforts to end the war in Ukraine during a lengthy phone call between the two leaders.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the conversation between Trump and Putin took place Wednesday and covered both the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.

Ushakov told reporters the discussion lasted more than 90 minutes and described it as “frank and businesslike.”

Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office as he hosted astronauts from the Artemis II mission, said the call went well and noted his long familiarity with Putin.

“We had a good talk, I’ve known him a long time,” Trump said. The US president, speaking to reporters as he met with astronauts from the Artemis II mission in the Oval Office, said he suggested “a little bit of a ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine in his phone call with the Russian leader.

“And I think he might do that,” Trump said, then asked reporters whether Putin had announced a ceasefire.

Trump also revealed that Putin raised the possibility of helping address Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which remains a major sticking point in efforts to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Trump said Putin offered to help on the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium, a key obstacle to a deal to end the Iran war, but “I said I’d much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.”

From the Russian side, Ushakov said the leaders placed significant focus on developments involving Iran and the broader Persian Gulf region.

Russia’s Ushakov, on the other hand, said the presidents “paid particular attention to the situation regarding Iran and in the Persian Gulf.”

{Matzav.com}

The White House is alerting lawmakers that funding for Department of Homeland Security personnel is on the verge of being depleted, raising the prospect of airport slowdowns and broader security risks as the House delays action on legislation aimed at ending what has become the longest funding gap in the agency’s history.

In a memorandum sent to Congress late Tuesday, the Office of Management and Budget said that stopgap funds President Donald Trump has been using to pay workers at the Transportation Security Administration and other divisions through executive measures are expected to run out by May. The memo urged House members to promptly pass the Senate-approved budget resolution, which cleared that chamber after an overnight session last week and is intended to set the stage for restoring full funding.

“DHS will soon run out of critical operating funds, placing essential personnel and operations at risk,” the memo said.

The administration’s warning adds pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose slim Republican majority has struggled to advance key legislation amid internal disagreements, including over Homeland Security funding, leaving the chamber largely stalled.

The House is expected to hold a vote as early as Wednesday on the Senate’s budget resolution, a procedural step that would begin a multi-phase effort to ultimately fund the department. Administration officials cautioned Republican lawmakers against making revisions that could delay the process further.

“Restoring funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has never been more urgent, as demonstrated by recent events,” the memo said, referencing an incident over the weekend in which an armed individual attempted to breach the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by Trump, the vice president, and senior Cabinet officials.

The Department of Homeland Security has been operating without its standard funding for more than two months after Democrats declined to approve financing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol unless changes were made to those agencies, following fatalities linked to protests against Trump’s deportation policies.

Although immigration enforcement personnel have continued receiving pay through roughly $170 billion allocated in last year’s tax legislation backed by Trump, other employees—including those at TSA—have depended on temporary funding provided through executive action to maintain their salaries.

With payroll costs exceeding $1.6 billion every two weeks, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently indicated that those emergency funds are nearing exhaustion.

Republicans in both the House and Senate have moved ahead without Democratic support, attempting to secure funding specifically for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Their plan calls for approximately $70 billion to cover those operations through the remainder of Trump’s term in office, aiming to prevent future funding disruptions.

The approach relies on a complex legislative path similar to the one used to pass Trump’s tax cuts last year and is expected to unfold over several weeks.

After initiating the process last week, the Senate is now waiting for the House to act. Once the budget resolution is adopted, both chambers will begin drafting the detailed funding legislation, a step that could take additional weeks.

Meanwhile, Johnson is expected to pivot quickly to separate legislation that would finance other components of Homeland Security, including the TSA, Coast Guard, and related agencies.

That measure, which has bipartisan backing, cleared the Senate about a month ago after Republicans agreed to exclude immigration-related funding opposed by Democrats. However, it has remained stalled in the House due to disagreements among Republicans over the Senate’s framework.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Japan Airlines is set to begin testing robotic systems at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting in May, as part of a two-year pilot program designed to reduce the burden on ground staff.

At the outset, the Chinese-built machines will be used to handle the loading and unloading of cargo containers, according to a demonstration held Monday by JAL and its project partner, GMO AI & Robotics.

The move comes as Japan’s aviation sector faces a growing labor shortage, driven by a surge in incoming tourists alongside a shrinking workforce. JAL, which employs roughly 4,000 ground handling workers, is among the companies feeling the strain.

Looking ahead, the airline is considering expanding the use of robots to include tasks such as cabin cleaning and operating various types of ground support equipment.

