November 24, 2023 - End Of Week Digest

The first hostages have returned home as Israel gears up for a possible ground operation in southern Gaza

Today is November 24, 2023, and here are several stories you may have missed from the past several days. If you enjoy these digests and want more, exclusive content, or if you want to support my work, then consider becoming a monthly subscriber by clicking the link below:

First Hostages Returned Home

In some good news, the first hostages have returned home to Israel after being released by Hamas as part of a deal brokered by the United States. The deal, which calls for the release of 50 hostages in Hamas custody, will be implemented over the course of several days. In exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel is expected to release 150 Palestinian prisoners and a four day ceasefire will be implemented. Today, the first batch of hostages were released by Hamas. This batch includes 25 hostages, 13 of which are Israeli women and children, and 12 of which being Thai nationals held in Hamas custody. The Palestinian prisoners that were released include mainly women and men under the age of 18. While none of these prisoners were convicted, many were charged with crimes including stabbing Israeli officers, aiding and abetting terrorist organizations, and other weapons-related charges. It is expected that additional hostages will be released by Hamas tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it is expected that Israel will continue its ground operations once this four day temporary pause finishes. While there has been some pressure from the international community to institute a complete ceasefire, Israeli authorities have not given any indication of a ceasefire, especially since additional hostages, including American citizens, remain in Hamas custody. The ground operation will likely include additional incursions into southern Gaza which has thus far been excluded.

Louisiana Democrat Wins By One Vote

While most Americans were talking about the abortion ballot initiative in Ohio or the Democratic wins in Kentucky and Virginia, a little known election to become the next sheriff for the town of Caddo Parish was held in Louisiana.

Former Louisiana State Police superintendent Henry Whitehorn faced off against Shreveport City Council Member John Nickelson in a runoff election over the weekend. The current sheriff for the town decided not to seek re-election, and endorsed Nickelson in the race. 

Whitehorn, the Democratic candidate, won by just one vote in the runoff election securing 21,621 votes compared to 21,620 votes for Nickelson. As a result, Caddo Parish will now have a new sheriff for the first time in over 20 years. 

UAW Ratifies New Contract

In a major win for workers, the United Auto Workers confirmed that members have ratified agreements with three major auto companies: Ford, GM, and Stellantis. This news comes after a deal was struck between the companies and union leadership late last month. The expected deal, which will last about four years, brings a 27% wage increase to workers at all three companies, drops the timeline to get top pay at the companies from eight years to three, and increases the minimum pay for temporary and supplemental workers from $16 to $21 per hour. For comparison, in the 21 years since 2001, UAW secured a 23% total wage increase for employees. The new agreement will also reinstitute cost of living raises and restore several benefits that were once cancelled as part of a prior agreement between UAW and the companies during the 2008 recession. Overall, this is a major win for workers.

Car Explosion Update

Earlier this week, the United States had a potential terror scare when an explosion occurred at the U.S./Canada border. Despite initial thoughts of a potential terrorist attack, we now know that the explosion was as a result of an accident that saw two Americans die in an unfortunate explosion. While authorities temporarily suspended flights out of the Buffalo airport and halted traffic near the border, the heightened terror threat has been reduced near the area.