Some right-wing influencers are now criticizing former President Trump because he did not release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy man involved in illegal activities. Additionally, there is increasing discussion in the media about the situation in Gaza, with some calling it genocide, which some say should have been addressed earlier.
Key Facts
Right-wing influencers who usually support Trump are now criticizing him for not releasing Epstein-related files.
Jeffrey Epstein was involved in illegal activities and had connections with many powerful people.
There is a growing push in media to label the violence in Gaza as genocide.
An Israeli scholar has prompted new discussions about Gaza in the media.
In Germany, pro-Palestinian voices claim they are being suppressed in media and protests.
Some say the media's focus on Gaza comes too late for those affected.
At least 21 people lost their lives when a bus overturned in southern Iran, with 34 others injured. The accident happened near Shiraz, and rescue operations are still ongoing.
Key Facts
A bus overturned in southern Iran, causing 21 deaths.
The accident took place south of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province.
34 people were injured in the crash.
Masoud Abed, from the emergency organization, said rescue efforts are still happening.
The cause of the incident is still being investigated.
Final information will be shared after rescue and investigation efforts are completed.
Iran has a high rate of road accidents, with nearly 17,000 people dying each year.
Old vehicles and weak safety rules are blamed for the high number of accidents in Iran.
Democratic and Republican members of Congress have different views on the conditions at Florida's new immigration detention centre, known as Alligator Alcatraz. Democrats reported problems like crowded metal enclosures and high temperatures, while Republicans described the facility as well-managed. The federal Department of Homeland Security insists the facility meets high standards, although some groups have documented poor conditions in other similar facilities.
Key Facts
Democrats reported issues like overcrowding, heat, and pests at Alligator Alcatraz.
Republicans claimed the detention centre is safe and well-run.
The Department of Homeland Security denies the allegation of poor conditions at the facility.
“Alligator Alcatraz” is a state-run but federally overseen immigration detention centre in Florida.
There is no single legal standard for immigration detention facilities; they can vary based on contracts.
Some advocacy groups and reports have found problems like poor medical care and unsanitary conditions in other facilities.
ICE detention centre rules are not established by law and differ from those of prisons.
The ICE custody death toll was notable, with 11 people dying under ICE custody during a specified six-month period.
An unidentified drone attack near Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, killed one member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and injured another. This attack happened as the PKK began disarming after decades of conflict with the Turkish state.
Key Facts
A drone attack killed one PKK member and injured another in northern Iraq near Sulaimaniyah.
The attack targeted a motorbike carrying two people in a border village within the Penjwen district.
The PKK recently started disarming, ending their armed conflict with Turkiye after nearly 40 years.
No group or country has claimed responsibility for the drone attack.
A small ceremony took place in Sulaimaniyah, where around 20 to 30 PKK fighters destroyed their weapons.
Turkiye, the European Union, and the United States have labeled the PKK as a terrorist group.
Over 40,000 people died in the conflict between the PKK and Turkiye since 1984.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the PKK's disarmament as a step towards peace.
Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh's new film "Sardaar Ji 3" has not been released in India due to a controversy involving a co-star who is from Pakistan. The film faces a ban amid rising political tensions between India and Pakistan following a conflict in April.
Key Facts
Diljit Dosanjh, a well-known Punjabi actor and singer, starred in the film "Sardaar Ji 3."
The film features a Pakistani actor named Hania Amir, leading to controversy in India.
India and Pakistan had a major conflict in April after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India's government blocked "Sardaar Ji 3" from release and restricted its trailer online.
The Indian government has increased restrictions on Pakistani media content following the conflict.
Diljit Dosanjh achieved several milestones, including performing at Coachella and selling out a world tour.
The Indian government blocked Pakistani social media accounts and media channels in India.
A car hit a group of people in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, injuring over 20 people. Five people are in critical condition, and the incident took place early in the morning on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Key Facts
A vehicle drove into a crowd in East Hollywood, Los Angeles.
More than 20 people were injured in the incident.
Five people are in critical condition.
Eight to ten people have serious injuries.
Ten to fifteen people are in fair condition.
The accident happened around 2:00 a.m. local time.
It occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard.
The Los Angeles Fire Department shared information about the incident.
A car drove into a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, injuring at least 20 people, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Some people are critically injured, while others are seriously hurt. The incident took place in East Hollywood at 2 a.m. local time.
Key Facts
A vehicle hit a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles.
