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A Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently engaged with families of hostages held in Israel. This meeting occurred shortly after he spent time in Gaza, assessing the situation firsthand.

During the meeting, the hostage families voiced their concerns and shared their stories, but expressed disappointment that Mr. Wikoff did not provide any concrete plans for securing the release of their loved ones. One father, Michel Illouz, whose son was murdered in Hamas captivity following the October 7, 2023, raid, acknowledged that Witkoff listened attentively and expressed sympathy. However, he stated that he “didn’t hear anything new from him,” and only heard about American pressure to end the operation without any practical solutions being offered.

Specifically, there was no clarity regarding a timeline for resolving the hostage situation, and direct questions about deadlines went unanswered, leaving the families frustrated and seeking more tangible action.

According to reports, Mr. Witkoff conveyed that President Trump is advocating for a significant shift in strategy, moving away from a partial, phased ceasefire deal towards a comprehensive agreement that would ensure the simultaneous release of all hostages. He stated that President Trump “now believes that everybody ought to come home at once — no piecemeal deals. That doesn’t work.” This new approach aims to secure the release of all remaining live hostages in one unified negotiation. He added, “Now we have to get all the 20 [live hostages] at the same time. … We think that we have to shift this negotiation to all or nothing so that everybody comes home. We think it is going to be successful, and we have a plan around it.”

Prior to meeting with the families, Witkoff indicated that ceasefire talks had stalled due to what he described as Hamas’s lack of genuine interest in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. He suggested that Hamas was not acting in good faith and that alternative strategies were being considered to secure the hostages’ release and foster a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. He said, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”

President Trump has also focused on the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza, sending both Witkoff and Israel Ambassador Mike Huckabee to the region to assess the situation. The visit aimed to provide President Trump with a clear understanding of the humanitarian conditions on the ground and to help develop a plan for delivering essential food and medical aid to the population of Gaza.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that there is no starvation in Gaza, Mr. Trump has publicly disagreed with this assessment. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with Israel and Hamas trading blame for the severe shortages of food and other vital necessities. President Trump has suggested that the quickest resolution would be for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages.

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Millions of student loan borrowers face the potential of wage garnishment starting as early as this summer. Estimates from credit bureau TransUnion indicate that approximately 3 million borrowers could enter default by August. This means they will be 270 days past due on their payments, putting them at risk of having 15% of their paychecks docked to cover the outstanding debt. The exact start date for wage garnishment remains unclear.

The end of the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments in May has forced borrowers to re-evaluate their financial situations. TransUnion also projects that another 2 million borrowers are on track to default in September.

A grace period implemented by the Biden administration, which shielded borrowers from negative credit reporting for late or missed payments, has now ended. Consequently, many borrowers have experienced negative impacts on their credit ratings.

It is crucial for borrowers to proactively manage their student loan debt to avoid wage garnishment. Kyra Taylor, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, emphasizes the importance of checking loan status on studentaid.gov to identify any loans already in default. Taking immediate action to remove loans from default is essential.

Borrowers may be unaware of their default status, particularly those who attended college or graduate school at different times or have various federal loan types, potentially leading to multiple loan servicers. In such cases, swift action is necessary to regain good standing. This can be achieved through a rehabilitation agreement, requiring nine consecutive income-based payments, or by consolidating loans into a new federal Direct Loan.

Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, highlights the extended period without wage garnishment, leading to potential unawareness among borrowers about their risk. Long wait times and dropped calls when contacting loan servicers, partly due to Education Department layoffs, add to the challenges. Bañez suggests contacting your congressperson and utilizing their casework tool to submit a constituent request for assistance with the Department of Education.

Until past-due payments are resolved or the default status is addressed, borrowers remain vulnerable to having up to 15% of their wages directly deducted from their paychecks.

The Department of Education has issued warnings to borrowers about potential tax refund and wage withholding if they fail to restart payments. However, specific timing details are still pending.

Richelle Brooks, an education administrator with $239,000 in outstanding debt from multiple degrees, expresses concern about her projected $3,000 monthly payments. She plans to enroll in coding classes at least half-time, which could defer her loans while she develops a financial plan.

