After being held captive by Hamas for nearly two weeks, Judith Raanan, 59, and Natalie Raanan, 17, were released and reunited with their family. The cousins of the Raanans described the moment as "intense" and filled with relief. They also emphasized that their release was just the beginning, as there are still eight family members being held hostage and three relatives who were killed in the attack. The family is urging the Israeli government to secure the release of the remaining hostages before launching a ground invasion into Gaza. Ayelet Sella, one of the cousins, expressed mixed feelings about the release, feeling both lucky and guilty as there are still many others who are captive. The Raanans, who hold dual Israeli-American citizenship, were visiting family in southern Israel when they were abducted during Hamas' incursion on October 7th. The attack resulted in numerous casualties and abductions. The family remains hopeful for the safe return of their remaining relatives and urges the prioritization of freeing other hostages.

The Joe Biden-led US administration has expressed concerns that Israel may lack achievable military goals for its ground invasion in Gaza. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the importance of carefully considering how Israeli troops conduct the incursion, taking into account the presence of tunnels and densely populated areas where terrorists will operate. Israel has been in discussions with US officials regarding the planned ground operations in Gaza. Austin compared the urban combat in Gaza to the US military's removal of the Islamic State from power in Mosul, stating that it could be more difficult due to the underground network of tunnels constructed by Hamas. Israel must decide whether to eliminate Hamas through surgical strikes or carry out a more expansive ground invasion.

In response to Israel's plans, the US has sent top-ranking military officials to advise the Israeli military on Gaza operations. However, some US senators have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a ground invasion on innocent Palestinians and the worsening humanitarian conditions in the region. They urge Israel to protect Palestinian civilians while targeting Hamas. As Israel continues its airstrikes to weaken Hamas, Palestinian authorities report that at least 5,300 people have been killed since the conflict began, with thousands injured.

Several schools in New Orleans have canceled classes or delayed their start on Tuesday due to hazardous driving conditions caused by fog and smoke from local wildfires. These conditions led to a massive pileup on Interstate 55 on Monday morning, resulting in at least two deaths. The combination of smoke and fog created what is known as superfog, making it extremely difficult to see on the roads.

The Louisiana Department of Traffic Development reported that at least 158 vehicles were involved in the morning's crash, with seven fatalities and several people transported to area hospitals. Drone footage captured the aftermath of the chain reaction accidents, showing the charred remains of vehicles and the thick smoke mixing with the fog.

The superfog is caused by the smoke and moisture released from the ongoing wildfires mixing with cooler, nearly saturated air. Visibility can be reduced to less than 10 feet, making it extremely dangerous on highways. These weather conditions are expected to persist, leading to concerns of similar incidents occurring in the coming days.

As a result, schools in New Orleans have taken precautions and either canceled classes or delayed their start times. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on any further closures or delays. It is advised for commuters to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest weather and road conditions.

Arab-Americans who were once fervent supporters of President Joe Biden are expressing concern and disappointment with his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Many feel that Biden's response has been one-sided and lacking in efforts to deescalate the situation. Maysoon Zayid, a Palestinian American comedian who actively campaigned for Biden in 2020, said she can no longer vote for him in 2024 because "the man broke my heart." Others, like Hala Hijazi, a Democratic donor and fundraiser, are considering leaving the national finance network that supports Biden due to his handling of the war. Arab Americans, Muslims, and their progressive allies are calling for Biden to push for a ceasefire and condemn Israel's actions with the same fervor that he has condemned Hamas. They argue that Biden should prioritize the safety and well-being of Palestinians and Muslims, both in the United States and abroad. Biden has enjoyed broad support from voters for his strong support of Israel, although there is growing anger within the Arab-American community over what they see as an uneven response and failure to promote peace.

The race for House Speaker is heating up as nine Republican candidates compete for the position. The candidates who are vying for the role include House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (Minn.), Kevin Hern (Okla.), Pete Sessions (Tex.), Austin Scott (Ga.), Byron Donalds (Fla.), Jack Bergman (Mich.), Mike Johnson (La.), Dan Meuser (Pa.), and Gary Palmer (Ala.). Each candidate will make their case to House Republicans in the coming days.

Tom Emmer, currently the House Majority Whip, is considered the leading candidate. However, he faces a challenge from former President Donald Trump, who is critical of Emmer and has publicly voiced his disapproval. Trump supporters have called for a "MAGA speaker" who aligns with the Republican electorate and the MAGA movement.

The candidates will have to navigate the complexities of party politics and win support from their colleagues. The race for House Speaker is crucial for the Republicans as they aim to regain control of the House of Representatives.