At least 20 people were injured in the incident.
Up to five people are critically injured.
Up to ten people are in a serious condition.
The incident happened at 2 a.m. local time in East Hollywood.
Photos show a grey car on the pavement with debris around it.
Nadiya, a 94-year-old woman, survived a violent attack by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) 82 years ago, during an event known as the Volyn massacre, where many ethnic Poles were killed. The massacre's history remains controversial, with differing views in Ukraine and Poland about the events and their commemoration.
Key Facts
Nadiya escaped the Volyn massacre in 1943 when her father hid her in hay to protect her from violence.
The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UIA) attacked a village on the Polish-Ukrainian border, killing ethnic Poles.
The Volyn massacre is remembered as a tragic event, with estimates of up to 100,000 Polish civilians killed.
Survivors and historians describe the killings as brutal, involving stabbing and burning.
Poland recognizes July 11 as “The Volyn Massacre Day” to honor the victims.
Ukraine and Poland have differing narratives about the event and its causes.
The UIA leaders, like Bandera and Shukhevych, are seen as national heroes in parts of Ukraine today.
A vehicle hit a crowd of people waiting outside a nightclub in Los Angeles, injuring 30 individuals, with at least three in critical condition. The incident occurred on a busy street and is under police investigation.
Key Facts
A vehicle drove into a crowd waiting to enter a nightclub in Los Angeles.
The incident happened along Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.
30 people were injured, and at least three were critically hurt.
Victims were taken to hospitals and trauma centers for treatment.
The vehicle also hit a taco truck and valet stand.
One person among the injured had a gunshot wound.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department and LAPD are investigating the incident.
People from inside the club helped the injured until emergency crews arrived.
Syria has sent security forces to the southern province of Suwayda due to recent clashes involving Druze and Bedouin groups, as well as Israeli military intervention. The deployment came after the United States helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, although fighting had continued overnight. The Syrian President emphasized the need for national unity and thanked the US for its support.
Key Facts
Syrian security forces started deploying in Suwayda to stop violence and protect civilians.
Clashes in Suwayda involved Druze and Bedouin armed groups and government forces, with hundreds killed.
Israel launched air attacks on Syria, including the Ministry of Defence in Damascus, claiming it aimed to protect Druze people.
A ceasefire was announced on Saturday, brokered with help from the United States.
The Syrian president received international calls to restore order and thanked the US for support.
There is uncertainty about whether Syrian troops have entered Suwayda city or remain on its outskirts.
The International Organization for Migration reported that around 80,000 people have fled the area.
Due to the fighting, many people in Suwayda are without essential services like electricity and water.
Palestinian students in Gaza are taking an important online exam organized by the Ministry of Education as a step towards university admission. About 1,500 students are participating, despite difficult conditions caused by ongoing conflict, which has disrupted education and damaged infrastructure.
Key Facts
Around 1,500 students in Gaza are taking an online end-of-secondary-school exam.
This exam is a necessary step for students to enter university.
The exam is being conducted electronically due to the ongoing conflict and lack of physical classrooms.
Students face challenges such as weak internet, lack of devices, and unsafe environments to take the test.
Gaza's Ministry of Education has set up an online platform to help students complete the exam.
The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza’s educational infrastructure, affecting over 660,000 children.
Some schools in Gaza are now shelters for displaced people, further impacting education.
The conflict has caused widespread damage to Gaza's civilian infrastructure, as reported by the UN.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a declaration to end conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement was made in Qatar, aiming to stop ongoing fighting that has displaced and killed many people. This development follows previous meetings and peace deals involving neighboring countries and international parties.
Key Facts
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels signed a declaration in Qatar to stop fighting.
The fighting in eastern Congo has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year.
M23 is mainly composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters and has links to events from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Qatar helped arrange a key meeting in March between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.
The DRC had initially refused to negotiate with M23, labeling it a “terrorist group,” but later agreed to talks.
The US hosted talks between the DRC and Rwanda, where an agreement was signed in June with warnings from then-US President Donald Trump.
Congo, the United Nations, and Western countries claim Rwanda supports M23, but Rwanda denies this, stating its actions are in self-defense.
Several neighboring countries have troops in the area due to the ongoing conflict.
The U.S. Army plans to reduce its Military Working Equid program, offering most of its horses, donkeys, and mules for adoption. Despite scaling back, ceremonial horses will still serve at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio.
Key Facts
The U.S. Army will cut back its Military Working Equid program.
