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It’s the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives had described last fall as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. The airline announced the change in March, saying at the time that the the new policy would start with flights booked on Wednesday. Southwest said Tuesday that it will be charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag. Weight and size limits will apply for bags. Southwest had built years of advertising campaigns around its policy of letting passengers check up to two bags for free. Under its new policy, people who haven’t either reached the upper tiers of its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bought a business class ticket or hold the airline’s credit card will have to pay for checked bags. Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List members and other select customers. Passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag. People who don’t qualify for those categories will get charged to check bags. The airline said in March that it also would roll out a new, basic fare on its lowest priced tickets when the change takes effect. The airline estimated in September that charging bag fees would bring in about $1.5 billion a year but cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost business from customers who chose to fly Southwest because of its generous baggage allowance. Another policy that will take effect on Wednesday is Southwest requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers in plain sight while using them because of concerns about the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires. These aren’t the only changes at Southwest. The Dallas airline previously announced that it was leaving behind another Southwest tradition, the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years. Southwest expects to begin operating flights with passengers in assigned seats next year. The airline also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights. Southwest has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. The airline reached a truce in October with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy fight, but Elliott won several seats on the company’s board. The airline announced in February that it was eliminating 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate workforce, in the first major layoffs in the company’s 53-year history. (AP)

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a strong statement on Tuesday criticizing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s appearance this week on the Har Habayis.

Ben Gvir is known for regularly visiting Har Habayis. His most recent visit, which took place on Monday, was to commemorate Yom Yerushalayim—the day Israel reclaimed ancient Jewish areas in Yerushalayim, Yehudah, and Shomron after being attacked by surrounding Arab countries during the Six Day War.

In its statement, Qatar accused Israel of provoking Muslims across the globe, declaring, “the repeated attempts by the occupation to undermine the religious and historical status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque constitute a provocation to more than a billion Muslims around the world.”

The Qatari Foreign Ministry further alleged that Israel’s actions in what it refers to as “the occupied Palestinian territories,” including “the brutal and ongoing war of mass destruction in the Gaza Strip,” would cause greater instability, intensify regional violence, and undercut the possibility of a viable two-state solution and lasting peace.

Qatar ended its statement by demanding that the global community intervene immediately and decisively, saying it must compel Israel to uphold the rulings and resolutions of international organizations.

{Matzav.com Israel}

North Korea has sharply rebuked the United States over its latest missile defense initiative, calling it an alarming and provocative move. The project, known as the Golden Dome, was denounced by Pyongyang’s foreign ministry as a “very dangerous threatening initiative,” according to reports published Tuesday by North Korea’s state-run media.

President Donald Trump announced on May 20 that he had selected a final design for the Golden Dome missile defense program and officially appointed a leader to head the massive $175 billion effort.

North Korea’s Institute for American Studies, operating under the country’s foreign ministry, issued a statement through the Korean Central News Agency condemning the program in severe terms. “The Golden Dome plan is a typical product of ‘America first’, the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice, and is an outer space nuclear war scenario,” the statement read.

The defense system is designed to use a global web of satellites equipped with cutting-edge tracking and intercept technology. These would identify and neutralize missiles launched by hostile nations, with the focus on countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Just last week, China voiced its opposition to the project, stating it is “seriously concerned” and urged the United States to put an end to its development.

{Matzav.com}

The Trump administration is asking federal agencies to cancel remaining contracts with Harvard University, a senior administration official said Tuesday. The government already has canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants for the Ivy League school, which has pushed back on the administration’s demands for changes to several of its policies. Cuts to contracts could take away millions more from Harvard’s budget. A draft letter from the General Services Administration directs agencies to review contracts with the university and seek alternate vendors. The administration is planning to send a version of the letter Tuesday, the official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations. (AP)

In response to the devastating helicopter crash that claimed six lives last month, a group of lawmakers has put forward new legislation aimed at putting an end to non-essential helicopter flights over New York City. According to New Jersey.com, Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) are spearheading the initiative.

The proposed measure, titled the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, would prohibit the operation of helicopters used for leisure, tourism, and high-end commuting within the city’s airspace.

