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Seattle-based aerospace startup Gravitics has secured a $60 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop a revolutionary satellite deployment system designed to rapidly launch satellites into orbit in times of crisis, acting as a sort of space-based aircraft carrier. The system, dubbed the Orbital Carrier, is being heralded as a potential game-changer in orbital security. Acting as a “prepositioned launch pad in space,” the Orbital Carrier will house multiple maneuverable satellites, ready to be deployed on demand in the event existing assets are disabled, threatened, or interfered with — particularly amid growing concerns about space aggression from countries like China and Russia. “The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, in a statement. “It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on demand.” The carrier is designed to operate much like an aircraft carrier — but for space. Instead of returning to Earth to reload or refuel, it remains in orbit, allowing for near-instantaneous deployment of satellites in response to emergent threats or system failures. The $60 million award was made through SpaceWERX, the innovation-focused wing of the U.S. Space Force. Funding comes from a combination of government support, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) reserves, and private investment. The contract gives Gravitics the green light to both develop and demonstrate the Orbital Carrier, with potential test launches projected as early as 2026. Analysts say the system could provide the United States with critical tactical flexibility in space, particularly in an era where satellite networks are increasingly vital for communications, surveillance, and navigation — and are more vulnerable than ever to foreign interference. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Governor Kathy Hochul revealed Thursday that the finalized state budget includes a massive boost in funding for New York’s subway network, with a central focus on bolstering rider security.

Hochul emphasized that the state will fully back the MTA’s entire $68.4 billion capital plan for 2025-2029, calling it the largest infrastructure commitment to public transit in New York’s history.

In addition to infrastructure funding, the state is allocating more than $120 million to expand the presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel, including both state police and members of the National Guard.

“The alternative is unfathomable—not to have a fully functioning, funded, efficient system to carry 6 million people a day,” Hochul said.

The sweeping capital plan features a host of projects, such as the long-discussed Interborough Express connecting Brooklyn and Queens via light rail, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and enhanced enforcement to curb fare evasion.

The announcement came during a press conference at Grand Central station, where Hochul appeared alongside MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber to present the transportation components of the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Hochul highlighted recent progress, pointing to an 11% reduction in subway-related crime and fare-skipping compared to last year, and promised further investments to build on that momentum.

She outlined a number of transit safety upgrades, including enhanced LED lighting, new protective platform barriers at 100 subway stations, and modern fare gates at over 150 locations—measures designed to deter what she called “shameless fare evaders.”

Beyond policing and physical upgrades, the budget also dedicates funding to services targeting homelessness and mental illness within the subway system, with expanded support for Safe Options Support (SOS) outreach teams.

{Matzav.com}

A Soviet-era spacecraft meant to land on Venus in the 1970s is expected to soon plunge uncontrolled back to Earth. It’s too early to know where the half-ton mass of metal might come down or how much of it will survive reentry, according to space debris-tracking experts. Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek predicts the failed spacecraft will reenter around May 10. He estimates it will come crashing in at 150 mph (242 kph), if it remains intact. “While not without risk, we should not be too worried,” Langbroek said in an email. The object is relatively small and, even if it doesn’t break apart, “the risk is similar to that of a random meteorite fall, several of which happen each year. You run a bigger risk of getting hit by lightning in your lifetime,” he said. The chance of the spacecraft actually hitting someone or something is small, he added. “But it cannot be completely excluded.” The Soviet Union launched the spacecraft known as Kosmos 482 in 1972, one of a series of Venus missions. But it never made it out of Earth orbit because of a rocket malfunction. Most of it came tumbling down within a decade. But Langbroek and others believe the landing capsule itself — a spherical object about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter — has been circling the world in a highly elliptical orbit for the past 53 years, gradually dropping in altitude. It’s quite possible that the 1,000-pound-plus (nearly 500-kilogram) spacecraft will survive reentry. It was built to withstand a descent through the carbon dioxide-thick atmosphere of Venus, said Langbroek of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Experts doubt the parachute system would work after so many years. The heat shield may also be compromised after so long in orbit. It would be better if the heat shield fails, which would cause the spacecraft to burn up during its dive through the atmosphere, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics’ Jonathan McDowell said in an email. But if the heat shield holds, “it’ll reenter intact and you have a half-ton metal object falling from the sky.” The spacecraft could reenter anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude, or as far north as London and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, almost all the way down to South America’s Cape Horn. But since most of the planet is water, “chances are good it will indeed end up in some ocean,” Langbroek said. (AP)

Thousands of Yidden from across the globe gathered in Kerestir, Hungary, to participate in the central hilulah seudah marking the 100th yahrtzeit of the tzaddik Rav Yeshayale ben Rav Moshe of Kerestir zt”l. The 100th yahrtzeit is today.

