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Minnesota U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to “personally” appear in court on Friday or face possible contempt.

North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Tuesday, according to its neighbors, as the North heightens animosities with rival South Korea ahead of a major political meeting. South Korea’s military said it detected liftoffs of several ballistic missiles from an area northeast of the North Korean capital Pyongyang before the missiles […]

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A librarian in West Virginia has been taken into custody after authorities said she used social media to encourage others to assassinate President Trump, prompting felony charges tied to threats of violence.

Morgan L. Morrow, 39, of Ripley, was arrested following a TikTok post in which she said, “Surely a sn!per with a terminal illness can’t be a big ask out of 343 million,” according to a criminal complaint obtained by WOWK.

Investigators viewed the remark as a call for the president’s assassination, and Morrow was charged Monday with one count of threats of terroristic acts.

According to police, the Jackson County Public Library employee was taken into custody at her residence, where she allegedly acknowledged that the video was “intended as a threat directed toward President Donald J. Trump.”

Court documents say Morrow explained that she had “personal reasons for wishing harm upon the president,” though the complaint did not detail what motivated those feelings.

The complaint also states that Morrow told investigators she never planned to personally act on the threat.

Deputies countered that such language is “designed to encourage, inspire or entice others to carry out the threatened act, regardless of whether the speaker publicly intends to personally do so.”

“When you saddle up on the horse of stupidity, you have to be prepared for the ride that follows,” Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger told WOWK.

“We’re just trying to do our part in making sure that it’s not acted upon, and there’s no one that’s following her footsteps to try to carry out the plan.”

Mellinger emphasized that calls for violence are unacceptable no matter one’s political views.

“It’s okay to be critical of the government. It’s okay to be critical of things you don’t agree with,” Mellinger said, “but when you start promoting the violence and you’re promoting a plan to carry out the violence and recruiting other people to carry out the plan for you, that’s clearly crossing the line.”

The Jackson County Public Library said it is handling the matter internally and distancing itself from the remarks.

“The comments recently made by an employee do not reflect the mission, values, or standards of conduct of our organization,” officials wrote.

{Matzav.com}

New disclosures by Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal have shed further light on the complex intelligence and operational trail that ultimately led to the recovery of the body of fallen Israel Police officer Ran Gvili hy”d, revealing missed opportunities, shifting battlefield lines and a late-breaking intelligence breakthrough that unlocked the final mission. According to Segal, […]

Passengers traveling with Southwest Airlines are getting ready for a major shift in how they board and sit, as the carrier officially moves away from its longtime open-seating system and introduces assigned seats starting Jan. 27.

“Southwest Airlines has no assigned seats for one more day,” one traveler heading to Kansas City wrote in a post on X on Monday. “On my way back, everything majorly changes as I already have my assigned seat.”

The airline revealed back in July 2024 that it intended to scrap open seating, a signature feature of Southwest for decades. The company said the change was driven in part by revenue considerations, but also by customer feedback showing growing interest in assigned seats and paid upgrades.

“Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience,” Southwest executive Tony Roach said in 2025. “Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers — including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats — and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin.”

By the summer of 2025, Southwest had already begun assigning seats to passengers whose itineraries included flights scheduled to depart on or after Jan. 27, easing the transition ahead of the full rollout.

Reaction from travelers has been mixed. Some welcomed the move, saying assigned seating would reduce what they described as poor behavior during boarding and long-standing abuses of the open-seating system. Others said knowing their seat in advance would make the process less stressful.

“I for one am SOOOOOOOOO happy to be rid of that open seating nonsense,” one X user wrote. “At 6’5″, I will GLADLY pay a premium for my favorite exit row seat with the leg room and not need to stand in line like cattle.”

Not everyone was pleased. Detractors argued that open seating worked better for families, groups, or passengers forced to rebook at the last minute, who otherwise might end up stuck with undesirable seats. Some also accused the airline of prioritizing profits over what once made it stand out from competitors.

“They had a good run but it’s obvious corporate greed won over what we all felt made them the best airline,” one social-media user claimed.

A Southwest spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the airline did address complaints directly on social media, replying to a frustrated traveler.

