Ceasefire in effect after Israel and Hamas reach agreement for “first phase” of peace deal in Gaza

The Israeli military said that a ceasefire in Gaza came into effect at 12 p.m. local time (5 a.m. ET), after Israel’s government approved the first phase of a deal intended to bring the war to an end. Israeli Defense Forces now have 24 hours (or until 1:20 a.m. Saturday local time) to withdraw to the agreed-upon lines inside of the Gaza Strip.

Israel and Hamas reached the landmark peace agreement, marking what President Trump described as the “first phase” of a broader peace plan aimed at ending the two-year conflict in Gaza and securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.

The deal was confirmed Thursday by Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli and Hamas officials signed the peace deal agreement earlier Thursday in Egypt’s resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.  Upon Israel’s cabinet giving its formal approval, the Israeli military will begin pulling back its troops in Gaza to a mutually agreed-upon boundary, as outlined in the agreement. Phase one of the deal will see all remaining hostages returned from Gaza, a number of Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli jails and the partial withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces inside the strip.

The agreement comes almost two years to the day after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Since then, more than 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

According to President Trump, all Israeli hostages still held in Gaza are expected to be freed ‘by Monday or Tuesday’ under the terms of the new accord. Trump said the agreement represented “the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” Forty-eight hostages remain to be returned, of whom Israel says it believes 20 are still alive.

The president expressed gratitude to Qatar, Turkey and Egypt for helping to broker the peace deal, saying at the opening of his latest Cabinet meeting at the White House:  “As you know, last night we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done. We ended the war in Gaza and really on a much bigger basis created peace. And I think it’s going to be a lasting peace, hopefully an everlasting peace. Peace in the Middle East. We’ve secured the release of all of the remaining hostages and they should be released on Monday or Tuesday. Getting them is a complicated process, I’d rather not tell you what they have to do to get them .. That will be a day of joy, I’m going to try and make a trip over. Working on the timing, the exact timing. Going to go to Egypt, where we’ll have a signing, an additional signing.”

In Tel Aviv, crowds filled Hostages Square waving both U.S. and Israeli flags to celebrate the ceasefire and the breakthrough in negotiations. Many in attendance expressed gratitude toward President Trump for his role in facilitating the deal and helping bring an end to the long-standing violence.

Meanwhile, Intense and deadly Israeli attacks on Gaza City — the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip — and elsewhere in the devastated Palestinian territory continued into Thursday.

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Dodgers eliminate Phillies to advance to NLCS; Cubs tie series vs. Brewers to force Game 5

The LA Dodgers are headed back to the National League Championship Series after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 in Game 4 on Thursday night in extra innings at Dodger Stadium.

Orion Kerkering’s costly error sealed the game for Los Angeles– with two outs in the 11th inning and the bases loaded, Kerkering fumbled Andy Pages’ sharp comebacker and then fired an errant throw past home plate instead of going to first. The misplay allowed the Dodgers to edge the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 to clinch the National League Division Series.

The Dodgers will face the winner of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series, set to begin on Monday, October 13th.

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The Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 at Wrigley Field to tie their NLDS series 2-2, and force the do-or-die Game 5.

Starter Matthew Boyd and left fielder Ian Happ helped the Cubs take control right from the start. Boyd delivered 4⅔ shutout innings on the mound, while Happ launched a three-run homer in the first inning, setting the pace for Chicago’s dominant 6-0 victory at home.

Game 5 will take place back at American Family Field in Milwaukee on Saturday. The winner of the series will face the LA Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

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Government shutdown enters Day 9 as Senate deadlock persists with seventh failed vote

The federal government remained shutdown for a ninth consecutive day on Thursday, with Democrats and Republicans still unable to agree on a plan to end the shutdown. The Senate once again failed to advance rival funding proposals, marking the seventh unsuccessful attempt to break the impasse. At the White House, President Trump accused Democrats of “using health care as a weapon” and warned he may cut certain programs if the shutdown continues.

The Senate voted against the GOP-backed bill, which would fund the government through Nov. 21, in a 54-45 vote. Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto, as well as Angus King of Maine, one of two independents in the Democratic caucus, again voted with Republicans as they have done on prior votes.

With the shutdown in its ninth day, the ramifications are mounting:

  • Military families across the country are bracing for the possibility that their next paychecks might not come on October 15 as planned. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that Republicans will not back a separate measure to ensure service members are paid during the shutdown. Meanwhile, Democrats argue that addressing military pay alone won’t be enough to resolve the broader government standoff.
  • The shutdown’s effects are beginning to ripple through airports nationwide, with staffing shortages among air traffic controllers have already caused delays at several major travel hubs, leaving passengers frustrated and travel schedules in disarray.
  • The IRS on Wednesday said that it was furloughing nearly half of its workforce because of the lack of funding by Congress.

