FIRST, HAMAS HOSTAGES ARRIVE IN ISRAEL.

via Egypt

The first Hamas hostages to be released as part of the deal between the terrorist organization and Israel are safeand finally back on Israeli territory!

Among those released were 13 Israelis, including several dual nationals, said Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Madsched al-Ansari on Friday.

According to information from Qatar, which mediated between Israel and Hamas, ten Thais and one Philippine citizen were also released.

Israeli television reported that most of the hostages in Kibbutz Nir Oz had been kidnapped by terrorists on October 7.

The hostages are now to be housed in protected rooms in Israel, where they will receive the necessary medical treatment and support. This was announced by the Israeli army - and called on the public and the media to be patient and sensitive. “We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the released hostages and their families.”

Psychologists believe that the children, in particular, could be severely traumatized after seven weeks of being held hostage.

Hostage deal between Israel and Hamas

As part of a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which began on Friday morning, a total of 50 of the approximately 240 Hamas hostages are to be released. In return, 150 Palestinian prisoners are to be removed from Israeli prisons - three Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli hostage.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Commission, 24 women and 15 young people were handed over to the Red Cross for transportation to Israel on Friday. Mediator Qatar confirmed the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners. They were previously transferred from Damun Prison to Ofer Prison between Jerusalem and Ramallah (West Bank), according to a spokeswoman for the Israeli Prison Authority.

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Age may be just a number, but it can sometimes be considered a disadvantage when running for president. Most Americans think that Joe Biden and Donald Trump are too old to lead the United States. At 81 and 77 years old, respectively, they have already surpassed the average life expectancy of men and are well beyond the retirement age of most U.S. senators. Moreover, it is difficult to imagine either continuing to hold power during a flawed

power transfer between administrations.

According to a recent AP-NORC poll, 77% of Americans think President Biden is too old to serve another term. This opinion was even stronger among Democrats. It is worth noting that Nancy Pelosi, who is 83 years old, is seeking re-election in 2024. In contrast, Chuck Grassley, the current Republican Senate Majority Leader, is 78 years old and, indeed, not a young man either.

Whether Biden and Trump are too old for the job has become a significant topic of discussion in the 2024 presidential campaign. Critics argue that their age diminishes their credibility and ability to innovate in Congress, while others say this argument has been unfairly used against them.

Longevity researcher S. Jay Olshansky points out that both can qualify as “super-agers,” which refers to individuals who maintain cognitive function beyond most adults their age.

Did you know that Methuselah, a prominent figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was believed to have lived for 969 years according to the Book of Genesis? Neither Biden (81) nor Trump (77) come anywhere close to resembling him! Methuselah was the son of Enoch, the father of Lamech, and the grandfather of Noah. Pretty cool, huh?

Age has emerged as a paramount concern among the majority of voters. Noah Burden, a communication consultant aged 28 from Alexandria, yearns for a younger political figure to occupy the White House. Contrarily, Greg Pack, a 62-year-old voter from Ardmore, Oklahoma, is seeking a paradigm shift and is exhausted with witnessing someone like Trump, who seems self-absorbed and takes pride in flaunting his allegations as badges of honor.

In today’s world, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the constant news of conflict, loss, and devastation. However, amidst all this negativity, there is a glimmer of hope and positivity in the form of the Dog Photographer of the Year 2023 award. Established three years ago, the award quickly became a cherished event showcasing the incredible bond between humans and their furry companions.

This annual competition features photographs depicting dogs in multiple settings, capturing their unique personalities and behaviors. From heartwarming moments of loyalty and affection to humorous playfulness and mischief, each photo tells a story and celebrates the joy dogs bring.

The Dog Photographer of the Year award is a testament to the beauty and resilience of these beautiful creatures, and it reminds us that amidst all the chaos and negativity in the world, there is still so much to be grateful for. Whether you’re a dog lover or appreciate the art of photography, this competition will surely warm your heart and lift your spirits.

The California Lottery urges players to be responsible when gifting as we approach the holiday shopping season. Lottery tickets are not suitable as toys or stocking stuffers for children. Even though our games are intended to bring fun and joy during the holiday season, particularly our holidaythemed Scratchers®, it’s vital to remember that it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in lottery activities. Carolyn Becker, the spokesperson of the California Lottery, emphasized the importance of being aware of this.

It has been found that the earlier a person is exposed to gambling, the higher their chances of developing a gambling addiction later in life. Usually, exposure to gambling during childhood occurs through lottery games, where a child may be given tickets by an adult who is unaware of the risks involved, as per the National Council on Problem Gambling. The California Lottery strictly follows the law prohibiting the sale of Lottery games to anyone under 18. Their network of over 23,000 retail partners has been informed of the same. The Lottery also employs underage decoys to prevent sales to minors and ensure compliance.

The California Lottery is committed to maintaining the highest possible standards in-game sales and promoting responsible gaming. Their efforts have been recognized through the World Lottery Association’s highest certification and recertification for their educational initiatives.

For additional information about the National Council on Problem Gambling’s campaign on responsible gifting, please click here.

Dhs Police Gets Grant For Enforcement And Education Programs

The city of Desert Hot Springs has recently announced that it has received a grant of $107,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The donation will support the ongoing enforcement and education programs of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. Specifically, the grant will allow the department to increase its efforts to make the roads safer for everyone by increasing DUI checkpoints and patrols, hosting community presentations on traffic safety issues, collaborating on enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies, and funding officer training and recertification.

Police Chief Jim Henson said that the grant will help officers focus on critical areas such as distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding, which are all leading causes of severe injuries and deaths in traffic collisions.

Local veterans from Thermal to Twenty-Nine Palms are joining forces to help their comrades needing housing with Desert jAMBOree, a charity fundraiser and entertainment event Dec. 8-10 hosted at the 21 Arrows Ranch in Thermal, California.

Daniel Belew, a founder of RescueResidence.org, also does his part to end veteran homelessness. Belew, who was once homeless and served as an active-duty Marine for 24 years, understands veterans’ struggles. His non-profit charity is committed to providing housing assistance to veterans in need through a comprehensive three-phase program that addresses immediate housing needs, personal stabilization, job skills training, and a long-term housing solution by transforming retired ambulances into custom homes designed and constructed by program participants.

Join us for our premier fundraising festival of the year! This weekend event is an opportunity to unite and make a real difference for homeless veterans in California. With multiple bands performing each day, a great lineup of comedians on Saturday, and fun and exciting games like horseshoes, cornhole, and ladder toss, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, we will have auctions, guest speakers, food trucks, and vehicle conversion vendors to provide additional ways to support our cause.

As of 2020, it was reported that over 11,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in California. However, our organization is determined to make a difference. Our mission is to help these veterans overcome two significant barriers to finding a permanent home and securing employment anywhere in the country. By identifying eligible veterans and providing them with the support they need, we can positively impact them and help them achieve their goals. We are committed to working towards a future where every veteran can access the resources they need to thrive.

A physical address is crucial when completing a job application or a resume. We offer a physical address on our site right from the beginning to facilitate this process for our program participants. While we work together to build a unique tiny home inside a retired ambulance, our recipients will also work towards defining their goals and aspirations. This will help them make meaningful progress towards a positive future.

If you or someone you know needs housing assistance in Coachella Valley, we are here to help. You can call us anytime, day or night, and we will provide the guidance and support needed to find suitable housing.

RESCUE + RESIDENCE

A 501(c)3 Public Charity

EIN: 87-4110779

54565 Pinon Ct

Yucca Valley, CA 92284

(760)974-2501