DENVER (VINnews) – Melat Kiros, the 29-year-old Democratic Socialist who has described both the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre as “inevitable” consequences of U.S. and Israeli policies, won the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette.

Kiros captured roughly 49% of the vote in the heavily Democratic Denver seat and is now the strong favorite to win the general election in November.

In a June 22 interview with Denver’s 9NEWS, Kiros stood by her earlier characterization of the Oct. 7 attack — in which Hamas terrorists murdered approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, in a rampage that included mass rape, torture, burning families alive in their homes, and the abduction of 251 hostages — as an “inevitable consequence of apartheid” and decades of occupation.

Pressed on whether the same logic applied to 9/11, Kiros agreed. “Inevitable in the sense that we destabilized a lot of the Middle East,” she said. “That forced people to believe that another act of violence was the only response.”

She rejected the specific claim that Israel “had it coming,” but repeatedly emphasized the need to understand the “conditions” that lead to such violence.

Kiros also endorsed a full arms embargo on Israel that would include defensive systems such as the Iron Dome, which has saved countless Israeli civilian lives by intercepting rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah.

When asked about the 2025 firebombing attack in Boulder that targeted a peaceful Jewish gathering calling for the release of Oct. 7 hostages, Kiros declined to describe it as antisemitic.

“I don’t know what was in the heart of the perpetrator,” she said. “All I know is that he attacked innocent people because of what they might have believed.”

The Boulder attacker, who shouted “Free Palestine,” used Molotov cocktails and an improvised flamethrower against the crowd, injuring 13 people. An 82-year-old woman later died from her wounds. The suspect faces hate crime charges.

Jewish organizations and pro-Israel advocates have expressed serious concern over Kiros’s comments and her primary victory. They view her framing of both 9/11 and Oct. 7 as the predictable result of American and Israeli actions as a dangerous form of victim-blaming that excuses deliberate terrorist massacres of civilians.

The Sept. 11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 Americans. They were carried out by al-Qaeda terrorists driven by radical Islamist ideology that seeks the destruction of the United States and its allies.

The Oct. 7 massacre was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization whose charter calls for the killing of Jews, launched the assault from Gaza — territory Israel had fully withdrawn from in 2005. Hamas used the years afterward to construct an extensive tunnel network and stockpile Iranian-supplied weapons for the explicit purpose of attacking Israeli civilians.

Kiros’s call to cut off even defensive weapons to Israel comes as the Jewish state continues to face rocket and terror threats from Hamas remnants, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Her refusal to label the Boulder firebombing as antisemitic has added to the alarm, especially at a time when antisemitic incidents across the United States have reached record levels since Oct. 7.

Kiros, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, Justice Democrats, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, has made harsh criticism of Israel a centerpiece of her campaign. She has also called for abolishing ICE and other far-left policies.

With Tuesday’s primary win, Kiros is positioned to become one of the most radical voices on Israel in the next Congress — a prospect that has deeply unsettled many in the Jewish community and among supporters of a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.

MK Uri Maklev, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, delivered a passionate speech in the Knesset plenum during debate over the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, arguing that the very need for such legislation demonstrates a growing erosion of Torah’s place in the identity of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

The Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in its first reading, after which Maklev strongly criticized opponents of the measure, saying much of the criticism had little to do with the legislation itself and instead reflected broader political disputes.

Opening his remarks, Maklev said, “Unfortunately, we heard many things that have absolutely nothing to do with this law. What didn’t we hear? That this law is really a budget for yeshivos, that it is anti-Zionist, and other claims that were simply political populism unrelated to the legislation. All of the political battles and struggles taking place in Israel over the past period have been poured into this one bill.”

He went on to argue that much of the opposition reflected a lack of understanding about the role Torah plays in Jewish life.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we heard a great deal of ignorance. I don’t even know if I should call it ignorance, because ignorance results when people are never taught. Today, in elementary schools, high schools, and even universities, they don’t teach the essence of Torah. I wish they taught even 10 percent of what is taught in the United States about the Ten Commandments, basic Jewish values, and the importance of Torah study.”

Maklev then questioned what truly defines the Jewish people, arguing that national symbols alone cannot provide that identity.

“How can people understand who we are when they don’t recognize the foundation of our nation? What makes the Jewish people the Jewish people in the State of Israel? Is it because we have a national food—falafel or shawarma? Every country has a flag and a national anthem. What is it that makes us the Jewish people?”

According to Maklev, the Jewish people’s right to live in Eretz Yisroel is rooted in the Torah rather than in the decisions of modern political leaders or movements.

“There is no question that everything stems from the Torah. It is our right to exist. It is the reason we are here. We cannot say that our right to live in this land exists because the Zionist Congress decided it, or because of a speech by Herzl or Ben-Gurion. If you look at what they themselves said, our right to settle this land comes from the promise of ‘the land of our forefathers.’ That fundamental principle appears in the Torah, and that is the source of our right to exist.”

Maklev also argued that Zionism itself has no lasting meaning without Torah serving as its foundation.

“There is no Zionism without Torah behind it. Zionism by itself is empty—it has nothing. Whatever people call our attachment to this land only has meaning when it is built upon the foundation of Torah. In the end, all values lead back to Torah. Some people want to say that good character, caring for others, equality, or observing Shabbos are the central values. Of course those are values—but they all ultimately flow from Torah.”

As he concluded his address, Maklev said the fact that lawmakers now find it necessary to pass a Basic Law affirming the importance of Torah study reflects how negatively bnei yeshivah have come to be viewed in Israeli society.

“We’ve heard people say that the Knesset has deteriorated. I agree that there has been deterioration. But if we’ve reached the point where we need a Basic Law on Torah study, that didn’t happen by itself. It happened because people who learn Torah are being portrayed as criminals.”

Maklev recalled attending proceedings in a military court earlier in the week, where he witnessed what he described as a striking contrast.

“I was in a military court this week. There were hearings involving soldiers who had trafficked weapons and behaved like criminals guilty of very serious offenses. And then there was another line of people whose only ‘crime’ was that they studied Torah.”

He concluded by comparing the legislation to a hypothetical law declaring democracy to be an important national value, arguing that fundamental principles only require legal protection once they come under attack.

“If we heard that the United States was passing a law declaring democracy to be an important value, people would ask, ‘What happened? Isn’t that already the foundation?’ The fact that we now need a law explaining the value of Torah study is only because that value is being challenged. That is why this legislation is necessary, and I thank you very much.”

{Matzav.com}

After weeks of bitter infighting and a dispute over roughly 40 billion shekels, Israel’s Finance Ministry and Defense Ministry have reached a compromise on the 2026 defense budget, clearing the way for an immediate injection of funds to the defense establishment while postponing the broader battle over the full scope of military spending.

According to Walla, the agreement follows a sharp confrontation between the two ministries over the Defense Ministry’s demand to raise the 2026 defense budget far beyond its approved base of 143 billion shekels. Security officials had pushed for a total budget of 183 to 188 billion shekels, arguing that the post-war security reality requires unprecedented investment in force buildup, munitions, stockpiles, and the rehabilitation system, while also laying the groundwork for a long-term military buildup plan estimated at 350 billion shekels over the coming decade.

Under the compromise, the Defense Ministry will receive an immediate 15 billion shekel budget addition, allowing it to move ahead with urgent procurement orders and avoid disruptions to ongoing military activity. Finance Ministry officials said 12 billion shekels will come from reserve funds prepared in advance, while another 3 billion shekels will come from budget surpluses. The rest of the requested funding is expected to be transferred later in stages, based on the pace of implementation and the operational needs presented by the defense establishment.

The dispute had centered not only on the size of the requested increase, but on the broader question of whether Israel could once again reopen the state budget after already doing so in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Treasury officials warned that fully granting the Defense Ministry’s demands would damage Israel’s fiscal credibility and further widen the deficit, while also accusing the defense establishment of failing to properly prioritize its spending needs. Defense officials rejected those claims, insisting the demands stem from real operational requirements driven by cabinet decisions and the threat environment, particularly in light of Iran’s continued military buildup.

As part of the agreement, a joint oversight mechanism will now be set up by the Finance Ministry and Defense Ministry to review the pace of spending each month and determine whether additional funds should be released. Treasury officials stressed that unlike previous understandings, this arrangement is not an open-ended commitment and does not include across-the-board cuts to other government ministries.

The agreement gives the defense establishment breathing room to continue immediate procurement and preparedness efforts, but officials on both sides reportedly expect the broader fight over Israel’s defense budget and long-term military buildup plan to continue in the months ahead.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

California’s standardized food date-labeling law took effect Tuesday, requiring food manufacturers that choose to display expiration-style dates on products sold in the state to use uniform language and prohibiting consumer-facing “sell by” labels.

Under Assembly Bill 660, food manufacturers, processors and retailers that display date labels on food manufactured on or after July 1, 2026, must use “BEST if Used by” or “BEST if Used or Frozen by” to indicate product quality, and “USE by” or “USE by or Freeze by” to indicate food safety.

The law also prohibits covered food products sold in California from displaying consumer-facing “sell by” labels, although retailers may continue using coded stock-rotation labels that are not easily readable by consumers.

“Using clear, consistent date labels will help reduce confusion about when food is safe to eat, cut down on unnecessary food waste, and make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions,” Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, who authored the legislation, wrote Monday on X. “A simple change with meaningful benefits for families, businesses, and the environment.”

State officials say the change is intended to reduce consumer confusion over the dozens of different date-label phrases currently used on food packaging.

According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, more than 50 differently worded date labels have been used in the U.S., leading many consumers to mistakenly discard food that remains safe to eat.

The department, citing the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, said Californians throw away the equivalent of 2.5 billion meals worth of unspoiled food each year. Organic waste accounts for about 48% of material sent to California landfills and generates roughly 41% of the state’s methane emissions as it decomposes there, according to the agency.

The legislation does not require manufacturers to place date labels on products that otherwise would not have them. Instead, it standardizes the wording used when companies choose — or are otherwise required by law — to include quality or safety dates.

The law also preserves several exceptions. It does not apply to infant formula, eggs, pasteurized in-shell eggs, or beer and other malt beverages. Grocery stores may continue using “packed on” labels for prepared foods as long as the products also display the required quality or safety date labels.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 660 into law in September 2024, making California the first state to adopt standardized consumer-facing food date labels.

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Saturday, President Donald Trump’s administration plans to launch Trump Accounts, tying the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to an effort to boost financial independence for American kids.

Under the program, parents can open investment accounts for any child born during Trump’s second term and automatically receive $1,000 from the government. Accounts can be opened on behalf of older children — as long as they don’t turn 18 before the end of the calendar year — but they will not receive the $1,000.

That money — and anything else deposited by employers, philanthropies and relatives — is invested in the stock market by private firms. Children can’t access the money until they turn 18, and then only for specific purposes, like paying for a home or school.

The accounts already have gotten a boost from billionaires beyond the $1,000 from the government. Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, and his wife, Susan, pledged to give $6.25 billion to the accounts of some kids who don’t qualify for the government’s $1,000. On Wednesday, Trump announced on Truth Social that Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, would give $250 million.

The donation “will help jumpstart the American Dream for these fabulous children as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! This MASSIVE Investment will help MILLIONS of American children and families get a strong start in life, and give them REAL Financial Security,” wrote Trump, a Republican.

Trump Accounts launch amid widespread affordability concerns. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked during the war with Iran. Food prices have risen since Trump’s inauguration, too. Meanwhile, many Americans are bracing for changes to social safety net programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which were cut under the same legislation that created Trump Accounts.

Here’s what you need to know about Trump Accounts and how to claim the money:

What is a Trump Account?
It’s a new savings tool in which money is invested in the stock market on a child’s behalf. The child can’t access the money until they turn 18 and can use it only for specific purposes, such as paying tuition, starting a business or making a down payment on a home. Families can already sign up at trumpaccounts.gov.

After a parent or guardian opens an account, the U.S. Treasury Department will contribute $1,000 for newborns. Private banks and brokerages will manage the money, which must be invested in U.S. equity index funds that track the stock market and charge the accounts no more than 0.10% in annual fees.

Parents can contribute up to $2,500 annually in pretax income, much like they do for retirement accounts. Parents’ employers, relatives, friends, local governments and philanthropic groups can also pitch in. Yearly contributions are capped at $5,000, but contributions from governments and charities don’t count toward that total.

“We’re doing something much better than giving the next generation a handout,” Trump said. “We’re giving them ownership of America’s future.”

Who gets $1,000?
As part of the initiative’s launch, parents of older children also are encouraged to open accounts, but they won’t get the $1,000 bonus. That money is reserved for babies born during the calendar years of the current Trump administration.

To qualify for the $1,000 seed money, a baby must be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number and be born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. Any parent can open an account for a qualifying child, regardless of the parent’s immigration status.

It’s important to note the child won’t be able to access the money until they turn 18, except in rare circumstances. So the money can’t help with immediate expenses. And disbursements from the accounts will be subject to taxes.

Can older kids get any bonuses for their Trump Account?
Some can, thanks to contributions from some of the country’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.

The Dells’ $6.25 billion donation will allow some children who are age 10 or under to receive $250 in seed money if their parents open an account. That money is reserved for kids who live in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less who are too old to get the $1,000 seed money from the Treasury.

Hedge fund founder Ray Dalio and his wife, Barbara, pledged $75 million for kids under age 10 in Connecticut, where Dalio lives. That would amount to $250 for 300,000 children in qualifying ZIP codes.

Trump announced in January that investor Brad Gerstner would donate $250 to Trump Accounts for every child under age 5 in Indiana.

Several major companies also plan to add Trump Account contributions to their benefits packages, including Uber, Intel, IBM, Nvidia and Steak ‘n Shake. The administration has encouraged such donations through what U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the “50 State Challenge.”

What’s the idea behind the accounts?
Backers of the accounts say they want to introduce more people to the stock market and give even children born into poverty a chance to benefit from it. Supporters also say the accounts bolster capitalism when openly socialist candidates are growing more popular.

“The answer to more socialism is more capitalism,” Gerstner said in January at a White House event. “This makes every child in America a capitalist from birth.”

About 58% of U.S. households held stocks or bonds in 2022, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, though the wealthiest 1% owned almost half the value of stocks in that year.

Before Trump created the accounts, California, Connecticut and the District of Columbia were piloting baby bonds programs, which are similar to Trump Accounts in some ways. Several other states, including Maryland, are weighing programs.

But those programs are targeted to youths growing up in poverty or foster care, plus children who lost a parent to COVID-19. Wealthier children don’t benefit from them. They’re also managed by the state, not private investment firms.

What do critics say?
Critics point out the accounts do little to help children in their early years, when they’re most vulnerable and most likely to be in poverty. The accounts, they say, also fail to offset cuts the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have made to other programs that benefit young people and the adults in their lives, including food assistance and Medicaid. Republicans created the accounts in the Trump tax and spending cuts bill that reduced spending for some of those programs.

And even with the contribution from the government, critics say the Trump Accounts will widen the wealth gap. Affluent families that can afford to make the maximum pretax contribution to the accounts will realize the greatest benefits. Poor families that can’t afford to set aside money for the accounts will benefit the least. Assuming a 7% annual return, the $1,000 in seed money would grow to roughly $3,570 over 18 years.

A senior aide to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is moving to the Federal Reserve, a personnel change that strengthens ties between two of the nation’s most influential economic institutions.

According to a Bloomberg report published Wednesday, Samantha Schwab, principal deputy chief of staff to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, will become an adviser to Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh. The move comes just weeks after Warsh took office as Fed chairman and begins assembling his senior leadership team.

While a single staffing change might normally attract little attention, this appointment carries added significance because of the close working relationship expected between Warsh and Bessent as they help shape U.S. economic policy.

Schwab joined the Treasury Department in January 2025 and has served as Bessent’s principal deputy chief of staff since April. She also previously worked in the White House during President Donald Trump’s first administration, giving her experience across both the executive branch and economic policymaking.

The appointment arrives as Warsh begins implementing his vision for the Federal Reserve.

After being confirmed by the Senate and taking office in May, Warsh has emphasized restoring price stability, maintaining the Fed’s independence, and gradually reducing the central bank’s enormous balance sheet that expanded during years of bond-buying programs.

The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet remains above $6 trillion, reflecting years of emergency economic support and quantitative easing following the pandemic. Warsh has long argued that the central bank became too heavily involved in financial markets and should gradually return to a narrower focus centered on monetary policy and inflation.

That philosophy closely aligns with views expressed by Treasury Secretary Bessent, making Schwab’s move particularly noteworthy.

For businesses and consumers, the relationship between the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve matters because together they influence nearly every corner of the economy. The Treasury manages federal borrowing and fiscal policy, while the Fed controls interest rates and monetary policy. Close coordination between the two institutions can shape everything from mortgage rates and business lending to inflation and employment.

At the same time, the appointment is likely to renew discussion about the Federal Reserve’s independence.

The central bank has traditionally operated separately from the White House and Treasury to ensure monetary policy decisions remain insulated from political pressure. Critics often caution that excessive coordination between the Fed and elected officials could undermine investor confidence in the institution’s independence.

Supporters, however, argue that effective communication between the Treasury and Federal Reserve is essential during periods of economic uncertainty and can produce more consistent policymaking.

Warsh himself brings extensive Federal Reserve experience to the role.

He previously served as a Fed governor during the 2008 financial crisis before leaving the central bank in 2011. Since then, he has frequently criticized prolonged quantitative easing and argued that the Fed should maintain a smaller presence in financial markets while focusing more directly on controlling inflation.

Building an experienced advisory team is viewed as one of the first steps toward implementing that agenda.

Schwab’s background inside both the Treasury Department and the White House provides familiarity with the administration’s broader economic priorities while also giving Warsh an adviser experienced in navigating complex federal policymaking.

Although the appointment itself will not immediately affect interest rates or financial markets, it offers an early glimpse into how Warsh intends to lead the central bank and the type of advisers he wants surrounding him.

For investors, businesses, and households, the staffing decision signals that the Federal Reserve’s new leadership is moving quickly to establish its policy team as it confronts inflation, interest-rate decisions, and the long-term challenge of reducing the central bank’s balance sheet.

The appointment reinforces expectations that the Fed under Kevin Warsh will continue emphasizing price stability, disciplined monetary policy, and a gradual return to a more traditional role within the U.S. financial system.

JBizNews Desk
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In the course of the discussion in the Knesset plenum prior to the passing of the Basic Law: Limmud Torah, UTJ MK Meir Porush slammed the Knesset members who opposed the bill, asking them how they’re connected to Eretz Yisrael.

In his opening remarks, he explained the need for the bill: “78 years ago, Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of a state, a state that he defined as a Jewish and democratic state. You might ask, and it would be a good question, how is it that in a country where its founders wrote in the Declaration of Independence about ‘the eternal Book of Books,’ the Basic Law of Torah Study was not immediately enacted upon its establishment?”

“The answer is no less compelling than the question. It is also written in the Declaration of Independence: ‘The Jewish people arose in Eretz Yisrael.’ As is well known, the Jewish people received the Torah at Har Sinai 3,338 years ago, and in its merit, we are in Eretz Yisrael.