Lawmakers showed no indication that they are open to yielding on their respective party’s demands; with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressing confidence in his party’s stance, emphasizing Democrats’ insistence on continuing health care subsidies, stating that “every day gets better for us” as negotiations drag on. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson took questions from C-SPAN callers during a morning appearance. In response to a viewer frustrated about possible missed military paychecks, Johnson placed blame on Democrats, saying, “They’re the ones stopping you from getting your check.”

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Cornerback swap sees Jaguars acquire Greg Newsome from Browns in exchange for Tyson Campbell

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns announced Thursday morning that they have finalized a cornerback-for-cornerback trade.

Under the deal, Jacksonville will send Campbell and a 2026 seventh-round pick—originally obtained from the Philadelphia Eagles—to Cleveland. In return, the Jaguars will receive Newsome and a 2026 sixth-round selection that the Browns had previously acquired from the New York Jets.

Newsome, 25, was originally drafted by the Browns with the 26th overall pick in 2021 out of Northwestern. In his fifth NFL season, he’s posted 23 tackles and five pass deflections so far this year. He’s currently playing the 2025 season on his fifth-year option, worth $13.38 million, and will hit free agency in 2026. Through five games this year, he has 23 tackles and five pass breakups.

Campbell, also in his fifth season, was drafted early in the second round (33rd overall) in 2021. He signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension (including $53.4 million guaranteed) ahead of the 2024 campaign. Injuries have limited Campbell’s production, with a hamstring issue sidelining him for part of 2023, and he battled additional shoulder and thigh injuries in 2024. This season, Campbell has registered 34 tackles, six passes defended, and one forced fumble in five appearances.

Newsome is expected to join Jarrian Jones in the secondary, though it’s uncertain if he’ll be ready for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Campbell will pair with Denzel Ward in the Browns’ defensive backfield.

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See Zac Brown Band’s video for ‘Butterfly’ ft. Dolly Parton

Zac Brown Band recently shared two new singles: “Butterfly” featuring Dolly Parton, and “Give It Away,” from their forthcoming seventh studio album, Love & Fear.

“Butterfly” was released alongside the official video starring Zac Brown and the legendary Dolly Parton. See the video for ‘Butterfly’ – HERE.

The band’s forthcoming full-length album, Love & Fear, will be available on Friday, December 5th, alongside their highly anticipated performances at Sphere in Las Vegas.  Current dates for the Sphere engagement include December 5-6, December 12-13, and January 9-10. For ticket information, head HERE.

Preorder Love & FearHERE.

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Kane Brown shares video for ‘2 Pair’

Kane Brown has shared his new music video for “2 Pair,” Brown’s latest project following the success of his recent album, The High Road.

Directed by Alex Alvga, the video for “2 Pair” follows Brown and friends dancing around a roaring bonfire, with the music video “encapsulating good vibes from start to finish.”

Brown will also continue his live shows throughout the year on the second leg of The High Road Tour, which will take the country singer to Europe and the United Kingdom.  Brown will also be making his feature film debut in The Token Groomsman, as well as a guest appearance on Nashville 911.

See the video for ‘2 Pair’ – HERE.

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Sophie Turner confirmed as Lara Croft in ‘Tomb Raider’ series for Amazon

Sophie Turner is set to play the iconic ‘Lara Croft’ in Amazon Prime Video‘s upcoming “Tomb Raider” TV series. The show was greenlit at Amazon earlier this year with Phoebe Waller-Bridge set to write and executive produce. Production on the TV version is slated to begin Jan. 19.

Amazon MGM posted on X: “Sophie Turner set to star as Lara Croft in upcoming Tomb Raider series from Amazon MGM Studios. Phoebe Waller-Bridge serves as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner. Jonathan Van Tulleken set as director and executive producer and Chad Hodge joins as co-showrunner and executive producer.”

Turner becomes the latest high-profile actress to take on the role of Croft, who originated in the popular “Tomb Raider” video game series. Croft was previously portrayed onscreen in two films by Angelina Jolie, and by Alicia Vikander in an additional project.

Turner said in a press release: “I am thrilled beyond measure, to be playing Lara Croft. She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many — and I am giving everything I’ve got. They’re massive shoes to fill, following in the steps of Angelina and Alicia with their powerhouse performances, but with Phoebe at the helm, we (and Lara) are all in very safe hands. I can’t wait for you all to see what we have cooking.”

