The United States and Canada have reached a deal to open a new multibillion-dollar bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, ending a dispute that delayed the project’s launch.

The Gordie-Howe International Bridge will now open on July 27 and become the fourth crossing between Detroit and Canada.

The 1.5-mile bridge was originally supposed to open last month. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said on June 11 that the U.S. and Canada had agreed to put off the opening to “resolve any outstanding issues.”

President Donald Trump — who earlier this year threatened to block the bridge’s opening unless the U.S. had an ownership stake in it — announced on Truth Social early on Saturday that he “was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America.”

The original deal for the “new and spectacular” bridge was “unacceptable to me,” Trump wrote in his post.

“The new deal is great, and fair. Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government. May we both have many years of success with this wonderful new development!!!” he concluded.

On Friday, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the U.S. and Canada agreed to a “series of cooperative measures” related to how tolls would be charged to drivers.

Both sides agreed that half of the net profit the bridge generates will go to a regional development fund, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a Canadian official.

The original deal stipulated that all toll revenue would go to Canada until it recovered the approximately 6.4 billion CAD it cost to build the bridge. Construction began in 2018 and Canada agreed to foot the entire bill.

The Canadian official also told The Journal that the bridge authority will need U.S. approval before raising tolls by 10% or more. Approval would also be needed if the authority were to cut tolls below what is charged for comparable crossings, such as Ambassador Bridge, the official said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office and the bridge authority for comment on the terms of the new deal.

In a statement on Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the opening of the bridge, which will be co-owned by her state and Canada. She did not mention Trump or the administration in her remarks.

“Thousands of Michigan workers built this critical bridge, which will speed up auto production, lower costs, ease traffic, strengthen agriculture, and give people on both sides of the border better-paying jobs and brighter futures,” Whitmer said.

She continued: “I’m proud to have fought for its opening and congratulate my partners who have worked on this issue alongside me for years.”

The Gordie Howe Bridge was named after the Canadian hockey star who won four Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings in the 1950s.

Gen Z is breaking one of the most deeply rooted social taboos by openly discussing salaries, spending limits and personal finances online.

The Wall Street Journal’s Free Expression associate editor Mary Julia Koch joined FOX Business’ Ashley Webster on “Varney & Co.” to discuss loud budgeting and why younger Americans are increasingly willing to make once-private financial conversations public.

The trend encourages people to be transparent about what they can and cannot afford, often by sharing budgets, financial goals or decisions to skip expensive plans on social media. It comes as many young adults face high living costs, uncertainty in the labor market and growing pressure to make financially responsible choices.

“I think my generation is more open about everything. I mean, we’ve grown up posting online, our relationships, our friendships, our college lives. It makes sense that this is sort of the next frontier where people are documenting their budgets and their financial lives,” Koch said.

While talking openly about money does not guarantee better financial decisions, Koch argued that greater awareness could help younger people take more ownership of their finances, particularly as many schools provide limited education in economics, accounting and basic money management.

“I think at least it gets the conversation started,” Koch said, “Some awareness is a positive development, especially in an economy that feels very uncertain as young people enter a labor market that could be wrecked by the prospect of AI.”

Salary discussions may be the next barrier to fall as online culture continues to challenge the traditional norms surrounding money.

“You don’t talk about politics or money at the dinner table. So we’ll see if that starts to change,” Koch said.

Meta on Friday discontinued an artificial intelligence feature that allowed users to generate images by referencing public Instagram accounts, days after introducing the tool as part of a broader rollout of AI-powered creative features on Instagram.

The company announced the decision in an update to its Instagram blog.

“Earlier this week, we announced that one way for people to generate images in Meta AI is by @-mentioning public Instagram accounts that they want to reference,” the company wrote. “Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way. We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available.”

The feature was announced Tuesday alongside more than 30 new AI-powered effects for Instagram Stories using Muse Image, the first image-generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs. According to Instagram, the new effects allow users to transform photos with a single tap, while a redesigned editing composer lets users preview AI-generated edits before sharing them.

As part of the rollout, Meta also introduced a feature allowing users to @-mention public Instagram accounts in Meta AI to generate creative images featuring those accounts, including personalized birthday cards, group trip memes and other edited images.

“We want our community to have control over how their content is used for creation,” Instagram said in Tuesday’s announcement. The company said users who did not want their public Instagram content used through the AI feature could disable it through the app’s Sharing and Reuse settings.

SAG-AFTRA, which represents performers across film, television and other media, urged members Thursday to opt out of the feature, writing on social media, “Take action to protect your likeness.”

Neal K. Shah, an NIH-funded caregiving researcher and CEO of CareYaya, said he has already seen AI-generated ads misuse his likeness to promote supplements falsely claiming to help people with dementia.

“I think the major alarm bells that went off for me was I saw fraud actually happening in real time,” Shah told FOX Business. He said followers began messaging him after seeing advertisements that appeared to show him endorsing products he had never promoted.

“All of these older people have been scammed, and my image has been used to scam them, and I can’t do anything about it,” Shah said, adding that he has spent hours responding to followers to warn them the advertisements were fake.

Shah said he has since started warning viewers in his own videos not to trust advertisements that appear to show him promoting products and has spent hours responding to followers who asked whether the endorsements were real. He also said he repeatedly reported the advertisements to Meta but said they remained on the platform.

Friday’s update removes the ability to generate images by @-mentioning public Instagram accounts, while leaving the broader rollout of Instagram’s new AI-powered creative tools in place.

Meta has made artificial intelligence a central focus of its business, expanding AI-powered features across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger while investing heavily in AI infrastructure and its Llama family of AI models.

In response to a request for comment from FOX Business, Meta directed Fox Business to the updated Instagram blog post announcing the change.

President Donald Trump on Friday touted Micron Technology’s plans to invest $250 billion in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, including what the company says will become the largest chip manufacturing site in American history.

The Boise, Idaho-based company announced Thursday that it is accelerating its U.S. manufacturing and research investments with a goal of producing 40% of its DRAM memory chips in the United States.

“BIGGER INVESTMENTS JUST KEEP COMING!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, calling the announcement “The Trump Effect.”

“Micron is accelerating its U.S. spending to a MASSIVE 250 BILLION DOLLARS to build Memory Chips right here in the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote. “For years, the Do Nothing Dumocrats bogged down American Industry with crushing Red Tape, complete Economic Mismanagement, and ridiculous Woke Mandates.”

Trump blamed previous Democratic administrations for slowing American manufacturing.

“They stalled everything. Not anymore! We are slashing the Radical Left’s Job killing Regulations, and actually GETTING SHOVELS IN THE GROUND. We are reshooting Manufacturing to America, and securing our Supply Chains. This means THOUSANDS of GREAT JOBS for Hardworking Patriots all across our Country. True Economic Security is MADE IN AMERICA.”

The company said it expects to spend more than $250 billion through 2035, driven by surging demand for memory chips in the AI era.

Micron said construction of the New York facility will require thousands of skilled workers, creating opportunities for union trades, apprentices, local training program graduates, specialty contractors and suppliers.

The company said the project, which marked its first concrete pour at the Clay, New York, site on Thursday, is the largest private investment in New York state history and is expected to create 50,000 jobs statewide, including 9,000 direct Micron jobs.

Micron said its semiconductor facilities in Idaho and Virginia, combined with the New York project, are expected to support an additional 90,000 jobs while advancing U.S. economic and national security goals.

Trump also highlighted comments from Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, who said the company was increasing its planned U.S. manufacturing and research investment from $200 billion to $250 billion.

“Last week, I shared with President Trump that, because of his leadership and policies, Micron would announce today that we are ahead of schedule and increasing our U.S. manufacturing and R&D investment from $200 billion to $250 billion—creating 100,000 American jobs,” Mehrotra said in a statement.

“It’s another example of the Trump effect driving historic private-sector investment, American manufacturing, and job creation,” Mehrotra added.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick praised the announcement, saying, “The Trump economic model clearly shows there has never been a better time to invest in the United States.”

Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said the $250 billion investment is “exactly the kind of bold, American-made commitment that President Trump’s agenda was designed to unleash.”

Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the investment would strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing while creating opportunities for small businesses across the country.

FOX Business’ Nora Moriarty contributed to this report.

Apple has launched a sweeping lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence company and two of its senior employees of stealing confidential Apple technology to accelerate OpenAI’s push into the AI hardware market.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan and technical staff member Chang Liu improperly took Apple’s proprietary information after leaving the company. According to the complaint, both men previously held positions at Apple and used confidential knowledge to advance OpenAI’s hardware ambitions.

Beyond the actions of the two employees, Apple claims the conduct was not isolated, accusing OpenAI itself of participating in what it describes as a “coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level.”

“This case is about Apple’s former employees stealing Apple’s trade secrets for the benefit of OpenAI,” the complaint states. “Apple brings this suit to put a stop to it.”

According to the filing, Tan spent more than 20 years at Apple, where he played a key role in developing products including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPod. The lawsuit further alleges that Liu, who worked as an Apple electrical engineer for eight years, had access to some of the company’s most closely guarded product development secrets.

Responding to the lawsuit, an Apple spokesperson said Friday that the company will “always defend our teams’ hard work and innovations, and we are taking all appropriate steps to do so.”

Although OpenAI has yet to disclose the specific hardware products it intends to release, the company has publicly stated that it is exploring new methods for people to interact with artificial intelligence beyond “traditional products and interfaces” as it expands into physical devices.

The legal battle comes as OpenAI moves toward what many expect will be a blockbuster initial public offering. In its complaint, Apple contends that OpenAI has strayed from its original nonprofit mission in favor of maximizing revenue while launching “an aggressive campaign to bring hardware devices to the market.”

Apple further alleges that intense pressure to introduce its first hardware product led OpenAI to cut corners. According to the lawsuit, the company “resorted to taking unlawful shortcuts.”

The complaint argues that OpenAI’s developing hardware division “now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets.”

Apple also claims it attempted to address its concerns privately before turning to the courts, saying it contacted OpenAI regarding allegations that the company had obtained Apple’s confidential information. According to the lawsuit, OpenAI never responded.

“This lawsuit and the discovery process are needed to expose and begin to remedy the pervasive theft of Apple’s trade secrets,” the suit states.

{Matzav.com}

By Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce

Start with the tell. This week President Trump flew home from the NATO summit in Turkey on the old Air Force One — not the gleaming, Qatari-gifted jet he’s been showing off. Why? Because the older plane carries the full set of defensive measures and the new one doesn’t, and multiple reports tied the switch directly to the Iran threat. The President wasn’t coy about it. “I’m number one on the kill list for Iran,” he said. Israel had just handed Washington fresh intelligence — reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by CNN and Fox News — pointing to a new Iranian plan to assassinate him. At the Ayatollah’s funeral, crowds waved “Kill Trump” signs and posters offering $100 million for his head.

So the commander in chief accepts, publicly, that a foreign regime is actively trying to murder him. He changes planes over it.

Now look at what that same administration put at the top of its agenda this week. A Saturday deadline — delivered to Tehran through Axios by three U.S. officials — demanding that Iran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and pledge to stop shooting at tankers. Open the shipping lane by the weekend, or else.

Read those two paragraphs back to back and tell me the math works. One plus one doesn’t add up.

We are being asked to treat a plot to kill the President of the United States and a dispute over oil-tanker tolls as if they’re the same negotiation, on the same clock, with the same regime. They are not apples to apples. They are not even in the same orchard. A shipping-lane deadline has exactly nothing to do with whether Iran gets to put a bullet in the president. Reopening the strait by Saturday does not lower the kill list. It does not recall the assassins. It does not make the man safer on the older plane. So what, precisely, does it have to do with our security?

Here’s the part nobody in Washington seems willing to say out loud: you cannot run a routine maritime haggle with a government you simultaneously believe is trying to assassinate your head of state. Either the threat is real — in which case the strait is a sideshow and the entire posture should be built around the President’s life — or the threat isn’t real, in which case somebody explain the old plane. It can’t be both. Pick one. Right now the government is behaving as if both are true at once, and that is the definition of asleep at the wheel.

And let me say this as a businessman, because the strait is my beat. I know exactly what that waterway is worth. It carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil. War-risk insurance that was a rounding error before the war now runs 2% to 6% of a ship’s value — a $6 million toll to move one tanker — and transits have collapsed by as much as 90%. Every dollar of it lands at the American pump and on the American shelf. I have built my career arguing that these everyday costs matter. They do.

But a shipping crisis is a commercial problem. A plot to kill the President is an existential one. Confusing the two — putting a Saturday tanker deadline in the same news cycle, the same breath, the same priority slot as an active assassination threat — is not strategy. It’s a scrambling of first things and last things.

Comparing apples to apples would mean this: the number-one item on every desk in that administration is keeping the President alive. Full stop. The strait, the tolls, the insurance premiums, the oil price — real as they are — come after. Instead we got a weekend ultimatum about a waterway and a president slipping onto the safer plane, and we’re all supposed to nod along as if that adds up.

It doesn’t. One plus one still equals two. Secure the President first. Then, and only then, worry about who opens the strait and when. Anyone treating those as the same equation is either not doing the arithmetic — or asleep at the wheel.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Yechiel Drillman zt”l, a veteran mechanech and longtime maggid shiur at Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yaakov Yosef of Edison, New Jersey, who inspired generations of talmidim over decades. He was in his 70s.

Rav Drillman was a son of Rav Shlomo Elimelech and Mrs. Chaya Sarah Drillman. Rav Shlomo Elimelech was a rosh yeshiva at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon for over 40 years and rov of the Glenwood Jewish Center. Born in Germany, Rav Shlomo Elimelech began learning with Rav Elchanan Wasserman in Baronovitch at the age of twelve and then learned with Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz in Kamenitz before fleeing to Siberia with his family during World War II. Rav Shlomo Elimelech came to America in 1946. He entered RIETS and became a talmid of Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik. Rav Shlomo Elimelech was a rebbi at Yeshiva University’s High School for Boys in Brooklyn and became a rosh yeshiva at RIETS in 1982 when the high school closed.

Rav Yechiel was raised in a home of extraordinary yiras Shomayim and chashivus haTorah, laying the foundation for his own career in harbotzas haTorah.

For many years, Rav Yechiel was a familiar and beloved figure in the Edison community, where he served as a 10th-grade rebbi at the Edison Yeshiva. With dedication and warmth, he devoted his life to shaping the lives of young bochurim who passed through his classroom.

As a maggid shiur, Rav Drillman was known not only for his clear and thoughtful shiurim, but also for the personal interest he took in each of his talmidim. His influence extended well beyond the walls of the shiur room, as former talmidim continued to cherish the guidance, chizuk, and hadrocha that he imparted long after they left the yeshiva.

Rav Drillman was a devoted eved Hashem with palpable yiras Shomayim and great humility. His years of harbotzas haTorah left an enduring imprint on generations of talmidim, many of whom credit him with helping lay the foundation for their continued aliyah in Torah and yiras Shomayim.

In later years, Rav Drillman relocated to Lakewood, where he resided in the A Country Place community. For a time, he served as a R”M at Bais Medrash L’Torah in Lakewood.

He is survived by his devoted rebbetzin, as well as children and grandchildren carrying on his legacy. He is also survived by his brothers, Rav Yaakov Drillman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Novardok of Flatbush, and Rabbi Yehoshua Drillman.

Levayah details will be published as they become available.

Yehi zichro boruch.

1

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. Treasury sold $22 billion of 30-year bonds on Wednesday, July 8, at a high yield of 5.058%, the steepest rate the government has paid at a long-bond auction since 2007, according to the Treasury Department’s official auction results. The sale completed this week’s series of Treasury coupon auctions and underscored how investors are demanding higher returns to lend money to the federal government for the long term.

Wednesday’s offering was a reopening of the 5% coupon bond first issued in May and maturing in 2056. The auction followed May’s historic sale, when the government crossed the 5% threshold for 30-year borrowing costs for the first time since 2007.

Demand proved stronger than many expected, led by overseas investors. International buyers took nearly 78% of the auction, well above the six-auction average, while domestic participation came in below normal levels. The auction also cleared slightly stronger than market expectations. The when-issued yield immediately before bidding closed stood at 5.061%, while the auction stopped at 5.058%, indicating investors were willing to accept a slightly lower yield than the market had anticipated.

Long-term Treasury yields climbed sharply this week as oil prices surged following renewed geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran. The benchmark 30-year Treasury yield rose to about 5.07%, while the 10-year Treasury note, a key benchmark influencing mortgage, auto loan and other consumer borrowing rates, climbed to approximately 4.571%. The 2-year Treasury also moved higher to around 4.206%.

Markets reacted after President Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, said he believes the ceasefire with Iran is over. Oil prices have climbed nearly 10% over the past two sessions as the United States carried out additional strikes on Iran, revoked a waiver allowing Iranian crude exports, and tensions escalated following attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed above $80 per barrel, fueling renewed concerns that higher energy costs could reignite inflation.

Higher oil prices feed directly into inflation expectations, and inflation is one of the biggest factors influencing long-term Treasury yields. Investors committing money for three decades demand greater compensation when they believe inflation could remain elevated, forcing the government to offer higher borrowing costs.

Markets also adjusted expectations for monetary policy. Traders increased their expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again in September. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh has maintained a hawkish stance since assuming office in May, repeatedly emphasizing that inflation remains above target while also supporting continued reductions in the Fed’s balance sheet, particularly its holdings of longer-term Treasury securities. Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting also indicated that several policymakers viewed persistent inflation and continued labor-market strength as supporting additional policy tightening.

For consumers and businesses, the implications extend well beyond Wall Street. Higher Treasury yields typically translate into more expensive mortgages, auto loans, business financing and other forms of long-term credit. Mortgage rates have remained near 6.5%, keeping pressure on home affordability at a time when housing inventory remains constrained in many parts of the country.

The government also faces growing borrowing costs. Every increase in Treasury yields raises the amount Washington must pay to finance its expanding national debt, increasing federal interest expenses and reducing fiscal flexibility over time.

Wednesday’s sale concluded a week of Treasury coupon auctions that also included three-year and 10-year notes. The strong participation from international investors demonstrated that global demand for U.S. government debt remains solid despite higher yields, while weaker domestic participation highlighted investors’ growing caution toward locking money into long-term securities amid elevated inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

The last time the Treasury paid yields this high on newly issued 30-year bonds was in 2007, before the global financial crisis transformed interest-rate markets for more than a decade. The return of borrowing costs above 5% marks another milestone in the economy’s transition away from the era of ultra-low interest rates and signals that financing costs for both the government and consumers are likely to remain elevated.

JBizNews Desk | Washington

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that Iran has requested additional negotiations with the United States, but declared that the ceasefire between the two countries has officially come to an end.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington has agreed to continue discussions with Tehran while making clear that the previous ceasefire arrangement is no longer in effect.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” the President wrote.

Axios, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to hold another round of negotiations next week, with Switzerland emerging as the likely venue.

According to the report, regional mediators have been working behind the scenes to reduce tensions and pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement following the recent military escalation between Washington and Tehran.

Iran, however, quickly rejected those reports. Fars News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied that another round of negotiations has been scheduled.

A source quoted by Fars dismissed reports that preparations had been completed for talks in Islamabad or that technical discussions would continue next week, calling the claims entirely unfounded.

The source added that any future developments regarding negotiations would be announced only through the Islamic Republic’s official channels.

Mohammad Marandi, a member of Iran’s negotiating team, also rejected the reports, declaring, “No negotiations will be held until the Trump administration fulfills its commitments.”

Earlier this week, Trump authorized a series of military strikes against Iranian targets following Tehran’s attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

As those operations were underway, Trump told reporters that Iranian officials had reached out to him seeking to negotiate an agreement with the United States.

“Iran called a while ago. They want to make a deal so badly,” the President said. “I just don’t know if they are worthy. I don’t know if they are going to honor the deal. That’s the problem.”

{Matzav.com}

Camp Aliyah has announced a new policy requiring any camper who brings a 24Six music device to camp to have it connected to the platform’s “Upstate Mode” filter, saying the move is intended to ensure that the camp environment reflects the values of its families.

In a letter to parents, the camp explained the thinking behind the new policy, writing that, “In today’s busy world, our children are bombarded with distractions and pressures from all sides. Baruch Hashem every summer thousands of Bnei Torah go to camp where they are in a ‘cocoon’ away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.”

The administration emphasized the powerful role music plays in shaping young people, noting, “As we all know, one of the great influences on the heart and mind of a Yid is the music that he listens to. Throughout the Torah we find references to the ‘Koach Haniguna’ (sic). At a simcha, at a kumzitz or even when traveling, music is used to set a certain tone.”

