EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin expressed high hopes for U.S. energy dominance Thursday, citing enthusiasm for projects in development under the Trump administration and increasing interest in American energy from allies overseas.

“I’m very bullish about where this is going to be going once the conflict is over,” Zeldin told FOX Business, referring to lingering tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking on “Mornings with Maria,” Zeldin pointed to the nuclear, oil and gas fronts as evidence of positive developments to come for the energy sector, despite reports of U.S. crude oil stockpiles extending their decline to six weeks.

“We see it on the nuclear front with new small modular reactors, new builds,” he said.

BURGUM, ZELDIN, WRIGHT: THIS IS HOW AMERICA WILL ACHIEVE ENERGY DOMINANCE

“On the oil and gas side at the EPA, we have been advancing a number of actions on [OOOO b/c], related to methane and flaring. It’s a top priority for the industry.”

The regulations, known as NSPS OOOOb and OOOOc, govern methane emissions and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from oil and natural gas operations.

OIL RISES ON IRAN FEARS, BUT EXPERT SAYS SUPPLY IS STRONG — WHAT IT MEANS FOR PRICES

The Trump administration has pursued changes to some of those requirements as part of its push for energy dominance.

Beyond domestic optimism, Zeldin also pointed to the National Energy Dominance Council’s engagement with other nations, sharing that Indo-Pacific nations seek to diversify their supply chains “like never before.”

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“They’re realizing how long it takes them to be able to get their sources from the Middle East, that they don’t always have freedom of navigation, but they could get it faster from the U.S. with what has always been total freedom of navigation,” he said.

“So the strategic look, [if] you look midterm, long term, that decision that’s being made by these other countries, that will help as well.”

Rear Adm. Tal Politis has been appointed by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir as Israel’s next defense attaché to the United States, filling a position that remained vacant for about six months, the Times of Israel reported Thursday.

Politis, who most recently served as chief of staff of the IDF Navy, will be promoted to the rank of vice admiral upon taking up the post. The rank is the naval equivalent of major general.

The position became vacant in December after Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, the previous defense attaché to the U.S., ended his term without an immediate replacement.

The delay reportedly followed disagreements between Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Zamir over the appointment. Katz had pushed for his military secretary, Brig. Gen. Guy Markizeno, to take the role, but Zamir reportedly did not consider him the right fit.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Markizeno would instead become his next military secretary. The appointment includes Markizeno’s promotion to the rank of major general, a move Katz had sought for months.

Zamir also appointed Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, commander of the Gaza Division, to lead the IDF Operations Division, another senior role that had been vacant.

The appointment comes after the previous head of the Operations Division, Brig. Gen. Yisrael Shomer, suddenly retired from the IDF this week after being suspected of “moral offenses.”

The IDF said Zamir spoke with Politis and Hiram and “congratulated them” on their appointments. The military statement did not mention Markizeno’s appointment.

The appointments of Politis and Hiram were approved by Katz, the IDF said.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Barack Obama’s influence in his presidential museum runs deep, from the location on Chicago’s South Side to textured stone adorning its dramatic tower to striped reading chairs that resemble ones in his own home.

The Obama Presidential Center opens to the general public on Juneteenth after a celebratory dedication in Chicago with dignitaries. But tens of thousands of people — friends and family of museum staff, students and journalists — have already been offered a sneak peek of the nearly 20-acre campus as crews finish final art installations and landscaping.

The roughly $850 million project covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president. Campaign memorabilia and presidential artifacts are displayed in the admission-based museum tower while public spaces of the sprawling campus feature other things important to Obama: a new library, basketball court and picnic area with grills.

“This is a safe space for people to come and, yes, reflect on the historic moments of this presidency and the campaigns, but also to come together as a community to think about what change you can bring to your own neighborhood,” Josh Harris, the Obama Foundation’s vice president of public engagement, said during a recent tour with The Associated Press.

Here’s a closer look at the top attractions of the campus that is expected to draw as many as 1 million visitors annually.

President for a day
Obama’s presidential museum will be the first fully digital museum of its kind. There will be no official papers on display. Instead, visitors will experience high-tech and hands-on exhibits spanning the campaigns, key moments of Obama’s presidency and life at the White House.

One of the largest attractions is a life-sized replica of the Oval Office.

On a recent day, a stream of visitors, including schoolchildren, walked through the circular room, stopping to sit behind the desk and pose for pictures. The top drawer holds a copy of a handwritten letter from his predecessor, President George W. Bush, and Obama’s beloved BlackBerry phone.

“We want to make sure that people from all walks of life have the opportunity sit behind the Resolute Desk,” said Harris. “You think about the possibilities that if a young organizer from the South Side of Chicago can be president, you can be president too.”

Other sections of the museum detail the Affordable Care Act, immigration policies, and smaller moments such as when Obama unexpectedly sang during a 2015 eulogy for those killed in a South Carolina church shooting. A large television screen plays a clip of Obama singing “Amazing Grace.”

Peppered throughout are areas for personal reflection, which museum organizers say is key.

“We’re passing that baton and inviting people to bring change home, however change may be defined, both small or large,” said Louise Bernard, the museum’s director, echoing Obama’s campaign slogan.

Touching iconic ballgowns
When Obama touted the museum’s contents at its groundbreaking in 2021, he predicted one of the top draws.

“We want this center to be more than a static museum or a source of archival research,” Obama joked at the site. “It won’t just be a collection of campaign memorabilia or Michelle’s ballgowns, although I know everybody will come see those.”

Roughly a dozen outfits on mannequins are behind glass, including a black and red dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez that the former first lady wore on Election Night in 2008 in Chicago.

Visitors will also get a chance to touch swatches of the fabrics, including the rose gold chain mail Atelier Versace evening gown she wore at her final state dinner in 2016.

Obama’s personal touches
The museum’s location is near where Barack Obama started his political career, taught law at the University of Chicago and where the family lived. Michelle Obama also grew up on the South Side.

A lifelong basketball lover, Obama requested a glass-paneled, professional grade basketball court to be used for community programs.

The former first lady designed a garden, where lettuce and strawberry plants are sprouting. There are also charcoal grills available for public use — an element that Obama envisioned when he pitched the plan in community meetings nearly a decade ago.

“President Obama always talked about his feelings of being in Chicago and one of his memorable moments was grilling in the park,” Harris said.

The Obamas’ design tastes and love of history are also evident.

The museum campus features dozens of commissioned works of art while different parts of the campus are named after prominent figures. The central “John Lewis Plaza,” named for the late congressman and Civil Rights leader, is designed as a public gathering spot.

Inside a new Chicago Public Library branch, a 70-foot (21-meter) mural depicts literary figures, including Walt Whitman and James Baldwin. At the center, Toni Morrison reads to a boy in wearing orange shirt, representing a young Obama.

The presidential reading room features thousands of books chosen by the Obamas, ranging from presidential biographies to best-selling fiction. One of Obama’s favorite parts are two high-backed chairs with blue, yellow and black stripes. They were selected by the former president as top-notch reading chairs similar to ones he has at home.

Pricey admission with free options
Tickets are $30, the highest of any U.S. presidential museum or library. Next on the list is the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in California, where tickets are $29.

Obama Foundation leaders say the prices are justified for the state-of-the-art facility.

Tickets at the adjacent Griffin Museum of Science and Industry are $25.95. In downstate Illinois, tickets to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield cost $15.

Along with free days and discounts for Illinois residents, Obama Foundation officials also argue that most of the campus is free, with only four floors of the museum tower requiring tickets.

Anyone can walk the campus, use the playground, library, sledding hill or grilling area. The tower’s top floor, which feature panoramic views of the nation’s third-largest city, is also free.

“The idea behind this institution, this campus, was to make it accessible to as many people as possible,” Harris said.

NEW YORK — Two of the most familiar items in the American diet are becoming increasingly expensive, and together they are helping keep pressure on household grocery budgets despite broader signs that inflation is cooling.

Coffee and beef prices have surged over the past year, driven by entirely different forces. One may eventually offer relief. The other is likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future.

Coffee prices have climbed approximately 19% from a year ago, according to industry data, reaching some of the highest levels consumers have seen in years.

The primary culprit has been weather.

Major coffee-producing countries including Brazil and Vietnam have experienced severe weather disruptions that damaged harvests and tightened global supply. At the same time, tariffs imposed on certain Brazilian imports added additional pressure to costs throughout the supply chain.

The outlook for coffee, however, may be improving.

The World Bank expects coffee prices to ease during 2026 as production recovers and supply conditions improve. Some trade restrictions have also eased, creating additional room for stabilization.

For coffee drinkers, relief may finally be on the horizon.

Beef presents a very different challenge.

Prices for beef and veal have climbed more than 15% year-over-year, and economists see little evidence that meaningful relief is approaching anytime soon.

Unlike coffee, which has been affected primarily by weather events, beef prices are being driven by long-term structural supply issues.

Years of drought forced ranchers across major cattle-producing regions to reduce herd sizes. Rebuilding those herds takes years, not months. As a result, beef supplies remain constrained even as consumer demand remains relatively strong.

The imbalance continues pushing prices higher.

The impact extends far beyond grocery stores.

Restaurants, fast-food chains, supermarkets and food manufacturers all face higher costs when beef prices rise. Many operators have responded by emphasizing chicken products, value menus, and promotional offerings designed to maintain customer traffic without sacrificing profitability.

Consumers are seeing a mixed picture throughout grocery aisles.

Egg prices, which surged during bird-flu outbreaks, have retreated significantly from previous highs. Some dairy products have stabilized. Certain produce categories have become more affordable.

Yet coffee and beef continue moving in the opposite direction.

That creates a confusing experience for shoppers.

Some items appear cheaper. Others continue setting records.

The broader lesson is that grocery inflation is no longer a single story. Each product category is responding to its own combination of weather events, trade policies, supply-chain dynamics, and production challenges.

For households attempting to manage budgets, understanding which price increases are temporary and which are likely to persist has become increasingly important.

Coffee may eventually provide some relief.

Beef likely will not.

For many American families, that distinction could determine whether grocery budgets improve—or remain under pressure throughout the remainder of the year.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

Two Ocean County men have pleaded guilty in connection with a 2024 shooting incident in Toms River in which a bicyclist was fired upon but escaped injury.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Anthony Zigarelli, 21, of Manchester Township, and Anthony Ventrice, 19, of Toms River, entered guilty pleas on June 1 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County Superior Court.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 4:05 p.m., when Toms River police responded to the area of Camino Medio and Camino Verde following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire.

Investigators determined that a man was riding his bicycle through the neighborhood when he passed Zigarelli and Ventrice, who were standing outside a vehicle. Authorities say Ventrice produced a handgun and fired multiple shots at the victim. The two then entered the vehicle and drove past the bicyclist, with Zigarelli allegedly firing additional shots. None of the rounds struck the victim, and he was not injured.

Zigarelli pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault and Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon. Prosecutors will seek a sentence of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison on the aggravated assault charge, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), along with a concurrent five-year prison term with a five-year parole disqualifier on the weapons offense. His sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2026.

Ventrice pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault. Prosecutors will seek a seven-year state prison sentence subject to NERA when he is sentenced on August 14, 2026.

At the time of the shooting, Ventrice was a juvenile. He was initially charged through the juvenile court system before his case was waived to adult criminal court. He has remained in custody since being transferred to the Ocean County Jail in May 2025.

Zigarelli was arrested by Toms River police on May 29, 2024, and has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest.

Prosecutor Billhimer credited Assistant Prosecutor Emma Hurst, along with the Toms River Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their work on the investigation.

Don’t let your son miss out!

Ride4Regesh is more than just a bikeathon — it’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family!
Join the largest and most exciting boys’ biking event in the country, bringing together over a thousand boys for an evening filled with fun, energy, friendship, and purpose.

🏆 AWESOME PRIZES
🚴 RIDE WITH YOUR FRIENDS
🔥 AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
ALL WHILE DOING A HUGE MITZVAH!

On Sunday, June 21st, the Blue Claws Stadium Parking Lot will transform into a high-energy celebration as over a thousand boys come together for the ultimate bikeathon experience.

Boys who raise a minimum of $100 are invited to participate — and the more you raise, the bigger the prizes you can earn!

The bikeathon begins with an exciting ride through the streets of Lakewood, complete with Police and Chaveirim escorts guiding riders safely along the route. Participants will then return for an exciting show and celebration you do not want to miss!

🎁 Awesome R4R swag
🥤 Refreshments
🎟️ Exciting raffles
🎉 Nonstop fun throughout the event

Ready to join? It only takes 2 minutes:
✅ STEP 1: REGISTER
3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
1️⃣ Online at Ride4Regesh.com
2️⃣ Call the hotline: 833-R4R-BIKE (747-2453) during business hours.
3️⃣ A parent can text “REGISTER” to 352-R4R-TEXT (747-8398)

💰 STEP 2: Raise at least $100 to participate
(The more you raise, the bigger the prizes!)

🎉 STEP 3: Join us on Sunday, June 21st from 7:30–9:15 PM for an unforgettable family event (Girls up to age 10 are welcome.)

Once registered, participants can begin raising money for The Regesh Network — an incredible organization dedicated to supporting children and families facing emotional challenges and distress.
Participants have until Sunday, June 21st — the day of the event — to raise money.

Can’t make it to the event? No problem. You can still join the Ride4Regesh campaign as an R4R Raiser and remain eligible for the same exciting prizes — even if you’re not riding.

🏁 We can’t wait to see you at the finish line!

The Ride4Regesh Team
Rabbi Naftoli Stern
Rabbi Yudi Altusky
Rabbi Meyer Tesler

SpaceX’s record-breaking IPO will give investors a stake in the company, but Elon Musk will retain overwhelming control through a dual-class share structure that leaves public shareholders with little influence over how the company is run.

NEW YORK — SpaceX is about to sell tens of billions of dollars in stock to the public, but its founder is giving up almost none of his power. According to the company’s amended prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Elon Musk will retain effective control over SpaceX even after its record-breaking initial public offering—more than 82% of the voting power by the filing’s own count, with outside estimates of his grip running as high as 85%. In plain terms, the most anticipated stock debut in history will hand outside investors a piece of the company but virtually no say in how it is run.

The mechanism is a structure known as dual-class shares. SpaceX will have two classes of stock: Class A shares, which public investors will purchase and which carry one vote each, and Class B super-voting shares, which carry ten votes each. Musk owns approximately 5.22 billion Class B shares, giving him an overwhelming voting advantage.

As the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chairman, Musk will effectively maintain control over the board of directors and the strategic direction of the company. As some governance experts have bluntly summarized similar arrangements, “only Elon Musk can fire Elon Musk.”

The structure is entirely intentional.

Musk has long supported founder-control models and has used similar voting structures elsewhere. He has argued that insulating management from short-term market pressures allows companies to pursue long-term innovation without interference from activist investors or quarterly earnings pressures.

For SpaceX, those long-term ambitions include continued expansion of Starlink, development of the Starship rocket system, and broader plans for commercial space exploration.

The IPO itself is historic.

SpaceX has set a fixed offering price of $135 per share, an unusual move in a market where companies typically establish a price range and allow investor demand to determine the final offering price. The company plans to sell approximately 555.6 million shares, raising as much as $75 billion in what would become the largest IPO ever completed.

Underwriters also hold an option to purchase an additional 83.33 million shares, potentially increasing proceeds by another $11.2 billion.

At a valuation approaching $1.77 trillion, SpaceX would immediately become one of the most valuable publicly traded companies in America, ranking among the top ten and surpassing the market value of many long-established corporate giants.

Shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SPCX on June 12.

Leading the underwriting syndicate are Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase, alongside numerous additional participating banks.

For investors, the offering presents a straightforward trade-off.

They gain ownership in one of the most influential and closely watched technology companies in the world, but they receive almost no meaningful influence over management decisions.

Large institutional investors, mutual funds, pension funds, and retail shareholders will collectively own a significant portion of the company economically while possessing very limited voting power.

Supporters argue that the structure has already proven successful.

Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX transformed itself from a startup facing repeated launch failures into the dominant force in global commercial spaceflight. The company now launches more rockets than any competitor, serves millions of satellite internet customers through Starlink, and remains central to America’s space infrastructure.

Many investors appear comfortable accepting Musk’s terms because of that track record.

Not everyone agrees.

Some institutional investors have openly criticized the governance structure. Denmark’s AkademikerPension has blacklisted the stock, citing concerns over concentrated control and what it described as weak corporate governance protections. Other investor groups have raised concerns that shareholders will have limited ability to challenge management should problems arise in the future.

Their concern is simple: concentrated power can create concentrated risk.

Supporters counter that the very reason investors are eager to buy SpaceX shares is because Musk remains firmly in charge. From that perspective, the governance structure is not a bug but a feature.

The broader significance extends beyond SpaceX itself.

Founder-controlled companies have become increasingly common across the technology sector. A generation of entrepreneurs has discovered that public capital no longer requires surrendering control, and investors eager to participate in fast-growing businesses have largely accepted the arrangement.

SpaceX represents perhaps the most dramatic example yet.

The company’s IPO ultimately asks investors a simple question: is owning a piece of the future worth giving up a meaningful voice in how that future is managed?

Judging by the extraordinary demand surrounding the offering, millions of investors appear ready to answer yes.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

The leaders of Israel’s chareidi political parties issued a joint statement after midnight Wednesday night condemning the violent disturbances outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Solberg, while also criticizing what they described as the ongoing persecution of Torah learners.

The statement was signed by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, Degel HaTorah leader Moshe Gafni, and Agudas Yisroel chairman Yitzchak Goldknopf following the protest, which resulted in significant property damage and dozens of arrests.

While unequivocally denouncing the violence, the three leaders also took aim at Israel’s judicial system, accusing it of pursuing policies that have intensified tensions surrounding the arrests of yeshiva students.

“We are pained and shocked by the ongoing campaign of persecution and trampling of Torah learners by the judges of the Supreme Court,” the statement said. “We have warned time and again that these measures would lead to extremism and anarchy, and sadly, we are now witnessing those fears become reality.”

The chareidi leaders stressed, however, that violence has no place in the response.

“We strongly condemn any act of violence of any kind. Violence is contrary to the way of the Torah and is completely unacceptable,” they declared.