“Therefore, in a proper world, there is no need for such a law. There are matters that are far beyond legislation, matters that are self-evident to anyone who seeks to live in Eretz Yisrael by virtue of the Divine command written in the Torah, which is our contract to this land.

“But in recent years, a new group of politicians has grown stronger—let’s call them the Uganda politicians (a reference to Theodor Herzl’s proposal of the “Uganda Scheme” at the Sixth Zionist Congress in 1903). Some of them are politicians here in the Knesset, and some are politicians masquerading as jurists, legal advisers, and judges.”

“They don’t understand, because what do they have to do with the Torah? As far as they are concerned, it would have been possible to establish a state in Uganda—a democratic state with no connection to the Jewish people—and there, it’s true that there would be no reason or logic for enacting a Basic Law on Limmud Torah study. What does Uganda have to do with Limmud Torah?”

“The absurdity is even greater because the agency that doesn’t accept the position of the Uganda politicians is the IDF. After the terrible October 7 massacre, the then-defense minister, today the darling of the left, Yoav Gallant, established a professional security committee, with the blessing of the then director-general of the Defense Ministry and current IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and the then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

“The committee, headed by Maj. Gen. (res.) Eliezer Shkedy and composed of a number of senior military officers, recommended the following: ‘Preserve the core values of the Chareidi world—protect Lomdei Torah whose Torah study is their occupation (those who study three sedarim a day).’ These words are written in Maj.-Gen. Shkedy’s recommendations.

“As stated, a committee established after the October 7 massacre determined that someone who studies three sedarim a day should not be drafted. Apparently, there are those in the army who understand the value of Limmud Torah. But the Uganda politicians don’t.

“We must provide a Jewish response here today against that group of politician-jurists who adhere to the Uganda approach—a response that should be self-evident.”

Porush also addressed, with great pain, several right-wing coalition members who voted against the bill: “To those Knesset members from the coalition who intend to oppose this law, some of whom even wear knitted kippot, I want to say: What do you have to do with Eretz Yisrael? You, the wearers of knitted kippot, supposedly advocate, refuse to give up, and cherish every inch of land here in Eretz Yisrael because it was promised to us in the Torah. But when it comes to Limmud Torah, you want us to make do with just a few crumbs of Torah. Is it too much to ask you for a bit of cheshbon nefesh?”

“I would like to thank my friend, former MK Rabbi Moshe Shimon Roth, who wisely submitted this bill at the beginning of the term while serving as a Knesset member, and MK Moshe Gafni, who is now leading the advancement of this legislation together with all the members of United Torah Judaism. I call on all Knesset members today to vote for the Torah; otherwise, you are advocating for the State of Uganda.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The Tri-State area is enduring the most dangerous stretch of a five-day heat wave, with Thursday and Friday expected to bring the hottest temperatures of the year.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Saturday as temperatures climb to around 100 degrees, while the heat index is forecast to reach 110 to 115 degrees across parts of New Jersey, New York City, and the surrounding region.

If New York City reaches 100 degrees Thursday, it would mark the city’s first triple-digit temperature since 2012. Two consecutive 100-degree days would be the first since 2011.

The dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the Fourth of July, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s and humidity making it feel well above 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures will remain in the upper 70s and low 80s, offering little relief.

Forecasters are also warning of poor air quality due to elevated ground-level ozone, while dangerous rip currents have prompted beach advisories along parts of the coast.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible Friday evening and again on Independence Day. While they may briefly cool temperatures, any storms could produce heavy rain, gusty winds, frequent lightning, and disrupt outdoor celebrations and fireworks.

Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, spend time in air-conditioned buildings or cooling centers, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those without access to air conditioning. Health officials note that hundreds of New Yorkers die each year from heat-related causes, most after prolonged exposure indoors without adequate cooling.

Relief is finally expected to arrive Sunday, with a more noticeable cooldown and widespread showers forecast early next week.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WASHINGTON (VINnews) — President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media portraying himself as a doctor offering a mock treatment for what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” featuring fictional versions of several celebrity critics.

The video, posted late Wednesday on Trump’s Truth Social account, depicts AI-generated versions of Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, Julia Roberts, John Leguizamo and Edward Norton describing exaggerated symptoms before “Dr. Trump” recommends turning off “fake news,” praying and drinking Diet Coke.

The post is the latest in a series of AI-generated images and videos shared by Trump, who has previously posted AI depictions of himself as the pope, Superman and other fictional characters.

The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is commonly used by some Trump supporters to describe what they view as irrational opposition to the president, but it is not a recognized medical condition.

The New Jersey State Police are urging residents to celebrate the July 4th holiday weekend responsibly as they prepare for increased traffic and boating enforcement across the state.

With millions expected to travel over the long holiday weekend, troopers will be conducting enhanced patrols on roadways and waterways to help keep the public safe.

According to the State Police, last year’s July 4th holiday weekend saw 11 fatal crashes that claimed 12 lives. In six of those crashes, alcohol and/or drugs were determined to be contributing factors.

To help prevent similar tragedies, the New Jersey State Police will increase traffic enforcement statewide from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2, through 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 6. More than 140 additional troopers will be deployed on special enforcement details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, and driving while intoxicated, in addition to regular patrol operations.

Officials are reminding motorists to obey New Jersey’s Move Over Law by changing lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down to below the posted speed limit.

The State Police Marine Bureau will also participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing boating under the influence and reducing alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water during one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.

Authorities encourage anyone planning to drink to arrange for a safe ride by using a designated driver, rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, a taxi, or by staying with friends or family rather than getting behind the wheel.

“As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this Independence Day weekend, let us honor the freedoms we cherish by making safety a priority,” said Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle. “Whether you’re traveling our roadways or enjoying time on our waterways, celebrate responsibly, make smart decisions, and look out for one another. A moment of poor judgment can turn a time of celebration into tragedy.”

She added that by working together, New Jersey residents can help ensure the holiday weekend is remembered for time spent with family and friends—not for preventable tragedies on the state’s roads and waterways.

(AP) – New Jersey is launching a new fee on companies whose workers have Medicaid health coverage instead of being covered by their employers. Other states are considering it, too.

Democratic lawmakers and governors see it as a way to help pay for the joint federal and state insurance program that covers low-income residents as federal policy changes are expected to make the program more expensive for states and may lead to a reduction in the number of people with coverage.

Proponents also say it’s about fairness because employers benefit from having some lower-income workers with taxpayer-funded health coverage.

Business groups object. So do some liberal policy organizations.

New Jersey is putting the fee in place
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a measure Tuesday night to charge employers that have at least 50 workers covered by Medicaid, and the state budget she approved earlier in the week counts on raising $145 million this year from the program.

Under the plan, companies will be billed for each employee and employees’ dependent receiving Medicaid, the joint state-federal insurance program.

The fees per person would start at $325 a year for companies with 50 to 249 Medicaid beneficiaries and top out at $725 annually for employers with at least 500 recipients.

Federal Medicaid changes are prompting Democratic-led states to act
A bill passed this week in California doesn’t impose a charge now, but it does direct the state administration to present lawmakers options for doing so next year.

Finishing the job would fall to the successor of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is leaving office in January. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has made an employer charge part of his election platform.

State Sen. John Laird, a Democrat who sponsored the California proposal, said the big tax and policy law President Donald Trump signed a year ago was a major factor in the need for action because it could prompt the state to spend more on Medicaid to plug holes left by federal changes.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office expects more than 10 million people will be uninsured because of the law by 2034. It requires some beneficiaries to work, be in school or volunteer — and requires even more to document whether they meet the requirements. Most employees at the bigger companies would not be at risk of losing Medicaid coverage as long as they’re working at least 20 hours a week.

Laird also said there’s an equity issue involved.

“If you’re a small business person in California, you are quite likely paying for health insurance for your employees. And through your taxes, you’re paying for health insurance for some of the biggest employers in California,” he said. “And that’s not fair.”

Legislation with similar intents passed one legislative chamber in both Colorado and Oregon this year, but neither made it to law. A measure was also introduced in Washington.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat who is seeking a third term in November’s election, has called for the same move there with the idea of making it a part of the state budget that would kick in two years from now.

Opposition comes from business and some liberal groups
It’s no surprise that business organizations have criticized the approach, which would add to their expenses.

“The fact remains that many job-creators are still going to be penalized for something they have no control over,” Christopher Emigholz, the chief government affairs officer at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said in a statement. “If an employee declines an employer-provided health plan because they’d rather be on Medicaid, it is unfair to penalize the employer for that employee’s decision.”

Some left-leaning policy organizations also oppose the charges.

Gideon Lukens, who analyzes health policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said that while the idea may be well-intentioned, it could lead companies to employ fewer people from low-income household or single parents. He said companies could also consider the policy in decisions about whom to hire or lay off — and also on where to locate or how many workers to employ.

And, he said, it could make employees — or potential employees — less likely to enroll in Medicaid knowing it would make them less attractive to employers.

“Usually, when I see a tax on something it’s going to discourage whatever being taxed,” he said in an interview.

New Jersey’s legislation tries to address some of the concerns. It would exempt temporary, seasonal and part-time employees. It would also bar employment decisions based on a workers’ Medicaid status.

The idea has come up before, though it’s never stuck for long
Charging companies whose workers are covered by Medicaid isn’t a new idea. At least two states have previously enacted it, and it’s been proposed in Congress.

Massachusetts lawmakers in 2017 adopted a charge on employers up to $750 per nondisabled worker who was covered through Medicaid or a state-subsidized health exchange plan. The program began in 2018 was not renewed when it expired the next year.

An even earlier policy in Maryland, in 2006, immediately affected only Walmart. An industry group challenged it in court and won, stopping the fees. A federal judge found that it required the company to track and allocate employment benefits differently in Maryland than in other states in violation of a federal law that governs self-insured employee health plans.

The latest generation of proposals may avoid that legal pitfall by not referencing those health plans in the legislation.

One of Brooklyn’s best-known retail landmarks is entering a new chapter as the former Macy’s department store on Fulton Street prepares for redevelopment following its closure as part of the retailer’s nationwide restructuring.

Located at 422 Fulton Street, the property served generations of Brooklyn shoppers and traces its roots to the iconic Abraham & Straus department store before becoming a Macy’s location. The building has long been one of the anchors of Downtown Brooklyn’s busy shopping district.

The property’s new owners plan to transform the approximately 440,000-square-foot building into a mixed entertainment destination designed to attract families and visitors, reflecting the growing shift away from traditional department store retailing toward experience-based attractions.

Real estate investors acquired the building after Macy’s sold the property as part of its broader strategy to reduce its store footprint and focus investment on its strongest-performing locations. Reports indicate the redevelopment could include major entertainment tenants, interactive attractions, dining, and other destination-oriented uses intended to increase foot traffic throughout Downtown Brooklyn.

The project reflects a nationwide transformation taking place across American retail.

As more consumers purchase everyday goods online, many former department store buildings are being repurposed into entertainment, dining, residential, office, and mixed-use developments that generate activity difficult to replicate through e-commerce.

For Downtown Brooklyn, the redevelopment offers an opportunity to reshape one of New York City’s busiest commercial corridors. While the closure of a longtime anchor retailer represents the end of an era, developers believe a destination focused on entertainment and experiences could attract new visitors and strengthen nearby businesses.

The redevelopment also aligns with Macy’s broader turnaround strategy. The company has been closing underperforming stores while investing more heavily in flagship locations, upgraded shopping experiences, and its luxury brands, including Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.

Company executives say concentrating resources on fewer, higher-performing stores will improve profitability while allowing Macy’s to compete more effectively in today’s rapidly changing retail environment.

For surrounding businesses, the transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Department stores traditionally generate steady customer traffic that benefits nearby restaurants, retailers, and service businesses. During redevelopment, merchants may experience reduced foot traffic, but a successful entertainment destination could ultimately attract even larger and more diverse crowds.

The project also underscores the growing importance of mixed-use development in urban retail districts. Cities across the country are increasingly converting aging retail properties into destinations that combine shopping, dining, entertainment, and community gathering spaces.

Downtown Brooklyn has experienced significant residential and commercial growth during the past decade, making the neighborhood an attractive location for large-scale redevelopment projects.

If completed as envisioned, the former Macy’s building could once again become one of Brooklyn’s busiest destinations—this time driven not by traditional department store shopping, but by entertainment, dining, and family-oriented attractions designed for a new generation of visitors.

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

NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla car sales rose over the past three months for the second straight quarter in a sign the worst of the damage from boycotts and rivals stealing market share could be behind it.

The electric vehicle maker run by Elon Musk reported Thursday that it delivered 480,126 cars, much higher than the 384,122 from a year ago, as Europeans furious at Musk’s embrace of far-right political candidates began buying again. It produced 451,758 vehicles in the second quarter.

The second quarter sales figure came in higher than analysts expectations of 401,000, according to FactSet estimates.

Tesla’s stock dipped slightly in early morning trading on Thursday.

The company didn’t break out figures for various parts the world, but an earlier report from European trade groups reported big sales increases in Europe in May, including a 300% rise in Germany.

The Austin, Texas company is pinning its sales hopes on cheaper Model Y and Model 3 models introduced last year. It also expects Europeans will clamor for its cars as more countries approve use of its driver assistance feature called Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The Netherlands approved the system, available in the U.S., followed by Estonia, Greece and Lithuania.

Sales fell last year amid protests at showrooms in Europe and the U.S., a Musk figure burned effigy in Milan and vandalism against Tesla drivers.

As the numbers plunged last year, Musk managed to shift the narrative about Tesla’s future away from sales of cars and more to the those of robots and automated driving system and self-driving robotaxis.

Judging from the stock price, investors approve. Shares have fully recovered from a deep dive early last year, rocketing more than 40% in the past 12 months.

Several progressive Democrats who recently secured victories in New York City congressional primaries may face an uncertain future in Congress even before taking office, as state leaders prepare for a potential redrawing of congressional district lines that could dramatically reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is expected to push for new congressional maps in New York that could create additional Democratic-leaning districts. Any changes, however, could also alter the boundaries of seats represented by some of the party’s newest progressive nominees, potentially forcing them into more competitive territory.

Before any redistricting can occur, New York voters must approve a constitutional amendment that would permit the state to redraw its congressional map.

A congressional map proposed in 2022 offers a glimpse of how future changes could affect several districts. Under that proposal, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s district would be merged into an area that includes Republican-leaning Staten Island, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez would lose much of the northern section of her current district.

“There will be new lines in 2028 and, generally speaking, the newer members are the most at risk,” Chris Coffey, CEO of Tusk Strategies, told Politico.

Not everyone believes redrawing the districts would weaken the Democratic Socialists of America. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the organization’s New York City chapter, argued that altering districts represented by Lander or Valdez could actually benefit the group’s broader political ambitions.

“Claire Valdez is already basically a packed DSA district, so if they change that district very much, it suddenly makes any neighboring district easier terrain for us. I think that also goes for NY-10 as well,” he said, referencing Lander’s district.

“I’m curious to see how they navigate that.”

Jeffries has not publicly outlined exactly how he would redraw New York’s congressional boundaries, but he has repeatedly argued that Democrats should use redistricting to offset Republican-led map changes in other states.

“Leader Jeffries is focused on passing the constitutional amendment to ensure New York has a fair and competitive congressional map that can help stop the nationwide MAGA power grab in places like Florida and Texas, and create additional opportunities to elect House Democrats in 2028 and beyond,” spokesperson Justin Chermol said in a statement to Politico.

Any revised congressional map would require cooperation among Jeffries, the New York State Democratic Party, and the Democrat-controlled state Legislature. However, recent elections have shifted both the State Senate and Assembly further to the left, adding another layer of complexity to the process.

“I don’t know about anyone else, but the Senate is not interested in using redistricting to take sides in a civil war,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-Astoria, told Politico.

{Matzav.com}

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly intensifying her outreach to the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and pro-Palestinian activists as she lays the groundwork for a possible 2028 presidential campaign, according to an Axios report.

The report says Harris has held a series of private meetings with leading progressive figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as representatives of pro-Palestinian organizations that have been sharply critical of U.S. support for Israel during the war in Gaza.

Among those Harris reportedly met with was Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of the Uncommitted movement, which was launched to protest the Biden administration’s Israel policy. Alawieh said Harris initiated the meeting after months of private discussions. During their conversation, he urged her to oppose the use of American taxpayer dollars to support military operations that harm civilians.

Harris also reportedly met with James Zogby, a longtime Democratic National Committee member and one of the country’s most prominent advocates for Palestinian causes.

In addition to courting the party’s left flank, Harris has been consulting with senior Democratic officials and former national security advisers on issues including China and Venezuela as she seeks to build support for a potential White House bid.

Despite the outreach, some pro-Palestinian activists remain unconvinced. Palestinian-American strategist Rania Batrice questioned Harris’ motives, saying she has yet to prove that any shift in her positions is genuine.

Early polling places Harris among the leading contenders for the 2028 Democratic nomination, though she continues to face skepticism from both progressive activists and some Democratic strategists who question her electability in a general election.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

On Wednesday, July 1st, the clubhouse at the Fairways senior community in Lakewood was filled with a large, diverse group of residents in celebration of the upcoming Independence Day holiday – marking 250 years since the birth of our nation.

Coming several days prior to the official holiday, this was the first major local celebration of Independence Day 2026 – and enjoyed the personal participation of members of the Lakewood Township Committee and the Lakewood Police Department.

The décor in the room and the garb of many attendees were replete with patriotic stripes and stars. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the national anthem in unison. A sizable segment of the attendees were military veterans, proudly sporting symbols of their service.

Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein heralded the strong patriotic spirit of the local senior community, who have lived through an extensive stretch of U.S. history – and spoke of our collective mission to inculcate this patriotism into the younger generations as well.

Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller – who serves as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force – addressed the crowd via satellite, as he is currently stationed at a military base in Europe. The Deputy Mayor spoke proudly of his career with the Air Force; and of the enormous appreciation that the Lakewood community – especially Holocaust survivors and their descendants – feel towards the U.S. and its armed forces. Deputy Mayor Miller showcased a U.S. flag that was flown during a recent military mission in honor of the Fairways community – which he will be presenting to the community once he returns home from his current tour of duty.

Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes personally headlined the event as well, celebrating as both a Fairways resident and member of the Township Committee. “Lakewood seniors are honored to kick Lakewood’s ‘America 250’ celebrations into full gear,” said Committeewomen Fuentes. “We would like to thank everyone who joined us today for making this a beautiful event and an appropriate tribute to this historic milestone in our nation’s history.”

Goldman Sachs on Thursday announced that it will make a matching contribution to Trump Accounts for eligible children of the firm’s employees.

The company will make a one-time matching contribution of $1,000 to employees with children born between 2025 and 2028 upon the time of enrollment in Trump Accounts, matching the $1,000 federal seed contribution.

“Starting early and staying invested for the long term is one of the most reliable ways American families build lasting financial security,” said Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon.

“We have long been committed to the importance of savings and investment as a pathway to a more resilient financial future, and we’re proud to continue our support of this partnership and invest in the future of America,” Solomon added.

The company said in a statement that it views the public-private initiative as a way to “instill the fundamental economic principles of savings and investing in America’s next generation.”

With the matching contribution, Goldman Sachs joins the ranks of U.S. companies that have opted to participate in the Trump Accounts program.

