October 28, 2023 - Your Daily Digest

A ground invasion of Gaza begins as workers in America secure a major victory

Today is October 28, 2023 and here are the stories you may have missed from the last 24 hours. If you enjoy these daily digests and want to see more, exclusive content, then consider becoming a monthly subscriber at the link below:

1) Israeli Ground Invasion Begins (Kind of)

Overnight, it appears as though the long anticipated ground invasion of Gaza has begun as thousands of Israeli forces have entered Northern Gaza along with artillery, tanks, and other military equipment. Israel has yet to confirm the ground operation, but has released a video this morning calling for the immediate evacuation of all civilians living in Northern Gaza and Gaza City. The Israeli Military further noted that it will be conducting targeted precision strikes in Northern Gaza and will inform residents when it is safe to return. This comes after intense Israeli airstrikes took out the electricity and internet service in most of Gaza, cutting of the people of Gaza from the rest of the industrialized world.

However, although Israeli forces are in Gaza as of this post, it is unclear whether this is the large scale ground invasion that many expected. There does not appear to be an effort by the Israeli military to control areas of Gaza or seize any territory. U.S. officials do believe that last night's incursion into Gaza is the beginning of a rolling ground invasion that will only grow over the next several days and weeks. Accompanying the ground operation has been significant airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli military claiming that it has struck over 150 underground targets occupied by Hamas fighters. 

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is only growing. After 34 trucks entered the strip with humanitarian aid last week, no other aid has been allowed in. The United States and other countries have called for a temporary ceasefire to allow further aid in and refugees out, but that has yet to occur. As of this post, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, over 7,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed and 12 hospitals have become inoperable. But, it is important to take these numbers with significant caution as Hamas has been known to lie about many things in the past and even the United States has questioned the numbers being reported out of Gaza concerning the death toll of civilians. In any event, there is a massive humanitarian crisis developing in Gaza, one that we must keep an eye on as the Israeli ground offensive widens. 

2) Maine Suspect Found Dead

The alleged perpetrator of the deadliest mass shooting to occur this year has been found dead in Maine after a lengthy manhunt that mobilized both state and federal resources. Robert Card murdered eighteen innocent civilians, injuring at least thirteen others in a mass shooting that spanned multiple locations. According to officials, he left a note alongside his body noting that he did not expect to be found alive. His body was found in a unlocked trailer found in an overflow parking lot at a recycling center. 

Following this shooting, it is critical that we do not let a moment like this pass without taking real action to stop gun violence in America. With over 560 mass shootings just this year, more Americans are dying than we have days in a year. The overwhelming majority of the American population agrees with some form of gun reform. Whether universal background checks, red flag laws, or mental health screenings as a prerequisite to purchasing a firearm, most Americans, including most Republicans, agree that it is time to take action to stop gun violence. Despite this, the current Speaker of the House told the public that prayer is the answer. It is not. If it was, we would not experience two mass shootings per day in our country. Call your representative and tell them to take action now. 

3) Major Win For Workers

In a major win for workers, it was reported that GM and Stellantis have agreed to match Ford's offer to increase wages for thousands of Americans. The latest agreement, if ratified, will include a 25% raise for workers over four years and match the cost of living raises offered by Ford. Significantly, these raised are larger over four years than the 23% raises offered to workers during the last twenty one years. Further details have yet to be released about the agreement, but if ratified, this will mark a significant win for workers across America. More to come soon.