Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, declining to answer questions as Republican lawmakers continued their investigation into the federal government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the origins of the coronavirus.

The hearing was convened by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), one of Fauci’s most vocal critics. Before invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination, Fauci accused Paul and other administration officials of conducting an “obsessive” campaign to target him and seek his prosecution.

Fauci, 85, served for decades as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and advised seven U.S. presidents on public health issues. He became the face of America’s COVID-19 response, but has remained a central focus of Republican investigations into the pandemic, including questions surrounding the virus’s origins and U.S. funding of research.

The hearing comes as debate continues over whether COVID-19 originated through a natural animal-to-human transmission or a possible laboratory leak in China. Fauci has previously said he was open to examining all credible possibilities but maintained that the strongest scientific evidence pointed to a natural origin.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The IDF has instructed reservists serving in combat units who hold licenses for privately owned handguns not to bring their personal firearms when reporting for reserve duty, according to a report by the religious-Zionist weekly Matzav HaRuach.

The directive, reportedly presented during pre-deployment briefings, requires reservists to leave their privately owned pistols at home or store them in accordance with existing regulations. Under National Security Ministry rules, firearm owners who will be away from home for more than 48 hours without another adult present must deposit their weapon with a licensed firearms dealer or secure it in a ministry-approved safe.

The policy is expected to cost many reservists hundreds of shekels per month in storage fees, even as they serve with IDF-issued weapons during operational deployments.

According to the report, some reservists who questioned the directive were told there would be “no exceptions” and that “there is nothing to argue.”

The IDF confirmed the policy, saying it was implemented for safety reasons.

“This is a command decision stemming from safety considerations,” the IDF Spokesperson said. “During operational deployment, each reservist is issued an IDF weapon appropriate to his role and mission. At the same time, in specific cases and as needed, exemptions can be granted.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Oil prices surged more than 7% Wednesday, pushing Brent crude above $90 a barrel and renewing the threat of higher gasoline, airfare and delivery costs for American consumers.

The move followed escalating attacks across the Middle East and new concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to same-day energy-market data and reporting. Brent crude reached roughly $90.42 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed above $84.

For households, the most immediate question is how quickly the increase reaches neighborhood gas stations.

AAA reported last week that the national average for regular gasoline had already jumped 15 cents in seven days to $4.09 a gallon. Most states were averaging $4 or more, with the organization pointing directly to higher crude costs and instability around the Strait of Hormuz.

Wednesday’s renewed oil surge could add further pressure if prices remain elevated rather than retreating after a brief geopolitical shock.

Gasoline does not always move in exact proportion to crude oil on the same day. Refinery operations, regional inventories, transportation costs and local taxes also affect what drivers pay. Sustained increases in crude, however, typically work through wholesale fuel markets and eventually appear at the pump.

A family buying 15 gallons would spend about $61.35 at the current national average. For commuters, tradespeople and households with multiple vehicles, even another 10- or 20-cent increase can quickly become a recurring monthly expense.

The consumer impact will not stop at the gas station.

Diesel powers much of the U.S. freight system, including trucks that carry groceries, building materials, appliances and retail merchandise. Higher diesel costs can increase expenses for distributors and small businesses even when those companies do not immediately raise prices.

Delivery companies may respond through fuel surcharges. Contractors, landscapers, plumbers and other service providers also face higher operating costs when employees spend much of the day driving between customers.

Airlines are exposed through jet fuel, one of their largest expenses. Carriers may not add a separate fuel charge to every ticket, but prolonged increases can influence fares, route decisions and the availability of deeply discounted seats.

Families planning late-summer travel could therefore feel the increase through both driving and flying costs.

The inflation consequences extend further. Petroleum is used in packaging, plastics, chemicals and manufacturing, meaning an extended oil shock can affect products that consumers do not directly associate with energy.

June inflation data had shown meaningful relief from gasoline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that gasoline prices fell 9.7% during the month, helping pull the broader energy index down 5.7%.

That improvement may prove temporary if July’s fuel increase persists.

The timing also complicates the Federal Reserve’s effort to control inflation without placing unnecessary pressure on borrowers and the economy. Energy shocks can raise headline inflation quickly, even when underlying price increases in other areas are moderating.

Consumers with credit-card balances, adjustable loans or plans to purchase a home could therefore face two separate risks: higher fuel expenses now and interest rates remaining elevated for longer if energy costs spread into broader inflation.

Supply conditions are adding to the uncertainty. U.S. crude inventories fell by approximately 7.2 million barrels, reaching their lowest level since 2018, according to data cited Wednesday. Reduced domestic stockpiles can make the market more sensitive to overseas disruptions.

Much will depend on whether Wednesday’s escalation continues and whether commercial shipping faces additional restrictions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy routes. Any meaningful reduction in tanker traffic can raise transportation and insurance expenses even before physical oil supplies are lost.

For now, consumers should not assume that every one-day jump in oil will immediately produce an equivalent increase at the pump. Prices can reverse quickly when geopolitical tensions ease.

Yet gasoline was already above $4 nationally before Wednesday’s move. That leaves less room for another energy shock to pass unnoticed through household budgets.

The next visible signal will come from wholesale gasoline prices and daily pump averages. If both continue climbing, families could enter August paying more not only to drive, but also for travel, deliveries and goods moved across the country.

JBizNews Desk | Washington

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

The war between the United States and Iran could continue for months as the two sides remain deadlocked over the Strait of Hormuz, with neither currently preparing to back down, according to Bloomberg.

Early hopes that Saudi Arabia or Qatar could broker a diplomatic breakthrough have faded, leaving both Washington and Tehran preparing for a prolonged confrontation.

Iranian officials reportedly believe they can withstand additional pressure and that the United States will ultimately be unable to force Tehran back to the negotiating table. That calculation has been strengthened by President Trump’s repeated threats of a major escalation without a corresponding expansion of the military campaign.

Tehran is also said to be closely watching the pressures facing Washington, including depleted American munitions and declining global oil reserves. Iran believes those constraints could limit Trump’s ability to dramatically intensify the fighting without causing further economic disruption and driving fuel prices higher.

The White House rejected the assessment, dismissing comments from unnamed sources as speculation. “Only the commander-in-chief knows what he will do next,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.

Iran, meanwhile, appears prepared to absorb further damage in the coming weeks as long as it can continue moving oil through the Strait of Hormuz. The standoff has left little prospect of an immediate resolution, raising the possibility that the conflict will persist well beyond the coming weeks.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Federal regulators are taking a closer look at some of the world’s largest online marketplaces, a sign that rapid growth alone is no longer enough to avoid heightened oversight of digital retail platforms.

Shein disclosed in a recent regulatory filing that it is the subject of an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, warning that the outcome could result in significant financial costs and affect its business. While the company did not specify the focus of the inquiry, the disclosure comes as regulators in the United States and abroad increase scrutiny of advertising practices, product claims, consumer protections and cross-border commerce.

The investigation arrives at a pivotal time for Shein, which is pursuing a public listing after earlier IPO plans in New York and London stalled. Regulatory uncertainty now represents another challenge for a company that built its business on ultra-fast fashion, direct-to-consumer shipping and aggressive pricing.

For the broader retail industry, the implications extend well beyond a single company. Online marketplaces have transformed how consumers shop by connecting overseas manufacturers directly with customers, often at prices difficult for traditional retailers to match. As those platforms have grown, so has regulatory attention to issues ranging from product safety and supply-chain transparency to data privacy and consumer disclosures.

Traditional retailers may welcome a more level competitive environment if enforcement results in stricter compliance standards for all market participants. Companies already investing heavily in product testing, customs compliance and consumer protection could find themselves at less of a competitive disadvantage if regulators require similar standards across the industry.

Businesses that rely on e-commerce marketplaces should also pay attention. The outcome of this investigation could influence future FTC enforcement priorities, prompting online sellers to review advertising claims, supplier oversight, return policies and product documentation before regulators do.

Investors are watching closely because the case reflects a broader trend. Regulators are increasingly focusing on the largest digital platforms as online commerce continues to reshape global retail. Compliance, governance and consumer trust are becoming just as important to long-term success as low prices and rapid growth.

For retailers of every size, the message is clear: expansion alone is no longer enough. Companies that can demonstrate strong consumer protections and transparent business practices are likely to be better positioned as oversight of digital commerce continues to intensify.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

SOUTHERN LEBANON (VINnews) — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that the Israeli military is prepared for the war to continue on any front during a visit to southern Lebanon.

“The campaign across all fronts is not yet over, and you must be prepared for it to continue. We are prepared for any change in the situation and ready for a wide range of scenarios,” Zamir told officers, according to remarks published by the army.

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Zamir said that “if required, we will push deeper and reach additional areas.”

President Donald Trump will ultimately determine whether the United States launches military action against Iran, according to a senior Israeli diplomatic official, who said the latest discussions between Trump and Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu focused on one overriding goal: eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat, while weighing diplomatic, economic, and military options.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Wednesday, the senior official said both leaders agreed that the objective is not simply carrying out a military operation but ensuring that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are brought to an end.

“The decision on whether to act militarily is up to the American President, unless Iran chooses to attack Israel, and the Iranians understand that Israel will respond,” the official stated.

The official said a significant portion of the meeting centered on three possible courses of action: negotiating a new agreement with Iran, tightening economic sanctions, or launching a major military strike. According to the source, Trump and Netanyahu examined the advantages and drawbacks of each option in detail.

He noted that “the Iranians transferred centrifuges to Pickaxe Mountain, but it is uncertain that they are enriching uranium.”

The official also said Israeli intelligence continues to assess that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains alive.

During the meeting, Netanyahu also outlined a long-term proposal to gradually eliminate American military aid to Israel over the next ten years. Under the plan, direct U.S. assistance would eventually be replaced by a broader strategic partnership while Israel significantly expands its own defense industry and weapons production capabilities.

The senior official also commented on the political backlash surrounding a Likud campaign video directed at Gadi Eisenkot. He said Netanyahu never personally viewed the video but was informed of the criticism it generated and believes that “it is right not to engage with bereavement from any side.” The official also accused the media of applying a double standard when reporting threats against the prime minister and his family, saying, “If it were the other way around, you would shut the country down.”

{Matzav.com}

A drone struck a U.S.-owned floating gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Damietta Port on Wednesday, igniting a fire that later spread to a second vessel.

The strike hit the Energos Winter while cargo was being unloaded at the port’s liquefied natural gas terminal. The fire then spread to the nearby GasLog Salem.

The crews were evacuated and the fire was brought under control. No injuries were reported.

Security sources said the explosion was caused by a drone strike. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Egyptian authorities had not yet issued an official statement.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and could signal a further expansion of the war.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Airbus completed a test flight lasting more than 24 hours, a key step toward Qantas’ planned nonstop service linking Australia and Europe.

The aircraft – a specially adapted A350-1000ULR – flew 14,338 miles from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France, in 24 hours and 24 minutes, according to Flightradar24 data.

The flight was a major test for Qantas’ Project Sunrise, launched in 2017 to create the world’s longest nonstop commercial routes.

Airbus has been testing the aircraft as part of a two-month campaign that began in June.

The journey surpassed a 2005 Boeing flight, when a 777-200LR Worldliner traveled 13,422 miles from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours and 42 minutes.

More than 3.6 million people followed the test flight on Flightradar24, making it the platform’s second-most-tracked flight ever, according to the flight-tracking service.

The aircraft features an additional fuel tank capable of carrying roughly 20,000 additional liters (5,283 pounds) of fuel and can seat 238 passengers.

Qantas has ordered 12 of the jets. The first is expected to be delivered in April 2027, with daily nonstop flights between Sydney and London planned for October 2027.

“Each cabin has been luxuriously crafted with innovative designs and materials to deliver ultimate comfort on what will be the longest commercial flight in the world,” Qantas said on its website.

The route is expected to take about 19 to 21 hours, depending on winds and the flight path.

Reuters contributed to this report.

As work on the two-week Route 9 improvement project approaches the midway point, significant traffic pattern changes are now visible at the intersection of Madison Avenue near First Street.

The project appears to eliminate left turns from Madison Avenue onto First Street, as well as from First Street onto Madison Avenue. In their place, the southbound approach on Madison has been reconfigured to provide an extended dedicated left-turn lane onto Route 88, a change expected to ease one of Lakewood’s most significant traffic bottlenecks.

The redesigned intersection is part of the ongoing state project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing delays along the Route 9 corridor. The work was intentionally scheduled during the summer months, when traffic volumes are significantly lighter, to help minimize disruptions, officials said.

Separately, a New Jersey Natural Gas contractor is expected to complete a one-week gas main replacement project on Cedarbridge Avenue between Hurley Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the construction.

Saudi news channel Al Arabiya has published an extensive analysis of the key issues it says will shape Israel’s upcoming election on October 27, identifying national security, the October 7 failures, the Chareidi draft debate, and the economy as the dominant campaign issues.

According to the report, demands for a state commission of inquiry into the failures that led to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack remain a central political issue. Opposition parties have pledged to establish an independent commission if they form the next government, while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government continues to oppose such a move, arguing that responsibility lies primarily with the security establishment.

Al Arabiya also pointed to Israel’s evolving security doctrine following October 7, noting that the IDF now maintains security zones in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria. The report said the prolonged military operations have raised questions about Israel’s ability to sustain forces on multiple fronts, particularly as reservists have been repeatedly called up and military leaders continue warning of manpower shortages.

The Saudi outlet identified the debate over mandatory military service for Chareidim as another major election issue. It noted that the Chareidi parties seek to preserve exemptions for yeshiva bochurim, with support from Netanyahu’s coalition, while opposition parties have pledged to eliminate the exemptions and have said they will not join a government that includes Chareidi parties.

According to the report, the debate has expanded beyond military service into broader questions about Israel’s Jewish identity, including recent legislation emphasizing Torah study and government measures encouraging gender separation in certain public settings. Supporters say the policies strengthen Israel’s Jewish character, while critics argue they increase religious influence in public life.

Despite the focus on security, Al Arabiya said the cost of living remains a major concern for many Israelis. While Israel’s economy has continued to grow and unemployment remains relatively low, the report cited OECD data ranking Israel among the world’s most expensive countries for everyday necessities, particularly housing and food. Economists attributed the high prices to longstanding structural issues, including housing shortages, limited competition, and trade restrictions.

The report concluded by noting that most recent opinion polls indicate Netanyahu’s chances of remaining in power have declined since the October 7 attack. It identified former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman as among the leading opposition figures ahead of the election.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

This story about the Federal Reserve’s July 2026 interest rate decision is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced that it will hold interest rates steady due to concerns about elevated inflation amid the war in Iran.

Fed policymakers voted 9-3 to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at its current range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The move follows the central bank’s decision to hold rates steady in January, March, April and June following three successive 25-basis-point rate cuts in September, October and December to close out last year.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the central bank’s panel responsible for monetary policy moves, noted that “economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East.”

Policymakers noted that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% goal, in part because of supply shocks driving price increases in sectors such as energy, and added that they will deliver price stability.

Three FOMC members dissented from the decision, including Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan. Each of the dissenters voted in favor of raising the federal funds rate by 25-basis-points.

The decision was the second under the leadership of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, who has removed forward guidance from the FOMC’s post-meeting statements. Warsh will address a press conference shortly.

Newly released government records have revealed the operating expenses for Israel’s prime ministerial residences during 2025 and the first half of 2026, detailing spending on food, maintenance, gardening, renovations, utility bills, and even food delivery services. The Prime Minister’s Office, however, insists the overall costs remain significantly lower than those incurred under previous prime ministers.