Automation is already present at some airports across Japan, where robots are being used for duties like security patrols and assisting in retail areas.

Travel demand has been strong, with more than seven million international visitors arriving in Japan during the first two months of the year, according to data from JTB Group, the country’s largest travel agency.

“While airports appear highly automated and standardised, their back-end operations still rely heavily on human labour and face serious labour shortages,” GMO AI & Robotics’ president Tomohiro Uchida told reporters.

Company officials say introducing robots for physically intensive work is expected to ease the strain on employees. As Kyodo news agency reported, Yoshiteru Suzuk, president of JAL’s Ground Service division, said such technology will “provide significant benefits to employees”.

Even so, he emphasized that certain responsibilities—particularly those related to safety oversight—will continue to require human workers.

WATCH:

President Donald Trump said Iran is being severely squeezed by a U.S.-imposed naval blockade and made clear the pressure campaign will continue until Tehran agrees to terms that satisfy American demands on its nuclear program.

Speaking in a phone interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump argued that the blockade has proven more effective than direct military action and pushed back against Iran’s suggestion to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before restarting nuclear negotiations.

“The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

At the heart of the dispute is Tehran’s insistence that maritime restrictions be lifted and shipping through the key oil passage resume before any renewed talks over its nuclear activities take place.

Trump rejected that approach, indicating the United States intends to keep its current leverage in place until Iran agrees to broader concessions.

“They want to settle. They don’t want me to keep the blockade. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

According to three individuals familiar with internal discussions, U.S. Central Command has drawn up contingency plans for a “short and powerful” round of strikes against Iranian infrastructure if diplomacy continues to stall.

The objective of such a move would be to force Iran back into negotiations under heightened pressure.

Despite those preparations, Trump has not approved any military action as of Tuesday night and declined to provide specifics about potential operations.

Earlier Wednesday, Trump shared an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform depicting himself holding a firearm alongside the caption “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY,” signaling a more aggressive posture.

For the time being, officials say the administration views the blockade as its primary source of leverage, though the possibility of military force remains on the table if Iran refuses to comply.

Trump also asserted that the blockade is placing extreme strain on Iran’s energy infrastructure, claiming its oil reserves and pipelines “are getting close to exploding” as exports remain blocked.

Some analysts, however, have expressed skepticism about how imminent such a crisis may be.

Iran, for its part, suggested it could retaliate.

A senior Iranian security official, cited by Press TV, warned that the U.S. naval blockade “will soon be met with practical and unprecedented action.”

The sharp exchanges come as tensions remain elevated over Iran’s nuclear program and concerns about the safety of vital global energy corridors.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a ruling Wednesday that is expected to have significant financial repercussions for the yeshiva world, determining that institutions attended by draft-eligible students who do not report for military service will no longer be eligible for donor tax benefits.

Under the new policy, yeshivas enrolling students of draft age who avoid enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces will lose the ability to offer donors income tax deductions under Section 46 of Israeli law.

The decision triggered an immediate and forceful reaction from chareidi leadership, with Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni leading the criticism.

“This is an open declaration of war against the Torah world and Judaism in the State of Israel,” Gafni declared. “This is no longer a legal question – it is a systematic and obsessive ideological persecution against the chareidi community and against everything that represents the Jewish identity of the state.”

He further accused the attorney general of overstepping her role, saying she is “using her powers to harm lomdei Torah and their institutions in an unacceptable manner.”

Gafni went on to urge the public to resist what he described as illegitimate directives. “I call on the public not to surrender to improper dictates and not to accept a reality in which a legal official runs the country and decides against its most basic values.”

In his closing remarks, Gafni directed criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, questioning why Baharav-Miara remains in her position.

“It is inconceivable that such a severe move should pass in silence,” he said. “I do not understand how Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to keep her in her position. This is a grave failure, and I call on him to put an immediate end to this situation. It is unacceptable for the State of Israel to be led by someone who consistently acts against Judaism and against its Torah-observant citizens.”

United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzhak Goldknopf also denounced the ruling, arguing that it represents an escalation in what he described as a broader campaign.

“It appears that the attorney general has lost all restraint and boundaries in her war against Torah scholars in the Holy Land,” Goldknopf said. “The request submitted to the court is a serious attempt to carry out a maneuver against the Torah world and harm the ability of donors to assist Torah students, instead of the state funding the yeshivas as it was supposed to do.”

He maintained that Section 46 was meant to incentivize charitable giving to public institutions, not to be used as a penalty or enforcement tool in matters related to the draft.

