US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the release of an American mother and daughter held hostage by Hamas, but expressed skepticism over the militant group’s recent statement that they were ready to release two more hostages. He also expressed concern over the possibility of Iranian proxies escalating their attacks against US personnel, and said the US will continue to send clear messages to Hamas about the need to release all hostages.
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The Detroit Police Department released a statement on Sunday that there is no evidence to suggest that the fatal stabbing of Samantha Woll, the board president of Detroit's Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, was motivated by antisemitism. Chief White said that the investigation is ongoing and that the DPD and FBI are working together to find out what happened. Funeral services for Woll were held Sunday afternoon and the DPD is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voiced his strong support for President Joe Biden's proposed $106 billion aid package for both Israel and Ukraine on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday morning. McConnell noted that the package would be spent in the United States in 38 different states, replacing the weapons that were sent to Ukraine with more modern weapons. He also addressed concerns about his health and ability to continue performing his congressional duties, saying he has "completely recovered" and is "back on the job."
Nine candidates have entered the race for the House speakership following the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy. House Republicans are now working to elect a new speaker, with the vote expected to take place on Tuesday. The candidates have a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and it is unclear who will be chosen as the new speaker.
The House of Representatives has been without a speaker since October 3rd, when former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said the disorder gripping the House was a direct result of Kevin McCarthy's alliance with former President Donald Trump. This week, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed to win the speaker’s gavel in a House floor vote for the third time, and Republicans voted against him in a secret ballot. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said the House is unable to move forward with business due to the lack of a speaker, leaving the House in a state of limbo with no clear path forward.
Tropical Storm Norma made landfall near Los Cabos, Mexico on Saturday afternoon, bringing the threat of flash flooding and heavy rainfall to mainland Mexico. Hours later, Hurricane Tammy made landfall on the Caribbean island of Barbuda. The NHC is urging people in the affected areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, and is continuing to monitor the progress of both storms.
Two police officers in La Vergne, Tennessee were shot Saturday afternoon while investigating a stolen vehicle. The suspect in the shooting has been identified as John C. Drake, Jr., 38, the son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake. Boleyjack and Kern, both of whom have been with the La Vergne Police Department for several years, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police are warning the public not to approach Drake if they see him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Michigan State University has issued an apology after inappropriate content, including images of Adolf Hitler and his birthplace, was displayed on the video board prior to their football game against No. 2 Michigan. MSU is actively investigating the source of the content and has promised to take appropriate action to ensure this does not happen again.