A TWO-MONTH cease-fire in the Gaza-Israel conflict is under consideration (Shutterstock).

A deal in which Israel would pause its military operations in Gaza for two months in exchange for the 100 or more hostages being held by Hamas is being negotiated.
That’s the word from the White House, as President Joe Biden works with leaders of Egypt and Qatar, who are acting as go-betweens in the negotiation process.

“Both leaders affirmed that a hostage deal is central to establishing a prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting and ensure additional lifesaving humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need throughout Gaza,” according to a White House statement released late Friday night.
During a brief pause in November, more than 100 Israelis and 240 Palestinian prisoners were exchanged during a seven-day cease-fire.

Heavy rains still lash Pacific Northwest

HEAVY RAIN IS hitting the Pacific Northwest (Shutterstock)..

Rainy weather is common in the Pacific Northwest area, and heavy rain – spurred by what’s called an “atmospheric river” – is hammering the region.

The risk of flooding is considered high, especially in areas including rivers, streams and urban settings with poor drainage. The downpour is expected to continue through the end of the month.

Affected will be an area from Seattle east to Boise, Idaho and south to Redding, California. In addition to rain, snowfall will descend to as low as 7,000 feet.

Weather: Warm, then cooler

Temperatures are peaking this weekend, and then will make a long descent into cool days. Sunday’s forecast is for cloudy skies with a daytime high of 78 with an overnight low of 51. Monday will cool to 75 (49) under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday’s forecast is for 73 (52) with partly cloudy skies. Wednesday sees the thermometer dip into the 60s at 69 (56) with cloudy skies.