BEIJING (AP) — The pilot who flew a small plane into Beijing’s tallest building wrote in his diary about “ending his life,” Chinese authorities said Thursday.

Their investigation concluded the cause of the June 26 crash was “personal reasons,” according to a statement posted on social media by Beijing’s Chaoyang district government.

The pilot, a 66-year-old man, died and 13 other people were injured. None of the injuries are life-threatening and one of the injured has been discharged from the hospital, the government statement said.

The crash, which happened in a downtown skyscraper district as people were leaving work around 6 p.m., raised questions about security in the Chinese capital. It left a hole in the glass facade of the 108-story CITIC tower, nicknamed the “Zun” building because it mimics the shape of an ancient wine vessel of that name.

The pilot, identified only by the surname Liu, took off on a solo flight in the two-seat training plane from a general aviation airport in the outskirts of Beijing, the Chaoyang statement said. He deviated from the designated flying area and contact with him was lost, it said.

Liu had no fixed job, was divorced and lived alone, according to the statement. He had insomnia and anxiety and his diary had multiple references to ending his life, it said.

Central Beijing, where China’s leaders live and work, has strict airspace controls including a ban on drones.

In an unprecedented ruling on Thursday, Israel’s High Court escalated its pattern of overreach and invalidated the appointment of Michael Rabello as state comptroller.

The decision is a major legal and political drama with constitutional implications. The Court unanimously accepted left-wing petitions challenging the results of the election, ruling that a new election be held as soon as possible.

The decision was made despite the fact that the Knesset’s legal adviser was present during the election and approved its legality.

Coalition members are calling to ignore the order, raising fears of a constitutional crisis. Likud MK Chanoch Milwidsky responded to the decision with a single word—”No!”—and later wrote: “This is just the preview of what they intend to do in the general elections.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also attacked the court, saying: “Those who appointed themselves, contrary to the law, are invalidating the lawful choice of the Knesset. The High Court is trampling the Knesset through a reckless anti-democratic conduct that has already become routine.”

The decision was made by a five-justice panel—”President” Yitzchak Amit, Deputy President Noam Sohlberg, and Justices Daphne Barak-Erez, Gila Canfy-Steinitz, and Ruth Ronen

Sohlberg justified the decision in his ruling by writing that the fact that some Knesset members took “selfies” while voting invalidated the election, since the law requires the election to be held by ‘secret ballot.'”

During a second High Court hearing on the petitions held Sunday, the Knesset’s attorney, Yitzchak Bart, argued that because there has never been an explicit prohibition against members of Knesset taking selfies in the voting booth during a secret ballot, the practice cannot be considered a flaw in the election process.

Bart explained that any flaw must be clearly defined in advance, and a vote cannot be invalidated based on a retroactive determination that taking selfies in the voting booth was improper.

“In our view, there was no fundamental flaw in the voting process that undermined the validity of the vote,” he said. He added that even if such a flaw existed, the Court should refrain from overturning the vote because of the need for heightened judicial restraint regarding the Knesset’s internal proceedings and because invalidating a parliamentary vote is an extreme measure.

Bart also stated that there is no concrete evidence that MKs were instructed to photograph themselves while voting. “Given the high evidentiary standard required, there is no evidence that such instructions were given,” he said.

Attorney Ilan Bombach, representing Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the Likud party, argued that the petitions seek an unprecedented judicial intervention in the Knesset’s internal procedures.

“We are dealing here with an extraordinarily unusual intervention in the Knesset’s internal rules governing a parliamentary vote,” Bombach said. “Retired Justice Elron did not even take the minimal step of filing a petition himself, even though he is the directly affected party. Elron himself has previously ruled that simply naming the affected party as a respondent is insufficient. There is not even the slightest evidentiary basis here.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

For the vast majority of service-based businesses, payroll is the single largest line item on the income statement. It often represents 40 to 70 percent of total expenses. And yet, in many businesses, payroll is managed reactively — processed when it is due, reviewed rarely, and analyzed almost never.

That is a significant oversight. When your largest cost is running on autopilot, you are leaving a meaningful lever for profitability completely unmanaged.

Here is how to bring genuine discipline and insight to payroll management.

Start With Visibility

Do you know, at any given moment, exactly what your fully-loaded cost of each employee is? This includes not just their base salary or wages, but also employer payroll taxes, health insurance contributions, retirement plan contributions, and any other benefits or perks the company funds.

For many business owners, the honest answer is no. They know the salary number, but the total cost of employment is murky. Getting clear on fully-loaded labor costs is the starting point for managing payroll intelligently.

Build a payroll roster that captures every element of compensation for each employee. Review it quarterly. Know what your team actually costs.

Classify Employees Correctly

Misclassification — treating employees as independent contractors, or classifying exempt and non-exempt workers incorrectly — is one of the most common and costly payroll mistakes a business can make.

The IRS and Department of Labor take misclassification seriously. Penalties can include back taxes, back pay, interest, and fines that accumulate quickly. More importantly, if your classification decisions are driven by convenience rather than proper analysis, you may be building real liability into your business without realizing it.

If you have any uncertainty about how your workers should be classified, get clarity now. It is far less expensive to get it right proactively than to resolve it after the fact.

Monitor Payroll as a Percentage of Revenue

One of the most useful metrics for managing labor costs is payroll as a percentage of gross revenue. Track this figure month over month and compare it to your budget and to prior periods.

If your revenue is growing but your payroll percentage is also growing, that is a signal worth investigating. Are you overstaffed relative to your current volume? Is overtime getting out of control? Are benefits costs creeping upward without corresponding productivity gains?

Conversely, if your payroll percentage is shrinking as you scale, that is often a sign of healthy operational leverage. Knowing which way it is moving — and why — gives you real information to act on.

Stay Current on Payroll Tax Obligations

Payroll tax errors are among the most expensive compliance mistakes a business can make. Federal and state withholding, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment taxes — each has its own rates, filing deadlines, and deposit schedules. Falling behind on payroll tax deposits, even unintentionally, results in penalties that accumulate rapidly.

Work with a payroll provider you trust. Verify that tax deposits are being made on schedule. And make sure your books are reflecting payroll tax liabilities accurately on your balance sheet.

Use Payroll Data Strategically

Beyond compliance and cost management, payroll data is a strategic resource. It can inform hiring decisions, reveal where you are under or over-resourced, and help you model the financial impact of growth scenarios.

Before you hire your next employee, understand what that hire will cost in total, what revenue or productivity you expect in return, and how it will affect your margins. Before you restructure compensation, model the downstream impact on cash flow and profitability.

Payroll is not just a check you run twice a month. It is a significant financial system that deserves the same thoughtful management you apply to your revenue and your client relationships. Treat it that way, and it becomes one of your most powerful tools for running a healthy, profitable business.

—

About the Author:

Joe Herskowitz, EA, is the President and CEO of Lionstone Bookkeeping+, where he helps small and medium-sized businesses take control of their finances with expert bookkeeping and financial insights. With years of experience in business finance, Joe is passionate about making numbers work for business owners—not against them.

Have a bookkeeping or business finance question?

Reach out to Joe at [email protected] or call/text 732-803-7793 (no WhatsApp).

A federal judge has halted the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new mail-in ballot restrictions, ruling that the proposed policy violated an existing legal agreement requiring the agency to prioritize the prompt handling of election mail.

The ruling, issued Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan in Washington, D.C., dealt another legal setback to President Donald Trump’s effort to tighten rules governing mail-in voting ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The decision marked the second courtroom loss for the administration on the issue within two weeks, as Republicans seek to retain control of both chambers of Congress.

The Postal Service announced the proposed changes in May, saying states would be required to submit voter lists and adopt revised election procedures before the agency would transport mail-in ballots. Under the proposal, states that failed to satisfy those requirements would have had their ballots refused for delivery.

Judge Sullivan, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, agreed with arguments brought by the NAACP, which contended that the Postal Service’s proposal conflicted with a 2021 settlement requiring the agency to take “extraordinary measures” to ensure timely delivery of ballot mail.

{Matzav.com}

Yisroel R.

Alternate Side Parking rules will be suspended across New York City on Friday and Shabbos in observance of the Fourth of July holiday .

While alternate side parking rules will not be in effect, drivers are still reminded that other parking rules remain in place, including the ban on parking within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant.

Officials also reminded residents that the painted curbs near fire hydrants are not intended to show where drivers are allowed to park. Vehicles parked too close to a hydrant will still receive a citation.

PHOENIX (AP) — For decades, all that separated the U.S. from Mexico was barbed wire.

Now, after a massive infusion of cash from Congress, President Donald Trump’s administration is swiftly building what it has dubbed a “smart wall,” a combination of 30-foot-tall (9-meter-tall) steel fencing and an array of sophisticated technology like sensors, cameras and towers allowing Border Patrol to surveil the territory.

The wall is under heavy scrutiny for the billions of dollars being dedicated to it when border crossings are at their lowest in decades. Critics say the U.S. is militarizing the border as it increasingly deploys sophisticated surveillance technology to the area, impacting local communities.

“We are seeing a massive expansion of surveillance and surveillance technology across the borderlands,” said Ricky Garza, border policy counsel at the Southern Border Communities Coalition, an advocacy group. “The wall in all its forms is harmful to communities.”

Officials say the technology is complementary to the physical wall and frees up agents for other tasks.

“It’s a smart wall. It’s not just a barrier,” Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said during recent congressional testimony. “It maximizes the use of our most valuable resource, which is our agents.”

Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall already inked
The wall has been a top priority for Trump, a Republican, since he first ran for president.

During the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, the border emerged as a flashpoint, with thousands of people seeking to cross into the country each day. Those numbers started to taper off shortly before Trump returned to office last year and then slowed to a trickle, with his broader immigration crackdown serving as a deterrent for would-be migrants.

Flush with $46 billion to finish the wall after an infusion by Congress for immigration enforcement, CBP is inking tens of billions of dollars in contracts to build the wall and push along the president’s signature project.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said recently that a preliminary part of the wall will be finished by “this time next year.” Scott said his agency is putting up 6 miles (10 kilometers) of wall a week.

Hundreds of miles had already been built before Trump returned to office. As of mid-June 2026, CBP has erected another 74 miles (119 kilometers) and aims to build hundreds more. There is no wall planned for roughly 535 miles (861 kilometers) of the roughly 2,000-mile-long (3,200-kilometer-long) border, because rugged terrain already serves as a barrier. Ground sensors and towers will be used instead.

CBP is also going back to hundreds of miles of already built wall and adding more technology, lights and roads. Along the long stretches of river in Texas that mark the border with Mexico, they’re deploying 12- to 15-foot-long (3.7- to 4.5-meter-long) cylinder-shaped buoys meant to keep migrants or smugglers from crossing the border.

More technology being deployed on the border
Technology is playing a greater role in the Trump administration’s effort to make illegal crossings along the border more difficult, part of a broader transformation of CBP in the years since Sept. 11, 2001, into an intelligence operation with a mass surveillance network whose reach extends far beyond the nation’s frontiers, according to reporting by The Associated Press.

And critics say the border technology poses a threat.

The Southern Border Communities Coalition says surveillance technologies can push migrants into more dangerous routes to avoid being detected.

Garza, the group’s policy counsel, warned that surveillance technology infringes on the privacy rights of border residents and that locals have found ground sensors used to detect smuggler or migrant traffic placed on their property without their consent.

Nayda Alvarez and her relatives own land along the Rio Grande roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) inland from the Gulf of Mexico. She has found cameras placed on her family’s land, and just last week she spotted a surveillance tower about a quarter of a mile (almost half a kilometer) down the river from her house.

“Are we expecting a war or something?” she said. “It doesn’t make me feel safer.”

Dave Maass, director of investigations for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on civil liberties related to digital technology, said the technology has made the border area “a hostile environment” for locals and would-be migrants.

The foundation has published a guide on the various types of surveillance towers in use along the southern border designed to help local residents.

These can range from fixed towers with video, infrared and radar technologies that have a range of roughly 8 miles (13 kilometers) to remote video surveillance systems that have cameras and a spotlight fixed on top. Some are mounted on the backs of trucks so agents can drive them to different parts of the border.

Increasingly, these towers are autonomous. They can scan an area, analyze what they’re seeing using artificial intelligence and alert Border Patrol agents to something suspicious. Proponents say this helps keep Border Patrol agents out in the field instead of sitting in front of computer screens watching for activity. But it also increases AI decision-making along the border when experts have warned about the technology’s potential for bias or other problems.

The big GOP tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress last summer requires that CBP buys only the autonomous towers, and the department is deploying an additional 95.

Underground, buried fiberoptic cables can sense movement, capturing data that is also then analyzed by AI.

“We follow the contour of the land. We go through trees. We go down into the river banks. We can go absolutely everywhere,” said Magnus McEwen-King, CEO of Sintela, which has a contract with CBP to install the cables. He spoke at a recent border security expo in Phoenix, where some of the technology was on display.

CBP also uses ground sensors and trail cameras to detect smuggling routes.

Concerns over cost and future plans
The nonpartisan watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense has questioned both the huge amounts of money for the wall-building and whether taxpayers are getting their money’s worth.

In 2011, under Democratic President Barack Obama, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano pulled the plug on a project to build a “virtual wall” of integrated technology like radars, sensors and cameras across the entire border after it ran over budget, faced technological glitches and was behind schedule.

Josh Sewell, director of research and policy at Taxpayers for Common Sense, said the organization would like to see more “robust evaluation” of the technologies being used to avoid similar scenarios. And he criticized the Trump administration for lack of oversight on how the money is being spent, a charge CBP has denied, citing “oversight mechanism.”

In the Big Bend area of southern Texas, opposition to the department’s wall-building plans gathered strong bipartisan support especially in the most sensitive areas that run through a state and national park and a wildlife area.

CBP now says it is not planning to build a 30-foot-high (9-meter-high) bollard wall in those areas. Its recently announced plans include installing patrol roads and some barriers designed to stop cars and using detection technologies.

Clara Benson, who is one of the founders of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, says bright lights in the area designed to illuminate the border could pollute the skies in an area renowned for having some of the best views of the stars. Even without a 30-foot-tall (9-meter-tall) steel wall running through the land, there is concern about CBP’s plans.

“There’s still a lot of fear and dread that the plan is still going to be quite damaging,” she said.

Oil prices extended their steep decline this week as more Persian Gulf crude found its way back to market, easing the supply fears that had driven prices above $120 a barrel earlier this year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Middle East producers had cut output by more than 11 million barrels a day in May compared with pre-conflict levels — but that gap is now starting to close, and traders are selling on the expectation that the barrels are coming back.

The price action shows it. Brent crude, the international benchmark, settled at $71.57 a barrel Wednesday, down 1.9% on the day. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, fell to $68.58. Brent dropped roughly 21% over the past month, its worst monthly performance since March 2020, while WTI logged its steepest monthly decline since late 2021. WTI’s recent close below $70 was its first since February 27 — the day before the 2026 Iran war began.

The turning point was diplomatic. The United States and Iran struck a 14-point memorandum of understanding on June 17 to pause the fighting that had choked off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran that normally carries about a fifth of the world’s oil. As the shooting slowed, tankers that had been trapped or idling began moving again.

Saudi Arabia’s recovery is the one the market is watching most closely. Saudi Aramco is restarting crude loadings at Ras Tanura, its largest export terminal, which had sat largely idle since early March, according to vessel-tracking data showing very large crude carriers owned by Bahri moving toward the Ju’aymah loading area. That matters because reopening the strait and restarting the region’s biggest export machine are two different things.

The kingdom never fully stopped selling oil. Throughout the crisis, it rerouted around 4 million barrels a day through its East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, bypassing Hormuz entirely. Before the war, Saudi crude exports through the strait averaged about 6.3 million barrels a day in 2025 and climbed to roughly 7.1 million barrels a day in February 2026, according to figures from Argus and the Arab Center. Bringing Ras Tanura back toward those levels is the final piece of restoring full Saudi flows — and its return is a big reason prices keep softening.

Other producers are adding to the wave. Iran has said it has shipped more than 40 million barrels since the U.S. lifted its naval blockade, Iraq and Kuwait are moving to unwind wartime force-majeure declarations, and Russian exports have surged to record levels, leaving a growing pile of barrels floating at sea.

For businesses and households, cheaper crude is mostly welcome news. Lower oil feeds directly into lower gasoline and jet fuel prices, giving relief to drivers, airlines and shippers whose costs had spiked. The EIA had warned that U.S. wholesale gasoline prices could rise around 50% in 2026 if Hormuz stayed shut, so a faster supply recovery takes pressure off that forecast and off inflation more broadly.

The flip side is fiscal pain for the exporters. Every dollar off the oil price widens the budget gaps in Riyadh and across the Gulf, where governments spent the war years funding ambitious diversification plans. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have flagged war-swollen deficit estimates for Saudi Arabia well above what the kingdom had budgeted.

Not everyone agrees the slide runs much further. Haitham Al Ghais, secretary general of OPEC, told CNBC the group does not expect oil demand to peak in the foreseeable future and rejected forecasts pointing to a coming glut, saying OPEC focuses on actual numbers rather than projections. Strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey at ING said tanker traffic into the Gulf is picking up as shipowners grow more confident, a trend they called a clear headwind to any rebound in prices.

The wildcard remains the same one that has driven the market all year: whether the fragile U.S.-Iran truce holds. A durable deal keeps the barrels flowing and prices heading lower. Any fresh flare-up in the strait could reverse the slide in a matter of hours. For now, with real cargoes lining up at Saudi loading buoys, the market is betting the worst of the supply shock is over.

JBizNews Desk | New York
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An unannounced truck enforcement operation was recently conducted along Fort Hamilton Parkway, where police officers stopped commercial vehicles to check for compliance with traffic and safety regulations.

Passenger vehicles were not part of the enforcement effort.

While commercial trucks are permitted to travel on Fort Hamilton Parkway, authorities periodically conduct these targeted inspections to ensure drivers and vehicles are operating in accordance with state and city regulations. The operation caused brief slowdowns in the area as trucks were directed over for inspection.

The cost of financing a new car in America keeps climbing to levels that would have stunned buyers just a few years ago. According to data released Wednesday by Edmunds, the average monthly payment on a new vehicle reached a record $777 during the second quarter, edging above the previous record of $773 set in the first quarter. It marks the third consecutive quarter that average monthly payments have reached a new all-time high.

The report paints a picture of buyers stretching further than ever to afford new vehicles. The average amount financed climbed to a record $44,156, while the average down payment fell 10% from a year earlier to $5,815, meaning more consumers are borrowing larger amounts while putting less money down.

Perhaps the most striking trend is the growing use of extremely long auto loans.

A record 36.5% of all financed new-vehicle purchases carried loan terms of 73 months or longer, while nearly 24% of buyers signed loans lasting 84 months or more—the equivalent of seven years. Once considered unusual, seven-year financing has become increasingly common as buyers seek to lower monthly payments enough to fit new vehicles into household budgets.

Lower monthly payments, however, come with significant long-term costs.

Longer loans increase the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan while leaving borrowers “underwater” for years, owing more than the vehicle is worth. That can make trading in or selling a vehicle far more difficult and leaves owners financially vulnerable if the vehicle is totaled or unexpected financial hardships arise.

