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A video circulating online Thursday captured Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., stumbling as he walked with an uneven gait before falling to the ground.

In the clip, a reporter who identified herself as “Stella” could be heard asking McConnell, 83, a question regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “taking people off the streets and kidnapping them.”

As the senator moved forward, occasionally steadying himself by reaching for a nearby aide, he suddenly lost his footing and fell. Moments later, the aide and a Capitol Police officer rushed to his side and helped him stand.

After regaining his balance, McConnell turned toward the camera, gave a small smile, and waved, signaling that he was unharmed.

This is not the first public incident to raise concern about McConnell’s health. He has previously exhibited signs of frailty during his appearances in the Capitol.

In July 2023, McConnell froze mid-sentence during a press briefing, pausing his remarks and stepping away before eventually returning to the microphone.

At that time, the onetime Senate majority leader had started his scheduled comments before abruptly halting and being briefly escorted from the podium. When he came back, he reassured reporters, saying, “I’m fine,” and continued addressing other matters.

The question of who will succeed McConnell has already set off one of the most anticipated Republican contests in the nation, with the 2026 Kentucky GOP Senate primary expected to draw significant spending and attention.

Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., currently leads the fundraising race for the Republican nomination to succeed McConnell.

Newsmax has contacted Barr — who once interned for McConnell — for his reaction to the incident.

McConnell announced in February that he would not run again, with his current Senate term concluding in January 2027.

{Matzav.com}

POTUS: “I am outraged that the International Maritime Organization is voting in London this week to pass a global Carbon Tax…”

Andrew Cuomo is preparing to go on the attack against Zohran Mamdani during Thursday night’s first general election mayoral debate in New York City, as the seasoned political figure seeks to close the gap with the current front-runner.

Political observers say Cuomo will attempt to reignite momentum for his struggling second-place campaign by directly confronting the far-left Democratic nominee.

“Cuomo will be working feverishly to throw Mamdani off balance and expose him as the radical he says he is,” said Andrew Kirtzman, a veteran communications strategist. “But I have yet to see Mamdani get tripped up on anything significant this campaign — he’s phenomenally fast on his feet.”

Still, Cuomo, a three-term Democratic governor who stepped down in 2021 amid a series of scandals, faces a difficult balancing act. To win over undecided voters and stage a political comeback, he’ll have to strike hard at his opponent without appearing condescending or combative, analysts say.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens who first won election in 2020, will take the stage at 30 Rockefeller Center under far different circumstances than during the primary season, when he was a relative unknown facing an established political heavyweight.

Since his surprise victory in June — a stunning defeat for Cuomo — the outspoken socialist has held a steady double-digit lead in polls over his rivals. However, he has yet to reach the 50% mark in any survey. Cuomo, now running as an independent, has gained support in recent weeks following Mayor Eric Adams’s withdrawal from the race late last month.

According to one political insider, Cuomo must deliver a new line of attack that resonates with voters. They expect him to focus on a controversial photo from July showing Mamdani alongside Rebecca Kadaga, a Ugandan politician who championed a harsh anti-gay law while in office.

Cuomo and Mamdani will share the debate stage with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, the beret-wearing radio host known for his sharp wit and quick retorts. Political strategists say a temporary alignment between Cuomo and Sliwa — deliberate or not — could put Mamdani on the defensive.

“Something to watch for is can Curtis and Cuomo coordinate — intentionally or unintentionally — and put Mamdani on his back feet,” the insider said. “Curtis is a good debater, and he’s got some good one-liners. But if it’s just a slugfest between the three, it’s not going to move the needle.”

Analysts also doubt that the showdown will have a major impact on the outcome of the race, though they expect it to make for lively viewing.

“Candidate impressions are set. So the debates probably won’t move the polls,” said longtime Democratic strategist Ken Frydman. “But they will be good political theater. Cuomo will jab Mamdani, the socialist, Israel-hater, who’s old friends with an anti-gay politician in Uganda. Mamdani will counterpunch with Cuomo’s COVID failure and sexual harassment allegations.”

