Israel has reduced its demand for the release of hostages by Hamas to 33 from 40, raising hopes for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Talks have been at a standstill, but Israeli negotiators are set to fly to Cairo for negotiations, contingent on Hamas's attendance. Meanwhile, Russian troops have advanced in Ukraine, and fears of renewed violence in Darfur have prompted warnings from U.N. and U.S. officials. In other news, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed culling barred owls to protect the northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest. In sports, the north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal ended 3-2 in favor of Arsenal. Additionally, research on "super-agers" shows that some older individuals maintain strong cognitive abilities, while physical fitness has been linked to better mental health in younger people.