“While we have consistently worked to address the impact of non-essential helicopters on our communities, last month’s tragic crash should be a clarion call for every level of government to take action on helicopter safety,” Menendez said in a statement.

He went on to say, “Rising congestion of non-essential helicopters, coupled with concerning safety records of air tourism operators, are causing a direct threat to public safety.”

“Along with my colleagues from New Jersey and New York, we’re doing what is necessary to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,” Menendez added.

In the aftermath of the fatal accident, video footage appears to indicate that a severe mechanical malfunction occurred mid-flight, making it impossible for the pilot to regain control, said aviation attorney Justin Green, who previously flew helicopters in the Marine Corps.

Green explained that the aircraft’s main rotor blades may have come into contact with the tail boom, leading to its disintegration and a subsequent loss of control, sending the helicopter plummeting to the ground.

{Matzav.com}

A top Saudi official pushed back on claims circulating in the media on Monday that the kingdom intends to lift its decades-old ban on alcohol. The speculation suggested that Saudi Arabia, where Islamic law strictly forbids alcohol consumption among Muslims, was preparing to legalize it after more than seventy years.

The rumors stemmed from a blog focused on wine that alleged Saudi authorities were moving toward allowing restricted alcohol sales, particularly in anticipation of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The blog post was picked up by international outlets, though it failed to cite any official source for its claims.

These rumors quickly ignited a heated debate online, as many in the deeply traditional country expressed concern. The king of Saudi Arabia carries the official title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, underscoring the country’s deep religious significance as home to Mecca and Medina.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known by his initials MBS, has been leading a broad campaign of economic and social reform to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and attract international investors and tourists. These reforms aim to decrease reliance on oil revenues.

Among the changes already implemented, the government lifted the ban on women driving in 2017, relaxed enforcement of gender segregation in public venues, and reduced the authority of the country’s religious police, once notorious for their stringent oversight.

In what some saw as a tentative move toward loosening alcohol restrictions, Saudi Arabia last year opened its first alcohol shop in Riyadh. However, it caters exclusively to non-Muslim foreign diplomats, keeping access extremely limited and controlled.

Until that point, the only way to obtain alcohol in the kingdom was either through diplomatic channels or via illicit underground networks. Possession or consumption of alcohol remains a serious offense under Saudi law.

Saudi penalties for alcohol-related violations include fines, imprisonment, or deportation. While flogging was once a common punishment, it has largely been replaced by incarceration.

{Matzav.com}

Three Jewish boys were subjected to a violent antisemitic assault at Hampstead Underground Station in North West London. According to Shomrim North West London, the teens were attacked by a group of six to seven males. One of the victims required hospitalization for observation following the assault. Shomrim has issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, urging them to contact 0300 999 1234 and reference case number NW209 – 26 May 2025. The organization is collaborating closely with the British Transport Police to support the ongoing investigation.

Thousands of Palestinians line up at food distribution location in Gaza despite Hamas warning them not to.

In recent weeks, the Israeli Navy has deployed for the first time unmanned vessels, also known as drone boats, in Israel’s territorial waters, the military reveals. “The vessels have the capability to construct a broad maritime picture and are engaged in monitoring and characterizing the movement of vessels within the economic waters,” the IDF says.

The IDF announces that two of four recently established aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip began operations today, delivering food packages to thousands of Palestinian families. The aid sites are being operated by a private American security company, while the IDF secures the surrounding area. Three of the distribution sites are located in the Tel Sultan area of southern Gaza’s Rafah, while the fourth is in the Netzarim Corridor area, south of Gaza City. The two sites that began operations today are in Rafah.

Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on ending the Russia/Ukraine war: “The only guy that can do this is President Trump… He’s the one who can bring peace to the region.”

The Hamas-run Government Media Office in Gaza denies any aid has been distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, claiming photos of Gazans carrying aid boxes in Rafah “are fake and were published by the occupation, which continues to spread lies about the entry of aid.”

