All Eyes Are on the Middle East

Good morning.

Depending on where you live, today you might be observing Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, both, or neither (here’s how you can find out). For thousands of federal workers, the holiday would typically mean a paid day off — but many remain furloughed as the shutdown nears its third week. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is moving funds around to ensure military personnel don’t miss their first paycheck. Also in DC this week, the Supreme Court will hear a highly anticipated case that threatens to undo the Voting Rights Act. As we track developments out of Capitol Hill, here’s what else is making headlines…

— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI

What's Happening

International

All Eyes Are on the Middle East

What's going on: Israel and Hamas began a high-stakes hostage and prisoner exchange today, a crucial moment in the region’s path to peace. Hamas released 20 living hostages, while the remains of 28 others are expected to be recovered over time, according to officials. Israel plans to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, 250 of whom are serving life sentences, by the end of the day. The exchange comes as a ceasefire enters its third day, with Israeli forces now positioned at new defensive lines within Gaza. Thousands of displaced Palestinians are now returning to Gaza City, and hundreds of aid trucks are entering the enclave daily. President Donald Trump landed in Israel today to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, and is expected to meet with hostages’ families later.

What it means: The exchange is expected to bring relief to war-torn families who’ve been separated from their loved ones for years. But while Trump declared that “the war is over,” many questions remain about the ceasefire and the region’s future. It’s unclear whether Hamas will fully disarm, and reports indicate it has assumed control over parts of the territory. Trump has called for an international stabilization force to oversee Gaza temporarily, with US support — though Vice President JD Vance said there are no plans “to put [US] boots on the ground.” After leaving Israel, Trump will head to Egypt for an international summit on Gaza’s future.

Related: The World Leaders Who Will Be at the Gaza Peace Summit (The Guardian)

US News

More Chaos Hits the CDC

What's going on: It’s been a whirlwind weekend for hundreds of CDC staffers who were laid off and then rehired. On Friday, 1,300 employees were notified they lost their job. The problem? The message wasn’t meant for everyone. The Trump administration blamed a coding error for the mistake. About 700 staffers were rehired, including leaders of the federal measles response team, “disease detectives” from the Epidemic Intelligence Service, and the team behind The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which shares the agency’s recommendations and research. While these jobs appear to be safe — at least for now — a former CDC staffer said the erroneous firings highlight the administration’s “lack of understanding” of how the agency works.  

What it means: The CDC has already had a tumultuous year. It lost a third of its staff during DOGE layoffs, suffered an attack at its Atlanta headquarters, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted the agency’s director. Meanwhile, not all of Friday’s firings at the agency were in error — the entire CDC Washington office has been eliminated. President Trump is also working to reduce the federal workforce in response to the government shutdown, with over 4,000 positions expected to be eliminated across several agencies. The number would add to the 200,000 roles the administration cut earlier this year.

Related: Why Did the US Give Argentina a $20 Billion Bailout? (CNN)

Education

Therapy Gets a Makeover on College Campuses

What's going on: The college experience isn’t often what Hollywood movies make it out to be. Between tough classes, homesickness, and adjusting to a new environment, many students struggle. Most colleges have therapists available to help, but it’s not always easy for students to find the time to meet them. Enter: “embedded” counselors. Across campuses nationwide, these therapists are working from academic buildings and dorms — some are even available for late-night drop-ins. It seems to be working. At Virginia Tech, five embedded counselors supported nearly 400 students last year, helping reduce late-night crisis calls, according to The New York Times. Many schools now plan to hire even more counselors.

What it means: Colleges are changing the way they address mental health issues on campus, hoping to help students before it’s too late. Around 40% of students are struggling with sadness or hopelessness, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years old, according to the CDC. The larger a college campus, the more difficult it can be to help students. Embedded counselors also face challenges, with some struggling to set boundaries or disconnect from work. But for others, this new approach to the job helps normalize “counseling as part of [students’] world.”

Related: One College Is Saving Parking Spots for Homeless Students — It’s Helping (WaPo Gift Link)

Moms Who Get It Awards

What do tweens and teens need? Beyond extra sleep (and plenty of compassion), there’s still snacks, water bottles, and activities to supply. Read on for our vetted recs: 

• A card game that’ll make family game nights even more fun (and a lot sillier, too).

• This unicorn-themed deodorant that’s a friendly intro to daily, necessary application. 

• And more, including mom- and teen-approved snacks, hand sanitizers, and school supplies.

Settle This

What is the most popular breakfast food in the US, according to a new study?

Extra Credit

Support

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Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.