NBC will broadcast the debate’s first hour live on cable before switching over to its usual three-hour Law & Order programming block at 8 p.m. Viewers who wish to continue watching the candidates face off for control of America’s largest city will need to switch to NBC’s digital stream.

The debate is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at 30 Rockefeller Center.

How to Watch:
The first hour will air on NBC and Telemundo. For those without cable or an antenna, DIRECTV will offer a free trial. At 8 p.m., the debate will continue exclusively on NBC’s streaming platform, with full coverage also available via Politico and the Campaign Finance Board.

Participants:

• Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani

• Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa

• Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo

A second debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, on NY1.

There will be no live audience or press in attendance, mirroring the format used during the primary debates.

According to the latest Quinnipiac University poll released last week, Mamdani leads with 46%, Cuomo trails with 33%, and Sliwa holds 15%, while 14% of voters remain undecided.

{Matzav.com}

Footage shows the aftermath of one of tonight’s Israeli airstrikes targeting a Hezbollah-affiliated infrastructure site in southern Lebanon.

Fresh Israeli Airstrikes are targeting Ansar in Southern Lebanon.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Menachem Bentzion Grossman zt”l, who served for decades as a spiritual mentor within both Chabad and Breslov circles. He was 80 years old.

Rav Grossman suffered a severe stroke and, despite the efforts of the medical staff at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah, he passed away.

The levayah will take place this evening at 10:00 p.m. in Migdal HaEmek, where he will be laid to rest.

Rav Menachem Bentzion was born in Yerushalayim on the 11th of Av, 5705 (1945), to his illustrious father, Rav Yisroel Grossman zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Pinsk-Karlin and a leader of Yeshivos Karlin, Chabad, and Migdal Ohr. His mother, Rebbetzin Gutte Perl (Pninah) a”h, was the daughter of Rav Yosef Gottfarb zt”l.

As a child, he studied in the famed Talmud Torah Etz Chaim in Yerushalayim. In his youth, he married Rebbetzin Chaya Sarah, the daughter of Rav Yerachmiel Moshe Kenig zt”l of Yerushalayim, and together they established their home in the holy city. During those early years, Rav Grossman joined the administration of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Nachalas Har Chabad, which was then being founded.

He was privileged to be among the close associates of the Baba Sali, Rav Yisroel Abuchatzeira zt”l, and maintained close connections with numerous gedolei Yisroel across the Torah world.

Over the years, he also served as a member of the staff of Chesed L’Avraham, the institution established by the Skulener Rebbe zt”l, where he guided children of immigrant families toward a Torah-true education. Additionally, he led a special yeshiva program for rehabilitating prisoners, helping many rebuild both their spiritual and material lives.

A key figure in the founding of Migdal Ohr institutions in Migdal HaEmek, he worked hand in hand with his legendary brother, Rav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman, to strengthen and expand these vital centers of Torah and chesed.

Rav Grossman was the author of Tzintzenes Hamonn, a sefer devoted to the teachings and conduct of the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Aharon of Belz.

He was niftar on the thirtieth yahrtzeit of the Ribnitzer Rebbe zt”l, to whom he was deeply attached.

Rav Grossman leaves behind an esteemed family of sons, daughters, sonsgrandchildren, and great-grandchildren who continue his legacy. He is survived by his brothers, Rav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman, chief rabbi of Migdal HaEmek; Rav Yaakov Grossman; Rav Zalman Grossman, member of the Migdal Ohr administration; and Rav Eliezer Grossman, rosh yeshiva of Migdal Ohr for youth and a ram at the Seret Vizhnitz Yeshiva.

His brothers-in-law include Rav Naftali Nussbaum, rosh yeshiva of Chayei Moshe in Yerushalayim; Rav Shmuel Tzvi Fried, dayan in Yerushalayim; Rav Ben-Zion Leibowitz, educational director of Vizhnitz institutions in Yerushalayim; and Rav Baruch Luria, member of the faculty of the Beis Medrash L’Dayanus Be’er Mayim Chaim.

Yehi zichro baruch.

