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Israel

Mass Layoffs Begin At State Department Under Trump Downsizing Plan Mass Layoffs Begin At State Department Under Trump Downsizing Plan
Mass Layoffs Begin At State Department Under Trump Downsizing Plan The State Department is firing around 1,350 workers as part of a sweeping downsizing initiative tied to President Donald Trump’s plan to reduce the federal workforce. According to an internal memo obtained by The Washington Post, the department will issue termination notices on Friday, July 11 to over 1,100 civil servants and 240 Foreign Service employees.  The move follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier this week that cleared the way for Trump’s executive order to move forward while legal challenges continue. Earlier report: Trump Can Proceed With Government Overhaul, Cut Workers, …
New ICE Budget Tops Spending By Most Of World’s Militaries: Report New ICE Budget Tops Spending By Most Of World’s Militaries: Report
New ICE Budget Tops Spending By Most Of World’s Militaries: Report Immigration and Customs Enforcement will receive a budget that rivals the world’s largest armies, thanks to a narrowly passed spending plan in Congress this week. Supporters say the funding will accelerate removals of undocumented immigrants, while critics called the measure "immoral" and "one of the saddest days in American history." President Donald Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Act,” which he signed on Friday, July 4, sets aside $170 billion toward immigration. The package includes more than $30 billion for enforcement, $45 billion for detention centers, and $47 billion for border …
More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How
More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How As summer travel heats up and President Donald Trump's tariffs weigh on Americans, many vacationers are looking to credit card perks to reduce costs. WalletHub released two studies about rental car and travel insurance benefits on Tuesday, June 24. About 43% of Americans said Trump's tariffs will push them to explore credit card travel benefits. These sometimes overlooked perks can add up to big savings, especially for residents in high-cost states across the Northeast. "Tariffs and inflation have travelers feeling a bit antsy, and many are turning to long-overlooked credit …
Strikes Didn't Destroy Iran's Nuclear Sites, US Intel Says: Reports Strikes Didn't Destroy Iran's Nuclear Sites, US Intel Says: Reports
Strikes Didn't Destroy Iran's Nuclear Sites, US Intel Says: Reports Airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites may set its program back by only a few months, according to separate reports by CNN and The New York Times based on a preliminary US intelligence assessments. The classified report, compiled by the Defense Intelligence Agency, found that while the American bombing campaign sealed off entrances to two major facilities, it did not collapse the underground structures housing Iran’s nuclear research, according to CNN, which first reported the news. Before the operation, US intelligence had estimated that if Iran moved to develop a nuclear weapon, it could…
Maryland Man Sent Threatening Letters To Jewish Groups, Including In Philly: DOJ Maryland Man Sent Threatening Letters To Jewish Groups, Including In Philly: DOJ
Maryland Man Sent Threatening Letters To Jewish Groups, Including In Philly: DOJ A Maryland man is facing federal charges for allegedly sending violent, antisemitic threats to Jewish organizations in Philadelphia and beyond — including letters referencing Gaza, Kristallnacht, and potential attacks. Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park in Montgomery County, was arrested and charged for allegedly mailing threatening communications, the US Attorney’s Office announced. According to the criminal complaint, Seferlis began sending written threats through the mail as early as March 1, 2024, and continued targeting Jewish institutions for over a year. Clift Andy Seferlis is p…
Furious Trump Drops F-Bomb On Live TV, Lashing Out At Israel, Iran Amid Spat Over Ceasefire Furious Trump Drops F-Bomb On Live TV, Lashing Out At Israel, Iran Amid Spat Over Ceasefire
Furious Trump Drops F-Bomb On Live TV, Lashing Out At Israel, Iran Amid Spat Over Ceasefire Hours after Israel and Iran accused each other of violating a ceasefire he helped broker, a clearly frustrated President Trump lashed out at both nations. Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday morning, June 24 before departing for a NATO conference in the Netherlands he was not happy with either Israel or Iran, and drove home the point by using a four-letter profanity on live television he had not said publicly before in front of cameras and microphones the last 10 years. "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f--…
Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Israel, Iran As Both Issue New Threats Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Israel, Iran As Both Issue New Threats
Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Israel, Iran As Both Issue New Threats President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, even as officials in both countries were issuing evacuation alerts and warning of additional strikes. Trump posted the statement on Truth Social at 6 p.m. Eastern on Monday, June 23. “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote. The mess…
US Issues Global Alert After Strikes On Iran’s Nuclear Site US Issues Global Alert After Strikes On Iran’s Nuclear Site
US Issues Global Alert After Strikes On Iran’s Nuclear Site The US State Department has issued its first global travel warning since the October Hamas attacks on Israel, urging Americans abroad to be on high alert amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East. The “Worldwide Caution” alert, posted Sunday, June 22, follows a series of US missile strikes on Iran's most fortified nuclear site and two other targets — a direct escalation that now places the US alongside Israel in its military campaign against Iran.  Iran has promised retaliation against the US. The State Department warned of growing threats to US citizens overseas, including the po…
Gas Prices May Spike After US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites: What To Know Gas Prices May Spike After US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites: What To Know
Gas Prices May Spike After US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites: What To Know Americans could take a hit at the pump after the United States joined Israel's attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities overnight. Even before President Donald Trump ordered the US military to insert itself in the conflict, gas prices were expected to ticket up following Israel's initial wave of attacks on Friday, June 13. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, estimated in the days after that the average cost of a gallon of gasoline, currently around $3.15 nationally, according to AAA data, could increase by 10 to 25 cents, reflecting a hike of nearly eight percent.
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US Launches Missile Strikes On Iran Targeting Main Nuclear Facilities US Launches Missile Strikes On Iran Targeting Main Nuclear Facilities
US Launches Missile Strikes On Iran Targeting Main Nuclear Facilities The United States has struck Iran's most fortified nuclear facility as well as two other sites in a series of missile attacks overnight, joining Israel's military actions. The move on Saturday, June 21 Eastern time signals the US joining Israel’s war against Iran just days after President Trump announced he would announce possible American involvement within "two weeks." Multiple B-2 bombers carried out the strikes against the main site, Fordo, as well as the other sites, according to The New York Times. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran," Tru…
Highest Level Do Not Travel Warning Issued For Israel By US Highest Level Do Not Travel Warning Issued For Israel By US
Highest Level Do Not Travel Warning Issued For Israel By US Americans are being warned not to travel to Israel as the conflict with Iran intensifies. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest severity classification, urging citizens against all travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. On Saturday, June 14, the department authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency US government employees due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region. The US Embassy may further restrict or prohibit government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas o…
Rise In Gas Prices Predicted Due To Israel-Iran Conflict: Here's What To Expect Rise In Gas Prices Predicted Due To Israel-Iran Conflict: Here's What To Expect
Rise In Gas Prices Predicted Due To Israel-Iran Conflict: Here's What To Expect Tensions in the Middle East are threatening to hit Americans at the pump. As the conflict between longtime Middle East adversaries Israel and Iran goes on, motorists in the US should expect to see gasoline prices rise in a matter of days, experts say. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, estimates that the average cost of a gallon of gasoline, currently at $3.13 nationally, according to AAA data, could increase by 10 to 25 cents, reflecting a hike of nearly eight percent.
 The extent of Iran’s retaliation, and whether oil continues to flow from the region without d…
Trump Warns Iran: One Strike And It's Over Trump Warns Iran: One Strike And It's Over
Trump Warns Iran: One Strike And It's Over President Donald Trump has not ruled out the US getting involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East, reports say. His warning? One strike and it's over. The president took to Truth Social and did not mince his words: "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," he posted on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!" Trump told ABC that while the United States is not inv…
Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home' Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home'
Senator Stranded In Iraq Amid Middle East Chaos Returns: 'Grateful To Be Home' A Connecticut Senator is back in the US after being stuck for days in Iraq amid the ongoing tensions and attacks in the Middle East. Sen. Saud Anwar, who represents the state's 3rd District, confirmed that he safely returned to Boston Logan Airport on Saturday, June 14, days after posting a video about the airline shutdown in the region. "Feeling incredibly blessed to be back home in the United States," Anwar posted on Facebook. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who reached out through emails, texts, voice messages, social media, and your prayers.  "Your love and support have truly lifted…
Caitlyn Jenner Trapped in Israel Amid Iran War: 'No Place I’d Rather Be' Caitlyn Jenner Trapped in Israel Amid Iran War: 'No Place I’d Rather Be'
Caitlyn Jenner Trapped in Israel Amid Iran War: 'No Place I’d Rather Be' What started as a celebration at one of the world’s largest Pride parades turned into a front-row seat to war for Caitlyn Jenner. The former Olympian and activist is stuck in Israel after her trip to Tel Aviv for the Israel Pride Parade was upended by the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Iran View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner) The trip was abruptly disrupted as Iran and Israel exchanged fire this week, plunging the region into fresh conflict. According to reports, the event Jenner took the tri…
Pentagon Pizza Orders Skyrocketed Before Israel Attack, X Sleuths Say It’s No Coincidence Pentagon Pizza Orders Skyrocketed Before Israel Attack, X Sleuths Say It’s No Coincidence
Pentagon Pizza Orders Skyrocketed Before Israel Attack, X Sleuths Say It’s No Coincidence An X account that tracks pizza activity may have predicted a major international event. Pentagon Pizza Monitor, which was created to keep track of how busy Arlington pizzerias are, noticed an anomaly on Thursday, June 12 — hours before Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion."  "Pentagon Pizza Report: Open-source tracking of pizza spot activity around the Pentagon (and other places)," the account's bio states. "Frequent-ish updates on where the lines are long." According to the account, things were normal during the day, but shortly before closing, several pizza places in the area clos…
Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials
Israel Kills Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientists, Military Chiefs In Surprise Attack: Officials In one of the most dramatic military moves in the region in years, Israel has reportedly killed Iran’s highest-ranking military leaders and top nuclear scientists in a direct strike aimed at crippling Iran’s weapons programs. The attack, part of "Operation Rising Lion," was launched Friday, June 13, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”  Scroll to see a list of Iranian officials and nuclear scientists killed in the attack. Netanyahu warned that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have reached a dangerous new …
Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites
Israel Launches Air Strikes Against Iran Targeting Nuclear Sites In a significant escalation that could mark the start of a new phase of conflict, Israel has conducted what it terms “preemptive strikes” against Iran, prompting it to declare a nationwide state of emergency early Friday morning, June 13, Middle East time. The strikes are the latest effort by Israel to destroy Iran's nuclear program. The scale, scope, and duration of the attacks are unclear, but an Israeli source told CNN, “This is not a one-day attack." The declaration comes as Iranian state media report multiple explosions heard in Tehran, heightening fears of a broader conflict. Th…
Baseball Legend Calls Out AOC Over Colorado Terror Attack Response: Stop 'Virtue Signaling' Baseball Legend Calls Out AOC Over Colorado Terror Attack Response: Stop 'Virtue Signaling'
Baseball Legend Calls Out AOC Over Colorado Terror Attack Response: Stop 'Virtue Signaling' Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Kevin Youkilis said he's fed up with people saying one thing and doing nothing. He directed most of his anger at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her response to the terrorist attacks in Colorado this week. Eight people were burned on Sunday, June 1, when a 45-year-old father of five reportedly threw firebombs at a peaceful protest in Boulder, Colorado. The demonstration was calling for the release of Jewish hostages in Gaza. In response to the attack, Ocasio-Cortez said more needs to be done to counter the rising tide of antisemitism bubbling in the country si…
NY Rep Urges Capitol Police To Probe Anti-Israel Activist After 'If You're Still Alive' Warning NY Rep Urges Capitol Police To Probe Anti-Israel Activist After 'If You're Still Alive' Warning
NY Rep Urges Capitol Police To Probe Anti-Israel Activist After 'If You're Still Alive' Warning Congressman Ritchie Torres says a chilling social media post from a pro-intifada activist has left him fearing for his safety—and his family's. The Bronx Democrat on Tuesday, May 27, called on the U.S. Capitol Police to investigate Guy Christensen, as reported by the NY Post. Torres spoke out on X after Christensen, a 19-year-old anti-Israel activist believed to be from Cranberry Township, PA, said that his support for Israel “will haunt [his] family for eternity,” adding, “if you’re alive..." How does an elected official become a millionaire off of AIPAC?Ritchie Torres NY-15 did it.All…
‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ ‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ
‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ A man who once lived in Colorado is facing federal charges for attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Sunday, May 25. Joseph Neumeyer, 28, a dual U.S.-German citizen, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport after being deported from Israel, according to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. Molotov Cocktails Outside The Embassy Neumeyer allegedly showed up at the U.S. Embassy’s Tel Aviv branch on Sunday, May 19, with a dark backpack loaded with three Molotov cocktails. Se…
Judge Halts Trump Administration's Block On Harvard Foreign Students (UPDATE) Judge Halts Trump Administration's Block On Harvard Foreign Students (UPDATE)
Judge Halts Trump Administration's Block On Harvard Foreign Students (Update) A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration's attempt to block Harvard University from hosting international students in the President's latest political attack on the Ivy League school. Massachusetts District Court Judge Allison Burroughs issued the ruling on Friday, May 23. The pause came just hours after Harvard announced the lawsuit over the Department of Homeland Security's decision to revoke the university's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification. The suit claims the move was meant to punish Harvard for rejecting Pr…
‘I Did It For Gaza’: Gunman Flew In, Killed Israeli Couple Outside DC Jewish Museum: Court Docs ‘I Did It For Gaza’: Gunman Flew In, Killed Israeli Couple Outside DC Jewish Museum: Court Docs
‘I Did It For Gaza’: Gunman Flew In, Killed Israeli Couple Outside DC Jewish Museum: Court Docs He flew in from Chicago with a gun, bought a ticket to a Jewish diplomatic event, waited outside, then opened fire. Moments later, he told police: “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.” Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Illinois, is now facing multiple federal charges, including the murder of foreign officials, after he allegedly carried out a deadly ambush near the entrance of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 21, federal officials announced. The attack happened just after 9:00 p.m., outside a ticketed event hosted by the American Jewish Committee that was designed…
Videos Show Powerful Moment Edan Alexander Is Released Videos Show Powerful Moment Edan Alexander Is Released
Videos Show Powerful Moment Edan Alexander Is Released After 583 days in captivity, Edan Alexander is home. The Tenafly, NJ native was released from Hamas captivity on Monday, May 12.  Photos and videos show the 21-year-old IDF soldier being released to his family in Israel. Redemption of HostagesStaff-Sgt. Edan Alexander, reunites with his family at the initial reception facility. pic.twitter.com/PDp8uX48ce — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 12, 2025 New Jersey native Edan Alexander is last American freed from HamasHe hugs his family draped in the Stars and Stripes holding Israeli flag 🇺🇸❤️🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/iJeoBJkQFt —…
NJ's Edan Alexander Released By Hamas After 19 Month Hostage Ordeal NJ's Edan Alexander Released By Hamas After 19 Month Hostage Ordeal
NJ's Edan Alexander Released By Hamas After 19 Month Hostage Ordeal Edan Alexander, a Bergen County native, who had been held hostage by Hamas for 19 months, has been released on Monday, May 12, according to published reports. Alexander, a 21-year-old Tenafly resident and the last living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza, was handed over to Red Cross representatives, NBC News reported. Alexander will be transferred to Israeli special forces inside the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Force said. Alexander was originally taken hostage during the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Hamas confirmed Alexander's release, calling it a step "being taken to achieve a ce…
Hamas Agrees To Release NJ Hostage Edan Alexander, Again Hamas Agrees To Release NJ Hostage Edan Alexander, Again
Hamas Agrees To Release NJ Hostage Edan Alexander, Again Edan Alexander will soon be a free man,  On Sunday, May 11, Hamas leaders announced (for the second time since March) that they'd be releasing the 21-year-old New Jersey native who was taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attacks. President Trump later confirmed the news, too. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff tells NBC News he is en route to Israel to secure Edan, a Tenafly native who is the last surviving American-Israeli hostage taken by Hamas and is a U.S. and Israeli citizen. Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas' negotiating team, made the announcement about Alexander's release on Sunda…
'Never Again War!': Pope Leo XIV Issues Powerful Plea In Historic First Address 'Never Again War!': Pope Leo XIV Issues Powerful Plea In Historic First Address
'Never Again War!': Pope Leo XIV Issues Powerful Plea In Historic First Address In his first Sunday address as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to end all global conflicts, describing them as a “third world war in pieces.” Speaking to tens of thousands outside St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, May 11, the first U.S.-born pope delivered his message in fluent Italian, calling for an end to violence and a renewed global effort of care. It echoed remarks made by his predecessor before his death last month.  “Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people,…
Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass As Pope: Hear His Message To Catholics Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass As Pope: Hear His Message To Catholics
Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass As Pope: Hear His Message To Catholics Pope Leo XIV had a simple message during the first Mass of his papacy: life lacks meaning where faith is lacking. The Chicago native, born Robert Francis Prevost, celebrated Mass at the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Friday, May 9. It was the 69-year-old's first service as head of the Catholic Church, leading about 1.4 billion followers worldwide. Leo XIV is the church's 267th pope, the first born in the US, and the first North American pontiff. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was the first pope from the Americas, hailing from Argentina. Briefly speaking in English during his homily,…
Trump Appoints Former Reality Star, Radio Personality To Holocaust Memorial Museum Council Trump Appoints Former Reality Star, Radio Personality To Holocaust Memorial Museum Council
Trump Appoints Former Reality Star, Radio Personality To Holocaust Memorial Museum Council A former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star, a top Orthodox rabbi, and a political operative tied to Senator Rick Scott are among 14 people named to the newly completed Board of the Holocaust Memorial Council, officials announced this week. Who’s On the Board? The board includes: Siggy Flicker, former Real Housewives cast member and vocal supporter of Jewish causes, whose stepson was charged in the US Capitol riot. Tila Falic, president of a Jewish high school in Florida. Jackie Zeckman, who worked in Senator Rick Scott’s political operation and is managing his re-election campaign. R…
US Happiness Plummets To Historic Lows: Here Are Worldwide Rankings US Happiness Plummets To Historic Lows: Here Are Worldwide Rankings
US Happiness Plummets To Historic Lows: Here Are Worldwide Rankings The latest World Happiness Report reveals a troubling trend: the United States has sunk to its lowest ranking ever. The US is now positioned at 24th place, largely attributed to a significant rise in the number of individuals dining alone.  This annual report, sponsored by the United Nations, underscores the profound connection between social interactions and well-being, as experts highlight that sharing meals is a vital contributor to happiness. For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has claimed the title of the world’s happiest country, with its stunning lakes and robust welfare s…
Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal
Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage-release deal after 15 months of war, according to multiple reports, citing senior sources in the White House. Around 30 hostages are expected to be released in the initial phase of the agreement, according to CNN.  There are seven Americans being held, two of whom are expected to be free in the first phase, according to Axios. Hundreds of incarcerated Palestinians being held by Israel are expected to be released in the initial phase, CNN reports. It's unclear when the ceasefire will start. The agreement, reached on Wednes…