What is happening on the BIG BLUE circle?

Washington

1. Nine US citizens have died in the conflict in Israel, US authorities said Monday, and an unknown number remain missing.

• Israel's Minister of Defense said he has ordered the "complete siege" of Gaza, cutting off electricity, food, fuel and water to the enclave. This comes as Israel has pounded Gaza with airstrikes and formally declared war on Hamas Sunday. More than 550 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza's health ministry, and medical care has been complicated by Israel cutting power to the territory.

2) The zoo threw a Bon Voyage party for Eddie the giraffe before he heads off to Green Bay while a new giraffe exhibit is built at the Henry Vilas Zoo.

• The construction project is expected to last 18 months. Eddie could return to Henry Vilas once it is complete, but depending on how he is enjoying Green Bay and his new friends, Moala said he could end up staying there.

-With diplomatic tensions running high between Beijing and a number of Western governments, China appears to be gradually pulling back its pandas from multiple Western zoos as their agreements expire.