Several factors continue driving affordability challenges.

New vehicle prices remain near historic highs, interest rates are still elevated compared with recent years, and insurance premiums, repair costs, and maintenance expenses have all increased substantially. At the same time, many consumers continue purchasing larger SUVs, trucks, and premium trim packages that carry significantly higher price tags.

Analysts at Edmunds also warn that tariffs could place additional upward pressure on vehicle prices in the months ahead by increasing manufacturing costs for imported vehicles and automotive components.

For many households, a $777 monthly car payment now rivals a mortgage payment from just a few years ago and represents one of the family’s largest recurring monthly expenses. Combined with housing costs, groceries, childcare, and other necessities, transportation is consuming a growing share of household income.

The broader economic implications are also significant.

Auto loans represent one of the largest categories of household debt in the United States, second only to mortgages. As balances grow larger and repayment periods stretch longer, borrowers remain indebted for much greater portions of their financial lives, increasing the risk of future delinquencies if economic conditions weaken.

While used vehicles generally offer lower purchase prices, financing costs remain elevated there as well. Increased demand for affordable used vehicles has also helped support higher resale values, limiting the financial relief available to budget-conscious shoppers.

For automakers and dealerships, longer financing terms have helped maintain sales despite affordability pressures. However, industry analysts caution that extending loan maturities cannot permanently offset rising vehicle prices, and many consumers may eventually delay purchases altogether if affordability continues deteriorating.

For buyers considering a new vehicle, financial advisers recommend focusing on the total cost of ownership rather than simply the monthly payment. A lower monthly payment spread over seven years may ultimately cost thousands of dollars more in interest than a shorter loan with a slightly higher monthly payment.

The latest figures suggest America’s auto market is increasingly being driven not by what consumers want to spend, but by how far lenders are willing to stretch repayment schedules. As monthly payments and loan terms continue reaching record levels, affordability remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges heading into the second half of the year.

JBizNews Desk
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U.S. stocks opened higher Thursday after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy added just 57,000 jobs in June, well below the roughly 113,000 economists had expected. The unemployment rate slipped to 4.2% from 4.3%, even as hiring slowed—a combination investors viewed as reducing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will need to raise interest rates in the near term.

Wall Street responded immediately. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed about 334 points, or 0.6%, to around 52,640, reaching a fresh intraday record. The S&P 500 gained 0.7% to approximately 7,538, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.9% to about 26,260. The Russell 2000 added 0.8%, and the yield on the 2-year Treasury note declined as traders priced in lower odds of another Fed rate increase.

The June report snapped a three-month stretch of stronger hiring. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has repeatedly said the central bank will remain data dependent, and Thursday’s numbers reinforced expectations that policymakers may be able to leave rates unchanged while continuing to monitor inflation and economic growth.

“This takes some of the pressure off of the inflation-fighting institution to hike near term,” said Bradford Smith, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors.

Market movers

Tesla was among the early gainers after reporting 480,126 second-quarter vehicle deliveries, comfortably exceeding analysts’ expectations of about 406,600. Shares rose roughly 1% in early trading.

SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) remained in focus ahead of its scheduled Nasdaq-100 inclusion on July 7. JPMorgan estimates the addition could generate roughly $4.3 billion in buying from passive index funds. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $190 price target.

Defense contractor AeroVironment gained about 4% after securing a $500 million U.S. Army contract to develop counter-drone technology.

Semiconductor stocks attempted to stabilize following Wednesday’s sharp selloff. The previous session saw Micron Technology fall 10.6%, Intel lose 9%, Applied Materials decline 10%, and AMD drop 6.9% as investors questioned AI-related valuations. Early Thursday trading showed buyers cautiously returning to the sector.

Analyst outlook

Economists continue to debate the path ahead for interest rates.

Andrew Hollenhorst, chief U.S. economist at Citi, said continued moderation in employment would support additional Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year.

Meanwhile, Savita Subramanian, head of U.S. equity and quantitative strategy at Bank of America Securities, said the economy remains healthy but investors may increasingly look beyond the largest technology companies for future market leadership.

Commodities and volatility

Gold rose about 1.8% to roughly $4,155 an ounce as investors balanced slowing economic growth against lower interest-rate expectations.

Crude oil eased toward $68 a barrel, reflecting reduced concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell more than 4% to around 15.9, indicating continued investor confidence and relatively calm market conditions.

Overseas, markets were weaker. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 7.9% amid renewed selling across semiconductor companies, highlighting continued concerns over global chip-sector valuations.

For now, investors are interpreting a slower pace of hiring as positive news because it lowers the likelihood of additional Fed tightening. The key question for markets will be whether the labor market is simply cooling to a sustainable pace—or beginning to weaken more significantly. As trading gets underway before the July 4 holiday, Wall Street appears focused on the prospect of steady interest rates and continued economic expansion.

JBizNews Desk | New York
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The head of an organization that assists yeshivah bochurim detained over Israel’s military draft says the number of arrests has stabilized in recent days but is warning against lawyers and other individuals who promise guaranteed exemptions from military service in exchange for large sums of money.

In an interview on Kol Chai Radio’s “Tzav Ma’atzar” program, Chaim Karelitz, CEO of the Ezram U’Maginam organization, said most of the bnei yeshivah currently being held in military detention were arrested at the military induction center rather than through proactive enforcement operations.

“The overwhelming majority were arrested at the induction center, and only two were arrested through proactive operations—one by the traffic police and one during a home visit,” he said.

Karelitz added that proactive arrests have declined noticeably over the past week.

“For the past week, there have essentially been no proactive arrests carried out by the Israel Police,” he said.

Despite that trend, Karelitz cautioned yeshivah bochurim and avreichim against relying on attorneys who claim they can secure military exemptions in exchange for payment.

According to Karelitz, many people are being misled into believing that appearing at a draft office with legal representation will automatically resolve their status.

“Today I received a phone call from a young man who had gone to the draft office,” Karelitz recounted. “I asked him why he went, and he told me he was convinced that if he reported, he would receive an exemption and the matter would be over. Instead, he found himself on his way to detention.”

Karelitz explained that the military’s approach has changed significantly since the outbreak of the war.

“In the past, someone who was unable to adapt to military service would often receive an exemption. Today, the army says, ‘Come to us, and we’ll work it out with you.’ Most lawyers are still operating based on the old policy, but the reality has changed.”

As an example, he described the case of a yeshivah bochur whose family paid an attorney a substantial amount of money believing he would obtain an exemption.

“That young man is now completing his third detention, and he still doesn’t have an exemption,” Karelitz said.

Karelitz concluded the interview by offering three recommendations to bnei yeshivah.

First, he advised anyone without a long-documented medical condition not to attempt to manufacture medical grounds for an exemption.

“Everyone who has tried to play that game has gotten burned,” he warned.

Second, he urged families not to pay lawyers in advance if they promise a guaranteed exemption.

“Anyone who takes money upfront cannot guarantee a result,” he said.

Finally, Karelitz encouraged people to seek additional professional opinions before taking any significant step.

“Don’t rely on just one source. Ask questions, verify the information, and make sure no mistake has been made in the process.”

Karelitz concluded by saying that, in his view, the safest course for bnei yeshivah is to follow the guidance of the gedolei Yisroel.

“A bochur who follows their instructions and sits and learns is in the safest place possible. He has no reason to look for shortcuts or other solutions,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called on the public to turn out in massive numbers for the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which is expected to draw millions of mourners when ceremonies begin on July 4.

The announcement comes as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue in Doha. Qatari and Pakistani mediators concluded separate meetings with both sides, with Qatar’s Foreign Ministry saying the talks made positive progress on issues related to the Memorandum of Understanding reached following the Lake Lucerne Summit. The parties agreed to continue discussions, with another round of talks expected to be scheduled soon.

Speaking to U.S. servicemembers on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance said American intelligence assesses that Iran is now further from developing a nuclear weapon than it has been in the past two or three decades.

Meanwhile, a U.S. official pushed back on reports that Washington had agreed to release $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The official told i24NEWS that no frozen assets have been or will be released unless Iran fulfills the requirements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. Under the agreement, any approved funds could only be used to purchase American agricultural products from U.S. farmers to help feed the Iranian people.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WASHINGTON (VINnews) — The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of an Orthodox Jewish man who alleges an Ohio city violated his constitutional rights by requiring him to obtain a permit before hosting a small prayer gathering in his home.

Daniel Grand, an Orthodox Jew from University Heights, Ohio, sued the city after officials ordered him in 2021 to cancel plans to host a minyan — the quorum of 10 Jewish adults required for certain communal prayers — unless he first obtained a special-use permit typically required for houses of worship.

According to court filings, Grand invited about a dozen friends to pray at his home on the Sabbath, but city officials issued a cease-and-desist order before the gathering took place. Grand canceled the prayer service and began the permitting process but later withdrew his application after learning approval would require his residence to be classified as a house of worship, preventing his family from living there. Court filings also allege neighbors objected to the permit, with some expressing opposition to having a Jewish gathering in the neighborhood.

Grand’s attorneys argue the city improperly singled out a private religious gathering while allowing similarly sized secular gatherings, such as book clubs or poker nights, without permits. They also allege city officials retaliated against him through increased code enforcement and other actions after he challenged the city’s decision.

Lower federal courts dismissed the lawsuit, ruling Grand had to complete the permitting process before pursuing his constitutional claims. The Supreme Court will now decide whether his lawsuit can proceed.

Grand is represented by attorneys from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit legal organization that advocates for religious liberty and free speech. His attorneys argue the case could have broad implications for religious freedom and whether local governments may require permits for small prayer gatherings held in private homes.

The case could become a significant milestone for Orthodox Jewish communities across the United States, where small prayer groups are commonly held in private homes, particularly in neighborhoods without nearby synagogues or where worshippers gather for daily prayers. A ruling in Grand’s favor could clarify the constitutional limits on local governments’ ability to regulate religious gatherings in private residences and establish an important precedent for similar communities nationwide.

Some of the biggest changes to the federal student loan system in years officially took effect Wednesday, July 1, changing how millions of future college students will borrow money and repay their loans.

The changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and apply primarily to borrowers who take out new federal student loans beginning on or after July 1. While most current borrowers can generally remain under existing repayment programs, new borrowers face an entirely different system.

The most significant change affects repayment options.

For newly issued federal loans, several long-standing income-driven repayment plans—including SAVE, PAYE, Income-Based Repayment (IBR), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)—are no longer available. Instead, new borrowers will choose between two primary repayment options.

The first is the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), an income-based program that adjusts monthly payments according to earnings. Payments generally range from about 1% to 10% of a borrower’s income, with any remaining balance eligible for forgiveness after 30 years of qualifying payments.

The second option is a revised Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, which establishes repayment periods ranging from 10 to 25 years, depending on the total amount borrowed. Smaller loan balances receive shorter repayment schedules, while borrowers with larger balances receive additional time to repay.

The changes also affect graduate and professional students.

The long-standing Grad PLUS loan program, which previously allowed graduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, has been eliminated for new borrowers. Graduate students now face annual and lifetime borrowing limits, while professional students—including those attending medical, dental, veterinary, and law schools—also become subject to new federal borrowing caps.

Parents will see changes as well.

Parent PLUS loans are now limited to $20,000 per year per student, with a maximum lifetime borrowing limit of $65,000 for each child. Previously, many parents could borrow up to the full cost of attendance.

Financial aid experts say the new borrowing limits may require more families to rely on savings, scholarships, employer assistance, or private student loans to cover college expenses.

Borrowers currently enrolled in the SAVE repayment program face an important transition.

Millions of borrowers participating in SAVE will eventually be required to move into one of the newly authorized repayment plans after receiving instructions from their loan servicers. Education experts recommend carefully reviewing all available options before making repayment decisions.

Current students who already borrowed before July 1 generally receive transitional protections that allow them to continue borrowing under previous rules while remaining enrolled in the same academic program. However, changing schools, switching degree programs, or taking extended breaks from enrollment could affect those protections.

The legislation also changes certain deferment and repayment provisions available to future borrowers, making it more important than ever for students to understand repayment obligations before accepting federal loans.

For families planning for college, the new rules increase the importance of financial planning.

Longer repayment periods may reduce monthly payments but can significantly increase total interest costs over the life of a loan. Lower federal borrowing limits may also require students to explore additional funding sources before enrolling.

Financial advisers recommend that prospective borrowers estimate future monthly payments, compare available repayment options, and borrow only what is necessary to complete their education.

As tuition costs continue rising nationwide, today’s changes represent one of the most significant shifts in federal higher education financing in decades and will shape how future generations of Americans pay for college.

JBizNews Desk
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CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela (AP) — Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early Thursday, ending a grueling days-long operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.

En el último avance que publiqué sobre el rescate de Hernán, llevábamos 28 horas de trabajo. Ahora ya son 58 horas y aún no hemos logrado sacarlo.

La dificultad es que Hernán se encuentra atrapado dentro de una estructura de nueve pisos sumamente inestable, y el túnel que… https://t.co/d1rx30dtxZ pic.twitter.com/0SgodFZp7L

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) July 1, 2026

Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira. Rescuers initially made contact with him over the weekend.

Gil Flores, who worked as a night-shift security guard at the complex, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck. While the surrounding concrete structure collapsed around him, his workstation cabin held ground, shielding him from crushing debris and creating a vital pocket of air.

“When we found him, he asked us not to tell his wife that he was alive, just in case he wouldn’t make it,” Costa Rican Red Cross rescuer Minyar Collado told The Associated Press.

#2Jul La Cruz Roja de México, la de Chile y otros equipos de emergencia captaron imágenes de Hernán Gil, uno de los afectados que se mantenía con vida bajo los escombros en La Guaira tras los terremotos del 24 de junio.

📹 Cortesía. pic.twitter.com/wL3YMrn8dI

— Diario La Mañana🗞 (@LaMananaDigital) July 2, 2026

A specialized team from the Costa Rican Red Cross first detected signs of life and established contact with him on Sunday.

His wife, Gusbimar González, told the AP, that she had days of despair before rescuers made contact, but that then “ when I learned he was alive, I saw a ray of light in the darkness.” The couple has two children, ages 8 and 10.

The operation was coordinated by an urban search and rescue team of Chilean firefighters, who worked around the clock with specialized teams from the United States, Portugal and Mexico, among others.

Baruch Ben Yigal, whose only son, IDF soldier Amit Ben Yigal Hy”d, was killed during an operational mission in 2020, shared an emotional personal account this week following the murder of Rav Amos Guetta zt”l, recalling a meeting that he says changed his life.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ben Yigal described visiting Rav Guetta during the first year after his son’s death, saying the elderly mekubal offered him comfort born of personal experience—and a blessing that was ultimately fulfilled.

According to Ben Yigal, the meeting was arranged by Rav Meir Bloch, who suggested that he travel to Netanya to meet Rav Guetta, a widely respected mekubal to whom thousands turned for brachos, guidance, and encouragement.

“We drove to Netanya. I met a very special Jew. From the very first moment, I felt like I was sitting down to speak with a father,” Ben Yigal wrote. “He sat inside the teivas hachazzan and received me for a private conversation. When he heard that I had lost my only son, he burst into tears and said, ‘I also buried a child. I know how you feel.'”

Ben Yigal said that during their conversation, Rav Guetta unexpectedly offered him a blessing that seemed almost impossible to imagine at the time.

“And then, out of nowhere, he blessed me and said: ‘May you merit enduring offspring. You will be a father again.'”

At the time, however, Ben Yigal said his grief was so overwhelming that he found it difficult to absorb the words.

“In those days I was so broken by Amit’s fall that I couldn’t attach any significance to the blessing. I thanked him, and we each went on our way.”

Reflecting on the years that followed, Ben Yigal wrote that he repeatedly heard stories of people who had visited Rav Guetta and left strengthened by his blessings and counsel.

“Since then, I have heard about countless people who met Rav Amos, received from him a blessing, advice, comfort, and hope. There is no doubt that he was a special person and a tzaddik, whose entire life was devoted to giving and doing good for others.”

Ben Yigal also expressed profound sorrow over Rav Guetta’s murder.

“And tonight, with great pain, we learned that he was murdered. An 80-year-old man who devoted his entire life to acts of kindness and helping people.”

He concluded his tribute with a prayer honoring both the revered mekubal and his fallen son.

“May his memory be blessed. May the memory of Rav Amos Guetta be blessed, and may the memory of Amit z”l remain forever engraved in our hearts.”

{Matzav.com}

Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, the Rosh Mechina of the Bnei Dovid mechina in Eli, slammed attempts to link the IDF’s shortage of combat soldiers to the non-enlistment of Chareidi bnei yeshivos.

Speaking in an interview with Galey Yisrael on Thursday, Rabbi Levinstein said: “It’s a mistake to say there is a shortage of soldiers because of the Chareidi public. The Chareidim never enlisted, and the entire manpower problem began elsewhere.”

Rabbi Levinstein was referring to the fact that before the October 7 massacre, the IDF had developed a “conceptzia” of a “small but smart” army—and had dramatically reduced combat forces.

“I enlisted after the Yom Kippur War,” Rabbi Levinstein continued. “We had half the population we have today, and back then there were 14 reserve divisions. Today there are only six divisions. How is it possible that a country with four million Jews had 14 reserve divisions? There were no Chareidim in the IDF, and even the Religious Zionists were hardly serving in the army at that time.”

Rabbi Levinstein also expressed deep regret over the growing tensions between the Religious Zionist and Chareidi sectors, accusing various parties of deliberately fueling the divide.

“They have succeeded in driving a wedge between us, ” Rabbi Levinstein said. “The burden on the reserve forces will not be eased by even a millimeter unless a process begins here that respects a population that is ideologically disconnected from the state.”

It should be noted that even after the October 7 massacre, at least 4,000 Chareidim who wanted to enlist in the IDF were turned away. In addition, Chareidim who had served in the army and wanted to serve in the reserves after October 7 were never called up.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

A terrorist attacked a Jewish civilian and attempted to run him over near Carmei Tzur in Gush Etzion on Thursday afternoon

B’Chasdei Hashem, no one was injured in the incident.

IDF forces launched a manhunt after the suspects and are carrying out searches in the area.

According to the police, the terrorist was driving a vehicle with Israeli license plates.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

In June, the US market added tasks at a slower rate than anticipated.

More details will be added to this story regarding the June 2026 jobs record.

Despite rising inflation and confusion over the impact of the Iran war on the market, the U.S. economy added jobs at a constant rate in June.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 57, 000 new jobs were created by employers in June, according to a report released on Thursday. That number was lower than the academics ‘ estimates from the LSEG poll, which stated that 110, 000 work had grown.

The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 %, which is also below the 4.3 % estimate.

The payment figures for the previous two months were revised, with the previous two months ‘ reports seeing changes of 31, 000 from a gain of 179, 000 to 148, 000, and May’s report seeing a decrease from 43, 000 to 129, 000.

Up, April and May saw a decline in jobs of 74, 000 jobs compared to the previous figures.

In June, secret paychecks added 49, 000 jobs, which is significantly below what the LSEG poll had predicted. May’s private sector job profits decreased from 120 000 to 97 000, respectively.