141 out of 236 military horses, donkeys, and mules will be available for adoption.
These animals are mostly used in ceremonial roles like parades, honor guards, and funerals.
Horses have not been used in combat since 1942 by the U.S. military.
The Army states these horses are an important part of military tradition and heritage.
Reducing the program is expected to save the Army about $2 million yearly.
Ceremonial animals will continue their roles at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio.
The U.S. government has passed the Genius Act, its first major law related to cryptocurrencies, marking a shift in how digital currencies are viewed and regulated. This new law focuses on stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is considered safer since they are tied to real currencies like the U.S. dollar. Another bill, the CLARITY Act, which could change how cryptocurrencies are regulated, has also made progress in Congress.
Key Facts
The Genius Act is the first major cryptocurrency law passed by Congress.
President Trump signed the Genius Act into law on July 18, 2025.
The law focuses on stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency backed by real currencies.
Congress passed the Genius Act and another bill called the CLARITY Act during "crypto week."
The CLARITY Act proposes shifting cryptocurrency regulation to a body called the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The total value of cryptocurrencies reached $4 trillion shortly after the Genius Act's approval.
Crypto supporters view stablecoins as a secure and efficient way to transfer money globally.
A general manager from North Country Public Radio discusses the implications of recent federal funding cuts to public media with NPR's Scott Simon. The conversation focuses on how these cuts will affect the radio station's operations.
Key Facts
Congress recently decided to reduce federal funding for public media.
Mitch Teich is the General Manager at North Country Public Radio.
Teich spoke with NPR's Scott Simon about the funding cuts.
The discussion was aired on the Weekend Edition Saturday program.
The conversation explored the future impact on the radio station.
Federal funding is a financial source for public radio stations like NPR.
Some areas in the U.S. struggle with poor cell phone service, especially in rural regions. After recent floods in Texas, Curtis Knobloch discusses the difficulties of providing coverage in these places and potential ways to improve it.
Key Facts
Cell phone service is often poor in rural areas of the U.S.
Recent flooding in Texas highlighted these service issues.
Curtis Knobloch from the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative was interviewed.
The discussion focused on problems with rural cell coverage.
Possible solutions to improve coverage were also talked about.
Interviews about these issues aired on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday.
Many people in Central Texas are starting to rebuild after flooding, but they are having a hard time because many do not have flood insurance. Only a small number of Texans have flood insurance from the government to help them recover financially.
Key Facts
Central Texans are working on rebuilding after flooding.
Many people face challenges because they lack flood insurance.
Only 7 percent of Texas homeowners have government-provided flood insurance.
Without flood insurance, people have fewer financial resources to rebuild.
Flood insurance is meant to help cover damage costs after floods.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Haiti to offer support amid ongoing gang violence. During his visit, he held talks on security and other issues, opened a Colombian embassy in Port-au-Prince, and discussed training Haitian officers.
Key Facts
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia traveled to Haiti to address the increase in gang violence.
Petro's visit included discussions on improving security, trade, education, agriculture, and combating drug trafficking.
Colombia opened a new embassy in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince.
Petro proposed training programs for Haitian law enforcement.
Haitian officials visited Colombia to learn about defense capabilities.
Gang violence in Haiti is severe, with a recent UN report mentioning nearly 5,000 deaths over nine months.
The visit followed large drug seizures by Haitian authorities and ongoing UN-backed efforts to curb violence.
Haiti has seen a significant displacement due to gang control, affecting 1.3 million people.
A new investigation has started to examine the 1967 death of Chief Albert Luthuli, a leader of the African National Congress. Luthuli was reportedly hit by a train, but recent testimonies suggest the incident might not have occurred as originally described, raising questions about the true circumstances of his death.
Key Facts
Chief Albert Luthuli was 69 years old when he died near Durban, South Africa, in 1967.
Luthuli was the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
He was reportedly hit by a train on July 21, 1967, while crossing the Umvoti River Bridge.
Train driver Stephanus Lategan testified that he saw Luthuli walking on the bridge and sounded the whistle, but Luthuli did not move aside.
Luthuli's family said he was usually very careful when crossing the bridge.
A new inquest in 2023 has been opened to investigate suspicious deaths from the apartheid era.
Expert witnesses at the new inquest have raised doubts about Lategan's version of events.
Some experts suggested the possibility that Luthuli was assaulted and his body placed on the track to make it look like a train accident.