“We’re evolving to meet changing Customer preferences, & our research clearly indicates a desire for assigned seating,” the representative wrote in an X response. “Still, we know assigned seating is not preferable for every Customer. We hope you’ll give us an opportunity to welcome you onboard.”

Under the new system, passengers booking flights are asked to choose among three categories of seats: “Standard” seats toward the rear of the plane, “Preferred” seats closer to the front, and “Extra Legroom” seats near exit rows that provide an additional 3 to 5 inches of space.

Southwest explains on its website that the seat category a customer selects affects boarding order and eligibility for certain benefits. The airline has also adjusted its pre-boarding rules slightly, including those that apply to active-duty military members and families traveling with children.

Alongside the seating overhaul, Southwest is also revising its policy for “customers of size” who need an extra seat, with the updated rules taking effect on Tuesday.

Previously, travelers who required additional space were encouraged—but not required—to reserve a second seat in advance. Extra seats were provided at no cost “if space is available on the flight,” according to Southwest, and customers could request refunds after completing their trip.

Beginning Jan. 27, however, those passengers must purchase the additional seat ahead of time and “pay any applicable seat fee” before boarding. Refunds remain available after travel, but only if several criteria are met, including that both seats were purchased in the same fare class, the refund request is submitted within 90 days, and the aircraft departed with “at least one” unused seat, Southwest said.

Refunds may also be issued if the flight was fully booked but included travelers flying on “space available passes,” such as airline employees or other non-paying passengers traveling for leisure.

When the revised policy was announced earlier this year, advocates for plus-size travelers voiced disappointment. One organization, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, told The New York Times that Southwest had been a “beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying.”

Even with the changes, Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline—among American, Delta and United—that offers any form of post-flight refund to eligible plus-size passengers.

Earlier this year, the airline said it had begun proactively notifying customers who previously relied on the extra-seat policy before their next scheduled trip.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking,” a spokesperson said.

{Matzav.com}

French lawmakers approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, paving the way for the measure to enter into force at the start of the next school year in September, as the idea of setting a minimum age for use of the platforms gains momentum across Europe. The bill, which also bans the […]

Encouraging news has emerged regarding the health of the Rosh Yeshiva of Grodno, as doctors report a noticeable improvement in the condition of Rav Yitzchak Hacker. Even as the positive update is shared, tefillos continue across the Torah world for his complete recovery.

After a deterioration in his condition last week, sources at Tel HaShomer Hospital now say that Rav Hacker’s medical indicators are stable, and that he is steadily regaining strength in multiple respects.

Associates of the Rosh Yeshiva emphasized that the situation remains serious and still requires abundant rachamei Shamayim. “There is still inflammation in his body and his condition is difficult,” they said. “But just as we have personally witnessed miracles and wonders until now, we are confident that we will continue to see open signs of Divine kindness until our rebbi returns to teaching Torah.”

As previously reported, Rav Hacker was hospitalized at Tel HaShomer approximately two weeks ago after developing a severe infection in his leg. During his hospitalization, he underwent two catheterization procedures and was at one point in life-threatening danger.

All are asked to continue davening for Rav Yitzchak ben Nechama.

{Matzav.com}

TRUMP: “I had two very good talks. I had Jacob Frey, and I had Governor Walz, and they were great calls… What we need is their criminals. They have criminals, and all I said is, ‘just give us your criminals.'”

Trump: We have good news. We got the last of the hostages back, and we got the last of the dead back… remember, everyone said that would be impossible.

This past weekend’s catastrophic winter storm has left at least 34 people dead, with millions facing extreme cold, while more than 500,000 Americans remain without power and forecasters warn another storm could strike this weekend.

Former captive Eli Sharabi spoke candidly in an emotional interview aired Monday night on Kol Chai Radio’s flagship program, reflecting on the return of the final hostage, Ran Gvili Hy”d, his own recovery after captivity, and his call for unity within Israeli society.

In a conversation with host Avi Mimran, Sharabi described the moment as a painful yet meaningful turning point for the Gvili family. “Everything you said about Ran, that he’s a hero of Israel — it’s simply incredible,” Sharabi said. “This really is a nation of heroes. Like Ran, many others went out that day, took initiative, and came to rescue the residents of the Gaza border communities.” He added that for the family, it is “a very complex moment. It’s not a happy moment, but perhaps a moment of closure, of farewell, and the beginning of a healing process.”