The figures, published Tuesday by Israel’s Movement for Freedom of Information, were obtained from the Prime Minister’s Office. According to the documents, total expenditures for the prime minister’s residences reached ₪1,979,517 in 2025. During the first six months of 2026, spending totaled ₪731,081.

The organization noted that, for the first time, this year’s records classify the Prime Minister’s private residence on Gaza Street alongside other private residences, in addition to the Netanyahu family’s home in Caesarea. The official Prime Minister’s Residence on Balfour Street, which is currently undergoing renovations, is now listed in the records as “support apartments.”

The 2025 spending breakdown shows ₪165,444 was spent on food and groceries, while ₪94,957 went toward landscaping work at the Caesarea residence. Another ₪2,700 was spent on Wolt food deliveries during August 2025, and ₪10,590 covered preventative work to address tree roots that had penetrated beneath the Caesarea property. The documents also include a redacted expenditure totaling ₪63,033, with no information provided regarding the vendor or the purpose of the payment.

During the first half of 2026, the records show ₪53,584 was spent on food, ₪14,986 on replacing a bathtub at the private Gaza Street residence, ₪31,509 on electricity bills, ₪42,698 on maintenance and upkeep, and ₪4,657 on replacing thermostats at the Caesarea residence.

Attorney Hidi Negev, CEO of the Movement for Freedom of Information, criticized the spending and the government’s handling of the records.

“Once again, we were forced to petition the court in order to expose information about the expenses of the Prime Minister’s residences, and once again a wasteful policy in the use of public funds at the Prime Minister’s residences has been revealed. At a time when the public is bearing a heavy economic burden and dealing with the consequences of the war, it is especially important to act responsibly and with full transparency regarding public expenditures,” Negev said.

The Prime Minister’s Office rejected the criticism, arguing that the published figures demonstrate that expenses during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s tenure are substantially lower than those recorded under previous administrations.

“The data published as part of the response show that the overall expenses for the residences during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s tenure are significantly lower than during the terms of previous prime ministers. For example, during former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s tenure, current operating expenses totaled ₪1,370,362 (excluding personnel and security costs), while during the comparable period under Prime Minister Netanyahu, those expenses amounted to just ₪465,319 (excluding personnel and security costs) — less than one-third of the spending during Bennett’s term,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

{Matzav.com}

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked President Trump for an emergency “winter package” of Patriot air-defense interceptors, warning that Ukraine could face a major humanitarian crisis if Russia destroys the country’s power infrastructure during the colder months, according to Axios.

Zelensky said Ukraine’s Patriot interceptor stockpiles are nearly depleted, leaving the country increasingly unable to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. He is seeking 300 interceptors by winter and said President Trump promised to try to assist, while noting that U.S. supplies have also been strained by the war with Iran.

During their White House meeting on Tuesday, Trump agreed to move forward with licenses allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors. Zelensky later met with representatives from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, though he acknowledged that large-scale production could take between one and five years. “We need the Patriots yesterday,” he said.

Zelensky also said Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to visit Kyiv within the next two weeks to discuss efforts to restart peace talks with Russia. He added that he remains interested in negotiations, despite his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for further escalation rather than seeking to end the war.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused Dr. Anthony Fauci of using taxpayer-funded staff to pursue more than $1 million in personal cash awards during the COVID-19 pandemic, allegations Fauci declined to address as he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment.

The exchange came during a contentious hearing Wednesday, where the former White House COVID adviser had been subpoenaed to appear before the Republican-led committee by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Hawley accused Fauci of directing federal employees to help secure lucrative awards while millions of Americans were grappling with the pandemic.

“You were using federal employees with taxpayer money to apply for and solicit cash prizes for you personally, cash prizes totaling over $1 million,” Hawley said. “You did all of that during the pandemic, didn’t you?”

Rather than respond to Hawley’s questions, Fauci repeatedly said, “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”

Hawley then pointed to what he described as internal emails from Fauci’s staff, including one from former chief of staff Greg Folkers discussing a nomination for the Dan David Prize. According to Hawley, the email asked federal employees to bolster the COVID-19 section of Fauci’s nomination by providing language detailing his pandemic response.

“We’re working on this nomination for the Dan David Award for Fauci,” Hawley read from the email. “We need to beef up the COVID part.”

Hawley alleged the Dan David Award carried a $900,000 cash prize and claimed Fauci used federal employees to help obtain it. He further accused Fauci of using government staff and resources to pursue at least eight additional cash awards, including honors from the Partnership for Public Service, the Adelson Prize, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Academy of Medicine and the CDC Foundation.

“In fact, you turned your staff into a full-time application machine,” Hawley said. “You actually wrote to people and said, ‘Do you think maybe I’d qualify?'”

Hawley also alleged Fauci used eight separate federal employees on government time to assist with the award applications, asking whether the claims were true.

Fauci again declined to answer, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, something he did more than 100 times over the course of the hearing.

Although the retired infectious disease expert was granted a presidential pardon by former President Joe Biden, critics have argued he could still be prosecuted if he commits perjury while testifying under oath.

In his opening remarks, Fauci accused Paul of having an “obvious obsession with calling for my prosecution.”

“The only conclusion I can reach is that the sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, quote, behind bars, unquote,” he said.

Hawley told FOX Business that Fauci “has ZERO rights under the Fifth Amendment” because of his pardon. 

“He got RICH while people were DYING,” Hawley said. “He used federal employees with taxpayer money to apply for and solicit cash prizes. He needs to answer for it.”

Fauci said he invoked the Fifth Amendment on the advice of his legal counsel, while acknowledging that doing so was difficult for him.

Artificial intelligence is fueling one of the largest infrastructure buildouts in decades, creating new opportunities far beyond Silicon Valley as technology companies race to secure the electricity, land and construction capacity needed to power the next generation of AI.

Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Google have all committed tens of billions of dollars toward expanding data-center capacity, but the biggest winners may not be software developers. Instead, utilities, engineering firms, construction companies, industrial manufacturers and electrical-equipment suppliers are emerging as some of the largest beneficiaries of the AI investment cycle.

Unlike previous technology booms, AI requires enormous amounts of physical infrastructure. New data centers demand dedicated substations, transmission lines, backup power systems, cooling equipment and, in many cases, entirely new sources of electricity. In several regions, utilities are struggling to connect new facilities quickly enough because demand is growing faster than the electrical grid can expand.

That challenge is prompting technology companies to take a more direct role in infrastructure development. Rather than waiting for utilities to build additional capacity, many are investing alongside energy developers, supporting new natural-gas facilities, nuclear projects and renewable-energy installations to ensure reliable long-term power supplies.

Construction firms are also seeing unprecedented demand. Large AI campuses require years of planning and billions of dollars in concrete, steel, electrical equipment and specialized cooling systems before a single server is installed. Suppliers of transformers, switchgear, backup generators and industrial HVAC systems are reporting growing order backlogs as more projects move forward.

For businesses, the opportunity extends well beyond the technology sector. Companies involved in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, industrial services and commercial construction could benefit from sustained demand as AI infrastructure continues expanding across the United States.

Investors are increasingly recognizing that the AI economy will not be built by software companies alone. The firms providing the physical foundation—from electricity and construction to industrial equipment and engineering—may become some of the most consistent long-term beneficiaries of the industry’s rapid growth.

As AI adoption accelerates across healthcare, finance, manufacturing and logistics, the infrastructure supporting that transformation is becoming just as valuable as the technology itself.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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(AP) – Size, space and utility have made the three-row SUV a mainstay of American family life. But with more than dozen mainstream models on the market, choosing one can feel daunting. Thankfully, Edmunds has tested them all and identified the five best midsize three-row SUVs. From the top-ranked Hyundai Palisade and its Kia Telluride sibling to the sporty Ford Explorer and the vast cabins of the Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas, these are today’s top picks for driving your tribe. All of the following prices include destination fees.

Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade tops Edmunds’ midsize three-row rankings. Its quiet, roomy interior gives everyone — even third-row passengers — ample room to spread out. An exceptionally smooth ride makes it ideal both for long highway travel and short local hops on typical city roads. The Palisade’s user-friendly tech, such as wireless smartphone connections and USB ports in all three rows, ensures the driver and passengers stay connected and entertained.

Maximum cargo capacity falls short of some rivals, but clever small-item storage throughout the cabin takes up the slack. Although one of the pricier picks in the class, the Palisade comes with generous features, high-end materials, and an industry-leading warranty. Edmunds also recommends getting the hybrid version if your budget allows. It gets up to an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and is quicker than the regular Palisade to boot.

2026 Palisade starting price: $41,035; hybrid version: $45,760

Kia Telluride
If the Palisade sounds appealing but you prefer a sportier look, the Kia Telluride makes an excellent alternative. It’s mechanically related to the Palisade and costs nearly the same, but the Kia offers its own compelling flavor. The tall, flat grille, vertical headlights and 20-inch wheels give the Telluride bold trucklike style, and its standard turbocharged engine generates more low-end punch than its base Palisade counterpart.

The Telluride also gets a bit more rear cargo space, excellent second-row legroom, and extra tech such as dual wireless phone chargers. Oddly, the available Telluride hybrid costs more than the hybrid Palisade, but the higher price gets you a few extra standard features, such as ventilated front seats and a more advanced cruise control system.

2027 Telluride starting price: $40,735; hybrid version: $48,035

Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a subdued counterpoint to the glitzy Palisade or chunky Telluride. Its styling is more generic-looking, but otherwise the Grand Highlander will win you over with its smooth ride, excellent driver aids and roomy third-row seating. Folding down the second- and third-row seats opens up a massive amount of cargo space, so don’t be surprised when friends ask you to help them move.

Technology is also a strong suit, with features including wireless smartphone integration, abundant USB ports, and a capable web-connected voice assistant. There’s also the even more efficient Grand Highlander Hybrid that gets up to 36 mpg combined. The Grand Highlander is one of the pricier midsize three-row picks, but the premium interior materials and generous space still make it a good deal.

2026 Grand Highlander starting price: $43,855; hybrid version: $47,205

Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer proves that three-row SUVs can also be sporty. The athlete of the class, the Explorer offers agile handling and acceleration. This is especially true of the Explorer ST, which packs a 400-horsepower V6 and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Tech highlights include a Google-integrated infotainment system with a big 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Ford’s optional BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

Small cargo space and tight third-row legroom diminish some of the Ford’s utility, and the rear seats aren’t as comfortable as those up front. Also, Ford doesn’t offer a hybrid version of the Explorer. But if you don’t mind trading some practicality for performance, the Explorer is an engaging pick.

2027 Explorer starting price: $40,260

Volkswagen Atlas
A spacious cabin and adult-size seating in all three rows help keep Volkswagen’s biggest SUV high in Edmunds’ rankings. The Atlas’ interior is quiet, and it’s easy to get in and out. Maximum cargo space is also massive, and both back rows fold flat for vanlike utility. The Atlas also rides smoothly over bumps but without the floaty feeling you notice in some rivals.

Impressively, VW has also stuffed a lot of standard features into the Atlas. Even the base trim comes with synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. There are a few minor drawbacks to the Atlas, such as some distracting-to-use controls and no available hybrid powertrain option, but overall the Atlas gets plenty right.

2026 Atlas starting price: $40,785

Edmunds says
Whether you need a three-row SUV with cavernous cargo space, maximum fuel economy, or simply speed and performance, today’s top midsize picks deliver something for every buyer.

JERUSALEM (JNS) – Israel’s High Court of Justice extended a temporary injunction on Tuesday, freezing a law that shields Haredi yeshivah students from arrest for evading mandatory military service, leaving the measure on hold pending a final ruling the court said it would issue “soon.”

The nine-judge panel heard arguments from the Knesset’s legal adviser and the Attorney General’s Office, both of which urged the court to strike down the law.

Representing the Knesset legal adviser, attorney Yitzhak Bart argued that the legislation was passed in violation of parliamentary procedure.

“The law, the way it was legislated, does not align with the rules of procedure of the Knesset,” Bart told the court.

Anar Helman, representing the Attorney General’s Office, argued on ethical grounds that to pass such a law during a time of war was immoral.

Attorney Nathan Rosenblatt, representing the Haredi advocacy group Emet LeYa’akov B’Yisrael, countered that military enlistment remains religiously prohibited absent approval from leading rabbinic authorities.

“So long as there is no directive from the Torah leaders of Israel to enlist, it’s forbidden to enlist,” he told the justices.

The Netanyahu government boycotted the hearing in protest of what it called judicial interference in the legislative process.

‘Direct blow to spiritual and existential security’

Separately, the Council of Torah Sages, which is the senior rabbinic body that sets policy for the coalition Haredi party Shas, issued a letter rejecting the High Court’s authority to rule on the issue.

The council said that, under halachah (Jewish law), it is forbidden to conscript “children of Torah whose Torah is their faith.” Harming Torah scholars, it argued, “is not only a blow to the world of Torah, but also a direct blow to the spiritual and existential security of the State of Israel.”

The letter compared full-time Torah scholars to the biblical Tribe of Levi, whose members were assigned religious duties and exempted from the obligations borne by the other tribes.

“The Tribe of Levi has a role to play, to instruct the people of Israel on the divine path, to explain halachah, to delve into the depths of the Torah,” the letter states. “Therefore, the Holy One, blessed be He, commanded that they be given donations and tithes to support them so that they would fulfill their role and mission in the world, to spread Torah and to instruct in halachah.”

The Knesset had passed the legislation blocking Haredi student arrests by a vote of 58-54 on July 14.

The law would have stopped the detention of Haredi yeshivah students until Nov. 30, barring all criminal proceedings or arrests against those who failed to report for military-related fitness tests or for duty. The law defined a yeshivah student as someone who studies Torah regularly for 45 hours per week and not less than 40 hours.

The court issued its first order freezing the law on July 15. The judges argued that the law contradicted the High Court’s rulings. In June 2024, the court declared that ultra-Orthodox men must be conscripted, effectively ending a decades-long system of exemptions.

Ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, Jews have received near-blanket exemptions from military service in what started as a release for about 400 Torah scholars at the state’s establishment. The community views military service as a distraction from study and fears that those who are drafted will turn away from religion.

The issue has become increasingly contentious since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing war, as reservists have faced repeated call-ups and public pressure has mounted for the ultra-Orthodox community to share more of the military burden.

Arrests of Haredi yeshivah students who ignored draft orders have repeatedly triggered large-scale protests in ultra-Orthodox communities.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu gave an unexpected response during a Fox News interview when asked how he would handle the possibility of an emergency landing in a country that recognizes the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him, suggesting that Israel’s special forces would be ready if necessary.

During his interview with Sean Hannity, the prime minister was asked whether he worries that a medical emergency on an international flight could force his aircraft to land in a nation that recognizes the ICC warrant issued by the court in The Hague, potentially creating legal complications.

“You travel internationally. God forbid you have a medical emergency, and you need to land in a country that recognizes the ICC. It could complicate things. Do you worry about that?” Hannity asked.

Netanyahu acknowledged that the possibility has crossed his mind.

“Yes, I think about it,” he said.

He then appeared to joke about how Israel would deal with such a scenario, pointing to the country’s elite military units while recalling his own service in the IDF.

“We have special forces around. I served for five years,” Netanyahu said.

After Hannity observed that the IDF is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest militaries, Netanyahu smiled and quipped, “Let’s give them a new task.”

{Matzav.com}

(AP) – Roughly six weeks before the first midterm ballots are mailed out, the U.S. Postal Service is emerging as a pivotal player in an election season that will determine control of Congress.

President Donald Trump is seeking greater control over mail balloting through an executive order while a change to how the agency processes mail is leading to criticism that it’s failing to deliver ballots on time.

