Feed aggregator

Spain is facing its worst wildfires on record, with over 380,000 hectares burned this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and the two-week heatwave, which saw temperatures soar to 113°F is now gradually easing.

WATCH: Footage released by Ukrainian forces shows a Russian fuel train destroyed in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, east of Tokmak, following an attack by a swarm of at least seven FPV drones.

HAPPENING NOW: Highway 4 exiting Bnei Brak has been shut down by Chareidi protesters demonstrating against the arrest of Yeshiva bochurim and the gezeira targeting Bnei Yeshiva.

The second Oval Office meeting in six months between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went off smoothly Monday, in sharp contrast to their disastrous encounter in February. European leaders joined the discussions in a show of transatlantic unity and both they and Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked Trump for his efforts to end Russia’s three-year war on Ukraine. “I don’t want to hide the fact that I wasn’t sure it would go this way,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Washington. “But my expectations were not just met, they were exceeded.” But despite the guarded optimism and friendly banter among the leaders, there was little concrete progress on the main obstacles to ending the war — and that deadlock likely favors Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces continue to make steady, if slow progress on the ground in Ukraine. “Putin cannot get enough champagne or whatever he’s drinking,” Gabrielius Landsbergis, a former foreign minister of Lithuania, said of Monday’s meeting. As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told Fox News: “All the details have to be hammered out.” Here is a look at the issues that need to be resolved: Security guarantees for Ukraine To agree to a peace deal with Russia, Ukraine wants assurances that it can deter any future attacks by the Kremlin’s forces. That means, Zelenskyy says, a strong Ukrainian army that is provided with weapons and training by Western partners. It could potentially also mean offering Ukraine a guarantee resembling NATO’s collective defense mandate, which sees an attack on one member of the alliance as an attack on all. How that would work is not clear. Additionally, Kyiv’s European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement in Ukraine. A coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, have signed up to support the initiative, although the role that the U.S. might play in such a force is unclear. European leaders, fearing Moscow’s territorial ambitions won’t stop in Ukraine, are keen to lock America’s military might into the plan. Trump said he’ll help provide protection but stopped short of committing American troops to the effort, instead promising U.S. “coordination.” Russia has repeatedly rejected the idea of such a force, saying that it will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired an online meeting Tuesday of the coalition countries. Once officials have discussed proposals in more detail, Rutte said, a virtual meeting will take place with Trump and European leaders. Agreeing on a ceasefire Ukraine and its European supporters have repeatedly called for a ceasefire while peace talks are held. Putin has balked at that prospect. With his forces inching forward in Ukraine, he has little incentive to freeze their movement. Ahead of his meeting with the Russian leader last week, Trump threatened Russia with “severe consequences” if it didn’t accept a ceasefire. Afterward, he dropped that demand and said it was best to focus on a comprehensive peace deal — as Putin has pushed for. Trump said in Monday’s Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was “unnecessary.” But after his closed-door meeting with European leaders and Zelenskyy, Trump told reporters that “all of us would obviously prefer the immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace.” Where Trump ultimately falls on that issue is […]

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has jumped to 54 percent in the wake of his high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

According to a weekend poll by InsiderAdvantage, Trump “now has an advantage among every age group other than the most senior of voters,” while showing gains among black voters at 23.7 percent and Hispanic voters at 47.2 percent. His support among white voters has climbed to 64 percent, one of the strongest levels recorded.

The survey also revealed that just over half of independents (50.4 percent) now back Trump. Among Republicans, support is overwhelming at 92 percent, while 17.9 percent of Democrats also gave him a positive rating.

In total, 44 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, giving him a net approval margin of +10 percent.

The outlet’s previous poll in July showed Trump with a narrower lead — 50 percent approval against 48 percent disapproval, for a net rating of +2.

“Only the nation’s oldest voters disapprove of his job performance, which is consistent with our prior surveys,” pollster Matt Towery explained Monday. “Overall, his approval numbers are surging upwards post-summit.”

Commenting on the meeting, Trump said the discussions with Putin produced “great progress.” Putin, for his part, remarked that the war in Ukraine would never have started if Trump had been in the White House in 2022 instead of Joe Biden.