The seudah took place in the massive tent known as “Reb Yeshaya’le’s House,” which has become a spiritual focal point for those seeking yeshuos and inspiration from the legacy of the revered tzaddik.

This year’s hilulah shattered all previous attendance records, with a flood of participants coming from Eretz Yisroel, Europe, and the United States to daven, connect, and commemorate the life and impact of Rav Yeshayale.

The hilulah was emceed by Rav Yisroel Stern of London. The guest speaker was the noted mashpia Rav Yitzchok Moshe Erlanger. Throughout the night, stories of miracles, kindness, and the towering spiritual stature of Rav Yeshayale were shared

PHOTOS:

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil, a warning that came after planned talks over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed. Trump wrote on social media, “All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” He said any country or person who buys those products from Iran will not be able to do business with the United States “in any way, shape, or form.” It was unclear how Trump would implement such a ban as he threatened to levy secondary sanctions on nations that import Iranian oil. But his statement risked further escalating tensions with China — Iran’s leading customer — at a time when the relationship is severely strained over the U.S. president’s tariffs. Based on tanker tracking data, the U.S. Energy Information Administration concluded in a report published last October that “China took nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports in 2023.” Trump has separately placed 145% tariffs on China as a way to raise federal revenues and rebalance global trade. Trump’s social media threat came after Oman announced planned nuclear negotiations for this coming weekend had been postponed. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi made the announcement in a post on the social platform X. “For logistical reasons we are rescheduling the US Iran meeting provisionally planned for Saturday May 3rd,” he wrote. “New dates will be announced when mutually agreed.” Al-Busaidi, who has mediated the talks through three rounds so far, did not elaborate. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei issued a statement describing the talks as being “postponed at the request of Oman’s foreign minister.” He said Iran remain committed to reaching ”a fair and lasting agreement.” Meanwhile, a person familiar with the U.S. negotiators said America “had never confirmed its participation” in a fourth round of talks in Rome. However, the person said the U.S. expected the talks to occur “in the near future.” The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations. Rome will see the Vatican begin its conclave next week to pick a new pope after the death of Pope Francis. Two other rounds of U.S.-Iran talks have been held in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic closing in on a half-century of enmity. The negotiations have been led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran’s program if a deal isn’t reached. Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The U.S. president with his threat on social media would be going after Iran’s major economic resource. It produced an average of 2.9 million barrels a day in 2023 of crude oil, according to the Energy Information Administration. Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers did limit Tehran’s program. However, Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018, setting in motion years of attacks and tensions. The wider Middle East also remains on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues an airstrike campaign, called “Operation Rough Rider,” that has […]

An Israeli engineering unit that had been conducting operations in the Morag Corridor—situated between Rafah and Khan Yunis—re-entered Israeli territory without realizing that one of their own had been left behind in Gaza. The mishap resulted in a soldier being stranded alone in enemy territory for close to an hour.

The soldier, a member of the elite Yahalom unit, eventually made contact with troops from the Golani Brigade who were stationed nearby. Fearing he might be mistaken for a threat, the soldier called out “IDF” repeatedly to alert them of his identity and avoid being fired upon.

The IDF Spokesperson confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: “On Tuesday, an IDF force operating in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Israel, left the Gaza Strip after the end of operational activity. Upon their return to Israel, an IDF soldier was left alone in Gaza for about 40 minutes.

The statement added: “The soldier arrived at an area where other IDF forces were staying and joined them. This is a serious incident that is under investigation and from which lessons will be drawn.”