Democratic officials have raised concerns over the past week about how quickly the Postal Service will process ballots after tens of thousands of them in California and hundreds in Wisconsin arrived at local election offices too late to be counted in elections earlier this year. The top election offices in Kansas and Michigan are urging voters who want to cast their ballots early to avoid the mail and instead drop them off in person.

The Postal Service replied to those concerns Tuesday by saying it remains “committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process.”

“We provide a secure, efficient, and effective way for citizens to participate when policymakers decide to use mail as part of their elections,” it said in a statement.

Trump’s order puts more focus on mail ballots
The Postal Service faced similar questions about mail delivery in 2024, but the scrutiny this year is heightened because of an executive order Trump issued in March that seeks to create a national voter list to guide the Postal Service in deciding who gets a mail ballot.

The order has sparked multiple lawsuits and federal court orders, leading to a case now before the U.S. Supreme Court in which the administration is asking the justices to allow it to impose its restrictions on mail balloting.

Trump has lied for years about voter fraud to try to explain away his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, and mail balloting is a favorite target, even though he has used the method himself. During a recent stop in Michigan, he falsely characterized mail balloting as “inherently corrupt” and added, “Hopefully there will be no mail-in ballots.”

A 2025 report from the research group Brookings identified about four cases of fraud for every 10 million mail ballots cast.

Despite Trump’s attacks, the method remains popular with voters of both major parties. In 2024, nearly 30% of U.S. voters cast their ballots by mail, according to federal data. In Michigan, where competitive U.S. House and Senate races could help determine the balance of power in Congress, the state said it has sent out more than 2 million absentee ballots for the state’s Aug. 4 primary.

“We want to keep vote by mail. We want to protect it. We want to expand it,” said Jonathan Smith, president of the 200,000-member American Postal Workers Union, which launched a campaign in April promoting it and is opposed to turning the Postal Service into an election administrator. “Why? Because it works.”

Legal battles intensify over Trump’s order
The Postal Service proposed a rule in June in line with Trump’s executive order that would create a national list of eligible voters, based on databases kept by other federal agencies. Only those on the list would be eligible to receive mail ballots.

Democratic officials in nearly two dozen states filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts. A federal judge there blocked Trump’s order last month, and an appeals court upheld that ruling, prompting Trump’s appeal to the Supreme Court. But the appeals court for the District of Columbia refused Tuesday to block the order in a separate case, calling a legal challenge premature.

Democratic senators and governors have written to the Postal Service urging it to abandon efforts to implement Trump’s order.

“Donald Trump has shown he’ll stop at nothing to meddle in our upcoming elections,” Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a statement to The Associated Press. “At best, this new push will exacerbate already severe delays for mail-in voters and at worst, it will stop eligible Americans from casting their ballots.”

Sophia Lin Lakin, ACLU Voting Rights Project director, said she doesn’t believe the Postal Service has begun implementing anything related to Trump’s executive order while the legal challenges are playing out. But Smith, of the postal workers union, told the AP on Tuesday that USPS information technology staffers who are union members are working on a planned portal for the list of eligible voters “behind the scenes.”

The Postal Service declined to respond to Smith’s statements and said it could not comment about whether it’s moving forward with work related to Trump’s order because of the litigation.

The postal workers’ union opposes the plan for a portal, a national list of eligible voters and using that list to determine who can receive a mail ballot. Smith said it shouldn’t be postal workers’ responsibility “to decide who can vote and who can’t vote.”

A plan to consolidate mail processing centers upsets officials
The Postal Service has been under financial stress for years and has been consolidating mail processing into fewer regional centers. Mail travels an average of 139 miles (224 kilometers) to reach one and sometimes 500 miles (805 kilometers), according to a recent Brookings report.

In January, a group of mostly Democratic senators said it was concerned about a decision to end twice-daily mail dispatches from local post offices to regional processing centers. The result is that mail arriving after the only daily dispatch would go out the next day.

California officials said the change was a factor in the state rejecting more than 148,000 ballots from its June primary, with 63% of them arriving too late despite a seven-day grace period. Officials worried that some ballots were postmarked at processing facilities the day after they were dropped off at a post office, possibly invalidating them. Wisconsin officials also said hundreds of ballots from an election in April arrived late.

The Postal Service said postmarks generally are being applied with automated equipment at processing centers, “in the same manner and to the same extent as before.” It said someone who wants to make sure their ballot envelope gets a timely postmark can get a free one applied by a postal worker.

A report on the 2024 election by the USPS Office of Inspector General said the Postal Service handled more than 59 million pieces of ballot mail from Sept. 1 to Nov. 15 that year and that 97.3% arrived on time.

Some state election officials advise voters to avoid the mail
The Michigan secretary of state’s office is advising voters to hand-deliver ballots to their local clerk’s office or a drop box.

“We’ve seen these issues over a number of election cycles now — they’re always concerning, and that’s why we’ve put out that guidance,” said Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie.

The Postal Service said its Michigan centers are not seeing processing delays.

In Kansas, concerns about late ballot deliveries in the state’s 2024 primary election prompted a quip on the social platform X from Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican: “The Pony Express is more efficient at this point.” Asked his view now, spokesperson Whitney Tempel said Schwab still believes “keeping your ballot out of the hands of the federal government is best.”

Jamie Shew, a Democrat elected to oversee elections in Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus, said his office is trying to change voters’ perceptions.

“I think voters are used to, you can drop it off on Friday and we’re going to receive it by Election Day,” Shew said Tuesday. “That’s just not the reality.”

California’s state budget includes $10 million for social media campaigns and other efforts to discourage last-minute ballot mailings.

And the Postal Service said it hasn’t changed its own longstanding advice for voters: They should get their ballots in the mail at least a week before their state’s deadline for receiving them.

The commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has warned American troops across the Middle East that videos and photos posted online could provide Iran with valuable intelligence about the effectiveness of its attacks, according to a Reuters report.

Adm. Brad Cooper cautioned that publicly shared images, videos, and other real-time information can help Tehran assess strike damage and identify vulnerabilities, urging troops to place renewed emphasis on operational security.

“Iran knows the weapon was launched,” Cooper wrote in a message to personnel. “But its forces do not know whether they missed by 50 meters, struck an empty runway, or successfully hit a crowded facility.”

According to Reuters, some U.S. personnel stationed in the region may be required to surrender their personal cell phones, including devices used to communicate with family members, as military officials evaluate additional security measures.

Cooper specifically referenced a recently circulated video showing U.S. troops running for shelter during an Iranian missile and drone attack in Jordan, warning that such footage can provide adversaries with critical information about the results of an attack.

He stressed that intelligence gathered from publicly available sources comes at a direct cost, writing that the consequences are measured “in the lives of American service members and civilians in Gulf nations under attack.”

CENTCOM said the message was a general reminder emphasizing the importance of information security and reflected Cooper’s ongoing focus on protecting operational information.

According to the report, some U.S. troops in Jordan have already been informed that their phones could be temporarily confiscated as officials consider tighter security restrictions. The possibility has raised concerns among military families, though U.S. officials have long warned that adversaries can exploit location data and other information collected from mobile devices.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday described his recent visit to the United States as “excellent” and highlighted private remarks from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praising Israel’s unique combination of military will and capability.

“I have just finished a conversation here with the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth,” Netanyahu said. “He told me something interesting. He said to me, ‘We look at the world, and there are countries that have the will to fight alongside the United States, but they lack the capability. And there are countries that have the capability, but lack the will.’ He said, ‘Only in Israel do we see both the will and the capability.’”

Netanyahu said the visit underscored strong support for Israel in the United States despite public criticism.

“My visit to the United States was excellent,” he said. “You constantly hear about the waves of hatred against Israel in the United States, but you are probably not told about the waves of love and appreciation.”

The remarks came as Netanyahu continued to emphasize the depth of the U.S.-Israel security relationship following his meetings in Washington.

Nine girls and young women were injured Wednesday after a jeep overturned during an off-road trip near Mitzpe Yericho.

Emergency responders found the victims suffering from injuries of varying severity. A 17-year-old girl who was semi-conscious and had sustained multisystem injuries was listed in serious condition.

A woman approximately 20 years old who suffered abdominal and chest injuries and a 15-year-old girl with injuries to her limbs were both listed in moderate condition. Six additional girls were lightly injured.

The victims received initial medical treatment at the scene, including bleeding control, immobilization and bandaging.

They were evacuated by a Magen David Adom Hatzalah Air helicopter and MDA intensive care ambulances to Hadassah Ein Kerem, Hadassah Mount Scopus and Shaare Zedek hospitals in Yerushalayim.

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(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Nearly one out of every two Americans believes the United States should carry out the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, according to a newly released Economist/YouGov survey.

The poll found that 49 percent of respondents support the United States enforcing the ICC warrant for Netanyahu. Twenty-seven percent said the U.S. should not do so, while 23 percent said they were uncertain.

The International Criminal Court issued the warrant in November 2024, accusing Netanyahu of using starvation as a weapon of war and alleging crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution. The court also claims he deliberately directed attacks against Gaza’s civilian population.

The issue resurfaced last week after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani walked back his earlier pledge to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli leader traveled to New York for this year’s United Nations General Assembly.

“It is clear that we do not have the independent legal authority to enforce this warrant. The federal government, however, does,” Mamdani said in a video posed to the social platform X.

“And I call on them to join the ICC and execute this warrant,” he added.

Neither Israel nor the United States recognizes the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, as neither nation has ratified the treaty establishing the tribunal. The ICC, however, maintains that it has jurisdiction over matters involving the Palestinian territories.

The survey also found that 47 percent of Americans believe Netanyahu “is guilty of war crimes in Gaza,” while 24 percent rejected that assertion. Another 29 percent said they were unsure.

The Economist/YouGov poll was conducted between July 25 and July 27 and surveyed 1,559 adults. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

Seven people were injured Wednesday in a serious three-vehicle crash on Route 90 near Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov in northern Israel.

The most seriously injured victim, a man in his 30s, was trapped inside his vehicle with multiple traumatic injuries. Firefighters extricated him before MDA medics transferred him to an MDA Air Rescue helicopter. Due to the severity of his condition, he received a blood transfusion during the flight to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.

Three other victims were listed in moderate condition, including a woman in her 30s with chest and abdominal injuries, a 5-year-old girl with abdominal injuries, and a one-year-old baby who suffered a head injury. Three additional victims sustained minor injuries and were transported to Poriya Medical Center for treatment.

MDA paramedics said the critically injured man remained conscious but required immediate blood products while en route to the hospital in an effort to stabilize his condition.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Lakewood Police have recovered nearly $450,000 in cash and charged a Lakewood man following an investigation into the burglary of a township business.

Police were called to a business on Ocean Avenue around noon on July 26 after the owner reported that about $100,000 had been stolen, according to the Lakewood Police Department. As detectives continued investigating and the business completed a detailed audit, authorities determined that more than $300,000 had actually been taken.

Investigators identified the suspect as William Ordenana-Arauz, 48, of Lakewood, who police said had previously performed work at the business. Detectives also determined that he had traveled to a storage facility in Freehold after leaving the business.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives obtained court-authorized search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and a storage unit in Freehold. During the searches, investigators recovered just under $450,000 in cash, along with the business’s digital video recorder, which police believe was removed during the burglary.

Ordenana-Arauz has been charged with burglary and two counts of theft.

The investigation was conducted by the Lakewood Police Department with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer credited detectives for their work and thanked the Sheriff’s Department, members of Shomrim, and several area businesses for assisting investigators.

“Our detectives put together an outstanding investigation that led to the recovery of a significant amount of stolen cash and key evidence,” Meyer said in a statement. “Their efforts gave this victim the opportunity to recover their property and ensured that the person responsible was held accountable.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Matthew Richardson at the Lakewood Police Department.

Ordenana-Arauz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

ITHACA, NEW YORK (VINnews)-A Cornell University student who publicly rejected a job interview with Jewish founders has doubled down on his remarks, calling Israel’s actions a “genocide” and declaring Nick Fuentes’ “America First” movement the future for young people.

Austin Franco, a member of Cornell’s Class of 2028, went viral after telling the Jewish co-founders of the real estate tech startup VryfID that he was “not interested in working for a Jew.” Franco cited what he described as negative personal experiences with Jewish people. On the July 28 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, he stood by the statement, compared it to avoiding short people, and invoked freedom of association. Morgan called Franco “irredeemably awful” and cut the interview short after Franco refused to apologize.

Franco has also claimed that Israel is committing a “genocide” and treated that assertion as evidence that Jewish people as a whole are evil. He has further stated that Fuentes’ “America First” ideology represents the path forward for his generation.

The episode has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish entrepreneurs and others who see Franco’s comments as part of a broader rise in antisemitic rhetoric among young people. Gabe Einhorn, one of the VryfID founders, thanked Morgan for confronting Franco and said he plans to create a support network for young Jewish entrepreneurs facing similar hostility.

Franco’s case is not isolated. Observers across the political spectrum have noted the spread of similar views online, where algorithms often amplify extreme content. Critics warn that such antisemitism frequently serves as an entry point to broader anti-capitalist and anti-American attitudes, while casting traditional U.S. allies as villains and regimes in Iran and Russia in a more favorable light.

Cornell has reportedly investigated the original incident as a bias complaint. Franco later said his parents were forcing him to leave home as a result of the controversy and launched a fundraising campaign.

The episode highlights ongoing concerns about the radicalization of young Americans through social media and the challenge of countering misinformation that portrays democratic allies as aggressors while downplaying threats from adversarial states.

President Donald Trump is reportedly urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to move more aggressively in reducing the number of recommended childhood vaccines, advancing a priority that has remained a focus throughout Trump’s second term, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Citing people “familiar with the matter,” the Journal reported that Trump questioned Kennedy in May about “why he wasn’t doing more to probe the alleged connection between vaccines and autism.” According to the report, Kennedy was “taken aback” because he had previously understood that he was expected to downplay vaccine-related issues until after the midterm elections. The Journal said Trump’s comments made clear that he wanted the issue moved to the forefront.

“The president steers nearly every conversation with his health secretary back to the issue, some of the people said,” the Wall Street Journal reported. According to the report, Trump wants Kennedy to reduce the number of vaccines recommended for children by revising federal guidance. The effort is tied to Trump’s stated goal of lowering autism rates among children. Autism diagnoses have risen sharply over the past quarter century. Federal data showed the prevalence among 8-year-olds was 1 in 36 as of 2020, while Kennedy later said the rate had increased to 1 in 31 children as he unveiled a series of studies aimed at identifying “precisely what environmental toxins” may be contributing to autism.

“The epidemic is real,” Kennedy said at the time.

“Instead of listening to this canard of epidemic denial, all you have to do is start reading a little science, because the answer is very clear, and this is catastrophic for our country,” Kennedy continued, adding, “This is added to already astronomical healthcare costs. And then there’s an individual injury. These are kids that — this is a preventable disease. We know it’s an environmental exposure. It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics.”

While Kennedy has faced criticism from left-wing opponents for questioning vaccine policies, he has consistently maintained that his objective is simply to ensure the public has access to “good information.”

Last September, Trump drew widespread attention during a press conference with health officials when he cautioned pregnant women about taking acetaminophen, commonly sold as Tylenol, citing what he described as a “very increased risk of autism.”

“I think I can say that there are certain groups of people that don’t take vaccines and don’t take any pills that have no autism. That have no autism. Does that tell you something? That’s currently, is that a correct statement by the way?” Trump said.

“There are some studies that suggest that. Yeah, with the Amish for example,” Kennedy said.

Trump has repeatedly said he supports vaccines while also arguing that the media and medical establishment should be more willing to examine whether some vaccines or ingredients could carry risks.

Last year, the Trump administration directed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remove the coronavirus vaccine from its recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.