A massive explosion occurred at Shandong Youdao Chemical’s plant in eastern China, the world’s leading producer of the pesticide chlorpyrifos, with an annual output of about 11,000 tons.

QUESTION: May I perform melacha during Bein Hashemashos (twilight) after the first day of Yom Tov, for the purpose of deriving benefit from the melacha during the same time frame of Bein Hashemashos? ANSWER: It is uncertain whether Bein Hashemashos, the period from sunset until nightfall, is considered day or night. Moreover, that uncertainty extends to every instant of Bein Hashemashos; perhaps a particular moment is day (part of the preceding day) but at the very next moment nightfall has commenced, and the new day has already begun. Hence, even if a person performed a melacha and benefited from it immediately, there is the possibility that the melacha was performed on the first day of Yom Tov and the benefit from it was derived on the second day of Yom Tov, and it would accordingly be forbidden. However, R’ Akiva Eiger (Ginzei R’ Akiva Eiger 21) suggests that there is a double uncertainty (a sefeik sefeika) regarding melacha during Bein Hashemashos: Perhaps the melacha was performed on the previous day and the benefit was derived then as well; and even if it was already night when the benefit was derived, perhaps the melacha was also performed at night. R’ Akiva Eiger concludes that for Biblical melachos, such as cooking and carrying in a public domain, this double uncertainty should not be relied upon (for various reasons). However, with regard to Rabbinic ordinances, one may rely on this sefeik sefeika, provided that the benefit is immediate. Accordingly, one may carry a siddur to shul, during Bein Hashemashos, if two caveats are met: First, the place through which he walked is an area where it is prohibited to carry on a Rabbinic level (i.e., it is a karmelis and not a Reshus Harabbim), and secondly, he arrives in shul and uses the siddur while it is still Bein Hashemashos. The consensus of contemporary poskim is to follow R’ Akiva Eiger’s approach (Yom Tov Sheini K’hilchaso Chapter 1, footnote 21). Rav Schachter, Shlita, said that those who have the custom to make early Yom Tov on the second day of Shavuos should accept Yom Tov as early as possible (i.e. immediately after plag haMincha).  In this way they can avoid the concern of preparing from one day to the next since the food will be cooked and served before Bein Hashemashos.

Eight hundred transport planes and 140 ships have delivered more than 90,000 tons of armaments and military equipment from the United States to Israel since the start of the war, the Defense Ministry says. This morning, the 800th plane landed.

Simplifying Kevura in Yerushalayim

There is a special segulah for parents to recite Tefillas HaShelah today, Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, for the success of their children.

Saudi Foreign Minister: “We are steadfastly dedicated to a fair resolution that involves creating an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Elazar Yonah Ginsberg zt”l, rov of Agudas Achim and a distinguished talmid chacham whose life was defined by avodas Hashem, ahavas haTorah, and a deep, personal connection with every member of his kehillah.

Rav Ginsberg was a son of Rav Tzvi Meir Ginsberg zt”l of the Agudas Harabbanim, a brother of the Chuster Rebbe of Boro Park, and a brother-in-law of the Skolya Rebbe of Boro Park.

He was respected across the Torah world for his profound lomdus, unwavering yiras Shomayim, and the warmth he extended to all who came into his orbit.

For decades, Rav Ginsberg stood at the helm of Agudas Achim, guiding his kehillah with wisdom, compassion, and an unshakable dedication to Torah. Every shiur he delivered and every drashah he gave was imbued with clarity, depth, and heartfelt inspiration. To his mispallelim, he was more than a rov. He was a mentor, a father figure, and a spiritual anchor.

The levayah will take place this morning at 10 a.m. at Bais Medrash Toldos Yitzchok, located at 937 East County Line Road in Lakewood, NJ. Additional parking will be available behind the building, accessible via Kennedy Boulevard. Kevurah will follow in the Kosoner chelka in Deans, NJ.

Rav Ginsberg is survived by his devoted rebbetzin and an illustrious mishpacha of bnei Torah and rabbanim, including sons who serve as rabbanim and marbitzei Torah, daughters, and ainiklach who proudly continue his legacy.

Shivah will be held at 114 Leonard Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}