The Sunday Subject – October 8, 2023
Israel says it is “at war” after a surprise attack by Hamas killed at least 900 people.
Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, fired more than 2,000 rockets into Israeli territory and abducted Israeli soldiers and civilians on Saturday. Palestinian officials reported 232 dead and almost 1,700 injured in retaliatory strikes by Israel on Gaza. President Biden stated that his administration’s support for Israel was “rock solid and unwavering.”
Kevin McCarty was ousted from his position as speaker of the House.
This is the first time in history a House speaker has been removed. McCarthy’s removal was initiated by far-right congressman Matt Gaetz, who called McCarthy a sell-out after he secured Democratic support to pass a last-minute bill to avoid government shutdown.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to finish the Senate term of Dianne Feinstein.
Butler will be the first black lesbian to openly serve in Congress. “An advocate for women and girls, a second-generation fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the United States Senate,” Newsom said.