“Revoking the benefit is collective punishment – disproportionate and immoral,” he added.

Goldknopf concluded by likening the move to situations involving groups that encouraged refusal to serve during protest movements.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States will keep its naval blockade in place against Iran until Tehran agrees to conditions addressing Washington’s concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

In an interview with Axios, Trump rejected a proposal from Iran that would have involved reopening the Strait of Hormuz and loosening the blockade ahead of renewed negotiations at a later point.

According to sources familiar with the situation, U.S. Central Command has developed a potential plan for a concentrated but limited wave of strikes targeting Iranian assets, aimed at breaking the current deadlock. The approach would likely focus on key infrastructure, with the goal of pushing Iran back to the negotiating table under heightened pressure.

For now, however, Trump indicated that he believes the blockade is a more effective strategy than immediate military action, telling Axios, “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing.” As of Tuesday night, he had not approved any strikes, the report said, and he declined to go into detail about possible military options.

Trump described the blockade as placing significant strain on Iran, stating, “They are choking like a stuffed pig,” and reiterated that the United States will not permit Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said. He added that Iran is seeking a resolution that would lead to the lifting of the blockade, saying, “They want to settle,” but made clear he is not prepared to ease pressure under current circumstances.

The president also said Iran’s oil sector is feeling the impact of the blockade due to restricted exports, though some analysts have raised doubts about how immediate or severe those effects are.

At the same time, an Iranian security official warned that continued enforcement of the blockade could trigger a response. Speaking to the state-run English-language outlet Press TV, the official said Iran has so far shown restraint to preserve the possibility of diplomacy, but cautioned that sustained pressure could result in retaliatory action.

{Matzav.com}

James Comey, the former FBI director, turned himself in to federal authorities on Wednesday following his indictment by a grand jury on charges tied to an alleged threat against President Trump made in a social media post last year.

Comey, 65, appeared at a federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, not far from where he lives, in advance of his first court hearing. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The charges stem from a post Comey shared on Instagram on May 15, 2025, showing seashells arranged on a beach to display the numbers “86 47.” The post was later taken down.

On Tuesday, the Justice Department said a grand jury in North Carolina had returned an indictment against Comey, charging him with one count of “knowingly and willfully making a threat to take the life of and to inflict bodily harm upon the president of the United States” and one count of “knowingly and willfully transmitting an interstate commerce communication that contained a threat to kill the president of the United States.”

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. military campaign against Iran has already cost an estimated $25 billion, a senior Pentagon official told lawmakers Wednesday, as the conflict moves toward the 60-day mark that could trigger a key congressional decision on its continuation.

The figure was provided by acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, where he appeared alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine.

“Approximately, of this day, we’re spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury,” Hurst told the committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash.

Hurst said the bulk of the spending has gone toward munitions, along with operational costs, maintenance, and replacing equipment.

Smith used his time to note that Congress had not received updated cost figures since the start of the war and pressed the Pentagon on whether it would seek additional funding from lawmakers to continue financing the operation.

“We will formulate a supplemental, through the White House, that will come to Congress once we have a full assessment of the cost of the conflict,” Hurst told Smith.

Earlier in the conflict, Pentagon officials had informed Congress that expenses reached $11.3 billion within just the first six days of fighting in March.

The growing financial toll comes as energy prices continue to rise both in the United States and internationally, driven in part by the continued shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump met with leading energy executives to discuss how to proceed with the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and ways to reduce the economic impact on American consumers, according to a White House official who spoke to NBC News.

Trump also issued a warning to Tehran on Wednesday, saying Iran “better get smart soon” as talks between the two sides remain stalled.

Reports earlier this month indicated that Iranian strikes have inflicted more extensive damage on U.S. military installations and equipment in the Middle East than has been publicly disclosed, with repair costs expected to run into the billions.

The war’s mounting expense is drawing heightened attention on Capitol Hill as the 60-day threshold approaches, a point at which Congress may need to weigh in on whether the use of military force should continue. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a president can deploy military force for up to 60 days without congressional approval, after which lawmakers must either authorize the action or allow it to lapse, though a 30-day extension can be requested.

In recent weeks, the Senate has repeatedly voted down proposals aimed at forcing an end to the military operation. A similar measure in the House narrowly failed earlier this month, falling short by a single vote.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Yerushalayim and Heritage Ministry has finalized a revised framework for this year’s Lag BaOmer events at Mount Meron, with the plan designed in line with Home Front Command directives and pending final authorization from the Israel Police.