{Matzav.com Israel}

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler The concept of the Yissachar-Zevulun Torah Learning Pact goes back well over 3,500 years, to the time of Yaakov Avinu and his sons. It is named for the Torah pact between two of his sons – Yissachar the scholar and Zevulun the merchant. Not only was it an equal pact but, Chazal explained, the deed of Zevulun/the Sponsor is considered even greater than that of Yissachar, because without the support of Zevulun, Yissachar would not have had the wherewithal to study Torah undisturbed.” It is well-known that when it comes to learning Torah, people who sponsor the learning, often do so, not just as a donation. By financially supporting specific Torah scholars, they enter into a binding, written, signed and sealed learning partnership pact whereby the Sponsor (the Zevulun) is deemed by Halacha as if he personally studied the Torah completed by the Scholar (the Yissachar). (See below.) Thus, those who support the Talmidei Chachomim at Shas Yiden via a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact merit a portion in every daf of the entire Talmud Bavli and associated texts that they study, and complete the entire cycle in the space of ONE year. Some of the Sponsors opt to continue sponsoring repeat cycles of Shas which accrue to them. Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, Nasi Shas Yiden, emphasized: The most mehudar Yissachar-Zevulun pact to support in our times is that offered by Shas Yiden – it comprises the entire Shas, Rashi and Tosfos – all in just one year! Rav Chaim explained why this pact with Shas Yiden is the most mehudar. Chazal say that the highest level of learning is when one understands what he is learning b’iyun u’ve’amkus. However, even higher than that is when one remembers b’al peh all what he has learned. I have farhered the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim many times and can attest ZEI KENNEN SHAS (they know Shas)! YES! YOU CAN MAKE   your OWN SIYUM on the ENTIRE Shas, Rashi & Tosfos IN JUST ONE YEAR!   The Yissachar-Zevulun Pact in Halacha The Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh De’ah Chapter 246 regarding the efficacy of the Yissachar-Zevulun Sponsorship Pact for the Zevulun (the Sponsor) states clearly:  It is deemed as if he (the one sponsoring the learning) himself learned all the Torah studied under the pact. All the learning under the Shas Yiden Yissachar-Zevulun Pact is yours בעוה”ז ובעוה”ב (in both This World and the World to Come)! Concerning this, the Netziv of Volozhin comments that in Olam Habah, the Zevulun sponsor will sit together with the Gedolei Torah of the past and merit to participate in their discussions and pilpulim on all the Torah learned. Achieve Almost 7 million Mitzvos in One Year The Vilna Gaon in Shnos Eliyahu Pe’ah 41 states that one should hold precious every word of Torah that he learns because each word is considered a mitzvah of its own. Thus, since in Talmud Bavli, Rashi and Tosfos there are 6,608,891 words, that translates into almost 7 million mitzvos accruing through Yissachar-Zevulun at Shas Yiden. Official Shtar from Shas Yiden Each Yissachar-Zevulun pact is confirmed by an official contract (shtar) from Shas Yiden specifying the learning of the entire Shas, and is witnessed by talmidei chachomim. All who wish to enter into a Yissachar-Zevulun Pact for the entire Shas during ONE year should contact Shas Yiden to make arrangements: 718-702-1528. The opportunity to complete the entire Shas has been a cherished way to honor family members and others as a prized achievement. It has also proven to be a source of comfort for mourners to obtain such a zechus for their dear ones during the year of mourning – […]

President Donald Trump cautioned that the United States would take military action against Hamas should the group persist in killing civilians in Gaza — a move that would breach the widely praised cease-fire he helped arrange, which enabled the weekend release of the remaining hostages from Gaza.

“If Hamas continues the violence, “which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday, responding to a video that surfaced showing Hamas publicly executing eight Palestinian rivals in a busy Gaza City street just days after the cease-fire took effect.