The statement went on to call upon leaders of Israel’s right-wing parties to condemn what the chareidi parties view as the continued targeting of yeshiva students.

“We demand that the leaders of the right-wing parties, who were quick and correct to condemn this incident, also condemn the ongoing and cruel persecution of Torah learners and yeshiva students,” the statement said. “The blood of Torah learners is not hefker.”

65 Arrested Following Violent Protest

The protest took place Wednesday night when dozens of extremist demonstrators gathered outside Solberg’s home to protest increased enforcement measures against yeshiva students who have not reported for military service.

According to police, demonstrators damaged property at the residence, smashing windows, breaking decorative pots and planters near the entrance, and vandalizing the judge’s vehicle.

Large police forces were dispatched to the scene and restored order within minutes. By the end of the operation, officers had detained 65 individuals suspected of participating in the disturbances.

Police said the suspects were taken in for questioning and would later be brought before a court, where investigators are expected to seek extensions of their detention.

The investigation has been assigned to the Judea and Samaria District Major Crimes Unit. Detectives collected witness statements at the scene, while forensic investigators gathered evidence and documentation related to the incident.

Later that night, senior commanders from the district held a situation assessment meeting to review the violent protest and the damage caused to the home and property of the deputy president of the Supreme Court.

Netanyahu Calls Solberg

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Justice Solberg following the incident.

According to officials, Netanyahu reiterated his strong condemnation of the attack against the judge and his family, inquired about their well-being, and emphasized that he expects law-enforcement authorities to take firm action against those responsible.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also condemned the violence.

“Freedom of protest is a fundamental right, but it does not include the freedom of anarchy. I strongly condemn the small extremist group that threw stones, acted violently, and disturbed the peace outside Justice Solberg’s home,” Ben Gvir said.

Meanwhile, senior figures within the Jerusalem Faction sought to distance themselves from the demonstration, stating that they had no connection to the events outside the judge’s residence.

The incident is the latest in a series of increasingly heated protests that have erupted in recent days following a wave of arrests involving yeshiva students.

{Matzav.com}

When more than 3,300 people joined a single Schwai-hosted AI webinar featuring Ira Zlotowitz, Avi Schron, Mendy Palace, and Aaron Zlotowitz, one thing became clear: business leaders are actively searching for practical guidance on how to leverage artificial intelligence in their organizations. The response was overwhelming, and it inspired something bigger.

On July 7th, that conversation moves from the screen to the stage.

AIDAPT, the executive conference dedicated to helping business leaders adapt to the AI era, will take place at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey. Created in partnership by Cammeby’s, Schwai, and Powwow Events, AIDAPT will bring together executives, operators, innovators, and AI practitioners for an evening focused on one thing: real-world AI implementation.

Unlike many AI events focused on theory, AIDAPT is designed for executives who want practical strategies they can bring back to their organizations immediately.

All proceeds from the event will benefit TAG (Technology Awareness Group), the international nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families navigate technology safely and responsibly.

A Room Where Decisions Get Made

AIDAPT has been intentionally designed as an intimate executive gathering, with only 300 public tickets available.

Attendees will include business owners, executives, operators, investors, and decision-makers from healthcare, real estate, finance, professional services, and other industries who recognize that AI is rapidly changing how organizations operate.

The evening will begin with a Main Stage discussion moderated by Ira Zlotowitz, Founder of AveryGPT and Founder & CEO of Gparency.

Featured panelists include:

• Avi Schron, Executive Vice President of Cammeby’s

• Jerry (Sruly) Rosenfeld, Partner at PwC and Asset & Wealth Management Assurance Leader

• Mordy Golding, former LinkedIn executive, AI advisor, and author

Following the main stage session, attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions featuring executives and operators who are actively using AI within their own organizations. These sessions will focus on practical workflows, real use cases, lessons learned, and actionable strategies that attendees can implement immediately.

A dedicated executive lounge staffed by AI experts from Schwai and Bitbean will also provide attendees with direct access to ask questions and discuss specific business challenges.

Why This, Why Now

“AI is no longer a future conversation — it’s a business conversation happening right now,” said Ira Zlotowitz. “AIDAPT gives executives practical knowledge from people using AI every day.”

Aaron Zlotowitz and Mendy Palace of Schwai added:

“Executives want real education, not hype. AIDAPT is designed to show how AI is being used inside actual businesses.”

Joel Wolh, Co-Founder of Powwow Events, added:

“Every industry is asking the same question: How do we adapt to AI? AIDAPT was created to help answer it.”

Tickets & Pricing

Early bird pricing expires June 7th.

Executive Admission
Early Bird: $399
Regular Price: $499

Corporate / Non-Executive Admission
Early Bird: $999
Regular Price: $1,500

Tickets are available at aidaptshow.com.

With only 300 public tickets available, attendance is expected to sell out.

About Powwow Events

Powwow Events is a national conference company that produces executive-level events connecting business leaders, operators, investors, and decision-makers across industries.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or ticket information:

(848) 333-2984 (WhatsApp)
[email protected]
aidaptshow.com

NEW YORK — Americans entered 2026 expecting relief at the gas pump.

Instead, they are watching prices move higher once again.

At the start of the year, many energy analysts projected gasoline would average approximately $3.00 per gallon during 2026, down from $3.11 in 2025 and well below levels seen several years earlier. The forecast was built largely on rising U.S. oil production and expectations of relatively stable global energy markets.

Then the Middle East changed the equation.

Escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has driven oil prices sharply higher in recent weeks, reversing much of the optimism surrounding lower fuel costs.

Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, has climbed toward $100 per barrel, approaching levels not seen in years. Each increase in crude oil eventually finds its way to consumers through higher gasoline prices.

The relationship is straightforward.

Crude oil remains the primary ingredient used to produce gasoline. When oil prices rise, refiners face higher costs. Those increases move through the supply chain and ultimately appear at gas stations nationwide.

The consequences extend beyond drivers.

Higher fuel prices act as a hidden tax across the economy. Nearly every product purchased by consumers must be transported by truck, rail, ship or aircraft. As transportation costs increase, businesses often pass those expenses on to customers through higher prices.

That means rising oil prices can contribute to broader inflation.

Food deliveries become more expensive. Shipping costs increase. Air travel becomes more costly. Businesses face higher operating expenses.

One of the biggest concerns remains the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping corridors.

A significant portion of global oil supplies passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets. Any disruption there could send energy prices significantly higher.

President Donald Trump recently suggested a diplomatic arrangement could help ensure the shipping route remains open, though uncertainty remains high and regional tensions continue.

Markets are responding accordingly.

Energy traders have become increasingly sensitive to developments across the region, causing oil prices to swing sharply on military developments, diplomatic statements, and shipping-related news.

For consumers, the practical result is volatility.

The lower gasoline prices many expected at the beginning of the year now appear increasingly uncertain. Much depends on developments thousands of miles away in one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors.

Until tensions ease and energy markets stabilize, drivers should expect continued uncertainty at the pump.

And if oil moves decisively above $100 per barrel, the pain may only be beginning.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

Federal aviation officials are investigating an incident near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a JetBlue flight received an onboard alert warning of a nearby aircraft that was not communicating with air traffic control, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

JetBlue Flight 1256 landed safely after receiving the alert at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time on June 1, the FAA told FOX Business. The agency said required separation between aircraft was maintained throughout the incident.

UNITED FLIGHT RETURNS MIDAIR AFTER BLUETOOTH DEVICE NAME REPORTEDLY SPARKS SECURITY SCARE

Air traffic control recordings reviewed by FOX Business appear to show controllers monitoring the unidentified aircraft as it maneuvered near arriving commercial traffic.

At one point, a controller advised JetBlue Flight 1256 that “Mad Max” appeared to be south of the aircraft and was “no factor.” Moments later, the controller added: “That guy’s insane.”

In a separate transmission, a controller warned another arriving aircraft about “a VFR out there that’s been trying to climb at aircraft” approximately eight miles away.

The FAA said the other aircraft involved was not communicating with air traffic control at the time.

“This information is preliminary and subject to change,” the agency said in a statement. “JetBlue Airlines Flight 1256 landed safely at Fort Lauderdale International Airport after receiving an onboard alert that another aircraft was nearby and not in communications with air traffic control. The required separation was maintained.”

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

The FAA said it is continuing to investigate the incident.

Following a ban on entry to the United Kingdom imposed on anti-Israel commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, the two anti-Israel pundits will attend an Oxford Union debate via livestream.

The pair had initially traveled to Britain for the purpose of attending the debate live, but were denied entry due to Piker’s outspoken antisemitism and concerns that Uygur, who has used antisemitic tropes in the past, would foment antisemitism.

In a video statement complaining about the ban, Uygur invoked the antisemitic tropes he has been accused of promoting.

After Oct. 7, Hasan outright dismissed allegations of sexual violence by Hamas, calling them “rape fantasies” and “rape hallucinations.”

In a video statement, Uygur invokes the very antisemitic tropes he has been accused of spreading. (From a post on X)

“It doesn’t matter if rapes happened on Oct. 7,” he said in a May 22, 2024, livestream. “It doesn’t change the dynamic for me.” He also said on Twitch that “in a totally just world, regardless of your background, any kind of f—— Zionist tendency should be treated in the same way as being a f—— rabid neo-Nazi … You shouldn’t even let someone be the f—— local dog catcher … if they have exhibited any sort of positive feelings about the state of Israel.”

He has called Orthodox Jews “inbred,” and in a grammatically challenged X post last May, wrote: “there’s no comparison between israel & hamas, one is a militant resistance comprised of orphaned soldiers born into a 77 year occupation, the other is a ethnoreligious supremacist apartheid state w nukes doing a genocide backed by the usa!”

The livestream debate is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.

“This event will not be cancelled,” said Arwa Elrayess, the president of the Oxford Union and the first person of Palestinian descent to hold the position. “The Union will ensure this discussion takes place. Free speech does not require a visa.”

“The Oxford Union was founded on one principle: that ideas are challenged through debate, not silenced by decree,” she added. “We have never turned a speaker away because of their political beliefs, nor have we sought a permission slip from the state. We will not start now.”

LANGUAGE WARNING: This video montage shows Piker engaging in highly inflammatory and blatant antisemitic rhetoric. (Credit: Eyal Yakoby)

Elrayess has herself drawn fire and is now facing calls to resign for comments in a student WhatsApp group in which she defended Hamas’ actions on Oct. 7.

“I think the severity of resistance is often proportional to the severity of oppression,” she posted to the student group.

When challenged by a student, she responded by saying, “Some would argue it’s less than proportional. Have you seen what Israel has put Palestinians through for decades???”

She added that Hamas “are going to be heroes” and that “We’ll see how things unfold as time passes.”

After facing fierce backlash for those posts, she has sought to contextualize her comments, which only served to heighten the criticism of her position among Jewish advocates who said there is no context which could make those comments appropriate.

“Any effort to excuse or explain it away should disqualify someone not only from being the President of the Oxford Union — one of the most prestigious positions at one of the UK’s most elite institutions — but also should render them unfit from holding any position at all,” the Campaign Against Antisemitism said in a statement.

“The University of Oxford must take action to protect its students from extremists and the police should investigate some of these comments, which we are raising with our lawyers.”

Another venue that was supposed to host the anti-Israel commentators, SXSW London, canceled their appearance.

NEW YORK (AP) — American Airlines is temporarily suspending some of its routes this summer, as steep jet fuel costs continue to strain carriers’ budgets amid the war with Iran.

In a statement, American said it had adjusted service for “select routes” in August and September — and that impacted travelers would be offered alternative arrangements or refunds. The Texas-based airline cited elevated fuel costs, and maintained that these changes were in line with wider industry trends.

American also said that it was not cutting any of its routes indefinitely and that it was proud to “offer an industry-leading network with more flights than any other U.S. airline.”

Still, the summer suspensions could cause more headaches for travelers already facing fewer flights options and higher price tags across their budgets. Airlines around the world have canceled numerous flights or similarly trimmed schedules through the coming months — and many have are also hiking fees or cutting other perks in efforts to save money.

That’s because the cost of jet fuel — which can account for about 30% of airlines’ total expenses — has soared during the war. A barrel averaged at nearly $142 last week, according to the International Air Transport Association. That’s down from an April peak, but still far higher than the $99 jet fuel was going for per barrel before the U.S. and Israel launched the war with attacks on Iran in late February.

Most traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the world’s flow of oil, has remained at an effective halt over the last three months. Prices have cooled some recently as markets hope for an eventual reopening the passage, but the U.S. and Iran have yet to actually reach a concrete agreement. And the longer traffic stays stalled, the worse the energy crisis could get.

Consumers aren’t only feeling the squeeze in air travel. Gasoline, food and other everyday essentials are also being hit by these supply shocks.

American Airlines did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for further information about which flights would be suspended in August and September. But other outlets reported six routes would be affected — largely from Los Angeles, among other destinations in North America.

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — When a rare but deadly rodent-borne virus struck passengers on a cruise ship and seemed to be spreading, there were no treatments for those who fell ill and no vaccines to protect others.

That was the case even though it wasn’t a novel germ that the world had never seen before, like the virus that caused the coronavirus pandemic. It was a hantavirus, one of a family of viruses that have been known for decades and are thought to exist around the world.

Teams of researchers, including in Chile, Argentina and the United States, have long been trying to find and develop drugs and vaccines. But because the viruses are relatively rare and don’t spread easily between people, there hasn’t been enough sustained investment by governments, global health groups, or drug companies to pay for the extensive safety and efficacy testing needed to make them available.

Still, there have been some promising developments. Researchers on Wednesday published a hint that a drug used for an autoimmune disease may help hantavirus patients fight off the most deadly symptoms.

They and others hope the attention that the cruise ship outbreak brought to the virus — and concern that hantavirus infections could become more common as a changing climate is expected to increase contact between people and rodents — may bring new momentum to the hunt.

“I hope this situation will help us continue our research and strengthen the collaboration between healthcare workers, the community, and the necessary resources,” said Dr. Fernando Tortosa of the National University of Río Negro in Patagonia, Argentina, the study’s lead author.

Different species of hantavirus cause different symptoms
Hantaviruses usually spread when people inhale contaminated residue of rodent droppings. But there are unique species of hantavirus found in different parts of the world that have their own characteristics and can cause different symptoms.

The Andes virus, the germ behind the cruise ship outbreak, is a particular focus of researchers because it is the only hantavirus thought to be able to spread between people in some cases. And while hantavirus infections are rare, they can be extremely deadly.

“That is why it is a public health problem,” said María Inés Barría, a virologist at the Universidad San Sebastián in Chile who studies hantaviruses.

Three of the 13 likely cases among cruise ship passengers ended in death. Separately, in Chile, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 15 deaths and 42 cases of hantavirus so far this year. Authorities in Argentina have reported 32 deaths and 102 cases since June 2025. In the U.S., 35% of the hantavirus cases since tracking began in 1993 have resulted in death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The search for treatments to fight the worst symptoms
In Argentina, researchers are testing whether a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis might help fight hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe infection caused by both the Andes virus and the Sin Nombre virus, a type of hantavirus found in North America.

The drug tocilizumab tamps down a molecule called IL-6 that triggers damaging inflammation in some autoimmune and other diseases. IL-6 also is a suspect in the inflammatory reaction to the infection, which can rapidly cause lungs to fill with fluid and fail.

Four of five patients in an Argentinian hospital survived after receiving tocilizumab in addition to traditional supportive care for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the research team reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The report is unusual, tracking the first people to receive tocilizumab in an ongoing “compassionate use” study — meaning doctors can use it in patients they deem eligible. Another five who were deemed eligible for tocilizumab but didn’t get it and instead received only standard care died. Two worsened too quickly and the hospital lacked supply for the others, the researchers reported.

The research team cautioned that the five patients who didn’t receive the drug were sicker and older than those who did. Still, they said tocilizumab warrants further investigation.

Efforts to stop hantavirus have also shown promise
Barría’s team, which includes Chilean scientists, researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories and the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, is working on another approach — using cloned antibodies from hantavirus survivors to fend off infections. The team published research in 2018 showing the approach worked in animals, but they were not able to get funding to continue with human trials, in part because resources were diverted to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are truly at the forefront, at a very important stage of moving to the next phase,” Barría said.

Several other groups, including at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics, are also working on antibody treatments.

Vaccines against so-called Old World hantaviruses have been developed and used, though the World Health Organization says there are no current licensed hantavirus vaccines. But there are new vaccines in the works, including ones aimed to fight the Andes virus. A team lead by Jay Hooper of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, is working on a vaccine that has successfully generated antibodies against the virus in early-stage human trials, according to a study the team published in 2020.

Hantavirus treatments and vaccines have many hurdles still to clear
Dr. Paul Bollyky, an infectious disease doctor and researcher at Stanford Medical Center in California, said attracting and sustaining the support needed to produce vaccines and treatments is extremely difficult for rare diseases like hantavirus.

For one, labs typically don’t have what Bollyky calls the necessary machinery they need to test and validate vaccines and treatments for rare infections. Also, because hantavirus outbreaks are so sporadic and unpredictable, that virus is much harder to study compared with a common germ that regularly circulates, such as the flu.

“That also makes clinical trials in this space super difficult because of the number of people you would have to immunize to protect against one infection,” he said. “It’s just impractical.”

And it means there might not be a large or steady market for a vaccine or treatment, because it would be hard to know who is going to be exposed, and when.

Still, it frustrates researchers and doctors who know there are potential treatments that, with enough sustained investment, could be helping people now.

“What happened was a tragedy, but it can happen not only with this but also other diseases,” Tortosa said, referring to the cruise ship outbreak.

💍 The Korpo family is preparing for their 7th wedding.

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WASHINGTON — Inflation may be slowing on paper, but for millions of Americans, the economy is judged in one place above all others: the grocery store checkout line.

A new CNBC-SurveyMonkey poll found that more than half of Americans believe everyday life has become less affordable over the past year. When asked what is causing the greatest financial strain, 76% pointed to grocery prices, making food costs the single biggest affordability concern in the country. That surpassed concerns about gasoline and transportation costs at 71%, healthcare at 37%, and housing at 32%.

