This week marks the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It also marks the deadline that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave Hamas to release all the remaining hostages still held in Gaza or face a ground invasion of Rafah. About 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge in the southern city. That's as Gaza is on the brink of famine and there are reports of children dying from starvation. For weeks, world leaders have tried to negotiate a cease-fire and hostage exchange in order to stave off the ground invasion. Without a deal in place, Israel said it plans to move forward with its offensive in Rafah but didn't provide a timeline.
What are people saying?
In an interview over the weekend, President Biden said an Israeli offensive into Rafah is a “red line” and that Netanyahu’s “hurting Israel more than helping Israel.” Still, the president reiterated his support, saying the US wouldn’t cut off its supply of weapons to the Israeli military. In response, Netanyahu said the president's comments about hurting Israel were “wrong.” He said an invasion of Rafah is necessary to defend Israel's national security and eliminate Hamas. Meanwhile, Egypt is trying to restart another round of cease-fire and hostage negotiations in efforts to get to a truce — something that hasn’t been seen since November.
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A ground offensive in Rafah threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and could mark a political test for the US. It comes as the Gaza Health Ministry says the Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, and as countless families wait for the release of loved ones taken hostage by Hamas on Oct 7.
“Barbenheimer.” Last night, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” took home seven Oscars, including best picture and acting wins for Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. As for “Barbie,” Ryan Gosling and Slash reminded everyone they are Kenough, bringing down the Mojo Dojo Casa House. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell took home a W for “Barbie.” Other winners of the night included Da’Vine Joy Randolph for her supporting role in “The Holdovers.” Emma Stone won her second Oscar, earning best actress for “Poor Things” and navigating a broken dress moment. John Cena was clearly the best dressed of the night, appearing to be wearing only an envelope and Birkenstocks. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel fired back at former President Trump’s criticism of his hosting gig. That wasn't the only political moment of the night as celebrities, like Ramy Youssef and Eilish, wore pins calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
What’s got people stirring up new theories…
A photo of Kate Middleton. Yesterday, Kensington Palace released the first photo of the princess post abdominal surgery, showing Middleton with her three children for Mother’s Day in the UK. The palace gave photo credit to Prince William, but the internet was quick to point out some irregularities. Soon after the photo’s release, the Associated Press said it was pulling the image because it appeared to be manipulated. At least two other photo agencies quickly followed suit. Now, many suspect the photo was made with AI, and it’s fueling more rumors about the princess’ whereabouts. The palace has yet to respond.
Who’s sticking to her script…
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL). Yesterday, she responded to criticism surrounding her GOP rebuttal to President Biden’s State of the Union address. In a speech delivered from her kitchen table, Britt shared a Mexican woman’s human trafficking story while speaking about the Biden admin’s handling of the border crisis. Critics said that Britt's storytelling was allegedly misleading, given that the trafficking she described took place in Mexico in the mid 2000s. Now, Britt says she didn’t mean to suggest it happened during the Biden presidency. It’s not the only aspect of her speech that garnered criticism and inspired an SNL spoof.
What’s still not flying under the radar…
Boeing. Over the weekend, news outlets reported the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into the door plug that blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. The DOJ’s looking to see if Boeing violated a 2021 settlement agreement that required the company to report evidence of fraud involving Boeing staff. Now, Boeing could face prosecution for defrauding the US. Alaska Airlines said they’re cooperating with the probe.
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†According to the American Cancer Society
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Baking it up…Christine W (CO). She opened up Majik Edibles, a BIPOC-owned cannabis infused bakery in Oregon and launched a shortbread line.
(Some) Birthdays…Joe Schechter (FL), Dani Lazarus (CA), Alejandra Ospina (DC), Amanda Schwartz (CA), Catherine Stack (NY), Courtney Guido (NC), Jillian Madocs (NY), Julia Krueger (FL), Lindsay Burney (CO), Maura Connolly (NY), Morgan Kumm (NE), Morgan Waterman (NH), Nicole Santilli (CO), Rachel May (MI)
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