During the same period, Kennedy announced that a mercury-based preservative previously used in certain influenza vaccines would be eliminated from flu shots distributed in the United States.

Under the current childhood immunization schedule, infants receive more than a dozen vaccine doses during their first six months of life. Including annual influenza vaccinations and COVID-19 shots, children could receive more than 72 injections by the time they reach 18 years of age.

In March, President Trump signed an executive order “to acknowledge a recent Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) scientific assessment on childhood vaccines as a guiding resource for the Federal Government.”

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi terrorists are considering imposing fees on commercial ships sailing through the southern Red Sea, a vital trade route that has already faced years of severe disruption, according to a report by Reuters.

The proposal would establish a system for collecting payments from vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Sources said Iran has discussed the plan with the Houthis, while Iranian advisers are helping develop a possible authority to regulate ship traffic and collect the fees.

“The Houthis will try to gain access over the Red Sea and they will try to charge ships if they do,” Afrah al-Zouba, a minister-designate in Yemen’s internationally recognized government, told Reuters.

China has reportedly held direct talks with the Houthis to secure exemptions for Chinese vessels. Chinese tankers have continued sailing through the southern Red Sea despite the ongoing threats to international shipping.

Any attempt by the Houthis to impose fees is expected to face strong opposition from Gulf countries and European governments. A closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would also threaten a crucial alternative route for Saudi oil exports while the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure.

Shipping traffic through the Red Sea has not fully recovered since the Houthis began attacking vessels in November 2023. Rerouting ships around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope can add more than two weeks to voyages between Asia and Europe.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A planned vote to move forward with Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general appeared in doubt Wednesday as a key Republican senator demanded more assurances from the Justice Department about the settlement of President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

GOP Sen. John Cornyn, a crucial swing vote, called off a scheduled Wednesday meeting with Blanche, who is already the acting attorney general. Cornyn told reporters that the Justice Department has not adequately addressed in writing his concerns about the settlement that afforded Trump and members of his family protection from tax audits.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote for Thursday to advance Blanche’s nomination to the full Senate, but could be delayed if Blanche doesn’t win Cornyn’s support. Another Republican on the committee, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, has backed Cornyn’s position.

“They know what they need to do but they simply refuse to do it,” Cornyn said of the Justice Department.

At the center of the fight is the settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS that included a deal to drop tax claims against the president and a now-scrapped plan to create a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who believe they were wronged by the Justice Department. The Justice Department said in June that it was no longer moving forward with the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” amid bipartisan outrage but has said the audit immunity agreement remains in place.

Cornyn and Tillis have been pressing for further confirmation that the fund is dead despite repeated public assurances from Blanche, especially after Trump expressed continued support for the idea. Cornyn has also demanded clarification from the Justice Department on the scope of the tax immunity deal.

“We’re been trying to help them get to a conclusion here and they won’t let us. It’s befuddling to me,” Cornyn said.

A person familiar with the matter said the Justice Department provided Cornyn’s office with a written proposal seeking to address his concerns around the audit immunity agreement and the fund. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk about sensitive discussions surrounding Blanche’s confirmation.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim announced today that nearly $26 million in federal funding has been awarded to New Jersey through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, providing security assistance to religious institutions and nonprofit organizations facing heightened threats.

The funding will be administered by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and distributed later this year to selected nonprofit and faith-based organizations throughout the state.

The grants are intended to help organizations strengthen security at their facilities through measures such as surveillance equipment, access controls, security planning and other protective enhancements.

“Everyone has the right to practice their religion or gather in their community safely,” Kim, a Democrat and member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said in a statement. “I’m proud to help secure these grants to ensure that our communities have the resources needed to protect their facilities and worship in peace.”

Kim has worked with nonprofit and faith leaders during his time in both the House and Senate to seek additional funding for the program, and says he will continue advocating for the program as religious institutions across New Jersey face increased security concerns.

He has also held roundtable discussions with religious leaders who expressed concerns about the level of federal security funding available in New Jersey and has urged the Department of Homeland Security to increase support for the grant program.

Shlomo Schorr, director of legislative affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, welcomed the announcement, saying the funding remains essential as security threats continue to evolve.

“We appreciate Senator Kim’s continued support for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and his efforts to secure additional federal resources for New Jersey,” Schorr said. “Many houses of worship and nonprofit institutions continue to face significant security challenges. These grants provide critical assistance that helps communities strengthen their security infrastructure and better protect those who gather to pray.”

The federal grants come as faith-based organizations nationwide continue to invest in enhanced security measures in response to ongoing concerns over antisemitic incidents, hate crimes and other threats targeting religious institutions.

New Jersey organizations selected to receive awards are expected to be announced by the state later this year.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director, testified on the COVD-19 Pandemic before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

WATCH:

{Matzav.com}

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering holding the Likud’s next primary election digitally, citing security concerns and the potential for broader participation, according to a report by Kan News.

The report says Netanyahu was impressed by the Democratic Party’s recent digital primary, which reportedly achieved high voter turnout through a secure online voting system.

According to the report, the primary motivation for exploring digital voting is the possibility of a security escalation that could make traditional in-person voting difficult. However, Netanyahu’s associates also see additional advantages, including saving the party millions of shekels and reducing the influence of organized pressure groups that are active at physical polling stations.

The leading advocate for the proposal is reportedly acting Likud Director-General David Sharan, who publicly discussed the idea in a radio interview. While Netanyahu has so far presented the concept only as a contingency plan for a major security emergency, those close to him believe it could eventually become a realistic option even under normal circumstances.

Earlier this week, however, the Likud’s internal court rejected efforts to create a mechanism that would allow the party to cancel the primaries in the event of an emergency.

In its ruling, the court stressed that the primaries should proceed as scheduled, stating: “Likud is not the party of one man, and it would lose its vitality if it became one. There is no place to create even a small opening for canceling the primaries in advance.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Cracker Barrel is set to pay outgoing CEO Julie Masino several million dollars in severance pay after her departure from the company, while also covering security costs for a period of time.

The restaurant chain announced on Monday that Masino would step down as CEO on Aug. 10 and will remain with the company in an advisory role until Oct. 9. David Deno will replace her as CEO.

The company disclosed in a transition agreement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Masino will receive $4.63 million over the two years following the end of her employment at Cracker Barrel.

The filing also indicated that Cracker Barrel will continue to pay for Masino’s protective services for a “reasonable period of time” after the end of her advisory role with the company.

Masino’s departure comes after an unsuccessful attempt to rebrand the restaurant chain last year sparked blowback from customers and impacted the company’s sales.

Among the changes pursued prior to the reversal was the removal of the “old timer” from the company’s logo, as well as adjustments to the interior layout of the restaurants that have long included a general store.

The rebrand was part of a $700 million overhaul across the company’s 660-plus restaurants, which also included a revamped menu and decluttered dining rooms.

In the company’s announcement of the leadership transition, Carl Berquist, the independent chairman of the Cracker Barrel board, thanked Masino for “her leadership and commitment to Cracker Barrel.”

Berquist added that the company appreciates “her partnership to ensure a smooth leadership transition as we remain focused on the work underway to continue to serve our guests, support our employees, and execute our strategic priorities.”

Cracker Barrel’s announcement also included a statement from Deno, who said the chain is a “truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations.”

Masino’s departure and her upcoming replacement by Deno comes as the company is still struggling to return traffic to where it was before the rebranding controversy.

The company said in its third-quarter earnings last month that traffic was improving relative to the recent trend; it remained lower than where it was in the prior year.

Cracker Barrel CFO Craig Pommells noted that comparable store sales decreased 2.6%, with traffic down 6.7%, though he added that, “Although traffic remained negative, we are encouraged by the gradual improvement in the underlying trend.”

Microsoft unveiled a new artificial intelligence cybersecurity platform Monday that was largely developed by its research and development teams in Israel, marking one of the company’s biggest investments yet in AI-driven cyber defense as hackers increasingly deploy artificial intelligence to accelerate attacks. 

Known as Project Perception, the platform is built around autonomous AI agents that continuously search for software vulnerabilities, assess risks, and help security teams fix weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Alongside the platform, Microsoft also introduced MAI Cyber 1 Flash, its first AI model designed exclusively for cybersecurity tasks. 

A significant portion of the technology powering the new system was developed at Microsoft’s Israeli R&D center. Among the key innovations is MDASH, an AI-powered vulnerability analysis system first unveiled at Microsoft’s Build conference earlier this year. MDASH will become the first product to incorporate the MAI Cyber 1 Flash model, giving organizations an automated way to identify exploitable software flaws and recommend fixes before cybercriminals can strike. 

Rather than simply adding AI features to existing security software, Microsoft said it rebuilt its security architecture around AI agents capable of operating continuously and at machine speed. The company argues that as cybercriminals increasingly rely on AI to launch larger and faster attacks, defenders must respond with equally autonomous systems. 

The launch also strengthens Israel’s position as a global cybersecurity innovation hub. Microsoft said Israeli engineers developed many of the platform’s core capabilities, highlighting the country’s growing influence in advanced AI security technologies used by enterprises worldwide. 

Industry competition is intensifying as major cybersecurity companies—including Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne and Cisco—race to develop AI-powered security platforms. Microsoft’s strategy centers on specialized AI agents that automate much of the work traditionally performed by security analysts while keeping humans in control of critical decisions. 

For businesses, the announcement signals a broader shift in cybersecurity. Instead of reacting after an attack occurs, organizations are expected to increasingly rely on AI systems that proactively discover vulnerabilities, prioritize the most dangerous risks, and recommend or implement defenses before hackers can gain access. 

JBizNews Desk | Redmond, Wash.

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

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-The Israeli military said it demolished an underground Hezbollah command center built beneath a construction materials factory in southern Lebanon this week.

Troops operating in the village of Haddatha, inside the Israel Defense Forces’ buffer zone in south Lebanon, uncovered a 55-meter-long tunnel containing three rooms that Hezbollah used as a command center, the IDF said. The site was located approximately 300 meters from a UNIFIL building.

Nearby, soldiers also found a pit containing dozens of weapons, according to the military.

Combat engineers destroyed the tunnel, the IDF said.

Elon Musk has taken another major step toward transforming X into an all-in-one digital platform with the official launch of X Money, a new financial services feature that allows users to bank, transfer money, pay bills, and make purchases without leaving the app.

According to Mashable, X Money is now available exclusively to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, giving paying users access to a broad range of banking features directly within the platform. The new service combines peer-to-peer payments, money transfers, deposit accounts, and a physical Visa debit card into the social media experience.

X says users can handle many of the same financial tasks offered by traditional banks. Through the service, customers can send wire transfers, pay bills, mail checks, set up direct deposit for their paychecks, and transfer money to other X users. The company also says customers using direct deposit may receive their paychecks as much as two days ahead of schedule.

Among the centerpiece features is the X Card, a physical Visa debit card that provides three percent cash back on qualifying purchases and allows users to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without fees. The card is also compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, enabling contactless payments wherever those services are accepted.

The earnings on deposit accounts depend on a subscriber’s membership level. Premium+ members automatically receive a six percent Annual Percentage Yield on eligible deposits, while Premium subscribers can qualify for the same rate after meeting the company’s Direct Deposit eligibility requirements.

Customer deposits are maintained through Cross River Bank, X Money’s banking partner and an FDIC member institution. As a result, eligible deposits are federally insured for up to $250,000, providing the same level of protection available with conventional bank accounts.

Musk’s push into financial services is rooted in his earliest days as an entrepreneur. Long before purchasing Twitter, he launched an online payments company called X during the dot-com boom. That business later became part of what evolved into PayPal, where Musk built significant expertise in digital payments and financial technology.

The debut of X Money marks another milestone in Musk’s long-term effort to turn X into an “everything app”—a concept modeled after popular Asian super apps that combine social media, messaging, banking, shopping, and numerous other services within a single platform. Musk has repeatedly discussed this vision since acquiring the company, and it has also been highlighted by his biographers.

Musk had previously expressed confidence that financial services would arrive on X quickly, saying it would “blow his mind” if the platform failed to launch them before the end of 2024. After completing a limited testing phase earlier this year, X officially rolled out the service on Monday.

For now, X Money is being introduced to only a portion of U.S. users, with access restricted to Premium and Premium+ subscribers. The company has indicated that broader availability is expected in the future as the rollout expands.

The move represents a significant departure from the traditional separation of banking and social networking in the United States. While the concept is relatively new for the American market, similar all-in-one platforms have thrived overseas, particularly China’s WeChat, which combines messaging, social networking, payments, and a wide array of everyday services into a single digital ecosystem.

{Matzav.com}

Iran considered launching a retaliatory ballistic missile strike against a Ukrainian seaport after Ukraine attacked an Iranian commercial cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, but intensive diplomatic efforts appear to have eased tensions for now, according to a report in The New York Times.

The Ukrainian strike on Saturday killed one civilian sailor and injured another. People briefed on intelligence assessments said Tehran was considering firing a ballistic missile carrying a small warhead, likely targeting one of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. The planned strike was intended to deliver a symbolic response while causing relatively limited damage.

Iranian officials reportedly hoped the confrontation would end following their response, though Western officials warned that Ukraine’s reaction could not be predicted and that an Iranian missile strike could trigger a far wider conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially said the attack “cannot go unanswered,” accusing Ukraine of violating the United Nations Charter.

Araghchi later spoke by telephone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who described the attack on the Iranian vessel as unintentional. Araghchi said Iran was also not seeking escalation but demanded compensation for the losses. He separately discussed efforts to reduce regional tensions with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

The immediate threat of an Iranian strike has receded, though officials said it remained unclear how long the diplomatic calm would hold.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

American consumers continue to spend despite elevated interest rates and years of inflation, but Tuesday’s corporate earnings suggest retailers and consumer brands are entering a new phase where growth depends more on innovation and value than repeated price increases.

Results from several major companies showed that demand remains resilient, yet shoppers are becoming increasingly selective about where they spend their money. Businesses delivering stronger products and clearer value propositions are outperforming competitors that rely primarily on raising prices to protect profits.

Unilever reported its strongest sales-volume growth in more than a decade, driven by increased demand for household and personal-care products. Rather than depending solely on higher prices, the company credited product innovation, marketing and improved value for attracting consumers across multiple markets.

Visa’s latest results painted a similar picture. Payment volumes and processed transactions continued growing at a healthy pace, indicating households and businesses remain active despite higher borrowing costs and ongoing economic uncertainty. The data suggest consumers have not significantly pulled back on spending, even as they become more disciplined about discretionary purchases.

At the same time, fast-fashion retailer Shein disclosed that it is under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, adding another regulatory challenge as the company prepares for a public listing. Although the company did not detail the investigation, the disclosure highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny facing large digital marketplaces and cross-border e-commerce businesses.

Taken together, the developments point to a changing consumer environment. Shoppers continue buying, but companies must work harder to earn each purchase. Businesses that differentiate themselves through product quality, convenience, customer experience and competitive pricing appear better positioned than those relying primarily on inflation-driven price increases.

For retailers, manufacturers and consumer brands, the message is increasingly clear: volume growth is becoming more valuable than simply charging higher prices. Companies that successfully balance affordability with innovation may be better equipped to navigate an environment where consumers remain willing to spend—but are demanding greater value in return.

As additional retailers report earnings over the coming weeks, investors will be watching whether this trend extends across more sectors heading into the critical back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

NAHARIYA, Israel (AP) — The Israeli military was about to launch a nighttime strike on a group of men in southern Syria when the soldiers noticed the long curls dangling from the temples of their targets. The troops held their fire.

These were not Syrian militants attempting to breach Israel’s border, but religious Jews who had slipped into Syria and were on their way back.

