Q: What is the Torah view of Mother’s Day? And should we consider it a halachic problem of chukos akum, of going in the ways of the non-Jews?
A: There’s no question that the American public has been sold an item that was created for the purpose of filling the pockets of businessmen. The American public is the real proverbial sucker. No matter what you’ll say about Mother’s Day, it’s a day when people make money. Not only florists! Jewelers and bakers and caterers – everybody is lining his pockets because of Mother’s Day.

Iran’s Foreign Minister notes that U.S. nuclear talks are complex due to the Trump administration’s inconsistent remarks, yet negotiations are set to proceed today.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: “If you want to build overseas, okay, you’ll pay tariffs and be less competitive in America so build here…Open your markets. Let our exporters sell to you. Finally get some fair trade.”

During Friday night’s episode of HBO’s “Real Time,” ABC News Contributor and past Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile addressed President Joe Biden’s claim that Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 election was due to racism and sexism. While acknowledging racial issues in the country, Brazile emphasized that the United States had twice elected Barack Obama and said she remains “proud” to be part of a nation that did so.

Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, announced during an appearance on Channel 12 News that he plans to campaign for the role of prime minister in the next national election, which is currently scheduled for 2026.
When asked directly if he would run, Lieberman replied without hesitation, “Absolutely yes.” He added, “We are running as Yisrael Beytenu, and anyone who wants to join me is welcome to reach out.”

Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as part of the commemorations marking eight decades since the defeat of Nazi Germany.
During the meeting, as reported by the official PA outlet Wafa, Abbas blamed Israel for what he described as ongoing acts of aggression in both Gaza and the regions of Judea and Samaria. He accused Israel of launching targeted assaults on civilians, including children and the elderly, as well as destroying essential infrastructure and exacerbating famine conditions.

Tensions within the governing coalition escalated this week as United Torah Judaism (UTJ) declared that it would maintain its boycott of Knesset votes, a move aimed at pressuring the government over its failure to pass legislation that would safeguard military draft exemptions for chareidi yeshiva students.
The boycott, which began last week, came in response to statements by Brigadier General Shai Taib, the IDF’s head of manpower, who raised alarms about an urgent shortage of personnel. Taib emphasized the military’s immediate need for an additional 12,000 soldiers, including 7,000 for combat roles—figures that underscore the mounting push to broaden conscription and potentially eliminate longstanding exemptions.

President Donald Trump celebrated what he described as a major breakthrough in relations with China after the first round of high-level discussions took place in Geneva between American and Chinese officials. The talks were aimed at easing the strain caused by Trump’s recent imposition of sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports.
Calling the meetings “very good,” Trump said they marked “a total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner.” In a Truth Social post from late last night, he added, “We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business.” He also wrote, “GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!”