{Matzav.com}

The IDF has issued an order to demolish the home of terrorist Thaabat Mohammed Masalma, who carried out the shooting attack at the Al-Khader junction that claimed the life of 12-year-old Yehoshua Aharon Tuvia Simcha Hy”d and wounded several others. The order, signed by the Central Command, calls for both confiscation and destruction of the residence. The announcement comes more than six months after the deadly attack.

Masalma, together with other terrorists, launched the attack late at night on December 11, 2024, near the Tunnels Road by Beitar Illit. The attackers opened heavy fire on an Israeli civilian bus, hitting it with 23 bullets.

Tragically, the shooting killed Yehoshua Aharon Tuvia Simcha Hy”d, the 12-year-old son of Rav Zusha Simcha, rosh yeshiva of the Klal Chassidic Yeshiva in Beitar Illit. The family, residents of Yerushalayim, had been returning from a sheva brachos when they were caught in the ambush.

Three other civilians were injured in the attack. A woman in her 40s sustained moderate wounds from gunfire to her limbs, while two other passengers were lightly hurt, some from glass shards. Emergency medical teams from Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah treated the victims on site before transferring them to Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Medical Centers in Yerushalayim.

Following the shooting, the terrorist fled the scene, prompting a massive security sweep that included roadblocks and a lockdown around Bais Lechem. In February, indictments were filed against four individuals involved in the attack, including Masalma.

The IDF noted that the house of another terrorist implicated in the assault, Az al-Din Maluh, was already demolished two months ago.

{Matzav.com Israel}

For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The group’s new COVID-19 recommendations — released Tuesday — come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. This isn’t going to help, acknowledged Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious disease committee. “It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them,” he added. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said. That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesn’t recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Children ages 6 months to 2 years are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and it was important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Campbell, a University of Maryland infectious diseases expert. Vaccinations also are recommended for older children who have chronic lung diseases or other conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said. The 95-year-old Itasca, Illinois-based organization has issued vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it synced its advice with recommendations made by the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been a few small differences between AAP and CDC recommendations since then. For example, the AAP has advised that children get HPV vaccinations starting at age 9; the CDC says that’s OK but has emphasized vaccinations at ages 11 and 12. But in 30 years, this is the first time the recommendations have differed “in a significant or substantial way,” Campbell said. Until recently, the CDC — following recommendations by infectious disease experts — has been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. But in May, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. A few days later, the CDC issued language that healthy children may get the shots, but that there was no longer a “should” recommendation. The idea that healthy older kids may be able to skip COVID-19 boosters has been brewing for some time among public health experts. As the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, experts have increasingly discussed the possibility of focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older — who are among those most as risk for death and hospitalization. A CDC expert panel in June was set to make recommendations about the fall shots. Among the options the panel was considering was whether suggest shots for high-risk groups but still giving lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated. But Kennedy bypassed the group, and also decided to dismiss the 17-member panel and appoint his own, smaller panel, that included vaccine skeptics. Kennedy also later excluded the AAP, the American Medical Association and other top medical organizations from working with the advisers to establish vaccination recommendations. Kennedy’s new vaccine panel has […]

If You’re Serious About Growth, This is Non-Negotiable On August 19, a very specific kind of room will open. 300 founders, execs, and operators — each vetted, each here for one reason: To grow smarter and faster than the competition. It’s called Off the Record, and if you belong in this room, you already know why. Why You Can’t Miss This · The strategies that aren’t online, shared only when the cameras are off. · Connections that move the needle, clients, partners, hires, collaborators. · Panels that go deep, not wide, not theory, not safe. · A room full of people who think at your level — and act faster. · Specialists that you can actually speak to. Why It Matters One conversation here could replace months of trial and error. One connection could change your pipeline. One idea could unlock your next stage of growth. You don’t get that from scrolling. You get it from being here. 300 Seats. Almost Gone. When the list hits 300, it’s closed. No walk-ins. No livestream. No replay. You’re either in the room — or you’re out. Secure Your Spot August 19 · Sunset Park Rooftop · 6–10 PM Off the Record — where growth gets real. https://go.offtherecord.events/ywnblog

[COMMUNICATED]

PCS/ FDU Masters in Accounting + CPA – Since 2005

Anyone can teach you accounting. The PCS course teaches you how to succeed, and get ahead faster, for endless opportunities for you both now, and in the future

Open House: Wednesday, Aug 20 

                       Monday, September 1

Ranked amongst 
Best Master’s in Accounting (Eduniversal 2024)
Best Universities (Forbes 2025)

The PCS Placement Advantage:

• 98% employment rate!