The letter continues by recognizing music as an important part of the camp experience, stating, “Certainly, camps in general, and Camp Aliyah in particular, have come to recognize how valuable music can be in helping a bochur unwind and relax, surely an important benefit of the camp environment.”

At the same time, camp officials stressed that music must remain consistent with Torah values. “But as with all things that border on ruchniyos, care must be taken to ensure that the music’s effect is only positive and wholesome,” the letter states. “Every Yiddishe parent takes seriously the job of gatekeeping their children’s music selections. We in camp understand that even when a child is in camp, parents want reassurance that the bunk airwaves are dominated by songs and artists with which they are comfortable.”

The letter explains that the growing popularity of the 24Six music device has created new concerns.

“Over the past few years, the 24Six solo device has gained popularity. However, the variety of music styles and singers featured even on that device has given some parents and mechanchim pause, as they are uncomfortable with some messages and styles accessible there.”

Camp Aliyah then announced its new policy in bold lettering. “WHILE CAMP ALIYAH IS NOT ENCOURAGING THE USE OF A 24SIX DEVICE, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING POLICY. ANY CAMPER BRINGING A 24SIX DEVICE TO CAMP MUST BE LINKED TO THE ‘UPSTATE MODE’ FILTER.”

Parents are instructed to activate the filter before camp begins.

“Before coming to camp, a parent must log onto their profile at 24Six.app, and register their son’s 24Six with the ‘UPSTATE MODE’ permissions.”

The camp explained that the filter “whitelists hundreds of singers and groups, including thousands of songs, covers the gamut of music acceptable to the vast majority of our parent body.”

The letter further notes that the filter cannot be removed by campers themselves. “Once installed, the filter can only be removed by Camp Aliyah. (This will happen automatically on the day camp ends.)”

According to the policy, songs by artists who are not on the approved whitelist will simply become inaccessible while the filter is active.

“The filter will prevent songs by artists who are not on the whitelist from being played, even if those songs have already been downloaded to the device. It will not delete those songs; they will simply remain unavailable for as long as the filter is active.”

Camp Aliyah also warned that any devices arriving without the filter will not remain with campers.

“Unfiltered devices will be placed in the camp office and will be returned the last day of camp.”

The camp said additional instructions would be sent shortly, adding, “Details about how to install the filter will IYH be sent out next week. B’EH your son will have enough time to go through the device to select proper music for the summer.”

The letter concludes by thanking parents for their cooperation and expressing hope “for an amazing summer full of ALIYAH in all areas.”

{Matzav.com}

Federal safety regulators are warning drivers, repair shops and used-car buyers about a growing threat from counterfeit air bag parts after defective inflators linked to at least 10 deaths and multiple serious injuries were found in vehicles across the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has prohibited the sale and import of the defective inflators, identified by the marking DTN60DB, after investigators connected them to fatal crashes involving airbags that exploded with excessive force instead of protecting vehicle occupants.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the counterfeit components “illegal Chinese airbag parts responsible for 10 deaths.”

Air Bags Became Deadly Instead of Protective

Rather than inflating normally during a collision, investigators found the defective inflators ruptured when deployed, sending metal fragments into drivers and passengers.

Victims suffered severe injuries to the head, neck, chest and face in crashes that authorities say otherwise may have been survivable.

The inflators carry markings associated with Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology (DTN) of China. The company has stated it does not export the affected products to the United States and believes many of the components may themselves be counterfeit.

Regardless of their origin, NHTSA says inflators marked DTN60DB should be considered unsafe.

Why Regulators Can’t Simply Recall Them

Unlike factory-installed airbags, these counterfeit inflators are generally installed after a vehicle has already been involved in a collision.

Many enter the market through independent repair shops, online marketplaces and unauthorized parts suppliers, often costing around $100, compared with $1,000 or more for genuine replacement components.

Because they are installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, the parts are not linked to a vehicle’s VIN, meaning traditional recall searches cannot identify affected vehicles.

Officials say that makes locating every defective inflator significantly more difficult.

Used-Car Buyers Face Greater Risk

Investigators have identified many of the incidents in previously damaged vehicles, particularly used Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata sedans, although regulators caution the problem may extend to additional makes and models.

Vehicles carrying salvage or rebuilt titles may face elevated risk because airbags are often replaced following previous accidents.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting in efforts to identify the supply chain responsible for distributing the counterfeit components.

Industry Faces Growing Liability

The discovery has increased scrutiny across the automotive repair industry.

Automakers, insurers, dealerships, salvage auctions and collision repair facilities all face growing legal exposure as investigations continue.

General Motors’ global brand protection team has warned that counterfeit safety components frequently use inferior materials that dramatically increase the likelihood of catastrophic failure during a crash.

The situation has also drawn comparisons to the massive Takata air bag crisis, although regulators note the counterfeit inflator problem presents additional challenges because the parts entered vehicles outside traditional manufacturer supply chains.

What Drivers Should Do

NHTSA advises owners of vehicles previously involved in accidents—particularly those with salvage or rebuilt titles—to have their airbags inspected by an authorized dealership or qualified repair facility.

Since VIN searches cannot identify counterfeit replacement parts, a physical inspection may be the only way to determine whether a dangerous inflator has been installed.

Federal officials say removing counterfeit components already circulating throughout the marketplace will likely require years of inspections and enforcement efforts.

JBizNews Desk | Washington
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

If you read the press releases from the United States Central Command, you would know that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. Let me quote: “since early May, U.S. forces have helped facilitate the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of crude oil through the vital international trade corridor.”

Let me repeat those numbers. Actually it’s 825 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of crude oil just since early May. That’s why oil prices have fallen nearly 40 percent. West Texas crude is priced at $71. About the same as it was one year ago, way before the Iran conflict. Stock markets are no longer dancing to the Iranian-Hormuz oil threat tune. Of course profits are breaking records. And profits are the mothers’ milk of stocks.

Yet there’s more to the story. There may be an oil production war developing with the weakening of OPEC. The United Arab Emirates wants to move from around 2 million barrels a day to as much as 5 million. 

How about Iraq? Remember Iraq? Well they’re going to move from just over a million barrels per day to somewhere around 4 million to 5 million barrels per day. The Saudis are diverting oil exports through their East-West pipeline to the Red Sea. The UAE and other countries have shifted their tankers to the Southern Hormuz channel adjacent to Oman’s coastline. This is killing the Iranian strategy of bottling up the world economy.  

The United States, meanwhile, is moving toward 14 million barrels per day. And the Energy Information Administration is now forecasting that worldwide crude production and other trade flows will rebound to near pre-conflict levels by the end of the year.

Hundreds of oil tankers are still sitting in the upper part of the Arabian Gulf. And they are filled to the brim with oil that will soon hit world markets. And meanwhile, while oil supplies are rapidly recovering, Chinese oil demand has plunged as a result of their continued economic slump. All of this shows how Iran’s supposed Hormuz oil weapon has been neutered.

Thousands of grills sold online and at Lowe’s and Walmart are being recalled due to the risk of glass shattering while the grill is in use, raising the risk of serious injury.

Roughly 12,660 stainless steel Cuisinart Propel+ Four Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grills are covered by the U.S. recall, which the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on Thursday, while about 83 grills were sold in Canada.

The model number of the recalled grills is CGG-6331 and may be found on the label inside of the right-hand metal door of the grill, which is also where its serial number is located.

The grill includes a griddle, a stove-top burner and a pizza oven with tempered glass on the lid of the grill. The company and the CPSC have urged customers to stop using the grills and to check whether theirs is covered by the recall.

“Consumers should stop using the recalled Cuisinart Propel+ Four Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill immediately and visit Conair’s website to check if their grill is included in the recall,” the CPSC explained.

“If affected, follow the instructions to safely remove the tempered glass window on the pizza oven and upload two photographs to the firm’s website; one of the removed glass, and one of the grill’s serial number,” the CPSC explained.

Once a customer’s grill is confirmed as being covered by the recall, affected consumers will receive a $500 refund by check or be reimbursed for the original purchase amount with proof of receipt. 

Refunds will be issued via check within 10–15 days of a grill being confirmed as subject to the recall. The recall website noted that a receipt isn’t needed to qualify for the refund.

The CPSC and company directed consumers to write the word “Recall” with a black sharpie marker on the tempered glass after receiving a refund and to dispose of it.

Consumers who purchased a grill that may be covered by the safety recall may visit a website set up to guide them through the process of verifying whether a grill was covered by the recall, identify and share the serial number, and submit documentation that can allow the company to verify the recalled grill and provide a refund.

Grills covered by the recall were sold at Lowe’s, Walmart and online at cuisinart.com from December 2024 through May 2026 for between $500 and $750, the CPSC said. They were imported by Conair LLC, which does business as Cuisinart, and were manufactured in China.

The CPSC’s recall page noted that the company has received 37 reports of shattered glass during the grill’s use, while one fire was reported. No injuries have been linked to the issue, the agency noted at the time of the recall.

President Donald Trump said he has already authorized an overwhelming military response against Iran if Tehran ever succeeds in carrying out an assassination against him, declaring that U.S. forces should strike the Islamic Republic with unprecedented force in such a scenario.

In an interview with The New York Post, Trump said Iran has viewed him as a top target for years and suggested the threat against his life is nothing new.

“I’ve been on their list for a long time. That’s what we’re dealing with,” Trump said. “… The only thing is, I’ve left instructions – if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they’ve never seen before.”

Trump’s comments came one day after The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli intelligence had uncovered what it described as a new Iranian plot targeting the president. Trump, however, dismissed suggestions that the threat represented a newly discovered conspiracy, saying Iran’s efforts to target him have been ongoing for years.

“No, no. Israel came up with nothing. No, no,” Trump noted. “I’ve been No. 1 [on Iran’s kill list] for a long time, and it’s the way life is, you know.”

Asked about the continuing danger, Trump ended the exchange with a lighthearted but pointed remark.

“I hope you’ll miss me.”

Earlier this week, while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump again addressed the threats he says Iran has made against him.

“They want to take out the US leader – me,” he said. “I’m on every list. I saw this morning, I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a little bit lucky, but that maybe doesn’t last very long.”

Iranian leaders have repeatedly vowed revenge against Trump over the U.S. drone strike during his first term that killed Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

Anti-Trump rhetoric has remained prominent in Iran. During the funeral for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, crowds chanted for Trump’s death while holding a banner proclaiming, “We Will Kill Trump.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan intensified his criticism of Israel on Friday, accusing Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and his governing coalition of deliberately creating foreign crises to serve domestic political interests. He also claimed Israel’s policies pose a growing danger to regional and international security.

Speaking during an appearance on The National’s “On the Record with Hadley Gamble,” Fidan declared, “The policies of Netanyahu’s government are not only a problem for us. His policies and his government are a burden for Israel, a burden for the region, and a burden and threat for international security.”

Asked whether the increasingly hostile rhetoric between Turkey and Israel could ultimately lead to direct military conflict, Fidan downplayed that possibility.

“There is no reason to have an open conflict,” Fidan clarified.

The Turkish foreign minister also argued that although European governments are becoming more aware of what he described as the strategic challenges posed by Israel, they have yet to take meaningful action. He warned that continued interference with Syria’s political development could further destabilize the region.

“We are not sure if Israel wants to see a stable, good, powerful, evolving, developed Syria,” he remarked.

When pressed on whether he believes Israel is actively working to weaken Syria’s new leadership in Damascus, Fidan answered affirmatively.

“When you look at the past and current patterns of the Israeli government towards the regional countries, yes.”

The remarks were Fidan’s second major verbal attack on Israel in recent weeks. In an interview with CNN Türk last week, he asserted that Israel’s current political approach and governing philosophy had “become a burden that humanity can no longer bear.”

He also described Israel as one of “humanity’s common problems” and urged the international community to unite in applying pressure against the Jewish state.

Fidan further suggested that Turkey would not shy away from military confrontation if necessary, stating, “We have no problem with confrontation. If it comes to that, it is not an issue for us.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply condemned those remarks, saying, “Turkish FM Hakan Fidan’s sickening words are textbook incitement to genocide.”

“Dehumanizing the Jewish people as an ‘unbearable burden’ is the classic, horrific language of history’s worst eliminationist regimes,” the foreign minister added.

Germany also criticized Fidan’s rhetoric. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul responded by affirming Israel’s security concerns, stating, “Israel faces an ongoing threat from the region and has the right and duty to protect its population.”

Fidan’s latest statements are part of an ongoing series of increasingly hostile comments by senior Turkish officials. Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of possible action against Israel, claiming Israeli military operations in Syria and Lebanon had reached the point where they also threatened Turkey.

Just days before those remarks, Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi declared that Turkey would one day regain control of Yerushalayim.

Relations between Turkey and Israel had been moving toward normalization shortly before Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Since then, however, Turkish leaders—led by Erdogan—have repeatedly denounced Israel and its military campaign.

In March of last year, Erdogan condemned Israel following its strikes on terrorist targets in Gaza, calling the country a “terror state.”

Several months later, Erdogan claimed Netanyahu’s government represented the greatest threat to stability in the Middle East.

In April, prosecutors in Istanbul filed a sweeping indictment against 35 senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, over the Israeli navy’s interception of the “Sumud” flotilla that attempted to reach Gaza in October of last year.

{Matzav.com}

NATO leaders gathered in Ankara, Turkey, this week for a summit centered on defense spending, military production and alliance commitments, as member nations sought to demonstrate to President Donald Trump that they are increasing defense investment and strengthening the alliance’s industrial base. The meeting, held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Beştepe Presidential Complex and chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, brought together leaders from all 32 member countries against a backdrop of billions of dollars in newly announced defense contracts.

Rutte focused the summit on three priorities: increasing allied defense spending, expanding defense manufacturing capacity and maintaining support for Ukraine. Ahead of the gathering, he called for what he described as a “transatlantic defense industrial revolution,” pointing to tens of billions of dollars in expected defense-related contracts and a defense industry forum that brought together senior government officials and major weapons manufacturers. NATO used the summit to highlight military procurement projects, underscoring how increased defense budgets are translating into production orders and industrial expansion.

The spending initiative builds on commitments made at last year’s NATO summit in The Hague, where member nations agreed to work toward spending 5% of gross domestic product on defense and security by 2035, including 3.5% for core military capabilities and 1.5% for broader security investments. This year’s summit focused on measuring progress toward that goal. Matt Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, said the alliance would evaluate how quickly members are moving toward the benchmark. He noted that Poland, the Nordic nations and the Baltic states have made the fastest progress, while Germany expects to reach the target by 2029.

The United States continues to account for the largest share of NATO defense spending. The U.S. defense budget for 2026 totals approximately $901 billion, representing about 3.3% of the nation’s GDP. NATO officials say European allies and Canada have collectively increased defense spending by roughly $1.2 trillion over the past decade, including an approximately 20% increase during the past year. Despite that growth, analysts note that many European militaries remain heavily dependent on U.S. equipment, logistics and operational support.

The Trump administration has promoted a broader strategy often referred to as “NATO 3.0,” encouraging European allies to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense while allowing the United States to shift more military resources toward other strategic priorities. The approach has been reinforced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s review of U.S. force deployments in Europe and by repeated calls from President Trump for allies to increase their financial contributions to collective defense.

The summit also produced significant defense-industry news involving Turkey. During a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Trump said the United States would lift sanctions on Turkey and would consider resuming sales of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter aircraft, a move that could reopen a major defense procurement relationship between the two NATO allies. The potential return of Turkey to the F-35 program would represent one of the most significant defense export developments discussed during the summit.

Regional security concerns also shaped discussions. The summit took place amid renewed tensions involving Iran, ongoing instability near the Strait of Hormuz and continued Western support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the gathering as allies increasingly highlighted Ukraine’s battlefield innovations in drone technology and electronic warfare alongside continued military assistance.

For the defense industry, the summit underscored a clear trend: long-term NATO spending commitments are increasingly translating into contracts, manufacturing expansion and new procurement opportunities for defense companies across Europe and the United States. As governments accelerate military modernization, defense contractors are expected to remain among the primary beneficiaries of higher alliance spending over the coming decade.

JBizNews Desk | Ankara, Turkey

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Greenworks Tools is recalling about 554,780 Kobalt-branded yard power tools and lithium-ion batteries after dozens of reports of batteries smoking, sparking or catching fire while charging, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The voluntary recall covers select Kobalt 24V and 48V outdoor power equipment sold with USB-C rechargeable batteries, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, pruning saws, power cleaners and other tools.

The CPSC said charging the lithium-ion batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries remain inserted in the tool can cause the battery to short-circuit, creating a fire hazard that poses a risk of serious injury.

Greenworks has received 34 reports of recalled batteries producing smoke, sparking or catching fire while they were inserted in a tool and charging through the USB-C port. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recalled products were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com between January 2026 and May 2026. Prices ranged from about $20 for standalone batteries to $482 for complete tool kits.

Only Kobalt products equipped with the recalled USB-C batteries are included in the recall. The affected batteries were sold in 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah and 8.0Ah capacities. Certain 3.0Ah and 6.0Ah batteries were also sold separately.

Consumers should immediately stop charging the batteries through the USB-C port while the batteries are inserted in the tool and contact Greenworks for a free replacement battery.

As part of the remedy, Greenworks will provide replacement batteries without the USB-C charging port, a charger adapter, an updated product manual, a warning label for the tool and a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery.

Consumers can register for a replacement by visiting Greenworks’ recall page or contacting the company at 888-266-7096 or [email protected].

The recalled products were manufactured in China and Vietnam and imported by Greenworks North America LLC, doing business as Greenworks Tools, of Mooresville, North Carolina.

This year’s federal budget deficit is now outpacing last year’s as federal spending is growing at a faster rate than tax revenue, pushing the annual shortfall closer to $2 trillion.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on Thursday released its monthly budget review for the month of June, which showed the FY2026 deficit was $1.373 trillion through the first nine months of the fiscal year.

That represents a $35 billion increase in the budget deficit compared with the same period a year ago. The larger deficit was the result of a larger increase in federal spending, which is up $178 billion from a year ago while tax receipts have risen $142 billion.

Increased spending was primarily driven by the cost of servicing the federal government’s more than $39 trillion national debt as well as rising expenses for the government’s three largest mandatory spending programs – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Net interest on the national debt was the largest category of increased spending in the first nine months of FY2026 and rose $98 billion compared with the same period a year ago, an increase of 13%. This was caused by the growth in the size of the national debt, as well as higher long-term interest rates – though some declines in short-term rates mitigated some of the total increase.

Social Security was the next largest driver of the increased spending, with benefit payments up $62 billion, or 5%, from a year ago due to higher average benefits and a larger number of beneficiaries. The CBO noted the increase would’ve been larger but for onetime retroactive payments that began in March 2025 under the Social Security Fairness Act.

Medicare spending rose $58 billion from a year ago, an 8% increase, due to higher enrollment and higher payment rates for healthcare services provided through the program. Medicaid spending was up $49 billion, or 10%, which was largely attributed to rising costs per enrollee.

Increased tax revenues were driven mostly by higher receipts of individual income and payroll taxes, which combined to rise by $169 billion, or 5%, despite income tax refunds rising by $31 billion, or 10%, due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Customs duties – a category which includes tariffs – were up $55 billion from a year ago. That amounts to an increase of 51%, which CBO attributed to President Donald Trump’s executive actions that raised tariffs on U.S. trading partners.

However, tariff refunds began to be paid following a Supreme Court ruling in February that struck down some of the tariffs, which reduced tariff revenues by about $70 billion in May and June.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), noted in a statement that this year’s deficit has now surpassed the prior year’s deficit and it’s “likely to stay that way for the rest of the fiscal year.”

“We will likely borrow $2 trillion or more this fiscal year – an astounding figure given that the economy keeps growing and unemployment is low,” she explained. “This is likely the tip of the iceberg; borrowing will soar if policymakers fail to get our entitlements under control, enact further unpaid-for tax cuts or spending increases, and otherwise ignore the need to cut spending and increase revenues.”

MacGuineas noted that Social Security and Medicare are within seven years of exhausting their trust funds, which would trigger across-the-board benefit cuts to both programs, and urged lawmakers to take steps to rein in federal budget deficits.

“None of this is normal. Policymakers should instead be targeting a much more sustainable deficit at 3% of GDP, putting together a bipartisan commission to address our fiscal situation and entitlements, and perhaps most importantly, being honest with the public about the grave dangers we face by remaining on this unsustainable path,” she added.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is launching a dealmaking team aimed at small companies, targeting businesses valued between $100 million and $500 million, according to an internal memo issued Wednesday and confirmed by the bank. The move pushes the nation’s largest bank further down the market, into a segment long dominated by boutique investment banks and regional advisory firms.