Mimran asked Sharabi about his personal path toward recovery following prolonged captivity and devastating personal loss. Sharabi responded with striking honesty. “For me, this is who I am. I always knew how to look for solutions and not focus on problems,” he said. “After 500 days of people fighting for me — my family, my friends, the people of Israel who prayed — I don’t have the privilege to stay in bed and cry all day. I will get up and rebuild. But that’s what suits me, and it’s forbidden to judge others by my standards.”

Sharabi also spoke about the faith that sustained him during captivity deep underground. “Faith is a support for everything,” he said. “From the very first moment in captivity, I rediscovered faith. Fifty meters underground, it only grew stronger. There were crossroads of life and death over 491 days, and each time I came out alive. The light and love I receive from my family and from the people — I have no words to thank them.”

Turning to the broader national conversation, Sharabi addressed what he described as a painful gap between the inner strength shown by former captives and their families and the tone of Israel’s public and political discourse. “I agree that there is a gap,” he said, “but I don’t agree that it can’t be narrowed. We have a duty — each person in their own sphere — to talk about what unites us and not what divides us. Even when we argue, it can be done in a calm and respectful way. That responsibility rests first and foremost with elected officials.”

Mimran noted that since his release, Sharabi has chosen to speak publicly in Israel and abroad, becoming one of the most prominent voices among former hostages. Asked about his central message, Sharabi replied: “We have no other country. That’s the message I convey to the world. We have a wonderful nation, warm and deeply committed to its state, and we must do everything to continue living here. Only if we are united can we continue to exist in the State of Israel. There is no alternative.”

Addressing whether social division played a role in the events of October 7, Sharabi said, “I don’t know how to judge whether there is a direct connection, but it’s clear it didn’t do us any good. We need to be careful of people with interests who fuel the rift. Disagreements are healthy in a democracy — but not hatred. Hatred is a terrible word.”

The interview concluded with a personal reflection on faith. “My faith is very strong,” Sharabi said. “I’m not a religious person, and everyone finds faith and strength in their own way. That needs to be respected.” He closed with a message to the nation: “I wish the people of Israel to set out on a new path and to heal from this terrible trauma.”

{Matzav.com}

COLD-BLOODED NAZI: An antisemitic incident occurred at the airport in Krakow, Poland, on Monday night when a man wearing an airport employee badge attacked a group of chassidim who were waiting for their flight to Israel. The chassidim had gathered on the side of the room to daven before boarding the flight, which apparently threw […]

THWARTED: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) announced on Wednesday that it thwarted a planned terrorist attack on a foreign embassy on its territory several months ago. The statement did not identify the embassy, but Israeli media reports confirmed that the target was the Israeli embassy in Baku. Azerbaijani security officials reported that three Azerbaijani nationals […]

A heavy Russian drone bombardment of Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa killed at least one person and injured 23, including two children and a pregnant woman, officials said Tuesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for faster U.S. efforts to end Russia’s almost 4-year-old invasion of his country. The Odesa attack involved more than 50 […]

Eylon Levy addressed the end of the October 7 hostage crisis on Monday, explaining in a social media video why he has stopped wearing the yellow ribbon symbolizing the captives, while still keeping it with him as a reminder of the unresolved dangers ahead.

“The October 7 hostage crisis is over, but it won’t be the last hostage crisis,” Levy said in the video.

He went on to describe the circumstances surrounding the return of the final hostage, emphasizing that it was achieved through Israeli action rather than cooperation from Hamas. “The final hostage, Ran Gvili, is finally home for burial, but fittingly, it’s not because the kidnappers honored their side of the ransom. It’s because Israel went in itself to get him out.”

Levy stressed that despite this outcome, Israel paid a heavy price to secure the release of hostages. “But make no doubt, we paid a ransom to get the hostages out. We left Hamas in power, and we freed thousands of terrorists from jails. We put the hostage takers of tomorrow back on the streets to get out the hostages of yesterday,” he said.