Borrowers still have time to take action and prevent wage garnishment.

Taylor explains that the Department of Education must provide a 30-day notice before issuing a garnishment order to an employer. During this period, borrowers can request a hearing to object, citing financial hardship. They can also request a reduction in the garnishment amount and provide documentation of their income and expenses.

To request a hearing, borrowers must submit a written request, postmarked within 30 days of the garnishment order. The loan holder will then arrange the hearing. If unsure about the loan holder, borrowers can contact the Education Department’s Default Resolution Group.

Borrowers who were recently laid off and have not been in their current job for 12 consecutive months can also object to garnishment. Additionally, a hearing can be requested if an application for certain statutory discharges is pending. Common reasons for statutory discharge include school closure before degree completion, school owing a refund, total disability, or bankruptcy.

Taylor emphasizes that if a hearing is requested within 30 days of the garnishment notice, the department cannot initiate garnishment until a decision is made regarding the borrower’s objections and financial hardship request. While a hearing request can be submitted after the 30-day period, garnishment typically continues while the request is pending.

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Pope Leo XIV recently addressed hundreds of thousands of young people, urging them to embrace courageous choices for good during the Jubilee of Youth, a key event of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year. The encounter took place at the Tor Vergata field on Rome’s outskirts, where pilgrims from approximately 150 countries had camped out, enduring high temperatures that required cooling measures like misting trucks.

Speaking in Spanish, Italian, and English, Leo emphasized the importance of true friendship, cautioned against the perils of social media, and encouraged radical life choices such as marriage or religious vocations. He declared, “Friendship can really change the world. Friendship is a path to peace,” highlighting the need for “missionaries of the Gospel who are witnesses of justice and peace!”

Amidst the celebration, Leo somberly announced the deaths of two young pilgrims and the hospitalization of another, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. The vigil service preceded a morning Mass led by Leo, marking the culmination of the youth Jubilee.

Over the past week, Rome has been filled with young Catholics participating in their special Jubilee celebration, part of a Holy Year expected to draw 32 million people to the Vatican for a pilgrimage tradition spanning centuries. The city’s cobblestone streets echoed with the sounds of Rosary prayers and hymns, accompanied by guitars, bongo drums, and tambourines. Christian rock concerts and inspirational talks filled piazzas, while long queues formed at the Circus Maximus, where 1,000 priests offered confession in multiple languages.

Francisco Michel, a pilgrim from Mexico, described the experience as “something spiritual, that you can experience only every 25 years,” adding, “As a young person, having the chance to live this meeting with the pope I feel it is a spiritual growth.”

The event resembled a World Youth Day, reminiscent of the Catholic Woodstock festival initiated by St. John Paul II in Rome in 2000, also at Tor Vergata. During that event, John Paul addressed an estimated 2 million young people, calling them the “sentinels of the morning” at the dawn of the third millennium.

While officials initially anticipated 500,000 attendees, Leo and organizers suggested the number might reach 1 million. A final estimate from the Vatican is pending.

Despite some logistical challenges, such as long waits for food and lengthy commutes, participants like Chloe Jobbour, a 19-year-old Lebanese Catholic, embraced the experience. “It’s a bit messed up, but this is what is nice about the Jubilee,” she noted, highlighting the sense of community and shared faith.

The influx of young people has also impacted Rome residents. Some have experienced inconveniences due to overcrowded public transportation, leading to occasional frustrations. However, others have welcomed the enthusiasm and energy brought by the pilgrims. Premier Giorgia Meloni offered a video message, praising the event as an “extraordinary festival of faith, joy and hope.”

Rome hairdresser Rina Verdone, who lives near the Tor Vergata field, expressed her positive outlook, stating, “I think it’s marvelous.” She acknowledged the inconvenience of altered travel routes but considered it a worthwhile sacrifice. “You think of invasion as something negative. But this is a positive invasion,” she concluded, reflecting the overall sentiment of many Romans.