The new unit, described in the memo as a small-cap investment banking group, will complement an existing mid-cap operation that handles larger transactions. John Richert, who leads the mid-cap business and serves as global head of business services investment banking, said the effort expands the firm’s ability to serve smaller companies operating in specialized industries. The mid-cap group has grown steadily over the past decade to nearly 400 bankers worldwide, generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue while expanding at a rate exceeding 20% a year.

Richert pointed to two major trends behind the decision. The first is a generational transition as thousands of companies founded by baby boomers prepare for ownership changes, creating what he expects will be a significant pipeline of business sales over the coming years. The second is the continued flow of capital into private equity firms focused on lower- and middle-market businesses, creating increased demand for acquisition opportunities. Together, those forces are expected to drive more transactions involving companies that historically have not been a primary focus for JPMorgan.

The bank said the expansion will allow it to build relationships with entrepreneurs earlier in their business lifecycle while entering a market where many of its largest Wall Street competitors have only a limited presence. Richert noted the firm’s broad capabilities, saying few financial institutions can advise on the sale of a family-owned business while also helping take a company the size of SpaceX public. JPMorgan Chase participated in SpaceX’s June initial public offering.

The small-cap investment banking team will be led by Michael Flynn, a middle-market adviser with more than two decades of experience who joined JPMorgan Chase from G2 Capital Advisors, a Boston-based boutique investment bank. He will be joined by managing director Arash Farin, whose career includes roles at Centerstone Capital, Goldman Sachs, Blackstone and Lehman Brothers, along with executive director Jamie Eastham, a longtime JPMorgan banker who most recently worked in the firm’s strategic financing solutions group. The bank plans to expand the new division to more than 75 bankers.

The group will operate from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York, placing advisers closer to business owners across the country instead of concentrating operations in a single financial center. Initial industry coverage will focus on consumer and retail companies, business services and other diversified sectors.

For small and mid-sized business owners, the move could have significant implications. Selling a privately owned company is often the largest financial transaction an entrepreneur will ever complete and, for many baby boomers, represents the primary source of retirement wealth. Historically, businesses valued below $500 million have relied on boutique advisory firms for mergers and acquisitions advice. The arrival of JPMorgan Chase could increase competition, provide greater access to financing and potentially improve valuations for sellers while intensifying pressure on smaller investment banking firms that have traditionally dominated the market.

The expansion comes as JPMorgan Chase continues to rank among Wall Street’s leading dealmakers. According to Dealogic, the bank has advised on more than $500 billion in U.S. transactions so far this year, trailing only Goldman Sachs. By moving further into the small-cap market, the bank hopes to establish relationships with growing companies earlier, positioning itself to serve them as they expand into larger corporate clients.

Whether the strategy succeeds will depend on how quickly the anticipated wave of baby boomer business sales develops and whether private equity firms continue investing aggressively in smaller acquisitions. For now, the message is clear: one of the world’s largest financial institutions sees the market for selling privately owned American businesses as large enough to warrant a dedicated national investment banking platform.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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Google and OpenAI reportedly provided access to their artificial intelligence models to Singapore-based subsidiaries of major Chinese technology companies, according to an investigation by the Financial Times.

The report says the subsidiaries are linked to Chinese firms including Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent, some of which appear on U.S. government watchlists over alleged ties to China’s military.

According to the report, the companies gained access through subsidiaries operating in Singapore rather than directly from mainland China, making the arrangements legally permissible under current U.S. restrictions while raising concerns among lawmakers and national security officials in Washington.

U.S. officials are reportedly concerned that Chinese companies could use advanced American AI models to improve their own competing systems through a process known as “distillation,” in which the outputs of powerful AI models are used to train or enhance other models.

OpenAI confirmed that it recently blocked accounts linked to Alibaba over concerns about prohibited use of its developer platform and said it reported the activity to the U.S. government.

The company said its AI models are not available inside mainland China but that its services remain accessible in jurisdictions where it can enforce its usage policies and monitor suspicious activity.

Google also offers AI services in Singapore and Hong Kong under geographic restrictions. However, according to the report, the company acknowledges that location-based controls alone may not always prevent sophisticated attempts to access its technology.

Anthropic, by contrast, has adopted a stricter policy, reportedly prohibiting Chinese companies and foreign entities controlled by them from using its AI models.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Wall Street closed a volatile week higher on Friday, July 10, as a record-setting chip listing and easing Middle East tensions lifted technology stocks and papered over a shaky stretch for the broader market. The S&P 500 rose 0.42% Friday to 7,575.39, finishing the week up about 1.2%. The Nasdaq Composite added 0.29% to 26,281.61 for a weekly gain near 1.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 149.60 points, or 0.29%, to 52,637.01 on Friday but still slipped roughly 0.5% on the week — a divergence that tells the real story of the past five sessions. The money moved into chips and artificial intelligence, and the blue-chip index that carries more old-economy names got left behind.

The week ran in three acts. It opened Monday with the Dow setting a record close above 53,000 for the first time, at 53,055.91, riding the momentum of a strong pre-holiday run and the recent addition of Alphabet to the 30-stock index. The mood flipped Tuesday and into Wednesday, when semiconductor stocks sold off hard on worries their valuations had outrun reality. Micron Technology fell 4.7% Tuesday, with KLA Corporation, Marvell Technology, Broadcom and AMD all sliding, and even a record quarterly profit from Samsung Electronics failed to steady the group. “Expectations are up, and fundamentals are struggling to meet these sky-high demands,” said Mike Bailey, director of research at FBB Capital Partners. Then Thursday and Friday brought the rebound, as bargain hunters and a blockbuster IPO pulled the chip trade back to life.

That IPO was the week’s centerpiece. On Friday, SK Hynix, the South Korean memory-chip maker and a critical Nvidia supplier, made its Nasdaq debut under the ticker SKHYV. The company priced its American depositary receipts at $149 and watched them open near $170, a gain of about 14%, after raising $26.5 billion — the largest U.S. share sale ever by a foreign company, with orders running more than seven times the shares available. For investors, the listing was a direct bet on the memory chips that feed AI data centers, and its success reset sentiment across the sector heading into the weekend.

The other hand on the wheel was geopolitics. Markets spent the week tracking the sharpest U.S.-Iran fighting since the two sides agreed to a ceasefire. Oil jumped early after the Treasury Department moved to revoke the license allowing Iranian crude sales, sending Brent up more than 5% in a single session, and a U.S.-led naval coalition raised the threat level for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to “severe.” The pressure eased later in the week after President Donald Trump said Iran had reached out to make a deal, with Qatar and Pakistan working to restart talks and an administration official saying technical negotiations would continue even after the exchange of strikes. Crucially, laden tankers kept crossing Hormuz throughout, which steadily bled the risk premium out of oil and cleared a path for stocks.

Market movers. Big Tech supplied most of the week’s fuel. Meta Platforms was the single biggest winner, soaring nearly 15% — its best week since early 2024 — and jumping about 6% Friday. Bank of America kept its buy rating on the stock, citing an internal memo, reviewed by Reuters, that pointed to a leaner cost structure for Meta’s AI buildout; separately, the company said it aims to produce its own AI chip by September. Nvidia rose about 4% Friday. Chip-equipment names ran hot early after Morgan Stanley lifted price targets on Lam Research, Applied Materials and KLA Corporation, briefly pushing all three up around 4%. In dealmaking, Vertex Pharmaceuticals agreed to acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $85 a share, a roughly $10 billion deal that nearly doubled Crinetics stock. On the losing side, AstraZeneca dropped close to 8% after its heart-disease drug Wainua missed in a late-stage trial, Rivian Automotive fell about 10% on a 75-million-share stock offering, and Deutsche Bank analyst Omotayo Okusanya downgraded mall owner Simon Property Group to hold from buy, calling it “fully valued” at 16.3 times price to funds from operations. Amazon also lined up a $25 billion bond sale.

The rally masks a genuine debate about whether the AI trade has gone too far. The run has been staggering: Micron has surged more than 200% in 2026, while Lam Research, Marvell Technology and Intel have all more than doubled. That kind of move makes even bulls nervous. “There’s been so much euphoria around the AI boom going all the way back to the summer of 2023,” said Eric Parnell, chief market strategist at Great Valley Advisor Group. “We’re clearly in a boom phase right now, but I do have genuine concerns about some sort of bust coming in the second half of the year.” The week’s whipsaw — record highs Monday, a chip rout midweek, a sharp bounce to close — is exactly the kind of two-way action that shows up when valuations are stretched and every headline moves the tape.

Commodities and volatility. West Texas Intermediate crude settled near $71 a barrel and Brent held above $76, both well off their midweek spikes as the Iran risk faded. Gold slipped 0.65% Friday to $4,113.90 an ounce, extending its long retreat from a late-January peak above $5,500. The CBOE Volatility Index, Wall Street’s fear gauge, fell about 5% to 15.05, ending the week near the low end of its recent range and signaling that, for all the noise, investors were not bracing for a shock. In the bond market, the 10-year Treasury yield edged up to around 4.49% from 4.37% a week earlier, a quiet sign that inflation worries have not gone away.

The economic data cut against the optimism. The National Association of Realtors said existing-home sales unexpectedly fell to 4.09 million units in June, missing forecasts and underscoring how stubbornly high mortgage rates keep buyers frozen out. Weekly jobless claims held low at 215,000, but the May trade deficit widened to $77.6 billion, and recent hiring has cooled. That leaves the Federal Reserve boxed in: soft jobs data argues against another rate increase, yet pricey oil and heavy AI spending keep inflation sticky, and a few strategists warned the next move could still be a hike rather than a cut.

For everyday investors, the takeaway is the same one that has defined 2026. The market’s fate rests on a narrow band of technology giants and the chips inside them, while housing, trade and the Fed pull in the other direction. The next real test comes fast: the big banks kick off second-quarter earnings season in the days ahead, and analysts tracked by FactSet expect S&P 500 companies to post average profit growth of 23.3%. If those numbers hold, the bulls get fresh cover. If they disappoint, a market priced for perfection has a long way to fall.

JBizNews Desk | New York © JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

Israel’s political leadership has ordered the IDF to suspend all military operations classified as “sensitive” in southern Lebanon following a request from the United States, according to a Friday evening report by Kan 11 News.

The report said the directive will remain in place until further notice while officials monitor both the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran and ongoing diplomatic contacts between Israel and Lebanon.

According to Kan 11, U.S. officials have become increasingly concerned in recent days that Israel could be drawn into the growing conflict with Iran while Washington remains focused on its own confrontation with Tehran.

A security official quoted in the report said Israel stands ready to respond forcefully if Iran launches an attack against Israeli territory, including carrying out major strikes inside Iran. Nevertheless, at the White House’s request, the IDF has been instructed to hold off for now in an effort to prevent the conflict from widening to include Israel.

The report also stated that the IDF could begin withdrawing from designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon as early as next week. The expected redeployment coincides with another round of negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials scheduled to take place in Rome.

Israel’s delegation will be headed by Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, who will be joined by members of the Israeli negotiating team that participated in previous rounds of talks with Lebanon.

On Thursday, a U.S. official said the first pilot zone—under which territory currently controlled by Israeli forces would be transferred back to Lebanese authority—will begin operating “in a matter of days.”

The same official added that the United States “will soon begin outreach to international partners to help the Lebanese Government effectively restore sovereignty in these zones and across their country more broadly.”

The pilot-zone initiative is based on a 14-point framework negotiated during U.S.-mediated discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington in late June.

Despite the diplomatic progress, substantial disagreements remain between Jerusalem and Beirut over both the scope and timing of an Israeli military withdrawal, leaving the future of the framework uncertain.

According to a diplomatic source familiar with the negotiations, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has conditioned Lebanon’s continued participation in the talks on Israel first beginning its withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The proposed arrangement has also drawn opposition from the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which has refused to disarm as required under the framework agreement and declared that “without Hezbollah, nothing will pass.”

As the wedding season will resume following the Three Weeks, the rabbanim of Bnei Brak have issued a public call urging residents to maintain strict standards of modesty and gender separation not only inside wedding halls, but beginning at the entrances and surrounding streets.

The proclamation was signed by the city’s rabbanim, Rav Chaim Yitzchak Isaac Landau, Rav Shevach Tzvi Rosenblatt, and Rav Masoud Ben Shimon, under the heading, “And They Established a Great Ordinance,” a reference to the Mishnah in Sukkah. The letter calls on the public and community leaders to strengthen adherence to standards of modesty around the city’s simchah halls.

The rabbanim praised the establishment of the Shmirah Kahalachah organization, which was created under their guidance to promote standards of modesty and holiness throughout the city.

“With the help of Heaven, we have merited the establishment, under the guidance of the rabbanim, of the organization Shmirah Kahalachah, which has undertaken to assist in strengthening matters of modesty and holiness in our city,” the letter states.

The rabbanim also commended the municipality, led by Deputy Mayor Rabbi Menachem Zeibert, for improvements made around the wedding hall district, including widening sidewalks and implementing measures to better facilitate proper separation.

According to the letter, new directional signs have now been installed, particularly near Heichlei Malchus Hall, clearly directing men and women to separate entrances beginning from the street itself.

The rabbanim urged the public, educators, and parents to ensure that the new guidelines are observed.

“We ask the entire public to carefully follow these instructions, to ensure that adults guide the younger generation, and that educators and community leaders impress upon their students and followers the importance of observing these standards with special care.”

The letter concludes with words of inspiration based on the teachings of the Vilna Gaon, explaining that preserving proper standards of modesty at simchos helps bring the Divine Presence into Jewish homes and hastens the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash.

Quoting the Vilna Gaon, the rabbanim wrote that the prayer “Vesamcheinu B’Tikkuno” refers to the “great ordinance” enacted during the Simchas Bais Hashoeivah, when separate areas were established for men and women. They added that by observing these standards at today’s celebrations—so that it can truly be said that “the Divine Presence dwells where there is joy“—families will merit homes filled with holiness and purity and ultimately the fulfillment of the prayer to rejoice in the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash, speedily in our days.

Ticket resale prices for the final stretch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have plunged after the United States and Mexico were eliminated, underscoring how strongly host-nation teams drive demand. According to figures reported Friday by secondary ticket marketplace TickPick, the cheapest resale ticket for Friday’s quarterfinal between Belgium and Spain in Los Angeles fell to about $1,100, down roughly 65% from approximately $3,200 before the U.S. was knocked out earlier this week.

The reason is simple: home fans buy tickets to watch home teams. With all three co-hosts—the United States, Mexico and Canada—eliminated before the quarterfinals, demand in the resale market dropped sharply almost overnight. The U.S. was defeated 4-1 by Belgium in Seattle on Monday, while England eliminated Mexico 3-2 on July 5. Canada exited the tournament the previous weekend after losing to Morocco.

The United States had generated enormous local demand throughout the tournament, drawing a sellout crowd of 66,925 fans in Seattle for its final match. Mexico’s passionate fan base created even stronger demand in many host cities, helping push resale prices to record highs during the knockout rounds.

The decline extends well beyond one match. Ticket marketplace Gametime reported that entry prices across all quarterfinal matches have fallen by roughly 50% since July 4. Belgium-Spain in Los Angeles dropped from $3,047 to $1,072. Norway vs. England in Miami fell from $3,756 to $1,975, while Argentina vs. Switzerland in Kansas City declined from $2,470 to $1,186. Thursday’s France-Morocco quarterfinal also saw resale prices tumble by roughly 66% before kickoff.

For fans who waited, the selloff has created a rare opportunity. Tickets that were financially out of reach just days ago are now selling for roughly one-third of their previous prices, allowing many more spectators to attend one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The impact extends well beyond ticket marketplaces. Businesses that expected weeks of spending from American and Mexican supporters are now adjusting their forecasts. Tom’s Watch Bar, which operates 18 sports bars across the United States, counted World Cup matches involving the U.S. and Mexico among its busiest days of the year.

Co-founder and Co-Chief Executive Brooks Schaden said games featuring the two host nations delivered “massive lifts” in sales but expects World Cup business to fall by roughly half now that both teams have been eliminated. He noted that Mexican supporters typically spent more and stayed longer, making their absence particularly noticeable. Even so, the remaining World Cup matches continue generating approximately 25% more revenue than an average business day.

The changing ticket market reflects the broader economics surrounding major sporting events. Hotels, restaurants, bars, rideshare drivers and retailers in host cities benefited most when local fans had teams to support. With the host nations gone, demand now depends primarily on traveling supporters from Europe, South America and Africa—a smaller but still enthusiastic group.

Attention now shifts toward the tournament’s final stages. The semifinals will be played in Dallas and Atlanta, while the World Cup Final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Historically, championship matches continue commanding premium prices regardless of who qualifies, suggesting demand could strengthen again as the tournament reaches its climax.

For now, the quarterfinals remain a bargain by World Cup standards. The stadiums are still expected to be full—but the fans sitting in those seats are paying far less than they would have just a week ago.

JBizNews Desk | New York
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JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The Israel Defense Forces eliminated two senior Hamas terrorists in separate airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip this week, the military announced Friday.

On Wednesday, the IDF struck and killed Khalil Jamal Khalil Manna, a commander in Hamas’ Weapons Production Headquarters within the group’s military wing. Manna oversaw rocket launcher production workshops and directed the final stages of their manufacturing throughout the war. He also played a key role in efforts to restore the headquarters’ capabilities during the ceasefire, according to the IDF.

On Thursday, the IDF conducted a second strike, eliminating Osama Walid Deeb Muhareb, a company commander in Hamas’ Nuseirat Battalion. In recent months, Muhareb had stored explosive devices intended for use against IDF troops.

Both terrorists posed an immediate threat to Israeli forces and were targeted from the air. The IDF said it took extensive measures prior to the strikes to minimize harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue operations to neutralize any immediate threats.

The strikes come amid ongoing efforts by the IDF to degrade Hamas’ military capabilities in Gaza.

Rav Avraham Yosef delivered a scathing criticism of Israel’s judicial system and government on Friday following the disqualification of thousands of bnei Torah from the government’s subsidized housing lottery, declaring that the decisions reflect a system devoid of compassion and justice.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s Shamor V’Zachor program, Rav Yosef responded to a caller who introduced herself as the daughter of a family that has performed military reserve duty. She explained that although her family participated in the government’s discounted housing lottery and needs the financial assistance to purchase a home, they are deeply pained by the exclusion of approximately 2,600 bnei Torah from the program and feel compelled to protest the decision.

Rav Yosef prefaced his remarks by saying the issue was one of worldview rather than halachah, before sharply criticizing the state’s treatment of the Torah community.

“The fact that there has been wickedness in our country is something that has been going on for 78 years. This didn’t begin yesterday. Seventy-eight years is the numerical value of the word ‘salt.’ They are rubbing salt into our wounds.”

He went on to condemn Israel’s judicial system, saying the country is being governed irrationally, a description he attributed to remarks previously made by Israel’s first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, Rav Yitzchak Isaac Halevi Herzog, regarding a legal system that is disconnected from Torah principles.

“Unfortunately, only now are people beginning to realize that all of the judges, without exception, are cruel. They are inhumane. They are far removed from administering fair justice,” he said.

Rav Yosef further charged that there is “the clearest and most malicious selective enforcement,” but added that the chareidi community has no practical political solution to the situation.

“If we still haven’t understood that we are in exile, they are making it very clear to us,” he said.

Turning to politics, Rav Yosef urged listeners not to place their trust in elected officials.

“I don’t place my hopes in politicians, because the hearts of kings and ministers are in Hashem’s hands. Deri has no wisdom, Gafni has no wisdom—there is only the guidance of the Holy One, Blessed is He. Even Bibi is led like a puppet by Hakadosh Boruch Hu.”

He concluded by emphasizing that a Jew’s confidence must rest solely in Hashem.

“Only in Hashem do we place our trust. We rely only on the Creator, and if the Creator has decreed that we must suffer in this way, then we have no choice—we will endure it. What else can we do? Hashem will help us.”

When the caller asked whether a meaningful response would be to adopt and financially assist an avreich‘s family that had been affected by the ruling, Rav Yosef endorsed the idea.

“May you be blessed, yes. Through positive action, do whatever you can.”

At the same time, he rejected proposals to protest by voluntarily giving up eligibility for the housing program or making public declarations.