Authorities payments increased by 8, 000 jobs last month, while the decrease from the previous month’s increase of 52, 000 work to 32, 000 was revised.

According to economics polled by LSEG, the manufacturing industry added 3, 000 careers in June. The numbers for May were changed from 7,500 to 2, 000 tasks, respectively.

In June, the industry added 22, 000 work, which is still higher than last month’s increase in employment. That’s a slower rate than the 38, 000-per-month common increase over the previous year. Clinics added 9, 000 work to the quarter, making up the majority of the increase.

In June, 61, 000 jobs were lost for leisure and hospitality, which was a result of lower-than-expected annual hiring. Employment in the market has not significantly changed over the course of 2026.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Health officials are urging Americans to take precautions as extreme heat blankets much of the Midwest and Eastern United States ahead of the Independence Day weekend, warning that prolonged exposure can quickly become life-threatening.

Experts recommend limiting outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, typically between late morning and early evening, and staying in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. Those who must be outside should seek shade frequently, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and drink water regularly without waiting until they feel thirsty.

Older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and people with chronic medical conditions face the highest risk of heat-related illness. Officials also advise checking on elderly neighbors, relatives and anyone without access to air conditioning during periods of extreme heat.

Doctors warn that several commonly prescribed medications — including some for high blood pressure, heart disease, allergies, ADHD and mental health conditions — can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature or increase the risk of dehydration. Patients should continue taking prescribed medications but consult their healthcare provider about additional precautions during heat waves.

People should learn to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and weakness. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke — such as confusion, slurred speech, seizures, unconsciousness or a body temperature above 103 degrees — should be moved to a cool location immediately while someone calls 911. Rapid cooling with water, ice packs or air conditioning can be lifesaving while waiting for emergency responders.

Health officials also recommend avoiding strenuous exercise during peak heat, never leaving children or pets in parked vehicles, and using fans only when temperatures are not dangerously high, as fans alone may not prevent heat-related illness during extreme heat.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — BDE:A 7-year-old boy was killed on Thursday afternoon after being struck by a bus on a crosswalk on Rabbi Akiva Street in the Brachfeld neighborhood of the charedi city of Modi’in Illit. His death was pronounced at the scene.

Emergency responders who were called to the intersection of Rabbi Akiva Street and Abaye and Rava Street were forced to declare the child dead upon arrival.

Eliezer Hess, David Cohen, and Ido Ashraf, volunteer EMTs with United Hatzalah, said: “This is a harsh scene, a child pedestrian was struck by a bus. Sadly, his death was pronounced at the scene.”

They added:”United Hatzalah’s pyschotrauma teams are operating at the scene due to the nature of the incident.”

The Israel Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the fatal accident. A police statement said: “Officers from the Modi’in Illit Police Station are at the scene of the accident, and traffic accident investigators from the Judea and Samaria District have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The executive running one of BlackRock’s troubled lending funds is on his way out, a departure that lands amid mounting losses and a federal investigation. According to reporting published Wednesday by Bloomberg, Phil Tseng, chief executive of BlackRock TCP Capital Corp., is in the process of leaving the firm following months of losses on soured loans and revelations of a U.S. regulatory probe into the unit’s valuation practices.

Tseng remains an employee of the world’s largest asset manager for now, according to people familiar with the matter, though the timing of his departure and the selection of a successor have not been finalized. The fund he oversees, known by its ticker TCPC, is a business development company that provides loans to middle-market and small businesses—companies that often have limited access to traditional bank financing.

The problems have been building for months. The fund reported $35 million in markdowns during the first quarter, and in January disclosed an estimated 19% decline in net asset value, largely tied to restructurings involving e-commerce investments and the bankrupt Renovo Home Partners. Following that announcement, shares dropped more than 14%. In May, the situation escalated when executives were questioned by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding how the fund valued certain private investments.

For everyday investors, the story highlights growing risks inside the rapidly expanding private credit industry. Over the past decade, major investment firms have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into direct lending, providing financing to businesses outside the traditional banking system. While those loans often produce attractive returns, they also carry higher risks when economic conditions weaken and borrowers struggle to repay.

Unlike publicly traded stocks, private loans do not trade on open markets, making their values more difficult to determine. Fund managers must estimate what those investments are worth, leaving room for judgment—and scrutiny. Regulators are now examining whether those estimates accurately reflected the true condition of the portfolio.

Because TCP Capital is publicly traded, many individual investors—including retirees seeking high dividend income—own shares. Business development companies have become popular income investments, but the recent losses serve as a reminder that higher yields typically come with higher risks. When borrowers default or require restructuring, both dividend payments and share prices can suffer.

The fund became part of BlackRock through the firm’s broader expansion into private markets. TCP Capital traces its roots to Tennenbaum Capital Partners, which BlackRock acquired in 2018. Last year, BlackRock accelerated its push into alternative investments by purchasing HPS Investment Partners in a deal valued at roughly $12 billion, making private credit an increasingly important part of the firm’s long-term strategy.

The broader private-credit industry is now facing closer examination. Some analysts have warned that years of easy lending may have masked weaker underwriting standards that only become apparent when economic conditions deteriorate. Recent losses at TCP Capital, combined with a federal investigation, are likely to intensify those concerns across Wall Street.

For small and medium-sized businesses, the health of private-credit funds matters. These lenders have become an important source of financing for companies that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. If investors become more cautious and capital becomes harder to raise, financing could become both scarcer and more expensive for businesses that rely on these funds to grow.

The developments do not suggest a broader financial crisis. BlackRock remains one of the world’s strongest asset managers, and a single troubled fund does not define the industry. Still, the combination of significant losses, a leadership change, and a federal valuation probe at a BlackRock-managed fund signals that the private-credit boom is entering a more challenging phase.

For investors, the lesson is straightforward: higher returns often come with higher risks, and as private credit continues to mature, greater scrutiny from regulators and markets alike is likely to follow.

JBizNews Desk
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NEW YORK (VINnews) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism after urging New Yorkers to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees to help reduce strain on the city’s power grid during a heat wave expected to push temperatures near 100 degrees.

In a social media post, Mamdani encouraged residents to conserve electricity by setting thermostats to 78 degrees, turning off unused lights and electronics, and unplugging devices. He said city buildings would also follow the energy-saving measures.

The recommendation sparked backlash online, with critics arguing the suggested temperature was too warm during the extreme heat.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting air conditioners between 75 and 78 degrees during the summer to balance comfort and energy efficiency. Temperatures in New York City are forecast to approach 100 degrees through the holiday weekend.

New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool.

Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can.

Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings,…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 1, 2026

Is Gracie Mansion AC also set to 78 degrees in this scorching heat? Asking for a friend…. https://t.co/u9cTLClusj

— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) July 1, 2026

NEW YORK (VINnews) Palantir CEO Alex Karp just dropped a major hint about the Iran conflict on live TV, and it sounds like great news for the United States. Even CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin reacted with an instant “Wow!” the moment he heard Alex Karp say it.

Karp stressed that “America has to represent its own interests.”

“Do I think Iran’s been degraded? Yes.”

“Are there things that I don’t think are in the public space that would be comforting to people if they are?Yes.”

“And I’ll leave it at that…”

WHOA: Palantir’s CEO just dropped a MAJOR hint about the Iran conflict on live TV — and it sounds like great news for the United States.

Even CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin reacted with an instant “Wow!” the moment he heard Alex Karp say it.

KARP: “America has to rep his own… pic.twitter.com/JdWEej7xKM

— Overton (@overton_news) July 1, 2026

Palantir CEO Alex Karp admits that nobody is a bigger tool for the Israeli government than he is, and he believes Israel is “on the side of good.”

He says that, in private, he is Israel’s biggest critic but cannot reveal those criticisms to the public.

“I am the most publicly… pic.twitter.com/Glz6BfLx3C

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) July 1, 2026

The CEO also referred to his relationship with Israel during the interview, in light of his company’s work with the US government and the administration’s differences in outlook from Israel. Karp stressed that “nobody is a bigger tool for the Israeli government than I am, and I believe Israel is “on the side of good.”

He added however that, in private, he is Israel’s biggest critic but cannot reveal those criticisms to the public. Yet despite this he concluded that “We are proud to support them.”

A member of Congress is calling on the federal government to investigate the fast-growing “rent now, pay later” industry, warning that many Americans may not fully understand the fees and financing costs attached to these products.

In a letter sent Wednesday, Representative Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat, urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to examine companies offering rent-payment financing and determine whether consumers are being adequately protected under federal law.

“Rent now, pay later” services allow tenants to divide a monthly rent payment into several smaller installments rather than paying the entire amount on the first of the month. Companies such as Flex and Livble market the products as tools that help renters better manage cash flow between paychecks. Some financial technology companies have also begun experimenting with similar payment options for housing expenses.

Supporters say the products provide flexibility for households facing uneven income schedules or unexpected expenses. Critics, however, argue that financing an essential monthly obligation like rent can become expensive once service fees, finance charges, or late-payment penalties are added.

In his letter, Frost asked the CFPB to investigate whether renters are receiving clear disclosures regarding the true cost of these products and whether landlords or property managers are steering tenants toward specific financing services.

The congressman said his concerns are rooted partly in personal experience. Before taking office, Frost said he relied on buy-now-pay-later products while furnishing his apartment and managing living expenses, eventually accumulating debt that became difficult to repay. He said many younger Americans may face similar financial pressures without the income stability that later allowed him to eliminate those balances.

The request comes as financial technology companies continue expanding beyond retail purchases into everyday household expenses.

After transforming online shopping over the past decade, installment-payment providers are increasingly targeting recurring obligations such as rent, utilities, insurance premiums, medical bills, and other essential expenses. The growing market reflects continued pressure on household budgets as housing costs remain elevated across much of the country.

Consumer advocates caution that financing recurring bills differs significantly from financing discretionary purchases. Because rent must be paid every month, borrowers who repeatedly rely on installment plans may accumulate ongoing fees that make already expensive housing even more costly over time.

Whether the CFPB pursues a formal investigation remains uncertain.

The agency has significantly reduced enforcement activity in recent months, and officials have not publicly indicated whether they intend to review the industry’s practices. Frost acknowledged that outcome is unclear but said congressional oversight remains important as financial products continue evolving.

If regulators decline to act, Frost said he hopes the information gathered through oversight efforts could help shape future consumer-protection legislation.

For renters, financial advisers recommend carefully reviewing all fees, repayment schedules, and penalties before using any rent-financing service. While splitting rent payments may help manage short-term cash flow, consumers should compare the total cost against other available options and ensure they can comfortably meet each scheduled payment.

As financial technology companies continue expanding into housing finance, the debate over consumer protections, disclosure requirements, and regulatory oversight is likely to grow alongside the industry’s rapid expansion.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. applications for jobless aid inched down last week as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits in the week ending June 27 fell by 1,000 to 215,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s fewer than the 225,000 new applications forecast by analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet.

Weekly filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.

The four-week moving average of jobless claims, which quiets some of the week-to-week noise, fell by 2,500 to 222,000.

The total number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits for the previous week ending June 20 ticked up by 2,000 by to 1.81 million.

Q: What is Shiva Assar b’Tammuz supposed to teach us?

A: Shiva Assar b’Tammuz comes to teach a number of things. One of the things is, we have to look back על כל מחמדנו שהיה לנו בימי קדם all the wonderful things we had in the days of old but we didn’t appreciate them as long as we had them.

That’s a universal failing in human beings. They don’t appreciate fully what they have. I’m sure they appreciate it to some extent but the glory of a Jewish nation that lived together in Eretz Yisroel and Bavel—at one time only in Eretz Yisroel—that was something that was unequal.

Imagine the days of Bayis Rishon. Not one Jew lived anywhere except in Eretz Yisroel and they were so proud of their superiority. Yes, there were people, here and there, who were attracted to the foolishness of the goyim around but the vast majority of the Jews were loyal to everything. Even the ovdei avodah zarah were frum Jews. Even Achav who was a real oveid avodah zarah, he was a frum Jew; he had a kosher kitchen, and when the Navi told him some criticism he put on sackcloth and ashes and he fasted.

So once upon a time we had tremendous gifts that we didn’t appreciate sufficiently. And so among the purposes of this period of time now that we’re going to start Shiva Assar b’Tammuz is to look back and realize what we once had.

Of course it makes us sad that we don’t have them today but it’s important to realize that we still owe gratitude to Hashem for what He gave us in the days of old. Once upon a time we had a kingdom; a Jewish frum police force, shoftim v’shotrim. Even a policeman could be a tzaddik gomur. He wore tzitzis and he was defending the Torah laws. That’s why he was called a שוטר, because he had a stick, a שוט in his hand. Once upon a time anybody who did a small chillul Shabbos was put to death. And so here was never such a nation that was so devoted in their happiness, in their observance

But what happened? When they were all together, they began thinking, “Maybe outside there’s also something good.” They didn’t realize the big difference between the outside and the inside. השמרו לכם פן יפתה לבבכם – Be on guard not to be persuaded that it’s better outside. ולא תתורו – You shouldn’t look; you shouldn’t spy to see what’s doing in other nations, maybe there’s something there too.

And that’s what happened in Europe when the people began thinking, “Maybe it’s better to live among the Germans; the Germans are civilized.”

And it seemed so. You couldn’t insult a Jew on the street in Germany. In Austria you could insult a Jew in the street. You know that Zigmund Freud tells a story about his father. His father was walking in the street and he bought a new hat, a new fur hat, so a gentile passed by and knocked it off. He said, “Jew get off the sidewalk.” But in Germany they were polite. I was in Germany for one day — it was polite in those days. So the Jews said, “Surely, ah! That’s culture, that’s science!” And that’s why so many Jews got lost in Germany

So Hakodosh Boruch Hu said, “I’m going to show you who Germany is.” That’s why the greatest wickedness the world ever saw came out of Germany in order to teach a lesson.

But in the days of old when they all lived inside of their own mechitzah they couldn’t realize what the outside world was and they couldn’t fully appreciate the great benefit that Hashem had given them of מחמדינו שהיה לנו מימי קדם. And therefore, that’s one of the purposes of fasting – we remind ourselves and we’re so sorry that once upon a time we failed to understand how happy we should have been. We failed to realize it.

Another purpose of course is to say, “What can we do to bring back those days?”

Now, you can’t bring it back by yourself but still every person is obliged to try, to at least make an effort. So therefore, the taanis tzibur is for the purpose of making at least one step in the right direction. It’s not merely to afflict yourself, not to eat. The taanis is for the purpose of making you think; you should make one step in the right direction. At least one thing you have to do as a result of a taanis tzibur. There shouldn’t be even the slightest change? Nothing at all?!

And therefore, right now we’re limiting ourselves to two objectives. One is to look back and see what we once had and we lost; we appreciate what our forefathers had, the happiness of ארץ חמדה טובה ורחבה. They lived among Jews and they lived al pi haTorah and that was their constitution lehavdil; they had no other laws except the laws of the Torah. What a happiness that was!

And also, another purpose of the taanis is to see what can we do to be mekarev the geulah; a little bit better we can be – at least one step in the right direction.

Toras Avigdor – July 1997

A visit by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to IDF forces in southern Lebanon has sparked controversy following claims that several female soldiers were instructed to leave a building during the visit in order to accommodate members of the Chashmonaim Brigade, the military’s chareidi combat unit.

The allegation was first reported by Kan 11, citing the mother of one of the artillery soldiers stationed at the location. According to her account, commanders asked four female soldiers to relocate to another part of the building while Netanyahu met with soldiers from the Chashmonaim Brigade.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisroel Katz visited commanders and troops in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. As part of the visit, the prime minister posed for photographs with soldiers from the Chashmonaim Brigade, who had arrived from a separate military position in the area.

According to the report, soldiers had spent hours cleaning the building and reinforcing it ahead of the high-profile visit. The mother of one of the female artillery soldiers claimed that, shortly before Netanyahu’s arrival, the four women were instructed to leave the main area of the building.

“When Bibi was supposed to arrive to meet the Chashmonaim at the site that they had worked on, the girls from the artillery battery were told that the Chashmonaim had been promised they wouldn’t see any girls there, so they had to go to another house and stay downstairs,” she was quoted as saying.

She further alleged that the female soldiers remained there for approximately four hours.

“For four hours, only the girls from the battery sat downstairs and were not allowed to go upstairs so that the Chashmonaim wouldn’t accidentally encounter them. Of course, the staff’s response was that they were doing it out of respect for them,” she said.

Opposition politicians quickly seized on the report to criticize both Netanyahu and the government’s relationship with the chareidi community.

Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan wrote, “Let every Hebrew mother know that the prime minister will hide her daughter who serves in combat in order to be photographed with chareidi soldiers. This is contempt for the women who serve and risk their lives every day, every hour. Our female combat soldiers are an inseparable part of Israel’s security and of the State of Israel, and we should be proud of them.”

In response, the IDF said the incident stemmed from poor logistical planning rather than official policy.

“The gathering was not properly planned in light of the conditions at the brigade command house in enemy territory. The incident will be investigated,” the military said in a statement.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Prior to the funeral ceremonies for Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, which are expected to begin this coming Saturday and continue over several days, senior Iranian regime officials have issued forceful statements and threats directed at Israel and the United States, while also calling on the public to attend the ceremonies and demonstrate loyalty to Tehran’s new leadership under Mojtaba Khamenei.

The commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Abdolrahim Abdollahi, released a special statement marking the funeral ceremonies, describing Khamenei as the leader who brought Iran to new heights of “deterrence” and strengthened its capabilities in missiles, drones, and national security. According to Abdollahi, Khamenei’s death is “a painful loss,” but his blood “will further strengthen the tree of Iran’s honor and independence.”

In his statement, Abdollahi warned “Iran’s enemies”, primarily the United States, Israel, and their allies, against “any miscalculation,” urging them not to attack Iran during the days of mourning and the funeral ceremonies. He called on the United States and Israel to take into account the possibility of “harsh and regrettable responses” from Iran’s armed forces to any threat or attack. He further declared that Iran’s armed forces remain committed to continuing the path laid out by Khamenei and to defending Iran’s independence, security, and territorial integrity, while pledging allegiance to the country’s new leader, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also called on the Iranian public to participate in large numbers in the funeral ceremonies. According to him, the funeral is not merely a farewell ceremony but a “renewal of the covenant” between the Iranian people, the path of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the “martyrs.” Ghalibaf urged the public to attend en masse, claiming that widespread participation would make the funeral “one of the largest farewell ceremonies in human history.”

Ghalibaf also included a militant message in his remarks, saying that “we must rise and let the world hear the Iranian people’s cry for revenge,” in order to demonstrate that Iran “will not remain silent in the face of injustice and will not abandon the blood of its Imam.” At the same time, he called on the public to help ensure the success of the ceremonies by maintaining order, assisting participants, and cooperating with organizers.

The statements come as Iran prepares extensively for Khamenei’s funeral procession, which is scheduled to begin this coming Saturday. Through the ceremonies, Tehran is seeking to project domestic unity, mobilize large crowds for the mourning processions, and demonstrate governmental continuity under the country’s new leadership.

The body of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, will be laid to rest more than four months after he was assassinated together with forty senior figures from Iran’s security establishment.

