Hostages Released by Hamas, but Many Remain Captive
The release of two more hostages by Hamas brings relief to their loved ones, but the plight of over 200 remaining captives continues to cause agony. Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz were released for “compelling humanitarian” reasons, according to a statement by Hamas’s military wing. Lifshitz’s grandson expressed his joy at the release and hopes for the freedom of all hostages. The two women are currently recovering in a Tel Aviv hospital, where they had a reunion with their families.
Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, described her “hellish” experience of being taken hostage but also shared that she was treated well during her captivity. She recounted being seized by militants, transported by motorbike into Gaza, and subjected to beatings with sticks before being taken through a network of tunnels. The full story of Cooper and Lifshitz’s release can be found online.
President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of hostages and providing aid to Gaza in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. has advised Israel against a ground invasion of Gaza to allow more time for negotiations and aid efforts.
House Republicans to Narrow Down Speaker Candidates
Republicans in the House will meet today to select one nominee from the eight remaining candidates for House speaker. The third attempt to fill the role comes three weeks after Kevin McCarthy’s removal, leaving the House in chaos as wars rage and a government shutdown looms. Representative Dan Meuser dropped out of the race yesterday, leaving Majority Whip Tom Emmer as the favorite to win the nomination. A public vote could happen as early as today, but it remains uncertain if any nominee can secure the necessary 217 votes to win.
Seven Killed in Massive Crash on Louisiana Highway
Yesterday, a series of crashes on Interstate 55 in Louisiana involving 150 vehicles resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and left over 25 injured. The National Weather Service had warned of a “Superfog,” caused by dense fog and smoke from nearby fires, affecting parts of the interstate. Authorities fear that the death toll may rise as they clear the area around a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquid.
Investigation Continues into Murder of Synagogue President
Authorities are focusing on “persons of interest” and exploring various theories in the murder of Samantha Woll, a prominent Jewish leader in Detroit. Police Chief James E. White stated that it is unlikely that Woll’s killing was a hate crime and assured the public that no other groups or individuals are at risk. Woll had attended a wedding the night before her body was found, leading police to discover a “trail of blood” from her front yard back into her home.
Other News:
– Donald Trump denies Sidney Powell was ever his attorney following her guilty plea.
– A federal appeals panel questions why lawyers for Donald Trump did not claim presidential immunity years ago in a defamation lawsuit.
– Senator Bob Menendez pleads not guilty to new charges alleging bribery and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent.
– Republicans have strong candidates in most major battleground states for the 2024 election, but one closely divided state poses a challenge.
– The ban on certain Chinese nationals from buying property in Florida affects buyers and raises concerns of racial profiling.
– A suspect in a drug-induced robbery scheme that resulted in the deaths of two gay men pleads guilty.
– Bobi, the world’s oldest known dog, passes away at the age of 31.
– Olympic gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton recovers from pneumonia and returns home.
– An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot is charged with 83 counts of attempted murder for allegedly attempting to shut off a plane’s engines mid-flight.
– Washington state senator Jeff Wilson is arrested at a Hong Kong airport after a pistol is found in his carry-on bag.
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