“Complaining, grumbling, and talking will not help. The protest that the caller suggested is not the correct approach. That is not Judaism. There is no obligation to protest.”

{Matzav.com}

Two significant outages at Meta Platforms within an 11-day span last month disrupted advertising campaigns for businesses around the world, highlighting how dependent many companies have become on a single digital platform for customer acquisition and sales.

On June 12, problems within Meta’s authentication systems triggered widespread outages affecting Facebook, Instagram, and the company’s advertising tools. Outage-tracking service Downdetector logged more than 100,000 reports from users experiencing problems with Facebook alone, while Meta’s own business status page showed major disruptions affecting ad creation, campaign management, reporting and delivery.

For businesses relying on Meta’s advertising ecosystem, the impact was immediate. Marketing teams found themselves unable to launch new campaigns, pause existing advertisements, adjust budgets or access reporting tools. Many advertisers were forced to simply wait while active campaigns continued running without the normal level of oversight or control.

Less than two weeks later, on June 23, Meta experienced another major outage. Facebook, Instagram, and Ads Manager again suffered widespread service interruptions. As during the earlier incident, Meta acknowledged the disruption but provided little immediate information beyond saying it was working to restore services.

The outages highlighted a reality many businesses rarely consider. Unlike many enterprise software providers, Meta does not offer advertisers a formal service-level agreement (SLA) guaranteeing platform availability. When the advertising system becomes unavailable, companies generally receive no contractual compensation for lost business opportunities or interrupted marketing campaigns.

For businesses whose customer acquisition depends heavily on Facebook and Instagram advertising, even several hours of downtime can translate into missed sales opportunities, delayed product launches and advertising budgets that cannot be adjusted in response to changing market conditions.

The broader lesson extends beyond Meta itself. Over the past decade, many small and medium-sized businesses have concentrated a significant portion of their digital marketing on a single platform because of its massive audience and sophisticated advertising tools. While that strategy has often delivered strong returns, it also creates a single point of failure capable of disrupting revenue generation with little warning.

The outages underscore the importance of diversification. Companies that spread customer acquisition across search engines, email marketing, multiple social media platforms and owned marketing channels are generally better positioned to continue operating when one platform experiences technical problems. Building direct relationships with customers through email lists, loyalty programs and company-owned websites also reduces dependence on third-party platforms.

Despite the recent disruptions, Meta’s platforms remain among the world’s most resilient and widely used digital advertising networks, serving billions of users and millions of businesses every day. However, the twin outages serve as a reminder that even the largest technology companies are not immune from technical failures.

For business owners, the lesson is increasingly clear: digital marketing should be diversified just as investment portfolios are. Companies that rely too heavily on a single platform assume risks that may not become visible until that platform unexpectedly goes offline.

JBizNews Desk | New York

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Jackson will begin the installation of a traffic circle at North Hope Chapel Road and New Central Avenue on Monday, officials tell TLS.

The Jackson MUA work is being performed by Earle and is expected to last approximately two-three weeks. The roadway will be closed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The detour will route traffic through Lakewood and is expected to cause some heavy congestion at times on Gudz Road and Miller Road.

Amid growing financial pressures on the Torah world and continued cuts to funding for yeshivos and kollelim, Rav Don Segal offered a thought-provoking perspective this week, suggesting that the economic hardships may ultimately serve a higher purpose.

Speaking to dozens of roshei kollelim who visited his home to thank him for his dedication and efforts on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah’s recent fundraising campaign in the United States, Rav Segal urged them to view the current challenges through the lens of emunah.

“They are squeezing us from every direction—through money and all these other things,” he said. “Their intentions are clear, but aliba d’emes, from Heaven it is so that our means of support should remain pure, that they should be clean.”

To illustrate his point, Rav Segal shared a rare personal story from the early years of his leadership of a kollel.

“Many years ago, the kollel was in very difficult financial condition,” he recalled. “A man approached me and offered to finance the entire kollel on condition that it be named after him. I thought to myself, what difference does the name make? The main thing is that the avreichim should have what they need. But the man was a member of the Knesset, and I was concerned that perhaps the money was not truly his own but had come from other sources. I did not want to decide such a matter on my own, especially when the livelihood of avreichim was involved.”

Rav Segal said he brought the question to Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l for guidance.

“He told me in the name of the Vilna Gaon regarding the statement of Chazal: If Torah were to be forgotten from Israel, one would plant flax, make nets, trap deer, process the hides, and write Torah scrolls. The Vilna Gaon asked: Why go through such a long process? One could simply buy prepared parchment and write. Rather, if the beginning is not pure, the Torah itself is not complete. Everything must be clean from the very beginning.”

Rav Segal concluded with a powerful observation that left a deep impression on those present.

“Who knows whether the reason yeshivos are not succeeding as they should is because they are accepting money from sources that are not worthy.”

{Matzav.com}

A Ryanair flight made an emergency landing in Greece after a cabin window failed shortly after takeoff, forcing the aircraft to rapidly descend and return to the airport while leaving one passenger injured.

Flight FR1879, operated by Malta Air for Ryanair, departed Thessaloniki bound for Memmingen, Germany, before the crew declared an emergency and safely returned to the airport.

Window Failure Triggers Emergency

According to Ryanair, a passenger window became dislodged during the aircraft’s climb, causing cabin depressurization and the automatic deployment of oxygen masks.

Flight crews immediately initiated emergency procedures, descending the aircraft to a lower altitude before returning safely to Thessaloniki.

One passenger was transported to a local hospital with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Initial reports indicate debris from an apparent engine-related event may have struck the fuselage and damaged the window, although investigators have not yet determined the exact sequence of events.

Boeing acknowledged the incident and said it is working with Ryanair as authorities continue their investigation.

Passengers Continue on Replacement Aircraft

Following the emergency landing, Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft to transport passengers to Germany.

The airline praised the flight crew for following established emergency procedures and ensuring the aircraft landed safely.

Attention Returns to Boeing’s Best-Selling Aircraft

The incident again places attention on the Boeing 737, the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft family.

Although investigators have not determined whether the window failure resulted from the airframe, engine or another mechanical issue, aviation experts note that any cabin depressurization event receives extensive regulatory review.

Should investigators determine the damage originated from an engine failure, the focus could expand beyond Boeing to include the engine manufacturer and maintenance history of the aircraft.

Safety Procedures Worked as Designed

A rapid cabin depressurization is considered one of the more serious in-flight emergencies commercial flight crews train to handle.

In this case, emergency oxygen systems deployed properly, pilots executed a controlled descent and the aircraft landed safely without further injuries.

Regulators will now examine maintenance records, flight data and physical evidence from the aircraft to determine what caused the failure and whether any additional inspections are warranted across similar aircraft.

JBizNews Desk | London
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

Russia says it intercepted and destroyed 376 Ukrainian drones overnight in what officials described as one of the largest aerial attacks on Russian territory since the war began.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, air defense systems intercepted drones between Thursday evening and Friday morning over multiple regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Rostov, Moscow and surrounding areas, Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, and the Sea of Azov.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said four drones headed toward the Russian capital were shot down overnight, bringing the total number intercepted near Moscow to 14 during the day.

Russian officials also reported casualties and damage in several regions. In Belgorod, authorities said one person was killed and ten others were wounded during Ukrainian attacks over the past 24 hours. In the Kursk region, one person was reportedly injured after a drone strike damaged a vehicle.

Falling drone debris reportedly sparked a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, while additional fires were reported at two fuel facilities in the Rostov region. Local reports also indicated a fire at the port of Taganrog following the attacks.

Separately, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed it foiled what it described as a Ukrainian plot to attack the Rostov-Tsentralny military airfield using explosive-laden drones.

According to the FSB, a Russian citizen allegedly recruited by Ukrainian intelligence informed Russian authorities of the plan, leading to the seizure of 13 drones, each reportedly carrying more than one kilogram of explosives. Russian officials said the alleged plot aimed to damage the airfield’s infrastructure and target military personnel and aircraft stationed at the base.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Carnival Cruise Line hosted a traditional steel-cutting ceremony on Friday at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marking a major milestone in the construction of its newest next-generation ship, Carnival Destiny, set to debut in summer 2029.

The event featured a high-tech 3D hologram giving onlookers a first look at the vessel, which will lead Carnival’s brand-new “Ace Class” fleet.

Two additional Ace Class sister ships are set to hit the water in 2031 and 2033.

The name Carnival Destiny goes back more than three decades to the original Carnival Destiny, which made waves as the world’s largest cruise ship at the time.

Carnival released a statement following the event noting it is looking to redefine the cruise experience yet again with what they call the most “outward-facing megaship at sea.”

Key features of the upcoming ship include an unprecedented number of ocean-view balcony cabins, a reimagined lanai deck, and more than 4.5 acres of glass — including expansive, multi-story glass walls designed to bring the ocean into constant view.

Onboard spaces will also be revolutionized, with more than 70% of the ship’s venues and attractions consisting of entirely new concepts for the cruise line, spanning next-generation dining, bars and entertainment.

“Carnival Destiny builds on a legacy that changed cruising once before, reimagining what guests can experience at sea,” said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy. “With this ship, we’re elevating the guest experience again creating a ship that feels more expansive, while helping guests feel more connected and ultimately have more fun.”

Once completed, the Carnival Destiny will sail to destinations in the “Paradise Collection by Carnival,” which the cruise line boasts is the largest portfolio of exclusive destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico across the entire cruise industry.

More features and details about the ship are scheduled to be released later this year.

Delta Air Lines sees higher fares staying in place for consumers amid higher costs for fuel and other expenses, even if oil prices return to more moderate levels and allow jet fuel costs to decline in turn.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on the company’s quarterly earnings call that the dynamics of the airline industry have changed significantly as higher fuel prices, as well as increases in other categories of operational expenses, have made it more difficult for low-cost carriers to compete through lower airfares.

“Most U.S. carriers were already struggling to earn their cost of capital against a backdrop where industry airfares have meaningfully trailed inflation, costs have reset higher, and consumer preferences have evolved,” Bastian said.

“As we predicted, structural change has accelerated, enabling the industry to recapture this year’s fuel cost inflation at the fastest pace of any recent cycle,” he added.

Bastian said that Delta sees those shifts in the industry continuing to play out, which will allow airfares and the revenue outlook to remain steady even if energy prices return to their pre-Iran war levels.

“Even after recent fare increases, airfares remain 10 to 15 points below overall inflation since COVID,” Bastian said, adding that much of the industry is still earning returns below the cost of capital. 

“We believe that current revenue momentum should remain sustainable even if fuel prices moderate,” Bastian said.

Airlines are facing not only higher fuel costs, but increased expenses for labor, airport infrastructure, technology and airplanes, which Bastian explained is forcing companies in the industry to build more resilience into their operational strategy.

“What that tells you is that you need to figure out a change to the business model that will enable you to build resilience in your price and durability, and that’s what we’ve done over time,” he said, noting that includes higher airfares as well as the diversification of revenue streams, such as through Delta’s partnership with American Express.

Bastian added that “even with the improvements we’ve seen in pricing for the industry, the low end of the market still has to increase fares by another 5%, by our estimate, just to get to breakeven at today’s fuel environment.”

“There’s nothing to be gained by trying to grow in that environment. What the opportunity has to be in finding ways to secure higher revenues, not higher market share,” he added.

The most recent consumer price index (CPI) inflation data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that airline fares rose 2.7% on a monthly basis in May, and were 26.7% higher than a year ago.

The BLS is set to release updated CPI inflation data for the month of June next week.

Violent riots broke out overnight Thursday into Friday in several European cities after Morocco’s 2-0 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France, with celebrations by Moroccan soccer fans descending into clashes with police and shocking displays of anti-Semitic hatred.

The most disturbing incidents were reported in The Hague, where, according to local media reports and eyewitness accounts, rioters chanted slogans glorifying Hamas and calling for the extermination of Jews. Among the chants heard during the unrest was, “Hamas! Hamas! All Jews to the gas chambers!” Witnesses also reported hearing rioters shout, “The Jews are cancer!”

In London, disorder erupted in the Edgware Road area, home to a large Moroccan community. Even before the match ended, fans blocked traffic, waved Moroccan flags in the middle of the roadway, and set off fireworks. Following Morocco’s defeat, the situation escalated into violent confrontations with police.

Videos circulated on social media showed a police officer lying injured on the ground after reportedly being struck in the head by a glass bottle thrown during the disturbances. London’s Metropolitan Police said four people were arrested during what British media described as scenes of “chaos.”

“We will show absolutely no tolerance for this kind of disorder on our streets or for assaults on our police officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. “A police presence will remain in the area throughout the night, and we will review CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice.”

Police dispersed the rioters at approximately 1 a.m. local time after additional officers were deployed to restore order. Footage from the scene showed extensive street violence and repeated confrontations between rioters and law enforcement.

Moroccan fans also took to the streets in New York following the loss, although no violent clashes comparable to those seen in Europe were reported.

The traditional roadmap to success—earn top grades, attend an elite school, secure a prestigious internship and climb the corporate ladder—is beginning to shift as artificial intelligence reshapes education and the workplace. From wealthy families enrolling children in AI-powered schools to top university students leaving campus to build startups, a growing number of Americans are betting that mastering AI and entrepreneurship may provide a greater advantage than following conventional career paths.

The trend reflects a broader belief that the skills most valued in tomorrow’s economy will differ dramatically from those that defined previous generations.

AI Is Reshaping Education

One example is Forge Prep, a new private school in Livingston, New Jersey, which combines artificial intelligence with project-based learning focused on practical skills such as public speaking, negotiation, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Nationally, Alpha School, an AI-powered private education network, has attracted significant attention for its personalized learning model. Tuition reaches approximately $75,000 per year, and the organization continues expanding into new markets across the country.

Rather than relying on traditional classroom instruction throughout the day, students complete AI-guided academic lessons in a fraction of the time, allowing more hours for collaborative projects, problem-solving, business development and real-world experiences.

Supporters argue that as AI increasingly performs routine knowledge work, schools should place greater emphasis on creativity, communication, critical thinking and leadership.

Elite Students Are Taking a Different Path

The same transformation is unfolding at America’s top universities.

Instead of pursuing highly competitive internships on Wall Street or at major technology companies, increasing numbers of students are choosing to launch AI startups while still in college.

Several have postponed graduation or taken gap years to build companies full-time, attracted by growing venture capital investment in artificial intelligence and changing employment opportunities.

Student entrepreneur communities have expanded rapidly around institutions including Yale, Princeton, MIT and Harvard, where startup incubators and founder residences are becoming alternatives to traditional recruiting pipelines.

AI Is Changing the Economics of Careers

Part of the shift reflects changes within the labor market itself.

As artificial intelligence automates many entry-level tasks once assigned to interns and junior employees, some students believe building companies may offer greater long-term opportunities than competing for positions that increasingly rely on AI tools.

Venture capital firms have responded by investing earlier, funding student-led startups before graduates even enter the workforce.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the calculation has changed: rather than waiting years to build a business after gaining corporate experience, they see AI allowing smaller teams to launch companies much earlier.

Not Without Risks

Despite the enthusiasm, experts caution that both AI-driven education models and student startups remain largely unproven over the long term.

Most startup companies ultimately fail, while many AI-based educational programs have only recently opened and have yet to demonstrate long-term academic outcomes.

Some researchers have also questioned the accuracy of AI-generated educational content, emphasizing the continued importance of human oversight.

The high cost of many AI-focused private schools has also raised concerns that access to these new learning models may remain limited primarily to affluent families.

A New Definition of Career Success

Whether in elementary schools or elite universities, one theme is becoming increasingly clear: many families and students now believe artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the skills needed for future success.

Instead of viewing AI as simply another classroom subject or workplace tool, they increasingly see it as a platform capable of reshaping education, entrepreneurship and career development.

Whether those bets ultimately outperform the traditional path will take years to answer. What is already evident is that more students, parents and investors are willing to rethink long-held assumptions about how the next generation should prepare for the future.

JBizNews Desk | New York
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

The financial pressures battering the U.S. restaurant industry have reached one of America’s most iconic legacy brands.

Multiple news outlets reported Friday that Dairy Queen has shuttered dozens of locations nationwide. From the heart of Texas to the interior of Alaska, local communities are losing long-standing businesses as independent franchisees grapple with a tightening economic climate and strict corporate compliance mandates.

In late June, a single franchisee in Alaska closed its three locations in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer, the Anchorage Daily News first reported. The closures left just one Dairy Queen operating in the state, in Soldotna.

Weeks earlier, a Dairy Queen franchisee in Great Falls, Montana, shut down his restaurant after 39 years in business. He told local news outlet KRTV that he was converting the location into a Mediterranean restaurant to bring “something fresh and exciting” to the area.

However, the bulk of the national closures stems from a corporate compliance dispute. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Dairy Queen’s U.S. parent company revoked the franchise rights of Texas-based operator Project Lonestar after it failed to complete required building remodels.

Because the operator was blocked from ordering official Dairy Queen inventory, the move forced the immediate closure of 42 Texas locations between February and March.

Dairy Queen did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Dairy Queen’s international headquarters are based in Minneapolis and operates as a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. To date, Dairy Queen has roughly 7,800 locations in more than 20 countries.

According to a recent Dairy Queen press release, the company’s growth strategy appears focused on expanding into new markets, including plans to open 20 “DQ Grill & Chill” restaurants in Puerto Rico.

After days of speculation over his whereabouts during the election campaign, it has emerged that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spent the week in Sun Valley, Idaho, attending the invitation-only Allen & Co. conference, one of the world’s most exclusive gatherings of business and technology leaders.

According to published reports, Bennett received a personal invitation from the conference organizers and was the only Israeli invited to participate this year. His attendance comes at a politically challenging time for the Together Party, which he founded with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, as recent polls have shown the party steadily losing projected Knesset seats.

Held each July, the annual Sun Valley conference transforms the small Idaho resort town into a hub for many of the world’s most influential figures in media, technology, finance, and politics. Often jokingly referred to as “every kidnapper’s wish list,” the gathering attracts top executives, billionaires, investors, and current and former political leaders from around the world.

Among the high-profile attendees this year were Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Spotify CEO Alex Norström, and Fox Corporation and News Corp chairman Lachlan Murdoch. Also attending were CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and political figures including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

The conference is known for its strict privacy and extensive security. With no formal media schedule, the event has earned a reputation as a venue where major business deals are quietly negotiated and influential discussions take place on the future of technology, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. Even the world’s wealthiest attendees are required to wear simple name badges throughout the conference.

Bennett’s participation comes as questions continue to swirl over his political future. Strategic adviser Nevo Cohen recently suggested that, in light of his party’s declining poll numbers, Bennett could ultimately decide to leave politics altogether. At the same time, his former adviser, Dr. Amtzia Samkai, has sharply criticized Bennett’s proposed strategy for weakening Iran, calling the plans “detached from reality” and accusing the former prime minister of presenting a misleading picture.

Governor Mikie Sherrill today announced the launch of SimpleFile, a free online tool designed to help thousands of lower-income New Jersey families quickly apply for the state’s refundable Child Tax Credit.

The new, mobile-friendly website was developed through a partnership between the New Jersey Innovation Authority, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation, and Code for America. It is intended to help eligible families who may not be required to file taxes claim tax credits they are entitled to receive.

According to the state, eligible residents who had a child age 5 or younger in 2025 can complete the application in approximately 15 minutes. The website is available in both English and Spanish.

“Helping more New Jersey families benefit from our state’s Child Tax Credit is one of the most direct ways we can make life more affordable, because every dollar matters for parents who need childcare, groceries, clothes, and other essentials,” Governor Sherrill said. “While the federal government strips free tax filing away from families across the country, New Jersey is doing the opposite. We fought to expand our state’s Child Tax Credit in this year’s budget, and children across New Jersey will benefit from that increase starting next year. SimpleFile makes sure families can access the credit they qualify for today and turns a budget win into real money in the hands of our families.”

The announcement comes as the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget expands the maximum Child Tax Credit from up to $1,000 this year to as much as $1,250 next year. More than 200,000 New Jersey families currently claim the credit annually, and officials say SimpleFile is aimed at reaching thousands more who qualify but have not yet filed.

State officials also noted that the launch follows the recent distribution of Summer EBT benefits to more than 681,000 eligible children across New Jersey.

The website was introduced after the federal government announced plans to end the IRS Direct File program, a free tax filing service previously available to millions of Americans. State officials said the new platform is intended to provide an accessible alternative for eligible New Jersey families seeking to claim state tax benefits.

Eligible residents can determine whether they qualify and apply through the state’s new SimpleFile website.