It is still unclear when the vote for House Speaker will take place, but the race is expected to be closely watched as it unfolds.

SKIP STORY

A tragic incident occurred at the Harbourside Place shopping center in Jupiter, Florida, when a fountain electrocuted five individuals. The Jupiter Police Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to a distress call on Sunday around 3:30 p.m. regarding a child in the fountain. When first responders arrived, they found that multiple people, including adults and children, had been injured from an electric shock, and eight individuals in total needed help.

Of the five victims, three minors and two adults, three were transported to St. Mary's Medical Center and two were taken to nearby hospitals. Unfortunately, one adult victim did not survive and was pronounced dead at the hospital, while another adult has since been released. The three injured minors are still recovering at the medical center.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Florida Power & Light shut off power to the area to assist investigators. The Harbourside Place shopping center stated that the incident occurred in a restricted fountain area where climbing or swimming is prohibited.

The community and authorities have expressed their sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions around bodies of water and the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the cause of this electrocution incident.

Authorities in Gardner, Massachusetts, have launched a manhunt for a man suspected in the murder of his wife. Aaron Pennington, 33, is considered armed and dangerous, and police are urging residents to remain vigilant. The victim, Breanne Pennington, 30, was found dead in their home on Cherry Street on Sunday morning. The couple's four children, aged 2, 5, 7, and 9, went to a neighbor's house for help after they couldn't find their father and discovered their mother crying in her bedroom.

The search for Aaron Pennington has involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including police helicopters and K-9 units. Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the Kelton, Wheeler, Raymond, and Stone streets area, where the search is focused.

According to court documents, the couple had longstanding marital issues, and Breanne Pennington had planned to move to Texas with their children. The suspect is believed to be driving a white 2013 BMW 320 with a Massachusetts veteran plate. Police are advising the public not to approach him if seen and instead to call 911 immediately.

Former President Donald Trump compared himself to Nelson Mandela, the late South African president and anti-apartheid activist, during a rally in New Hampshire. Trump, who is facing multiple criminal and civil cases, suggested that he would be willing to go to prison for the sake of the country, much like Mandela served a lengthy prison sentence for opposing apartheid.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Trump criticized President Joe Biden's response to the Hamas attack on Israel and promised to build a missile defense shield similar to Israel's Iron Dome. However, he spent a significant portion of his speech discussing the legal cases against him, alleging that he is being targeted for political reasons.

Trump is currently facing four criminal indictments and civil trials, including allegations of inflating his worth, misclassifying hush money payments, attempting to overturn the 2020 election, and hoarding classified documents. Regardless of his legal troubles, Trump filed for the first-in-the-nation presidential primary in New Hampshire, becoming the first former president to do so in person more than once.

It remains to be seen how Trump's legal challenges will impact his potential 2024 campaign.

The White House has accused Iran of actively facilitating rocket and drone attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria. The United States believes that these attacks are carried out by Iranian-backed proxy groups, supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the Iranian government. The US has seen an increase in attacks on its forces since the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified. In response, President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to prepare for more attacks and respond appropriately.

US officials have revealed that they have intelligence indicating that Iranian-backed militia groups are planning to escalate their attacks against US forces in the Middle East. Iran appears to be encouraging these groups to continue attacking US and Israeli targets and is providing guidance, potentially without punishment. The US is deeply concerned about the potential for a significant escalation of these attacks.

To counter this threat, the US has sent naval power to the region, including two aircraft carriers, warships, and Marines. Additionally, the Pentagon has announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defense missile system battalions to the Middle East.

The situation remains tense, and the US is prepared to defend its forces and respond decisively if necessary. The US sees Iran's involvement as a significant factor in the escalation and is taking steps to strengthen its defense posture in the region.

Hundreds of mourners gathered on Sunday to remember Samantha Woll, a Jewish leader and activist known for her passion for building bridges between communities. Woll, who was president of the board of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was found stabbed to death outside her home in Detroit on Saturday. While the investigation is still ongoing, Detroit police have said that there is no evidence suggesting the crime was motivated by antisemitism.

Woll was remembered as a kind and generous person who fought for everyone, regardless of their background. She was involved with multiple interfaith organizations and was committed to pursuing justice and making the world a better place. Friends and family spoke of her infectious smile and her willingness to listen to others.

Police have confirmed that the murder was not a home invasion but have not yet identified a suspect. While tensions around antisemitism and Islamophobia have heightened recently, investigators are focusing on individuals within Woll's circle of acquaintances as they continue to search for a motive.

As the community mourns the loss of Samantha Woll, the question remains: Was her fatal stabbing a hate crime?

Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey pleaded not guilty in federal court on Monday to a charge alleging he conspired to act as a foreign agent of Egypt. This is the latest charge against Menendez, who is already facing bribery and extortion charges connected to his position in the U.S. Senate. Menendez, along with his wife and three other co-defendants, were indicted last month on corruption-related offenses. They are accused of accepting bribes in exchange for the senator's influence. Menendez has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The new charge against Menendez alleges that he and his wife failed to register as agents working on behalf of Egypt and conspired to have the senator act on behalf of the country. Menendez, who was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the time, stepped down from that position when he was initially charged but has refused to resign as senator.

The trial is set for May, and Menendez's lawyer has stated that they plan to vigorously fight the charges.

PENSACOLA, Fla. - A memorial service was held in Pensacola on Monday to mark the 40th anniversary of the deadly Beirut barracks bombing that claimed the lives of 241 American service members. The suicide bombing, which occurred at the American military barracks at the Beirut International Airport, was the deadliest day for the U.S. Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

The ceremony, held at Pensacola's Veterans Memorial Park, aimed to remember and honor the victims of the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Tim McGarry, who witnessed the blast, described the harrowing three days of searching for survivors and helping to pull injured individuals from the rubble.

The keynote speaker for the memorial service was Colonel "Caveman" Holzworth, who emphasized the lasting impact of the Beirut bombing on all members of the military. He stated that the attack served as a reminder of the commitment and sacrifices made in serving the country.

A poignant moment of the ceremony was when the name of every person who died in the bombing was read aloud by various speakers, highlighting the personal connection and individual lives lost.

The Pensacola community came together to pay tribute to these fallen heroes, with a survivor of a later terror attack present at the memorial. Ryan Blackwell, who had been injured in a 2019 shooting at NAS Pensacola, was honored as a guest at the Semper Fi 5K race, which aims to support local children and veteran's charities.

The memorial service in Pensacola serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism and the sacrifices made by servicemen and servicewomen in defense of their country.

Jareh Dalke, a former National Security Agency (NSA) employee, has pleaded guilty to six counts of attempted espionage after being caught trying to sell classified documents to someone he believed was a Russian agent. However, the individual was actually an undercover FBI agent. Dalke, a 31-year-old Army veteran, initially made contact with the supposed foreign agent in late July and proceeded to use an encrypted email account to send excerpts of three classified documents to prove their authenticity. The documents included information on U.S. cyber operations and foreign targeting of U.S. systems, with two of the excerpts classified at the Top Secret level. Dalke requested $85,000 for additional information and planned to meet the "foreign agent" in Denver, where he was promptly arrested by the FBI. Dalke will be sentenced in April 2024 and could face up to 21 years and 10 months in prison.

Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Bergman is one of nine candidates running to be the GOP nominee for House speaker, and he is the only one advertising that he would take the job on a temporary basis. The House of Representatives has been without a speaker for three weeks after California Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Both of the GOP conference's previous nominees failed to secure the 217 votes needed on the House floor. Bergman, a fourth-term congressman and a retired lieutenant general in the Marine Corps, is highlighting his military experience and the need for a unifying voice in the party. He is willing to step up until a speaker with enough votes is found. The absence of a speaker is causing serious problems, including the House's inability to support Israel or debate new Ukraine funding. Additionally, the GOP has wasted valuable time that could have been used to solve a spending showdown before a potential government shutdown. The lack of a speaker is compromising American leadership and threatening the function of the U.S. government.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed changes to the H1-B visa process, but will these changes benefit Indians? The proposed rules, which will be published in the Federal Register, do not change the Congress-mandated limit on the number of H1-B visas issued each year. This limit is currently set at 60,000. While some experts say that the proposed changes will level the playing field for Indians, others argue that it will also increase scrutiny.

The Biden administration claims that the changes will improve efficiency by streamlining eligibility and providing more flexibility to F-1 students, entrepreneurs, and non-profit workers. The proposed rules also aim to reduce the possibility of fraud and misuse in the H1-B registration selection process.

Some of the proposed changes include selecting H1-B visa registrations based on unique beneficiaries, eliminating multiple submissions on behalf of an individual. The rules also introduce guidelines for voluntary work-site visits and clarify requirements for filing new visa petitions when employment details change.

However, advocates and researchers have mixed opinions about the proposed changes. Some argue that the regulations are a modest attempt to improve the H1-B program, while others worry that the application process may become more difficult. The proposed rules do not address issues related to green card backlogs, which can leave workers on H1-B visas at risk for labor abuses.

Overall, while the proposed changes may level the playing field for Indians, it remains to be seen how they will impact the broader H1-B visa process and the Indian community specifically.

