No Kings Protests Around the Country

On Saturday, Oct. 18, “No Kings” protests happened across the country, from big cities to small towns, protesting the Trump administration. Small town protests gathered at major intersections, parks and highway overpasses. People hold signs and dress in inflatable costumes to voice their concern. About five million people were estimated to be at the “No Kings” protests in June, with Saturday’s event being even bigger. 

The protests aim to assert outrage towards Trump’s policies, such as those on ICE raids, cuts to federal programs and education and threats to democracy. The “No Kings” protestors believe that the United States should not be ruled by dictators, but by individuals who care, participate and fight for fairness and true opportunity, the No Kings website states.

In Chicago, about 100,000 people gathered to protest at Grant Park around noon before marching through the streets of downtown. Due to the ICE arrests and activity in Chicago, protest organizers expected a much bigger turnout than the previous June protests. Within the Chicago suburbs, protests are being held in Naperville, Evanston, Oak Park, and more. Specifically within Lake County, Gurnee, Highland Park and Buffalo Grove are holding protests. 

Hostages in Gaza Being Released

Hamas and Israel have moved forward in the first step of the ceasefire agreement on Monday, Oct. 13 by releasing hostages and prisoners as a result of Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 251 captives, along with the 67,000 Palestinians that Israel’s campaign killed since Oct. 7. Hamas released 20 living hostages, along with four deceased hostages, to Israel on Monday. Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees from Gaza, held by Israel without charge for two years. 

In Israel, the freed hostages reunited with their families in hospitals across Israel, while the Palestinian prisoners arrived in buses to big crowds in Gaza in the West Bank to embrace relatives. 

Hamas-Israeli Peace Treaty

Representatives from over 20 countries met in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss ways towards peace and the rebuilding of Gaza. A ceasefire was put into effect on Oct. 9. World leaders signed a 20-point peace plan drafted by the White House. With the ceasefire set in, both sides returned hostages and prisoners. Israel has endorsed the plan, and Hamas has agreed to parts of it. The deal includes increasing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and opening crossings and easing restrictions. 

However, there are still challenges being faced between the two sides. Israel wants Hamas to be completely disarmed, while Hamas is not committed to full disarmament and losing control of security within Gaza. While living hostages are free, not all of the deceased hostages have been returned.