{Matzav.com}

On Thursday, the first day of Chol Hamoed, Rockland County Law Enforcement Liaison Hershy Margeratten once again opened his sukkah for what has become one of the county’s most anticipated Sukkos traditions, a heartfelt gathering bringing together law enforcement officials from across Rockland and beyond. The event, now an annual symbol of gratitude and unity, was held to thank local law enforcement for their year-round dedication and to strengthen the deep bonds between the Jewish community and those who serve and protect it. A wide array of agencies were represented, including the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Ramapo Police, Spring Valley Police, Clarkstown Police, Stony Point Police, Orangetown Police, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, and even Upper Saddle River Police from neighboring New Jersey — reflecting the strong regional cooperation that helps keep communities safe. Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margeratten joined his brother Hershy in welcoming the guests, while Rabbi Aaron Dovid Gancz of Chabad delivered stirring and inspiring remarks highlighting the themes of unity, gratitude, and resilience — values that define both the Jewish community and those in uniform. The afternoon was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and mutual respect as officials, shared words of appreciation and friendship under the sukkah’s lights. YWN recognizes the continued dedication of Hershy and Yossi Margeratten, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes have become a cornerstone of Rockland’s strong community–law enforcement relationship — a partnership that continues to serve as a model for others across the region. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The New York Times published a scathing critique of President Donald Trump’s plans to revamp the U.S. refugee program, describing the proposed changes as a “radical overhaul.”

Under the initiative, refugee admissions would shift toward individuals who are seen as most capable of integrating into American society — those who speak English, share American values, and are likely to adapt easily.

Documents obtained by the Times reveal that the administration is evaluating sweeping modifications intended to ensure that the long-running refugee system primarily serves the national interest.

According to the report, the plan would favor applicants from nations that share American principles — such as white South Africans and Europeans escaping political oppression — while drastically reducing the number of total admissions to record lows.

The proposal, discussed in meetings held by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, stems from Trump’s directive that all resettlement efforts must align with U.S. security and domestic priorities.

The Times labeled the proposed program as “bare bones,” arguing that it represents a departure from what global advocates have traditionally portrayed as America’s “humanitarian duty.”

On his very first day in office, Trump had already halted refugee admissions and ordered a review to determine whether the program benefited U.S. citizens.

Officials told the Times that while no final decisions have been made, the White House is still considering all of the recommendations under discussion.

Among the changes being weighed is a stronger focus on how well prospective refugees can integrate into American life.

The administration’s concept includes mandatory lessons in American history, culture, and respect for the country’s social norms.

Applicants who demonstrate alignment with key values — such as opposition to uncontrolled immigration and adherence to traditional Western ideals — could receive preferential treatment.

Officials also advised limiting resettlement in areas already burdened by heavy immigrant populations to help promote assimilation and relieve local resource pressures.

One of the documents reviewed referenced the importance of preventing “the concentration of non-native citizens.”

The Times accused the Trump administration of favoring “white Europeans,” particularly noting Trump’s references to the persecution of Afrikaners, South Africa’s white minority population.

The paper further alleged that the president’s vision for America “values whiteness and Christianity,” citing remarks from a former refugee official who served under previous administrations.

Responding to the criticism, State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott stated, “It should come as no surprise that the State Department is implementing the priorities of the duly elected president of the United States. This administration unapologetically prioritizes the interests of the American people.”

Reports indicate that Trump is considering setting the refugee cap at 7,500 for the coming year — a dramatic reduction from the 125,000 limit under President Joe Biden.

Officials say the proposed policy would shift authority over refugee determinations from the United Nations to U.S. embassies, allowing American diplomats to play a more direct role in the process.

While The New York Times labeled the initiative discriminatory, advocates of the plan call it pragmatic — a necessary reform to protect the country’s interests and restore order to the refugee system.

{Matzav.com}

New York City Democratic mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani offered a formal apology to members of the NYPD on Wednesday, acknowledging that his earlier rhetoric — in which he labeled the department “racist,” “wicked,” and “corrupt” — was wrong.

“Absolutely, I’ll apologize to police officers right here, because this is the apology that I’ve been sharing with many rank-and-file officers,” Mamdani told Fox News host Martha MacCallum when asked if he would make his apology public.

“And I apologize because of the fact that I’m looking to work with these officers. And I know that these officers, these men and women who serve in the NYPD, they put their lives on the line every single day,” he continued.

