Israel and Hamas agreed to a hostage deal.

Hostage Deal

The Story

Israel and Hamas agreed to a hostage deal.

Tell me.

Yesterday, both sides approved the deal brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Hamas agreed to release 50 of the more than 240 people it took hostage on October 7th, specifically women and children. Three Americans are expected to be among the hostages released. In exchange, Israel agreed to pause fighting for at least four days to allow fuel and other humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel will also release 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Next up: Israeli citizens have 24 hours to appeal the deal to the Supreme Court. The agreement could go into effect as early as tomorrow. That's the first phase.

What’s the second?

Israel could extend the cease-fire in exchange for Hamas’s release of more hostages. Israel says it would add an extra day to the pause in fighting, for every additional 10 captives that Hamas releases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is “committed to bringing all of the hostages home.” Hamas called the deal a “humanitarian truce.” In a statement, Qatar's lead negotiator reportedly said the priority is now “to ensure that the terms of the agreement are respected” while also working on a longer cease-fire. President Biden welcomed the deal, saying he has “no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage.”

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There’s been growing international pressure for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed over 13,000 Palestinians and over 1,200 Israelis. Now, this deal marks a major diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that’s nearing its sixth week. 

Who’s saying ‘guess who’s back, back again’...

Sam Altman. Early this morning, OpenAI said it reached an agreement for Altman to return as the company’s CEO. The news is the latest in a series of events that’s had the tech world in a frenzy over the past five days. To recap: OpenAI’s board ousted Altman last week and played musical chairs with the interim CEO role. Altman and former OpenAI President Greg Brockman joined Microsoft — OpenAI’s largest shareholder. More than 90% of OpenAI employees threatened to do the same in solidarity. Now, OpenAI has apparently opened its eyes and found there's no alt man for Altman. The company said it's still working to “figure out the details,” but there are changes to the board. In a tweet, Altman said he’s “looking forward to returning” to his old stomping ground. Microsoft says this is a first step to a "more stable, well-informed, and effective governance."

...Oh and speaking of shuffling execs, yesterday, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to federal money laundering charges and stepped down as the company's CEO. It marks the end of the Justice Dept’s three-year investigation into the world’s largest crypto exchange.

What dog lovers are paying attention to…

A mystery illness. In the last couple of months, hundreds of dogs in at least seven states have fallen sick with an infectious respiratory disease. Veterinarians say symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and eye and nose discharge. Some dogs have died from the illness. The disease could be linked to a new bacterial infection, but researchers are investigating the cause. For now, vets recommend that owners make sure their pets are up-to-date on vaccines, limit their exposure to other dogs, and call their vet if they notice symptoms.

Which story is for all the Roman Empire fans...

This one. Yesterday, the BBC reported that a British museum determined emperor Elagabalus was a trans woman. Her gender identity has long been contested among academics. But classical texts claim the emperor — who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 218 to AD 222 — said “call me not Lord, for I am a Lady.” Now, the museum says it'll relabel Elagabalus' display to honor her preferred pronouns.

Whose comedy career is rife with controversy...

Matt Rife’s.

Who’s going to be kicking it together again…

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

What's got people saying 'this is batsh*t'...

These bats.

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