Britain’s two leading Jewish organizations have expressed “significant concerns” over comments about Israel made by Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham, who is widely expected to become the country’s next prime minister.

In a video posted to social media, Burnham said the United Kingdom should increase pressure on Israel over its military campaign in Gaza and halt the sale of weapons that could be used in Gaza and the West Bank. He also criticized the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for greater international pressure on the Israeli government.

In a joint statement, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council said that combating antisemitism requires addressing all of its sources, including Islamist, far-left, and far-right extremism.

The organizations warned that criticism of Israel often crosses the line into hatred directed at Jews and Israelis, arguing that distorted and one-sided portrayals of the war in Gaza contribute to rising antisemitism and the unfair targeting of the world’s only Jewish state.

The statement also noted that Burnham, as Mayor of Greater Manchester during the Heaton Park terror attack, has firsthand experience with the connection between anti-Israel extremism, antisemitism, and violence against British Jews. The groups said they look forward to discussing their concerns directly with Burnham and his team.

Burnham recently returned to Parliament and is expected to be the sole candidate in the Labour Party leadership race following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that he intends to step down.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEWARK, N.J. (VINnews) — NJ Transit is launching a $12 million initiative to deploy a new GPS-based real-time train tracking platform, aiming to deliver more accurate arrival information to commuters across its rail network.

The system, called NJT LiveView, represents a key component of the agency’s newly announced Rapid Action Plan, backed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. It will capture high-accuracy GPS data from trains in operation and consolidate it into a single authoritative feed, addressing longstanding gaps in the current scheduling and tracking system.

Once implemented, NJT LiveView will provide live arrival countdowns, automated service alerts and instant notifications to riders via a redesigned NJ Transit mobile app, station information displays and third-party navigation applications.

The digital upgrade is part of a broader effort to improve the commuter experience. The Rapid Action Plan also includes state funding for rotating teams of station cleaners, targeted repairs to enhance elevator and escalator reliability, and the creation of a dedicated Real Time Crime Center to bolster security camera monitoring at major transit hubs.

NJ Transit officials say the investments are designed to deliver immediate improvements in reliability, cleanliness and safety for the hundreds of thousands of daily riders who depend on the system. Further details on the timeline for the NJT LiveView rollout were not immediately available.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill approved by Congress, declaring that he is withholding his signature in protest until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act, which he says is essential to protecting election integrity.

Because Trump neither signed nor vetoed the legislation during the Constitution’s 10-day review period, excluding Sundays, the bill is expected to become law automatically on Friday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his opposition to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, arguing that Congress should focus first on election reform rather than housing legislation, despite the measure’s overwhelming bipartisan approval.

“I will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress and sent to the White House,” Trump wrote. He added that the SAVE America Act has broad Republican backing and would require photo identification and proof of U.S. citizenship to vote while sharply restricting mail-in voting to military personnel, disabled voters, those who are ill, and travelers.

Trump also called on Senate Republicans to abolish the legislative filibuster if that is what it takes to enact the election bill, warning that Democrats would not hesitate to do the same if they regained control of Congress.

“The Dumocrats will TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER, if and when they ever get the chance,” Trump wrote. “The title of DUMB will revert to the Republicans who allowed this horrible calamity to happen.”

The president’s remarks follow his decision on June 24 to cancel a planned White House signing ceremony for the housing legislation after insisting that lawmakers first approve the SAVE America Act, which would strengthen federal voter identification requirements and tighten election regulations.

The housing bill cleared the Senate by an 85-5 vote and passed the House by a margin of 358-32 after months of bipartisan negotiations led by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Democratic lawmakers.

Supporters have hailed the package as the most significant federal housing legislation enacted since the 2008 financial crisis.

Among its provisions are incentives for new home construction, expanded support for manufactured housing, easier access to mortgage financing through community financial institutions, and restrictions preventing large institutional investors from purchasing more than 350 single-family homes.

Trump dismissed the housing legislation as “a yawn” compared to the SAVE America Act, which he has repeatedly argued is vital to safeguarding elections ahead of the 2026 midterm contests.

The affordability of housing remains a pressing issue across the country, with elevated mortgage rates and soaring home prices continuing to put significant financial pressure on American families.

Although housing advocates have welcomed the legislation as a meaningful first step, many economists believe additional action will be necessary because zoning and land-use policies remain largely under the authority of state and local governments.

Trump has made clear that, for now, his chief legislative focus is election security, maintaining that Congress should enact the SAVE America Act before turning its attention to other bipartisan initiatives.

{Matzav.com}

Gun-rights advocates are again asking a federal appeals court to strike down New Jersey’s ban on carrying firearms in many public locations, arguing that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions invalidating similar restrictions in Hawaii should likewise apply in New Jersey.

In a supplemental brief filed this week with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, attorneys representing the plaintiffs in Koons v. Platkin contend the Supreme Court’s decisions reinforce their argument that New Jersey’s restrictions on carrying firearms in so-called “sensitive places” violate the Second Amendment.

The filing asks the appeals court to consider the Supreme Court’s latest guidance as it weighs the long-running legal challenge to New Jersey’s firearm carry law, enacted in 2022 in response to the high court’s landmark decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

The challenge centers on a law signed by then-Governor Phil Murphy that dramatically expanded the list of locations where licensed gun owners are prohibited from carrying firearms. The measure designated dozens of “sensitive places,” including parks, beaches, entertainment venues, libraries, casinos, bars, museums, zoos, and many other public spaces.

The law also restricts firearms on private property open to the public unless a property owner expressly permits them.

That provision has drawn renewed scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s June decision in Wolford v. Lopez, which struck down a Hawaii law requiring businesses to affirmatively allow firearms before licensed gun owners could carry them onto private property open to the public.

In that 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held Hawaii’s law was inconsistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation, the constitutional standard announced in Bruen. Gun-rights advocates argue New Jersey’s private-property provision is materially indistinguishable.

The litigation over New Jersey’s law has stretched nearly four years and has produced a series of conflicting rulings. Federal district courts initially blocked enforcement of several provisions before the Third Circuit allowed much of the law to take effect while the appeal proceeds.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has defended the law as a constitutional public safety measure designed to protect residents while respecting the Second Amendment. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Wolford, Davenport criticized the ruling as “the Supreme Court’s latest dangerous blow to public safety.”

The Third Circuit, which initially heard arguments in February, has not indicated when it will rule on the appeal. Its eventual decision is expected to have significant implications not only for New Jersey’s firearm regulations but also for similar laws enacted by several other states following the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision.

The continued absence of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, from public view has fueled growing speculation over his condition, his ability to govern, and the stability of the Islamic Republic’s leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Despite large funeral ceremonies attended by thousands across Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear publicly at any of the events, including his father’s burial. His absence has sparked widespread speculation on social media, where unverified videos and images have circulated claiming to show him disguised among mourners or recovering from injuries.

According to reports, Iranian officials have maintained that Mojtaba is overseeing state affairs and negotiations with the United States from a secure location. However, analysts say his prolonged disappearance may reflect serious security concerns following the strike that killed his father, while others suggest he could still be recovering from injuries.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group told reporters that the absence could indicate either significant security fears or lingering medical issues preventing the new Supreme Leader from appearing in public.

At the same time, tensions within Iran’s leadership appear to be surfacing. Reports from the funeral ceremonies indicated that hardline supporters confronted senior officials they believe are pursuing negotiations with the West, highlighting growing divisions inside the regime.

Analysts say the lack of a visible Supreme Leader creates uncertainty at a time when Iran faces both internal political strains and mounting international pressure. Some believe Mojtaba Khamenei continues to exercise authority behind the scenes through Iran’s security establishment, while others argue his absence has fueled speculation over who is truly making decisions within the regime.

If the decision to keep Mojtaba out of public view is primarily for security reasons, observers say it presents its own challenge: while it may reduce the risk of an assassination attempt, it also makes it more difficult for the regime to project stability and demonstrate that its highest-ranking leader remains firmly in control.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Trump administration has urged Israel not to join ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran at this stage, fearing that Israeli involvement could cause the conflict to spiral out of control and reignite a full-scale war, according to a report by CNN citing two Israeli sources.

The report comes amid a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, with Tehran threatening to collapse the ceasefire agreement. One of the Israeli sources told CNN that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is eager for Israel to take part in the American military campaign but acknowledged that “the U.S. does not want Israel to participate at this time.”

CNN reported that it sought comment from the White House, but no response had been issued as of publication.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said on Thursday that the IDF remains on high alert and is prepared to resume military operations against Iran, even if Israel must act independently. He said the military is ready to reestablish air superiority over Iran and carry out unilateral strikes if necessary to eliminate emerging threats.

Despite those preparations, one of the Israeli sources said the prevailing assessment in Israel is that President Donald Trump is not interested in returning to a broader regional war. According to that assessment, the most significant step Trump would likely authorize, if additional pressure on Iran becomes necessary, would be the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

{Matzav.com}

RISHON LEZION, Israel (AP) — Marking the coordinates on a handheld GPS, an Israeli diver threw an anchor into the water as another quickly chucked an orange buoy beside it. Cramped on the boat’s bow, the first team assembled their gear, put on wet suits and tested oxygen tanks before jumping in.

But after hours of combing the Mediterranean seabed in search of yellow-painted mock mortar shells, the divers surfaced empty-handed.

It was the team’s fifth diving trip in the yearslong experiment to help prepare Israel to clear part of the sea from unexploded grenades and other munitions in order to return beach area to residents. But on this day in June, the divers couldn’t find the dummy mortar and artillery shells they’d planted months prior, foreshadowing the challenges that lie ahead.

“It’s really hard to find things in the sea,” said Roy Jaijel, a researcher in the marine geology and geophysics department at Israel’s National Institute of Oceanography, as he emerged from a dive.

Jaijel co-leads a project aimed at returning some 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of shoreline to people living in Israel’s central city of Rishon LeZion, an area that’s been used as a firing range for decades. The initiative, the first of its kind in Israel, coincides with a global push to better protect the world’s waters as demand increases for the use of seas and oceans for shipping, energy and recreation.

Experts say the clearance of underwater munitions has received more attention in recent years in part because of the boom in artificial intelligence, which requires millions of kilometers of underwater fiber-optic cables to allow for global connectivity.

Munitions can end up dumped into waters after wars, fall into seas during conflict or, in the case of Rishon LeZion, accumulate from firing practice. Erosion from seawater can lead toxic and explosive chemicals, along with heavy metals, to seep from the munitions, causing environmental contamination. There’s also the risk of objects exploding if people step on them or children play with them, thinking they’re toys.

Two years ago, Europe launched a project to better detect and clear non-military unexploded ordnance, such as from industrial or commercial sites. In a separate initiative in 2024, Germany piloted a program to recover and dispose of military waste from the North and Baltic seas, where some 1.6 million tonnes of unexploded munitions from two world wars lie, according to the German government.

Divers descend to place mock munitions on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Rishon LeZion, Israel, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Still, there’s been less focus on clearing waters in the Middle East, such as the Mediterranean, which historically hasn’t been the site of large dumps compared with Europe.

Leaders of the Israeli project say it’s one of the first to focus on clearing smaller munitions in complicated underwater terrain, which is why many countries have avoided it.

“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” said Israel Faintuch, head of the Maritime Division at Israel’s Ministry of Defense National Mine Action Authority as he checked his oxygen tank and suited up to go underwater.

Limited beach space in Israel is the driving force behind the clearing effort
The government says nearly half the country’s 194-kilometer (120-mile) coastline is off limits to civilians, used for commercial ports, power plants, desalination facilities, military bases and firing zones.

Since the country’s founding nearly 80 years ago, 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), nearly the entire length of Rishon LeZion’s shoreline, has been used as a firing range, launching grenades as well as small and large mortars, leaving hundreds of thousands of people crammed into a narrow strip of beach.

Launched last year, the joint research project funded by Rishon LeZion’s municipality is being led by Israel’s National Mine Action Authority and researchers from the National Institute of Oceanography. It aims to localize the most impacted areas, mapping the pattern of munitions to determine how far offshore and how deep to go before the clearance team steps in.

In order to gather data, divers place various sizes of fake munitions — some equipped with motion sensors — at depths of 5, 10 and 15 meters (16, 33 and 59 feet) and up to 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) offshore. After several months, they retrieve the munitions, analyze the data and plant new ones.

In June, Associated Press journalists accompanied the team underwater as they placed new munitions for the next round of tests and attempted to find ones they’d left in January. Divers descended using a string, or measuring tape, to navigate the seabed. Tapping each other under the water, they’d point in different directions to search, rubbing their hands over the seafloor.

“You have limited air supply when you go with the divers and you have limited time in the water,” said Dafna Eliahu, a graduate student at the University of Haifa working on the project. “So with actual live munition I expect it to be very difficult, very hard to locate and to actually be able to find them,” she said.

Divers load gear and mock munitions to be placed on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Rishon LeZion, Israel, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

While the information, including from the sensors, is still being processed, preliminary findings show that the munitions moved less than expected, which means there might be less area that needs clearing, she said.

Israel’s Defense Ministry wants to have enough data to start clearing by the end of next year and expand the shoreline by an initial 150 meters (492 feet) within a few months. Completing the project will take years and cost tens of millions of dollars. It’s already been delayed due to Israel’s multiple wars with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran as divers can’t work when missiles are falling and could land in the sea.

During the current war that the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran as well as the 12-day war last June between Israel and Iran, the army said missiles aimed at larger cities like Rishon LeZion fell into the sea but wouldn’t specify how many.

Israel says no one has been injured or killed by unexploded sea ordnance, but there have been about a dozen sightings of devices in the last 20 years where the police and army were called. Most have been found on or near shore.

What’s learned during the project could be useful beyond Israel
While the goal of the project is to expand parts of the shoreline, Israel also hopes its findings will yield new insights on clearing munitions from this part of the world, where there are threats but overall less is known.

According to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, more than half of global incidents related to unexploded ordnance, such as sightings or drifting mines, were recorded in the Middle East between 2014 and 2023, with most occurring in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, largely a result of Yemen’s civil war.

Pedro Basto, research and innovation program manager with the group, said it is important to keep interest high in removing underwater explosives given the increasing dependence on the seas.

“Both renewable energies based on the sea (wind turbines and harnessing water currents) and the global connectivity that most of the world relies on every minute of every day, depend massively on underwater cable laying,” he said.

As Israel’s project advances, residents in Rishon LeZion say they’re looking forward to being able to use more land.

Moria Malka, head spokesperson for the city’s municipality, said the clearance will triple the area’s coastline and much of it will become a nature reserve as well as a residential area near the sea. For beachgoers like Mark Kostman, that is great news.

“Holidays and Saturdays, all of this place is completely crowded and too dense to even have fun,” said Kostman as he played volleyball with his children next to the firing zone. “Having it as public space for leisure and sport … it’s wonderful.”

Divers place mock munitions on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Rishon LeZion, Israel, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

NEW YORK (VINnews)-The STAR-K Kosher Certification agency has issued a fraud alert warning consumers about a Dunkin’ store in the Catskills displaying an unauthorized STAR-D certification letter.

The alert, dated July 10, 2026, states that a Dunkin’ location at 30 Catskill Commons in Catskills, New York — situated inside a Walmart — is showing a STAR-D letter. The store is not certified by STAR-K, the agency said. Corrective action is being taken.

STAR-K, one of the leading kosher certification organizations, urged the public to verify certifications through official channels. The agency maintains an alerts page at star-k.org/alerts and encourages users to download its app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for the latest updates on kosher supervision.

The notice comes amid growing concerns in the Jewish community about fraudulent kosher claims, which can mislead consumers seeking to maintain kashrut standards.

A separate STAR-D supervision sign was recently documented at a certified Dunkin’ location in Baltimore, Maryland, under the National Council of Young Israel, illustrating the type of proper documentation used by authorized outlets. That location at 7002-A Reisterstown Road in the Colonial Village Shopping Center lists specific approved items and equipment protocols.

Consumers with questions about the Catskills store or other certifications are advised to contact STAR-K Certification, Inc. directly at its Baltimore headquarters.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy has sharply limited who inside the police force is allowed to view the organization’s internal October 7 investigations, after details from the first discussions were leaked to the media despite confidentiality commitments signed by participants.

In recent weeks, the police began presenting its internal reviews of the force’s conduct during the October 7 massacre to members of its command staff. Ahead of those discussions, those taking part were required to sign a confidentiality form, but according to an i24NEWS report, details from the early sessions still found their way into the press.

Following the leaks, Levy decided to exclude most of the police’s top brass from the process and establish a much smaller forum of only six senior officers. From now on, the report said, the internal investigations will be presented only to that limited group.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A man who filmed himself accusing an Orthodox Jewish man of “killing babies” and threatening to break his jaw has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Shafiq Rahman, 48, of Slough, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault, using threatening words to provoke violence, and criminal damage over the April incident on Elliman Avenue. He was sentenced Friday at Reading Crown Court, with a district judge previously calling the attack “a pure hate crime.”

Video filmed by the victim, a man in his 20s identified only as Moshe, showed Rahman accusing him of “killing babies in Palestine,” threatening to break his jaw, and knocking a phone from his hand while repeatedly cursing and calling him a “dirty Jew.” Moshe, who was wearing a black yarmulke at the time, said he had been thinking only of survival during the confrontation.

“What were you thinking going out like this, in England, as a visible Jew?” he recalled asking himself afterward, adding that the incident left him feeling unsafe.

The case comes amid a string of recent antisemitic attacks across the UK, including the sentencing of two men who traveled to Clapton Common to film themselves abusing a Jewish man for TikTok content.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Last December, after Make America Healthy Again activists drew up a petition to get him fired, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin pledged to release a formal agenda of MAHA priorities that his agency would pursue, including protections against harmful chemicals and other health concerns.

But eight months after its first mention and after repeated promises it was being drafted, the so-called MAHA agenda is nowhere to be found. When asked for a status update this week, an EPA spokesperson said MAHA is an ongoing effort, not a single report.

The apparent reversal on release of a formal environmental health agenda is the latest in a cascade of disappointments for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA movement, who say they’ve lost faith that the Trump administration will take any significant action on pesticides, chemicals or other issues they view as key to address America’s chronic disease epidemic. It also reflects the EPA’s relentless rollback of environmental regulations even in the face of pressure from an important voting bloc that has supported President Donald Trump.

“I had really hoped that there would be specific steps that were taken through a MAHA agenda,” said activist Kelly Ryerson, whose social media account “Glyphosate Girl” focuses on nontoxic food systems. “We haven’t had any of the wins that we were requesting.”

Many in the diverse coalition of MAHA activists that Trump credits for helping him win back the White House say they plan to vote on issues over party in November’s congressional elections, raising the political stakes of their increasingly public tensions with the Republican administration.

“People are done with the profits of corporations being prioritized over public health,” said Alexandra Muñoz, a molecular toxicologist who collaborates with activists on certain issues. “And I think that will have an important role in the midterms.”

MAHA is frustrated with EPA’s actions
“Trump’s EPA,” as Zeldin frequently calls the agency, has vigorously pursued a deregulatory agenda. Earlier this year, Zeldin proposed overturning the landmark finding that climate change is a threat to human health. He moved to roll back dozens of environmental regulations in what he called “the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen,” froze billions of dollars for clean energy and upended agency research.

Trump’s second-term EPA also has been working to loosen limits on pollution from smokestacks, tailpipes and producers of oil and gas.

At the same time, Zeldin has touted multiple “MAHA wins,” some of which activists say are anything but. For example, he said the agency intends to regulate some chemicals called phthalates for environmental and workplace risks, but didn’t address the thousands of consumer products that contain the ingredients.

This week, the EPA diverted from past assurances that the MAHA report was in its “final stages,” telling The Associated Press in an email that the EPA’s actions should speak for themselves.

“The notion that MAHA is a single document waiting to be unveiled fundamentally misrepresents how we operate,” an agency spokesperson said, adding that work on MAHA priorities is “active and expanding every day.”

Ryerson and other MAHA activists said they’ve engaged with agency officials about changes they’d like to see, and occasionally succeeded. For example, her network of farmers worked with the administration on a recent executive order to advance regenerative agriculture. But she said EPA then used the order to justify new proposed uses for various herbicides, a move she called a “slap in the face.”

The same week, the Supreme Court dealt another blow to the MAHA cause in siding with pesticide maker Bayer in a ruling related to its legal liability for alleged harm caused by its Roundup weedkiller. The Trump administration had backed the company in the case.