The updated approach follows instructions from israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu to cap attendance, while also incorporating recommendations from safety officials.

According to the proposal, each designated section at Meron will be limited to crowds of up to 1,500 participants at a time. These areas will be spaced apart and properly organized, including the Rashbi kever, the Bnei Akiva complex, Moshav Meron, and the expanded celebration zone known as compound 89.

Visitors will be admitted in staggered time slots lasting up to two hours. Capacity limits will factor in required safety perimeters to ensure that crowd control measures remain effective throughout the day.

Davening, dancing, bonfires, and hospitality setups will take place across multiple locations to help distribute attendees and minimize overcrowding. Organizers say the aim is to maintain the spirit of the traditional celebration while adhering to current safety restrictions.

Transportation arrangements will be overseen by the Transportation Ministry, which plans to operate a scaled-down public transit system. Tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis at 11 distribution points nationwide, with additional details expected to be released.

The plan was drafted by the Yerushalayim and Heritage Ministry and has already received initial approval from the Home Front Command. Its implementation remains contingent on final clearance from the Israel Police regarding crowd management and traffic flow, as well as the condition that existing security guidelines remain unchanged.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karchi, who is overseeing the event, said: “We worked to create a framework that preserves the tradition while ensuring Meron remains accessible to the nation of Israel, subject to security restrictions. I call on those who unfortunately do not receive a ticket to the event in Meron to celebrate the traditional event in their communities safely and joyfully.”

Northern District Police Commander Meir Eliyahu emphasized the balance between tradition and safety, stating: “The Israel Police is preparing for the Meron celebration with deep respect for tradition and the sanctity of the site, but this year, the sanctity of life is top priority. We will act to ensure public order and flow, and prevent unauthorized arrivals, so the event can proceed happily and safely. Israel Police will act with determination against any attempt to disrupt order or arrive at the area without permission, in order to prevent tangible danger to human lives.”

He continued with a call for public cooperation, saying: “I call on everyone not to be drawn after inciting elements and to heed the orders [and fulfill the commandment] to safeguard your lives. This is a time for heightened responsibility. The police will enable the celebration to take place, but will not allow conduct that endangers the public or security forces operating at the site.”

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday invalidated Louisiana’s congressional map, ruling that the state improperly created a second majority-Black district, a decision expected to influence how districts are drawn in upcoming elections.

Louisiana had previously redrawn its map in 2024 after lower courts required the state to add another majority-Black district in order to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is intended to prevent the weakening of minority voting power.

The revised map was challenged by the Trump administration along with state officials, who argued that the redistricting relied too heavily on race and therefore violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law.

The Supreme Court sided with that argument, as all six conservative justices voted to overturn the 2024 map.

At the same time, the majority opinion authored by Samuel Alito did not go so far as to strike down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act itself, a result that many observers had been watching closely.

“If these were white Democrats, there’s no reason to think they would have a second district, none,” principal deputy solicitor general Hashim Mooppan told the court during oral arguments this past October.

“And so what is happening here is, their argument is, ‘Because these Democrats happen to be black, they get a second district.’ If they were all white, we all agree they wouldn’t get the same.”

About one-third of Louisiana’s population is African American, and the state’s two Democratic members of Congress — compared with four Republicans in the House — both represent majority-Black districts.

The justices originally heard the case during the 2024–25 term, but in an unusual step, they later asked both sides to revise their arguments to address not only the Fourteenth Amendment but also the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which bars racial discrimination in voting rights.

That move led many to believe the Court might be preparing to scale back Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In his opinion, however, Alito wrote that “[c]ompliance with [Section] 2, as properly construed, can provide such a reason [for race-based redistricting]. Correctly understood, [Section] 2 does not impose liability at odds with the Constitution, and it should not have imposed liability on Louisiana for its 2022 map.”

An analysis from Democratic-aligned organizations Fair Fight Action and Black Voters Matter Fund suggested that, as a result of the ruling, Republican-led states could redraw up to 19 congressional districts across the South and Midwest in ways that would likely benefit the GOP.

It remains uncertain, however, whether states will be able to act quickly enough for such changes to significantly affect the 2026 midterm elections, in which Democrats are currently seen as having a favorable path to reclaim control of the House.

A sharp increase in antisemitic incidents has been recorded in southeastern England, where nearly 100 hate crimes targeting the Jewish community were reported over the past year, with only a small number resulting in charges.