According to the report, Khamenei was killed during Operation Bereshit, in which more than 200 Israeli Air Force aircraft participated in close coordination with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). While Israeli aircraft targeted Iran’s senior military leadership and neutralized air defense systems, American bombers and fighter aircraft simultaneously struck high-value targets across Iran.

Tesla is expected to report a modest increase in second-quarter vehicle deliveries, according to analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg, suggesting the electric vehicle maker continues to grow—but at a much slower pace than during its years of explosive expansion.

Analysts expect Tesla to report approximately 396,466 vehicle deliveries worldwide for the three months ending in June, representing roughly 3% growth from the same quarter a year ago. The company is expected to release its official delivery figures on Thursday, July 2.

If those estimates prove accurate, Tesla would post its second consecutive quarter of year-over-year delivery growth after experiencing annual declines during previous reporting periods. However, the pace remains well below the company’s historic growth rates, when quarterly deliveries routinely approached half a million vehicles.

The vast majority of Tesla’s expected deliveries continue to come from its two highest-volume models—the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. Premium vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck, are expected to account for only a small portion of overall deliveries.

Regional demand remains uneven.

Analysts point to stronger European sales as one of the primary drivers behind the expected increase, supported by higher fuel prices and continued demand for electric vehicles across several European markets. China is expected to remain relatively stable.

The United States, however, has become a more challenging market.

The expiration of the federal $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit has significantly increased effective purchase prices for many American consumers, reducing one of Tesla’s biggest competitive advantages and making affordability a growing concern.

The delivery report arrives as investors increasingly focus on Tesla’s future beyond automobile manufacturing.

While vehicle deliveries remain one of Wall Street’s most closely watched metrics, much of the company’s valuation is now tied to Chief Executive Elon Musk’s long-term plans involving autonomous driving, robotaxis, artificial intelligence, and humanoid robotics rather than vehicle sales alone.

Even so, vehicle deliveries remain critical because they directly influence Tesla’s revenue, profit margins, manufacturing efficiency, and cash flow.

Competition across the electric vehicle industry continues intensifying.

Traditional automakers have expanded their electric offerings, while Chinese manufacturers continue introducing lower-priced EVs across international markets. Consumers now have substantially more choices than when Tesla largely dominated the segment several years ago.

Industry analysts note that Tesla’s current product lineup also faces increasing pressure from age. The Model 3 and Model Y remain among the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, but both have been on the market for years while competitors continue launching newer designs and technologies.

Investors will receive a more complete picture later this month when Tesla reports its full second-quarter financial results, including revenue, earnings, profit margins, and guidance for the remainder of the year.

For consumers, slower growth could ultimately prove beneficial.

Increasing competition, reduced demand growth, and expanding production capacity throughout the industry may place greater pressure on manufacturers to offer discounts, incentives, financing promotions, or price reductions in order to maintain market share.

Whether Tesla exceeds or falls short of current delivery estimates will likely influence investor sentiment, but the broader story remains clear: the global electric vehicle market is entering a more mature phase where sustained rapid growth can no longer be taken for granted.

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

‎_בין המצרים - אנגלית 1

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia hammered Kyiv in an 11-hour drone and missile attack overnight into Thursday morning, killing at least 20 civilians in the city and injuring scores more in what Moscow said was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Loud explosions shook the Ukrainian capital for hours during the night, with many people sheltering in subway stations after authorities issued air raid warnings. Emergency crews were still digging through the rubble of collapsed and charred apartment buildings in search of victims as dawn broke.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that the deadly bombardment was in response to Ukraine’s long-range strikes that have caused severe fuel shortages and put pressure on President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s increasingly frequent and large-scale attacks — described by Zelenskyy as a 40-day blitz — have especially targeted oil refineries, causing a fuel crisis that has frustrated Russians, more than four years after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

Ukrainian officials say they are trying to force Putin to the negotiating table, but so far Moscow’s response has been to hit back.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war, most recently by the Trump administration, haven’t produced results. Putin thinks that time is on his side, that Western support will peter out and that Ukraine’s resistance will eventually collapse under pressure from strategic bombing, Western analysts say.

Ukraine’s top diplomat says it
was a ‘night of horror’ in Kyiv
The attack killed 20 people in Kyiv, according to Kyiv city administration head Tymur Tkachenko. More than 90 others were injured, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it was a “night of horror” in the capital.

Damage was recorded in 30 locations across the city, mainly residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. Some 20 residential buildings were damaged, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

Flashes from exploding drones and missiles lit up the night, and loud booms echoed through Kyiv. Tracers from air defense fire streaked through the air as a huge pall of black smoke rose into the sky.

Kyiv resident Serhii Budko said three or four ballistic missiles hit his district of the city. “We were inside the shelter and felt the shelter shaking — the ceiling and floor, everything,” the 24-year-old told The Associated Press.

In Kyiv’s Desnianskyi district, people were trapped inside a damaged nine-story residential building, and in the Darnytskyi district six levels of a nine-story building collapsed.

Russia’s General Staff chief Gen. Valery Gerasimov reported the results of the “massive retaliatory strike” to Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

The bombardment was “exclusively against military or military-linked targets,” Peskov said.

Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukraine have repeatedly hit civilian areas. More than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the war, according to the United Nations.

Sybiha said in April that domestic production meets up to 75% of Ukraine’s military needs and accounts for up to 95% of long-range strikes against Russia. The location of the factories making those weapons is secret.

Elsewhere, in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region a Russian guided bomb strike killed a 7-year-old girl and wounded four other people, including an 11-year-old girl, all members of the same family, regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said.

Ukrainian officials urge countries to provide more air defenses
The attack used “high-precision long-range weapons” and drones on “military industry facilities and fuel and energy complexes in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, as well as military airfield infrastructure in four other regions of Ukraine,” the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement said.

It published a list of targets it said the barrage hit, mostly plants manufacturing and assembling Ukrainian drones, missiles and components.

Russia fired 74 missiles, 24 of them ballistic, and 496 drones of various types in the attack, Ukraine’s air force said.

Ukraine’s air defenses have improved throughout the war, especially in countering Russian drones. But ballistic missiles are harder to stop, and Ukrainian officials have repeatedly pleaded with partner countries to supply more Patriot missile systems that offer the best protection.

Sybiha urged countries not to delay decisions on supplying air defense systems and missiles.

He rejected any Russian attempts to justify the strikes as retaliation for Ukraine’s long-range attacks, saying Ukraine was exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter while Russia remained the aggressor.

Sybiha said on X that the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue their work.

Ukraine attacks another Russian oil refinery
Ukrainian forces struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight in the Nizhny Novgorod region east of Moscow, starting a fire, Ukraine’s General Staff said.

Also, Ukrainian forces struck a railway bridge over the Siverskyi Donets River in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, it said. The bridge was used by Russian forces to transport personnel, weapons and military supplies, according to the General Staff.

Ukraine’s recent success with drone strikes that keep Russian troops pinned down on the front line, disrupt Russian supply lines in the rear and damage oil facilities have brought a significant change in the war, Western analysts say.

“Russia’s spring-summer 2026 offensive has failed to achieve operationally significant gains thus far, and Russian forces’ rate of advance in June 2026 (was) a fraction of the rate of advance that Russian forces achieved in June 2025,” the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said in an assessment late Wednesday.

UPS said it relied on Boeing’s assessment that a known engine mount issue did not pose a flight safety risk when it chose not to adopt enhanced inspections before last year’s fatal cargo plane crash in Louisville, according to newly released National Transportation Safety Board filings.

In its post-hearing submission to the NTSB, UPS said it followed all required Boeing and Federal Aviation Administration-approved maintenance programs for its MD-11 fleet. 

The company said Boeing’s 2008 and 2011 service letters described the issue as not a “safety of flight” condition and stated that existing inspection intervals were sufficient to identify problems involving the engine mount’s spherical bearings.

UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet bound for Honolulu, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025, after its left engine and pylon separated from the aircraft. 

Three crew members and 12 people on the ground were killed, while 23 others were injured. The NTSB has not yet released its final report on the accident.

UPS said it reviewed Boeing’s service letters and incorporated revisions to the aircraft maintenance manual, but did not alter its maintenance program. They said this was because Boeing also concluded the issue was not safety-related and never updated its Maintenance Planning Document (MPD), which operators use to establish required maintenance schedules. 

According to UPS, Boeing’s failure to revise the MPD indicated that no additional maintenance tasks were necessary beyond those already being performed.

Boeing, in its own filing with investigators, said it reviewed an operator report involving a failed spherical bearing in 2008 and determined, based on the information available at the time, that the issue was not a safety concern. 

The company said it issued a service letter recommending enhanced inspections of the bearing and later revised the aircraft maintenance manual to include an inspection procedure designed to detect bearing movement.

Boeing also said aircraft operators are responsible for maintaining their fleets in coordination with regulators, noting that its maintenance planning documents and manuals provide recommendations that operators use to develop their own maintenance programs.

UPS also argued that Boeing’s Continued Operational Safety process failed to identify the damaged bearing and related structural damage as a flight safety issue. The carrier said maintenance records for the aircraft showed no evidence that the spherical bearing had migrated before the crash and argued testimony during the NTSB hearing established that bearings could fail without visible movement.

Both Boeing and UPS said in their NTSB submissions that they will continue cooperating with the investigation. Boeing said it has since worked with the FAA on updated inspection and maintenance procedures, developed a redesigned spherical bearing with a 4,000-flight-cycle life limit and implemented changes to its continued operational safety process.

The FAA’s submission to investigators reiterated that the agency is supporting the NTSB’s investigation. The NTSB has not announced when it expects to issue its final report determining the probable cause of the crash.

FOX Business has reached out to UPS and Boeing for additional comment on their NTSB submissions.

A public dispute between MK Merav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid and MK Moshe Abutbul of Shas came to an end Wednesday evening after Ben Ari formally apologized on the floor of the Knesset for incorrectly claiming that Abutbul had evaded military service.

The controversy began earlier in the day after Abutbul was interviewed on Kan Reshet Bet about the issue of chareidi military service. Shortly afterward, Ben Ari appeared on the same broadcast and, although asked about a different topic, criticized Abutbul personally.

“The man is a draft dodger. He didn’t serve in the army,” she said, adding, “And how does he even know what’s going on?”

Abutbul immediately challenged the remarks during the broadcast, insisting that he had, in fact, served in the Israel Defense Forces. He asked host Aryeh Golan to correct the record, and his military service number—3619778—was even disclosed during the program to refute Ben Ari’s accusation.

Later in the day, Abutbul condemned the remarks, saying, “Even when you have no answer, you’re not allowed to lie. This is slander worthy of a libel lawsuit.”

During Wednesday evening’s Knesset session, Ben Ari took the podium to issue a personal statement retracting her comments and apologizing publicly.

“When I’m wrong, I apologize. I also apologized personally to MK Abutbul, and he accepted my apology,” she said.

The apology brought the daylong confrontation to a close after it became clear that Ben Ari’s assertion that Abutbul had not served in the IDF was incorrect.

{Matzav.com}

BANGKOK (AP) — An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage walk in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing nine, officials said.

A total of 35 monks from Mukdahan province, about 600 kilometers (372 miles) northeast of the capital Bangkok, were on the pilgrimage. Five monks were killed at the site, while four others died at a hospital. Thirteen were hospitalized with three in critical condition, according to the provincial administration.

The group started the 260-kilometer (161-mile) walk to Ubon Ratchathani province about 30 minutes before the crash.

Security camera footage shared by a local rescue group, Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association, shows the monks walking in a single line on the side of a road before the truck crashes into them.

The boy is in custody and will be questioned when state child protection officers arrive, police said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation, but police said the monks described seeing the vehicle swerving before it slid off the road and crashed into the group.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) —  In light of the worrying wave of arrests of yeshiva students, and after a yeshiva student who was detained by the military authorities was ultimately released last week, a dramatic and strongly worded letter from the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, addressed to the thousands of students of the yeshiva, was published on Thursday.

The Rosh Yeshiva opens his letter with an emotional address to the students:”To the yeshiva students, mighty in strength, who toil in Torah, may you live long.”

He continues by describing the difficult circumstances: “In light of the terrible situation prevailing in the Holy Land, as our precious Torah students are subject to severe persecution and face the danger of immediate arrest, we wish to announce publicly that the yeshiva will endeavor to assist each and every individual through every means at our disposal.”

The letter reveals that a special committee has been established within the yeshiva, consisting of rabbis, educators, and professionals, to provide assistance, guidance, and individualized support to every student and avrech regarding matters involving the military authorities. The Rosh Yeshiva emphasizes that all assistance must be provided exclusively through this committee.

He goes on to issue a sharp warning against independent activists who attempt to intervene and, in his view, place students at risk:”Since there are those acting on their own initiative, or through various activists, seeking different ways to obtain an exemption from military service, thereby placing themselves in the lion’s den and exposing themselves to the danger of conscription or immediate arrest, I therefore wish to make the following announcement and warning.”

The emergency instructions and explicit warnings contained in the letter are as follows:

A. Under no circumstances should anyone report to a military recruitment office without prior approval from the committee, including those who personally believe they qualify for an exemption.

B. Under no circumstances should anyone cross any border crossing without first obtaining explicit approval from the special committee.

The Rosh Yeshiva makes clear that adherence to these instructions is mandatory: “Any student who acts contrary to the yeshiva’s directives removes himself from the community and may bear personal responsibility for the consequences of his actions.”

The letter also provides practical guidance in the event of an arrest:”If, G-d forbid, an arrest occurs, the committee’s representative should be contacted immediately using the telephone number that will be published, and the yeshiva will, G-d willing, use all of its strength and available means to assist, in consultation with attorneys and other professionals.”

The Rosh Yeshiva also instructs students on how to conduct themselves when dealing with law enforcement authorities: “You should exercise your right to remain silent and provide no information other than your name and identification number. To every question you should answer: ‘My lawyer will respond on my behalf.'”

The letter concludes with a spiritual appeal, urging the students to strengthen themselves through prayer and Torah study: “The yeshiva students are called upon to increase their prayers and heartfelt cries for the redemption of Israel and the exaltation of the Torah, with peace of mind. They should strengthen themselves by accepting the yoke of Torah study continuously, for whoever accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah is relieved of the yoke of government and the burdens of worldly affairs.”

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional supermarket operator, announced Wednesday that it has agreed to acquire Giant Eagle for approximately $1.65 billion, marking the company’s first major acquisition since its proposed merger with Albertsons was blocked by regulators.

Under the agreement, Kroger will pay approximately $1.25 billion in cash while assuming about $400 million of Giant Eagle’s existing debt. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Kroger’s Board of Directors and remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Founded more than 90 years ago, Giant Eagle operates nearly 200 supermarkets and several standalone pharmacies across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana, generating roughly $9 billion in annual revenue. The chain has long maintained a dominant position throughout the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and is one of Pennsylvania’s largest privately held employers.

For Kroger, the acquisition significantly strengthens its presence across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic while expanding its pharmacy business and customer loyalty programs.

“This is an outstanding strategic fit,” Kroger CEO Ron Sargent said in announcing the transaction, describing Giant Eagle as a respected regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh food, pharmacy services, and customer satisfaction.

The companies said Giant Eagle, Market District, and the retailer’s myPerks loyalty program will continue operating under their existing brands. Giant Eagle’s headquarters will remain in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and Kroger said it does not currently anticipate widespread store closures.

However, the companies acknowledged that certain stores may need to be divested in markets where competitive overlap exists in order to satisfy federal antitrust regulators. The exact number of potential divestitures has not yet been disclosed.

The transaction represents Kroger’s renewed effort to expand after its proposed $25 billion merger with Albertsons collapsed following legal challenges from federal regulators and several state attorneys general concerned about competition within the grocery industry.

The acquisition also reflects broader consolidation across the retail grocery sector as traditional supermarket chains face increasing competition from Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Aldi, and other discount retailers. Larger operating scale allows grocery companies to negotiate better prices with suppliers, invest in technology, strengthen delivery capabilities, and improve operating efficiencies.

For consumers, Kroger says those efficiencies should eventually translate into lower prices and expanded product selection. Company executives said increased purchasing power and supply-chain improvements will help fund additional investments in pricing while maintaining service levels.

Pharmacy operations also played an important role in the acquisition. Prescription customers typically visit stores more frequently than grocery-only shoppers, making pharmacy services an important driver of customer loyalty and recurring sales.

Industry analysts say the deal demonstrates that grocery consolidation is likely to continue despite heightened regulatory scrutiny. Rather than pursuing massive national mergers, companies may increasingly focus on acquiring strong regional operators that complement existing geographic footprints.

If approved, the transaction is expected to close during 2027.

For shoppers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana, the immediate impact is expected to be limited. Stores will continue operating under the Giant Eagle name while customers retain familiar loyalty programs and pharmacy services. Over the longer term, consumers will be watching whether Kroger can deliver on its promise of lower prices while preserving the local identity that has made Giant Eagle one of the region’s most recognized supermarket brands.

JBizNews Desk
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By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz

This week, we enter the Three Weeks, a period unlike any other on the Jewish calendar, a time of mourning for events that took place centuries ago. It is a time to remember what we have endured as a people, to miss what we no longer have, and to recognize that the absence we have grown accustomed to was never meant to be normal.

The Bais Hamikdosh was the place where Heaven and earth met. It was where the Shechinah rested openly among Klal Yisroel, where every korban expressed our yearning to draw closer to Hashem. The Bais Hamikdosh was where tefillos ascended with a clarity we can scarcely imagine. It was the beating heart of the Jewish people, the place from which holiness radiated to the entire world.

Its destruction marked the beginning of a long exile in which Hashem’s presence became hidden and our nation was scattered across the globe. We have built communities, yeshivos, and homes of Torah that are sources of great pride. Yet, every simcha remains incomplete, every home bears a zeicher l’churban, and the center of Jewish life remains in ruins.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of golus is not merely that we have lived so long without the Bais Hamikdosh, but that we have become accustomed to living without it. We have learned how to navigate golus. We have learned how to flourish in foreign lands. We have become comfortable in a world that our ancestors never mistook for home.

The Three Weeks insist on awakening us from that complacency. They remind us that no matter how secure we feel, no matter how prosperous our communities become, no matter how much Torah is learned and how many beautiful shuls are built, something essential is still missing. We are a people waiting to come home.

Lately, we have received several reminders of this reality. We became comfortable in our golus in Western Europe, in the United States, and, dare we say, even in Eretz Yisroel. Each of these places has recently reminded us of the true nature of golus, leaving us shaken and concerned.

There was a time, not very long ago, when support for Israel was one of the few issues that united Democrats and Republicans. From President Harry Truman’s recognition of the Jewish state in 1948 through decades of bipartisan congressional support, standing with Israel was viewed as both a moral obligation and an American strategic interest. Republicans and Democrats disagreed on taxes, spending, foreign policy, and countless domestic issues, but support for Israel remained a bipartisan constant.

For decades, New York stood at the center of that consensus. It was home to some of America’s strongest pro-Israel Democrats. Men such as Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Jacob Javits defended Israel unapologetically on the world stage. The city’s large Jewish population helped create a political culture in which support for Israel was considered both morally right and politically prudent.

