Senator Ted Cruz blasted CNN following its recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing the network of bias and referring to it as a “wholly-owned subsidiary” of the Democratic Party. The comments came during Cruz’s appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, where he mocked the nature of the questions posed by CNN host Dana Bash during her interview with Harris. In the interview, Bash questioned Harris on a variety of topics, including her policy positions, the possibility of appointing a Republican to her Cabinet, the economy, and former President Donald Trump’s attacks on her racial identity. Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was also questioned about his past lies on his military service.

It is with deep pain and sorrow that Hatzolah of Central Jersey mourns the petirah of R’ Yisroel Schenkowleski z”l, a true pioneer and cornerstone of our organization for over 25 years. R’ Yisroel was one of the earliest members of Hatzolah, dedicating himself selflessly to the mission of saving lives. R’ Yisroel’s commitment to Hatzolah, where he was affectionately known as “D-1″ (Dispatch-1), was unparalleled. For years, he dispatched the overnight shifts seven days a week, ensuring that no call for help went unanswered. Through his tireless work and determination, he played a pivotal role in transforming Hatzolah from a small, fledgling organization into the vital, life-saving force it is today. Tens of thousands of patients have been helped because of his incomparable efforts.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu held a press conference in English on Wednesday evening, explaining what he said in Hebrew on Monday evening about the significance of the Israeli presence on the Philadelphi Corridor. He repeated his fears that Hamas could smuggle the hostages out of Gaza and transfer them to Iran or Yemen if the IDF doesn’t remain in control of the corridor. Netanyahu said that the main reason Israel must remain at the corridor is to ensure that Hamas does not commit another October 7, as they promised they will. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

The IDF has released footage of its operation in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, showcasing the demolition of a bomb-making lab and the neutralization of explosive devices. In one video, the IDF is seen targeting and destroying a lab used for manufacturing explosives, as part of an ongoing operation in the area. Another clip shows troops successfully neutralizing an explosive device planted under a road in Tulkarem, preventing potential harm to civilians and military personnel. In a separate incident, the IDF reported discovering a bomb hidden in a baby carriage in the same area. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A group of bochurim visiting the US-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, experienced what appears to be an outright miracle after their tefillos for rain on behalf of a local pecan farmer was suddenly and unexpectedly answered. The boys, led by Shloime Zionce, were visiting the area near the Texas-Mexico border when they encountered a local woman who owned a pecan farm. Struck by their faith and background, she approached them, sharing her deep connection to the land and the struggles her farm had been facing due to a severe two-year drought. “We’ve been praying for rain, but nothing has worked,” she told the group.

In an interview on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Tuesday, Senator Josh Hawley made a stunning revelation: whistleblowers informed him that many of the agents protecting Trump during his attempted assassination in July were Homeland Security personnel with minimal protective training. According to Hawley, instead of the typical Secret Service detail, the majority of agents guarding Trump on July 13 were Homeland Security agents who had only completed a brief online training session. “A two-hour, online webinar. And I’m told that half the time, the sounds to the webinar didn’t even work,” Hawley claimed. “So think about this: The former president of the U.S. is sent out on stage, most of the people there are not trained, they’re not qualified.

Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris — and the first Jewish person married to a nationally elected U.S. leader — said he is “gutted” after the killing of American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Speaking Tuesday at a vigil for the hostages at his synagogue in Washington, Emhoff said, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Hersh and his parents, or about the five others and their families.” He added: “This is hard. I feel raw. I’m gutted.” Emhoff, who stands to become the nation’s “first gentleman” if Harris is elected president in November, has emerged as a prominent administration liaison to the Jewish community and a voice in countering antisemitism, particularly in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

In an operation over the past week, IDF Forces from the 162nd Division have eliminated more than 200 Hamas terrorists in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah. The 401st Brigade, known for its precision and intelligence-based tactics, carried out these missions, uncovering extensive weaponry hidden in civilian structures, revealing the brutal tactics of Hamas. During one particularly intense confrontation, Hamas terrorists attacked IDF troops from inside a civilian building. The IDF soldiers swiftly responded, conducting a targeted raid on the structure, neutralizing the attacker. Upon further investigation, the troops discovered a large stockpile of weapons in the building’s basement, exposing the terrorists’ use of civilian areas to launch their brutal attacks.

Erez Calderon, a 12-year-old former Hamas hostage, made an emotional appeal on Monday for the release of his father, who remains in Hamas captivity. Erez, who was abducted with his father and sister during the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, posted the video on Instagram, hoping his father, Ofer Calderon, might somehow see it. Speaking directly to the camera, Erez admitted that it was difficult to share his message but insisted, “If it reaches my father, it is worth it.” His plea comes just two months before his bar mitzvah, a milestone he finds impossible to celebrate while his father is still held captive. “I have a clear goal in life — that he return,” Erez said. Ofer Calderon was taken hostage alongside his children during the brutal Hamas attack on their kibbutz.

Hezbollah fired a heavy rocket barrage at the Galil close to noon on Wednesday, triggering red alert sirens in a number of yishuvim. Several rockets scored direct hits in Kiryat Shmona and Dishon, kindling fires and damaging property. Some rockets fell in open areas, sparking fires, and others were intercepted by the Iron Dome. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish fires in several areas in Galil.  (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)