Turner is best known for playing Sansa Stark in the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” The actress is also known for her role as Jean Grey in the Fox X-Men films “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “X-Men: Dark Phoenix.”

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See Jacob Elordi, Oscar Issac in new ‘Frankenstein’ trailer

Netflix is teasing Guillermo del Toro’s new film Frankenstein with a new trailer that introduces viewers to Victor Frankenstein’s creation.

Oscar Isaac portrays Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi portrays the creature he created. The film is an adaptation from Mary Shelley’s book of the same name, published in 1818.

Elordi said in a voice-over in the trailer:”My maker told his tale. And I will tell you mine. I remember pieces, memories of different men. Then I saw it, your name — Victor Frankenstein, my creator. I demand a single grace from you. If you are not to award me love, then I will indulge in rage.”

The cast also includes Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz.

The film will be released theaters for a limited theater run Oct. 17, before premiering on Netflix on November 7th. See the trailer: HERE.

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29-year-old man arrested, charged with starting deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

The Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that a 29-year-old former Uber driver from Florida has been arrested and charged in connection with the Palisades Fire, one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history that killed a dozen people in the region earlier this year.  The fire is also responsible for burning more than 23,000 acres of land in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and the Santa Monica mountains, according to Cal Fire, and more than 6,800 structures were destroyed.  The Palisade Fire was ignited the same day as the Eaton Fire, which burned more than 14,00 acres in Los Angeles County, destroyed more than 9,400 structures and killed 19 people, according to officials.

According to the DOJ, Jonathan Rinderknecht is accused of “maliciously” setting the blaze on January 1st, that killed twelve people before it was fully contained on January 31. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California said in a post on X that Rinderknecht was taken into custody Tuesday near his home in Florida and charged with destruction of property by means of fire. A criminal complaint states that Rinderknecht will be charged with Destruction of Property by Means of Fire, with Essayli saying that additional charges may be added. The felony charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, which could last as long as 20 years if convicted.

Authorities believe the Palisades Fire was a “holdover” blaze — a continuation of the Lachman Fire, which Rinderknecht allegedly ignited on New Year’s Day. Firefighters initially managed to extinguish the Lachman Fire, but according to a federal criminal complaint, smoldering embers remained underground. On January 7, as powerful winds swept through the area, the fire reignited and rapidly spread, transforming into the deadly Palisades Fire. Investigators ruled out other potential causes, including fireworks, lightning, and electrical equipment, concluding that none were responsible for the deadly blaze.

Investigators say Rinderknecht, who once lived in Pacific Palisades, had recently completed an Uber shift when he allegedly started the fire. Two of his passengers told authorities he appeared “agitated and angry” that night, according to the complaint. After dropping off a passenger in the neighborhood, Rinderknecht reportedly drove toward the Skull Rock Trailhead, attempted to contact a former friend, and then walked up the trail. Investigators say he took photos on his cellphone and listened to a song by a French artist whose music video featured fires being set, according to the Department of Justice. Around 11:47 p.m., Rinderknecht allegedly recorded two videos from the hilltop, showing no visible flames. Roughly 25 minutes later, at 12:12 a.m. on January 1, sensors detected a fire in the same area.

The complaint states that Rinderknecht tried calling 911 multiple times but was unable to connect because his phone had no signal. He eventually reached an operator and reported the blaze, around the same time a nearby resident also called in the fire. After making the report, Rinderknecht allegedly fled in his vehicle but soon turned around and followed fire trucks heading toward the scene. Around 1 a.m., he reportedly recorded additional videos showing firefighters battling the growing inferno, according to prosecutors.

Essayli said in a statement: “A single person’s recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades. While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy.”

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Cubs avoid elimination with 4-3 win vs. Brewers; Phillies stay alive with 8-2 win vs. Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs avoided elimination with a 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the NLDS at Wrigley Field.

Michael Busch homered to lead off the first inning for the second time in this series, with Pete Crow-Armstrong delivering a clutch two-run single as part of a four-run surge, leading the Cubs to a crucial victory at home and keeping their postseason hopes alive. Cubs ace Jameson Taillon pitched four innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits and three strikeouts.

Milwaukee leads the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

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The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 in a must-win Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Kyle Schwarber homered twice – including a shot off a 96-mph fastball from Yoshinobu Yamamoto that clearer the right-field pavilion in the fourth inning – to avoid the  sweep by the Dodgers.  It was the first homer for Schwarber in the postseason for the NL’s leading home run hitter, who snapped an 0-for-8 skid in the NLDS.

Game 4 of the series is Thursday at Dodger Stadium, with the Dodgers holding a 2-1 series lead.

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