News
Three Israeli Hostages Freed as Israel Releases 183 Palestinian Prisoners
Three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released on Saturday in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement.
The freed hostages—Yarden Bibas (34), Ofer Kalderon (53), and Keith Siegel (65)—were handed over to the Red Cross, marking the latest exchange under the ceasefire deal. Their release was carried out in a more controlled and orderly manner compared to Thursday’s chaotic handover, which had raised safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners were transported in buses to Gaza and the West Bank, with many originating from Ofer Prison. The prisoners’ reception in Gaza was marked by a structured display, as lines of armed Hamas fighters maintained order and oversaw the handover. Released prisoners were flanked by masked gunmen, standing in front of banners bearing images of deceased Hamas leaders.
The exchange is part of continued negotiations brokered by international mediators, aiming to extend the ceasefire and secure the release of additional hostages. The humanitarian pause has allowed for a series of swaps, with Israel seeking the safe return of remaining hostages while Hamas aims to secure the release of more Palestinian detainees.
News
US Federal Websites Remove Vaccine and LGBTQ Health Data Under New Policy
In a sweeping change directed by the Trump administration, references to “gender ideology” and vaccine data have been removed from multiple federal websites, including those of major public health agencies. The move aligns with recent executive orders banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and defining gender strictly as male or female.
A memo issued on Wednesday instructed federal agencies to terminate any taxpayer-funded programs promoting gender ideology and remove related website content by 17:00 EST on Friday. When asked about the removals, Trump stated, “If they want to scrub the websites, that’s OK with me.”
By Saturday morning, key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpages dedicated to gender identity, sexually transmitted diseases, and LGBTQ health were no longer accessible, instead displaying “page not found” messages. The CDC, a vital source for government health data and research, had hosted extensive information on these topics.
Among the missing resources is the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a study tracking high school students’ health behaviors, including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and sexual health. The tool used to explore this data has also gone offline. Archived pages show the study examined how LGBTQ students experienced discrimination and its impact on their well-being.
Other removed pages include resources on “Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth” and “Health Disparities Among LGBTQ Youth”, which previously outlined how stigma and discrimination contributed to negative health outcomes.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the CDC, has taken down diversity and inclusion-related content, further signaling a broad shift in federal health policy.
News
Seven Killed in Philadelphia Medical Plane Crash, Investigation Underway
A medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing six people on board and one person in a car on the ground. Officials have confirmed that 19 others were injured, though the casualty numbers may change as assessments continue.
- The crash occurred Thursday night, impacting a four-to-six block radius, with debris scattered over a wide area.
- Five fires broke out as a result of the crash, but they have all been extinguished.
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Josh Shapiro, and other officials have vowed to determine what went wrong.
- Residents in affected areas are urged not to touch debris and instead call 911 if they find anything.
Authorities are conducting door-to-door searches and working to identify victims still hospitalized. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials say they are committed to uncovering the truth.
Mexico’s U.S. Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán expressed condolences to the families of those lost, calling it a terrible tragedy.
News
Storm Éowyn Ravages UK and Ireland, Leaving One Dead and Over a Million Without Power
Storm Éowyn has swept across the UK and Ireland, bringing severe disruption, widespread power outages, and tragic loss of life. Authorities report that one person has died as strong winds and hazardous conditions wreak havoc across the region.
Transport Chaos Across the UK and Ireland
Rail
- ScotRail: All services in Scotland have been suspended until at least midday Saturday.
- London: A fallen tree on the Elizabeth Line at Brentwood has caused delays, with severe disruptions also reported on the Mildmay Line. Parts of the Piccadilly Line remain closed.
- Nationwide: LNER, Lumo, Merseyrail, and TransPennine Express services have all been impacted. Travelers are advised to check their journeys before setting out.
Roads
- East Yorkshire: The M62 Ouse Bridge is closed to high-sided vehicles.
- Cheshire: The A550 is closed in both directions after a fallen tree was struck by an HGV.
- Derbyshire/South Yorkshire: The A628 is shut between the A616 (Flouch) and A57 (Hollingworth) due to strong winds.
- National Advice: The RAC has warned motorists in northern England and north Wales, where amber warnings are in effect, to exercise extreme caution if traveling.
Airports
- Over 1,000 flights have been canceled across Ireland and the UK, with Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow, and Glasgow airports worst affected.
- Edinburgh Airport: Operations are halted, with officials warning of delays in the coming days until conditions improve.
- Dublin Airport: Flight operations resumed at 16:15 as winds eased significantly, though some delays remain possible.
Power Outages and Damage
Storm Éowyn has left over a million homes and businesses without power across the region. Emergency services are working tirelessly to restore electricity, but the widespread damage may cause delays in reestablishing service.
Warnings and Precautions
- Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has urged residents to remain cautious, even as the red wind warning was downgraded to amber earlier today.
- First Minister John Swinney echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of safety amid ongoing hazardous conditions.
-
News16 hours ago
Seven Killed in Philadelphia Medical Plane Crash, Investigation Underway
-
Entertainment16 hours ago
Lily Collins Welcomes First Child via Surrogacy: “Our World Is Forever Changed”
-
Sports15 hours ago
Salah Shines as Liverpool Extend Premier League Lead to Nine Points
-
Sports15 hours ago
Everton Stun Leicester with Early Blitz to Secure Crucial Win
-
News15 hours ago
US Federal Websites Remove Vaccine and LGBTQ Health Data Under New Policy