Hostage deal near, surprise Kyiv visit, Microsoft hires Open AI co-founder

Negotiations for the release of Hamas’ hostages are underway. Negotiators say they are optimistic about the possibility of releases within days, as sticking points inch closer to being resolved. Plus, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes a surprise visit to Kyiv announcing on social media the US will stand with Ukraine against Russia, “both now and into the future”. And, the former head of Open AI has landed a new job just three-days after the company he co-founded ousted him. Microsoft has hired Sam Altman to lead its new artificial intelligence research team. Also this morning: Happy Birthday to President Biden - but not so happy poll numbers, and, celebrating Rosalynn Carter - the former First Lady and mental health advocate dies at the age of 96.

For information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’.

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