The results are striking because official inflation data suggest grocery prices are no longer rising at the breakneck pace seen several years ago.

According to federal data, food-at-home prices increased approximately 2.9% year-over-year in April, far below the nearly 10% surge recorded in 2022, the largest increase since 1979. Yet consumers continue to report feeling significant financial pressure every time they shop.

The disconnect highlights a critical reality often missed in economic headlines.

Inflation measures the rate at which prices are increasing, not whether prices have returned to previous levels. While grocery inflation has slowed dramatically, the higher prices consumers absorbed during the inflation surge remain firmly embedded throughout the food supply chain.

Milk, eggs, bread, meat, cereal and household staples may no longer be rising as quickly, but they are still significantly more expensive than they were just a few years ago.

For consumers, that distinction matters.

Unlike a mortgage payment or annual insurance bill, groceries are purchased repeatedly throughout the month. Every trip becomes a fresh reminder of how much prices have changed. Shoppers see increases item by item, aisle by aisle, making grocery inflation feel more immediate than many other economic pressures.

That perception is influencing behavior.

Retailers across the country report increasing demand for private-label products as shoppers substitute lower-cost alternatives for national brands. Consumers are also reporting greater attention to promotions, coupons, leftovers and food waste as they attempt to stretch household budgets further.

The shift is reshaping the grocery industry itself.

Major supermarket chains are expanding store-brand offerings and emphasizing value-oriented promotions to attract increasingly price-conscious consumers. Companies that once competed primarily on selection or convenience are increasingly competing on affordability.

The pressure may not ease soon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects food prices could rise approximately 3.1% during 2026, suggesting another year of increases, even if they remain moderate compared with recent inflation spikes.

For economists, inflation may be cooling.

For consumers standing at the checkout register, the experience feels very different.

Until grocery bills begin falling in a meaningful way—or household incomes rise enough to offset them—the supermarket will remain one of the most important places where Americans judge the health of the economy.

And right now, many shoppers are delivering a harsh verdict.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met Thursday with heads of northern local authorities and senior military officials at the Northern Command for a joint situation assessment, emphasizing ongoing operations to protect border communities and weaken Hezbollah.

Zamir expressed appreciation for IDF troops and Northern Command commanders for their achievements in the current operation. He highlighted the military’s objectives of safeguarding northern Israeli communities, establishing a new security reality along the border, and inflicting further damage on Hezbollah.

The chief of staff also thanked local authority leaders for their partnership and leadership during the operation, pledging continued close cooperation between the IDF and civilian officials.

“We chose to hold a joint situation assessment to deepen the dialogue and strengthen the partnership,” Zamir said. “We have a shared goal — protecting the residents of the north and restoring lasting peace and security. We are working together, shoulder to shoulder, toward that goal.”

Zamir noted that the IDF is maintaining readiness across multiple fronts while focusing primarily on the northern border, where the majority of troops and capabilities are deployed. He said forces continue ground operations and firepower missions to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

“Just this week, IDF troops operated in the Beaufort Ridge area, dismantling significant and critical Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure that had been built over many years, while advancing defensive operations,” he said.

The chief of staff stated that Israel has significantly weakened Iran and its proxies, particularly Hezbollah, which he described as a central pillar of Iranian influence.

“We have created a new security reality. We are standing between the communities and the threats they face, removing those threats,” Zamir said.

He referenced Operation Roaring Lion, saying the IDF acted swiftly against Hezbollah infiltration attempts and anti-tank threats. “This is our policy — there is no containment. We act with initiative and defensive action against every emerging threat,” he added.

Zamir acknowledged the difficulties faced by northern residents and the personal price they are paying, calling for continued leadership and perseverance.

“We are engaged in a prolonged operation, we have achieved significant accomplishments, and we hold the upper hand,” he said. “Our mission is your security and your protection — restoring lasting peace and security. Together, we are committed to creating a better security reality here for the long term.”

Israel’s Mossad armed Kurdish militias in Iraq with weapons and ammunition seized from Hamas and Hezbollah as part of a broader plan to topple the Iranian regime, journalist Amit Segal revealed on Thursday.

The CIA was also actively involved in the plan, but it was later canceled by President Donald Trump due to pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The move was carried out as part of a broader plan aimed at bringing down the Iranian regime. The Kurdish militias received financial support and vehicles, and were equipped with small arms, anti-tank missiles, grenades, and mortar shells seized from Hamas and Hezbollah during the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Segal’s report in Yisrael Hayom described the plan as a “bold operation” centered on a large-scale Kurdish incursion from Iraq into Iran. The plan included liberating Kurdish regions, advancing eastward, and sparking additional uprisings across the country. The IDF even began striking Revolutionary Guard bases near the border to prepare the ground for the operation.

But the plan was halted at the last moment. As the operation was about to begin, U.S. President Donald Trump received an angry phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who strongly opposes any Kurdish empowerment in the region. In the wake of the call, the plan was called off.

Segal wrote: “It’s ironic that weapons that Iran funded were almost used against it, and maybe still will be.”

Ynet reported that at the end of March, the Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah, which is affiliated with Turkey’s government, reported that Ankara had succeeded in thwarting an alleged Israeli plan to recruit Kurdish forces as a ground force in the war against Iran.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will partner with local law enforcement agencies throughout the county in a statewide Goal: Zero high-visibility traffic enforcement detail aimed at addressing the continuing rise in traffic fatalities across New Jersey.

According to state statistics, 208 people have lost their lives on New Jersey roadways as of June 3, 2026. Of those fatalities, 18 occurred in Ocean County.

The coordinated enforcement effort will take place throughout the day on Saturday, June 6, and will focus on compliance with New Jersey’s Move Over Law.

The initiative is dedicated to the memory of New Jersey State Trooper Marc Castellano, who was fatally struck by a passing motorist on June 6, 2010, while walking along the shoulder of Interstate 195 during an investigation involving a reported armed occupant of an abandoned vehicle. The Move Over Law was enacted in response to his death and requires motorists to slow down and move over when approaching authorized vehicles displaying emergency lights.

“New Jersey’s Move Over Law is not just about traffic regulation—it is a lifesaving mechanism,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, tow truck operators, and roadway workers place themselves in harm’s way to serve and protect the public. The tragic loss of Trooper Marc Castellano serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that first responders face while working on our roadways. By slowing down and moving over when you see flashing lights, you are helping ensure that those who work our highways return home safely to their families. A moment of caution behind the wheel can prevent a tragedy.”

The Goal: Zero campaign was launched in 2024 through the efforts of Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky, bringing together 36 municipalities to target dangerous driving behaviors. The campaign’s bright green logo symbolizes high visibility and pedestrian and school safety, while the black bar incorporated into the design serves as a memorial to those who have lost their lives in traffic crashes.

Authorities are encouraging motorists to remain alert, obey traffic laws, and comply with the Move Over Law as enforcement efforts are increased throughout the county this weekend.

Girls are loving the latest collectible sticker trend…and now it’s at HP.

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Shop in-store now while supplies last.

Starting June 3, a fun new collectible craze is coming to Lakewood shoppers thanks to Memoi! The brand is introducing limited edition TGC and TBC sets—that you can collect, trade, and enjoy all summer long.

With every qualifying purchase of $25 or more, you’ll receive a free sticker set. You can get up to four sticker sets per purchase, so you can stock up fast and share or trade with friends.
There are five unique stickers to collect. When you collect all five and send a photo of your full set to [email protected], you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a special Memoi merchandise package.

This collectible campaign is a perfect reason to get out, shop, and connect with neighbors and friends by trading sticker sets. It’s all part of Memoi’s way to bring some extra fun to your summer shopping.

Don’t miss your chance to join the Memoi TGC and TBC sticker craze!

Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein, who also serves as chairman of the Forum of Chareidi Local Authority Heads, delivered a forceful warning Wednesday night over the arrests of yeshiva students and the ongoing draft crisis, declaring that the chareidi public will not accept efforts to criminalize Torah learners.

Speaking on Kol Chai’s Hamahadura Hamerkazit with host Avi Blum, Rubinstein said the current situation has created fear and anxiety throughout the yeshiva world.

“I haven’t changed—the reality has,” Rubinstein said at the start of the interview. “We are living through a disgraceful situation in which thousands of yeshiva students are walking around in constant fear, even terror. Every yeshiva student feels like a fugitive. This cannot continue, and it cannot simply be accepted.”

Rubinstein noted that since the founding of the State of Israel, prime ministers from across the political spectrum—including David Ben-Gurion, Yitzchak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Yitzchak Shamir, and Menachem Begin—supported arrangements that exempted yeshiva students from military service.

“After 70 years, this is not going to work. It simply will not work,” he said.

Asked whether chareidi municipal leaders should halt cooperation with the police and state authorities, Rubinstein replied that the damage has already been done.

“There is no greater harm than taking our entire community and turning everyone into criminals,” he said.

He stressed that the chareidi public would not resort to violence but would pursue other forms of resistance, including public protest, separation from government institutions, and a broad outcry against the policy.

Rubinstein argued that no democratic country could successfully impose such a dramatic change on such a large segment of its population.

“Maybe that can happen in North Korea, or in the Russia of the czars, in places like that,” he said.

He added that municipal leaders who interact with residents daily witness firsthand the fear and distress affecting yeshiva students and their families.

Addressing the performance of the chareidi political parties, Rubinstein acknowledged that their efforts had fallen short but declined to place blame on individual lawmakers.

“There is not a single chareidi Knesset member who did not work on this issue,” he said. “But in terms of results, the failure has been total.”

At the same time, he insisted that the setback in the Knesset cannot lead the chareidi public to surrender, close their Gemaros, or accept a reality in which yeshiva students are treated as criminals.

Turning to the prospect of a broader public campaign, Rubinstein said the chareidi community should learn from the tactics employed by opponents of judicial reform.

“We were promised judicial reform, and why didn’t judicial reform happen? Because of pressure from the streets,” he said. “We are now going to take to the streets exactly like Kaplan. The entire country will burn, just like Kaplan. They taught us a lesson.”

Rubinstein argued that the issue requires no complicated strategy, only a firm and united public stance.

“You do not touch what is sacred. ‘Do not touch My anointed ones.’ It is not going to happen. Period.”

He vowed that the chareidi community would never accept a situation in which yeshiva students and their families—whom he described as a population of more than one million people—are transformed into fugitives.

“That is not going to happen during wartime, during peacetime, during difficult times, or during times of prosperity,” he said.

Asked whether the draft dispute is affecting the chareidi community’s place within Israel’s right-wing camp, Rubinstein responded that he remains firmly identified with the political right and deeply committed to Eretz Yisroel.

At the same time, he emphasized that the priorities of the chareidi public are clear.

“For us, the right begins first with Toras Yisroel, and only afterward with Eretz Yisroel,” he said.

He concluded by arguing that the real question is no longer whether the chareidi community remains part of the right, but whether the right itself remains true to its principles.

“The chareidi public is still on the right,” Rubinstein said. “But if the right is not protecting yeshiva students, then the question is not whether the chareidim have left the right. The question is whether the right has remained the right.”

{Matzav.com}

VIENNA (AP) — The U.N. nuclear watchdog has been unable to inspect nuclear facilities in Iran affected by the war last June according to a confidential report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog circulated to member states and seen Thursday by The Associated Press.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that it “cannot provide any information on the current size, composition or whereabouts of the stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran or whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities.”

The IAEA warned that it was “unable to discharge its safeguards responsibilities” that it has under the Safeguards Agreement of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, adding that it is “indispensable and urgent” for Tehran to implement its obligations under that Treaty.

The only nuclear facility inspected in Iran by IAEA inspectors since the last report in February has been the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which was visited on June 1-3. The reactor currently running at Bushehr uses uranium from Russia enriched to 4.5%, a low level needed for power generation in such plants.

The confidential report come as tensions have flared in the Middle East.

Iranian drones heavily damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport on Wednesday, killing one person, wounding dozens of others and briefly closing the airfield — the latest in back-and-forth attacks by Iran and the U.S. that test a fragile ceasefire.

According to the IAEA, Iran maintains a stockpile of 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

That stockpile could allow Iran to build as many as 10 nuclear bombs, should it decide to weaponize its program, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi warned in a recent AP interview. He added that it doesn’t mean that Iran has such a weapon.

Such highly enriched nuclear material should normally be verified every month, according to the IAEA’s guidelines.

The report said Grossi reiterates his “full support to the negotiations underway aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution to issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme, and his readiness … to support an eventual agreement.”

Talks have dragged on for weeks as mediators seek a more enduring truce in the war, now in its fourth month. They are increasingly strained by Israel’s broadening war with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Iran maintains its hold on the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial waterway for the world’s oil and natural gas and related products like fertilizer — and the U.S. continues its blockade of Iranian ports. Global fuel prices remain high, and the effects of the conflict are felt well beyond the region.

MONTREAL — June 2026

Air Canada is wagering that a new generation of fuel-efficient aircraft can unlock routes that larger jets could never profitably serve nonstop.

The carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR in Hamburg, Germany, on April 24, 2026, and officially entered the aircraft into service this month, marking the beginning of a fleet strategy designed to connect Canada directly with smaller European destinations. The airline has ordered 30 A321XLR aircraft and becomes the first Canadian carrier to operate the type.

The significance of the aircraft lies in its name. The “XLR” stands for Extra Long Range, allowing a narrowbody aircraft—the same basic size travelers typically associate with domestic flights—to remain airborne for up to nine hours nonstop.

That capability addresses a long-standing challenge for airlines. Traditional narrowbody aircraft lack the range to operate many transatlantic routes, while larger widebody jets such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner often require significantly higher passenger volumes to operate profitably. The A321XLR sits directly between those two categories.

For airlines, the economics are compelling.

Configured with approximately 182 seats, the aircraft burns substantially less fuel than a widebody while requiring fewer passengers to fill seats. That makes it possible to profitably serve what the industry calls “long, thin” routes—city pairs with enough demand to justify nonstop service but not enough to support a larger aircraft.

That strategy is already reshaping Air Canada’s route map.

The aircraft’s inaugural route connected Montreal and Toulouse, France, followed by scheduled service between Montreal and Berlin beginning July 18 and Montreal and Nantes beginning July 22.

The airline plans to operate approximately 12 A321XLR routes during 2026, with nine serving Europe.

From Toronto, the aircraft will open new service to Copenhagen, Manchester, and London Heathrow. Additional routes from Halifax and Ottawa to Heathrow are expected later this year.

In some cases, the aircraft is helping preserve existing routes that may otherwise have become uneconomical. Air Canada plans to continue operating its Montreal-Dublin service during slower travel periods by utilizing the more efficient A321XLR instead of deploying a larger aircraft.

For travelers, the benefits extend beyond airline economics.

The aircraft enables direct service to destinations that previously required connections through major hubs, reducing travel time and avoiding some of the congestion associated with Europe’s busiest airports.

Recognizing concerns about long flights aboard a single-aisle aircraft, Air Canada has outfitted the jet with its newest cabin design, including large seatback entertainment screens throughout the aircraft and upgraded passenger amenities intended to create what the airline describes as a widebody-style experience.

The A321XLR also forms part of a broader modernization effort underway at Air Canada.

The aircraft joins the carrier’s growing fleet of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, while the airline simultaneously transfers all 51 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its leisure-focused subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge.

The move is strategically important because the 737 MAX had been operating some transatlantic routes near the limits of its range. The A321XLR can comfortably perform those missions while allowing larger aircraft to be redeployed to higher-demand markets.

Air Canada has described the transition as part of its effort to build “one of the most modern and capable fleets in the industry.”

The airline’s bet reflects a broader shift occurring across global aviation.

By the end of March 2026, Airbus had secured more than 500 orders for the A321XLR worldwide as airlines increasingly embrace fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft for routes once reserved exclusively for widebody jets.

Industry observers frequently compare the trend to the role once played by the Boeing 757, which pioneered many transatlantic narrowbody routes decades ago.

The timing is particularly notable given elevated fuel prices linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East.

With energy costs remaining volatile, aircraft capable of delivering meaningful fuel savings have become increasingly attractive. For airlines, the A321XLR offers a way to expand networks, test new destinations, and add service frequency without assuming the financial risks associated with operating larger aircraft.

For Air Canada, the strategy is straightforward: use a smaller, more efficient aircraft to open new markets, reduce operating costs, and pursue profitable growth city by city.

Whether the gamble pays off will become clearer as the remaining 29 aircraft join the fleet over the coming years. But the decision reflects where much of the airline industry increasingly believes the future lies—not in bigger airplanes, but in smarter and more efficient ones.

Montreal — JBizNews Desk

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

The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam canceled a scheduled conference on antisemitism last week, forcing its organizers to move the event to a church instead. The museum cited a planned protest by a group that condemned the conference and planned a protest in front of the museum as the reason for the cancellation.

In an interview with a Jewish media outlet, the conservative Jewish Dutch politician who had organized the conference expressed his bewilderment.

“A Holocaust museum is the best place to speak about antisemitism, so I was surprised by the cancellation,” MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen of the Reformed Political Party (SGP) said in the Tuesday interview. “That’s the place to be.”

Anti-Jewish protesters attempt to disrupt a conference on antisemitism. (From a post on X)

He said the museum was concerned about graffiti on its walls ahead of a visit by the Dutch queen and German president.

The museum’s general director, Emile Schrijver, said in a written statement Wednesday that the museum canceled the event because it didn’t want the museum to become politicized, which critics say proves the need for the conference in the first place.

“We will not allow the National Holocaust Museum to become the focal point of a political dispute in the context of a rental event,” Schrijver said. “Protecting the integrity of the National Holocaust Museum should not be a political position; it is our core mandate and one we take seriously.”

The Europe director of the Israel Allies Foundation, Leo van Doesburg, criticized the decision in a sharply worded rebuke.

“How low can a country sink when even the National Holocaust Museum is no longer a place where the fight against antisemitism on university campuses can be openly discussed?” he said.

Ruissen said that about 100 people attended the event at the church as anti-Jewish protesters attempted to disrupt the conference.

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty to illegally retaining sensitive national security documents and pay a fine of more than $2 million.