Environmental activists say the rise of Kennedy and his MAHA mission has rippled across the administration, raising the public’s awareness of pesticides — and expectations that Trump’s administration would act.

“If RFK and the MAHA movement hadn’t put that issue in the center of the public spotlight, no one would be scrutinizing this nearly as closely,” said Sarah Starman, a senior food and agriculture campaigner at the nonprofit Friends of the Earth.

EPA says getting microplastics out of drinking water is complicated
In a well-publicized gesture aimed in part at the MAHA movement, Zeldin in April included microplastics and pharmaceuticals on a list of contaminants that could be regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Activists had pressured Zeldin for months to crack down on microplastics and other environmental contaminants.

But in a reversal in late June, the EPA did not include microplastics or pharmaceuticals on a list of chemicals it plans to test for under a mandatory program used to collect information about concerning chemicals in drinking water that could be harming human health.

The move rendered the EPA’s earlier public health promises “functionally toothless,” said Betsy Southerland, a former senior official in EPA’s water office.

Zeldin said on social media that “the technology to test and treat for microplastics in drinking water is still in development.” The EPA said in a Federal Register notice that it was “not feasible to develop a drinking water analytical method within the statutory timeframe.”

Southerland called the situation a “classic Zeldin bait-and-switch.”

After making “a big splash in the press” on microplastics, “EPA has quietly stalled that momentum,” she said.

A White House Make America Healthy Again Report, released a few months into Trump’s second term, identified long-term exposure to environmental chemicals — including those widely found in plastics — as a leading cause of chronic disease in children.

Former industry lobbyists now have leading roles at EPA
Jeremy Symons, a senior adviser at the Environmental Protection Network, a group of former EPA employees and political appointees who are critical of the Trump administration, said Zeldin “pays lip service to MAHA, but sadly he is actually making Americans less safe from toxic chemicals.”

Alongside MAHA’s influence on the Trump administration, industry lobbyists have made inroads at the EPA.

Kyle Kunkler, a former lobbyist for the soybean industry, leads pesticide policy at the EPA. The agency recently allowed continued use of dicamba, a weedkiller that has been linked to increased risk for some cancers.

Zen Honeycutt, a MAHA activist and founding executive director of Moms Across America, said the move is “what happens when the EPA allows itself to be pressured by corporations and by business.”

EPA also employs other former industry insiders. Nancy Beck, a former executive at the chemical lobbying group the American Chemistry Council, is a top official in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Lynn Dekleva, another former chemistry council executive, serves as a Beck deputy.

The EPA said Kunkler and other political appointees have consulted with agency ethics officials to resolve any potential conflicts of interest. The MAHA movement has “driven this agency’s work since President Trump’s first day in office,” a spokesperson said in an email, citing various initiatives including $945 million in grants to help states and communities cut “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water and identifying 30 drinking water contaminants proposed for nationwide monitoring.

But for Ryerson and others, the lack of a promised MAHA agenda reads as a tactic to escape accountability.

“It absolves them of any failures, especially when it comes to midterms,” Ryerson said. “They won’t have to point to some list that they haven’t been able to achieve really anything on.”

The U.S. stock market has climbed to record highs in 2026 on the strength of corporate profits, and over the next several weeks investors will learn whether companies can continue delivering the earnings needed to justify those gains. Second-quarter earnings season officially begins the week of July 13, with JPMorgan Chase and several other major U.S. banks reporting results on July 14, launching what is expected to be one of the most closely watched reporting seasons in years.

According to LSEG IBES data, Wall Street analysts expect S&P 500 companies to deliver earnings growth of more than 20% compared with the same quarter a year ago. Those expectations reflect continued confidence in corporate America but also leave little room for companies to disappoint investors.

The optimism follows an exceptionally strong first quarter. Corporate earnings grew 29.4%, roughly double what analysts had projected before reporting season began and marking the strongest quarterly profit growth in more than four years. Much of that performance was fueled by continued investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, resilient consumer spending and stronger-than-expected economic activity. As a result, analysts have raised full-year earnings expectations to approximately 26.4% growth for 2026, which would represent the strongest annual expansion since 2021.

Higher expectations, however, also create greater risk. With stock prices already reflecting significant optimism, companies that merely meet expectations may find investors looking for more. Joe Mazzola, Head Trading and Derivatives Strategist at Charles Schwab, warned that steadily rising earnings estimates raise the likelihood of increased market volatility as investors react sharply to even modest disappointments. Bruce Zaro of Granite Wealth Management similarly noted that many technology and growth companies may need to significantly exceed forecasts to justify additional gains after such a strong rally.

Recent trading has already demonstrated that reality. Even companies reporting solid financial results have sometimes seen their shares decline as investors judged the performance against exceptionally high expectations. Strong earnings from Samsung Electronics, for example, were followed by weakness across portions of the semiconductor sector as investors questioned future growth rather than current results.

Technology remains the primary driver of expected earnings growth. LSEG projects technology-sector profits will rise roughly 65% during the second quarter, while energy companies are expected to benefit from higher oil prices, potentially doubling earnings from a year earlier. Materials companies are also forecast to post significant gains. That concentration means much of the broader market’s performance continues to depend on a relatively small group of large technology and energy companies, with Nvidia, one of the market’s most influential stocks, not scheduled to report until late August.

Investors are also confronting higher borrowing costs. Long-term Treasury yields have climbed sharply in recent weeks, with the 30-year Treasury bond trading near 5% and the 10-year Treasury note around 4.6%. Rising yields increase financing costs for businesses while also making bonds more attractive relative to equities. Combined with persistent inflation concerns and the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach toward interest-rate cuts, higher bond yields have become an increasingly important headwind for stock valuations.

Market valuations themselves remain elevated. The widely followed Shiller CAPE ratio continues to rank among the highest levels on record, suggesting investors are paying historically expensive prices for future earnings. While elevated valuations alone do not guarantee a market correction, they reduce the margin for error if corporate results fail to meet expectations.

For businesses, earnings season offers far more than insight into quarterly profits. Company guidance on hiring, capital spending, consumer demand, artificial intelligence investment and tariff costs often provides one of the clearest real-time snapshots of the broader economy. Investors will be paying close attention not only to what companies earned during the second quarter but also to what executives expect for the remainder of the year.

For millions of Americans whose retirement savings are invested in stock market indexes, the coming weeks could determine whether this year’s rally continues or begins to cool. Corporate America enters earnings season from a position of strength, but expectations have rarely been higher. With profits, valuations and interest rates all elevated simultaneously, even small disappointments could trigger outsized market reactions.

JBizNews Desk | New York

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Questions are mounting over the defensive capabilities of President Donald Trump’s newly commissioned Air Force One after reports revealed the aircraft lacks some of the advanced protection systems found on the older presidential jet it is temporarily replacing.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar and placed into service earlier this year, reportedly does not carry all of the sophisticated defensive technology installed on the long-serving Air Force One fleet. The reported differences have fueled scrutiny as the United States remains on heightened alert over threats from Iran, according to The New York Times.

The New York Times and CBS News both reported that, after the NATO summit in Turkey on Wednesday, the Secret Service recommended that Trump return to the United States aboard the older Air Force One rather than the newly modified aircraft.

According to the reports, officials made the recommendation out of an abundance of caution, citing the older aircraft’s superior communications equipment and more extensive defensive capabilities while tensions with Iran remain elevated.

Trump had initially traveled to Turkey aboard the newer presidential aircraft before transferring to the older Air Force One for the flight home.

After landing in the United Kingdom, Trump later resumed traveling aboard the newer jet.

The White House dismissed any suggestion that the president had been exposed to unnecessary danger.

“The new Air Force One is a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement.

The Air Force also defended the decision, saying “no risk was taken in security, safety, or mission communications,” while acknowledging that the interim aircraft does not yet possess every capability intended for the future permanent presidential fleet.

According to The New York Times, officials involved with the aircraft’s modifications said the donated plane is missing some of the highly advanced countermeasure systems installed on the current Air Force One, including sophisticated missile-defense technology.

CBS News reported that the older presidential aircraft is equipped with laser-based defenses and additional systems capable of countering incoming missile threats. However, officials declined to confirm whether those same technologies had been added to the Qatari aircraft.

Frank Kendall, who previously served as Air Force secretary, told The New York Times that he was surprised the aircraft entered international service so quickly, saying there likely was not enough time to complete all of the extensive upgrades typically required for an Air Force One aircraft.

“With the Iran situation, this could be of concern,” Kendall said.

The renewed focus on presidential security comes as U.S. officials continue to warn that Iran has long viewed Trump as a target following the 2020 operation that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. However, current intelligence reportedly has not uncovered any specific assassination plot connected to Trump’s overseas travel.

Trump himself addressed those concerns during the NATO summit, telling reporters Iran considers him “their number one target.”

Democratic lawmakers have pointed to the reports as evidence that the administration may have placed the aircraft into service before all of its planned upgrades were completed.

The White House has firmly rejected that criticism, insisting the aircraft is fully equipped to transport the president safely while Boeing continues work on the long-delayed next generation of permanent Air Force One aircraft.

{Matzav.com}

Hamas has reportedly moved its primary organizational operations from Qatar to Turkey, according to a report by the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. The report says the terror group recently held internal elections for its political bureau leadership in Ankara, reflecting the shift in its regional base of operations.

Sources within Hamas told the newspaper that meetings previously held in Doha are now taking place in Istanbul, with senior members of the group’s political bureau and Shura Council participating.

Despite the relocation, Hamas officials insisted relations with Qatar remain strong. According to the report, the move is intended to reduce pressure on Doha from the United States and Israel, both of which have demanded that Qatar expel Hamas leaders. Turkey is also reportedly viewed by the terror group as a safer location from potential Israeli strikes.

The report also says Hamas is working to rebuild ties with Syria after years of strained relations. In recent months, the terror group issued statements condemning attacks in Damascus and expressing solidarity with what it called “sister Syria” and the country’s new leadership.

Hamas officials described the outreach to Syria as a natural step for what they called a national liberation movement seeking relations with governments across the region. While no official Hamas delegation is expected to visit Syria in the immediate future, the group reportedly believes such a visit could take place once Syria’s new government becomes more established.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Walmart has agreed to pay more than $13 million to settle a Texas investigation into whether the retailer misled the gig workers who deliver its groceries about how much they would earn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday. The settlement resolves allegations that Walmart gave drivers in its Spark Driver program inaccurate information about tips, base pay and bonus opportunities, while requiring the company to change how it presents driver compensation going forward.

Roughly half of the settlement—about $6.69 million—has already been paid directly to affected Texas drivers as restitution, according to the attorney general’s office. An equal amount will go to the state to cover civil penalties, attorneys’ fees and investigation costs, bringing the total settlement to more than $13.3 million. The agreement, filed June 19 in Collin County District Court as an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, does not require Walmart to admit wrongdoing.

Walmart’s Spark Driver platform, launched in 2018, connects independent contractors with grocery and retail deliveries from local Walmart stores and fulfillment centers. Drivers accept delivery offers through a mobile app and are paid per trip. According to court filings, Texas alleged that since at least 2021, Walmart represented that drivers would receive the full amount of customer tips even though some tips were allegedly split among multiple drivers or not paid in full. The state also alleged Walmart reduced base pay on modified delivery offers without adequate disclosure and provided misleading information regarding incentive bonuses.

Beyond the financial settlement, Walmart agreed to implement significant operational changes. The company must establish an earnings verification system designed to ensure drivers receive the compensation shown when they accepted delivery offers. Walmart must also improve transparency regarding driver pay, bonuses and incentives. The Texas Attorney General’s Office said it will continue monitoring the company’s records and compensation practices to ensure ongoing compliance.

Attorney General Ken Paxton called the settlement a victory for Texas workers, saying it ensures drivers receive the wages and tips they were promised while reinforcing that large corporations must honor the compensation they advertise. Walmart responded that it values its Spark drivers, has already issued remediation payments to eligible drivers and continues working to improve its compensation systems to promote fairness and transparency.

The settlement highlights growing regulatory attention on the rapidly expanding gig economy. As retailers compete to offer faster home delivery, millions of independent contractors increasingly rely on app-based platforms where earnings can be difficult to verify. Rather than challenging the independent contractor model itself, Texas focused on the accuracy and transparency of compensation disclosures—an approach that other states could potentially adopt.

For Walmart, the financial cost is relatively small compared with its overall size, but the operational requirements could have broader implications across the delivery industry. If earnings verification and greater compensation transparency become industry standards, competing delivery platforms may also face pressure to modify how they present pay offers to drivers.

As same-day delivery becomes an increasingly important part of modern retail, regulators appear increasingly focused on ensuring that gig workers receive exactly what they are promised. The Texas settlement may ultimately serve as an early blueprint for how states oversee pay transparency throughout the rapidly growing app-based delivery economy.

JBizNews Desk | Bentonville

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

The investigation into the murder of Rav Amos Guetta zt”l in Netanya continues to unfold, with police actively pursuing multiple lines of inquiry as they work to determine both the circumstances surrounding the killing and the motive behind it. Investigators are also examining aspects of the suspect’s background and his activities in the period leading up to the attack.

According to veteran chareidi journalist Yair Levy, the suspect was raised in a chareidi family in London and later studied in yeshivos in France before eventually becoming affiliated with the Chabad movement.

One of the theories being examined is whether the suspect harbored resentment over the fact that some people referred to Rav Guetta as “Moshiach,” and whether that may have played a role in the crime. Police are reviewing that possibility as part of the broader investigation, although authorities have not concluded that it was the motive for the murder.

Detectives are also exploring another theory—that a third party may have taken advantage of the suspect’s condition and possibly influenced or directed him to carry out the killing. Investigators are continuing to examine that possibility, but no evidence has yet been released confirming or disproving the hypothesis.

Another aspect of the investigation that has drawn attention involves several security-door keys found in the suspect’s pocket at the time of his arrest. According to the report, the suspect did not have a permanent residence, raising questions about why he was carrying the keys. Police are attempting to determine which apartment or property the keys belong to and whether they have any connection to the murder.

Police were asked to comment on the reported details of the investigation. As of publication, no official response had been issued.

{Matzav.com}

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A series of unclaimed airstrikes that hit Iran after the U.S. said it finished its attacks have again raised questions of who else may be targeting the Islamic Republic.

The strikes Thursday, just as Iran prepared to bury the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hit areas across southern Iran. The country’s theocracy hasn’t directly blamed anyone for the strikes, though one lawmaker issued a warning to the United Arab Emirates over allegedly providing support to the United States in its campaign against Iran.

Gulf Arab states, which repeatedly have been targeted by Iran since the war began Feb. 28, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday over the strikes. The attacks come as they and the U.S. insist the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for world energy markets, must be open and free to ships.

Iran says the strait must now be under its sole control and that vessels should begin to pay fees to Tehran — even though the world for decades has considered it an international waterway. About a fifth of all oil and natural gas transited the strait before the war began.

Iran’s grip on the strait during the conflict led to an global energy crisis, though oil prices have sharply dropped since wartime highs of $120 a barrel.

Israel, which took part in the Iran war, also has not claimed any recent attacks on Iran.

Unclaimed strikes came after US ended its attacks
The U.S. military’s Central Command said Thursday around 6:30 a.m. local Iran time that it had concluded a round of strikes that saw some 90 targets hit. Shortly after that, Iranian news outlets and state media reported a series of airstrikes and explosions targeting the country’s Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces, the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar and other areas.

A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details of the American military campaign, said there had been no new U.S. strikes since the last round ended Thursday morning.

Iran responded to the strikes Thursday by launching a wider volley of attacks across the Mideast, targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. Missile alert sirens sounded in the four countries, sending people to seek shelter. One person was reportedly hurt in Kuwait as air defense systems targeted the incoming fire across the region.

The leader of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, traveled to Kuwait immediately after the Iranian attack for a meeting with the small, oil-rich nation’s ruling emir. Gulf Arab countries also held calls with Qatar’s foreign minister, who has been deeply involved along with Pakistan in mediating talks between Iran and the U.S. over the interim deal now in place to halt the return of open warfare.

During the Iran war, there also were a series of unclaimed airstrikes. Officials later said both Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched airstrikes on Iran, after Tehran struck energy sites in their countries. Having a Gulf country again strike Iran likely could be an effort to deter Tehran from targeting the Gulf states again.

Israel, which under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has engaged in an intense campaign against Iran, has not attacked the Islamic Republic since June. In most cases, Israel immediately claims its attacks on Iran.

Israel’s government said Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday night, with Trump updating Netanyahu “on American moves in the Gulf.”

Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, also renewed threats that his nation stood ready to confront Iran if needed.

The Israeli military “is on alert and ready to renew the campaign, to reestablish aerial superiority, and to carry out a blue-white (Israeli) strike in Iran to remove threats, even for a third time,” Katz told a military ceremony. “If we will have to return, we will return with even greater force.”

Iran keeps up its threats
On Friday, Iranian state media quoted Esmail Kousari, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee and a former commander in the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as warning the UAE would “pay the price for its cooperation with the United States.” He accused the Emirates of having a “behind-the-scenes” role in the recent U.S. attacks.

Iran repeatedly accused Gulf Arab states of actively supporting the U.S. war effort, something they denied during the war. The U.S. since the 1991 Gulf War has maintained a broad footprint of military bases across the Gulf Arab states, including in Bahrain, which is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters.

Meanwhile, Iran insists it must be the sole controller of the Strait of Hormuz. But the U.S. is continuing to urge mariners to travel on a southern route through Oman’s territorial waters to avoid Iran.

The Joint Maritime Information Center, a multinational body overseen by the U.S. Navy, issued a new advisory Friday urging ships to travel that route. A similar message for ships to use that route sparked an Iranian attack on Tuesday that saw three vessels hit.

“Notwithstanding recent unprovoked attacks on merchant vessels, mariners are reminded that the southern route of the (strait) has been expanded and remains available for all traffic,” the maritime center said.

“PSA, anyone going to Trader Joe’s before Shabbos, the refrigerators are down and super limited flower supply.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Kia America has issued a new recall for nearly 463,000 of its Telluride SUVs, urging owners to again park their vehicles outside and away from buildings after several customers reported fires following previous repairs.

The recall, announced this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, replaces a prior one Kia initiated in 2024. Certain Tellurides from the 2020-2024 model years are affected, with the NHTSA warning that the front power seat motor of these vehicles may overheat due to a stuck slide knob.

That could result in a fire while the car is parked or being driven. And even after Kia rolled out a remedy in 2024, recall documents note several customers filed complaints of alleged fires underneath the passenger seat. The automaker investigated other vehicles that had received the prior repair and identified “sporadic dealer workmanship issues” — later deciding to initiate a new recall.

Between October 2024 and April 2026, Kia North America’s safety office identified 18 incidents involving either localized seat fires or melting of the seat motor, per recall documents. No associated injuries or crashes have been reported.

To address the hazard, Kia’s new fix will be for dealers to install an electronic fuse assembly, free of charge — aimed at preventing ongoing operation of the seat motor if its switch becomes dislodged or otherwise damaged. That remedy will be available in early August, according to an advanced dealer notice published by the NHTSA. And owner notification letters are set to be mailed starting Aug. 13.

In the meantime, the NHTSA is warning owners to “park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.”

Press contacts for Irvine, California-based Kia America — a subsidiary of the larger South Korean automaker — did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for further comments on Friday.

Drivers can also confirm if their specific vehicle is included in this recall and find more information using the NHTSA site and/or Kia’s recall lookup platform.

The recall covers 462,869 model year 2020-2024 Tellurides that were manufactured between Jan. 9, 2019 and May 29, 2024. Kia America estimates that 1% have the defect.

(AP) – A Mexican man living in the U.S. who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was not the person federal authorities had been targeting in a Houston operation, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said Thursday.

The Democratic congresswoman, whose district includes the Houston neighborhood where the shooting occurred, said acting ICE Director David Venturella told her the agency has confirmed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo “was not a target.”

Salgado Araujo was a homebuilder who had lived in the U.S. for more than 35 years, had no criminal record and was close to finishing the long process of obtaining legal status when he was killed early Tuesday morning, according to his family.

“We’ve got to do something. This is just one more death too many,” Garcia said in an interview with MS Now. “And if we’ve got to bring outside, independent folks to come in and look at it, we should do that.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return an email seeking comment late Thursday.

DHS, which oversees ICE, previously said that federal officers were conducting a targeted operation to arrest a person in the country without legal status when they attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Salgado Araujo. The agency has said Salgado Araujo rammed an ICE vehicle and that a federal officer fired a weapon in self-defense.