Those days are changing. Last week’s Democratic primary elections in New York may ultimately be remembered as a turning point. A slate of socialist candidates defeated established Democrats while campaigning on democratic socialism, class warfare, and promises of dramatically expanding government.

More importantly, woven through nearly every successful campaign was a common thread of hostility toward Israel.

These candidates were not merely critical of Israel. They attacked their opponents for supporting Israel. Progressives have created a political environment in which, to survive Democratic primaries, candidates increasingly feel compelled to distance themselves from support for Israel.

That is an extraordinary political reversal.

Ultra-liberal Congressman Dan Goldman was condemned for being too close to Israel and for his relationship with AIPAC. His victorious challenger, Brad Lander, repeatedly attacked those ties, making opposition to AIPAC a defining issue of his campaign.

Lander accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, pledged to oppose American arms sales to Israel, and declared after his victory that he intends to become “one of the Jewish members of Congress most willing to stand up for Palestinian human rights,” while insisting that American taxpayers should no longer finance “Netanyahu’s wars.”

Elsewhere, Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated veteran Congressman Adriano Espaillat after campaigning on ending military aid to Israel. Her political résumé includes organizing Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian encampments and participating in anti-Israel activism dating back to her years as part of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Her victory celebration was punctuated by chants of “Free Palestine” as she proudly repeated her promise to block military assistance to Israel.

These were not isolated races.

They were victories by candidates backed and promoted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose political rise has become emblematic of a movement that increasingly views opposition to Israel not as a liability but as a badge of ideological purity.

Only a few years ago, rhetoric of the type these people employ would have ended a mainstream political career. Today, it helps build one.

But something deeper is taking place.

When these people talk about Israel, they do not merely mean Israel. They mean us. They mean the Jews – the rich Jews, the greedy Jews, the Jews who throughout history have been made the scapegoats for society’s ills. Yet, they cloak their antisemitism in language that denies the Jewish people’s right, after centuries of persecution, exile, expulsions, pogroms, and the Holocaust, to live safely in their ancestral homeland.

We do not need to agree with every decision of the Israeli government – and we don’t – to recognize that relentlessly portraying the world’s only Jewish state as uniquely evil both feeds, and is fed by, antisemitism.

The line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism becomes increasingly blurred when Jewish students are harassed, Jewish businesses are targeted, and elected officials are ostracized simply because they support Israel’s existence.

Moreover, politicians, as well as podcasters and media talking heads, have discovered that attacking Israel energizes activists, excites donors, dominates headlines, and increasingly wins elections in urban districts.

As hostility toward Israel becomes a reliable path to clicks, ratings, and higher office, more politicians and media figures will adopt similar rhetoric. It is noteworthy that virtually none of the Democratic Party’s leaders or elected officials has condemned the statements and beliefs of these progressive candidates. You can count on the fingers of one hand those who have declared that such individuals do not belong in the Democratic Party, in Congress, in the Senate, or in any position of public responsibility.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary as the bastion of liberty, this trend should concern not only Jews, but all freedom-loving people, both in the United States and around the world.

History has repeatedly shown that societies that normalize hostility toward Jews rarely stop there. Antisemitism has often served as an early warning sign of broader civic and moral decline.

The issue facing America is larger than foreign policy.

It is whether we remain capable of distinguishing between a democratic ally defending itself against terrorists and organizations that openly celebrate the murder of civilians.

It is whether ideological purity will replace moral clarity.

These elections, together with the recent primaries that have produced similar candidates in Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and elsewhere around the country, should serve as a warning.

Ideas once confined to the political fringe have steadily entered the mainstream.

Language once universally condemned is now increasingly accepted and applauded.

Hostility toward Israel is no longer merely tolerated in parts of American politics. It is rewarded.

Chazal tell us, “Halacha hee b’yodua she’Eisov sonei l’Yaakov.” Throughout history, that hatred has worn many disguises. Sometimes it came draped in the robes of religion. Sometimes it marched beneath the banners of nationalism. Today, it often presents itself clothed in the language of human rights, anti-colonialism, and social justice.

The vocabulary changes. The animosity remains the same.

History teaches another lesson. Every empire, every ideology, and every movement that sought to marginalize or erase the Jewish people eventually passed into history.

Klal Yisroel endured.

We do not place our trust in political parties or election returns. We appreciate our friends, recognize dangers when they arise, and speak honestly about the challenges confronting our community. But ultimately, our confidence rests where it always has – in the Ribbono Shel Olam, Who has sustained His people through every generation.

During this period of the Three Weeks, we think of the churban of the Botei Mikdosh and of the many Jewish communities that existed for centuries, only to vanish almost overnight.

If you travel today to Vilna, you will find weathered gravestones whose inscriptions are slowly disappearing beneath layers of moss. You will see a vast, historic cemetery with a sports complex at its center, and you will read about plans to further develop the resting place of thousands of our ancestors. It is not enough that they did their best to destroy Jewish lives, torturing and tormenting them beyond imagination. They now feel compelled to disturb them even in death, denying them the most basic human dignity of resting in peace.

And in Vilna, and all across Europe, on streets where every Friday afternoon women once hurried home carrying fish, where fathers returned from the market and children ran to greet them, today there is only silence. Where there were once shtieblach, shuls, and botei medrash pulsating with life, filled with the sounds of Torah and tefillah that sustained the world, today there is emptiness and desolation, as many locals have done their best to ensure that those places are – and remain – Judenrein.

The Nazis, their collaborators, and all those who sought to erase Jewish existence succeeded in destroying bodies and buildings. They succeeded in emptying streets and silencing communities. But they did not succeed in silencing the Torah.

Auschwitz, Birkenau, and the forests of Ponary and Kelm, as well as Bialystok and Babi Yar, where the voices of Jews were cut short, still stand as haunting reminders of that destruction. But in cities and towns throughout the world, those voices are once again heard, loudly, proudly, and unmistakably.

Today, young people sit in botei medrash, struggling over the very same difficult line of Gemara that a child in Tashkent, Brody, or Warsaw struggled with a hundred years ago. Mothers light Shabbos candles, covering their eyes and swaying with emotion as they recite the same tefillah their grandmothers whispered in small wooden homes across Eastern Europe. Jews everywhere are opening seforim and continuing conversations that tyrants tried to bring to an end.

There is a profound thought from Chazal (Taanis 5b) that offers a powerful response to the tragedies of our history: “Rabi Yitzchok said in the name of Rabi Yochonon, Yaakov Avinu lo meis – Yaakov Avinu did not die.” The Gemara explains that just as Yaakov’s children are alive, he, too, is alive. The continuity of his descendants, their loyalty to Yiddishkeit, and their commitment to Torah and mitzvos are themselves a form of eternity.

Nowhere is that more evident than when we reflect on the Jewish communities of the Diaspora that have been lost since the churban.

Think of the men who sat in little shtieblach in Kishinev and Galicia, worrying whether their grandsons would know a Tosafos. Think of the mothers in Germany, Spain, and Portugal who recited Tehillim, praying that their children remain faithful Jews. Think of the millions of simple Yidden who owned little, endured much, and measured success not by wealth or honor, but by whether their children would continue the chain that stretched back to Har Sinai.

Their worlds were consumed by fire. Their homes were burned. Their botei medrash were emptied. Entire towns, cities, and even countries were emptied of Jews. And yet the chain was never broken.

The bochur wrestling with a difficult Rambam. The father walking to shul on a Shabbos morning with his little son. The family gathered around the table singing zemiros. The child in cheder reciting, “Torah tzivah lanu Moshe morasha kehillas Yaakov.” These are not merely echoes of the past. They are the answer to those who believed they could erase us.

Our president is fighting with his opponents over the construction of a giant arch at Arlington National Cemetery. Civilizations build their monuments out of stone and marble. Ours are built of children, Torah, and memory.

The great cities of Europe once contained magnificent shuls whose walls seemed to touch the heavens. Many are now museums, ruins, or empty shells.

The enormous botei medrash in Lakewood, the crowded shtieblach in Boro Park, and the yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel, filled with thousands of people learning Torah, are our memorials to the generations that came before us.

The signs of the churban are everywhere. You can walk through Yerushalayim and still see walls scorched by the Romans as they destroyed the Bais Hamikdosh. You can see the massive stones they hurled from the walls surrounding the Bais Hamikdosh. You can walk along the very paths trod by millions of olei regel. And, of course, you can daven at the only remnant we have of the Bais Hamikdosh, the Kosel, from which the Shechinah has never departed. It still stands, beckoning us to come home, to return to what we once were and what we can once again become.

We have lost so much. We are a wandering people, and now we enter three weeks of mourning, three weeks of aveilus, to reflect upon what we have lost and what we continue to lack.

The headlines change. Political parties rise and fall. Empires come and go, just as they always have. But the Jewish story has never truly been about them. It has always been about a people carrying the memory of their true home, refusing to mistake golus for geulah.

As the Three Weeks begin once again, we remember what was destroyed and what still must be rebuilt. We remember that we are a people waiting to come home, and that we can never be comfortable until we do.

I remember as a young child, we would be playing outside by a neighbor and my mother would call for us and say, “It’s time to come home. It’s time to have supper and do homework.”

The Three Weeks is like that call, reminding us that we have work to do and we have to come home.

Every day, we await the arrival of Moshiach. Every day, we daven for him and hope that this will be our final day in golus. May these be the last Three Weeks we observe in mourning, and may we soon merit to witness the fulfillment of the tefillah we recite three times each day: “Vesechezenah eineinu beshuvcha l’Tzion berachamim.” Amein.

{Matzav.com}

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The organization “Emet L’Yaakov in Israel” has sent a second urgent appeal to President Isaac Herzog, holding up what it describes as a stark reflection of a “recurring pattern of double standards” and selective morality on the part of the president.

The latest appeal comes after a detailed, well-documented letter submitted on June 17, 2026, concerning alleged police violence against charedim and a widespread wave of incitement, which has thus far received no response or official acknowledgment.

The organization sharply criticized the conduct of the President, accusing him of “double standards” and selective treatment toward the charedi community. According to the group, the detailed letter they sent to the President on June 17 regarding alleged police violence and incitement against Haredim has gone unanswered, while a public condemnation of remarks made by a rabbi from Bnei Brak was issued within a short time.

In its statement, the organization argued that while the President was quick to respond “with a brief and unequivocal statement” to a controversial comment made by a rabbi, he remained silent in the face of “two weeks of violence and incitement against the charedi community.” The group said that its previous appeal to the President’s Office included documentation and evidence concerning what it described as excessive police enforcement and severe incitement against charedim, yet no response has been received to date.

“Emet L’Yaakov” further noted that the budget of the President’s Office for 2026 amounts, according to the organization, to more than 85 million shekels, funded by taxpayers. The organization emphasized that the charedi community, which it says constitutes approximately 15% of Israel’s citizens, also contributes to financing the Presidency and therefore expects equal treatment when it public faces incitement or alleged mistreatment by law enforcement authorities.

“It is unacceptable that the charedi public should fully share in funding the President’s Residence, yet when it needs basic civic protection from incitement and institutional violence, it is met with a wall of silence,” the organization said. It further argued that “the speed with which the President mobilizes to condemn rabbis, compared with the indifference and disregard shown toward official appeals from community organizations, conveys a harmful and discriminatory message.”

In its renewed appeal, the organization called on the President to apply “the same moral standard and the same speed of response” to cases of incitement and violence directed against the charedi community, to end what it described as the selective use of the Presidency for sector-specific condemnations, and to meet with the organization’s representatives so they can present the evidence and documentation they have gathered.

The organization stressed that its appeal is not politically motivated but stems from a demand for “basic civic fairness” from an institution that is meant to represent all of Israel’s citizens.

The Knesset’s chief legal adviser warned Wednesday that the latest version of legislation addressing the arrest of bnei yeshivah departs so dramatically from the original draft law that advancing it could effectively nullify months of committee work and force the next Knesset to restart deliberations on draft legislation from scratch.

The warning came during a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which continued its deliberations on a bill freezing the arrest of Torah students. The proposal was carved out of the broader draft law, but the discussion quickly shifted from the bill itself to questions about whether the legislative process remains legally sound.

Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik presented a sharply critical legal opinion, arguing that the proposal now before lawmakers bears little resemblance to the version developed through months of committee deliberations.

“The text that was formulated after 86 committee meetings has effectively been replaced by an entirely different arrangement,” Afik said. She added that the new proposal “is almost entirely inconsistent with the objectives of the original bill.”

Afik acknowledged that circumstances may have changed during the lengthy legislative process and that new realities could require a different legal framework. However, she argued that such changes should be introduced through a separate piece of legislation rather than by fundamentally rewriting an existing bill.

“They are placing a new arrangement onto the skeleton of the previous draft,” she said, noting that the compressed timetable before the expected dissolution of the current Knesset appears to be driving the change.

According to Afik, the problem extends beyond procedural concerns. She said the integrity of the legislative process depends on maintaining a connection between the bill originally debated and the legislation ultimately approved. Replacing the substance of the proposal with an entirely different framework, she argued, undermines that process.

She also warned that the Knesset cannot legislate only part of the broader issue while leaving central elements—such as enforcement and sanctions—unresolved.

Addressing the proposed oversight and enforcement mechanisms, Afik noted that lawmakers have long argued that no effective enforcement system currently exists. She questioned whether such a framework could realistically be designed within just three months under a temporary emergency measure, calling it “a difficult challenge.”

Afik further argued that the committee must be presented with a full factual record demonstrating both the necessity and urgency of the new proposal before proceeding. She said lawmakers must ensure that the legislation is supported by sufficient evidence rather than being driven solely by political deadlines.

Concluding her remarks, Afik cautioned that if the committee advances only the narrower proposal now before it, the practical result would be to erase all of the committee’s previous work on the broader draft legislation. She said the earlier versions could no longer benefit from legislative continuity, meaning the next Knesset would have to begin consideration of the draft law all over again.

{Matzav.com}

NEW YORK (VINnews) — During a speech delivered on Wednesday evening to active-duty service members at the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stood firmly behind President Donald Trump, offering a public defense of both the war against Iran and the diplomatic efforts that have since begun. Vance, who has faced sharp criticism over his role in the negotiations, told the troops that their military strength was intended to give Trump leverage to achieve peace “through strength,” according to The New York Times.

In his remarks, Vance criticized domestic opponents, arguing that the current diplomatic negotiations are only possible because of the offensive operations carried out by U.S. forces:”Today, as I sit here, there are people in this country who want you to keep fighting and fighting and fighting, who are attacking the President of the United States for using the leverage that you gave him to engage in negotiations.”

He continued by explaining the administration’s strategy:”And why are we negotiating? Because of you. It’s not out of weakness, it is out of strength.”

Vance, who served as a Marine Corps combat correspondent during the Iraq War, drew on his own military experience to explain why he believes the current conflict differs from the failures of the early 2000s: “Some people learned the lesson that we should never use our military again. But that is not the right lesson.”

He went on to criticize previous administrations: “Others learned an equally mistaken lesson, that the solution to the problems we faced in the early 2000s was simply to ask you to do more and more and more without ever giving you a clearly defined objective.”

Despite praising the troops, the vice president declined to provide a timeline for withdrawing forces or ending the fighting. He did, however, acknowledge the extraordinary burden placed on American service members over the past 18 months: “These men and women have done more over the last 18 months than I think any group of service members has ever been asked to do by a President of the United States. And yet, you did it.”

Vance’s decision to become one of the administration’s leading public defenders of the war against Iran represents one of the most politically challenging moments of his career and underscores the ideological shift he has undergone since entering the White House.

Before becoming vice president, Vance built his political reputation as a sharp and uncompromising critic of Washington’s national security establishment. As a former Marine who served during the Iraq War, he repeatedly denounced America’s “forever wars,” arguing that U.S. leaders were dragging the country into bloody overseas conflicts without clear strategic objectives.

However, after taking office under Trump, Vance aligned himself with the president’s more interventionist and militant approach, including Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets.

Over the past year and a half, the Trump administration has carried out a series of large-scale attacks against Iranian infrastructure, which rapidly escalated into a full-scale war. The administration says it has achieved “clear objectives,” including dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, crippling its military, and destroying much of Tehran’s defense industry. Nevertheless, the peace talks now taking place behind the scenes under Trump’s leadership have not yet produced a final agreement.

The current conflict has also created a two-front political battle for the Trump administration at home. Democrats accuse Trump and Vance of dragging the United States into a dangerous and unnecessary regional war that could spiral out of control.

Meanwhile, the hawkish wing of the Republican Party is angry over the emerging negotiations. These lawmakers argue that the proposed peace agreement is too lenient toward the Iranian regime and lacks ironclad guarantees that would permanently prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in the future.

American manufacturing continued expanding in June, although at a slower pace than the previous month, while factory input costs declined sharply, offering encouraging signs that inflation pressures may continue easing.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported Wednesday that its Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) registered 53.3% in June, down 0.7 percentage point from May but remaining comfortably above the 50-point level that signals expansion. The report marked the sixth consecutive month of growth for the nation’s manufacturing sector.

The monthly survey, compiled from purchasing managers across hundreds of manufacturing companies, is closely watched because it provides one of the earliest snapshots of business activity in the U.S. economy. Readings above 50 indicate expansion, while readings below 50 signal contraction.

The most encouraging development came from the report’s inflation indicators.

The Prices Index, which measures what manufacturers pay for raw materials and supplies, fell sharply to 73.0 from 82.1 in May. Although prices continue to rise, the slower pace suggests inflationary pressures within the manufacturing sector are beginning to moderate after earlier spikes tied largely to higher energy and transportation costs.

Lower manufacturing costs eventually benefit consumers because factories purchase the steel, plastics, chemicals, packaging, fuel, and other materials used to produce thousands of everyday products. When those costs stabilize or decline, manufacturers face less pressure to pass higher prices on to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately consumers.

Demand also remained healthy.

The New Orders Index stayed well above the expansion threshold, indicating manufacturers continue receiving new business despite higher interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty. Production remained positive, while inventories increased modestly as companies rebuilt stock levels to meet expected demand.

Five of the six largest manufacturing industries reported growth during June, reflecting continued resilience across much of the industrial economy.

Employment remained the weakest component of the report.

The Employment Index improved from the previous month but remained just below the 50-point expansion mark, indicating many manufacturers continue hiring cautiously despite stronger production and new orders. Businesses appear focused on controlling labor costs while waiting for greater certainty regarding future demand.

For manufacturers, the report paints a picture of an economy that continues growing but without excessive overheating. Companies are producing more goods, receiving additional orders, and benefiting from easing cost pressures while remaining disciplined about workforce expansion.

The report also carries important implications for the Federal Reserve.

Policymakers closely monitor manufacturing costs because they provide an early indication of future inflation trends. Slower price increases, combined with a labor market that is cooling rather than accelerating, could strengthen the case for future interest-rate reductions if broader inflation continues moving toward the Fed’s long-term target.

Lower interest rates would eventually reduce borrowing costs for businesses while helping consumers through lower mortgage rates, auto loans, business financing, and other forms of credit.