In Hertfordshire, located about 40 minutes from London, authorities documented 95 hate crimes against Jews over the last 12 months. Of those cases, just seven have led to the identification and charging of suspects.

Hertfordshire Police Chief Andy Prophet met with Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards to review the situation and discuss the growing number of antisemitic incidents. The issue was also raised by local officials following earlier discussions about tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Prophet said that reports of antisemitic offenses rose to 95 in the 2025/26 period, compared to 83 the previous year. He described a range of incidents, including verbal harassment in public spaces, some of which he characterized as particularly unpleasant.

“In the last 12 months, 95 crimes have been reported; they may be targeted against Jewish people, some may simply be crimes that happen to people who are Jewish. I don’t diminish any of these, but we are seeing a dramatic rise in reports of crimes against the Jewish community.”

“Out of those 95 crimes I mentioned in the last 12 months, seven have already been solved and charges filed, 24 remain under active investigation with leads being pursued, and 64 were investigated without identifying a suspect, though victims were given advice on protection.”

He emphasized that law enforcement is taking the matter seriously and remains engaged with affected communities.

“We are not complacent. I recognize the risks, and we are working very hard with our Jewish communities and with all communities.”

{Matzav.com}

Senior figures in the Peleg Yerushalmi say they are undeterred by the intense backlash following the break-in at the home of the head of the Military Police, vowing to escalate protests over the arrest of yeshiva students. At the same time, Rav Azriel Auerbach has called for a mass demonstration at the entrance to Yerushalayim, while Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu condemned the incident as a “wild and violent attack.”

Leaders in the faction said this morning that they are not concerned by the strong criticism voiced by government officials after dozens of protesters entered the yard of Military Police Chief Brig. Gen. Yuval Yamin’s home in Ashkelon the previous night. “This is only the beginning,” the senior figures said.

Twelve of the suspects arrested during the incident are expected to be brought before a court today and police will seek to extend their detention.

“Here we are dealing with an officer who is effectively responsible for the arrest of yeshiva students whose only offense is that they are studying Torah in the Jewish state,” faction leaders said. “This is only the beginning. We will continue to protest and surprise them with demonstrations against the arrest of Torah students.”

As reported here on Matzav.com, dozens of members of the Peleg Yerushalmi forced their way into the yard of Brig. Gen. Yamin’s home in Ashkelon in protest over the recent arrests of chareidi draft evaders by the Military Police. The officer’s family was evacuated from the house during the incident, and police arrested 25 individuals involved.

Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a strong condemnation, stating, “I strongly condemn the wild and violent attack against a senior military police officer and demand firm action against those involved.” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir also responded, saying, “I strongly condemn the attack. Harm to members of the security forces and their families constitutes crossing a dangerous red line.”

Senior members of the Peleg faction also directed sharp criticism at the chareidi parties in the Knesset. “In the coming days, as long as the arrests continue, we will intensify the protests and continue to surprise them again and again. It is a shame that only we are engaged in this struggle on behalf of Torah students,” they said.

“Where are the chareidi parties that promised in every interview that they would turn the world upside down if even one yeshiva student were arrested? Where have they disappeared to? Why are they silent? They didn’t even issue a statement to the media after this week’s arrests—nothing,” the senior figures added.

Meanwhile, a large protest organized by the Peleg Yerushalmi is expected to take place today at the entrance to Yerushalayim. In an official statement, the faction said, “Following the arrest of yeshiva student Nehorai Bechar from within the walls of the bais medrash at a yeshiva in Herzliya, and his imprisonment for 20 days in a military prison for the offense of studying Torah, the leading halachic authority, Rav Azriel Auerbach, has instructed that a mass protest be held at the entrance to Yerushalayim at 5:00 p.m.”

Rav Auerbach also issued a strong statement the previous evening: “Anyone who does not go out to protest even the arrest of a yeshiva student from within the bais medrash is taking part in the persecution of Torah students and arouses great accusation and an unparalleled desecration of God’s name. Who knows if the recent troubles have not come upon us because of this. It is an absolute obligation for anyone who values Torah and the sanctification of God’s name to protest its disgrace and desecration.”

As previously reported, the IDF’s decision to resume proactive operations to arrest draft evaders has led to renewed protests by the faction. During demonstrations, Route 4 was blocked in both directions at the Aluf Sadeh interchange northbound and at the Em HaMoshavot interchange southbound.

In response to criticism of the Ashkelon protest, the Peleg Yerushalmi issued a clear message: “The red lines have been crossed. Leave the Torah students alone.”

{Matzav.com}