The episode, first reported last week by Israel’s public broadcaster and confirmed to The Associated Press by the Israeli military, has helped raise the profile of a fringe group of Israeli settlers that has staged numerous incursions into Syria, where they hope to establish Jewish settlements.

Israel’s military has occupied the area in southern Syria for more than a year, but forays by civilian settler groups into the region have only recently became a regular occurrence.

The groups, with members numbering in the dozens, have attempted to cross from Israel to Syria every few days in recent weeks. The military is tasked with reining them in and, while most Israelis regard them as fringe, the wider settlement movement in Israel has strong backers in the country’s far-right government.

The most prominent of the groups behind the incursions in Syria is known as “Pioneers of Bashan.”

Dozens of Israeli settler activists attempted to breach the border into Syria earlier today, before being detained by the army, the military says.

The activists, who called themselves the Bashan Pioneers, have attempted to enter Syria multiple times in the past year, while… pic.twitter.com/i8VUtsLEIb

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) July 5, 2026

Pioneers of Bashan are named after a biblical region
Formed early last year, the Pioneers of Bashan are a group of right-wing Israeli activists aiming to establish Jewish settlements inside Syria. They are named after the biblical region of Bashan, which includes part of modern-day Syria and neighboring Jordan.

They have their sights set on an area of southwestern Syria that includes the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Sweida.

Part of this area, including the summit of Mount Hermon, is a “buffer zone” Israel declared in December 2024, soon after the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in an insurgent offensive.

The region was known in Scripture for its fertile land and came to be associated with strength and divine providence. In the Bible, the Israelites under Moses conquered the Bashan from the mythical King Og and it was then handed to some of the Israelite tribes.

Members of the group claim a historical right to these lands and argue that their presence there will help Israel defend the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed — a move not recognized by most of the international community.

Some claim that Israeli settlement of the areas would protect members of the Druze religious minority after violence erupted last year between Druze groups and Sunni Bedouin tribes and Syrian government security forces. Hundreds of civilians — mostly Druze — were killed in sectarian revenge attacks.

Amos Azaria, a Pioneers of Bashan leader, said the group aims to establish a “humanitarian corridor” from Israel to the Druze enclave of Sweida by depopulating adjacent Sunni-majority areas.

“The entire Daraa district … must be cleared of the enemies seeking our destruction and instead be filled with Jewish settlement,” said Azaria, a computer science professor at Ariel University in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Aim to establish a Jewish outpost inside Syria
The group seeks first to establish a Jewish outpost in southern Syria next to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Outposts, which settlers often call “young settlements,” describe rustic footholds in territory they desire.

Settlers normally establish outposts in the hope that one day Israel’s government will legalize them. That’s how many Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — which rights groups say are major drivers of settler violence and displacement of Palestinians — got their start.

So far their incursions into Syria have been brief. The military has removed the activists before they have been able to build anything.

Videos on the group’s X account from July 5 show a group of religious teens seated on the ground with their arms linked together, as soldiers try to pry them apart.

A second video shows soldiers shoving several of the activists and zip tying their hands behind their backs.

A video posted by the group in April shows several dozen activists waving Israeli flags and chanting on the roof of a house said to be on the outskirts of the Syrian village of Hader, in Quneitra, as Israeli soldiers look on.

Israeli military says the group compromises its operations
Israel’s military says it takes a firm hand with the border-crossers. It has repeatedly condemned the group for diverting troops’ attention from military operations and compromising their security. It says it detains civilians caught crossing the border and hands them over to police, saying it “expects law enforcement authorities to bring those involved to justice.”

Israel’s Channel 12 reported last week that no indictments have been filed so far.

The border-crossers say they have cozy relationships with members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Several government ministers have expressed support for their cause, and the group’s social media platforms document meetings it has held with at least two cabinet ministers, Amihai Eliyahu and Shlomo Karhi.

“We have support from friends in the government and many members of the Knesset,” Azaria said.

Syria and Lebanon are more concerned about military occupation
Syrian officials have not commented publicly on the attempts by Israeli settler groups to enter Syria.

The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s occupation of southern Syria and frequently calls for Israeli forces to withdraw and for the international community to intervene. Israeli troops have carried out incursions and raids in areas of Syria outside the buffer zone, sometimes clashing with local residents, who have increasingly attempted to block roads to keep them out.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, a similar movement has stages occasional marches along the Gaza border calling to reestablish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Israel removed its 21 settlements as part of its 2005 withdrawal from Gaza.

The Lebanese government has also paid little attention to a fringe Israeli settler group — “Uri Tzafon,” or “Awaken, O North” — that has staged incursions into southern Lebanon. Like Syrian officials, the Lebanese government has focused on calling for withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon.

Still, some have warned against entirely discounting the settler groups.

Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri wrote on X of the attempts by the Uri Tzafon group to enter the country, “It is true that they are a small and fringe group and they withdrew under orders from the Israeli army.”

But he pointed out that the movement to settle the West Bank began with an embattled band of right-wing religious activists, known as Gush Emunim, “which in its early days was a small group that faced some obstacles and difficulties.”

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Commercial aviation is running two clocks at once. On one hand, Boeing and Airbus are effectively sold out for the better part of a decade. On the other hand, airlines need to put passengers in seats this summer. The gap between the two — between the planes the world has ordered and the planes it can actually fly – has become one of the most consequential stories in the global economy. It is also the gap Demetrios Bradshaw built a company to fill.

As founder and CEO of Aeras Aviation, Bradshaw runs a global engine and aircraft asset-management firm that sources, leases, repairs and remarkets the engines and assets airlines need to keep existing fleets aloft while they wait years for new aircraft. Where the manufacturers sell the future, Aeras trades in the present — the spare engine, the serviceable used part, the “green time” left on a mid-life powerplant that lets a grounded jet fly again this quarter rather than next year.

A backlog measured in decades

The numbers are staggering. Airbus and Boeing are sitting on a combined order backlog of roughly 15,800 aircraft — close to ten years of production at current build rates. New narrowbody delivery slots are now being quoted into the late 2030s and, for some configurations, the 2040s. An airline that orders a fresh A320neo or 737 MAX today may not take delivery until a child born this year is finishing high school.

Hundreds of jets, grounded and waiting

Even the aircraft already in service aren’t all flying. A powder-metal flaw in Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engine — the powerplant on a large share of the A320neo family — has forced accelerated inspections of critical components. At its worst the issue has parked roughly 38% of the global A320neo fleet, with shop visits that once took 60 to 90 days now stretching past 300, and the maintenance queue running into 2027 and 2028.

“The most valuable asset in aviation isn’t the one on the order book — it’s the one that can fly next week,” Bradshaw says. “Our entire business is built around keeping good assets in service and getting stranded ones back in the air.”

The new economics of ‘green time’

For most of modern aviation history, an aircraft was a depreciating asset: fly it, age it, retire it. The current squeeze has bent that curve. Aircraft and engine values, along with lease rates, are sitting at multi-decade highs as airlines and lessors fight to keep older airframes in service years longer than planned. A serviceable engine has become a strategic instrument rather than a spare part — and the disciplined reuse of high-value assets has moved from the back office to the boardroom.

“Every conversation about fares, capacity and route cuts eventually comes back to one question,” Bradshaw notes. “Can you get the lift? If you can’t source the engine, the rest of the strategy is theoretical.”

A bet on the United States

Bradshaw is now expanding Aeras into the American market, with new logistics, storage and engine-management capacity announced earlier this year — a deployment of capital that doubles as a read on aftermarket demand. His vantage point is unusually wide: Aeras works across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa, and Bradshaw sits on the board of Air Botswana, giving him a direct line into emerging-market aviation, where fleet growth and financing look very different from the picture in New York or London.

Four forces are colliding in commercial aviation in 2026: a sold-out production pipeline, a historic engine-maintenance backlog, fuel-price volatility and asset values at generational highs. Each alone would be a story; together they have rewritten the economics of flying. As the manufacturers work through a decade of orders and Pratt & Whitney works through its queue, the businesses that keep today’s fleets in the air are no longer a footnote to the industry — they are its pressure valve. Demetrios Bradshaw built one of them, and from a seat in the middle of the deals, he has a clear view of where all four clocks point next.

Demetrios Bradshaw is the founder and CEO of Aeras Aviation, a global aircraft engine and asset-management company serving airlines, lessors and OEMs across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the United States. He serves on the board of Air Botswana and advises on aviation strategy across emerging markets.

PALMACHIM AIRBASE, ISRAEL – The Israeli Air Force reopened its 193rd Squadron on Tuesday after a nearly yearlong closure, restoring dedicated helicopter support for the Israeli Navy’s maritime operations.

The squadron was shuttered in August 2025 following the retirement of its AS565 Panther helicopters. It will now fly the SH-60F Seahawk, a naval variant of the Black Hawk, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

A ceremony marking the squadron’s return was held at Palmachim Airbase. The IDF said the unit will work in close cooperation with the Missile Boat Flotilla on missions at sea. Those tasks include defending Israel’s strategic assets, safeguarding freedom of navigation, supporting maneuvering forces and employing naval firepower.

“The squadron constitutes a central component of the IDF’s air-sea array and expands the operational response in the maritime domain,” the military said.

President Donald Trump vowed a forceful military response Wednesday after Iran launched an overnight missile attack targeting American forces in Jordan, warning that Tehran would face severe consequences for the assault.

Speaking with Fox News, Trump made clear that the United States would not allow the attack to go unanswered.

“We are going to beat the …. out of them.”

He followed that warning with another blunt promise of retaliation.

“We’ll be hitting them hard. They are going to get a beating.”

Trump described the missile barrage as an attempted surprise attack, saying U.S. troops had only a matter of minutes to defend themselves before the incoming missiles reached their targets.

The attack occurred Tuesday night, when Iran fired missiles at sites in Jordan. It marked Tehran’s first missile strike against a U.S. military installation in the region since President Trump suspended American strikes on Iran last Friday, and the first Iranian missile attack in several days.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the assault began at approximately 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time, when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles toward American positions in the Middle East. U.S. air defenses successfully intercepted every missile before it could inflict damage.

“At 5:45 p.m. ET today, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on US forces based in the Middle East. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. US forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.”

Later in the evening, CENTCOM announced that American forces, working alongside the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, carried out coordinated precision strikes against Iran-backed terrorist targets in Iraq that had been directed by the IRGC to attack U.S. troops and Saudi energy facilities.

“US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in a strong response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours,” said CENTCOM.

The military emphasized that Iran’s latest offensive failed to achieve its objectives.

“It added, “The unwarranted attacks against US forces were not successful.”

CENTCOM also highlighted the broader pattern of escalating violence, noting that Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq carried out more than 600 attempted attacks against American personnel and facilities between February and April 2026.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s tourism industry suffered another setback in the first half of 2026, with nationwide hotel occupancy falling to 44%, the lowest level since the October 7 war outside the immediate wartime period, as international visitors remained largely absent despite hopes for a recovery. The figures were released Tuesday by the Israel Hotel Association, underscoring the prolonged economic toll on one of the country’s largest service industries. 

Rather than rebounding after last year’s slowdown, the sector faced renewed pressure following the conflict with Iran earlier this year and the temporary suspension of many international flights. Those disruptions delayed the return of overseas travelers, leaving hotels that depend on foreign tourism operating far below normal capacity. 

Foreign tourists accounted for just 1.29 million overnight stays between January and June, down about 5% from the same period in 2025. While that was an improvement over the depths of 2024, it remains roughly 75% below the nearly 5 million overnight stays recorded during the first half of 2023 before the October 7 attacks. 

Domestic tourism also softened. Israelis recorded approximately 7.2 million hotel overnight stays, a decline of about 9% from a year earlier. Although domestic travel has remained stronger than before the war as many Israelis vacation closer to home, it has not been enough to replace the disappearance of international visitors. 

Regional performance highlighted the uneven recovery. Herzliya led the country with a 70% occupancy rate, followed by Eilat at 66% and the Dead Sea region at 48%. Jerusalem, traditionally one of Israel’s most tourism-dependent cities, averaged just 31%, while Nazareth recorded only 19%, reflecting the severe decline in pilgrimage and international group travel. 

Industry leaders warned that hotels serving overseas visitors continue to face extraordinary financial pressure. The association said inbound tourism has “almost completely disappeared” since October 7 and urged the government to provide additional support to help hotels survive until international travel normalizes. 

For Israel’s broader economy, the tourism slowdown extends well beyond hotels. Airlines, restaurants, tour operators, retailers, transportation companies and thousands of small businesses depend heavily on foreign visitors. A sustained recovery will likely require not only improved security conditions but also the restoration of airline capacity and traveler confidence.

JBizNews Desk | Jerusalem

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

MONTREAL (VINnews) — A Jewish family said it was subjected to antisemitic harassment at a Montreal park after asking a woman to comply with rules prohibiting dogs in a children’s play area.

🚨”Jews aren’t allowed here”: A woman launches an expletive-filled rant after a Montreal Jewish father calmly points out that dogs are prohibited from the children’s playground at La Fontaine Park in Montreal.

The man said he didn’t mind the dogs, but his kids were too afraid to… pic.twitter.com/J42P00lFdR

— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) July 28, 2026

The incident occurred Sunday evening at La Fontaine Park, where the family had gathered with visiting relatives. According to Rebel News, several children in the group became frightened after two dogs entered the splash pad and playground area, where posted signs prohibit dogs.

When a member of the family politely told the woman that dogs were not permitted in the area, she allegedly responded, “Jews are not allowed here,” according to video published by Rebel News.

The man called Montreal police and waited for officers to respond. Rebel News reported that the woman later returned and confronted him again, asking where he lived and telling him to “mind your own f***ing business.” She also allegedly made derogatory remarks about his children’s religious school.

According to Rebel News, the family waited more than an hour for police to arrive before leaving the park. A police report was filed Monday.

The man told Rebel News he was shocked by the antisemitic remarks but said members of Montreal’s Jewish community have increasingly become accustomed to such incidents.

Montreal police are investigating the incident and determining whether any charges will be filed, according to Rebel News, which said it contacted the police for comment.

A boutique hotel on Thailand’s Koh Phangan island has come under fire after displaying a message on its Booking.com listing stating that Israeli guests are “not recommended,” prompting an investigation by the booking platform into possible discrimination.

The controversy centers on the Shanti Boutique Hotel in the Srithanu area, a destination that has long been popular with Israeli travelers. Despite the backlash, the hotel maintains strong customer ratings, earning an 8.6 score on Booking.com and a 4.8 rating on Google.

The message, written in red across several photos in the hotel’s online gallery, read: “Not recommended for Israeli guests.” It appeared on images of the property’s swimming pool, guest rooms, and other areas throughout the hotel.

The notice appears to conflict with Booking.com’s policies, which prohibit participating properties from refusing reservations or imposing different conditions on guests based on nationality or other protected characteristics.

Booking.com told Ynet that it has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter following inquiries about the listing. As of now, the hotel has not issued a public response.

Israel is entering next week’s negotiations with Lebanon in Rome with a firm position, making clear that there will be no further withdrawals from the security zone unless its key security demands are met, according to a report by N12.

At the center of the dispute is Israel’s insistence that the IDF retain complete freedom of operation in any area from which Israeli forces temporarily withdraw. Israeli officials say troops must be able to re-enter those areas to verify they are free of Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure before they can be considered secure.

Lebanon has reportedly rejected that demand, and Israeli officials say there will be no discussion of expanding the current pilot security arrangement unless an agreement is reached on the issue.

Jerusalem has also drawn another red line, stating that even if the pilot program is expanded in the future, Israel will not withdraw from territory within the security zone along the Yellow Line.