A winter storm is set to hit the northwestern US and parts of the Northern Plains, bringing heavy snowfall and plunging temperatures. The storm, which is the first significant snowfall of the season, is expected to leave high elevation areas buried in more than a foot of fresh snow. The cold air and deep moisture will spread from Washington and Oregon through much of Montana on Tuesday before the storm drops into the Northwest on Tuesday night. Snowfall is expected to start on Monday night or Tuesday morning in the Cascades in Washington, with higher elevations experiencing more snow and potentially disruptive travel conditions. The storm will continue to move east, covering portions of Idaho and Montana, as well as the Cascades in Oregon. Temperatures will plummet, forcing high-elevation locations to fall well below freezing, with some areas dropping into the single digits. By Tuesday night, heavy snowfall is expected, with pass levels in the Cascades potentially seeing six inches or more of snow. The storm will continue to bring snow and wind to the Northwest and northern Rockies, with some low elevation spots also experiencing wintry weather.

A deadly multi-car pileup occurred on Interstate 55 in Louisiana, near New Orleans, due to a phenomenon called "super fog," according to police. The crash involved at least 158 vehicles and resulted in seven fatalities and over 25 injuries of varying degrees. The stretch of Interstate 55 over Lake Pontchartrain is expected to remain closed for an extended period, along with Interstate 10 and Interstate 310.

Super fog is formed when smoke from nearby marsh fires combines with dense fog to create extremely low visibility conditions. These conditions make driving hazardous, with visibility dropping to near-zero in some spots. The National Weather Service explained that super fog occurs when condensed water vapor mixes with smoke and moisture released from smoldering organic material.

Emergency crews have been working to clear the crash scene and debris from both northbound and southbound lanes. A portion of the crash scene caught fire after the initial incident. The cause of the multi-car pileup has been attributed to the super fog, which severely compromised visibility on the highway.

Drivers have been advised to use their headlights on low beams when driving in foggy conditions and to reduce speed. The presence of super fog makes it particularly dangerous for cars traveling at high speeds. In areas experiencing dense fog, it is recommended to delay travel plans or find alternate routes with less dense fog.

The ongoing failure of House Republicans to select a new Speaker of the House is raising concerns about a potential government shutdown next month. The internal dysfunction within the GOP has resulted in a lack of leadership and a halt in policy discussions, despite pressing issues such as the conflict in Israel and the impending expiration of federal funding. With the deadline to fund the government approaching on November 17, the GOP's inability to choose a speaker is becoming a serious concern.

Eight Republicans are currently vying for the speaker's position, but none of them have secured the necessary votes to claim the role. The party will meet in private on Tuesday to try to select a candidate, but time is running out. The longer the Republicans delay, the less time they will have to reach a funding deal and prevent a government shutdown.

In contrast, the Democratic-controlled Senate has been actively working on longer-term spending bills and has shown support for short-term funding measures to keep the government operating at current spending levels. The stark contrast between the two chambers highlights the GOP's internal divisions and the potential consequences of their inaction.

As the clock ticks down, fears of a government shutdown are growing. The odds of a shutdown are increasing, and if it happens, the majority of blame will likely fall on the Republicans. The situation presents a significant challenge for any newly elected speaker, who will have to navigate a fractious conference and make difficult decisions with limited time.

The media has been abuzz with reports of an explosion at the Al-Ahli Al-Arabi hospital in Gaza City that killed hundreds of Palestinians. However, conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the cause of the blast. Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, immediately blamed Israel and called them war criminals. Popular opinion in Arab countries also sided with Hamas. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces denied responsibility, claiming that the explosion was caused by a rocket launched at Israel by Islamic Jihad, Hamas's rival group.

Initial reports by news outlets such as the New York Times, Reuters, and the Associated Press relied heavily on claims made by Hamas, which has now been criticized for giving a one-sided account. The Times later admitted that their coverage had relied too heavily on Hamas's claims and that those claims could not be immediately verified. Furthermore, an analysis by the Associated Press suggests that a rocket fired from Palestinian territory broke up in the air and fell onto the hospital, causing the explosion.

While investigations are ongoing, both Israel and the United States have stated that the evidence so far supports the conclusion that Israel was not responsible for the blast. The conflicting narratives highlight the importance of verifying claims and considering multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions.