Asked whether ICE agents had been specifically targeting Salgado Araujo, DHS said earlier Thursday that officers had been surveilling a property where they had previously observed two white vans.

Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Jr., sons of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, hold a photograph of their father during a news conference Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

“On July 7, officers were almost at the target’s address when they observed a white van with an individual who resembled the target. Officers then initiated the vehicle stop,” the department said.

The federal agents weren’t wearing body-worn cameras, DHS said, and few photos or videos surrounding the shooting have emerged publicly in the days since the encounter, unlike other deaths involving federal immigration officers.

In a statement, DHS said the agents at the scene in Houston had not yet been issued body cameras, which it blamed on Democrats and a record government shutdown that was fueled by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, a Democrat who also represents Houston, said if the agents didn’t have the devices, it was because Trump and Republican lawmakers did not want them to be carrying them.

“Houston is done accepting excuses from an agency that has more money than it knows what to do with and still can’t manage basic accountability,” he said in a statement.

The Harris County District Attorney’s office said it would conduct an investigation into the shooting. The office is consulting with local prosecutors in Minneapolis, where federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, to learn how they have navigated investigations into federal immigration agents, spokesperson Rafael Lemaitre said.

“Although access to key evidence remains under federal control, we are pursuing investigative avenues available to us and will conduct a review of any information we collect within our reach,” Lemaitre said in an emailed statement.

Three men, including Salgado Araujo’s brother, were detained by ICE during the fatal traffic stop, according to Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, who has been communicating with their families.

A woman holds up a sign during a vigil for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national fatally shot by a federal immigration agent a day prior, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Felix)

LULAC has yet to obtain video footage that clearly shows what happened during the moments of the shooting and has offered a reward of $5,000 for information from witnesses, Proaño told The Associated Press. The position of Salgado Araujo’s van and ICE vehicles has obstructed security camera footage LULAC has reviewed, he added.

“It’s going to make it even more difficult to find the truth in all this,” he said.

DHS said the ICE agents involved in the incident were expected to receive body-worn cameras in the next 60 days.

In the aftermath of the fatal Minneapolis shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Democrats had refused to fund ICE and the Border Patrol without changes to those operations designed to increase accountability and transparency. Republicans in Congress eventually passed legislation funding just ICE and CBP for three years.

The National Coffee Association told the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Wednesday, July 8, that Brazilian coffee should stay out of a new round of import taxes, warning that fresh duties would push already-steep grocery prices higher for the tens of millions of Americans who drink coffee every day.

William Murray, president and chief executive of the National Coffee Association, made the case in testimony at a public hearing in Washington tied to the government’s review of trade with Brazil. He asked officials to protect green, unroasted coffee that is already exempt and to add unflavored instant coffee to the tax-free list, calling both essential to keeping coffee affordable and U.S. coffee companies competitive.

The economic stakes are substantial. Murray told the panel that protecting coffee matters for more than 176 million daily American coffee drinkers and a domestic coffee economy he valued at about $343 billion. Instant coffee alone, he said, is consumed by nearly 30 million adults each day and serves as a base for cold brew, flavorings, extracts and the fast-growing category of canned, ready-to-drink coffee.

The hearing is part of a Section 301 investigation run by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative into Brazil’s trade practices, spanning complaints from digital-commerce rules to illegal deforestation. Out of that review, the government could place a 25% tariff on a list of Brazilian goods. A separate measure has already added a 12.5% charge on products from more than 60 countries, instant coffee among them.

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer and supplies about a third of what the United States drinks, which makes any tax on its beans hard to dodge at the register. Last year, Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports that threw the U.S. coffee trade into turmoil before officials carved out green coffee. Instant coffee stayed taxed at 50% until the Supreme Court struck down most of the administration’s blanket tariffs; it now carries a 10% global rate.

Murray said the earlier duties fed what he called “highly visible price inflation on popular products,” squeezing the companies that turn beans into everyday goods. His core argument to regulators was practical: the country cannot grow its way out of a coffee tax. Farms in Hawaii and Puerto Rico cover only a sliver of demand, and the United States produces less than 6% of the instant coffee it uses.

The pain would not stop at the supermarket shelf. Higher bean costs ripple through corner coffee shops, diners and national restaurant chains that price a cup on thin margins, through grocery retailers that lean on coffee to draw shoppers, and through the food manufacturers that fold coffee into syrups, creamers, ice cream and bottled drinks. The National Coffee Association notes that roughly 99% of U.S. coffee is imported, so there is no domestic supply to cushion the blow.

Brazilian producers pressed the same point from the other side of the table. Representatives of Abics, the Brazilian Soluble Coffee Industry Association, and the exporter group Cecafe appeared at the Washington hearings alongside the American association. Aguinaldo José de Lima, executive director of Abics, said more than 90% of Brazil’s instant coffee is bound for the U.S. market — about 15,500 metric tons a year — and that no other supplier can match that volume at a similar price. The first hit from any new tariff, he said, would land on companies and jobs before reaching shoppers.

Relief at the register looks distant regardless of the ruling. In a London interview reported by Bloomberg, Giuseppe Lavazza, chairman of the Italian roaster Lavazza, said retail coffee prices are unlikely to fall for at least two years, citing tight global supply, weather damage to crops in Brazil and Vietnam, and speculation that has driven futures to record levels. He described the market’s instability as “the new constant.”

Coffee has become a recurring flashpoint in the tariff fight precisely because almost none of it grows on American soil. Lawmakers in both parties, including Representative Don Bacon and Representative Ro Khanna, have pushed the White House to leave the drink alone, arguing that taxing a product the country cannot realistically produce simply raises costs for households.

For now the decision sits with trade officials weighing the Section 301 findings. Murray asked them to extend the existing exemptions rather than reopen them, telling the panel that keeping coffee tariff-free would benefit both the broader economy and the millions of Americans who start each day with a cup. A ruling is expected in the weeks ahead.

JBizNews Desk | Washington
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

EATONTOWN, N.J. — As businesses across every industry race to improve productivity and prepare their workforce for a rapidly evolving workplace, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Parnassah Network Foundation will host the JBIZ Leadership Multi-Platform AI Summit this Monday and Tuesday, July 13–14, at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel in Eatontown, New Jersey.

The two-day executive program is designed for business owners, executives, managers, employees, entrepreneurs and individuals entering the workforce, providing practical, hands-on training in the business platforms that are increasingly becoming essential in today’s workplace.

Just as Word, Excel, Outlook and Email Became Workplace Essentials…

Twenty years ago, knowing how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and email separated job candidates from the competition. Today, those programs are standard requirements in virtually every workplace.

Organizers say the workplace is experiencing another transformation.

Today’s leading business platforms—including ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, Meta AI and Mistral—are quickly becoming the next generation of must-have workplace skills. Just as previous generations were expected to master Word and Excel, today’s professionals are increasingly expected to understand how and when to use these platforms effectively.

Knowing how to use these platforms has become as essential as knowing Word, Excel and email. Employees who can use them independently complete tasks faster, improve accuracy, reduce administrative work and free up valuable time for higher-level responsibilities. 

Why Businesses Are Investing in These Skills

Research continues to demonstrate measurable returns from integrating these platforms into everyday business operations.

According to the London School of Economics, professionals save an average of 7.5 hours per week through effective use of these workplace platforms.

The GoTo 2025 AI in Business Report found employees save an average of 2.3 hours per day, enabling organizations to improve productivity while reducing repetitive administrative work.

The PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer, which analyzed more than one billion job postings worldwide, found that positions requiring AI-related skills command an average 72% earnings premium, reflecting the growing demand for professionals who know how to use these technologies effectively.

Meanwhile, FOX Business reported that survey data suggests as many as 70% of laid-off workers were not actively using artificial intelligence tools, highlighting the growing importance many employers are placing on technology adoption and workforce readiness.

Whether You’re a Business Owner, Executive, Manager, Employee or Entering the Workforce—This Summit Is for You

The summit is designed to deliver practical value for professionals across every stage of their careers.

Business owners will learn how to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, improve customer service and grow revenue by empowering their workforce with today’s leading business platforms.

Executives and managers will discover how to streamline operations, delegate repetitive work more efficiently and build higher-performing teams.

Employees will learn how to draft professional emails, prepare reports and presentations, analyze spreadsheets, review contracts, conduct research, summarize documents and automate repetitive office tasks—allowing them to focus on work that creates greater value.

Individuals entering the workforce or returning from seminary will gain practical skills that employers increasingly expect, helping them stand out in today’s competitive job market. 

Built on Nearly Two Decades of Business Leadership

The JBIZ Leadership Multi-Platform AI Summit is built on the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce’s nearly 20 years of empowering businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Over that time, the Chamber has presented more than 1,000 workshops, conferences and executive education programs, becoming a recognized leader in workforce development, business growth and economic stimulation.

Developed over months by industry professionals, the summit teaches attendees which platform to use, when to use it and how to apply it across writing, research, marketing, sales, spreadsheets, presentations, document analysis, customer service and everyday office operations. Every participant will receive a Certificate of Completion. 

Event Information

The JBIZ Leadership Multi-Platform AI Summit will be held Monday and Tuesday, July 13–14, at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel, 6 Industrial Way East, Eatontown, New Jersey.

Click To Register

Information: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 659-5270 ext. 104 

www.OJChamber.com

JBizNews Desk | Eatontown, New Jersey
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved

A new public opinion poll released Thursday indicates that Israel’s right-wing bloc would secure a parliamentary majority if elections were held today, while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has widened his lead as the public’s preferred choice for prime minister.

According to the survey, the right-wing bloc would win 63 seats in the 120-member Knesset, enough to form a governing coalition. The left-wing bloc would receive 47 seats, while the Arab parties would capture the remaining 10 seats.

The Likud Party remains the largest faction, polling at 33 seats. It is followed by Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar Party with 21 seats, an increase of one seat compared to the previous poll. Shas is projected to win 10 seats, tying the Democrats with the same total.

Further down the standings, the Beyachad Party, led jointly by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, is projected to receive 8 seats. Yisrael Beiteinu is also forecast to win 8 mandates, as is United Torah Judaism. Otzma Yehudit would secure 7 seats, while the Religious Zionism Party is projected to win 5. Among the Arab parties, both the Joint List and Ra’am are expected to receive 5 seats each.

Several parties would fail to cross the electoral threshold under the current polling. Those projected to remain outside the Knesset include Blue and White, Moshe Feiglin’s Zehut Party, and Yesodot Yisrael, led by Yoaz Hendel and Zvi Hauser.

The poll also found Netanyahu maintaining a commanding advantage in the race for prime minister. According to the results, 55% of respondents said Netanyahu is the most suitable candidate for the position, marking an improvement from the previous week’s survey. Eisenkot ranked second with 31%, followed by Naftali Bennett at 9%, Avigdor Lieberman at 4%, and Benny Gantz with just 1%.

The survey was conducted by NEXT DATA on July 9, 2026, among a representative sample of 752 adult Israelis. The data was analyzed by Shlomo Filber. As with all public opinion polls, the findings reflect respondents’ views at the time the survey was conducted and are not necessarily predictive of the outcome of a future election.

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. State Department reportedly intervened to block a planned meeting between New York City Commissioner for International Affairs Ana Maria Archila and Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, according to a report by the New York Post.

The meeting had been scheduled for July 7 but was canceled after State Department officials learned of the plans. According to sources cited by the Post, the initiative was undertaken without coordination or approval from the appropriate federal authorities, prompting immediate concern given heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

The cancellation came amid renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf, following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and President Donald Trump’s announcement that a temporary ceasefire with Iran had ended.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly said he was unaware of Archila’s plans. Nevertheless, the incident has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue it reflects poor judgment and inexperience within the mayor’s administration.

Archila, a progressive activist and former candidate for New York lieutenant governor, has faced scrutiny since her appointment. According to the report, City Hall retained former International Affairs Commissioner Aissata M.B. Camara alongside Archila in an unusual dual leadership arrangement, reportedly due to concerns over Archila’s diplomatic experience.

The Mayor’s Office of International Affairs is responsible for maintaining relationships with foreign governments and diplomatic missions based in New York City, home to the United Nations. Critics argue that any effort by city officials to independently engage with representatives of hostile foreign governments without federal coordination exceeds the office’s proper role.

The episode is expected to intensify criticism of the Mamdani administration, with opponents pointing to the canceled meeting as another example of what they describe as a lack of experience in handling sensitive diplomatic matters.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEW YORK (AP) — When two steel columns buckled this week inside the former Pfizer headquarters in midtown Manhattan, the scare prompted evacuations and halted work on one of the nation’s largest office-to-apartment conversions.

It also highlighted the complex engineering behind adaptive reuse projects, which have become increasingly popular as officials try to tackle a nationwide housing shortage by transforming offices that have sat underused since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plans call for turning two office buildings — one built in 1909, the other in the 1960s — into about 1,600 apartments by adding more than a dozen stories atop the older structure and redesigning and expanding the other. The buckling occurred on the 21st floor of the newer structure, and crews have installed temporary supports as officials investigate.

Engineering experts said the conversion project is complex and poses many challenges, which include making sure older buildings can safely support new loads and carving up office floors to accommodate residential living.

But none said the high-profile setback should make people doubt the ability of engineers to complete such projects.

“I don’t think it really brings into question our understanding of how to do something like this,” said Ben Schafer, a structural engineering professor at Johns Hopkins University.

How do you build a new tower on top of an old one?
On its website highlighting the midtown project, adaptive reuse firm Collaborative Construction Management says the nine-story building from 1909 will be “threaded through” with a new addition of about 30 stories of poured concrete.

Schafer, who is not involved with the undertaking, said the likely approach is to have the century-old building continue to carry its own weight while building a new structural system to support additions.

“My interpretation would be that they’re going to leave that building carrying its own load, and they’re just going to poke holes in it so that they can take the load from the building that they’ve put above it and bring it all the way down to the foundation,” Schafer said.

Schafer said construction on the other tower presents a different challenge: punching holes in the existing floor plate to bring light into apartments, while also ensuring that the steel frame can support the newly added loads.

City officials have not determined what caused the columns to buckle. But both Schafer and Emily Guglielmo, a San Francisco-based structural engineer, believe the failure likely resulted from the added load.

Spokespersons for MetroLoft, the project developer, didn’t respond to requests for comment Thursday. But Nathan Berman, the firm’s founder, acknowledged in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that the added weight from widening the top 15 or so floors of the building likely caused the damage.

Guglielmo thinks that either the original design assumptions were misunderstood, something went wrong during the design or construction process, or construction crews overloaded or weakened the structure.

Adding stories to existing buildings is common in dense urban areas where land is scarce, she said, but it requires reviewing original construction documents and inspecting the building before determining how additional floors will affect the structure.

“In cities and towns that don’t have that available geography, you’re going to see a lot more of this type of a design where there’s an adaptive reuse to an existing building,” Guglielmo said.

Why not just create a new building from scratch?
To many structural engineers, demolition should occur only as a last resort.

“Tearing buildings down is a terrible waste,” Schafer said, pointing out that buildings and the construction sector are responsible for about 40% of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions. “From a sustainability standpoint, that’s a disaster.”

Beyond the environmental costs, demolishing and hauling away the remnants of huge buildings is especially expensive in dense cities such as New York.

If an existing structure can safely be reused, engineers generally prefer that.

James LaFave, a structural engineering professor at the University of Illinois, said a steel-framed building from the 1960s, like the former Pfizer structure, would typically be a “very good” starting point for a conversion.

Does the scare in New York call into question other adaptive reuse projects?
In recent years, officials across the country have embraced office-to-housing conversions as a potential lifeline for downtown business districts that have struggled since the pandemic.

New York, especially, has embraced this push, as officials have made zoning changes and enacted tax incentives to spur housing production. A report from the New York City comptroller’s office last year noted there are 44 adaptive reuse projects in the city that, as of early 2025, had either been completed, were underway or could move forward.

Pfizer moved out of the building in 2023 after opening a new office near Penn Station, leaving the property vacant. Construction on the property began in 2024.

Joshua Harris, director of Fordham University’s Real Estate Institute, said office-to-residential conversions are a key part of solving the housing shortages in New York and other cities, even if they come with risk.

“In a certain sense, it’s not terribly surprising that this happened, and we should have a little bit of grace,” he said. “These are very, very complicated surgical procedures being done to very old buildings.”

“This is part of the reality of fixing the housing crisis,” Harris continued. “Things like this can happen. It doesn’t look as complex as putting a rocket into space, but, in a real estate sense, construction in an environment like Manhattan on 42nd Street and Second Avenue is very complex.”

Guglielmo, the California engineer, said a combination of building codes, inspections and experienced construction crews makes failures like this rare.

“We’re very fortunate here in the United States that we are not seeing these types of failures on a day-to-day basis,” she said. “We’re privileged to have really robust building codes that explain to us as engineers how to do our designs in a way that’s safe.”

Still, Harris said it is likely a gut check for the industry, as office conversions transform once sleepy business districts across the city into 24/7 neighborhoods, like parts of Wall Street in recent years.

“If this building has a problem, all the other projects that have been sort of greenlit, they’re going to want to review to make sure that it’s not something similar,” Harris said.

Let me ask you something. How much time do you spend in your car each week?

If you’re like most real estate agents, the answer is a lot. Showings, appointments, closings, more appointments — this business keeps you moving. Here’s what I want you to consider: that drive time is either working for you or it’s being wasted. Right now, for most agents, it’s being wasted.

Here’s the math. Even a modest 30 minutes each way adds up to roughly five hours a week. Over a year? We’re talking several full work weeks. Can you imagine knowingly throwing several weeks of your career out the window? Of course not. But that’s exactly what’s happening when you treat your windshield time as nothing more than getting from Point A to Point B.

So, what do you do with it instead?

Feed your mind something that builds you. Load up a training program, an audiobook on negotiation, a coaching session. Put something in your ears that makes you sharper. In this business, nobody is handing you continuing education after you get your license. That gap between the agent who keeps growing and the one who plateaus? A lot of it comes down to self-directed learning. Your car is a rolling classroom. Start treating it like one.

Focus on the positive. I’ve always said, be informed, not infected. There’s a real performance cost to spending your most focused hours absorbing stress that isn’t even yours. Stay aware of what’s happening, absolutely. But don’t let your drive become an hour of other people’s negativity draining the life right out of you.

Use the quiet for actual thinking. Turn everything off and be present with yourself. Think through your pipeline, your clients, where you want to take your business. The car is one of the rare places where nobody can interrupt you — no inbox, no ringing phone. That’s gold.

Dictate while the ideas are hot. When a great thought hits you, grab your phone and talk it out. Have a client email you’ve been putting off? A campaign idea bouncing around in your head? Dictate it. When you get back to your desk, hand it to an AI and clean it up into a polished draft. You did the hard part — the thinking — in time that would’ve evaporated otherwise.

Make it stick

Here’s the thing about good intentions: they fade without structure. Decide in advance what each type of trip is for. Queue up your training material. Check in with yourself periodically — what did you actually learn this week? What did you capture?

The goal is to turn a passive habit into an active system. Because the time is already being spent either way. The only question is whether it’s working for you.

I’ll leave you with this: two real estate professionals can log the exact same miles every week, serve similar markets, and look identical on paper. But over a few years, one of them emerges sharper, better prepared, and more current — and the other is right where they started. The difference often comes down to what happened inside that car.

The time is already yours. Cash it in.

Darryl Davis, CSP, is a real estate coach, speaker, and bestselling author with more than 40 years in the industry. Through his POWER AGENT® Coaching Program, he helps real estate professionals build careers and lives worth smiling about. Learn more at DarrylSpeaks.com.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: [email protected]

This post was originally published on here.

As oil prices react to the latest back-and-forth between the United States and Iran, fingers are being pointed as to why gas prices remain closer to $4 a gallon than $3 a gallon.

The price of a barrel of oil influences the price of gas. Within the cost of a gallon, oil producers sell the oil to a refinery that in turn sells the gas to a station. Also, in the price consumers pay are state and local taxes, environmental maintenance for the station, and a credit card transaction fee.

White House executive director of the National Energy Dominance Council, Jarrod Agen, says the administration sees more room for gas stations to lower costs. He says President Donald Trump personally watches the national price of gas very closely.

“The margins on gas at the pump have increased significantly ever since COVID,” Agen said. “And so, they’ve kind of gotten out of control at this point. Traditionally, it is a very low margin area. But I think they’ve used the Iran war as a way to grow that margin.” 