“The additional areas will not be on our side of the defensive line we established,” a senior Israeli official told N12. “If the current pilot succeeds and additional pilot zones are approved, they will be beyond the Yellow Line. We will not allow further withdrawals from our side of the security zone. Until Hezbollah is disarmed in Lebanon, that is the understanding.”

Officials involved in the talks cautioned that continued U.S. mediation and future diplomatic developments could still influence the negotiations and potentially lead to adjustments or compromises later in the process.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

China’s economic slowdown is no longer affecting every region equally. While property markets and traditional heavy industries continue to struggle, provinces centered on electric vehicles, semiconductors, robotics and advanced manufacturing are expanding at a much faster pace, reshaping the country’s industrial landscape.

Recent provincial data showed that Anhui, one of China’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs, recorded a 44.6% increase in high-tech industrial output during the first half of the year. Automobile production climbed 29%, supported by continued investment in electric vehicles, battery technology and industrial automation. Similar trends are emerging across other technology-focused regions as Beijing directs capital toward industries considered critical to long-term economic growth.

The contrast with China’s older industrial centers has become increasingly pronounced. Regions still dependent on construction, real estate and traditional manufacturing continue to face slower growth, weaker investment and softer consumer demand, while technology clusters attract new factories, research facilities and skilled workers.

For global businesses, the shift carries important implications. Companies sourcing components from China may find that production capacity is becoming increasingly concentrated in advanced manufacturing regions rather than spread evenly across the country. Businesses tied to electric vehicles, industrial automation and semiconductor supply chains could benefit from stronger infrastructure and government support, while firms dependent on legacy manufacturing sectors may continue facing uneven operating conditions.

The transformation also reinforces Beijing’s broader industrial strategy. Rather than relying on property development as its primary economic engine, China is attempting to build future growth around advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy and high-value exports. Government incentives, financing and infrastructure investment continue flowing toward industries viewed as strategically important.

American manufacturers should pay close attention. Although China’s broader economy has slowed, its technology sector remains highly competitive and continues expanding production capacity in industries that directly compete with Western companies. That means global competition in electric vehicles, batteries, robotics and semiconductor manufacturing is likely to remain intense even if overall Chinese economic growth moderates.

Investors are increasingly separating China’s technology-driven industrial economy from its property sector, recognizing that weakness in one does not necessarily signal weakness in the other. The country’s next phase of growth appears likely to be driven less by real estate and more by factories producing the technologies that will shape global manufacturing over the next decade.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

A global retreat from semiconductor stocks intensified Wednesday as investors stopped rewarding the artificial-intelligence buildout on spending alone and turned instead to the harder question of whether Microsoft and Meta can show enough revenue, cash flow and operating gains to justify it.

Pressure began in Asia, where SK Hynix fell 9.6% despite reporting a sixfold increase in quarterly profit. South Korea’s KOSPI dropped nearly 6%, extending a sharp reversal in shares that had benefited most from surging demand for memory, processors and data-center equipment.

U.S. chipmakers entered the session under the same cloud. Nvidia traded about 0.8% lower shortly after the opening bell, following another decline in the Philadelphia semiconductor index Tuesday. Microsoft was nearly unchanged, while Meta slipped roughly 0.4% before both companies release earnings after Wednesday’s close. 

Strong chip demand is not the issue. Memory suppliers, equipment manufacturers and data-center operators continue reporting rising orders as cloud providers expand the physical infrastructure needed to train and operate increasingly powerful models.

Investor patience is becoming the constraint.

Billions of dollars committed to chips, servers, buildings and electricity must eventually produce more than technical capability. Shareholders now want evidence that AI can lift software sales, advertising revenue, productivity and profit quickly enough to offset the strain on free cash flow.

Microsoft will be judged largely through Azure, its cloud platform, along with adoption of Copilot and other AI services sold directly to businesses. The company confirmed that fiscal fourth-quarter results will be released after the market closes Wednesday, followed by an earnings call at 5:30 p.m. Eastern. 

Azure growth alone may no longer settle the question. Businesses will be watching whether customer demand is keeping pace with the company’s construction of data centers and whether Microsoft can continue expanding capacity without allowing capital spending to consume a growing share of the cash generated by its established software operations.

Meta faces a different test because most of its expected return arrives indirectly.

Rather than charging customers primarily for access to an AI model, Meta is using the technology to improve advertising recommendations, increase engagement and automate more of the work involved in creating and targeting campaigns. Its second-quarter results are also scheduled for release after Wednesday’s close, with the company’s call set for 4:30 p.m. Eastern. 

A stronger advertising business would give Meta more room to finance data centers, custom chips and research without relying on outside capital. Slower improvement would raise questions about how long the company can maintain current spending before investors demand a clearer path to returns.

Recent results from Alphabet changed the tone of the debate. Revenue remained strong, but another increase in planned capital expenditures and a quarter of negative free cash flow showed how quickly AI infrastructure can absorb money even inside one of the world’s most profitable companies.

That reaction has spread through the semiconductor market because chip suppliers depend on continued spending by a small number of enormous customers. Any moderation from Microsoft, Meta, Amazon or Google would travel quickly into orders for processors, memory, networking equipment and electrical infrastructure.

China’s semiconductor progress has added another concern. Domestic manufacturers are moving closer to producing equipment and memory products that could eventually reduce dependence on Western suppliers, raising the possibility that today’s shortage-driven pricing power may not last indefinitely.

None of this means the AI buildout is ending. Demand remains substantial, and the largest technology companies have enough cash and borrowing capacity to continue investing. What has changed is the standard by which that spending is being judged.

Wednesday’s reports may therefore determine more than the direction of Microsoft and Meta shares. Clear evidence that AI is already strengthening revenue and margins could stabilize the broader chip sector. Another round of rising spending without comparable cash returns would reinforce the market’s conclusion that the buildout has entered a more demanding phase.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

Dear Jewish News Media,

Please stop.

Stop what, you may ask.

Allow me to step back for a moment and provide some historical context.

Klal Yisroel is a nation because Hashem gave us the Torah at Har Sinai. From the very moment of Matan Torah, it has been understood that there are those entrusted with leading Klal Yisroel and faithfully transmitting the Torah and its laws from one generation to the next. What elevates these leaders to the status of Gedolei Hador is not merely their vast Torah knowledge. Rather, it is their singular devotion to understanding the Torah of Hashem to such a degree that their entire being becomes intertwined with the Torah itself. This is what we call Daas Torah.

The Torah commands us, לא תסור מן הדבר אשר יגידו לך ימין ושמאל. Chazal understood this as an eternal directive: we are not to deviate from the rulings and guidance of the Torah leaders of each generation.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on ascending Har Habayis. A growing movement of so-called “Geulah activists” argues that encouraging large numbers of Jews to visit Har Habayis will diminish the Arab presence, increase visible Jewish davening and Torah learning on the mountain, and ultimately hasten the coming of Mashiach.

It is an appealing idea, but it is deeply misguided.

Since 1967, when the Old City came under Israeli control, the Gedolei Haposkim have repeatedly ruled that Jews should not ascend Har Habayis. Numerous reasons have been offered, foremost among them that it is impossible to determine with absolute certainty the precise boundary between the Machaneh Leviyah and the Machaneh Shechinah. Consequently, someone who unknowingly crosses into the prohibited area would be liable for an issur kares, as we are all considered tamei meis. Furthermore, even entering the Machaneh Leviyah requires immersion in a mikvah with a proper chafifah. While many people may indeed fulfill all the necessary preparations, public encouragement to ascend the mountain will inevitably lead others to do so without proper preparation, causing them to violate the prohibition of a baal keri entering Har Habayis.

To be sure, there are arguments on the other side. Many Rishonim and Acharonim conclude that the Dome of the Rock stands atop the location of the Kodesh Hakadashim, making it possible to calculate the boundaries of the 500-by-500 amos described in the Mishnah. Others argue that if we know the location of the Makom Hamikdash, there may even be circumstances under which certain korbanos could be offered, since tumah hutrah or dechuyah b’tzibbur. In addition, there are undoubtedly many mitzvos that can be fulfilled by ascending Har Habayis.

The problem with these arguments is not that they lack sources. The problem is that they lack the fundamental reverence for the rulings of our Gedolim. Is it reasonable to assume that the Gedolei Haposkim did not consider these very arguments before issuing their rulings? Our mesorah teaches us that one who follows the guidance of the Chachmei Yisroel never loses.

Let us ask a simple question in learning: ממה נפשך? If, chas v’shalom, the Gedolim were mistaken in ruling that Jews should not ascend Har Habayis, then we have nothing to fear, because by obeying their ruling we have fulfilled the Torah’s command of Lo Sasur. But if they are correct—and that is certainly the more reasonable assumption—then the consequences of disregarding their ruling are immeasurably more serious.

History has repeatedly shown that people can develop all sorts of cheshbonos. Yet Shmuel Hanavi told Shaul: החפץ השם בעלות וזבחים כשמע בקול השם הנה שמע מזבח טוב להקשיב מחלב אילים. Hashem desires obedience to His will more than even the loftiest spiritual aspirations.

The activists argue that the unprecedented access Jews now have to Har Habayis must itself be a sign from Hashem. Surely, they say, this is an indication that we are meant to ascend.

But this argument is equally flawed.

We no longer have nevuah. We no longer have the Urim V’Tumim to interpret Heavenly signs. Instead, Hashem gave us the Gedolei Yisroel—the Einei HaEidah. Through their Daas Torah, they are granted siyata d’Shmaya to discern what Hashem expects of Klal Yisroel in every generation.

And so I return to my original plea:

Please stop.

Stop publishing articles celebrating the growing numbers of Jews ascending Har Habayis, followed by a brief disclaimer reminding readers that the Gedolei Haposkim of this and previous generations ruled otherwise. Those disclaimers do not solve the problem. Such articles are themselves נותן יד לפושעים. We would be far better off giving these efforts no publicity whatsoever. As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad publicity. Every article normalizes this movement and encourages additional people to follow a path that openly disregards the rulings of the Gedolei Hador.

As for the claim that these efforts are bringing Mashiach closer, sadly, they appear instead to reflect precisely what Chazal describe at the end of Sotah regarding the period immediately preceding the coming of Mashiach: בעקבות משיחא חוצפא יסגא… נערים פני זקנים ילבינו.

B’ezras Hashem, the day will soon come when we will once again ascend Har Habayis with the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. Until then, we continue to daven: והראנו בבנינו ושמחנו בתיקונו.

With a heart that yearns for that day,

Y. S.

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Iran’s Jewish community is facing growing persecution, intimidation, and economic pressure as the Islamic regime intensifies its crackdown following last year’s conflict and the wave of anti-government protests, according to a new investigation published by the Jewish Chronicle.

The report is based on interviews with approximately 20 Iranian Jews who spoke anonymously out of fear for their safety. Iran’s Jewish population, one of the oldest in the Middle East, is estimated at around 20,000.

Several interviewees described attacks on Jewish-owned homes and businesses. One shop owner in Tehran said his store was vandalized twice in recent months, with windows smashed and anti-Israel graffiti sprayed on the walls. Another Jewish jeweler said members of the Basij militia looted his shop, referring to the stolen gold as “war booty” and allegedly threatening his family.

Many members of the community believe the regime, unable to directly target Israel or the United States, has instead turned its anger toward Iran’s Jewish minority.

The report also describes widespread economic and political pressure. Several Jewish Iranians said they lost their jobs after being questioned by security officials. One man claimed he was pressured to post anti-Israel content on social media and, after refusing, was fired and barred from working for the country’s leading ride-hailing service.

Jewish children attending state schools reportedly face ideological coercion, including being taken to pro-regime rallies where they are forced to burn Israeli flags and chant anti-Israel slogans. One mother said her 10-year-old son was beaten by a teacher after refusing to participate enthusiastically.

The investigation also alleges that Iranian authorities monitor the online activity of Jewish citizens. Community members were reportedly warned not to follow Israeli Persian-language media or engage with certain social media content to avoid attracting the attention of intelligence agencies.

According to the report, community leaders have also come under pressure to publicly denounce Israel and express support for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Those interviewed said such statements are made under duress and do not reflect the views of many Iranian Jews.

Many members of the community told the Jewish Chronicle they fear history could repeat itself, pointing to the 1979 execution of Jewish community leader Habib Elghanian by the Islamic regime shortly after the Iranian Revolution.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israel Defense Forces has eliminated a Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander who led a terrorist cell that took hostages during the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, the military said.

Muhammad Khalil Muhammad Aslam, identified as a platoon commander of an Islamic Jihad Nukhba cell, was killed in an airstrike in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, according to the statement.

“In recent months, Aslam advanced attacks targeting IDF troops and Israeli civilians,” it stated. “The terrorist posed an immediate threat and was eliminated in a precise aerial strike.”

Soldiers remain deployed in the enclave in accordance with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement “and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat,” it said.

The current ceasefire went into effect in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 10, 2025, ending the two-year war that began when Hamas, other Palestinian terrorist groups and Gazan civilians invaded the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7, 2023.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, the IDF said it had struck several Hamas weapons storage sites in central and northern Gaza over the past week, including one that had been established inside a mosque.

The depots contained weapons intended for use against soldiers operating along the ceasefire line, as well as Israeli civilians, “and were dismantled in order to remove the threat,” according to the military.

The weapons storage site inside a mosque “is an additional example of the terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip exploiting civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes by storing weapons in the heart of the civilian population, including in religious sites, to facilitate terrorist activity,” the IDF said. JNS

{Matzav.com}

(AP) – Russian authorities said Wednesday they had charged Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, with aiding terrorism, the latest step by the Kremlin to bring the internet and digital communications under its control.

The charges against the Russian-born Durov, who lives abroad, came as authorities have sought to restrict the use of Telegram as part of a widespread crackdown on online freedom that followed Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said in a statement it had accused Telegram’s administration of failing to remove “numerous channels, chats and bots” allegedly used by “Ukrainian intelligence agencies, terrorist and extremist organizations to prepare and coordinate acts of sabotage and terrorism, mass murder, and cyber fraud” in Russia, which resulted in “numerous human casualties.”

The FSB accused Ukrainian security services of using a popular dating chatbot on Telegram to lure and recruit Russians for “sabotage and terrorist activities,” and said 46 users of the chatbot, from 12 to 22 years old, have been detained in Russia over the past year for assaulting law enforcement officers, arson and other acts.

It also said it was adding the name of the 41-year-old billionaire to international wanted lists.

Durov had said earlier this year that Russian authorities opened a criminal investigation against him, and he accused them of fabricating pretexts to restrict access to Telegram as part of an attempt to “suppress the right to privacy and free speech.”

If convicted, he could face up to life in prison in Russia.

Telegram, which boasts of more than 1 billion users worldwide, did not respond to a request for comment. Its official website links to an account on X that on Wednesday posted am image of Durov raising a middle finger to the camera.

Telegram’s website says that the company is based in Dubai and that Durov, who holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, lives there, too.

Russia has sought to censor the internet
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russian authorities have engaged in multipronged efforts to rein in the internet, adopting restrictive laws and banning websites and platforms that don’t comply and focused on improving technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic.

Popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and X, have been banned in Russia; YouTube has been throttled; popular messaging apps, such as Signal and Viber, have been blocked, and the most popular ones — WhatsApp and Telegram — have been restricted.

Russia’s popular Facebook-like social media platform Vkontakte, founded by Durov long before he launched Telegram, had come under the control of Kremlin-friendly companies. Russia tried to block Telegram between 2018-20 but failed.

While it’s still possible to circumvent some of the restrictions by using virtual private network services, many of them are routinely blocked, too.

