hosta

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalise a hostage release deal and ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Six news outlets are comparing their coverage of the pressure campaign, which comes amid ongoing mediation efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of remaining captives.

The Israel Defense Forces say they have killed Hamas terrorists in Gaza, among them a commander who was holding 12 hostages. The strike was reported by the Jerusalem Post. Details on the location, timing and the fate of the hostages have not been disclosed in the report, and Hamas has not commented.

Marina Owens published a poem as part of the POPO 2026 writing challenge, marking day 29 with a short postcard-style verse. The poem lists signs of drought and heat — skinny tomatoes, wrinkled carrots, thirsty toads, browning grass and restless dust — while reticent clouds withhold rain. Readers are sharing the piece for its compact, evocative portrait of a prolonged dry spell.

Israeli singer Gilboa is set to headline the Unbreakable concert, according to the Australian Jewish News. The event is tied to ongoing attention on the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks and their families. Interest in the word 'hostage' is spiking in Australia as coverage of the concert and the hostages' plight continues.

Garden experts advise that after the first frost, hostas should be cut back: the foliage has died back and removing it helps prevent slugs, pests and disease from overwintering in the plant. Guides recommend trimming leaves to the ground and cleaning up debris around the crown, so the perennials return healthy in spring.

A report by Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS says Israel appealed to Britain to hold off on recognising a Palestinian state until hostages held in Gaza were freed. The claim underscores growing friction between Israel and Western governments over recognition moves, which Israel argues undermine pressure on Hamas and complicate efforts to bring the remaining captives home.

The new series 'American Hostage,' starring Jon Hamm, is drawing attention for how closely its story echoes current events. The drama, based on a real hostage crisis, is being discussed as more than a period piece, with commentators noting that its themes of negotiation, media coverage, and fear feel newly relevant to audiences watching today's headlines unfold.

SISF is spotlighting 'American Hostage,' new work from writer Ronan Bennett, a European series slate, and productions tied to Andalusia. Details about the festival program, including which European series are featured and how Andalusia is involved, were not provided beyond the headline, leaving the specifics of the announcement unclear.

Paramount+ has released the first images of Minnie Driver starring as a hostage negotiator in its upcoming drama series 'The Day'. The first-look photos give audiences an early glimpse of Driver's lead role, and entertainment outlets are picking up the news as anticipation builds for the show's release.

El Salvador's president says bodies found in Haiti are not those of hostages, addressing fears that kidnapped captives had been killed. The statement follows the discovery of bodies in the country, which had raised alarm among those following the hostage situation. Authorities are still working to establish the identity of the deceased and the status of any hostages being held.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele says his country is launching a military operation to rescue hostages held by gangs in Haiti. The announcement comes as Haiti struggles with widespread gang violence and a multinational security mission works to restore order. Details about the hostages and the scope of El Salvador's involvement remain limited.

On this day in 1941, French resistance member Guy Môquet and 29 other hostages were executed by German forces in retaliation for the killing of a German officer. The 17-year-old has become a symbol of French resistance and sacrifice, and the anniversary prompts remembrance posts about the occupation and those who died opposing it.

Four major European telecom companies are joining forces to explore direct-to-device mobile services, aiming to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX and its Starlink satellite network. The move reflects growing concern in Europe about relying on Musk's infrastructure for critical phone connectivity, and it signals an effort to build an independent European alternative for satellite-based mobile services.

EchoStar Corporation's stock, trading under the ticker ECHO, is being tracked by investors seeking its latest price, quotes and historical performance. EchoStar is a satellite communications company, and interest in its shares typically follows earnings releases, spectrum developments or broader moves in the telecom and satellite sector. No specific new development is attached to the current attention on the stock.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has issued a threat against Haitian gangs holding members of the military hostage. The hardline approach mirrors the anti-gang crackdown that made Bukele internationally known at home, and it signals possible escalation over the hostage standoff in Haiti, where gang violence has destabilised the country. Details about the hostages and the gangs' demands remain limited.

EchoStar shares are moving higher in pre-market trading, prompting investors to ask what is driving the early gains. The stock's rise comes as market watchers look for news on the company's spectrum holdings, debt situation and strategic direction. No specific catalyst has been confirmed in the available coverage, leaving traders speculating about the reason behind the move before the opening bell.

El Salvador is preparing a military operation to rescue hostages held by gangs in Haiti, according to a New York Post report. The move would mark a notable intervention by El Salvador in Haiti's ongoing security crisis, where criminal groups have seized control of large parts of the country and taken numerous people captive. Details about the hostages' identities, numbers, and the operation's timing remain limited.