{Matzav.com}

After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, the version of the deal signed Wednesday is far more beneficial to Ukraine than previous versions, which they said reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the country’s resources. The agreement — which the Ukrainian parliament must ratify — would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine that Ukrainian officials hope will be a vehicle to ensure future American military assistance. A previous agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We have formed a version of the agreement that provides mutually beneficial conditions for both countries. This is an agreement in which the United States notes its commitment to promoting long-term peace in Ukraine and recognizes the contribution that Ukraine has made to global security by giving up its nuclear arsenal,” Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the deal for Ukraine, said in a post on Facebook. The signing comes during what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said would be a “very critical” week for U.S.-led efforts to end the war that appear to have stalled. Ukraine sees the deal as a way to ensure that its biggest and most consequential ally stays engaged and doesn’t freeze military support, which has been key in its 3-year-old fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion. “This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who signed for the U.S., said in a statement. Here is a look at the deal. What does the deal include? The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, but also other valuable resources, including oil and natural gas, according to the text released by Ukraine’s government. It does not include resources that are already a source of revenue for the Ukrainian state. In other words, any profits under the deal are dependent on the success of new investments. Ukrainian officials have also noted that it does not refer to any debt obligations for Kyiv, meaning profits from the fund will likely not go toward paying the U.S. back for its previous support. Officials have also emphasized that the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the state will determine what can be extracted and where. It does not mention any explicit security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression that Ukraine has long insisted on. The text of the deal lists 55 minerals but says more can be agreed to. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Ukraine’s rare earth elements, and some of them are included in the list, as are other critical minerals, such as titanium, lithium and uranium. What are rare earth elements? They are a group of 17 elements that are essential to many kinds of consumer technology, including cellphones, hard drives and electric and hybrid vehicles. China is the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, and both the U.S and Europe have sought to reduce their dependence on Beijing, […]

A deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region last week has spiked tensions between India and Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of backing the massacre, a charge Pakistan denies. The nuclear-armed neighbors have downgraded diplomatic ties, threatened to suspend key treaties and expelled each other’s nationals. It’s the biggest breakdown in relations since 2019, when a suicide car bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan, and Pakistan rejected the accusation. India has hinted at the possibility of an imminent but limited military strike. Pakistan says it would respond militarily. A look at the countries’ nuclear capabilities, and what might lie ahead: Both have nuclear weapons, but as a deterrent India and Pakistan have built up nuclear arsenals over the years. But their purpose is to stop wars, not start them. India has a “no first use” policy. That means it will only retaliate with nuclear weapons if there is a nuclear attack on Indian forces or Indian territories. Pakistan has a different policy, full spectrum deterrence, aimed at using tactical nuclear weapons to counter nuclear threats and conventional military attacks from its bigger, stronger and richer regional rival. Pakistan has not ruled out using nuclear weapons first if it feels an existential threat. But Pakistan can ill afford to initiate nuclear war with India because of its neighbor’s superior firepower. It has lost three conventional wars in the past. Instead, Pakistan uses its nuclear arsenal to deter India from invasion or massive attack. Neither has details about the other’s arsenal Neither country knows what nuclear weapons the other has or how many. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. Pakistan carried out its first in 1988. Thinktanks suggest Pakistan has 170 warheads while India has 172. Some analysis indicates that Pakistan could have more, around 200. Despite decades of hostility and suspicion, India and Pakistan are signatories to a pact that bars them from attacking each other’s nuclear facilities. As part of the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, the two sides exchange lists of their nuclear facilities and installations each January. They have exchanged lists for 34 consecutive years. However, neither country is a signatory to the global Non-Proliferation Treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Both prefer limited strikes on specific targets Flare-ups between India and Pakistan have seen targeted attacks and reprisals, escalating slowly while giving each side the option to step back and defuse. Border skirmishes are common. But there is huge domestic pressure on India to respond this time because most of the victims last week were Indian. In 2019, following the suicide car bombing, there was a predawn airstrike from India that it said targeted a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. Pakistan later said it shot down two Indian warplanes in Kashmir and captured a pilot. The pilot was eventually released and the situation began to normalize. But the episode showed that India was willing to enter Pakistani airspace and launch strikes, setting a new threshold for retaliation. In the current crisis, the two sides have yet to make a dramatic move. Pakistan has reported seeing Indian fighter jets over its airspace, and has shot down spy drones that it says belong to India. Retaliation from either country is likely to be […]

Sergeant Shimon Tubol, a member of the chareidi Chashmona’im Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car crash Wednesday night while he was on leave from military duty.

The incident took place under civilian circumstances along Route 457, in the vicinity of Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region.

Tubol’s death marks the first loss for the Chashmona’im Brigade, a newly formed unit established roughly half a year ago to bring haredi soldiers into front-line combat roles.

He had previously served in the Netzach Yehuda battalion, which also caters to haredi servicemen, before moving on to take part in the Chashmona’im Brigade as a combat soldier.

Paying tribute to him, his friend Yedidya Boskovich said: “Shimon was a special person – with a huge heart, a smile that always lit his surroundings, and a good soul that everyone loved. He served the country with love and dedication.”