At the same time, Russia actively promotes what it calls a “national” messaging app known as MAX, which critics say could be used for surveillance. The platform is touted as a one-stop shop for messaging, getting online government services, making payments and other activities. It openly says it will share user data with authorities upon request, and experts also say it doesn’t use end-to-end encryption.

The Telegram restrictions have elicited widespread discontent in Russia, and this year activists in multiple regions tried to organize protests against it, but authorities quashed nearly all their attempts.

Military bloggers also have denounced the crackdown, arguing the app is an indispensable communications tool for Russian troops in Ukraine and for activists running crowdfunding campaigns to help Moscow’s forces.

The government initially promised not to restrict Telegram on the battlefield, but a different message later came from the Kremlin. At a meeting with Putin for International Women’s Day, a servicewoman called Telegram “an adversarial communications tool” and agreed with him when he said that “the use of communications systems that are not ours, not under our control, poses a danger to personnel” in battle.

Durov was arrested in France in 2024
In 2024, Durov was arrested in Paris amid allegations that his platform was being used for illicit activity, including drug trafficking and the distribution of images of child sexual abuse. French authorities handed him preliminary charges for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the platform. In March 2025, Durov said he had returned to Dubai after spending “several months” in France.

The Kremlin at the time criticized the French authorities for their move against Durov as selective. Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at the time that “yes, indeed, terrorists use Telegram. But terrorists also use cars. Why aren’t they arresting the CEO of Renault or Citroen?”

Peskov didn’t respond to a request for comment on what made Russian authorities change their position.

The Paris prosecutor’s office told The Associated Press that Durov remains under formal investigation, facing an array of potential charges for alleged criminal activities linked to Telegram. French investigators have questioned him repeatedly, most recently this month, the office said in written comments Wednesday.

Russia is accused of using Telegram as a recruitment tool
Russia itself has faced accusations of using Telegram coordinate and recruit people to carry out acts of arson and sabotage in Ukraine and across Europe. In the U.K., a British man was recruited, likely by Russian military intelligence, on the platform to organize a plot in 2024 to set fire to a warehouse in London containing satellite equipment for Ukraine. He was also asked to kidnap a pro-Ukrainian exiled Russian billionaire living in London.

Dutch teenagers were arrested in the Netherlands in September after being contacted by Russian hackers on Telegram who wanted them to map Wi-Fi networks in The Hague. The city is the location of many sensitive organizations, including the International Criminal Court — which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin — as well as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and Europol which helps European countries fight international crime.

Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in acts of sabotage in Europe.

The year 2025 was the deadliest for antisemitic violence against Jews living outside Israel since the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina, according to the second annual report released by the J7 Task Force, a coalition representing the seven largest Jewish communities in the Diaspora.

The report documents more than 23,000 antisemitic incidents across the J7 countries—Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States—which together are home to more than 90% of the world’s Diaspora Jewish population.

According to the report, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks during 2025, including 15 during a Chanukah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach, two at a Yom Kippur attack on a Manchester synagogue, two at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and one in Boulder, Colorado.

Compared with 2022, the year before Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, the total number of antisemitic incidents across the J7 countries increased by 136%, while violent incidents rose by 97%.

Although some countries saw declines in total incidents compared with 2024—including the United States, Australia, Canada, and France—every J7 nation remained well above pre-October 7 levels. Australia recorded the sharpest increase since 2021, followed by Germany, the United States, and France.

Germany continued to report the highest rate of antisemitic incidents relative to its Jewish population, while the report also highlighted a sharp rise in antisemitism in Ireland, where 143 incidents were recorded in just six months despite the country’s small Jewish community.

The report found that anti-Zionism was a significant motivating factor in many antisemitic incidents, accounting for 48% of cases in the United Kingdom, 45% in the United States, and 23% in Germany.

J7 leaders urged governments to move beyond reacting after attacks occur and instead take proactive measures, including increased security funding, stronger legislation, and stricter enforcement by social media platforms against antisemitic content.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said antisemitism has become a global crisis requiring an international response. “This is not just an American crisis,” he said. “Antisemitism crosses borders, and our response must cross borders as well.”

The report concludes by calling on governments, law enforcement agencies, and technology companies to strengthen protections for Jewish communities, close legal loopholes that allow antisemitic incitement to spread, and ensure Jews can live openly and safely around the world.

(_YWN World Headquarters – NY_C)

An Academy coach bus crashed into a home in Jackson Township on Wednesday morning, causing significant structural damage to the residence, but no injuries.

The crash occurred at the intersection of East Veterans Highway and Whitesville Road. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where the bus was found lodged against the home.

There were no passengers on the bus at the time of the accident.

The house has been deemed uninhabitable due to the foundational damage and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Costco members in Washington state who received certain promotional emails over the past several years may qualify for a cash payment after the retail giant agreed to settle a $14 million class action lawsuit alleging it sent deceptive marketing emails advertising limited-time offers.

The lawsuit claims Costco violated Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA), a state law governing commercial email advertising. Under the statute, consumers may be entitled to recover as much as $500 for each qualifying email. However, the amount each claimant ultimately receives from the settlement will depend on how many valid claims are filed.

Although Costco denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to resolve the case, known as Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corp., by paying $14 million.

The settlement covers Washington residents whose email addresses are on file with Costco and who received the promotional emails between June 2021 and July 2026.

Eligible individuals must submit a claim form no later than Aug. 24, 2026, in order to receive a share of the settlement proceeds.

According to the complaint, Costco allegedly violated state law by using email subject lines that suggested sales were about to expire even though the promotions were allegedly intended to continue beyond the advertised deadlines.

Among the examples cited in the lawsuit are the subject lines “Today is the last day to access Member-Only Savings” and “Hot Buys available for 5 Days Only.”

After attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and court-approved service awards are deducted, the remaining settlement funds will be divided equally among all class members who submit approved claims. Because the total number of valid claims is not yet known, the amount each person will receive has not been determined.

Regardless of how many qualifying emails they received, each eligible class member may file only one claim.

Consumers who do not wish to participate may opt out of the settlement or object to its terms by Aug. 24. Those who choose not to take any action will receive no payment and will forfeit the right to bring future legal claims against Costco over the allegations resolved by the settlement.

A final fairness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time in federal court in Seattle, where a judge will decide whether to grant final approval to the agreement.

If the settlement receives final approval, payments will be distributed by paper check or through electronic methods such as Venmo, PayPal, or other approved digital payment services.

{Matzav.com}

Wall Street opened modestly lower Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision later today while weighing another wave of corporate earnings and renewed geopolitical tensions that pushed oil prices higher. With no major economic reports released before the opening bell, markets focused instead on corporate guidance, Treasury yields and expectations for Chair Kevin Warsh’s afternoon remarks.

At 9:30 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average opened at 52,674.21, down 73.10 points (-0.14%). The S&P 500 opened at 7,418.16, lower by 10.62 points (-0.14%), while the Nasdaq Composite began trading at 24,863.48, off 13.43 points (-0.05%). Investors largely avoided making significant new bets ahead of the central bank’s policy announcement scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.

Timeline

8:30 a.m. ET — Economic Reports

No major Tier 1 U.S. economic reports were released before the market opened, leaving investors focused on earnings, oil prices and the Federal Reserve meeting.

9:30 a.m. ET — Market Opens

• Dow: 52,674.21 (-73.10)
• S&P 500: 7,418.16 (-10.62)
• Nasdaq: 24,863.48 (-13.43)

Early trading reflected caution rather than panic, with investors waiting for new guidance on interest rates before making larger portfolio adjustments.

Oil became the market’s biggest inflation concern after crude prices rose sharply overnight following renewed military activity involving Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate crude traded above $82 per barrel, while Brent crude approached $88, lifting energy shares but weighing on transportation, airline and consumer discretionary stocks that are more sensitive to fuel costs. Treasury yields also edged higher, with the benchmark 10-year note hovering near 4.63%.

Corporate earnings continued driving individual stock performance. Ford Motor Co. gained after raising its full-year earnings outlook, citing stronger pricing and improved profitability despite softer vehicle sales. Visa remained in focus after announcing plans to eliminate approximately 2,600 jobs while increasing investment in artificial intelligence and next-generation payment technology. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble traded lower after warning that higher commodity, freight and energy costs could add roughly $1 billion to expenses over the coming year despite steady consumer demand for household staples.

Technology shares were mixed as investors continued reassessing semiconductor valuations after recent earnings. Some chipmakers stabilized following heavy selling earlier in the week, while others remained under pressure as markets questioned whether the industry’s massive AI-related capital spending will continue generating returns at the pace investors have expected.

10:00 a.m. ET

No major scheduled economic reports were released at 10:00 a.m., allowing attention to remain squarely on the Federal Reserve meeting and corporate earnings.

2:00 p.m. ET — Federal Reserve Decision

The Federal Open Market Committee will announce its latest interest-rate decision. While most economists expect rates to remain unchanged, investors will closely examine the policy statement for any changes in language regarding inflation, economic growth and future rate expectations.

2:30 p.m. ET — Chair Kevin Warsh Press Conference

Markets are expected to react more to Chair Warsh’s comments than to the rate decision itself. Investors will listen for signals regarding inflation, labor-market conditions, oil-price risks and the timing of any future policy changes.

After the Closing Bell

Two of the week’s most closely watched earnings reports arrive after today’s session:

• Microsoft
• Meta Platforms

Both reports are expected to provide important insight into enterprise AI spending, cloud demand and digital advertising trends, with the potential to influence Thursday’s market direction.

For the remainder of the trading day, investors will closely monitor oil prices, Treasury yields and the Federal Reserve’s outlook. With markets entering one of the busiest weeks of earnings season, today’s policy announcement is likely to set the tone not only for this afternoon’s trading but for the broader market heading into month-end.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street | New York

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

photos: Avrumi Berger, Lensky Photo

A fire that heavily damaged the Agri Star kosher meat processing complex in Postville, Iowa, is raising concerns about the U.S. kosher meat supply, with company officials saying Wednesday it is too early to determine the full impact on production as damage assessments continue. The incident also comes as food prices remain elevated, increasing the risk that consumers could face another round of grocery inflation if supplies tighten.

Among the largest kosher meat processors in North America, Agri Star supplies supermarkets, wholesalers, restaurants and numerous independent kosher meat brands that rely on its facility for slaughtering and processing. Any prolonged disruption could ripple through the kosher food supply chain, affecting distributors, retailers and food-service providers across the country.

More than a dozen fire departments responded after flames broke out at the facility Tuesday. Authorities reported no injuries, and investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Local officials also asked residents to conserve water while emergency crews worked to contain the blaze.

The timing adds pressure to a market already dealing with higher production costs and persistent food inflation. Beef prices have been climbing because of historically tight U.S. cattle supplies, while labor, transportation and operating costs remain above pre-pandemic levels. A significant reduction in processing capacity at one of the industry’s largest kosher facilities could further tighten supply and place additional upward pressure on prices.

Industry participants are closely monitoring whether other kosher processors have enough available capacity to absorb lost production. Because kosher meat processing is concentrated among relatively few facilities, replacing output quickly can be challenging, particularly if demand remains strong.

The disruption could also affect restaurants, caterers, grocery chains and institutional food providers that depend on steady deliveries of kosher beef and poultry. Businesses may face higher wholesale costs, while consumers could see fewer promotions and higher retail prices if inventories become constrained.

Agri Star said its immediate priority is the safety of employees, emergency responders and the surrounding community. The company has not announced a timeline for restarting operations, noting that engineers must first complete a full evaluation of the facility.

For businesses throughout the kosher food industry, the coming days are expected to determine whether the fire remains a temporary operational setback or develops into a broader supply-chain disruption with wider pricing consequences.

JBizNews Desk | Postville, Iowa

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

Washington is widening its technology strategy beyond semiconductors, moving to restrict additional Chinese-made humanoid robots and related technologies as policymakers increasingly view advanced robotics as a strategic industry tied to national security, manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The latest action reflects a broader shift in U.S. industrial policy. Rather than focusing solely on advanced computer chips, officials are now paying closer attention to the machines that could power future factories, warehouses, logistics centers and critical infrastructure. Humanoid robots are expected to play a growing role in manufacturing, healthcare, retail and defense as AI systems become more capable.

China has invested aggressively in robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing as part of its long-term effort to reduce dependence on foreign technology. Chinese manufacturers have rapidly expanded production of industrial and humanoid robots while integrating artificial intelligence into factory operations, creating new competition for American and European producers.

U.S. policymakers argue that allowing Chinese robotics companies to establish a dominant position in critical industries could create future security and economic risks similar to those raised over telecommunications equipment and advanced semiconductors. The restrictions are intended to encourage domestic manufacturing while giving American robotics companies greater opportunity to compete.

For businesses, the policy could reshape purchasing decisions over the next several years. Manufacturers, logistics providers and warehouse operators planning automation projects may have fewer foreign suppliers to choose from while domestic production expands. Although that could increase equipment costs in the near term, supporters argue it may strengthen long-term supply-chain resilience and reduce dependence on overseas technology.

The move also highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming inseparable from industrial policy. Governments are increasingly competing not only over software development but also over robotics, manufacturing capacity, advanced machinery and the infrastructure required to deploy AI throughout the economy.

As companies continue investing in automation to address labor shortages and improve productivity, robotics is expected to become one of the fastest-growing segments of the broader AI economy. Decisions made today by governments and manufacturers could shape global competition for years to come.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials involved in the prosecution of James Comey misled judges, submitted false statements and withheld key facts during the course of the investigation, according to new defense filings that seek the dismissal of a case charging the former FBI director with threatening President Donald Trump on social media.

Lawyers for Comey made the allegations of misconduct in motions filed late Tuesday that also call the case a vindictive and selective prosecution, request access to transcripts of grand jury proceedings to expose what they say are “irregularities” in how the indictment was secured, and describe “unlawful” surveillance of Comey by the Secret Service.

Taken together, the new motions, along with an earlier one this week that called Comey’s social media post protected speech and not a threat, represent a multiprong defense effort to dismantle a case that defense lawyers say exemplifies a Trump administration retribution campaign targeting one of the president’s most vocal critics.

“Ample objective evidence — much of which comes directly from government officials’ own public statements and admissions — establishes that the President’s animus toward Mr. Comey led to this vindictive and selective prosecution,” Comey’s lawyers wrote in one of the filings.

The case centers on a picture of seashells on the beach
Comey was charged in April with threatening Trump through a photo he posted on Instagram a year earlier depicting seashells he said he found on the beach in North Carolina in the numerical arrangement of “86 47.”

The Justice Department has said the photo constituted a threat against Trump, the 47th president. Comey deleted the post shortly after he put it up, saying he did not know that anyone interpreted the numbers as a call to violence. His lawyers have said that the slogan has long meant to “get rid of” or “eject” and has been featured on thousands of items sold online and regularly displayed at protests.

Defense lawyers say investigators who tried to prove that Comey intended a physical threat, or knew that the number “86” suggested violence, repeatedly came up empty but withheld that from federal magistrates as they applied for warrants to search the digital accounts of Comey and his wife.

For instance, the FBI searched an internal database of information about open and closed investigations for any indication of an association between Comey and the term “86” but found inconclusive results. An FBI agent also requested a review of the FBI file for the case against reputed mobster John Gambino, which Comey worked on as a young prosecutor, but found no references to the term “86.”

Investigators also interviewed a key government cooperator in the case, Salvatore Gravano, who said he did not recall ever discussing the term “86” with Comey or hearing it in connection with the trial.

“Evidence obtained during discovery supports at least a substantial preliminary showing that the affidavits submitted in support of two of the search warrants contained intentionally false statements and material omissions, and that those defects vitiate any conceivable showing of probable cause,” Comey’s lawyers wrote.