Mamdani’s relationship with law enforcement and his changing views on policing have become a central issue in the city’s mayoral race.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020 — which sparked mass protests over racial injustice and policing nationwide — Mamdani used social media to call for defunding the NYPD and denounced the force in harsh terms.

“We don’t need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD,” Mamdani wrote in June 2020 in response to a now-deleted post. “But your deal with @NYCMayor uses budget tricks to keep as many cops as possible on the beat. NO to fake cuts – defund the police.”

That same year, in a series of December posts referencing a ProPublica investigation into the NYPD’s handling of sex-trade enforcement, Mamdani again urged the department’s dismantling.

“All this misery. All for money. In the last budget, the City Council tried to make the NYPD reduce its overtime budget by half. They simply refused,” he wrote in December 2020. “There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt. Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence.”

In recent months, Mamdani has worked to walk back those earlier declarations, telling CNN that he no longer supports defunding the police and that his prior statements were made in a moment of anger. His latest remarks mark his most direct effort yet to publicly reconcile with law enforcement.

According to a report last month in The New York Times, Mamdani has personally reached out to police officials and privately expressed regret for his past comments. In that interview, he said he felt “he owed officers an apology.”

When asked what message he shared with the two dozen officers he reportedly spoke to, Mamdani explained, “I apologized for the language that I used and I spoke to them about the fact that I want to work with them to deliver public safety because what we’re seeing in the city right now is we’re asking officers to do nearly everything we can think of.”

“We used to ask officers to focus on serious crimes. Now we’re asking them to focus also on the mental health crisis, to focus also on homelessness,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

WH Press Secretary on President Trump’s call with President Putin today: “They have agreed to convene a meeting of their high-level staff next week to continue these very important discussions, which may be followed by yet another meeting between President Trump and President Putin.”

BREAKING: President Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary.

WH Press Secretary on Zohran Mamdani’s refusal to call on Hamas to lay down its arms: “This interview proved that the Democrat Party’s main constituencies are made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals — that is who the Democrat Party is catering to.”

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is set to convene the security cabinet and top defense officials tonight for an urgent meeting focused on Gaza, with particular attention to recovering the remains of slain hostages and fallen soldiers.

“We are determined to bring back the hostages, all of them, every last one,” the prime minister declared.

Shas leader Arye Deri demanded that Netanyahu immediately suspend all components of the agreement with Hamas, including reopening the Rafah border crossing and authorizing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Deri made the appeal in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday.

He insisted that no further cooperation should continue until Hamas “cooperates fully and seriously” in returning the bodies of all murdered hostages.

“We are committed to bringing all our sons to a Jewish burial,” Deri wrote.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli warned that the Israel Defense Forces may be forced to resume combat in Gaza if Hamas fails to surrender its weapons. Speaking to Channel 14 on Wednesday, he emphasized that the situation remains critical.

“We are not in a state of routine – this is a significant moment, and we must be precise: either they hand over the weapons, or we will have to return to fighting,” Chikli said.

{Matzav.com}

Tami Breslavsky, the mother of freed hostage Rom Breslavsky, spoke with Ynet and shared new details about the two years her son spent in captivity. She noted that his captors wanted him to convert to Islam and promised to “compensate” him with food. They told him that if he read the Quran or fasted during Ramadan, he would receive small gifts and food. But it was important for Rom to maintain his Judaism, and according to his mother, he repeatedly said: “I’m Jewish, I am strong, I will not break.” She added, “As soon as he returned, he put on tefillin.” Tami: “Baruch Hashem, now we have returned to smiling a real smile, not a forced smile. We have returned to life. Rom went through a very difficult captivity, two very difficult years. But if there is anyone who can survive this, it’s Rom. He is strong; I believe in him. “He tells all sorts of terrible things that happened to him there, as if they were an everyday occurrence. I hear it, and my heart clenches.” “We still have a way to go. I am taking this path with him—from the first step until we see him truly smiling from the heart.” According to reports, Breslavsky endured severe torture and brutal daily beatings for months. (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)