The Midweek Pulse Check – 10/15

Gaza Remains on Edge as Violence Continues

Hamas and Israel swapped hostages following their ceasefire agreement from last week. Hamas released 20 hostages and returned several bodies while Israel released 55 medical workers.

Meanwhile, Hamas has been reasserting their control over Gaza. CNN reports that Hamas called on residents to “hand over collaborators” or “face the strict hand of justice.” Clips have circulated of Hamas publicly executing prisoners shortly after the ceasefire started.

Voting Rights Act Challenged in the Supreme Court

The court is currently considering a challenge as to whether Louisiana violated the Constitution through the creation of congressional districts with a minority majority. The challenge is as to whether a state may consider race as a factor when drawing electoral districts.

Not considering race may result in districts that effectively disenfranchise minority voters. However, the court has precedent of ruling against race-based considerations in admissions, leaving it an open question as to whether the court will continue to uphold race-based congressional district drawing.

Trade War with China Heats Up Again

Late last week China and the US announced new trade barriers, with China announcing export restrictions on rare earth minerals on Thursday. This was followed by President Trump announcing a 100 percent tariff on all products from China. Today CNBC reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared the administration would be setting price floors to “combat market manipulation.”

Trump also floated the idea of targeting the Chinese Cooking Oil market in retaliation to their boycott of Soybeans