For investors, the June ISM report reinforces the picture of an economy experiencing a gradual “soft landing” rather than a sharp slowdown. Manufacturing continues expanding, inflation pressures are easing, and businesses remain active even as hiring becomes more measured.

The next ISM Manufacturing Report will be released in early August and will provide investors with another important measure of whether lower factory costs continue translating into broader economic stability during the second half of the year.

JBizNews Desk
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South Korea’s exports surged again in June, powered by the same force reshaping factories and stock prices across the tech world: the planet cannot get enough memory chips for artificial intelligence. The Korea Customs Service reported Wednesday that exports adjusted for working-day differences climbed 59.5% from a year earlier, one of the strongest monthly gains the trade-driven economy has logged in years.

On a raw, unadjusted basis, shipments jumped 70.9%, pushing the country’s total monthly export value above $100 billion for the first time, according to figures reported by Nikkei Asia. Imports rose 30.1%, leaving South Korea with a trade surplus of $36.1 billion for the month.

Behind those numbers are two companies that have become indispensable to the global AI boom: Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The two Korean manufacturers produce much of the world’s advanced memory chips, including DRAM and high-bandwidth memory used in smartphones, laptops, AI servers, and massive data centers.

As companies including Nvidia, OpenAI, and the world’s largest cloud providers race to build more artificial intelligence infrastructure, demand for those chips has surged. Semiconductor shipments from Samsung and SK Hynix reached record monthly values, helping drive Korea’s export boom.

The effects extend far beyond South Korea.

Memory chips are a critical component in nearly every modern electronic device. Strong demand has already contributed to higher costs for computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other consumer electronics. As AI infrastructure expands worldwide, manufacturers continue competing for limited supplies of advanced memory, supporting higher prices throughout the technology supply chain.

The report also carries geopolitical significance.

South Korea remains one of America’s closest economic partners while simultaneously running a substantial trade surplus with the United States. As the Trump administration continues emphasizing trade balances, Korea finds itself balancing its strategic alliance with Washington against its growing importance as one of the world’s leading semiconductor suppliers.

For South Korea, semiconductors have become both a tremendous strength and a growing vulnerability. Chips now account for an increasingly large share of the country’s exports, making economic growth heavily dependent on continued AI investment around the world. As long as technology companies continue building new data centers, Korean exports are likely to remain strong. Any slowdown in AI spending, however, could quickly ripple through the country’s broader economy.

Industry analysts expect demand to remain elevated.

Major cloud providers continue investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure, while shortages of advanced high-bandwidth memory are expected to persist well into next year. Both Samsung and SK Hynix continue expanding production capacity to keep pace with orders from customers developing next-generation AI systems.

The June export figures also highlight the uneven nature of today’s global economy. While many countries continue experiencing sluggish manufacturing activity, South Korea has become one of the world’s biggest beneficiaries of artificial intelligence spending. The country’s technology sector has effectively become a barometer for global AI investment.

For American businesses and consumers, the report provides another reminder that many of the essential components powering today’s AI revolution originate in South Korea. As demand continues climbing, the cost and availability of those chips will influence everything from smartphone prices to cloud-computing services and the next generation of artificial intelligence products.

The latest export data suggests that, for now, the AI investment boom remains firmly intact—and South Korea continues to be one of its biggest winners.

JBizNews Desk
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French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group said Wednesday, July 1, that it will acquire FedEx Supply Chain, the contract logistics division of FedEx, for $1.4 billion, significantly expanding its warehousing and distribution operations across North America.

For many readers, FedEx Supply Chain is different from the familiar FedEx package-delivery business. Instead of delivering parcels to homes and businesses, the division manages warehouses, inventory, fulfillment, and distribution for retailers, manufacturers, healthcare companies, and e-commerce businesses. Following the acquisition, the business will become part of CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s global logistics subsidiary.

The acquisition will nearly triple CEVA Logistics’ contract logistics footprint in North America. Once completed, the combined operation will manage approximately 150 warehouses, expanding CEVA’s regional network to more than 240 locations while bringing nearly 10,000 FedEx Supply Chain employees into the company.

The transaction represents another major step in CMA CGM’s strategy of becoming a fully integrated global logistics provider rather than simply an ocean shipping company.

Chairman and Chief Executive Rodolphe Saadé said the acquisition strengthens the company’s ability to provide customers with complete end-to-end supply chain solutions across North America, one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

For FedEx, the sale continues its effort to streamline operations and concentrate on its core transportation and parcel-delivery network.

Chief Executive Raj Subramaniam said the company remains focused on strengthening its global delivery business while simplifying its portfolio. FedEx originally acquired the logistics business—then known as GENCO—in 2015 as part of its expansion into e-commerce fulfillment.

The agreement also establishes a broader commercial partnership between the two companies.

Under the arrangement, CMA CGM will become a preferred—but not exclusive—ocean freight provider for FedEx. The companies also plan to cooperate on air cargo capacity, allowing customers greater flexibility when shipping goods internationally by sea or air.

The acquisition reflects CMA CGM’s growing investment in the United States. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to invest approximately $20 billion in U.S. logistics infrastructure, warehousing, aviation, and shipping over the next several years. Purchasing FedEx Supply Chain becomes one of the largest pieces of that expansion strategy.

For businesses, the transaction highlights the increasing importance of supply-chain infrastructure in today’s economy.

Warehousing and fulfillment centers have become critical components of modern commerce as retailers and manufacturers seek faster delivery times, improved inventory management, and greater resilience following years of global supply-chain disruptions.

Larger logistics companies also gain purchasing power, operational efficiencies, and technology advantages that can ultimately improve delivery reliability while lowering transportation costs for customers.

For consumers, those efficiencies often translate into quicker deliveries, better product availability, and potentially lower shipping costs as goods move more efficiently from factories to warehouses and ultimately to homes and businesses.

The acquisition also signals continued foreign investment in U.S. logistics infrastructure, underscoring confidence in long-term American consumer demand despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.

The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

If completed, the deal will create one of North America’s largest contract logistics platforms while further reshaping the competitive landscape for global shipping, warehousing, and supply-chain management.

JBizNews Desk
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JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israeli authorities have arrested a Tajik citizen holding a Russian passport on suspicion of spying for Iran and attempting to recruit additional agents, the Israel Police, Shin Bet security agency and Defense Ministry announced.

Behrouz Sobirgon was in contact with an Iranian handler beginning in January 2026, with most of his alleged activities occurring during the recent war between Israel and Iran, according to a joint statement.

During the conflict, Sobirgon “sought to help Iran achieve operational successes and advance its objectives in the international arena against the State of Israel,” the statement said.

Investigators determined that Sobirgon was initially approached with what appeared to be an innocent job offer. He quickly realized the offer came from an Iranian agent but continued the contact anyway.

His assigned missions included documenting and transmitting the locations of Iranian missile impact sites in Israel, providing coordinates of the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, sending a photograph of Haifa Port, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security facility in northern Israel, authorities said.

In addition, Sobirgon actively assisted Iranian operatives in recruiting others for similar missions, the statement added.

Sobirgon was arrested in June. On Thursday, prosecutors announced their intention to file an indictment against him and requested that his remand be extended until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The case is part of ongoing Israeli efforts to counter Iranian espionage and intelligence activities targeting the Jewish state amid heightened regional tensions.

Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal criticized the statements made by Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, former head of the IDF Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, who claimed on Wednesday that government leaders turned down hostage release deals in the name of what he called “an absolute victory that is a lie.”

“When Nitzan Alon says that ‘absolute victory’ is, in his view, a ‘lie,’ he may be right,” Segal said. “But I know what is not a lie—’total defeat.’ That is exactly the deal that was offered at the time. When Alon says it would have been possible to bring everyone back, he is telling the truth. But at what price?”

“A full withdrawal to the border, with Hamas visible to kibbutz residents, international guarantees that the war won’t resume, and materials for rebuilding Gaza that were supposedly humanitarian but were used for tunnels. In essence, we would have reached a state of total defeat.”

“In my opinion, the Israeli government was entirely justified in rejecting that proposal until it received a deal that was never placed before Nitzan Alon—one in which the IDF is present in nearly 70% of Gaza, Hamas is backed into a corner and has been separated from its sources of support, and Iran is no longer taking care of it. It is not total victory, but it is much closer than what existed before.”

Segal also challenged Alon’s assertion that more hostages could have been brought back alive. “Alon says that 40 hostages could have been saved. That is not true. There is no evidence that that is the number of hostages killed due to military pressure. That number refers to the hostages who were mistakenly shot, the six who were murdered as the IDF approached, and hostages who were murdered on October 7 or afterward. What did he mean to say? That Shiri Bibas and her children could have been saved? Perhaps they could have been—but at the terrible price of total victory for Hamas.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

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An unusual security incident occurred in Binyamin overnight Wednesday when Breslover chassidim fled the police out of fear they would be arrested for desertion, and police feared that Palestinians had abducted them.

The incident began when about 10 Breslover chassidim entered Shechem overnight. On the way back to Jerusalem, one of the drivers committed a traffic violation— crossing a solid dividing line—that was spotted by nearby police officers. The officers pursued the vehicle. The driver, fearing that he and his passengers would be arrested for draft desertion, fled into the Palestinian village of Mukhmas, near Ramallah, where their car came under attack by local Arabs.

One of the passengers called police and said they were being attacked. When security forces arrived at the village, they found a vehicle with Israeli license plates, a shattered windshield, and Chassidish hats lying on the seat, triggering a major security response over suspicions that it was a kidnapping incident.

Security forces launched extensive searches to locate the chassidim. During the operation, the village was placed under lockdown, nearby roads were closed, and large security forces were deployed, assisted by an Israeli Air Force helicopter.

IDF forces gather at the scene. (IDF)

A short time later, two of the chassidim called the police emergency hotline, saying they had been in the vehicle and had already left the village.

Despite those reports, and because of the seriousness of the incident, emergency procedures were activated by all security agencies. Large numbers of forces were deployed to the area and conducted searches until it was confirmed that no Israelis remained inside the village.

One of the chassidim told Ynet: “We’re fine. We spoke with the officers and told them that everyone is home. We passed by the village, and two Palestinians crashed into the car, and it was completely wrecked. When we got out of the wrecked car, a lynch began, and we escaped by a neis. Because of the wrecked empty car, they thought it was a kidnapping, but, Baruch Hashem, everyone got out, joined up with the others, and made it home.”

Another account of the incident stated that the Chassidim saw a police patrol car and feared they would be arrested because they were deserters. They fled toward the village, where the confrontation with Palestinians began, and from there they escaped. One of them said that someone driving a private vehicle arrived to rescue them.

At this stage, police have opened an investigation into the incident, and several Israeli suspects have been detained for questioning.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

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The European Union says it wants to shrink its record trade gap with China. A brutal, record-breaking heat wave is pushing the numbers in the opposite direction — one portable air conditioner at a time.

Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, told reporters this week that disputes with Beijing over trade imbalances, export controls and intellectual property must deliver “tangible results” by October. He spoke after meeting China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, days after the two sides issued a rare joint statement Monday aimed at rebalancing trade and improving market access. Chinese exports to the EU “keep rising, while our market share in China keeps shrinking,” Sefcovic said, calling the trend “not sustainable.”

The timing could hardly be more awkward. As Sefcovic pressed his case in Brussels, millions of sweltering Europeans were doing the exact thing his complaint is about: buying Chinese-made cooling machines as fast as stores can stock them.

Europe is living through what forecasters are calling its worst heat wave on record. Temperatures have pushed near 40 degrees Celsius across much of the continent, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands hit new June highs, and Spain has reported more than 200 heat-related deaths. For households that have never owned air conditioning, comfort has suddenly become a necessity.

The problem is that Europe was never built for this. In cities like Paris, historic-preservation rules often bar residents from drilling into building facades to mount a traditional unit, and professional installation frequently costs more than the appliance itself. That has left most European homes without any cooling at all — and created a wide-open market.

Chinese manufacturers spotted the gap and filled it. Their answer is the portable “split” air conditioner, which needs little or no structural work and can be set up by the buyer. Exports of portable units from China to Western Europe surged more than 70% year over year in the first five months of 2026, according to market tracker ChinaIOL, and that was before the worst of the summer heat arrived.

The broader export figures tell the same story. Chinese customs data show that in the first five months of 2026, China’s air conditioner shipments to France, the Netherlands and Belgium more than doubled from a year earlier, while exports to Spain, Portugal and Germany posted strong double-digit growth. Midea, one of China’s largest appliance makers, said its shipments to Spain and France jumped 108% from the prior year.

On the ground, the shelves are bare. Midea’s PortaSplit — a portable model designed by a European team to fit local window shapes — has sold out across Germany, Austria and Italy, with shoppers using tracking websites and AI tools to hunt down remaining stock. In Italy, monthly sales of cooling appliances and sun-protection gear doubled, and one French politician ordered Chinese-made units for schools in his district.

This is the everyday reality behind the trade fight. For a family in Paris, Berlin or Madrid deciding how to survive a 40-degree afternoon, geopolitics rarely enters the calculation. What matters is whether a product is affordable, efficient and available now. Chinese brands check all three boxes, which is exactly why Brussels is finding the imbalance so hard to reverse.

Air conditioners are only one front. Chinese electric vehicles are gaining ground too: combined European sales for the five largest Chinese-owned auto groups — SAIC, BYD, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor — rose 61% in the first five months of 2026, giving them 10.6% of the wider market. The pattern is consistent. Where European consumers have a real need, Chinese firms are meeting it faster and cheaper.

That leaves EU leaders squeezed between two goals. They want cheaper household goods for voters feeling the pinch of higher living costs, but they also want to protect European factories and jobs from a flood of subsidized imports. The European Commission, which has long accused Beijing of dumping cheap goods and over-subsidizing its companies, said after Monday’s talks that “the status quo is not an option.”

Not everyone is convinced Beijing gave much. Alicia García Herrero, chief economist at French investment bank Natixis, said China has made no real commitment on import quotas or an enforcement mechanism, dismissing the progress as “smoke” meant to head off tougher European measures. The two sides did agree to set up a working group to monitor trade flows, and Beijing offered reassurance on its export controls covering rare earths.

The deeper question is whether this summer is a one-off or the new normal. Danish investment bank Saxo Bank warned in a June report that the supply chain for portable air conditioners could tighten if demand cools after the heat wave — but noted that if extreme heat keeps returning, the units could shift from luxury to essential. If that happens, Europe’s dependence on Chinese cooling won’t fade with the weather. It will harden into a permanent line on the trade balance Brussels is trying so hard to fix.

JBizNews Desk
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A new Channel 13 News poll shows Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Likud continuing to lose ground, falling to 21 seats, just one mandate ahead of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, which rises to 20 seats.

The poll also shows Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid’s B’Yachad party recovering after several weeks of declining support, climbing to 17 seats. Yair Golan’s Democrats rank fourth, followed by Yisrael Beiteinu (10), Shas (9), United Torah Judaism (8), Otzma Yehudit (8), Hadash-Ta’al (6), Religious Zionism (5), and Ra’am (5). Blue and White, HaMiluimnikim (“The Reservists”), and Balad all fail to cross the electoral threshold.

According to the poll, Netanyahu’s coalition bloc stands at 51 seats, while the opposition bloc holds 58 seats. The Arab parties collectively receive 11 seats, meaning neither bloc would be able to form a government without support from Arab parties.

In a head-to-head question for prime minister, 44% of respondents said they would prefer former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, compared with 40% who chose Netanyahu.

The results follow a Channel 12 poll released earlier this week, which also showed Likud remaining the largest party but with Eisenkot’s party closing the gap to just two seats.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Dubai’s tourism chiefs signaled this past week that the emirate intends to stick with its long-range growth plan, even as it digs out of the sharpest travel collapse in its modern history. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said at DET’s first stakeholder meeting earlier this month that the emirate’s tourism and economic plans remained unchanged. “The path remains the same, which is ambitious,” he said, in comments reported Saturday, pointing to the city’s D33 economic targets.

That confidence lands at a delicate moment. Early, fragile peace talks between the United States and Iran are lifting hopes across the Gulf that the region is finally turning a corner. A preliminary peace agreement between the two countries, still a broad framework taking shape in early rounds of talks, could hand Iran’s leadership a major economic lifeline as Tehran looks to stabilize after months of war. For Dubai, a city built on outside money and constant motion, calmer waters can’t come fast enough.

The damage has been real, and much of it hit ordinary workers and businesses. The 2026 U.S.-Iran war, which began February 28 and included the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, choked off the very thing Dubai depends on: people flowing through its airports, hotels and malls. Dubai International Airport recorded 18.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, down from 23.4 million a year earlier, with March traffic falling by an estimated 66% from normal seasonal levels.

Hotels felt it immediately. Hotel occupancy across the Middle East fell to 48% in March from 75% in January, and Middle Eastern carriers saw international air traffic drop 61% that month, according to the International Air Transport Association. UAE hotel revenue per available room fell 53% year over year in March, according to a Barclays report, and many properties responded with steep discounts to fill rooms.

This matters far beyond five-star lobbies. Tourism contributed nearly $70 billion to the UAE economy in 2025, a record, accounting for close to 12% of national GDP, and Dubai alone welcomed more than 19 million international overnight visitors that year. When arrivals stall, the pain runs straight through housekeepers, taxi drivers, retail clerks, restaurant staff and the small businesses that feed off visitor spending. Some residents have reported salary reductions and a rising cost of living, adding pressure to the city’s consumer economy.

The government moved to cushion the blow. Dubai implemented targeted economic support measures worth 2.5 billion dirhams to stabilize tourism, hospitality, retail and small and medium-sized businesses during the crisis. Rather than lay off workers en masse, hotel operators are trying to hold their teams together. French hospitality giant Accor said it focused on retaining employees during the uncertainty, moving staff between hotels and markets, after learning during COVID that rehiring and retraining later proved far more costly.

Many owners are using the quiet stretch to renovate. Major refurbishments are underway at Burj Al Arab and Armani Hotel Dubai, with upgrades at Park Hyatt Dubai and The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, and a well-planned refurbishment can reposition a hotel in 12 to 24 months, versus a four-to-six-year new build. The bet is simple: reopen sharper and cheaper to run just as travelers return.

The airlines are already leading the way back. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, now serving 138 destinations across 73 countries with roughly 1,300 weekly flights, while flydubai has recovered nearly 80% of its network. More seats mean more arrivals, and bookings are starting to follow. Hotel occupancy in key tourist zones is forecast to reach 80% to 90% by summer 2026, and hotel bookings for June and July have seen a 30% spike in high-demand areas like Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai.

Still, nobody in Dubai is calling this over. Accor’s regional leadership expects visitor numbers to recover before room rates climb back to pre-war highs, a reminder that filling rooms and restoring profits are two different jobs. The recovery is uneven, spending is cautious, and discounting is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

The wildcard remains the peace process itself. The proposed framework would reopen Iran’s access to global oil markets, ease U.S. sanctions and unfreeze more than $100 billion in overseas assets—potentially the biggest shift in U.S.-Iran economic relations in decades—but banks remain wary without clear legal cover. A durable deal could reopen trade corridors and revive the traveler confidence Dubai runs on. A stumble could freeze the rebound just as it starts. For now, the city is open, discounting hard, and betting that the world comes back.