He warned that such concessions carry long-term consequences, noting the broader implications of negotiating with terrorist groups. “And everyone knows that when you pay a ransom to terrorist hostage takers, you encourage more kidnappings. It’s why most countries say they don’t negotiate with terrorist hostage takers, but we did, because we had no choice, because we were blackmailed, because we had to bring everyone home, because there can be no one left behind. But have no doubt, Israel has taught Hamas that taking hostages works, that it will pay a ransom in future,” Levy cautioned.

Looking ahead, Levy argued that Israel must now confront the reality that more abductions are likely and develop strategies to prevent them. “And so Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups will now try to take more Israeli hostages. And Israel is going to have to think of creative and maybe aggressive ways to deter more hostage taking in future. That needs to be a national priority now that the October 7th hostage crisis is over. How do we stop Israelis from ever getting taken hostage again? Now that we taught the kidnappers that taking hostages pays. So I’m keeping this safe,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

Bondi Beach terror attack victim Rosalia Shikhverg said she doubts the ability of Western Sydney hospitals to keep Jewish Australian patients safe after her traumatic experience at Liverpool Hospital, where she was hospitalized after she was struck in the head by shrapnel during the attack. Shikhverg was admitted to the hospital under her name and […]

A New York City police officer has been reassigned to modified duty after shooting and killing a raccoon that authorities say charged aggressively toward people in Rockaway Beach.

The incident took place at about 7:45 a.m. Thursday, after a 911 call reported an aggressive animal in the area, according to a police department spokesperson in a statement emailed Monday.

Police said officers responded to the boardwalk and attempted to guide the raccoon away from the area and toward a safer location. During that effort, the animal suddenly charged, prompting one officer to fire his weapon and strike the raccoon. No bystanders were hurt in the incident.

The officer involved has not been publicly identified. The department’s Force Investigation Division, which examines cases in which officers discharge their firearms, is handling the internal review.

As of Monday, it remained unclear whether officials intended to test the raccoon for rabies.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will have a security role during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games, according to information shared with local media by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. The Associated Press independently confirmed the information with two sources at the embassy. The sources who confirmed ICE participation on Tuesday said […]

[Video below.] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a blunt message to European leaders on Monday, cautioning that the continent cannot ensure its own security without continued support from the United States.

Speaking to the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte dismissed the notion that Europe could stand alone militarily, underscoring the depth of transatlantic dependence in defense matters. “If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US, keep on dreaming. You can’t. We can’t. We need each other,” he said.

Rutte went on to warn that any serious attempt by Europe to act independently would require a massive and politically fraught increase in military investment. He said defense spending would need to rise to 10% of GDP if European nations “really want to do it alone,” along with the development of an independent nuclear deterrent—an undertaking that would cost billions.

Without U.S. backing, he cautioned, Europe would forfeit its most critical security protection. “In that scenario, you will lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the US nuclear umbrella. So hey, good luck,” Rutte said.

His remarks followed a turbulent week for Europe and its Western partners, driven largely by President Donald Trump’s renewed push for U.S. ownership of Greenland. Trump raised the issue repeatedly before publicly ruling out the use of force to annex the Arctic island during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Rutte nevertheless offered praise for Trump’s focus on Arctic security, even as he acknowledged that such comments might be unpopular with his audience. “I think he’s right. There is an issue with the Arctic region. There is an issue of collective security, because these sea lanes are opening up, and because the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active,” he said.

The NATO secretary general laid out two parallel tracks for addressing the Greenland issue. One would center on NATO assuming a greater collective role in safeguarding the Arctic, aimed at limiting both military and economic access by Russia and China.

The second track would continue through direct talks among the United States, Denmark, and Greenland. Rutte stressed that he would not take part in those discussions, saying he lacks any mandate to negotiate on Denmark’s behalf and has no intention of doing so.

Earlier this month, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeld, met in Washington with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen later described the talks as “constructive,” while acknowledging that a “fundamental disagreement” remains unresolved.

A week later, Trump met with Rutte in Davos and said he had reached a framework for a Greenland deal with the NATO chief. Trump also announced that, as a result, he would refrain from imposing tariffs on European countries that had opposed his efforts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory. While the details of the framework—and Rutte’s precise role—remain unclear, Trump’s abrupt reversal once again placed the NATO secretary general at the center of the debate.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}