At least two people were killed and 30 injured in a series of car crashes on Interstate 55 in Louisiana due to dense fog known as "super fog." The pileup occurred on Monday, October 23, between Ruddock and Manchac. The accidents involved multiple vehicles, including three 18-wheel trucks that collided and caught fire. One vehicle was even pushed over the railing of the interstate. The area was left completely gridlocked, hindering rescue efforts. Reports indicate that the super fog was caused by the combination of fog and smoke from nearby fires. Visibility levels dropped below a quarter mile, with some moments of near-zero visibility throughout the morning. The National Weather Service defines "super fog" as a thick fog that can reduce visibility to less than 10 feet in damp, smoky conditions. The state of Louisiana has been dealing with unprecedented wildfires, extreme heat, and drought, which may have contributed to the dense fog. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and use headlights on low beams when driving in foggy conditions. Additionally, it is recommended to delay travel plans or consider alternate routes with less dense fog.

Logan Clegg, a man who had been living in a tent in the woods, has been found guilty of the second-degree murder of a retired couple in New Hampshire. The jury deliberated for a day and a half before convicting Clegg on four counts of second-degree murder, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and four counts of falsifying physical evidence.

The victims, Stephen and Djeswende Reid, were shot multiple times while walking on a nearby trail. Their bodies were later found in a wooded area, covered with leaves and debris. The motive for the killings remains unknown. Prosecutors did not present evidence of a motive during the trial.

Clegg, who had burned his tent and wiped his laptop clean after the murders, was arrested in Vermont with a gun, a fake passport, and a one-way plane ticket to Germany. He had been on the run from larceny and burglary charges in Utah.

Clegg faces a possible life sentence and will be sentenced on December 15th. The defense team argued that ballistic evidence was inconclusive and tried to suggest that police had charged the wrong person. Prosecutors, however, believe that they have the right suspect despite the lack of a clear motive.

This case has raised questions about the safety of walking trails and the motive behind seemingly random acts of violence.

Hamas has released two more hostages from their custody, bringing the total number of released hostages to four, according to Israeli officials and Hamas spokesperson. The hostages, Israeli citizens Nurit Cooper, 79, and Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, were released following mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting training exercises in preparation for a potential ground incursion into Gaza. The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with hospitals operating at more than 150% of their capacity and surgeries being conducted without anesthesia.

Aid deliveries have been made to Gaza, with 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid passing through the Rafah crossing on Monday and a total of 34 trucks over the weekend. However, relief groups warn that more aid is needed, especially fuel for critical services like water desalination and hospitals.

Overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza have left more than 400 people dead, according to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry. The IDF claims to have hit 320 "terror targets" belonging to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. IDF also said it has killed or captured more than 1,000 members of Hamas.

The release of hostages and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza raise questions about the prospects for peace in the region.

Law enforcement authorities in Massachusetts are searching for Aaron Pennington, who is wanted for questioning in the homicide of his wife, Breanne Pennington, in Gardner. Massachusetts State Police have located Pennington's car, a white 2013 BMW 320, near the Ashburnham line in Gardner. The car was found abandoned in a muddy area of Camp Collier, a Boy Scout camp. However, Pennington was not with the vehicle. Police have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the area, specifically on Kelton, Wheeler, Raymond, and Stone Streets, while they conduct a search and investigation for the suspect.

Breanne Pennington was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the face in the couple's home on Cherry Street. The couple's four young children, who were found inside the home, are now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. Police are urging anyone with information about Aaron Pennington's whereabouts to contact them immediately. Pennington is considered armed and dangerous.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Former President Donald Trump filed to appear on New Hampshire's Republican primary ballot and held a rally in Derry, New Hampshire. Trump's supporters in line for the event expressed their ongoing support for him despite the indictments against him in four ongoing criminal trials. They believe he is the best person to solve the problems facing the country. Trump's filing came shortly after his former attorneys, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, cut plea deals in the Fulton County, Georgia case related to an alleged conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Despite warnings from political figures on both sides, New Hampshire's GOP voters continue to embrace Trump. Polling data shows that Trump leads the GOP field by 30 points among likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire, with Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis trailing behind. Although there is ongoing squabbling between the DeSantis and Trump camps, Trump's lead in the state continues to grow. It remains to be seen how this support will translate in the upcoming primary.

Gaza hospitals are facing a dire crisis as they run low on fuel for generators, which provide power during frequent power outages. Aid workers are warning that the lives of premature babies in neonatal units are at "grave risk" if the generators stop. Hospitals in Gaza have been forced to stop working since early October due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, which has resulted in a death toll of over 5,000 people. The lack of fuel for generators is exacerbating an already dire situation, with at least 50,000 pregnant women unable to access essential health services. The World Health Organization is calling for sustained safe passage for medical essentials and fuel to keep health facilities open. The spokesperson for the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza is appealing for help from the whole world, including public and private petrol stations, to donate fuel to save lives in hospitals. The situation highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and more aid convoys to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.