Israel Begins to Push Into Gaza City, Calls for New Hostage Negotiations

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Israel Begins to Push Into Gaza City, Calls for New Hostage Negotiations

What's going on: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ordered negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war on terms “acceptable to Israel” — even as he greenlit a plan to take over Gaza City. Palestinians say they’ve already seen major bombardment in the eastern parts of the city, which came a day after Israel said they started the beginning stages of their expanded offensive. It’s unclear when the Israeli military might begin its broader assault, but Israel has called up 60,000 reservists to support the operation. Israel also warned medical teams and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate before the operation goes forward.  

What it means: Israel’s push forward into Gaza City comes despite international and domestic criticism that an expanded offensive could endanger the remaining hostages and worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Analysts say Israel’s new offensive could deepen the hunger crisis in Gaza (where a famine has been officially declared) and further disrupt the territory’s already fragile health care system. Netanyahu maintains that the move is for Israel’s security, and Hamas called Israel’s plans “a new war crime.” Meanwhile, the United Nations re-upped its call for an immediate ceasefire. Earlier this week, Hamas approved a ceasefire proposal with Qatari and Egyptian officials that would release half of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Netanyahu has yet to comment on that deal.

Related: Trump Suggests Ukraine May Have To Attack Russia "To Win War" (The Hill)

Immigration

For the First Time in Decades, the US Is Losing Immigrants

What's going on: The number of immigrants in the US is shrinking for the first time since the 1960s, according to new data from the Pew Research Center. In just six months, it dropped from 53.3 million to 51.9 million — a dramatic fall that some experts say highlights the effects of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Though the exodus began in the last two years of the Biden administration, Trump’s policies have sped things up. From record-high arrests, new visa restrictions, travel bans, and limits to refugee entries — all factored in the number of people leaving the US. Some people are voluntarily leaving. Pew noted the sample is small and incomplete, but others are ringing the alarm bells.

What it means: Whether this trend continues will depend on how Trump ramps up his immigration policy. Just yesterday, the State Department announced it’ll vet all 55 million US visa holders for offenses that could lead to deportation. Meanwhile, deportations have surged to nearly 1,500 a day this summer — putting ICE on track to deport 400,000 people by the end of the year. One expert told The New York Times that many foreign workers are still lawfully entering the country. But other experts warn that the drop could spell trouble for the labor force, with industries like restaurants, agriculture, and hospitality already feeling the strain.

Related: ICE Is Rolling Out the Red Carpet To Attract New Agents (Politico)

Economy

A Logo Change With a Side of Backlash

What's going on: For nearly a year, Cracker Barrel has been undergoing a brand refresh — but nothing has caused more uproar than its new logo. The restaurant chain — known for its “ole-timey” dark wood aesthetic (rocking chairs included), Southern cuisine, and close proximity to the interstate — removed the old man and barrel from its logo for a simpler design. Cue customer backlash, including from some MAGA supporters who claimed the brand is going “woke.” Even the president’s son Donald Trump Jr. weighed in, posting: “WTF is wrong with Cracker Barrel ??!” Meanwhile, shares of Cracker Barrel plummeted 10% at one point on Thursday, as fans accused the restaurant of taking the “last piece of nostalgia” they had left.

What it means: Cracker Barrel is the latest flashpoint in America’s identity politics. The chain, long linked to conservative values, has recently supported more inclusive initiatives — openly supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. While Cracker Barrel insists the brand refresh is about “honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy,” the backlash is yet another example of how businesses aren’t immune to the current political climate. It also highlights the power customers can have — just look at Target. As one expert explained: “It becomes very hard not to disappoint someone” whether you align yourself politically or not.

Related: Southwest’s Next Stop Might Surprise You (CNN)

Settle This

Kylie Kelce recently revealed the one sport she doesn’t want her daughters to participate in. Which one is it?

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