Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continues; aid for Gaza has yet to cross Egypt border; two Americans held hostage by Hamas released – Friday, October 20, 2023

Comprehensive coverage of the day’s news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice.

• Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continues; aid for Gaza has yet to cross Egypt border.
• Hamas releases American hostages Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie.
• Jim Jordan booted from speakership nomination after House Republicans rejected his bid for the speakership for the third time.
• Former Donald Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro pleads guilty to a felony, just as jury selection was getting underway in his trial on charges accusing him of participating in efforts to overturn Trump’s loss in Georgia’s 2020 election.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a wet winter for the southern states and a warmer-than-usual winter for northern states.

• Several mayors from cities across the country took part in a roundtable conversation this week to discuss what municipalities can do to combat the ongoing homelessness crisis.

Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)