UK to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform. This proposed change, potentially reshaping the political landscape, immediately sparks a flurry of thoughts. On the one hand, there’s the undeniable practicality: sixteen-year-olds can work, pay taxes, and are directly impacted by government decisions. Shouldn’t they have a say in how those decisions are made? This isn’t merely about casting a vote; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the society they’re growing into. It’s natural to feel like they have a right to decide on what their country is going to be like when they are older.… Continue reading
A significant gap of two minutes and 53 seconds was discovered in the surveillance video footage from outside Jeffrey Epstein’s prison cell prior to his death. The edited video, released by the Department of Justice and the FBI, has raised further questions, with analysis revealing that the “full raw footage” was repeatedly edited and saved. The missing footage occurs around the time of a nightly system reset, as reported by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The video was manipulated over several hours before being uploaded, and the DoJ stated the edits were for clarity.
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During a recent segment on Fox News’ “The Five,” Greg Gutfeld suggested conservatives should reclaim the term “Nazi” in a similar manner to how Black people have reclaimed the “n-word.” Gutfeld’s remarks, which included the co-hosts jokingly using the word, immediately sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing him of normalizing Nazism and being “beneath contempt.” This is due to the highly insensitive analogy used to deflect criticisms. The segment drew comparisons to past instances of Gutfeld’s increasingly extreme rhetoric, which has included calls for civil war and inflammatory comments against transgender healthcare providers.
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Environment Agency inspections revealed 199 breaches by 154 farms between 2022 and June, with 141 incidents posing a foreseeable impact on health or the environment. Despite these breaches, only one farmer faced prosecution and one received a fine, while the majority received warnings or advice. A concerning number of farms were found abstracting water without proper licenses, and only a fraction of licenses are being inspected, raising concerns about the lack of deterrent for over-abstraction. Advocates like Wildfish are calling for increased inspections and stricter enforcement to address the issue.
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On Tuesday, the Fyre Festival brand, including its intellectual property, trademarks, and social media assets, was sold on eBay for $245,300 after a week-long auction with 175 bids. The disastrous 2017 event, which promised luxury but delivered chaos, led to organizer Billy McFarland’s conviction for fraud. Despite the festival’s infamous reputation, McFarland had previously announced plans for a Fyre Festival II. Ultimately, he chose to sell the brand, citing a desire to move on and allow a new group to rebuild the festival.
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On July 17, Russian media and officials reported widespread Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russian officials claimed to have shot down numerous drones, with some reports indicating temporary airport closures and injuries. Attacks were also reported in regions closer to the front lines, such as Belgorod and Voronezh, with casualties and damage reported. These reported attacks follow a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a double-tap attack in Nikopol and an aerial bomb dropped on a shopping center in Donetsk Oblast.
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Asteroid 2022 YS5, estimated to be greater than 85 meters in diameter, is scheduled to safely flyby Earth on July 17, passing within 7.4 million kilometers. This event highlights the importance of global cooperation in monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) and planetary defense, with agencies like NASA and ISRO actively tracking the asteroid. ISRO is focusing on enhancing its planetary defense infrastructure, including the upcoming close approach of Apophis in 2029, and collaborating internationally on missions for early detection and deflection strategies. While 2022 YS5 poses no threat, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness against potential asteroid risks.
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Cuban Minister for Labour, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, resigned after stating that there are no beggars in Cuba, and that those rummaging through rubbish were doing so for “easy money,” which caused widespread public criticism. The comments, made in parliament, were seen as tone-deaf, especially considering the country’s worsening economic crisis, food shortages, and increased poverty levels. President Díaz-Canel also rebuked her comments, which was unusual in the Communist-run island. The resignation was a result of the outcry against her insensitive remarks and the government’s perceived disconnect from the reality of the Cuban people.
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“Japanese First” party shakes up election with alarm over foreigners. The emergence of a political party championing a “Japanese First” agenda, fueled by anxieties surrounding foreign influence, has certainly sent ripples through the political landscape, particularly given Japan’s unique context. It’s almost a head-scratcher, isn’t it? A nation known for its deep-rooted cultural homogeneity, with already remarkably low immigration rates, finds itself grappling with this type of rhetoric. It’s a familiar tune to anyone watching the political trends elsewhere in the world, where the rise of nationalist sentiments and concerns about immigration are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Japanese First party shakes up election with alarm over foreigners.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker