Wednesday February 4 News Updates Lakewood

 Weather: 36° Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds.

The forecast shows snow from Shabbos into Motzei Shabbos, with a 60% chance of snowfall. Accumulations of 1 - 3 inches are 

- BMG: There will be a asifa tomorrow for all talmidei Hayeshiva on the ענין of AI. Will take place 6:15pm at Beren hall, speakers  are the R"Y Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita Dav Dovid Bresslauer shlita Rav Ephraim Glassman Ahkita

- Jackson: In a decision issued today, the New Jersey Appellate Division brushed aside environmental warnings and conflict-of-interest concerns raised by local homeowners and upheld Jackson Township Planning Board's approval of Bais Yaakov of Jackson’s sprawling four-building girls school campus on East Veterans Highway. Faanews

- Following urgent requests from Arab countries, the US agrees to meet with Iran in Oman: "They asked us to hold the meeting and listen to what the Iranians have to say. We told the Arabs we would hold the meeting if they insist. But we are very skeptical about the chances of success," said one of the senior American officials

- Shiras Devorah had no school today due to the fire that broke out last night. The school was preparing for the annual expo event which draws visitors from all over. No word on when and if it will open.

- Costume closeout purim store is open for the season with a new location at 27 S Hope Chapel at the former Walgreens near Kalamata shopping plaza. Open daily until 8pm.

- Trump: The leader of Iran (Khamenei ) should be very worried

- The Iranian Foreign Minister claims a few minutesago: The negotiation meeting will take place on Friday in Oman

- US official sources to Reuters: Trump is now inclined towards military action in Iran

- The nuclear talks with Iran were Canceled on Friday due to the Iranians' refusal to engage in non-nuclear issues.

- Mesivta farhers officially begin today, with 8th-grade boys lined up for scheduled appointments under a new system designed to ensure a smooth process after last year’s breakdown.

-Many are wondering why the snow isn’t melting. There are two main reasons: first, temperatures have remained very cold. Second, ice pellets that fell on top of the snowpack act like a shield blocking sunlight and increasing the snow’s water content, which makes it much harder to melt. (NWS Mount Holly)

- With playgroup registration for next year, rabbonim in Manchester have put a cap on what can be charged to prevent price gouging or exploitation. In the Lakewood area, however, there is no such cap, and it’s a free market some morahs have raised fees steeply compared to the last few years, especially after CHS changed the industry dynamics.

- Giyus: Hafganos were held today in front of the Lishkat Giyus IDF recruitment centers as the army ordered frum recruits to show up and enlist.

- "Why Are We Waiting for this Kashrus Scandal to Break? If we're finally talking about kashrus, then let’s actually talk about it, not dance around the elephant in the room.  Because here’s the reality everyone seems very comfortable ignoring. There is a non-Jewish party planner operating openly and Lakewood is giving it a blind eye. More at Matzav 

- The Hineni Asifa on AI for women and post–high school girls will take place next Wednesday at Lakewood High School.

 - Hillary Clinton will appear before Congress on February 26th, Bill Clinton will appear the next day on February 27th.

- Jackson Township police and fire responded to a structure fire  at the jackson 21 development on Mantoloking Drive last night The building, a multifamily unit under construction with no utilities, sustained heavy fire, and the cause remains under investigation.

- At the Lakewood planning board meeting, all applications were approved. The next meeting, scheduled for February 17, has been canceled.

- Senior Iranian official to Reuters: Talks with the US in Oman will focus only on the nuclear issue - the missile program is not on the table

- Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a press conference in Washington: President Trump is ready to negotiate with anyone. We do not see meetings (with Iran) as a concession. If there is an opportunity to conduct direct negotiations with Iran, the US is open to it

- PM Netanyahu referred to recordings of Ehud Barak with Jeffrey Epstein in which Barak allegedly suggested to Putin selecting and “importing” the “right” kind of Jews to Israel those who are neither Mizrachi nor right-wing and bragged about asking Putin to greenlight the mass importation and conversion of a million Russians, calling them “superior” to Sephardi and African Jews. Netanyahu said, “When the left and its messiah Ehud Barak fail to win at the ballot box, they try to replace the people. And if that’s not enough, they can always rely on Bennett and Lapid’s Brotherhood of Brothers to team up once again with the Muslim Brotherhood.”

- Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri also  launched a sharp attack against what he described as serious racist remarks made by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, following the release of a newly revealed recording. Deri said the comments were offensive toward immigration from Eastern countries and represented an attempt to undermine the Jewish identity of the State of Israel. Despite the severity of the remarks, he accused both the media and the political system of remaining silent.

- Elon Musk says a second American civil war has begun, replying to a post on X that argues the clash between the current administration and liberal forces, including Minneapolis protests, marks the start of 'Civil War 2.0'.

- A study in Israel shows ultra-Orthodox communities are faring well: Bnei Brak leads in feelings of safety at night, optimism about the future, ability to handle problems, family appreciation, and overall life satisfaction.

- Trump: I have just completed an excellent telephone conversation with President Xi, of China. It was a long and thorough call, where many important subjects were discussed, including Trade, Military, the April trip that I will be making to China (which I very much look forward to!), Taiwan, the War between Russia/Ukraine, the current situation with Iran, the purchase of Oil and Gas by China from the United States, the consideration by China of the purchase of additional Agricultural products including lifting the Soybean count to 20 Million Tons for the current season (They have committed to 25 Million Tons for next season!), Airplane engine deliveries, and numerous other subjects, all very positive! The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way. I believe that there will be many positive results achieved over the next three years of my Presidency having to do with President Xi, and the People’s Republic of China! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

- Border Czar Tom Homan announced that 700 federal agents will be drawn down from Minnesota today amid cooperation with local authorities.

- Lakewood’s mayor announced that police will step up enforcement along Route 70 at the township’s border amid ongoing safety and traffic concerns.Officials say the effort will focus on speeding, reckless driving, and other violations along the busy corridor. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution .faanews