Defense lawyers say the case is rooted in Trump’s personal animus
In addition, defense lawyers say the warrant applications distort statements made to investigators by a person who knew Comey but has been now estranged from him for years.

The person, whose name is not revealed in the court filings, is described in the affidavit as saying that they immediately perceived Comey’s post to have a violent meaning. But investigators omitted from the affidavit that the person had said their initial impression was that “86” referred to being “out of something on the menu” and only later concluded that it could be understood as a call to violence.

The person said that view was influenced by having listened to an episode of Rudy Giuliani’s online show in which the Trump loyalist claimed that Comey had worked on mob cases as a prosecutor in which mafia members used “86” to mean “kill.” But the FBI’s own investigation determined Giuliani’s claims to be untrue, defense lawyers said.

The seashells case against Comey was the second in months targeting the ex-FBI director, a long-running Trump foe whom the president over the years has called a “corrupt piece of garbage” and other epithets.

An earlier case in Virginia accusing Comey of lying to Congress was dismissed in November after a judge concluded that the prosecutor who charged him and another Trump adversary, New York Attorney General Letitia James, was illegally appointed to the job.

Comey’s lawyers describe the prosecutions as rooted in Trump’s own personal animus, with the Secret Service closely coordinating with the Justice Department and with Trump, who received frequent updates on Air Force One.

As Comey returned to Washington with his wife to be interviewed by law enforcement about his post, Secret Service agents were directed to conduct “unlawful” electronic surveillance, “including as they stopped to visit the grave of their deceased son,” his lawyers said. The surveillance had been requested by a senior Justice Department official.

Comey was the FBI director when Trump took office in 2017, having been appointed by then-President Barack Obama and serving before that as a senior Justice Department official in President George W. Bush’s administration. Trump fired Comey in May 2017 during an FBI investigation into potential ties between Russia and Trump’s presidential campaign. The men have been openly at odds ever since.

The Justice Department will have an opportunity to respond to the defense filings. The department has not elaborated on any evidence of intent the government has. But acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said earlier this year that prosecutors in every case prove intent with “witnesses, with documents, with the defendant himself to the extent it’s appropriate.”

“And that’s how we’ll prove intent in this case,” Blanche said in April, shortly after he was elevated to lead the department after Pam Bondi’s ouster.

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A disturbing act of antisemitic vandalism has shocked the Lakewood, NJ community after swastikas fashioned from yellow tape were discovered inside a local shul on Wednesday morning.

The offensive symbols were found throughout Ohel Shulamit, a Sefardic shul located on Spruce Street, just east of River Avenue, where someone had carefully arranged strips of yellow tape into the shape of swastikas and affixed them to various locations inside the building.

Among the locations targeted were seforim shranks in the bais medrash and a hot water urn.

There were no signs of forced entry.

Authorities are expected to investigate how access to the building was obtained, as well as whether surveillance footage or other evidence can help identify the person responsible.

{Matzav.com}

Federal Reserve officials entered the final day of their July meeting Wednesday with little expectation of an immediate rate increase, but persistent inflation has left September firmly in play and businesses with no clear path toward cheaper borrowing.

A policy statement is due at 2 p.m. Eastern, followed by Chair Kevin Warsh’s press conference at 2:30. The meeting does not include a new set of economic projections, placing greater weight on any change in the Fed’s description of inflation, employment and the balance of risks facing the economy.

Rates have remained between 3.5% and 3.75% since June, when the committee voted unanimously to hold. Agreement on that decision masked a widening debate over what should come next, with the minutes showing some officials prepared to consider an increase if price pressures failed to ease.

Tariffs and energy costs remain part of the concern, but the inflation problem now reaches further into the economy. Data-center construction is consuming more electricity, equipment and skilled labor, while businesses continue investing heavily in chips, software and infrastructure. That spending is supporting growth at the same time it raises demand for resources already in limited supply.

Recent declines in oil have taken some urgency out of the case for acting this week. They have not resolved the larger question of whether inflation can return to the Fed’s 2% goal while business investment and consumer demand remain firm.

Employment has also held up well enough to give policymakers room to wait. Hiring has slowed from earlier levels without turning into a broad wave of layoffs, leaving the committee under less pressure to reduce rates for the sake of the labor market.

For borrowers, another hold would bring little immediate relief. Commercial mortgages, equipment loans and revolving credit lines remain expensive, and lenders can raise their own rates when Treasury yields move higher even if the Fed leaves its benchmark untouched.

Smaller companies carry more of that pressure because they rely heavily on bank financing and variable-rate credit. Large corporations can issue bonds, sell shares or use existing cash, while local businesses often have fewer options when a loan resets or a project requires new financing.

Warsh’s press conference may therefore matter more than the widely expected decision itself. Any suggestion that the committee is moving closer to a September increase could tighten financial conditions immediately, while greater confidence that inflation is cooling would give businesses more reason to believe rates may remain unchanged through the fall.

Fresh government data arriving Thursday could quickly reshape the message. The first estimate of second-quarter economic growth will be released alongside June consumer spending and the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, offering a new reading less than 24 hours after Wednesday’s announcement.

Strong growth paired with stubborn inflation would reinforce the case for another increase. Softer demand and clearer price relief would support patience. Until that picture improves, companies waiting for substantially cheaper money may be building their plans around relief the Fed is not yet prepared to provide.

JBizNews Desk | Washington

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

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The remains of Theodor Herzl’s grandparents were exhumed in Serbia on Wednesday ahead of their reburial in Israel, 77 years after the Zionist leader himself was laid to rest on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Shimon Leib Herzl and Rivka Herzl were removed from the Jewish cemetery in Zemun, near Belgrade, in a process carried out in accordance with local religious and legal requirements. Representatives of the World Zionist Organization, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, and ZAKA participated in the operation before the remains were placed in special coffins for transport to Israel.

A state burial ceremony is scheduled for next Wednesday at the Herzl family plot on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where the couple will be laid to rest alongside their grandson. Organizers described the move as the completion of a historic journey, reuniting the Herzl family in the Jewish state.

The World Zionist Organization said the transfer follows four years of diplomatic and political efforts to secure all the necessary approvals for bringing the remains to Israel.

World Zionist Organization Chairman Yaakov Hagoel called the reburial “the closing of a historic circle.”

“When Zion returns its sons to it, it returns also its forebears,” Hagoel said. “Herzl’s grandfather and grandmother are finally coming to rest alongside their grandson in the heart of Jerusalem. Today we are connecting the roots of the Herzl family to the land for which he dedicated his life.”

Dr. Yizhar Hess, the organization’s acting chairman, said the reburial fulfills Herzl’s wish to have his family buried in the Land of Israel once a Jewish state was established. “Today we have been privileged to fulfill his final request. Shimon-Leib and Rivka Herzl, who played an important role in Herzl’s childhood and in shaping his Zionist outlook, will now be laid to rest in Jerusalem.”

ZAKA CEO Tzvi Chassid said the organization was honored to assist in what he described as “a national and moral mission of the highest order.”

“Our professional team carried out this complex and sensitive operation with the utmost care, respect and reverence,” Chassid said. “We were privileged to help bring them to their final resting place in the Land of Israel.”

WATCH:

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has unveiled a sweeping vision for Iran following the fall of the Islamic regime, pledging immediate recognition of Israel, renewed diplomatic relations with the United States, and an end to Iran’s military nuclear program.

In a video address to the international community, Pahlavi outlined a political, economic, and security roadmap for a post-regime Iran. He said a future democratic government would immediately halt support for terrorist organizations, dismantle the country’s military nuclear ambitions, and work closely with regional and international partners to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.

Pahlavi also pledged to normalize relations with Israel and the United States, while expanding the Abraham Accords into a broader regional framework he called the “Cyrus Accords,” aimed at strengthening cooperation based on mutual recognition and sovereignty.

Economically, he said a free Iran would open its markets to international trade, investment, and innovation while using the country’s vast oil and natural gas reserves to provide reliable energy supplies to the global market. He also vowed to dismantle systemic corruption and bring Iran into compliance with international standards.

Pahlavi concluded by saying that establishing a free and democratic Iran would not only fulfill the aspirations of the Iranian people but also promote long-term stability, security, and prosperity throughout the Middle East and beyond.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Four Jewish bar associations took aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s newly announced judicial advisory committee, after the 18-member body appeared to include no Jews.

“Not a single Jewish attorney, former judge, or legal professional was appointed to a committee your administration described as one that would be ‘truly reflective of New York City,’” leaders of the four Jewish legal groups wrote in a letter Monday to Mamdani.

The groups also decried the “unprecedented rejection” of one applicant, retired Appellate Division Justice John Leventhal.

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesman for Mamdani said that the accusation the appointments were “motivated by religion is false,” adding that Mamdani had passed on Leventhal after they were informed he had “served on Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal team.”

The Wall Street Journal is facing outcry after it published an op-ed Monday titled “Mamdani’s Antisemitic Smoke Signals,” which featured an image of an anti-Mamdani protester displaying an image of the mayor wearing a green Hamas headband. Mamdani’s communications director, Anna Bahr, called the image “incredibly Islamophobic.”

Anti-Jewish incidents account for more than half of NYC hate crimes this year

Jewish City Council Speaker Julie Menin allocated $750,000 to the Brooklyn district attorney’s hate crimes bureau on Monday, after District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called for additional funding, JNS reported.

According to the latest NYPD hate crime statistics, Jews have been the target of 181 hate crime incidents since Jan. 1, the largest share of any bias group and 55.6% of hate crimes this year overall.

Indie rock band Yo La Tengo’s annual Hanukkah concert series, which it has held since 2001, was hit by scalpers who bought tickets for the event in bulk to resell online. The venue, Bowery Ballroom, told Gothamist that it was attempting to recover tickets from the market for redistribution.

“This is not the sexiest event in town. It’s not like Dua Lipa or some s–t,” 44-year-old marketing manager Michael Hirsch, who’s attended the show for the past two years, told Gothamist. “It’s just a bunch of old Jewish people playing music for other Jewish nerds like me.”

This post was originally published on here.

KUMAMOTO, Japan (AP) — A powerful earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday. A shopping mall, a factory and multiple homes were heavily damaged, and Self Defense Forces personnel joined rescue workers to look for survivors.

People stand by the fallen torii gate near a shrine, a day after an earthquake in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto prefecture, Wednesday, July 29, 2026.(Yu Nakajima/Kyodo News via AP)

A police officer controls the traffic near AEON Mall, which was destroyed by an explosion following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, is seen in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

A utility worker repairs power lines near AEON Mall, which was damaged in an explosion following an earthquake in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, is seen in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

A rescue worker walks in front of AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, is seen in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Firefighters and Self Defense Force members prepare their work at AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, is seen in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Emergency vehicles are seen in front of AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Damaged cars are seen in a parking lot at AEON Mall, which was damaged by an explosion following an earthquake, in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

This year, they brought in over $12.5 million, with Team Lakewood coming in first place at nearly $3,000,000.

photos: Avrumi Berger

Americans hoping that lower oil prices will quickly translate into cheaper vacations may have to wait. While crude prices retreated Tuesday after tensions in the Middle East eased, airlines and cruise operators say strong demand and previously higher fuel costs continue to keep travel prices elevated.

Several major travel companies reported healthy bookings heading into the late-summer and holiday seasons, reflecting consumers’ continued willingness to spend on experiences despite higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty. Airlines also continue benefiting from limited industry capacity, allowing carriers to maintain pricing discipline even as fuel markets become less volatile.

Cruise operators painted a similar picture. Strong demand for premium cabins and international itineraries helped offset rising operating costs earlier this year, including significantly higher fuel expenses. While crude oil has declined in recent sessions, most travel companies purchase fuel months in advance or hedge portions of their expected consumption, delaying any immediate benefit from lower market prices.

That means consumers are unlikely to see meaningful reductions in airfare or cruise fares simply because oil has fallen over the past several days. Instead, pricing will continue to reflect booking demand, available capacity and the costs companies incurred earlier in the year.

Hotels have also maintained firm pricing as business travel continues recovering and leisure demand remains resilient. Premium destinations, resort properties and international travel have generally outperformed budget accommodations, reflecting stronger spending among higher-income households.

For travelers, the current environment reinforces the value of booking early and remaining flexible. Airlines and cruise companies continue adjusting fares based on demand rather than fuel prices alone, meaning last-minute bargains remain limited for many popular destinations.

Businesses should also monitor travel costs closely. Companies with significant employee travel budgets may continue facing elevated airfare and lodging expenses even if energy prices stabilize, making travel planning and negotiated corporate rates increasingly important through the remainder of the year.

If oil prices remain lower for an extended period, competitive pressure could eventually lead to more attractive promotional fares. For now, however, strong demand continues to outweigh the benefits of cheaper crude.

JBizNews Desk | Wall Street

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

The Senate took a major step Tuesday toward approving a broad new sanctions package targeting Russia, voting to advance legislation designed to punish countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, natural gas, and other exports. The procedural vote came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Capitol, where he urged lawmakers to continue supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The bipartisan measure cleared its first hurdle by an 86-12 vote just hours after senators attended the funeral of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who had been the legislation’s chief architect. Zelenskyy, who traveled to Washington for Graham’s funeral, met privately with senators before the vote and told them Ukraine is gaining momentum on the battlefield but still requires additional American assistance.

After the meeting, Zelenskyy watched the Senate proceedings from the gallery, acknowledging lawmakers below with waves of appreciation as the vote unfolded.

Sen. Todd Young of Indiana said Zelenskyy stressed that the sanctions package carries significance beyond its economic impact.

At the meeting, Zelenskyy told senators that the sanctions legislation “is important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own and then some against Russia,” Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said as he left the meeting.

Following the vote, Zelenskyy posted on X that the discussions focused primarily on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and praised the Senate’s action as an important milestone.

“We discussed many issues, first and foremost, anti-ballistic defense.

“It was an honor to be present as the votes were counted,” he said. “This is the first step toward implementing Lindsey’s plans, and certainly a step toward peace.”

The legislation represents months of negotiations led by Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The two senators announced they had reached an agreement with the White House on July 10, just one day before Graham’s unexpected death, believed to have resulted from an aortic tear. Graham had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met personally with Zelenskyy.

Blumenthal recalled that Graham considered the agreement one of the defining accomplishments of his career.

Blumenthal said Graham told him that the deal they had struck was a “big [expletive] deal” in the last conversation they had just before he died.

“It’s a significant part of his legacy,” Blumenthal said.

According to Blumenthal, support for the measure has continued to grow because of Ukraine’s improving military position, the extensive bipartisan negotiations behind the bill, and lawmakers’ desire to honor Graham’s work.

He said the bill has momentum partly because Ukraine is turning the tide in the war, because the bill was carefully negotiated and “there’s feeling about Sen. Graham.”

Blumenthal added that Zelenskyy’s attendance during the vote made the moment especially meaningful.

Zelenskyy’s presence also helps, Blumenthal said, and “watching his face when he was in the gallery as we were voting was truly a moment of joy.”

Young said Zelenskyy projected confidence during the closed-door meeting, telling senators that Ukrainian forces are making meaningful gains in several areas of the conflict.

In Zelenskyy’s latest visit to the Capitol, his message was “positive,” Young said, and he talked about how the Ukrainians are making good progress against Russia in different areas of the war.

Young argued that the sanctions legislation is a critical tool for weakening Russia’s economy and increasing pressure on President Vladimir Putin to negotiate.

The bill is a “keystone in that overall effort” to handicap the Russian economy and drive Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, Young said.

Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia said Zelenskyy conveyed a striking level of optimism about Ukraine’s current position in the war.

Zelenskyy told them that “they are winning the war now,” said Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va.

“In the first year it was survival. The next three years was getting your feet under you. But now they are winning,” Justice said.