In Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, an Israeli-Palestinian coalition staged an anti-war protest, drawing around 1,000 attendees, and calling for soldiers to refuse service. Speakers addressed Israel’s actions in the West Bank, with one speaker even accusing Israel of genocide. The protest featured images of Gazan children and Israeli hostages, with calls to end the killing and starvation. Demonstrators planned further acts of disruption, vowing to continue until the war ends and the government is removed.
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In an attempt to distract from the Epstein case, Trump and his allies are using the declassified “Durham Annex” to allege Democratic misconduct related to the Russia investigation. The annex, which was released at the request of Senator Chuck Grassley, was touted as evidence that Hillary Clinton approved a plan to smear Trump with Russia collusion. However, the annex, in fact, appears to suggest that the “evidence” being touted as proof of conspiracies was fabricated by Russian intelligence. This diversion tactic, similar to the Durham investigation’s broader aim, is a way for Trump to redirect attention away from his own scandals, even if the claims prove to be false.
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In Tuam, Ireland, a mass grave containing the remains of nearly 800 infants and young children was discovered at a former mother-and-baby home. This grim find prompted a national inquiry into the mistreatment of unmarried mothers and their children by the church and state. Local historian Catherine Corless uncovered the disturbing history, revealing high death rates and the shameful burial practices of the Bon Secours Sisters. The excavation of the site, now underway, seeks to identify the remains and provide dignity to those denied it in life and death, though the government report blamed the mothers and families, and the institutions were considered refuge.
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Hotels are currently offering discounts of up to 50% off. Travelers can take advantage of these savings by signing up for free. The offers are designed to help individuals save money on upcoming hotel stays.
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The Ulwaluko rite, a traditional Xhosa circumcision ceremony marking the transition to manhood, concluded in 2025 with 39 deaths. Criticism primarily targets illegal initiation schools where untrained practitioners perform the circumcisions, leading to numerous complications. Authorities, including the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, have vowed to reduce fatalities by closing schools that violate safety regulations. Despite the decrease from previous years, a concerning number of deaths have occurred due to unsanitary tools and inadequate medical care, emphasizing the need for qualified practitioners and safer practices.
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HIV cases among Russian soldiers have dramatically increased by 2,000% since the invasion of Ukraine, a new report indicates. This surge is attributed to factors such as unsafe medical practices and risky behaviors, like unprotected sex and drug use within the military. The report also suggests a broader impact, highlighting that Russia is now among the top countries globally for new HIV cases, a situation worsened by political decisions and the suppression of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. Actions taken by the Kremlin, including targeting organizations like Elton John’s charity, have further hindered progress and contributed to the crisis.
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A Russian missile strike on July 31, 2025, devastated a residential building in Kyiv, killing at least 27 people and injuring over 150. The attack, part of a wave of overnight strikes, resulted in the complete destruction of some apartments and the loss of family members for many residents. Despite the U.S. pushing for peace talks and threats of tariffs, residents expressed a belief that the attacks would continue, and the war would not end soon. The tragedy highlighted the widespread destruction and the emotional toll on those affected.
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Portugal is considering recognizing the State of Palestine at the United Nations, with a decision potentially being made during the UN General Assembly in September. This follows “multiple contacts” with international partners and is prompted by the escalating humanitarian crisis and concerns of annexation of Palestinian territories. The Portuguese government’s decision aligns with similar considerations from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of which have expressed intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state amidst growing international concern. The move also comes as a result of a “worst-case famine scenario” being reported in Gaza.
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In a move further restricting online freedoms, Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a law fining individuals for intentionally seeking or accessing “extremist” content online, including through VPNs and search engines. Penalties range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, with steeper fines for those advertising access to banned resources. The definition of “extremism” in Russia is broad and has been used to suppress dissenting voices and information challenging the Kremlin’s narrative. Additionally, the law introduces fines for the illegal transfer of subscriber data. This law arrives amidst a broader crackdown on internet freedom in Russia, marked by increased censorship and the blocking of hundreds of thousands of websites in 2024.
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Senator Bernie Sanders’ attempts to block the sale of American arms to Israel failed in the Senate, with all Republicans and some Democrats voting against the resolutions. Despite the failure, a majority of Senate Democrats supported the resolutions, which aimed to halt the sale of bombs, guidance kits, and assault rifles. The votes garnered significantly more Democratic support than previous efforts, highlighting a shift in sentiment regarding U.S. military aid to Israel. Supporters of the resolutions emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing public disapproval of Israel’s actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker