In her first in-depth interview since assuming the role of second lady, Usha Vance is offering a candid look at how she’s navigating life in the political spotlight, sharing that her main goal is simply staying grounded.
“To me, the highest priority right now is to be actually a normal person,” Vance, a practicing trial attorney, told The Free Press in a profile published Monday.
“Obviously,” she added, “our lives are not normal, and it feels almost absurd to say that they are.”

The Trump administration canceled $188 million in federal grants meant to reimburse New York City for sheltering migrants, saying the money was being spent to support illegal immigration and leading the city’s mayor to vow to fight the clawback. In a letter sent April 1 and shared with The Associated Press on Tuesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency informed city officials that it was canceling the grants, which included roughly $80 million that the agency withdrew from city’s bank account in February. The latest move would require the city to return an additional $106 million that officials said was used to house and care for migrants.

What was President Donald Trump’s motive when he requested that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu fly straight to Washington from Budapest, refusing a suggestion to delay the meeting until after Pesach? On the surface, the meeting was ostensibly about the 17% tariff the Trump administration imposed on Israel, with Netanyahu holding great hopes that he could negotiate a reduction. But Trump surprised Netanyahu, revealing to him the real reason for his urgent summons to Washington: not the tariff but the beginning of direct high-level negotiations between the US and Iran. Ynet reported that Trump wanted to personally inform Netanyahu about his intention to initiate direct talks with Tehran.

Jordanian security forces prevent protesters from storming into the Israeli embassy in Amman during a demonstration against the war in Gaza.

Wall Street endured another turbulent session Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average staging a dramatic surge early on—climbing more than 1,400 points—only to collapse later in the day as anxiety over international trade once again shook investor confidence.
The Dow initially soared by 1,146 points after the opening bell, fueled by renewed optimism that trade agreements could be reached in time to prevent harsh new tariffs slated to take effect on Wednesday.
Fueling that early enthusiasm were comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who hinted that the administration was willing to negotiate. He remarked that they could “end up with some good deals.”

Several of Iraq’s most powerful Iranian-backed militias are now preparing to lay down their arms for the first time in nearly two decades—not out of reconciliation, but out of fear. Faced with the threat of direct U.S. military retaliation under the Trump administration, the commanders of key Shiite militia groups say they are ready to dismantle their armed networks, multiple senior Iraqi officials and militia leaders told Reuters. These groups, once considered untouchable power brokers, now appear shaken by the specter of American airstrikes and rising regional instability. The decision follows private ultimatums from U.S. officials warning Baghdad: disband the militias—or Washington will do it by force. The U.S.

Get ready for 40 minutes of comedy gold! This Chol Hamoed, join us for the livestream premiere of “Leave it to Kletzkin,” the must-see, hilarious comedy film for the whole family.  Featuring the Stars of Bardak – starring in their first English Film. Save the Date: Get your unique access code now for the livestream premiere on Motzei Yom Tov Rishon, April 14th at 9:30 PM EST. Don’t Miss Out! Vote and Get Your Access Code Now! – Click Here  Presented by Eretz Hakodesh – Slate 11

In an unexpected change of plans, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, will not be returning to Eretz Yisroel for Pesach, as originally scheduled. Instead, due to a significant decline in his strength, the Rebbe will remain in Los Angeles for the duration of Yom Tov.