Bolton intends to plead guilty to a single count of illegal retention of national defense information. The charge carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, though the plea does not guarantee jail time. A conviction on the count carries a sentencing range of zero to 60 months.

A plea hearing is scheduled for June 26, according to the court docket.

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The agreement comes months after Bolton, who served as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser for roughly a year during Trump’s first term before becoming a vocal critic, was charged in Maryland. Prosecutors accused him of keeping diary-like entries from his time in the White House at his home in a Maryland suburb.

Bolton was originally indicted in October on 18 felony counts, including eight counts of transmitting national defense information and 10 counts of unlawful retention. He pleaded not guilty to all of them at the time. Prosecutors alleged he shared more than a thousand pages of information about his daily activities through a personal email account with two unauthorized individuals, whom CNN has reported are his wife and daughter. The alleged transmission is not part of the charge to which Bolton is expected to plead guilty.

The FBI raided Bolton’s home in August in a search focused on classified materials. Court documents showed agents seized multiple documents marked secret, confidential and classified.

At his arraignment, Bolton’s attorney Abbe Lowell argued the matter had been settled long ago, calling the records unclassified personal diaries shared only with immediate family and known to the FBI as far back as 2021. Bolton himself called the prosecution a form of political retribution, describing himself as the “latest target” of what he characterized as an effort to intimidate Trump’s opponents.

Bolton’s case is one of several brought by the Justice Department against figures Trump has publicly identified as adversaries, following indictments of former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump had long called for Bolton to face charges over his 2020 memoir, “The Room Where It Happened,” which was sharply critical of the president and which Trump claimed contained classified information.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yehuda Salomon, the Mashgiach of Yeshivas Tiferes Yaakov in Gateshead, is hospitalized in critical condition and needs much Rachamei Shamayim.

HaRav Salomon suddenly collapsed on Shabbos while delivering his weekly shmuess in the yeshivah. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined that he had suffered a severe stroke accompanied by a serious brain bleed. He is being treated in the intensive care unit.

HaRav Salomon is the son of HaGaon HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, z’tl, the legendary mashgiach of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood.

The family suffered a tragedy only 11 months ago, when another son, HaGaon HaRav Chizkiyahu Moshe Shlomo Salomon, z’tl, the Mashgiach of Sunderland Yeshiva in Gateshead, was niftar at the age of 59 after suffering a difficult illness.

The public is asked to daven for the refuah sheleimah of Yaakov Yehuda ben Miriam b’toch sha’ar cholei Yisrael.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

A New Jersey plastic surgeon with a documented association with the convicted terrorist cleric known as the “Blind Sheikh” won a crowded Democratic congressional primary Tuesday night, positioning himself to become the first Muslim member of Congress from New Jersey. The victory landed at the same time as the national Democratic party is preparing to rally behind a Maine Senate candidate who spent nearly two decades with a Nazi SS-linked tattoo on his chest.

Dr. Adam Hamawy won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, defeating a field of roughly a dozen candidates seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. The Associated Press declared Hamawy the winner at 9:36 p.m., with Hamawy leading the field with 27.4% of the vote.

The 12th District includes Princeton and parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties. Because the district has long favored Democrats, Hamawy enters the general election as the heavy favorite to succeed Watson Coleman. He will face Republican Greg Mele in November.

The victory came despite mounting scrutiny over Hamawy’s past ties to Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman. Abdel Rahman, the infamous “Blind Sheikh,” was convicted of inciting the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured thousands. He was also an influential figure among al-Qaeda terrorists.

Court records show Hamawy was a 26-year-old medical student when Abdel Rahman’s lawyers put him on the stand at trial to deny charges that the sheikh had called for the murder of then-Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. During his testimony, which Hamawy began with a traditional Islamic greeting directed at Abdel Rahman, he described taking a 13-hour car journey with the cleric and some of his associates to a conference in Detroit called “Towards a Global Islamic Economy.”

In his testimony, Hamawy told prosecutors that he had heard Abdel Rahman speak about how the United States and Israel are “the enemies of Islam,” and confirmed that Abdel Rahman “always talked about” how Muslims had to wage jihad against those enemies.

Hamawy brushed off the connection as minimal and decades-old, saying he was young when he first encountered the cleric in 1991, remembers carpooling with him on one occasion, and testified out of a sense of civic duty. “I was called as a witness, and I gave my testimony under oath, and then I walked out,” he said. “It was never an issue back then, and they’re trying to make it an issue now.” A campaign spokesperson called the attacks “gross and bigoted.”

Scrutiny of Hamawy’s past also extended to a separate revelation that one year before his trial testimony, he traveled to Bosnia with a group that was subsequently shut down for providing logistical support to al-Qaeda. Hamawy did not respond to questions about those activities.

Hamawy was backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and several other progressive “Squad” members, and was boosted by American Priorities, a pro-Palestinian super PAC that spent more than $1.5 million supporting his campaign.

The dual developments present an uncomfortable contrast for Democrats. Republicans this cycle moved to push out Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, whose votes and public statements drew sustained accusations of antisemitism, with the congressman losing his primary last month. Democrats, meanwhile, are headed into the general election with Hamawy as a House candidate in New Jersey and Graham Platner as their presumptive Senate nominee in Maine — a candidate whom one Democratic congressman has called “personally disqualifying” over a chest tattoo widely recognized as a Nazi symbol.

Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer and military veteran, claims he was unaware that the skull tattoo on his chest resembled the Totenkopf insignia used by Hitler’s SS units, and has since covered it with another tattoo. His campaign has also faced scrutiny over reports of salacious allegations. Despite the controversies, Platner holds a commanding lead heading into the June 9 Democratic primary, after Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign in April.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A shifting economic landscape has culminated in Texas, dethroning California as the nation’s premier hub for Fortune 500 companies.

Data from the 2026 Fortune 500 list show Texas leading with 57 headquarters, compared with California’s 56, marking a reversal from two years ago, when California held the lead.

Additionally, corporations in Texas generated $2.8 trillion in revenue, while those in California reported $2.7 trillion in revenue.

“Texas is the undisputed headquarters of headquarters,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press release reacting to the news. “The world’s leading businesses invest with confidence in Texas because of our welcoming business climate, predictable regulatory environment, and skilled and growing workforce. People and businesses are choosing Texas because Texas works.”

FLEEING FOR THEIR FUTURES, A CALIFORNIA EXODUS UNLEASHES A FLORIDA ‘GOLD RUSH’

In the past year alone, companies including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Samsung Electronics America, SpaceX and X have either moved their headquarters or their legal incorporation to Texas — mostly from California, with two moving from New Jersey.

Company relocations have also been accompanied by billionaires and public figures moving their homes and personal portfolios to the Lone Star State. Most recently, Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick revealed his move to Austin, while Elon Musk, Mark Cuban, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and David Sacks have made their mark on Texas in recent years.

“Americans are voting with their feet. They want places that are livable. They want places that are workable. They want places that are sustainable and affordable,” Texas REALTORS Chair Jennifer Wauhob previously told Fox News Digital. “And so I think this migration, as we call it, is really turning into a long-term shift.”

The migration of major corporations and prominent business figures comes amid mounting concern over California’s proposed tax policies, including a controversial one-time 5% wealth tax on the state’s wealthiest residents.

The Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) said it has collected more than 1.55 million signatures, according to a press release, nearly double the 875,000-signature requirement — to place a one-time tax on billionaire assets on the California ballot.

The California Billionaire Tax Act would target the net worth of roughly 200 residents and impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of California residents with assets exceeding $1 billion. The tax would be due in 2027, and taxpayers could spread payments over five years, with interest, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

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If the measure is approved by voters in November, anyone who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, would owe the tax, according to the proposal. In practical terms, a resident with $20 billion in net worth on that date would owe a one-time tax of $1 billion, payable over five years.

Supporters argue the billionaire tax is a direct response to “cuts to Medicaid and other federal health insurance programs by the Trump administration last year,” while opponents of the measure have warned the tax could kill an estimated 108,000 high-paying jobs over the next 20 years.

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

President Donald Trump is expected to announce a nearly $700 million initiative Thursday aimed at supporting the U.S. coal industry, including funding for power plant upgrades, new projects and export infrastructure.

According to a White House official, Trump plans to invoke the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law that grants presidents broad authority over industries considered vital to national security, to direct federal support to coal projects across the country.

The announcement could come as soon as Thursday afternoon during a White House event focused on what the administration has called “beautiful clean coal.”

EXXON CHIEF WARNS OF SKYROCKETING ENERGY PRICES AS SHAREHOLDERS APPROVED PLAN TO EXIT BLUE STATE

The funding package would provide more than $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal-fired power plants. Another $185 million would be used to match corporate funding for coal projects in Alaska, Maryland and West Virginia, while $75 million would support construction of the long-proposed West Gateway coal export terminal in Northern California, according to the White House official.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the president’s formal announcement, cautioned that details could still change.

COSTCO SAYS ITS GAS STATIONS SET ALL-TIME VOLUME RECORDS AS CONSUMERS SEEK LOWER-PRICED FUEL

The latest initiative represents another step in the Trump administration’s broader effort to revive the coal industry after decades of decline.

Coal generated more than half of U.S. electricity in 2000. Today, it accounts for less than one-fifth of power generation, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as utilities have increasingly shifted toward natural gas and renewable energy sources.

The administration has framed coal as both an energy-security and national-security priority, arguing reliable electricity generation will be critical as the United States works to meet growing power demand from artificial intelligence development and data centers while competing with geopolitical rivals.

RUBIO VISIT TO INDIA PUSHES DEEPER ENERGY TIES AS IRAN CONFLICT RATTLES GLOBAL OIL MARKETS

Trump has previously taken several actions intended to support the industry. The Energy Department has issued emergency orders directing some coal plants to continue operating beyond planned retirement dates, while the Interior Department has moved to expand coal leasing opportunities on federal lands.

The president has also directed the Pentagon to pursue agreements to purchase electricity generated by coal-fired power plants for military purposes.

Supporters of the administration’s approach argue coal remains an important source of around-the-clock electricity generation capable of helping meet surging power demand. Critics, meanwhile, cite coal’s environmental impact and note that utilities have increasingly turned to lower-cost natural gas and renewable alternatives.

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Bloomberg first reported details of the planned funding initiative.

Reuters contributed to this report.

On October 7, Roman Gofman was not being spoken about as Israel’s next spy chief. He was a wounded commander on a road in southern Israel, bleeding after fighting Hamas terrorists as Israel was being attacked in one of the darkest days in its history.

Near the Bror Hayil Junction, United Hatzalah volunteer Moshe Weizman was flagged down by a civilian vehicle. Inside was Gofman, then a senior IDF officer and commander of the Tze’elim base, suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Weizman moved him into the ambulance and began an emergency evacuation while trying to keep him conscious. Elishiv Mizrachi, another United Hatzalah volunteer who had already been evacuating wounded people to Barzilai Medical Center in his private car, joined the rescue effort on the road.

Together, under fire and chaos, the two volunteers fought to keep him alive. They did not know they were treating a man who would one day be entrusted with one of the most sensitive jobs in the State of Israel. Their mission was simpler and more urgent: keep him breathing, keep him awake, get him to the hospital.

Less than three years later, that same wounded commander stood at Mossad headquarters as the new Director of the Mossad. And standing beside him were the two volunteers who helped save his life.

The Prime Minister’s Office and Gofman invited Weizman and Mizrachi to the inauguration ceremony in a gesture of gratitude. Gofman embraced them and personally thanked them for saving his life. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also thanked United Hatzalah’s volunteers for their heroism on October 7, saying Israel owes them “a great debt of gratitude.”

The moment was more than ceremonial. It captured something deeply Israeli: civilians racing toward danger, volunteers turning private cars and ambulances into lifelines, and wounded fighters returning to serve the country at the highest levels.

Gofman now takes over the Mossad at a defining moment for Israel’s security, with Iran and its terrorist proxies still at the center of Israel’s strategic fight. But before the secrecy, the operations, and the weight of the office, there was a road in the south, two medics under fire, and a life saved.

Eli Beer, the founder and president of United Hatzalah, summed up the full circle: the volunteers’ mission was to save a life. Today, the life they helped save belongs to a man tasked with protecting Israel and the Jewish people around the world.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is warning that the Republican Party is moving away from its traditional conservative roots, arguing that a growing “populist right” faction poses a significant challenge to the principles that have guided the party for decades.

Speaking Wednesday on CNN’s “News Central,” Pence said many Americans, particularly those in agricultural communities, remain concerned about the economic impact of broad tariff policies and rising costs.

“There’s concern in the heartland, particularly on the farm, for the impact of broad based tariffs, the rising input costs for farmers and, I expect Republicans will take all of that to heart. And, I hope what they do, as I argue in my book, is return our party to the consistent advocacy of the conservative agenda. This define the Republican movement for the last 50 years.”

Pence said he wrote his new book in part to alert Americans to what he sees as an ideological shift within the conservative movement itself.

“I wanted people to know around the country that, a new threat to conservatism has emerged from within our movement. And it’s, I call it the populist right. And essentially advances policies of protectionism, isolationism, marginalizing traditional values. And, and while they’ve had some success prevailing on the second Trump administration, not all, I think the second Trump administration has gotten a lot right. Secured the border, extended all those Trump Pence, tax cuts, stood up to Iran, stood with Israel but when you look at when you look at the stops and starts on Ukraine, by this administration, when you look at, the, you know, voices on the outside that have even questioned our support for Israel and the economic policies, nationalization of businesses, broad based tariffs against friend and foe alike, price controls. I wanted to write a book that it was about what conservatives believe in the hopes that in the midterms and in 2028, we return our party to those founding principles.”

While praising several accomplishments of President Trump’s current administration, Pence expressed concern about policy directions he believes are inconsistent with long-standing Republican views on free markets and limited government.

He specifically pointed to proposals that would involve greater federal participation in private enterprise and said such ideas would have been unthinkable in earlier Republican administrations.

“This new cabinet that, new voices, I mean, the idea of, of literally having the federal government take a percentage share of American businesses, would have, I think, never even been discussed in the first Trump administration. Republicans have always believed in and limited government in free market economics and free enterprise. Those policies, big government policies that have made their way into this administration.”

Pence’s remarks reflect an ongoing debate within Republican circles over the party’s future direction, as competing factions vie for influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) admonished Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) on the House floor in a scathing rebuke, accusing her of supporting terrorism.

Reacting to a proposal she had introduced that would block U.S. forces from entering Lebanon, he said that Hezbollah terrorists are “butchers that you like to hang out with to a certain extent,” addressing her directly.

When she protested, saying his words constituted a personal attack, he added, “You advocate for terrorists on a daily basis,” leading to a shouting match between the two representatives.

Tlaib has repeatedly drawn fire for controversial actions related to appearances with terrorist-linked entities.

In 2024 and 2025, Tlaib delivered talks at the “People’s Conference for Palestine” that featured speakers with ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terrorist organization. As a consequence, the House introduced a resolution to censure her for “celebrating terrorism.”

The Michigan representative was also censured in November 2023 for promoting false narratives about the Israel-Gaza conflict and for using the slogan “from the river to the sea,” which many see as a call for the genocide of the Jewish people in Israel.

Watchdog groups have accused Tlaib of hiring staffers with past ties to Hamas-linked groups and of defending charities that were charged with funneling money to terror groups.

Miller, who is Jewish, has shown himself to be an outspoken advocate for the State of Israel as well as a fierce campaigner against antisemitism. He is a member of the Congressional Jewish Caucus and frequently participates in Jewish community events.

The Ohio congressman has been subjected to death threats and survived a road-rage encounter in which a pro-Hamas agitator held him up and threatened him, while shouting slurs and waving a Palestinian flag. The perpetrator was later [arrested](http://Muslim Doctor Indicted After Attempting to Run Ohio Jewish Congressman Off Road A Muslim doctor in Ohio was indicted this week on multiple charges after attempting to run a Jewish congressman off... By Admin Jul 12, 2025) and charged with ethnic intimidation.

Tlaib asked that Miller’s comments be removed, and in the end, his comments were stricken.

YS GOLD 

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Basya Cohen, a longtime Boro Park resident and a matriarch of a beautiful Torah family. She was 93 years of age. 

She married Reb Moshe Yosef Cohen, and together they established a beautiful Torah family. 

The levaya will take place at the Viznitzer Beis Medrash on 51st Street near New Utrecht Avenue at 11:20, and kevurah will take place at Wellwood Cemetery. 

Yehi zichra baruch.

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — With his shock of golden hair and trim 700-kilogram (1,500-pound) build, Donald Trump has been drawing crowds from across Bangladesh since he arrived at the national zoo last week.

The rare albino buffalo became a sensation when a farmer noticed that his blond tuft of hair resembled the distinctive locks of the U.S. president. After a video of the pale horned mammal went viral on social media, large numbers of people started showing up at the farm outside Dhaka to see him for themselves.

The animal was originally meant to be slaughtered for the Muslim festival of sacrifice. But citing security concerns, the government ordered him transferred to the zoo in the capital, where large crowds are now braving sweltering heat to see him.

On Tuesday, visitors pressed against the fence of the buffalo’s enclosure, filming with their phones as some fathers hoisted small children on their shoulders for a better view.

A zoo worker pampered the animal, brushing his hair to one side and hosing him down with water to keep him cool as fans blew on him.

“There is a resemblance to Donald Trump in its eyes, hairstyle, and skin color,” said Mohammed Nasim, a student in Dhaka. “And just as Donald Trump has a distinctive personality and lifestyle, this buffalo, after going viral, is now living a similar kind of life, enjoying a lot of attention and special treatment.”

Local media reported that the exhibit initially included a sign that said “Donald Trump,” which has since been removed. The zoo curator was fired Saturday, though no official cause was given for the dismissal.

Some clearly found the naming in poor taste.

“Giving a farm animal the name of one of the world’s most influential leaders was certainly the wrong thing to do,” said Dhaka resident Mohammad Joynal Adedin, who visited the zoo to see the buffalo anyway. “It seems disrespectful. I think the farmer who did this made a poor decision.”

The buffalo was sold ahead of Eid al-Adha, the “Feast of Sacrifice.” When Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered police to take the animal into custody, the authorities refunded the buyer.

“Since before Eid, I had been seeing posts on Facebook saying that ‘Donald Trump’ would be sacrificed. Later, I heard that instead of being sacrificed, it had been placed in a zoo,” said Mohammad Habibur Rahman, a visitor to the zoo from the southwestern Bangladeshi city of Jashore.

“So, I thought I would come to the zoo and see ‘Donald Trump’ for myself,” he said.

SAN FRANCISCO — The American technology industry is sending two completely different messages at the same time.

One message is visible in corporate earnings calls, investor presentations, and record capital-spending plans. Artificial intelligence is creating one of the largest investment booms in modern business history. Companies are building data centers at unprecedented speed, ordering billions of dollars of chips, and committing enormous resources to AI infrastructure.

The second message is arriving in employees’ inboxes.

Layoff notices.

As of early June 2026, technology companies have eliminated approximately 142,000 jobs, according to widely followed industry trackers. More than 212 significant layoff events have been recorded this year alone.

The contradiction has become one of the defining economic stories of 2026.

The companies cutting jobs are often the same companies reporting strong profits, expanding operations, and spending aggressively on artificial intelligence.

Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms have collectively committed roughly $700 billion in capital expenditures tied largely to AI infrastructure, according to industry estimates. The spending includes new data centers, advanced semiconductor purchases, power-generation requirements, networking equipment, and software investments.

At the same time, many of those companies continue reducing headcount.

Historically, large-scale layoffs typically signaled distress.

Companies cut jobs when sales declined, profits disappeared, or survival required cost reductions.

Today’s layoffs look different.

Many are occurring at highly profitable firms generating billions of dollars in earnings.

Consider what happened on May 20.

Meta Platforms began notifying approximately 8,000 employees, representing about 10% of its workforce, that their positions were being eliminated. The same day, Intuit, maker of TurboTax and QuickBooks, announced plans to eliminate approximately 3,000 jobs, or roughly 17% of its workforce.

Neither company was facing financial distress.

Both were restructuring around artificial intelligence.

That distinction matters because it suggests a potentially deeper shift taking place throughout the economy.

The impact appears particularly severe for younger workers entering the profession.

Research from Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered AI shows employment among software developers under age 26 has fallen nearly 20% since 2024.

The reason is increasingly apparent.

Many of the tasks traditionally assigned to junior software developers—coding assistance, debugging, documentation, testing, and routine programming work—can now be performed more efficiently by AI tools.

Companies are beginning to ask a difficult question: if AI can perform a meaningful portion of entry-level work, how many entry-level workers are still needed?

That question extends far beyond technology.

The broader concern is whether artificial intelligence is weakening one of capitalism’s traditional assumptions: that successful companies naturally create more jobs.

For decades, economic growth and hiring generally moved together. When corporations expanded revenue, they typically expanded payrolls.

AI may be changing that relationship.

A company can now potentially increase output, improve productivity, expand market share, and grow earnings while employing fewer people.

The benefits flow to shareholders and customers through greater efficiency, but fewer workers may share directly in that growth.

None of this means the labor market is collapsing.

Healthcare continues hiring. Construction remains active. Hospitality and services still employ millions of workers. Many laid-off technology employees will find opportunities elsewhere.

But Silicon Valley may be providing an early glimpse into how artificial intelligence reshapes labor markets.

The technology industry’s largest companies are investing unprecedented amounts of money into systems specifically designed to make work more productive.

The question is whether greater productivity ultimately creates new categories of employment, as previous technological revolutions did, or whether AI fundamentally changes the equation.

For now, the paradox remains.

The same companies spending hundreds of billions of dollars building the future are simultaneously employing fewer people to do it.

The answer to what comes next may become one of the most important economic questions of the decade.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

The light is now in flash mode. It’s expected to go fully live on Monday.

A personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine developed by Moderna and Merck has demonstrated encouraging long-term results in patients with advanced melanoma, significantly reducing the chances of the disease returning or leading to death over a five-year period.

The experimental treatment, known as intismeran autogene, is being tested in combination with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), a widely used immunotherapy drug. New findings from the phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 trial were unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago on May 27.

Researchers reported that patients who received the vaccine-immunotherapy combination experienced a 49% lower risk of melanoma recurrence or death compared with those treated with pembrolizumab alone after nearly five years of follow-up.

The study included 157 individuals with high-risk stage 3 and stage 4 melanoma whose tumors had been surgically removed. Participants were divided into two groups, with one receiving both intismeran autogene and KEYTRUDA, while the other received only KEYTRUDA.

According to investigators, the benefits seen in the combination-treatment group continued over time and remained durable throughout the follow-up period.

The vaccine is tailored to each individual patient. Scientists identify specific mutations within a patient’s tumor and use that information to create a personalized mRNA therapy designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells if they return.

Researchers said the treatment has thus far demonstrated a favorable safety profile and has generally been well tolerated by patients.

Among the most frequently reported side effects were fatigue, pain at the injection site, chills, fever, and headaches. Investigators said they observed no new long-term safety issues and no serious adverse events directly linked to the vaccine.

The treatment has now advanced to a phase 3 clinical trial, the final stage typically required before regulatory approval can be considered.

In comments released by Merck in January, Kyle Holen, MD, Moderna’s senior vice president and head of development, oncology and therapeutics, said the findings underscore the “potential of a prolonged benefit … in patients with resected high-risk melanoma.”

“We continue to invest in our platform in oncology because of encouraging outcomes like these, which illustrate mRNA’s potential in cancer care,” he said.

Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories, noted that many patients with advanced melanoma remain vulnerable to the disease returning even after surgery.

“As such, demonstrating the longer-term potential of intismeran autogene and KEYTRUDA to reduce the risk of recurrence for certain patients with melanoma is a meaningful milestone,” she said.

Merck also highlighted the positive long-term data while pointing to upcoming results from the late-stage INTerpath clinical program being conducted with Moderna in several cancers that have traditionally been difficult to treat.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento man has been arrested in connection with a series of antisemitic vandalism incidents that occurred in the city last year, authorities announced.

Police said 19-year-old Feyd Hayden Pounds was taken into custody Tuesday after investigators linked him to two separate incidents in which swastikas were placed on private property in the Elmhurst neighborhood near the UC Davis Medical Center.

In July 2025, the Sacramento Police Department was made aware of two vandalism incidents that occurred in the 4600 block of U St. The vandalisms included the use of swastikas and were determined to be bias-motivated, with the apparent intent to intimidate or terrorize individuals… pic.twitter.com/IhRCkZJrot

— Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) June 3, 2026

According to law enforcement officials, the vandalism was determined to be motivated by bias against Jews. Investigators said evidence gathered during the case included social media activity allegedly containing antisemitic rhetoric, as well as statements that appeared to connect the suspect to the vandalism.

Pounds was booked into the Sacramento County jail and faces a felony hate-crime-related charge involving the display of a hate symbol on private property, along with a misdemeanor civil rights violation charge.

Authorities said the incidents were originally reported in the summer of 2025 and remained under investigation for several months before an arrest warrant was obtained.

Court records indicate Pounds is expected to make his initial appearance in Sacramento Superior Court on Thursday.

Police encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to contact investigators.

MINNEAPOLIS — Medtronic, the world’s largest medical-device maker, delivered its strongest annual revenue growth in a decade Wednesday, driven by surging demand for heart procedures and newer cardiovascular technologies that are helping patients live longer and healthier lives.

The company reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $9.8 billion, up 9.9% from a year earlier and ahead of Wall Street expectations. Adjusted earnings came in at $1.55 per share, capping what management described as one of the strongest years in recent company history.

Even if consumers have never heard of Medtronic, many have likely benefited from its products. The company manufactures pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, insulin pumps, surgical instruments, spinal implants, and neurological devices used by hospitals and physicians around the world.

Because of its enormous presence across healthcare, Medtronic is often viewed as a bellwether for the broader medical-technology industry.

The biggest growth story this quarter came from the company’s heart business.

Revenue from Cardiac Ablation Solutions, which includes devices used to treat irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, surged 78% globally and 124% in the United States. The broader cardiovascular division grew approximately 10%, while Medtronic’s surgical business posted a solid 5% increase.

Geoff Martha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, credited expanding patient access and strong adoption of newer therapies for the company’s performance.

The results arrive as healthcare providers continue seeing rising demand from aging populations that require more cardiovascular treatment, chronic-disease management, and surgical procedures.

For investors, Medtronic delivered another important milestone.

The board approved a dividend increase to $0.72 per share quarterly, marking the company’s 49th consecutive year of dividend growth.

Few public companies can claim nearly half a century of uninterrupted dividend increases.

The consistency reflects Medtronic’s ability to generate significant cash even during periods of economic uncertainty.

For the full fiscal year, the company generated more than $7.3 billion in operating cash flow and approximately $5.4 billion in free cash flow, giving management ample flexibility to invest in future growth while rewarding shareholders.

The company is also expanding through acquisitions.

Earlier this year, Medtronic agreed to acquire SPR Therapeutics for up to $650 million, strengthening its position in the growing market for non-opioid pain management. The acquisition reflects increasing demand for alternatives to traditional pain medications.

Meanwhile, Medtronic continues investing heavily in robotic surgery through its Hugo surgical platform as it seeks to challenge industry leader Intuitive Surgical and its widely used da Vinci system.

Looking ahead, management forecast organic revenue growth of 6.75% to 7.25% for the new fiscal year, suggesting confidence that current momentum can continue.

For the broader healthcare industry, the message is encouraging. Hospitals remain busy, demand for advanced procedures remains strong, and patients continue seeking treatments that improve quality of life.

For shareholders, the story is equally straightforward.

A company that helps keep hearts beating, raises its dividend for nearly five decades, and just delivered its fastest growth in ten years appears to be doing exactly what investors hope a healthcare leader will do.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP/VINnews) — A Sacramento man has been charged with illegally possessing explosive material at an airport after authorities said he attempted to pass through a security checkpoint carrying a device capable of causing significant damage aboard an aircraft.

Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as Kimani Osayande Jones, also known as Kimani Osayande Jackson, 49, of Sacramento.

According to a criminal complaint, Jones arrived at Sacramento International Airport on Saturday night intending to board a flight. Authorities said Transportation Security Administration officers discovered an M-type explosive device inside his carry-on luggage, along with a torch lighter, a knife, scissors and loose scissor blades, zip ties, and an aerosol can.

Investigators said Jones was wearing latex gloves and a scarf covering much of his face when he approached the security checkpoint.

Law enforcement officials also recovered five cell phones from Jones. Court documents state that one phone displayed a 15-minute timer ready to be activated, while another showed a message from an unidentified sender reading, “we will be awaiting your call.”

Bomb technicians from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI safely removed the device. Subsequent testing determined that the powder and fuse were functional and capable of ignition, according to prosecutors.

Authorities said the device had the potential to cause injuries and could have damaged an aircraft if detonated near a window during flight, potentially resulting in cabin depressurization.

Jones appeared in federal court this week and is charged with unlawful possession of explosive material in an airport. His attorney said the government’s allegations represent only one side of the case and that additional facts are expected to emerge through the legal process.

The FBI and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

If convicted, Jones faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Federal prosecutors noted that the charge is an allegation, and Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Hezbollah rejected Thursday the ceasefire deal announced in a joint statement Wednesday by the United States, Israel and Lebanon.

Naim Qassem, secretary-general of the terror organization, said in a written statement read on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV that withdrawing Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon under fire constitutes surrender.

The withdrawal would mean “surrender, defeat and achieving the enemy’s goals,” he said.

“What we are concerned about is an end to the aggression, ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal,” Qassem added. “We did not make any commitment to any party to stop resisting as long as there is occupation.”

The ceasefire announcement and swift rejection come amid reports of the deaths of one UNIFIL peacekeeper from Serbia and three others, although whether the strike emanated from Hezbollah or the IDF remains unknown.

President Donald Trump has attempted to force a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah because the fighting is impeding progress on a peace deal with Iran, which has said it would not agree to any deal that didn’t include a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The president is seeking a deal to end Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz that sent the global economy into a tailspin amid a sharp spike in oil prices.

Previous ceasefires have failed, as Hezbollah continued its rocket and drone attacks on civilian population centers in northern Israel. The agreements have served only to constrain Israel somewhat in its response.

By BoroPark24 Staff

What began as a joyous hachnosas sefer Torah celebration became the setting for a major announcement that could have a lasting impact on Satmar families throughout Boro Park and beyond.

During the event following the dedication of the first sefer Torah to the Satmar boys' yeshiva on Ocean Parkway, philanthropist Reb Lipa Friedman revealed plans to build a large wedding hall that will offer families the opportunity to make chasunos at dramatically reduced costs.

Addressing the hundreds gathered for the celebration, Reb Lipa explained that while preparing for his own child's wedding this week, he witnessed firsthand the immense financial strain many families endure when arranging a chasunah. Among the greatest challenges, he noted, is the limited availability of affordable wedding halls, which often forces families to delay weddings and incur significantly higher expenses.

In response, Reb Lipa announced that a spacious wedding hall will be incorporated into the new planned Bay Parkway campus he recently donated, with the explicit goal of providing Satmar families access to quality facilities at exceptionally affordable rates. Reb Lipa thanked the yeshiva administration for embracing the vision and supporting the project, noting that although event halls serve as valuable revenue sources for Mosdos, the leadership recognized the tremendous communal benefit of making affordable simchos a priority.

The announcement was warmly highlighted by the Satmar Rebbe during his Drushe. The Rebbe praised Reb Lipa's sensitivity to the challenges facing families and commended the initiative as yet another meaningful act of chessed in the long and growing list of Reb Lipa's contributions to Klal Yisroel. The Rebbe noted that the project will help alleviate a major burden facing many families and will bring relief and dignity to generations of Yidden celebrating their simchos.

NEW YORK — Thursday, June 4, 2026

Wall Street’s record-setting run hit a pause Thursday morning as disappointing reactions to several high-profile technology earnings reports weighed on the broader market, while easing tensions on one front of the Middle East conflict helped push oil prices and Treasury yields lower.

After closing sharply lower Wednesday, stocks opened mixed to weaker as investors reassessed lofty valuations in the technology sector and rotated toward more defensive areas of the market. The prior session saw the S&P 500 fall 0.7% to 7,553.68, the Dow Jones Industrial Average drop 1.2% to 50,687.07, and the Nasdaq Composite decline 0.9% to 26,853.98, ending a nine-session winning streak amid renewed concerns about geopolitical risks and energy prices.

The biggest early mover Thursday was Broadcom, whose shares fell roughly 13% after reporting record revenue but delivering an artificial-intelligence outlook that failed to satisfy investors accustomed to increasingly aggressive growth projections. The reaction underscored a recurring theme across Wall Street this year: companies viewed as leaders in AI are being judged not on whether growth is strong, but whether it exceeds already elevated expectations.

The selloff spilled across the semiconductor sector, with companies including Micron Technology trading lower as investors took profits following months of powerful gains driven by AI-related demand.

CrowdStrike Holdings also came under pressure, falling nearly 11% despite posting results that exceeded profit expectations. Investors focused instead on rising expenses associated with AI investments and infrastructure expansion. The reaction highlighted growing concerns that many software companies may face short-term margin pressure as they race to build AI capabilities and defend market share.

Retail and apparel giant PVH Corp., parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, suffered one of the steepest declines of the morning, plunging approximately 20%. While the company beat first-quarter earnings estimates, management lowered its full-year outlook, citing softer consumer demand in Europe and ongoing tariff-related pressures. Several analysts subsequently reduced their outlooks on the stock, accelerating the selloff.

Not all sectors participated in the decline.

Investors shifted capital into more defensive and consumer-oriented businesses as oil prices retreated. Axalta Coating Systems rose about 4%, H&R Block gained nearly 4%, and health insurer Centene advanced roughly 3.3% in early trading.

The move reflected a broader rotation underway in markets, with investors temporarily stepping away from high-growth technology names and seeking stability in sectors viewed as less vulnerable to economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Energy markets provided some relief after several days of heightened volatility.

Oil prices eased following reports that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a conditional ceasefire, reducing concerns about an immediate expansion of regional conflict. The development helped remove part of the geopolitical premium that had recently driven crude prices higher.

The broader situation remains fragile. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway that normally handles roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, remains below pre-conflict levels. Market participants continue to monitor the region closely for signs of further escalation involving Iran and U.S. interests.

Political developments in Washington added another layer of uncertainty. On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled House voted to limit U.S. military involvement in Iran, marking a rare challenge to President Donald Trump’s approach to the conflict. Trump dismissed the measure as a “meaningless vote,” though the debate reflected growing concern among lawmakers about the potential economic and military consequences of a prolonged confrontation.

Economic data also remained in focus.

Investors awaited the latest weekly jobless claims report and productivity data, but attention is increasingly shifting toward Friday’s May employment report, one of the most closely watched indicators for both markets and Federal Reserve policymakers.

Economists currently expect the U.S. economy to have added approximately 85,000 jobs in May, down from roughly 115,000 in April but still representing continued labor-market growth. The report will play a major role in shaping expectations for future Federal Reserve policy.

Several Fed officials, including Tom Barkin, Michelle Bowman, and Mary Daly, were scheduled to speak Thursday, with traders looking for any signals regarding the path of interest rates. Recent inflation readings have softened modestly, helping support hopes that policymakers may eventually gain flexibility later this year.

Looking ahead, investors will also focus on earnings from Lululemon Athletica, scheduled after Thursday’s closing bell. The report is expected to provide another important measure of consumer spending trends, particularly among higher-income households.

For now, Wall Street appears to be entering a period of consolidation after months of gains. Investors are reassessing technology valuations, monitoring developments in the Middle East, and waiting for Friday’s jobs report to provide the next major clue about the direction of the economy and financial markets.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

Elon Musk is on the verge of becoming the first person in history with a net worth exceeding $1 trillion, a development that is already fueling debate in Washington and emerging as a talking point for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The catalyst is SpaceX’s anticipated debut on the Nasdaq on June 12. The rocket and aerospace company is expected to enter public trading with a valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion, a move that could push Musk’s fortune beyond the trillion-dollar mark for the first time.

Democratic lawmakers have quickly seized on the prospect, using it to spotlight concerns about wealth inequality and advocate for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy.

“Nobody should be a trillionaire. Tax the … rich,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., wrote on X.

Sen. Bernie Sanders echoed that sentiment during a campaign event in Maine last month, calling it “insanity” for a single individual to accumulate such enormous wealth. Meanwhile, Michigan state lawmaker Mallory McMorrow, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, has incorporated the issue into her campaign messaging.

Speaking by phone, McMorrow argued that Musk’s immense fortune helps illustrate broader economic concerns facing American families.

“Elon Musk is somebody who would not be as successful as he is without billions of dollars of government contracts and subsidies,” she said, drawing the line to gas prices, healthcare cuts and federal contracting.

To put the figure in perspective, McMorrow noted that $1 trillion would be enough to fund Michigan’s entire $81 billion state budget for more than a dozen years.

Musk’s approach toward the trillion-dollar threshold stems from two major financial developments.

The first occurred in November 2025, when Tesla shareholders approved a compensation package that could ultimately be worth as much as $1 trillion if Musk achieves a series of business and market-value goals, including raising Tesla’s valuation to $8.5 trillion.

The second is the upcoming SpaceX public offering. The IPO is expected to raise approximately $75 billion under the ticker symbol SPCX. Because Musk owns roughly 42 percent of the company, the offering alone could elevate his net worth beyond $1 trillion.

Musk has repeatedly argued that his wealth is tied to long-term goals involving humanity’s future beyond Earth. His SpaceX compensation package is reportedly linked to progress toward establishing a self-sustaining city of one million residents on Mars.

The billionaire has also defended himself against criticism over taxes. In 2021, Musk stated that he paid more than $11 billion in federal taxes. However, ProPublica reported that he paid no federal income tax in 2018.

Tax experts note that federal tax laws generally apply to income rather than overall wealth, meaning large increases in asset values do not automatically result in income-tax obligations.

Public opinion appears to be largely concerned about growing economic disparities. An Economist/YouGov survey conducted from January 2 through January 5 among 1,646 American adult citizens found that 80 percent view the gap between rich and poor as a major problem, while 59 percent support federal efforts to reduce that disparity. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points, with larger margins for subgroup results.

The debate is also taking on immediate policy significance. California voters are expected to consider a proposal this fall that would impose a 5 percent annual tax on net worth exceeding $1 billion.

Although Musk lives in Texas and would not be subject to the proposed California levy, his potential emergence as the nation’s first trillionaire has already intensified the political battle over wealth, taxation, and economic inequality.

{Matzav.com}

photos: Shlome B.

(AP) – Jetting off soon for summer travels? If you’re planning on bringing an extra battery charger for your phone or other devices, be aware of the latest rules when taking one on a flight.

Rechargeable lithium-ion portable battery chargers, also known as power banks, come in protective enclosures of various shapes and sizes. They’re a handy and popular way for getting more juice when you’re on the move.

But after a spate of smoke or fire incidents, U.S. and international aviation authorities have issued new guidelines and airlines have tightened up rules for passengers.

Here’s a guide on flying with power banks.

The rules around power banks on planes
The most important thing to know is that you can’t pack lithium battery chargers in your checked luggage. They need to go in your carry-on luggage.

Travelers can generally bring two lithium ion power banks with a capacity of 100 watt hours without needing airline approval. That’s more than enough to charge a cellphone several times over.

For non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries, the limit is two grams of lithium per battery. AA and AAA batteries typically contain less than a gram of lithium.

Those limits cover nearly all types of lithium batteries in an average person’s electronic devices, according to the the Federal Aviation Authority.

The FAA says newer lithium ion batteries should have a label with the watt hour, or Wh, rating. But if your power bank’s energy capacity is listed in milliampere hours, or mAH, you’ll need to do some math, or use the FAA’s online calculator.

To figure out your battery’s watt-hour rating, take the mAH number, divide it by 1,000 to get ampere hours, and then multiply by the device’s voltage, which is usually 3.7 volts. For example, a battery with 10,000 milliampere hour rating is equal to 10 ampere hours. Multiply that by 3.7 volts and you get 37 watt hours.

Passengers will need airline approval for bigger lithium-ion batteries, with a capacity of 100 to 160 watt hours, such as those used in professional video gear or medical equipment.

Why lithium power banks can’t go in checked luggage
Airlines are taking the risk of lithium battery fires seriously after a rash of incidents.

One of the worst happened in January 2025 when a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane waiting to take off from an airport in South Korea, forcing the evacuation of all 176 people aboard.

The FAA lists nine lithium battery air incidents so far this year, including six that involved power banks.

Concerns about the batteries have been enough to disrupt flights even when there were no signs of a problem. Last month, an Easyjet flight from Egypt to Britain diverted to Rome as a precaution after a passenger told the crew that they had a power bank in checked luggage charging a device.

Lithium batteries in a jet’s cargo hold pose a danger because if there’s smoke or fire, the crew can’t take immediate action to identify and extinguish it, according to the International Air Transport Association, or IATA.

Keeping them in the cabin makes it easier for the crew to stop a potential blaze by using fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to contain an overheating device.

There’s a very low risk that a lithium ion battery will short-circuit and cause a fire, but if it does the hazard it creates is “very horrible,” said Paul Christensen, a professor of pure and applied electrochemistry at the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom.

Lithium batteries can store ”a huge amount of energy in a very small space,” Christensen said. The risk comes when a battery is crushed, overcharged or overheated. That can trigger what’s called “thermal runaway,” a chemical reaction that produces heat and toxic gases, he said.

Christensen recommends checking your power bank for any signs of damage. If it’s bulging or getting very hot when charging, those could be signs it has a problem.

He also advises avoiding cheap power banks from unknown manufacturers, which might not have proper quality controls to prevent defects or contamination. Shoddy lithium batteries can “produce thermal runaway a long time after they’ve been purchased,” he said.

In-flight rules
Once you’re on board, airlines have strict rules on handling power banks in the passenger cabin.

You can’t put it in the overhead bin. Instead you’ll have to keep it somewhere you can get it to quickly, such as in the seatback pocket or under the seat in front of you.

Don’t use it to charge other devices during flight, and don’t recharge it using the aircraft’s on-board power sockets.

If a battery — or battery-powered device — slips down the side of your seat, don’t move the seat to try to get it.

“Seats can crush or damage the battery, which could cause it to overheat or catch fire,” IATA says. Instead, call a cabin crew member because they’re trained to retrieve devices safely.

Check with your airline
The FAA says individual airlines and international rules could be more restrictive than U.S. regulations, so if in doubt, it’s best to check with your airline. Southwest Airlines, for example, said in April that it would limit passengers to one charger each.

Many carriers have a detailed list of rules for various battery types, including lithium-powered devices like laptops, tablets and e-cigarettes.

NEW YORK — In a year when many global consumer brands are cutting forecasts, warning about geopolitical uncertainty, or struggling with weakening consumer demand, PVH Corp., the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, delivered a different message to investors Wednesday: the plan remains intact.

The apparel giant reported first-quarter revenue of approximately $2.0 billion, exceeding its own expectations on a reported basis and meeting guidance after accounting for foreign-exchange fluctuations. More importantly, management reaffirmed its full-year outlook despite acknowledging that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is creating meaningful pressure across parts of its global business.

For investors, the significance was not that PVH raised guidance. It didn’t. The significance was that it didn’t lower it.

In today’s environment, simply holding the line has become an achievement.

Chief Executive Officer Stefan Larsson said the company “delivered on our plan and commitments in the first quarter,” pointing to continued execution of PVH’s multiyear transformation strategy known as the PVH+ Plan.

The strongest area of the quarter came from the company’s direct relationship with consumers.

PVH reported that direct-to-consumer revenue rose 6%, or 3% excluding currency effects, driven by growth across both Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as gains in both physical stores and e-commerce channels.

That matters because direct-to-consumer sales are increasingly becoming the most important battleground in apparel retail.

When brands sell directly through their own stores and websites, they not only capture higher margins but also gain valuable information about customer preferences, purchasing patterns, and product performance. In an industry where fashion trends can change rapidly, that direct connection has become a competitive advantage.

The quarter also demonstrated strong operational discipline.

PVH reported operating margins at the high end of its guidance range, reflecting improved inventory management, cost controls, and a more focused merchandising strategy.

The company has increasingly concentrated resources around what management calls its “hero categories”—products with strong brand recognition and repeat demand.

For Calvin Klein, that means denim and underwear. For Tommy Hilfiger, sweaters and outerwear remain central pillars of the strategy.

The approach appears to be working.

Yet the most revealing part of the earnings report may have been the company’s explanation for why guidance remained unchanged.

PVH’s updated outlook incorporates what management described as the expected prolonged impact of the Middle East conflict. Rising shipping costs, economic uncertainty, softer consumer demand in certain markets, and broader geopolitical risks are all expected to create headwinds throughout the year.

Ordinarily, those pressures might have resulted in lower forecasts.

Instead, PVH expects those challenges to be largely offset by tariff refunds the company anticipates receiving, creating a rare situation in which two major external forces effectively cancel each other out.

The result is a full-year forecast calling for roughly flat revenue and an adjusted operating margin of approximately 8.8%.

That balancing act highlights a broader reality facing multinational consumer companies.

The apparel business today involves much more than designing products and selling clothing. Companies must constantly navigate tariffs, exchange rates, geopolitical conflicts, supply-chain disruptions, shifting trade policies, and changing consumer behavior.

In many ways, today’s global fashion companies increasingly resemble geopolitical risk managers.

PVH’s results provide an important window into global consumer spending because its brands operate across dozens of countries and demographic groups. The company’s ability to maintain growth in direct-to-consumer sales suggests consumers continue engaging with premium apparel brands despite inflation pressures and economic uncertainty.

That resilience has become increasingly important as investors look for signs that discretionary spending remains healthy.

The coming quarters will provide a more complete test.

Energy prices remain elevated, geopolitical tensions remain unresolved, and consumer confidence continues facing pressure from higher borrowing costs and inflation concerns.

For now, however, PVH delivered something many companies have struggled to provide in 2026: stability.

The company’s brands continue attracting customers, its direct-sales strategy is producing results, margins remain disciplined, and management remains confident enough to stand by its full-year targets.

In a year defined by uncertainty, that may be one of the strongest statements a global consumer company can make.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Thursday unveiled a new facility to produce nuclear bomb fuels, with leader Kim Jong Un announcing plans to bolster the country’s nuclear forces “at an exponential rate.”

Some experts still question whether North Korea has functioning nuclear missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland. But the nuclear plant’s disclosure implies that Kim is eager to cement his country’s status as a nuclear power and has no intentions of placing his bomb program on a negotiating table.

After visiting the site on Wednesday, Kim said he and other top officials “confirmed the order of priority for implementing the ambitious future plan designed to beef up our state’s nuclear forces at an exponential rate,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The site is likely a uranium enrichment plant
KCNA said the facility used “more sophisticated technology” but didn’t provide further details like its location. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff assessed the site as a uranium enrichment plant and said it was closely coordinating with the United States to monitor North Korean nuclear activities.

KCNA photos showed Kim walking through narrow aisles lined with dense rows of silver tubes and pipes, in what appeared to be a centrifuge hall. Another image showed him speaking with senior officials in a meeting room, where a blurred graphic depicting a cone-shaped object was spread across a table. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the graphic showed a warhead design.

It’s the third time that North Korea has disclosed a uranium enrichment site. In 2010, North Korea showed one at its main Yongbyon nuclear complex to visiting American scholars, and in 2024, North Korea released photos of another covert uranium-enrichment plant, which experts believe was at its Kangson complex.

Experts say the newly disclosed site is likely an additional uranium enrichment facility that North Korea is suspected to have been building at Yongbyon.

“Based on a preliminary analysis, it appears that this facility is likely the newly added Yongbyon enrichment facility. It appears to have two levels and represents a substantial expansion of enrichment capability,” said Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“North Korea’s ongoing nuclear expansion does not have a near-term end in sight,” he said.

Last September, South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said that North Korea was operating a total of four uranium enrichment facilities including the Yongbyon complex, and that they were running everyday.

Kim wants nuclear weapons state
During his plant visit, Kim said the urgency for bolstering up the country’s nuclear war deterrent, both in quality and quantity, has grown because of confrontations with “the most ferocious enemies,” an apparent reference to the U.S. and South Korea.

Kim said exercising “the position of a nuclear weapons state” is his country’s “invariable” stand. He said North Korea’s nuclear materials production capacity has more than doubled compared with five years ago, a claim that cannot be verified independently.

Experts say Kim wants an international recognition as a nuclear state so that he could demand the lifting of U.N. economic sanctions. They say Kim would ultimately push for arms reductions talks with the U.S. as a way to win concessions in return for a partial surrender of his nuclear capability.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to resume diplomacy with Kim, but the North Korean leader responded the Americans must first drop its demand for North Korea to denuclearize as a precondition for talks.

Some question North Korea’s nuclear program
Since his first round of nuclear diplomacy collapsed in 2019, Kim has performed a provocative run of weapons tests and vowed repeatedly to “exponentially” expand the country’s nuclear arsenal.

This led to many experts believing North Korea now likely has nuclear missiles capable of striking the U.S. mainland. But some still note North Korea hasn’t proved it mastered last-remaining technological hurdles to obtain such missiles, including ensuring its warheads survive the conditions of atmospheric reentry. They say North Korea also need to perfect technologies to place multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile to defeat U.S. missile shields.

A senior South Korean official told lawmakers in 2018 that North Korea was estimated to have manufactured between 20 and 60 nuclear weapons, but some experts now put the size of the North’s arsenal at more than 100 warheads.

In 2023, North Korea unveiled a type of battlefield nuclear warheads. Some analysts speculated the warhead’s unveiling might be a prelude to a nuclear test. But North Korea hasn’t carried out a test, which would be its seventh detonation overall and the first since September 2017.

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-In a first for the Israel Defense Forces, a female combat soldier has completed training in the military’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit, the IDF announced Thursday.

The servicewoman finished a specially designed training track lasting more than a year and a half after passing preliminary screenings and meeting all required criteria, according to the IDF. She is expected to soon join the unit’s operational activities in accordance with military protocols governing mixed-gender service.

The pilot program allowing women to serve in Sayeret Matkal began in December 2024 as part of broader efforts to expand combat roles for female soldiers.

The IDF described the achievement as groundbreaking and congratulated the soldier on her accomplishment.

“At this time, maximizing the service potential of male and female soldiers from all sectors and populations is an imperative, and the IDF will continue to work toward this goal,” the military said in a statement.

The IDF has emphasized that the integration of women into additional combat positions is driven by operational and practical needs rather than a social agenda. Sayeret Matkal, known as one of the IDF’s premier special operations units, has historically been open only to men.

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of R’ Moshe Doman Z”L, of Los Angeles, South Africa, Atlanta, and Lakewood, who was niftar this morning following an illness. He was 78 years old.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at 12:30 PM today at the chapel, 613 Ramsey Avenue, Lakewood. Kevurah in Lakewood.

Shiva information will be published when it becomes available.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

BERLIN (AP) — German airline Lufthansa says several employees were injured after the nose gear of a Boeing aircraft unexpectedly retracted, before passengers were set to board a planned flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles.

The carrier said the incident involving the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner occurred shortly after noon Thursday while it was parked at the gate, with only crew members and ground staff on board.

“Several employees were injured and are currently receiving medical attention,” Lufthansa said in a statement.

The company, in an email, said it and relevant authorities were investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Following a gear collapse at the gate in Frankfurt, Lufthansa 787-9 D-ABPQ has been significantly damaged. Today’s LH450 has been canceled. We are awaiting more information on any potential injuries. pic.twitter.com/FTBK4m2WyS

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 4, 2026

A Jewish physician in the United Kingdom has raised serious concerns about antisemitism within the National Health Service, claiming that some medical professionals have openly stated they would refuse emergency treatment to Israeli patients, prompting a government response and an urgent review of the healthcare system.

The doctor, identified only as Baruch, told ITV News that he was disturbed by conversations with fellow healthcare workers at a London hospital who allegedly admitted they would not provide life-saving care to Israelis in emergency situations.

“It is very scary to me that I have met doctors who’ve said that they will not, point-blank, treat somebody who has come from certain areas of the world. If they are dying in A&E, I’ve been told by doctors that if they’re from Israel, then they will not treat that person. That to me is disgraceful,” Baruch stated.

Baruch also alleged that Jewish patients had, in some cases, been denied access to kosher food while receiving hospital care.

The accusations drew a swift response from Britain’s Department of Health and Social Care, which characterized the claims as deeply troubling.

Officials acknowledged broader concerns within the healthcare system, stating that “the medical healthcare professional regulatory system is failing to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff.”

In response to the allegations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered an urgent review of antisemitism and discrimination within the NHS. The investigation will be led by Lord Mann and will examine both antisemitic incidents and other forms of racism throughout the public healthcare system.

Baruch said the atmosphere he has experienced within the medical profession, combined with growing concerns about antisemitism in British society, has led him and his wife to decide to leave the United Kingdom and relocate to Israel.

The move brings an end to a family history in Britain stretching back approximately 400 years, dating to the return of Jewish settlement during the era of Oliver Cromwell. With his parents and five siblings already living overseas, Baruch said he will be the last member of his family to leave.

“To have that long lineage of a family who came here 400 years ago and now having to leave because on the one hand we want to leave, we love Israel, but also leaving because of antisemitism, is very sad,” Baruch reflected.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care reiterated the government’s concerns and commitment to addressing the issue.

“These reports are shocking. It is unacceptable that people do not currently feel safe working in and using the health service. Recent incidents of antisemitism have drawn stark attention to problems of culture and how racist incidents are addressed. This government has been clear that change is needed and that the medical healthcare professional regulatory system is failing to protect Jewish patients and NHS staff. That’s why the prime minister ordered an urgent review, led by Lord Mann, into antisemitism and all forms of racism in the health service. We will use every tool at our disposal to make sure Jewish NHS staff feel safe at work,” the spokesperson confirmed.

The revelations come against the backdrop of a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom. In late April, two Orthodox Jewish men were wounded in a stabbing attack in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, an incident that contributed to the government raising the national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” for the first time in more than four years.

{Matzav.com}

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Hezbollah attempted to assassinate Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo with an explosive-laden first-person view (FPV) drone during a recent visit to southern Lebanon, military officials told Ynet on Thursday. The drone struck Milo’s vehicle shortly after he had gotten out. No injuries were reported.

The attack highlighted the growing danger Hezbollah drones pose to IDF troops in southern Lebanon and reflected the ongoing tactical learning battle between the sides, with security officials saying Hezbollah has largely pulled back from direct gun battles while increasingly using low-cost drones to target soldiers, vehicles and military positions, including at night.

At the beginning of the Israeli ground maneuver in Lebanon, Hezbollah terrorists mainly used rockets and anti-tank missiles. After being pushed back, they increasingly turned to FPV drones.

Hezbollah has also been adjusting the way it uses the deadly weapon. At first, its terrorists struggled to fly the drones professionally and to identify targets properly. IDF drone specialists have since reported improvement in the piloting capabilities of Hezbollah drone operators and in their ability to bring the drones closer to troops.

Following the near-hit on one of its top generals and other recent drone strikes, the IDF changed procedures for field visits along some routes, tightened procedures for detecting and intercepting drones, and sent additional protective equipment to forces in the area, including wire mesh netting and new detection systems.

As part of those efforts, the military has sharply reduced the use of heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers, which had become easy targets. Officials say one aim of expanding operations toward the strategic Beaufort Ridge is to make it harder for Hezbollah to launch FPV drones at Israeli border communities.

A military source said Hezbollah terrorists are being pushed farther back, sometimes by hundreds of meters. “We hope that in the near future we will see some change in this threat, certainly for the residents of the north,” the source said.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A moment of excitement nearly turned into a disaster at a wedding held last night at the D-City event hall for one of the students of Rabbi Avraham Salem.

At the peak of the ceremony, when the groom was about to place the ring on the bride’s finger, the ring slipped from his hand, fell to the wooden floor and disappeared into one of the narrow cracks between the floorboards.

Despite initial attempts to retrieve the ring, they were unsuccessful. The groom, family members, and guests were left embarrassed and stunned by the unexpected situation, which interrupted the ceremony at its most critical moment. The crowd held its breath, and the tension in the hall was palpable.

However, the rosh yeshiva, who was officiating the ceremony, quickly found a solution. With characteristic composure, Rabbi Avraham Salim asked everyone to calm down and reminded them of the halachic ruling: “A woman is acquired in three ways, and the first of them is money.”

Without hesitation, the rabbi asked the groom whether he had any cash on him. After the groom took out a 100-shekel bill from his pocket, Rabbi Salim instructed him to recite the standard betrothal declaration: “Behold, you are consecrated to me with this money according to the law of Moses and Israel.”

Thus, the betrothal was completed properly and validly, much to the joy of the couple and the large audience present. The unusual moment became a story that will likely be retold at many future celebrations.

Rabbi Avraham Salim, head of Yeshivat Maor HaTorah and member of the Sephardic Council of Torah Sages, participated last year alongside other senior rabbis in a campaign to support the World Torah Fund, an event that received wide attention in support of Torah scholarship across the Jewish world.

NEW YORK — Macy’s Inc. delivered its strongest first-quarter performance in four years on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, providing fresh evidence that the department-store operator’s turnaround strategy is gaining momentum despite ongoing concerns about consumer spending and economic uncertainty.

The retailer reported comparable sales growth of 3.0%, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of gains and its strongest first-quarter comparable-sales performance since 2022. The results exceeded expectations and prompted management to raise its outlook for the remainder of the year.

Investors welcomed the news, sending shares higher in premarket trading.

The gains were broad-based across the company’s portfolio.

Comparable sales at the flagship Macy’s brand increased 1.6%, while the company’s upgraded “Reimagine” store locations posted growth of 2.4%. Those stores have been the centerpiece of management’s turnaround strategy, featuring enhanced merchandising, improved staffing levels, upgraded layouts, and a stronger customer experience.

The biggest surprise came from luxury retailer Bloomingdale’s, where comparable sales surged 10.2%, marking the chain’s strongest first quarter on record and its seventh consecutive quarter of growth.

The performance encouraged management to become more optimistic about the year ahead.

Macy’s now expects annual net sales of $21.5 billion to $21.75 billion, compared with its previous forecast range of $21.4 billion to $21.65 billion. The company also raised projected adjusted earnings to $2.00 to $2.20 per share, up from its prior outlook of $1.90 to $2.10 per share and ahead of many Wall Street forecasts.

Management also shifted its expectations for comparable sales growth into positive territory, forecasting annual growth of 0.5% to 1.2%, compared with earlier guidance that allowed for potential declines.

The improved outlook reflects growing confidence that the company’s strategic investments are producing measurable results.

For years, Macy’s struggled with challenges facing traditional department stores, including declining mall traffic, competition from e-commerce, shifting consumer preferences, and an oversized store footprint. Management responded by closing weaker locations while concentrating resources on stores and markets with the strongest growth potential.

That strategy appears to be working.

The success of the Reimagine initiative suggests customers are responding positively to upgraded stores and a more focused merchandise mix. Rather than attempting to improve every location equally, Macy’s has prioritized investment where it believes returns will be highest.

External factors have also contributed.

Chief Executive Officer Tony Spring acknowledged that disruptions among luxury competitors have created opportunities for Bloomingdale’s to attract additional customers. Following the recent bankruptcy-related challenges at Saks Fifth Avenue, some high-end shoppers have shifted spending toward alternative luxury retailers.

Spring described the disruption as beneficial but emphasized that it is not the primary driver of Bloomingdale’s growth.

The broader retail environment remains challenging.

Many retailers benefited this spring from larger-than-normal tax refunds, which provided consumers with additional discretionary spending power. That tailwind may fade during the second half of the year, particularly if rising gasoline prices and broader inflation pressures continue weighing on household budgets.

Higher oil prices stemming from tensions in the Middle East are already creating concerns across the retail sector. Every additional dollar spent at the pump reduces the amount consumers have available for apparel, home goods, and other discretionary purchases.

That dynamic could become increasingly important as the year progresses.

Even so, Macy’s latest quarter stands out as one of the stronger retail performances of the earnings season.

The company delivered sales growth, earnings growth, improved guidance, and continued momentum across both its core and luxury businesses. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrated that traditional department stores can still grow when management executes a focused strategy and invests effectively.

Investors will now be watching closely to see whether the momentum continues into the second half of the year.

For the first time in years, however, Macy’s is entering that conversation from a position of strength rather than one of survival.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

Members of the ground version of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were arrested May 24 as they crossed into Libya and have been held in detention since then.

While Israel’s brief detention of the flotilla activists sparked international outrage, the world has kept mum about the detentions in Libya.

The group, which calls itself the Global Sumud Land Convoy with the aim of complementing the flotilla via a land incursion, released a statement saying that it had been forced to abort its effort in the face of local violence and arrests.

Activists from the Global Sumud Land Convoy are detained in Libya. (From a post on X)

The GSF said that 200 activists had camped a few miles from the Sirte crossing into Libya when they were encircled by unmarked vehicles, physically assaulted and forced to evacuate. Ten of them were subsequently arrested when they attempted to negotiate with the Government of National Stability.

The GNS Foreign Ministry claimed the detentions were prompted by the activists’ failure to obtain proper entry permits, but insisted they were being treated in accordance with international humanitarian law. The ministry added that despite its sympathy with the cause, entry across the Libya-Egypt border is permitted only to citizens of those countries.

The GSF called on the activists’ countries of origin to intervene on behalf of their citizens, but critics who point to the double standards the international community has imposed on Israel say that if Israel is not involved, the activists will likely see little action taken to procure their freedom in a timely fashion.

This post was originally published on this site.

This post was originally published on this site.

President Donald Trump has reportedly told senior aides that he would be prepared to abandon the current ceasefire with Iran if American service members are killed by Iranian forces, according to a report published Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal.

Despite that warning, U.S. officials told the newspaper that the ceasefire remains in effect, even after a new round of hostilities this week. Those incidents included American strikes Tuesday night on Iran’s Qeshm Island and an Iranian response involving missiles and drones launched toward Kuwait.

The report suggests that Trump is still seeking to avoid a wider war in the region and may be willing to tolerate limited exchanges between the two sides rather than immediately return to full-scale conflict. Officials indicated that the president appears prepared to endure smaller confrontations for an extended period if doing so helps prevent a broader regional war.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump struck an optimistic tone regarding ongoing negotiations with Tehran and suggested an agreement could be close at hand.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend,” Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close” to signing the papers.

Trump also said he wants Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium transferred to U.S. control and expressed confidence that such a move could occur soon.

When asked whether the ceasefire remained intact following Iran’s overnight attack on Kuwait, Trump replied, “There’s a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard”, while also acknowledging that “anything can happen when you are dealing with Iran.”

The president’s comments came a day after he pushed back against reports claiming that negotiations between Washington and Tehran had broken down.

In a post published Tuesday on Truth Social, Trump said discussions with Iran had continued uninterrupted and insisted that recent reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous,” wrote Trump.

He added, “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’”

Trump’s remarks followed reports in Iranian media claiming that Tehran had suspended indirect talks with the United States because of Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon. The president’s statements directly contradicted those reports and underscored his administration’s position that negotiations remain active.

{Matzav.com}

Baruch Hashem, Lakewood is blessed with countless families, and every day many, many parents are out shopping and running errands with their little children.

With so many families frequenting our local stores and shopping centers, we’d like to make a small request that can make a meaningful difference for parents with young children.

When pulling into a parking space, please take a quick look to make sure you have left enough room for parents in neighboring vehicles to safely load and unload a Doona or similar infant car seat. This small act of consideration can go a long way in helping families with young children.

There are occasions when a parent returns to their vehicle and finds that there is simply not enough space to fit the Doona between the cars. In some cases, the parent may need to leave the child outside the vehicle for a brief moment while pulling the car out to create enough room. While every effort is made to do this safely, it is certainly not ideal.

Of course, parking lots can be crowded, and no one is intentionally causing inconvenience. However, when possible, leaving a little extra room and being mindful of neighboring vehicles is a thoughtful gesture that can make things much easier for parents and help keep young children safe.

Thank you for your consideration and for helping make Lakewood a little easier and safer for everyone.

A Fellow Parent

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve delivered a relatively calm assessment of the U.S. economy on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, but beneath the surface, financial markets are rapidly rethinking where interest rates may be headed next. Just weeks ago, investors broadly expected policymakers to begin cutting rates later this year. Today, an increasing number of traders believe the Fed’s next move could be in the opposite direction.

In its latest Beige Book, a survey of economic conditions gathered from businesses across the country, the central bank reported that economic activity had improved modestly in recent weeks while employment levels remained generally stable. The language was measured and familiar. Yet the backdrop surrounding monetary policy has changed dramatically.

The primary catalyst has been the sharp rise in oil prices following renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Higher energy costs have historically presented one of the most difficult challenges for central bankers because they influence virtually every corner of the economy. Rising oil prices increase transportation expenses, raise manufacturing costs, boost utility bills, and ultimately filter through to consumers in the form of higher prices at gas stations, grocery stores, and retail outlets.

That inflationary pressure is already beginning to appear in economic data.

The latest reading of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, reached its highest level in nearly three years. At the same time, the labor market continues to show surprising resilience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job openings rose to 7.62 million in April, the highest level since May 2024, suggesting businesses continue competing aggressively for workers despite elevated borrowing costs.

That combination of persistent inflation and continued labor-market strength has forced investors to reconsider assumptions that rate cuts are imminent.

Interest-rate futures markets now imply roughly 17 basis points of tightening by the end of 2026, equivalent to approximately a 70% probability of a quarter-point rate increase, with traders increasingly expecting a full rate hike by early 2027.

Only a few months ago, such a scenario would have seemed unlikely.

The shift highlights the difficult position facing policymakers. The Fed’s benchmark interest rate influences borrowing costs throughout the economy, including mortgages, auto loans, business lending, and credit cards. Traditionally, when economic growth weakens, the central bank lowers rates to stimulate activity. When inflation accelerates, it raises rates to cool demand.

Oil shocks complicate that framework because they often create both problems simultaneously.

Higher energy prices push inflation upward while also reducing consumers’ purchasing power. Households spend more on gasoline and utilities, leaving less available for discretionary purchases. That dynamic can slow economic growth even as inflation remains elevated.

For the Fed, that creates a difficult balancing act.

Adding another layer of uncertainty is the arrival of Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, who is preparing to lead his first policy meeting later this month. Investors will closely examine his comments for clues about how the new leadership team views current inflation risks and whether policymakers believe rising oil prices represent a temporary disruption or a more persistent threat to price stability.

The distinction matters enormously.

If Fed officials conclude that higher energy prices will eventually fade without spreading throughout the economy, they may choose to hold rates steady and wait for inflation pressures to ease. If they believe rising costs are becoming embedded in wages and consumer prices, policymakers could feel compelled to tighten financial conditions further.

For American households, the consequences are tangible.

Many consumers entered 2026 expecting interest rates to move lower, potentially making homes, vehicles, and other major purchases more affordable. A delay in rate cuts—or an outright hike—would keep borrowing costs elevated for longer while families simultaneously face higher fuel and living expenses.

The next major test arrives with Friday’s employment report.

A stronger-than-expected jobs number would reinforce the view that the economy remains resilient despite higher rates and elevated energy costs. Such an outcome could strengthen the argument among policymakers that inflation remains the larger threat and that additional tightening may eventually become necessary.

For now, the Fed has not signaled any immediate policy shift. But financial markets increasingly believe the conversation has changed. After months of debating when rate cuts would begin, investors are now asking whether the next move might be a rate hike instead.

That possibility alone represents one of the most significant shifts in the economic outlook since the start of the year.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

As tens of thousands of visitors prepare to head to the Catskills and surrounding Upstate communities for the summer season, federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies joined community leaders and emergency response organizations on Wednesday for a major pre-summer security briefing aimed at strengthening coordination and preparedness.

The annual meeting, hosted in Sullivan County, brought together representatives from the FBI, New York State Police, county sheriff’s offices, district attorneys’ offices, police departments, emergency management agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations from across the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.

Among the agencies represented were the Sullivan, Orange, Rockland, and Ulster County Sheriff’s Offices; the Sullivan, Orange, and Rockland County District Attorneys’ Offices; the Ramapo, Spring Valley, Monroe, Monticello, Fallsburg, Liberty, and Woodridge Police Departments; Sullivan County Emergency Management and Health Department officials; New York State Department of Health and DMV representatives; and numerous municipal and county officials.

Community emergency response organizations, including Catskills Hatzolah, Chaverim of Rockland, and Catskills Chaverim, also participated in the briefing, alongside camp representatives, chaplains, askonim, and public safety partners.

Officials reviewed plans for managing the region’s dramatic seasonal population increase, discussing topics including traffic and transportation management, emergency preparedness, large-scale event coordination, healthcare resources, water and hiking safety, hate crime prevention, and interagency communications.

Catskills Hatzolah leaders outlined the organization’s extensive summer operations, which include hundreds of volunteer responders and multiple ambulances serving the region throughout the summer months and year-round.

Rabbi Abe Friedman, longtime law enforcement chaplain and community liaison who helped organize the gathering, emphasized the importance of proactive coordination among agencies before the summer season begins.

“This annual gathering demonstrates the strong partnership that exists between law enforcement, government agencies, healthcare providers, emergency responders, and community leaders,” Friedman said. “When agencies communicate and work together before challenges arise, it helps ensure a safer and more secure summer for everyone.”

Law enforcement officials praised the continued cooperation between agencies at every level and reiterated their commitment to protecting residents and visitors throughout the busy summer season.

Among the community leaders and askonim in attendance were senior community leader and law enforcement chaplain Rabbi Berish Freilich, Chevra Hatzolah CEO Avromi Braun, Catskills Hatzolah Coordinator Bernie Gips, Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margaretten, Rockland County law enforcement liaison Hershy Margaretten, Chaskel Bennett of Agudath Israel of America’s Board of Trustees, Law enforcement Chaplain Simcha Bernath, Community Askan Abe Rosenberg, Yoel Rosenfeld, and numerous other community representatives.

The annual security briefing has become a cornerstone of regional summer preparedness efforts, helping ensure that law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and community organizations remain coordinated and prepared for one of the busiest times of the year.

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(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A new residential development in the heart of the neighborhood is progressing rapidly toward completion, with the building expected to be fully ready later this year. This week, the project reached a visible and exciting milestone as the entire superstructure was completed and the exterior scaffolding was removed marking a significant step forward after a notably efficient construction process.

Located on 39th Street, Boutique 39 will bring 10 carefully designed residential apartments to the block. Each residence will offer approximately 1,450 square feet of living space, including four spacious bedrooms providing the kind of comfortable, functional layouts that today’s families are looking for.

The project is being built by the Kaufman Group, a well-known general contractor in Boro Park, recognized for its quality construction and attention to detail, something that has been evident throughout the building process.

From the outset, the development moved at an impressive pace, with the structure rising quickly and the exterior work completed on schedule. Neighbors took note as the scaffolding, which was up for only about two months, came down almost as quickly as it went up clear evidence of the strong momentum behind the project.

Throughout the construction process, the developers made a conscious effort to be considerate of the surrounding community. Special attention was given to minimizing disruption and maintaining smooth traffic flow on the block, helping ensure that daily life continued as normally as possible for local residents.

At one point during construction, a roof fire caused some concern, but baruch Hashem, work continued without significant delays, and the project has remained firmly on track. With the scaffolding now removed, the building is entering its final stages ahead of completion later this year.

The area itself has been steadily developing into a warm and growing heimish neighborhood, with many families moving in and strengthening the character of the block. There is a clear sense of growth and continuity, as new homes are added alongside long-standing residents who give the neighborhood its unique feel.

Boutique 39 is expected to contribute meaningfully to that continued growth, offering well-planned, spacious homes in a quiet and convenient location. As the building moves closer to completion, it stands as part of a broader trend one of thoughtful development that aligns with the needs and values of the community.