• Master’s in accounting earn 13% more annually than a Bachelor’s
  -US Bureau Labor Statics 2023

• 8 placement coordinators 

• Decades of relationships with 100s of firms

• Alumni have landed jobs as controllers, CFOs, partners and opened successful businesses 

New York, New Jersey, and remote option 

New! Israel program New! Day time classes 

Open House: 

In person at:
PCS, 1771 Madison Ave. Executive Center, Lakewood. 

Remote: 
Wednesday, Aug 20. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ayR4oMhEQX6ht2oOoIpFvQ

Monday, September 1. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qkzFwQG2S8SKZHivSQ0szQ

For more information:
Men: Sara@nj.pcsjobs.org | 732-905-9700 x 665
Women: Tova@nj.pcsjobs.org | 732-367-1500 
Visit our website: www.pcsnynj.org

As the Israeli government prepares to approve an expanded state budget, the Finance Ministry has decided to slash approximately 800 million shekels from coalition funds that were earmarked for the Ofek Chadash program in chareidi educational institutions. The funds had not been transferred in any case due to the absence of core curriculum studies in those schools.

The move comes ahead of a cabinet vote to raise the deficit target to 5.2%, a reversal of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s earlier pledge that it would not exceed 5%.

Officials at the ministry have warned that if Israel launches a full-scale ground campaign to seize control of Gaza, the costs — estimated in the tens of billions of shekels — could push the deficit even higher before the end of the year.

Under the proposal heading for government approval, an additional 1.6 billion shekels will be allocated for humanitarian aid to Gaza, mostly food and medical supplies. Another 200 million shekels will be set aside for compensation payments to terror victims and bereaved families. A flexible budget line of about 3 billion shekels will also be created for unforeseen war-related expenses.

With these adjustments, overall government spending will reach roughly 650.3 billion shekels — the largest in Israel’s history — including nearly 150 billion shekels dedicated to defense alone.

Economic experts are cautioning that this budget expansion could trigger another downgrade of Israel’s credit rating before the year is out, and that by 2026 the government may be forced to implement painful tax hikes and deep spending cuts.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A Hamas civil defense spokesperson claims the IDF has destroyed 450 terror buildings in Gaza City’s Zaytoun neighborhood over the past nine days, averaging 50 building per day.

The Jordanian army announced it has carried out an airdrop of 85 tons of aid and food supplies into the Gaza Strip.

President Trump on ensuring peace in Ukraine lasts long-term: “All you can do is make sure you get a good President, not one of these whackos… We have a great bench. We have great talent.”

President Trump on securing long-term peace in Ukraine: “They’re not going to be a part of NATO, but we’ve got the European nations and they’ll front-load it… I don’t think it’s going to be a problem…”

Q: “What kind of assurances do you feel like you have that… it won’t be American boots on the ground defending that border [in Ukraine]?” POTUS: “You have my assurance — and I’m President. I’m just trying to stop people from being killed.”

President Trump on his meeting with European leaders: “I think really, they have respect for our country again. A year ago, they wouldn’t have come. They wouldn’t have even thought about it. Now, we’ve become the hottest country anywhere in the world. Everybody wants to be here.”

Sec. Scott Bessent: “We’ve announced eleven very strong [Fed Chair] candidates. I’m going to be meeting with them… to start bringing down the list to present to President Trump It’s an incredible group. It’s people who are at the Fed now, have been at the Fed, and private sector.”

US Ambassador to NATO says “Trump thankfully was elected last November and has brought us to a position where we are possibly a couple meetings away from having the killing end.”

President Trump says “stupid and ugly windmills are killing New Jersey”

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, Kan News reported on Tuesday morning. According to the report, Demer was accompanied by a high-level delegation. The senior Israeli officials met with their Emirati counterparts and discussed the war in Gaza, a possible hostage release deal, security issues and diplomatic ties.