The accident left four others injured, all of whom were taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. Two individuals in their twenties were reported to be in moderate condition, while the other two suffered minor injuries, including bruises.

Shilo Carmon, a medic with Magen David Adom, recounted: “We arrived at a difficult scene and the vehicles were severely damaged. A 30-year-old man was lying unconscious at the scene, and after medical examinations, we pronounced him dead.”

Carmon also noted: “Another injured man who was at the scene was trapped in his car and needed to be rescued. Afterwards, all injured persons were evacuated to hospital in mild or medium condition.”

{Matzav.com}

Sergeant Shimon Tubol Z”L, a dedicated soldier in the Chareidi Hashmonaim Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday night, while on leave from the army. The accident occurred under civilian circumstances on Route 457 near Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region, marking the first casualty of the Hashmonaim Brigade since its establishment six months ago as part of an initiative to integrate Chareidi soldiers into significant combat roles. Sgt. Tubol previously served in the Chareidi Netzach Yehuda battalion before joining the Hashmonaim Brigade as a fighter, contributing to the brigade’s mission of bridging Chareidi values with military service. The accident also left four others injured, who were evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. Two individuals in their 20s were reported in moderate condition, while the other two sustained mild injuries with bruises. Boruch Dayan HaEmmes… (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Mike Waltz is expected to step down from his position as national security adviser in the near future, a White House insider told Newsmax on Thursday.

The update was first shared by veteran journalist Mark Halperin, who said that Waltz, along with his deputy Alex Wong and several others at the National Security Council, are slated to be removed due to widespread dissatisfaction with how the NSC is being managed. According to Halperin, discontent has been voiced from officials across multiple departments, including the White House, State Department, and Treasury.

Halperin revealed the information during an episode of his podcast, “The Morning Meeting,” which he co-hosts with Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary, and Dan Turrentine, on the platform 2WAY.tv.

Since Halperin’s disclosure, the story has been picked up by several major outlets, including CBS News and Politico, both of which reported that Waltz is likely on his way out. CNN also noted that Waltz had already been told earlier this week that his time in the role was over.

According to Politico, Steve Witkoff, who currently serves as a special envoy for the White House, is the frontrunner to take over the national security adviser position. The outlet also reported that the administration has been quietly looking for Waltz’s replacement for several weeks.

Despite recent controversy surrounding a group text incident involving the Signal messaging app, Halperin made clear that this episode had no bearing on the decision. In fact, he suggested that the situation may have actually delayed Waltz’s departure. The March 11 mishap occurred when Waltz accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat where high-ranking officials were planning a military strike on the Houthis in Yemen.

Halperin emphasized that frustrations with Waltz’s leadership existed well before the Signal incident. He stated that disorganization and ineffective management at the NSC were the real issues behind the push for change.

“There’s lots of levels of unhappiness and it’s less about Signalgate than it is about… a general belief that it’s not being run efficiently, in an organized way. It may happen as early as today; it may not happen ever, because it’s [President] Donald Trump. But the plan for it is to happen soon, maybe this weekend,” Halperin said.

When contacted by Newsmax, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to confirm the report, stating, “We are not going to respond to reporting from anonymous sources.”

{Matzav.com}

Former US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons are being delivered to Ukraine, now officially confirmed by the US Air Force.

Protesters blocked Highway 6 in both directions in a demonstration of support for Druze groups in Syria.

The White House has debuted a new digital platform, White House Wire, aimed at amplifying news coverage favorable to President Donald Trump. The launch has triggered backlash from The Drudge Report, with its founder, Matt Drudge, accusing the administration of imitating his long-established news aggregation model.

“It takes an entire West Wing to compete with Drudge,” wrote Drudge in a pointed headline on his site. The top of the page featured the bold statement: “Trump Launching His Own Drudge Report Using Taxpayer Dollars!”

Both headlines linked to articles from Axios and Mediaite. Drudge added a sarcastic jab in the Axios piece, claiming he is “considering a $1 trillion lawsuit” against the White House over the site.

The administration introduced the new initiative via social media Wednesday night, sharing a message on X that read, “The White House has its own wire now,” and inviting users to “read what we’re reading.”

According to Axios, the launch of White House Wire is part of a larger strategy to counteract perceived bias in mainstream press outlets, while at the same time giving increased visibility to publications seen as supportive of the Trump agenda.

The move comes as the administration has reportedly reduced press privileges for the Associated Press, citing its continued use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” which is the term preferred by the White House.

White House Wire resembles The Drudge Report in design, displaying headlines in columns that direct visitors to articles portraying Trump and his administration in a favorable light. This week’s focus centered largely on Trump’s first 100 days in office, including his televised conversation with ABC News.

It also features embedded social media content, such as a post from the Rapid Response 47 account on X, which includes the attention-grabbing line: “President Trump Celebrates MASSIVE Investments In America.”

Many of the links direct users to official White House communications rather than independent news sites, reinforcing the platform’s emphasis on messaging controlled by the administration itself.

Additional headlines featured on Thursday spotlighted members of Trump’s cabinet, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Though The Drudge Report gained national prominence in the 1990s with its breaking coverage of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and was long considered a conservative news source, it has taken a more critical stance toward Trump in recent years.

A White House official told Axios that the new website was created to give Americans a clear and convenient place to find content that aligns with the president’s message and priorities.

“It’s a place for supporters of the president’s agenda to get the real news all in one place in a shareable and readable format,” the official told Axios. “The website will be a one-stop shop for news and is part of the Trump administration’s effort to provide transparency and institute policies that put America first.”

{Matzav.com}

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered a powerful address on Thursday during a special ceremony hosted by President Isaac Herzog to recognize exemplary soldiers, with much of his focus on the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Directing a clear message to Hamas, Zamir declared, “The Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters. But they too know, their safety is not forever! The IDF is ready and prepared to strike them a decisive blow. We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify their power.”

He underscored that the military is fully prepared to act, stating, “If necessary, we will do so soon, with determination and confidence in the righteousness of our path.”

Turning to the issue of chareidi recruitment into the IDF, Zamir invoked a timeless Torah principle: “As it is written in the Book of Deuteronomy, ‘All of Israel are responsible for one another.’” He stressed that this concept stems not only from a need to survive but from a shared mission that has bonded the Jewish people from Maamad Har Sinai to the challenges they face today, with their unity as the foundation of their strength.

He highlighted individual stories among the honorees to illustrate the depth of courage and diversity within the ranks. “Among the awardees standing before me are representatives from all across the people of Israel: Avigdor, an officer from a haredi family, a father of a child, who chose to enlist in the IDF despite the social challenges. Dorian, a soldier who made aliyah alone just two years ago, and despite the language barriers, excelled in his service in the Intelligence Directorate. Oria, an observer from the Re’im base, who survived the brutal attack on the base and continued to serve in the IDF, demonstrating extraordinary inner strength. Lea, a soldier whose grandfather was kidnapped to Gaza and murdered there, and from that great pain, she found the strength to persevere, rise, and excel. Daria, the sister of a civilian hostage, who enlisted in the IDF and, even during the fierce struggle for her sister’s return, managed to stand out and become a role model for strength and determination.”

Zamir also paid tribute to soldiers who were wounded in battle and managed to recover, return, and fight alongside their fellow troops. “And here are heroic fighters, who were injured in the battlefield, recovered with great courage, and returned to fight shoulder to shoulder with their comrades, overcoming all physical and mental obstacles. Each and every one of the 120 awardees is a link in the chain of generations, and together you all continue the story of the people of Israel.”

He took the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of excellence, clarifying that it has little to do with innate intelligence or brilliance. “Excellence is not measured by who is the most talented or the most brilliant. It is granted to the one who perseveres. It is a quiet, daily choice to act with responsibility, commitment, and integrity — even when no one is watching. An outstanding individual may be someone who carried out a singular, extraordinary act — but they may also be the one who, despite the repetitive, exhausting, and demanding nature of a task, manages to rise each morning and perform their duty with responsibility, professionalism, and without compromise, refusing to take shortcuts. An outstanding individual is one who lifts up their comrade before lifting themselves; who sees others before considering their own gain. Excellence is an act of service — not for awards or praise, but because the person believes that what they do matters, that they have an impact, that they bear responsibility not only for themselves but for their team, their unit, and their country. Its meaning is not ‘what do I get out of this,’ but ‘what is the right thing to do now.'”

He paused to honor those who had fallen, emphasizing the importance of preserving their memory and values. “Today, on our holiday, we remember our comrades-in-arms, the fallen, who fought with strength, courage, and sacrifice. We will tell their stories and the tales of their heroism, and we will act in the light of their legacy. Always with us, in our hearts, a place is reserved for the families of the fallen. We pledge to uphold our eternal oath to stand by your side at all times, to embrace, support, and ensure that we are worthy of the heavy price you have paid. On this occasion, I would like to send my wishes for a full recovery and rehabilitation to all the wounded, both physically and mentally.”

As he wrapped up his speech, Zamir circled back to the gravity of the ongoing conflict and the responsibility of the IDF to defend the nation. “Our sovereignty and independence were not given to us as a gift. They were bought with blood and struggle, and they require us to defend them at all costs. The Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters. But they too know, their safety is not forever! The IDF is ready and prepared to strike them a decisive blow. We will use all the strength at our disposal, increase the pace of operations, and intensify their power. If necessary, we will do so soon, with determination and confidence in the righteousness of our path.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand their booming ties. Russia’s Tass news agency reported that the bridge would be 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) long and its construction is expected to take 1 ½ years. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency said Thursday the bridge would expand cross-border travel of people, tourism and circulation of commodities. Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunitions and troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. North Korea has been receiving Russian tourists since February 2024 amid slowly easing pandemic curbs, but Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled. In 2023, about 97% of North Korea’s external trade was with China, while 1.2% was with Russia. There are currently at least 17 active road and rail links across the long, porous border between North Korea and China, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry. One railway bridge and air service already connect North Korea and Russia, and in June 2024 the two countries agreed to construct a bridge for automobiles over the Tumen River, which runs along North Korea’s borders with Russia and China. On Thursday, North Korea and Russia simultaneously held a ground-breaking ceremony for the bridge’s construction in their respective border cities, according to the two countries’ state media agencies. The agencies said North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended the ceremony via video links. Pak said the bridge’s construction would be remembered as “a historic monument” in bilateral ties, KCNA reported Thursday. “This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relation,” Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said, according to Tass. “We are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue.” On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it has sent combat troops to Russia to help it reclaim parts of the Kursk region that Ukraine forces seized in a stunning incursion last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia. According to a South Korean government intelligence assessment shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, and 4,700 of them have been killed or wounded. In return for North Korea’s supply of conventional arms, Russia has given it air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches, according to the South Korean assessment. (AP)

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“Telling your wife your needs and wants” is a complete waste of time for married men who want happiness and I’ll tell you why. So many marriage experts claim they have the secret to a happy marriage and that it all comes down to communication, boundaries and bringing in more money. They tell you to help out more at home, talk about the past, go together to a marriage professional but never stop to take inventory of whether ANY of these methods are actually WORKING in creating happiness and joy! I am not saying those strategies don’t work at all, but they are the long… slow… painful way of having a happy home. And for the few that make it with these strategies, they’ve done it while he doesn’t get what he needs, and she doesn’t get what she needs.  Meanwhile, we’re helping our clients connect with their wives on the highest level, living lives full of happiness and excitement and it gets more and more joyful by the day where both husband and wife feel happiness and excitement… … all without needing their wife to meet them halfway! To check out how they do this, click below to watch my free presentation where I share all the details … you’re going to thank me for it! 3 Steps Married Men Use to Get Rid of Friction and Create Happiness and Excitement… Without Needing Their Wife to Meet Them Halfway!

President Trump welcomes the parents of Eden Alexander, the last living American being held hostage by Hamas: “As we defend religious freedom in America, we are also standing up against religious persecution around the world.”

An unearthed audio recording featuring the voices of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, and other prominent Arab figures was made public on Monday, sparking widespread discourse throughout Egypt. The tape, reportedly dated August 4, 1970—just weeks before Nasser passed away—has reignited interest in the late president’s private conversations.

During the conversation, Nasser is heard admitting that the Arab nations do not possess the military strength to go head-to-head with Israel. “The Jews are superior to us in everything—better than us on land and better than us at sea. If we want to achieve a goal, we need to be realistic and understand how to get there,” Nasser says.

He also points out the United States’ support for Israel and lists countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, and Yemen, along with Palestinian factions, as key players in the broader conflict. “If anyone wants to fight, let him fight on his own,” he added.

The recording captures Nasser signaling a possible willingness to negotiate a limited peace agreement in exchange for the territories Israel captured in the 1967 war. He simultaneously chastises other Arab leaders for offering symbolic gestures rather than backing up their words with concrete action.

Though the Library of Alexandria has publicly denied having any connection to the release, no credible party has called the tape’s authenticity into question. Abdel Hamid Abdel Nasser, the late president’s son, confirmed that the audio came from his father’s personal files and insisted that it does not damage his reputation.

{Matzav.com}