He offered the example of the Freedom Fuel Network, which owns 25 stations around Philadelphia and New Jersey. The company deeply discounted the gas it sells, saying it reduced profit margin. Agen adds company executives told him, “We can sell it wholesale plus some of our cost and still save consumers about 50 cents per gallon, which is, that’s real savings, and you know once one person does it, then kind of the rest of the market will follow.” 

Aged said Freedom Fuel stations make up in volume what they are shrinking in profit margin.

In a FOX Business exclusive, a White House official said the network of gas stations saw fuel volumes increase 51.3% in July at the launch of their discount on July 3. The move forced 320 gas stations within a 40-mile radius to cut gas prices by 10 cents a gallon, according to the official who has seen the company data. 

The White House official said 600 stations reduced prices in a ripple effect related to the competition benefiting drivers in the areas around Philadelphia and New Jersey.

National groups representing smaller gas stations pushed back on the growing profit margin narrative. Vice President of the National Association of Convenience Stores Jeff Lenard blamed some of the loss in profit margins on credit card companies.

“Approximately 90% of the cost of a gallon of gas is determined before the retailer takes possession of the fuel, and after expenses — especially credit card fees — retailers typically make about 5% profit (before taxes) on the fuel that they sell,” Lenard said in a statement to FOX Business.

He added that, historically, the margin of profit before taxes has not changed. The president of the Energy Marketers of America, Rob Underwood, backed that up. 

“Fuel marketers are small businesses operating on thin margins in a transparent, fiercely competitive market where crude oil prices are set globally, but pump prices are set locally on the street corner,” Underwood added in a statement. “Regardless of market conditions, credit card companies profit on every gallon through percentage-based interchange fees — often collecting more per gallon than the retailer nets — while bearing none of the fuel costs, environmental compliance burdens, or competitive pressure to reduce their take.”

Senior White House officials believe Trump policies have reduced oil prices from where they could be. Those officials point to temporarily waiving the Jones Act, invoking the Defense Production Act for some industry moves, allowing California to produce its own oil and granting EPA waivers as working together to subdue price increases. 

Agen believes when we see a dip in oil prices, gas prices should quickly follow.

“There’s no reason why it spikes up so fast but then it comes down very slowly,” he said. “We want to come down just as fast as it went up.”

Underwood, running the Energy Marketers of America, believes the system is to blame for the slower fall in gas prices. “Retail prices are already declining in response to lower crude oil prices, though a typical two-to-three-week lag occurs as retailers sell off higher-cost inventory; competition then forces these savings to consumers as stock turns over.”

Gas prices have dropped more than 6% since a month ago, according to AAA.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Shmuel Yehuda Kohan z”l, one of the senior and most respected members of the Belzer community, who passed away at the age of 94.

Renowned for his lifelong devotion to Torah, chesed, and taharah, he played a pivotal role in helping establish the Belzer World Center in Yerushalayim and was instrumental in building dozens of mikvaos throughout Eretz Yisroel.

Rav Shmuel Yehuda was born in Sivan 5692 (1932) in Budapest, Hungary, to Rav Yaakov Chaim z”l and Mrs. Leah a”h. Before his parents married, his father sought the guidance of Rav Yeshaya of Kerestir zt”l regarding a proposed match. Although two suitable suggestions had already been presented, the tzaddik, through his ruach hakodesh, instructed him to wait for another proposal. The following day, the Kerestirer Rebbe was nistalek, and shortly thereafter the match that ultimately led to the birth of Rav Shmuel Yehuda was arranged.

During the Holocaust, while the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon of Belz zt”l, was in Budapest, Rav Shmuel Yehuda’s father obtained hadasim for the Rebbe to fulfill the mitzvos of Sukkos. In appreciation, the Rebbe honored him with a dance during the sixth hakafah on Simchas Torah. Before departing the city, the Rebbe distributed protective coins to every member of the Kohan family. Rav Shmuel Yehuda, then a 14-year-old boy, survived the horrors of the Holocaust together with his family in what they regarded as miraculous circumstances.

As the war raged, the Kohan family was relocated to so-called “protected houses” in Budapest, but safety remained elusive. Rav Yaakov Chaim was deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, while his wife and children found refuge at the Swiss Consulate, where nearly 2,000 Jews were crammed together under unbearable conditions. At one point, the Nazis marched them to the banks of the Danube River with the intention of executing them, but in a stunning turn of events they were spared at the last moment and returned to the consulate. Nine months after the war ended, Rav Yaakov Chaim returned to Budapest broken in body but alive, thanks in part to the efforts of Rav Yitzchok Shlomo Ungar zt”l, the rav of the Chug Chasam Sofer community.

Following the war, Rav Shmuel Yehuda studied in the yeshiva of the Rav of Chust before continuing his learning under Rav Shimon Yisrael Pozen zt”l of Shopron. He remained deeply devoted to his rebbe throughout his life and hosted a monthly Mishnayos shiur in his home on every Rosh Chodesh in his memory.

As Communist rule tightened its grip on Hungary in 1948, the family received permission to immigrate to Australia. On their way, they stopped in the United States, where relatives urged them to remain. They sought the guidance of the Frierdiker Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rav Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn zt”l, who instructed them that their mission was to continue on to Australia and spread Yiddishkeit there.

Their arrival in Australia became a source of widespread admiration. Landing in Sydney just minutes before Shabbos, the family left all of their belongings at the airport and walked seven miles with six young children to reach their hotel rather than violate the sanctity of Shabbos. The remarkable display of commitment generated significant publicity in the local press and created a tremendous Kiddush Hashem. The family later settled in Melbourne, where they were among the pioneers who established the city’s first minyan and laid the groundwork for its Jewish community.

In 1960, Rav Shmuel Yehuda married the daughter of Rav Moshe Friedman z”l of Melbourne, who maintained close ties with the courts of Belz, Sanz, and Stropkov. Rav Shmuel Yehuda himself enjoyed close relationships with many of Melbourne’s leading rabbonim, including Rav Yaakov Yitzchok Neiman, Rav Betzalel Stern, and Rav Elimelech Ashkenazi.

Eleven years later, in 1971, he fulfilled his dream of settling in Eretz Yisroel, making his home in Bnei Brak. His residence became known as a welcoming destination for anyone in need. He was recognized for his heartfelt tefillos, rose before dawn each day to immerse in the mikvah, and spent hours learning in the Chug Chasam Sofer bais medrash before Shacharis.

He maintained a close relationship with Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, visiting the Rosh Yeshiva together with his brother, Rav Meir, before every Rosh Hashanah and Purim to receive a brocha.

Rav Shmuel Yehuda was deeply attached to the great tzaddikim of his generation, particularly the Bohusher Rebbe zt”l, whom he served with complete devotion, and, yibadel l’chaim, the Belzer Rebbe. He dedicated enormous energy to strengthening the cause of taharah, overseeing the construction of numerous mikvaos throughout Eretz Yisroel. His crowning achievement was the magnificent mikvah built as part of the Belzer World Center in Kiryat Belz, Yerushalayim. He invested extraordinary financial resources and personal sacrifice into the project and stood at the Belzer Rebbe’s side throughout its development. The first office established to oversee construction of the Belzer bais medrash operated out of the building where his brother and partner in the undertaking, Rav Meir, lived. Together, the two brothers traveled extensively overseas to raise the funds necessary to bring the vision to fruition.

At the dedication of the mikvah during Chol Hamoed Sukkos in 1991, the Belzer Rebbe delivered special remarks praising the Kohan brothers, describing them as renowned for their relentless pursuit of tzedakah and chesed. The Rebbe noted that they had built dozens of mikvaos across Eretz Yisroel and blessed them with long life and many good years.

In his later years, Rav Shmuel Yehuda retired from business and devoted himself entirely to Torah. Together with his brother, he established an evening kollel for working men at the Chug Chasam Sofer bais medrash, where participants eventually completed Shas. Six years ago he suffered the loss of his beloved brother, with whom he shared an exceptionally close bond, and four years later his wife passed away. Even during his final years, as his health declined, those around him marveled at his extraordinary nobility, graciousness, and constant expressions of gratitude toward everyone who assisted him.

The levayah departed from his home on Baal Shem Tov Street in Bnei Brak before stopping at the Chug Chasam Sofer shul, where the community’s rav, Rav Moshe Benedikt, delivered brief words of farewell. The procession then continued to the Bohusher bais medrash. In accordance with the niftar’s request, the levayah paused at the gravesite of the Bohusher Rebbe zt”l in Nachalas Yitzchok Cemetery in Givatayim before continuing to Segulah Cemetery in Petach Tikvah, where he was laid to rest.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many Jewish adults feel unsafe in the United States, a new AP-NORC poll finds, with a majority saying they feel less safe than they did before Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research points to how Jewish adults’ attitudes toward their own personal safety have changed over a relatively short period as more Americans became critical of the United States’ close alliance with Israel. The war in Gaza sparked U.S. protests over Israel’s military actions against the Palestinians in Gaza, and coincided with an increase in violent attacks against U.S. Jewish communities.

The findings highlight the vulnerability that many Jewish adults in the U.S. feel as bipartisan support for Israel erodes and significant divides emerge within the Jewish community about what constitutes antisemitism — particularly when it comes to protesting Israel.

A significant share of Jewish adults, about 3 in 10, say they or someone in their household has experienced physical assault, verbal abuse, online harassment or damaged property because of their Jewish background over the last year, according to the survey.

Hal Guberman, a 30-year-old in New Jersey, wears a kippah with some trepidation ever since a stranger in a passing car yelled a slur at him when he was walking down the street last year.

“That person, they don’t know anything about me. They don’t know my politics. They don’t know my beliefs. They don’t know my viewpoints,” Guberman said. “But they saw me being visibly Jewish, and they made an opinion about me.”

Jewish adults see prejudice against Jews as a serious problem, and many feel unsafe
About 6 in 10 Jewish adults say that prejudice against Jewish people is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the United States today, a view that is heightened among Jewish adults who say they are “extremely” or “very” emotionally attached to Israel.

About one-third of Jewish adults say they feel “very” or “somewhat” safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. today, while about one-third feel “very” or “somewhat” unsafe. The remaining roughly 3 in 10 say they feel neither safe nor unsafe. Those with a close connection to Israel or who identify as Jewish by religion — instead of saying they are religiously unaffiliated with a cultural, ethnic or family connection to Judaism — are more likely to feel threatened in the current environment.

About 6 in 10 Jewish adults say they feel “less safe” as a Jewish person in the U.S. than they did before Hamas’ 2023 attack, including about 7 in 10 of those who are religiously Jewish. About one-third of Jewish adults say they feel “about as safe” and very few feel safer.

Erin Baskin, a 36-year-old in Pennsylvania, said the Oct. 7 attacks didn’t change how safe she feels because she had her own experiences with prejudice before then.

“I’ve always grown up with antisemitism,” she said. “Among the rural community I’m in, they conflate Judaism with Zionism all the time. Unfortunately, that’s kind of been my experience. It’s nothing new.”

Some Jewish adults have grown wary of outwardly identifying themselves as Jewish following the Oct. 7 attacks, the survey found.

About 4 in 10 Jewish adults say they are “less likely” to wear, carry or display things that might identify them as a Jewish person than they were before Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. About half say they are “about as likely” and about 1 in 10 say they are “more likely.”

Caitlin Rosendorn, a 24-year-old in Illinois, said she used to wear a Star of David necklace, but she worries now that wearing it could give people the incorrect impression that she supports Israel’s attacks against the Palestinian people.

“I don’t want to wear a Star of David to work if that’s going to alienate somebody who sees the Star of David as a symbol of Israel as opposed to a symbol of Judaism,” she said. “I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about my views.”

Many Jews report physical assault, property damage or harassment
About 1 in 10 Jewish adults say that in the past year, they or someone in their household has been physically assaulted. A similar share had property damaged or destroyed specifically because of their Jewish background.

About 2 in 10 Jewish adults say they or someone in their household has been called a slur, threatened, verbally harassed or verbally abused. Similarly, about 2 in 10 say they experienced online harassment or cyberbullying. Overall, about 3 in 10 of Jewish adults say that they or someone in their household has experienced at least one of these incidents because of their Jewish background.

Jewish adults who attend religious services at least once a month are much likelier than Jewish adults overall to say they or someone in their household has experienced attacks or harassment over their Jewish background — a finding that comes as there have been several targeted attacks on Jewish religious spaces in recent years.

Slightly less than half of Jewish adults who frequently attend religious services say they or someone in their household has faced verbal harassment. A similar share experienced online harassment, and about one-quarter have dealt with physical attacks or property damage.

Jon Kessler, 38, of California, who grew up in the Conservative tradition of Judaism, believes non-Jews might be surprised at the extent to which Jewish adults have to consider security at community events.

“Most people when they go to church don’t have armed security, but every synagogue has an armed security guard,” Kessler said. “My son’s Jewish daycare has an armed security guard.”

Jews are divided over whether protesting Israel is a form of antisemitism
Protests surrounding speakers tied to Israel — whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanahyu’s address to Congress or college speakers seen as either too supportive or too critical of the country — became more common following the backlash over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Jewish adults, in particular, are divided over whether protesting an event related to Israel is an act of prejudice against Jewish people generally. About half of Jewish adults say anti-Israel protests are not a form of antisemitism, but roughly 4 in 10 say they are.

Many anti-Israel protests have been tied to criticism of Israel’s military action in Gaza. More than 73,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since Israel retaliated against Hamas’ attack in 2023, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.

About two-thirds of Jewish adults say criticizing Israel for its military actions is not a form of antisemitism, but Jewish adults with a close emotional connection to Israel are more likely to say that criticism of Israel’s military actions is antisemitic. That said, relatively few Jewish adults say it’s antisemitic just to criticize Israel for “any reason.”

Americans overall are less likely to say it’s antisemitic to protest an event that is supportive of Israel, or to criticize Israel’s military actions — but they are also much less likely to have an opinion.

Jewish adults are more unified in deeming some actions as definitively antisemitic. The overwhelming majority say vandalizing synagogues or Jewish-owned businesses because of Israel’s actions is antisemitism. The same goes for denying the reality or scope of the Holocaust, putting responsibility for Israel’s actions on Jewish people in the United States, saying Israel shouldn’t exist as a Jewish state or claiming American Jews are more loyal to Israel than to the U.S.

There is less consensus among non-Jewish U.S. adults on whether some of these actions constitute antisemitism, with many saying they’re not sure.

Amanda Goldsmith, 53, who lives in Chicago, believes people have become too comfortable expressing antisemitic views online — something that she previously thought only existed in extremist spaces.

“Now, it seems like there was an undercurrent, and it’s a free-for-all, and everyone is free to say what they want,” she said. “The freedom with which people say horrible things about Jewish people is appalling.”

___

The AP-NORC poll of 3,040 adults was conducted June 11-17 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The poll included interviews with 1,022 Jewish adults. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points and the margin of sampling error for Jewish adults is plus or minus 5.0 percentage points.

President Vladimir Putin is rejecting calls to negotiate peace with Kyiv, three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters, with Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russia’s oil refineries and ports strengthening his resolve to keep fighting for now.

Two of the sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Putin was instead likely to escalate the conflict, now well into its fifth year. One of them, who meets regularly with the president, described a “high probability” of escalation in the coming months.

The comments come after US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Putin wanted the war to end and that a resolution was “closer than people realize.” Trump held separate phone calls with Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky last week. He met Zelensky at the NATO summit on Wednesday, where the Ukrainian president said they discussed “ideas to bring peace closer.”

One of the people familiar with Putin’s thinking said he had “dug in his heels” to achieve the key objective of capturing the remainder of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, where Russian advances have slowed this year. The same source said Putin recently rebuked a group of advisers suggesting a compromise based on a ceasefire along the current front lines. The second source said Putin believes Russia will soon capture the Donbas.

The Russian president publicly rebuffed a call by Zelensky in June for a meeting and a ceasefire.

Putin ‘dug in heels,’ heightened tensions with NATO

“Russia is ready for a peaceful resolution but has enough capability to act independently and continue the special military operation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in response to a request for comment for this story.

In response to a request for comment to Zelensky’s office, a senior Ukrainian official said Kyiv’s intelligence reports in recent months reflected that Putin was preparing for further steps in the war rather than for peace, including new operations in Ukraine or a possible attack on another European country.

Some Western military analysts believe Russia would need a mandatory draft of fighting-age men to achieve the goal of taking the Donbas. The draft is a politically unpopular move Putin has been reluctant to make since early in the war.

Russian military experts have increasingly discussed escalation in public, including the possibility of hitting European targets such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.

Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the US-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all.

Russia could seek to sow tensions within NATO with isolated attacks, comparable to a recent Russian drone strike on Romania, according to Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a defense and security think tank in London.

“The Russians would not be aiming for a war with NATO. But it could be used to divide NATO over how to respond,” Watling said. He added that heightened tensions with NATO could help give Putin a political justification within Russia for military conscription.

Strikes on refineries, ports, infrastructure create devastating shortages

Repeated strikes on oil refineries, ports and storage depots in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine have caused severe fuel shortages, bringing the impact of the war home to millions of Russians. Putin’s approval rating remains high but recently hit its lowest point since the war started in 2022, a poll showed.

Ukraine’s allies have seized on what they call a momentum shift in the war. Some call for additional economic sanctions to force Putin to end the conflict.

Ukraine’s recent successes, however, have made Putin angrier and more determined to give a tough response, according to the person who meets Putin regularly.

Russian forces have launched two major drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in the last week, including the capital Kyiv, killing dozens of civilians. Moscow said the assaults had struck military targets.

Speaking to generals last week in televised comments, Putin said Ukraine’s strikes on energy infrastructure meant Russia would seek to capture more Ukrainian land along the border, beyond Donbas, as a “security zone.”

A former Russian defense ministry official, Andrei Ilnitsky, said in a June 29 column for Kommersant newspaper that escalation in the conflict could start with the destruction of 30 major industrial sites in Ukraine, including a steel plant and Odesa port.

Russia has already caused widespread damage to commercial enterprises and ports across Ukraine. Production and exports have also been impacted by Russia’s repeated strikes on power facilities.

Ilnitsky added that the next phase could be strikes on NATO bases in the Baltic states and Romania as well as facilities in the European Union producing long-range drones and missiles for Ukraine.

Asked about Ilnitsky’s column, Kremlin spokesman Peskov told reporters this week that Russia should strengthen its own security and cannot “close its eyes” to the militarization of Europe.

A grinding ground war in Donbas, millions dead

The talk of Russian escalation comes as its slower progress on the battlefield has raised the prospect that considerable time and casualties will be needed to take Donbas.

To date, about two million soldiers have been killed, wounded, or missing since the full-scale invasion in early 2022, 1.4 million of them Russian, according to a recent estimate by the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Neither side releases military casualty data.

Russia’s troops have struggled to advance this year along the 1,200-km (745-mile) front line as Ukraine’s drones counter Russia’s numerical advantage in troops. In recent weeks, Russia has been grinding into the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, one of several towns in Ukraine’s ‘fortress belt,’ a critical defensive front in the Donetsk region.

On July 3, Putin said Russian forces had seized Kostiantynivka. Ukraine denied it.

A day later, during a call with Trump, Putin sought to convince him that Russia would take the remaining fifth of the Donetsk region of Donbas that Ukraine still controls.

Putin, the source who meets him regularly said, considers winning control of the region a matter of principle, saying the Russian president “needs some kind of victory.”

This post was originally published on here.

Asked by media figure Andrew Ross Sorkin on Wednesday whether he would back Secretary of State Marco Rubio or Vice President JD Vance in a 2028 Republican presidential primary contest, multibillionaire Ken Griffin indicated that he had backed Rubio in the past and would be predisposed to do so again, Axios reported.

The exchange occurred during an interview at the Allen & Company conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, according to the outlet, which noted that Griffin did not state what he would do to assist Rubio.

Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt noted in the article that in his 2025 book, “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power,” he reported that Griffin urged then-former President Donald Trump not to pick Vance as his 2024 running mate.

Griffin supported Rubio when Rubio unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nod about a decade ago. 

During the last White House election cycle, Griffin shelled out $5 million in donations to a super PAC supporting GOP presidential primary candidate former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Griffin’s spokesperson noted, The Associated Press reported.

Griffin said after the general election in 2024 that he voted for Trump.

Rubio has indicated that he will not challenge Vance if the vice president throws his hat into the ring for the upcoming presidential race.

“If JD Vance runs for president, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said, according to a 2025 Vanity Fair report.

The founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, Griffin is worth more than $51 billion, according to Forbes.

FOX Business reached out to Citadel on Thursday.

Fox News Digital’s Eric Revell contributed to this report