Israel-Hamas War Anniversary, US Government Shutdown, and Nobel Prize Winners

Israel-Hamas War Anniversary

• 🕯️ Memorials are being held in Israel to mark two years since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
• 💔 The attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages taken, with officials believing about 20 of the 48 remaining hostages are still alive.
• 🕊️ Ceasefire talks are ongoing in Egypt, with President Trump expressing optimism about a peace proposal, though real peace remains uncertain for many in the region.
• 💔 The Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry reports over 67,000 Palestinian deaths during the war.
• 📢 Pro-Palestinian protests are planned across LA and Riverside to commemorate two years of conflict, including a student walkout at UCLA.

US Government Shutdown Stalemate

• 🏛️ A funding bill to reopen the US government failed in the Senate for the fifth time, leaving the government shut down with no clear resolution.
• ⚠️ President Trump suggested that further delays could lead to federal workforce layoffs.
• 🤝 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Republicans must negotiate with Democrats to end the shutdown, attributing any layoffs to Trump.
• 🗣️ Republicans are calling the situation the "Schumer shutdown."
• ⚖️ Senate Majority Leader John Thun plans to force another vote on a government funding approach.
• 💬 There is discussion of a potential compromise involving the renewal of Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government.

Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded

• ⚛️ Three University of California professors have won the Nobel Prize in Physics.
• 🏆 John Clark (UC Berkeley), Michael Deere, and John Martinez (UC Santa Barbara) are being honored for their discoveries in quantum mechanics and electrical circuitry.
• 💻 Their research has significantly contributed to breakthroughs in computer microchips.
• 💰 The three scientists will share a prize of nearly $1.4 million.