Who's on high alert…

Israelis and Palestinians. Today, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza after Gaza militants fired two rockets into Israel, both of which were intercepted. The attack came a day after Israeli forces targeted militants at a refugee camp in the West Bank. The raid left nine people dead (seven militants and two civilians) in what was believed to be the single deadliest Israeli operation in 20 years. Israel reportedly says it launched the raid to prevent “major attacks.” The Palestinian Authority called Israel’s raid a “massacre” and cut off security coordination. All of this comes about a month into PM Benjamin Netanyahu's latest term alongside a new far-right government — and threatens to escalate Israeli-Palestinian tensions just as US Sec of State Antony Blinken is about to visit the region.

What might be on the up and up…

The US economy. Yesterday, the government reported that US GDP grew by a 2.9% annual rate in Q4. The economic growth — largely thanks to everyone still being willing to spend in *gestures wildly* this economy. But the growth was slower than Q3. And economists are still expecting a dun, dun, dun…recession. The news comes as the Federal Reserve is set to meet next week, which is when officials are expected to hike rates yet again.

Who’s saying ‘don’t hate the player, hate the game’...

The US gov. Yesterday, the Justice Dept said it “covertly infiltrated” a ransomware gang. The group known as Hive is responsible for extorting $100 million from over 1,500 victims around the world. Now, following what a US official called a “21st-century cyber stakeout,” the FBI turned the tables on Hive by hacking the hackers and thwarting more than $130 million dollars in ransomware payments. Game recognize game.

...Oh and speaking of wins, the DOJ charged 25 people for allegedly selling more than 7,500 fake nursing degrees. The $100 million multi-state scheme included fake diplomas from Siena College, Palm Beach School of Nursing, and Sacred Heart International Institute and helped thousands get a shortcut to the boarding exam.

Who sent out the ‘please make sure to clean up after yourselves' group text…

The National Archives, to former presidents and veeps.

While Earth dodged an asteroid…

No such luck for the Roy family.

While it’s about to be National Corn Chip Day…

Here’s a reminder on why dog paws smell like Fritos.