A recent graduate of New York University has been arrested after allegedly placing a banner featuring swastikas and a Star of David on top of a university building during commencement celebrations, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to law enforcement officials, the 23-year-old suspect has been charged with criminal trespass as a hate crime, as well as burglary and aggravated harassment. Investigators say he climbed onto a campus building near West 4th Street and Greene Street in Greenwich Village and displayed the banner at approximately 5 p.m. on May 13.

Police said the banner was designed to resemble the Israeli flag and contained two swastikas, a Star of David, and the university’s logo. The student newspaper Washington Square News reported that the banner was hung from the Steinhardt building, home to NYU’s education programs and named after Jewish philanthropists Judy and Michael Steinhardt.

University officials subsequently filed a hate-crime complaint with law enforcement, prompting a formal investigation.

Authorities arrested the suspect Tuesday after reviewing surveillance footage that allegedly showed him inside the building and later on the roof around the time the banner appeared. According to court documents, investigators determined that he used his own NYU electronic access credentials to enter the facility.

A source familiar with the investigation said the suspect admitted during questioning that he created and displayed the banner because some students were concerned about the university’s positions regarding Israel.

Because the charges do not qualify for bail under current New York law, the suspect was released following a brief appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the university thanked investigators for their efforts in identifying the individual responsible.

The university expressed its appreciation for the police department’s “exhaustive work and for the efforts of the Manhattan District Attorney in identifying the person responsible for this heinous crime.”

“The symbols that were represented are antisemitic and hateful to every person of conscience; this appalling act violated our sense of community and solidarity,” Wiley Norvell, NYU senior vice president for university relations and public affairs said, as quoted by the New York Daily News. “In addition to criminal proceedings, we will immediately pursue our disciplinary procedures, which carry the most severe consequences.”

The arrest comes amid a continuing rise in antisemitic incidents reported on college campuses across the United States since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

New York University has been among the institutions facing scrutiny over campus antisemitism. In July 2024, the university reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by Jewish students who alleged that the school had failed to adequately address antisemitic conduct on campus.

{Matzav.com}

LONDON (VINnews) — Sky News was granted rare access to accompany members of Shomrim, a volunteer Jewish neighborhood patrol group, during an evening shift in northwest London as concerns over antisemitism continue to grow in Britain.

The patrol, which operates in heavily Jewish neighborhoods including Golders Green and Hendon, works alongside police and responds to incidents affecting the local community.

During the ride-along, Sky News observed volunteers answering calls and helping defuse potential confrontations. Shomrim members receive training in areas such as first aid, conflict de-escalation and public safety.

The report comes as Jewish organizations in the United Kingdom have reported a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

Shomrim, which was established in London more than two decades ago, operates as a community-based safety patrol and maintains close communication with local law enforcement agencies. Community members say the group’s visible presence provides reassurance and a rapid response capability in Jewish neighborhoods.

Q: How can one maintain romance in marriage?

A: That’s a very good and important question. Now some of the things cannot be said in public but whatever it is, it’s important to keep that in mind. It is possible to do. It certainly is possible to do. And that’s one of the functions of חכמת נשים בנתה ביתה, a wise woman can build up her house. Included in her house is the attitude of romance, absolutely.

You know some girls, or many girls rather, are just like boys – they have no sense – and soon after marriage they’re careless. Beforehand they were tense, they were on their best behavior, but soon after marriage they relax and they begin behaving naturally to their chosson. And they show impatience, anger. They’re careless of his honor.

And some of them take a good husband, a potentially good husband, and they quickly spoil him at the beginning of their marriage career. It happens again and again. A good husband is spoiled by a silly girl. If she would be careful for the first sixty years with him and watch her step, she could preserve him as a chosson forever. It’s possible to do.

So you say, “Well, it’s too much exertion.”

Look; anybody who wants to succeed cannot be natural. You can never be natural with your husband. There are certain things I would tell a woman in private what to do. Don’t be natural. He has to think always that you’re supernatural. And you can keep him in that attitude.

When he married you, he thought you were something special. He didn’t think you’re an ordinary person like his sister. His sister he knows is nobody, but you are a woman in a dream world. He’s in the clouds when he marries you. You can keep him in the clouds. But if suddenly you yank him down to reality and he sees you’re somebody’s sister…

So it’s her fault!

So you’ll say, “Well, what do you want of a young girl?

Well, a girl has to be coached. It’s important to coach a girl. I claim that girls should be taught the art of marriage. It’s a great pity. There are a lot of nice young men who are spoiled as husbands. Yes, they manage to live out the rest of their 120 years with their wives but they no longer continue the career that they envisioned in the beginning. And it’s not necessary. It’s possible to live a life of romance but it needs the tactfulness and diplomacy of a wife.

Now you say, what about the diplomacy of a husband? It needs a husband’s participation too. But you have to know that all this is mostly, it’s 95% a woman’s business. Just like before marriage the bachur doesn’t perfume himself – at least most of them don’t. He doesn’t spend hours making curls in his hair before marriage. It’s the girl who is doing that. So you see that’s her job. So her job is after marriage to do certain things to maintain the illusion. And it’s possible to be done. Rav Chisda gave advice to his daughters. I cannot repeat in public what he said. I cannot repeat in public what he said, but it was advice to help them maintain the aura of romance forever.

[Toras Avigdor/December 1978]

This post was originally published on this site.

PHILADELPHIA — Five Below Inc. delivered one of the strongest retail earnings reports of the season on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, as consumers seeking value flocked to its stores, driving sales, profits, and customer traffic sharply higher.

The discount retailer reported quarterly revenue of $1.29 billion, an increase of 32.5% from $970.5 million a year earlier. The growth significantly outpaced most major retailers and reinforced the company’s reputation as one of the strongest performers in the value-shopping segment.

Investors responded positively, sending shares higher in after-hours trading.

The most impressive figure may have been customer traffic.

Comparable sales rose 22.7%, an unusually large increase for an established retailer. Comparable sales measure performance at stores open for at least one year and are closely watched because they provide insight into underlying demand rather than growth generated solely from opening new locations.

The results suggest shoppers are visiting stores more frequently and spending more while there.

Profitability improved even faster than revenue.

Operating income climbed to approximately $154.2 million, up from $50.8 million a year earlier. Adjusted earnings reached $2.22 per share, substantially above analyst expectations of approximately $1.69 per share.

The strong performance prompted management to raise its outlook for the remainder of the year.

Five Below’s business model appears particularly well positioned for the current economic environment. The chain specializes in low-cost merchandise including toys, snacks, beauty products, seasonal items, technology accessories, and novelty products, with most items selling at relatively affordable price points.

As inflation continues affecting household budgets, many consumers are becoming increasingly selective about discretionary purchases.

That trend often benefits value-oriented retailers.

Industry analysts have also pointed to strong demand for popular “squishy” toy products, which have generated significant interest among younger shoppers and helped drive store traffic.

Deutsche Bank analyst Krisztina Katai recently described the company’s quarter as a likely “beat-and-raise” scenario, citing strong customer traffic and favorable merchandising trends. Katai has suggested that Five Below’s earnings power could approach $10 per share by the end of 2026, above current company guidance.

Growth is not limited to existing stores.

The company opened 49 net new locations during the quarter, bringing its total store count to 1,970 stores across 46 states. Management plans to invest between $230 million and $250 million in capital expenditures this year as it continues expanding its national footprint.

That combination of strong comparable-sales growth and aggressive store expansion is particularly attractive to investors because it demonstrates growth from multiple sources simultaneously.

The broader economic context also favors the company.

Higher gasoline prices, elevated interest rates, and ongoing inflation concerns have encouraged many households to seek value wherever possible. While some retailers struggle as consumers pull back on discretionary purchases, Five Below offers products inexpensive enough to remain accessible even during periods of tighter budgets.

The shopping experience itself is part of the appeal.

Customers often view a trip to Five Below as an affordable form of entertainment—a chance to discover inexpensive products without making a major financial commitment. That dynamic can be especially powerful during periods of economic uncertainty.

The challenge ahead will be maintaining such extraordinary growth rates.

Five Below now faces increasingly difficult comparisons after posting blockbuster results. Consumer spending could also weaken if economic conditions deteriorate further or if rising energy costs place additional pressure on household budgets.

Still, the latest quarter delivered a clear message.

As consumers become more price-conscious, retailers offering value, convenience, and affordability continue gaining market share. Few companies have capitalized on that trend more effectively than Five Below.

For now, bargain hunting remains one of the strongest themes in American retail, and Five Below is proving to be one of its biggest beneficiaries.

Wall Street — JBizNews Desk

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

Travelodge has launched an investigation after two Jewish guests staying at one of its London hotels discovered a “Free Palestine” message displayed on their room televisions upon arrival.

The incident took place at the hotel’s Manor House branch in north London on Wednesday afternoon, where the guests said the message appeared on TVs in both of their rooms.

The welcome message system is believed to be controlled by hotel staff and can be personalised by employees.

One of the guests said they arrived at around 4:30 p.m. and felt an employee at the front desk was unwilling to engage with them.

He said he was “met with a negative attitude at the front desk as an employee did not wish to serve him or look his way”.

After receiving their room keys, the guests went to their separate rooms. When one guest switched on the television, he saw the message displayed on the screen.

He then contacted his friend to check whether it was an issue affecting only his room and discovered the same message appeared there as well.

Travelodge said it was “urgently investigating” the incident and had reported it to police, adding: “Travelodge takes allegations of antisemitism extremely seriously.”

The hotel is reportedly a location frequently used by members of the north London Jewish community and their visiting family members.

Jewish volunteer patrol group Shomrim shared footage of the message and said: “This behaviour bears all the hallmarks of targeted antisemitism.”

A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism called for the staff member responsible to be dismissed.

They said: “Are Jews no longer allowed to book a hotel room without being accosted by pro-Palestine fanaticism? Greeting Jews with a ‘Free Palestine’ message is not moral activism; it’s targeted discrimination from those obsessed with the world’s only Jewish state.

“When this is what happens to identifiably Jewish people in Britain, is it any wonder that 59 percent of British Jews try not to show visible signs of their Jewishness due to concerns relating to antisemitism, according to our polling?

“Travelodge must investigate this at once and ensure that whoever was responsible is fired.”

Travelodge CEO Jo Boydell said the company was treating the matter with “the utmost seriousness.”

“We are taking the report of an antisemitic message that appeared on the TV screen in a room in one of our hotels yesterday afternoon with the utmost seriousness.

“We were made aware of this late yesterday and launched an immediate investigation to understand how something like this could have happened. We are urgently investigating to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible and have reported this matter to the Police.

“There is no place in society for antisemitism and we will not tolerate this in our hotels or in our wider business.

“In the meantime, we have now spoken with the customer in question and apologised unreservedly, and further apologise for any distress or concern caused to the wider Jewish Community.”

The incident comes as Britain’s Jewish community has faced a precipitous rise in antisemitism.

London areas with significant Jewish populations have experienced several alleged arson incidents, including attacks targeting shuls.

In March, four ambulances belonging to Hatzolah were set on fire in Golders Green.

The following month, two Jewish men were stabbed in a terror attack in Golders Green. The alleged attacker is also accused of attempting to murder a non-Jewish friend earlier that day.

Human remains were found Wednesday in the Dor Tzair neighborhood of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, nearly three years after the October 7 massacre. The remains were transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification.

Hebrew media reported that the remains were found by relatives of Capt. Nirel Zini, a Givati officer and Kfar Aza resident who was murdered by Hamas terrorists during the attack. His family has continued searching the area around his home since the massacre, after part of his body was never recovered.

His father, Amir Zini, told Kan: “Nirel’s brother found remains near the house. We very much hope these are Nirel’s remains.” Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains, and forensic officials are expected to determine whether they are connected to Zini or to another victim.

Zini was murdered on October 7 alongside his girlfriend, Niv Raviv, as Hamas Nukhba terrorists overran Kfar Aza, killing and abducting residents, looting homes and setting houses on fire. The continued family search has reflected the unresolved pain left by the massacre, as some relatives still seek answers nearly three years later.

Kfar Aza was among the hardest-hit communities on October 7. Sixty-four civilians and soldiers were killed in the kibbutz, and 19 people were abducted to Gaza. Fighting continued in the area for days as terrorists remained inside the community and in surrounding fields.

In a significant challenge to President Donald Trump’s authority over military operations involving Iran, the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to approve legislation aimed at restricting the president’s ability to engage in military action without congressional approval.

The vote marks the latest success in an ongoing effort by congressional Democrats to place legal limits on the administration’s war-making powers. According to CNN, momentum behind the initiative has been building in recent weeks as lawmakers push for greater congressional oversight of military decisions involving Iran.

The measure, which takes the form of a concurrent resolution, must also be approved by the Senate before it can take effect. Because it is not standard legislation, it does not require the president’s signature and will not be sent to the White House.

The resolution passed by a narrow 215-208 margin. Four Republicans—Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson—broke with party leadership and joined Democrats in supporting the measure. The vote came after three previous attempts to advance similar legislation failed in the House.

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led the effort to bring the resolution to the floor.

The House had originally planned to vote on the proposal on May 21, but Republican leaders canceled the vote at the last moment after determining that member absences would likely result in defeat.

Following that decision, Meeks accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of deliberately preventing lawmakers from voting in order to protect the administration from political embarrassment.

Ahead of Wednesday’s vote, Johnson mounted a vigorous defense of the president’s authority and warned that congressional intervention could undermine delicate diplomatic negotiations currently underway.

“I think it is a very dangerous prospect to take away from the administration and the commander-in-chief right now the ability to negotiate. That’s what this does. It, it weakens us, our position, and our leverage in negotiation on the peace in that situation. ‘Operation Epic Fury’ is concluded,” Johnson told CNN on Wednesday.

The Speaker also argued that the administration’s objectives in Iran had been clearly defined and successfully accomplished, rejecting growing calls from lawmakers in both parties for additional details about the strategy and its implementation.

“The president is now in the process of, of concluding a peace agreement, and we have to allow him the latitude to do that, and I think a war powers resolution right now is very untimely, and a very, very negative, and dangerous thing for the country,” the Speaker concluded.

{Matzav.com}

A teenager was killed and three others were wounded in a shooting Wednesday evening following a graduation ceremony at Fairfield High School in California.

Police responded around 7:15 p.m. to the school parking lot, where the shooting occurred. Authorities said the victims included an 11-year-old and two adults, ages 20 and 25.

“There was one additional victim, an 18-year-old, who did succumb to their injuries sustained during this incident,” Fairfield Police Officer Michelle Belyea said.

Belyea said the investigation is ongoing but added there was “no ongoing threat to the community at this time.” Police have not released information about a suspect.

Witnesses described chaos as gunfire erupted while people were taking photos. One nearby resident told CNN, “I looked over the fence and people were just screaming and running through the parking lot. It was horrific.”

The school district said it was supporting those affected and would provide more information as it becomes available.

Antisemitic hate crimes in New York City jumped by more than 70% in May, even as murders, shootings and major crime fell to historic lows, according to new NYPD data released Wednesday.

The department recorded 68 confirmed hate crimes last month, up from 39 in May 2025. Of those incidents, 41 targeted Jews, compared with 24 during the same month last year, a roughly 71% increase. Antisemitic incidents accounted for about 60% of all confirmed hate crimes in the city.

The spike came as broader crime continued to fall. Overall major crime dropped nearly 11% in May compared with last year, while the city recorded the fewest murders, shootings and shooting victims for the first five months of any year on record. “Across our city, the NYPD is delivering on its mission to keep New Yorkers safe,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Jewish leaders said the numbers reflected a climate many in the community already feel. “There isn’t any shock in the Jewish community that antisemitic hate crimes have risen against our community by 70%,” Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, told the New York Post. Spern also criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of contributing to the problem, while Mamdani has rejected claims that he is indifferent to antisemitism and has proposed $26 million in annual anti-hate funding.

The figures come days after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing police to create 50-foot security zones outside houses of worship during demonstrations. The measure follows repeated concerns over synagogue harassment and comes amid recent incidents including swastika graffiti, attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and the arrest of an NYU student accused of displaying a Nazi-themed flag during graduation week.

A water main break has shut MLK Drive northbound at Center Street as crews work to make repairs. Southbound remains open.

Expect closures until noon.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – A United Nations peacekeeper was killed and two others were wounded when Hezbollah fired mortar shells that struck a UNIFIL position in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces said Thursday.

The IDF said the shells were launched overnight from the area of Al-Qatrani and hit a UNIFIL force position in the Dibbine area. An examination of the launch trajectory clearly showed the fire originated from Hezbollah, according to the military.

“Hezbollah’s launches endanger international forces and also harm UN personnel operating in the area,” the IDF said in a statement.

The incident comes amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border.

UNIFIL, the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978 to help maintain peace along the border. The IDF did not immediately release further details about the nationalities of the casualties.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The announcement on Monday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, which revealed preparations for a strike in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, reportedly threw away a long intelligence effort and extremely complex operational planning. It was supposed to be a surprise blow intended to inflict very severe damage on Hezbollah.

The IDF operates freely in southern Lebanon in and around the area of the “Yellow Line.” near the Litani river The military also operates against threats in Tyre, Sidon, and of course Nabatieh. The area where the IDF was not authorized to operate was the city of Beirut, including the Dahiyeh quarter.

Until the ceasefire imposed by President Donald Trump about a month and a half ago, the IDF operated in Beirut’s skies and struck Hezbollah assets. Many buildings were destroyed by the Air Force. In each such building, a headquarters or weapons-production laboratory had operated. Sometimes parts of the buildings served as ammunition depots.

Hezbollah has recently been forced to operate in Beirut from alternative locations, including apartments, tents converted into operations rooms, and other sites used as Hezbollah facilities. Senior members of the organization are in hiding out of fear of being targeted by the IDF.

According to a report by Maariv military commentator Avi Ashkenazi, Hezbollah has suffered extremely heavy losses in recent weeks. Half of the organization’s manpower has reportedly been killed, wounded and removed from action.

The IDF’s presence in southern Lebanon, together with the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons from southern Lebanon, has increased pressure on the organization. The IDF concluded that an attack on what it calls Hezbollah’s “power targets”—the organization’s centers of gravity—could be effective. These targets include headquarters and storage facilities containing strategic weapons.