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A vacancy has opened on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors with the early departure of Adriana Kugler. Kugler, who had served as governor since September 2023, announced her resignation, effective Friday, despite her term originally slated to end in January.

In her resignation letter, she expressed pride in her service, particularly during a period focused on managing inflation and maintaining a robust labor market, highlighting her commitment to public service and a data-driven approach rooted in her expertise in labor markets and inflation. She is set to return to Georgetown University in the fall.

This unexpected departure presents President Trump with the opportunity to nominate a replacement. This appointment could potentially influence the future direction of the Federal Reserve, especially considering that Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term concludes in May.

President Trump has been a vocal critic of Powell’s handling of the Fed, particularly regarding interest rate policies. He has previously suggested he might remove Powell, although he later retracted those statements. Following Kugler’s announcement, Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting Powell should follow Adriana Kugler’s lead and resign, implying disagreement with his interest rate decisions.

The President has expressed enthusiasm about filling the open position, stating that he has “about three very good” candidates in mind.

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The United States is making a significant push to revitalize its maritime industry, a move driven by concerns over China’s growing naval power and the increasing demands on American forces globally. This resurgence involves substantial investments aimed at bolstering shipbuilding capabilities and addressing the challenges facing the sector.

For several years, the Navy and Coast Guard fleets have been dwindling, even as their operational tempo has increased, particularly in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region where China is viewed as a primary competitor. This situation has forced the U.S. to rely on an aging and smaller fleet of warships. Compounding the issue, America’s share of the international shipping market has declined considerably.

A major component of this revival is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which promises billions of dollars in funding for the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industrial base. The Coast Guard, in particular, is slated to receive a significant boost, with $14 billion earmarked for shipbuilding – a tenfold increase compared to its usual allocation. This influx of funds is seen as critical for the Coast Guard to meet its responsibilities effectively.

However, Washington faces considerable hurdles as it seeks to catch up with shipbuilding powerhouses like South Korea and China. Turning financial resources into tangible capabilities will require addressing several key issues, including worker shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient commercial demand. The U.S. maritime industry must overcome these obstacles to fully capitalize on the increased funding.

The Navy is projected to expand significantly, growing from its current fleet of 296 manned warships to 381, along with the addition of 134 unmanned surface and subsurface vessels by 2045. This ambitious expansion plan underscores the commitment to strengthening America’s naval presence.

Recent actions, such as an executive order aimed at restoring American maritime dominance and trade law penalties targeting Chinese-built and owned ships, signal a renewed focus on the maritime industry. These measures represent a significant shift in policy and demonstrate the high-level support for revitalizing the sector. The level of attention being given to the maritime industry is unprecedented in recent years.

A crucial factor for the shipbuilding industry is a stable demand signal, whether from government agencies or private companies. This stability provides suppliers with the confidence to invest in technology and innovation, as well as to expand their facilities. Shipbuilding is a long-term endeavor, and consistent demand is essential for fostering growth and development.

The SHIPS for America Act, reintroduced as a bipartisan bill, aims to revitalize both the shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. The act also proposes the establishment of a Maritime Security Advisor and Maritime Security Board within the White House to develop and implement a national maritime strategy. This reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The nation’s shipyards are currently underutilized in the private sector for surface ships. Ship repair is a critical aspect of both the commercial and navy sectors. Shipyards are grappling with a shrinking fleet, highlighting the need for increased maintenance funding and work to sustain their operations.

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Following recent intense clashes in southern Syria, primarily in Sweida province, Damascus has initiated an investigation to determine the root causes of the violence. The inquiry aims to identify those responsible and potentially bring them to justice through the appropriate legal channels. The clashes, which erupted in July, initially involved local Druze militia members and Bedouin fighters, escalating when Syrian government forces intervened and subsequently faced airstrikes from Israel.

The investigation, led by a committee comprised of judicial and military personnel, will delve into the origins of the conflict and scrutinize allegations of human rights abuses. Suspects identified during the probe will be referred to the judiciary for further action. The committee is mandated to submit its findings to Damascus by the conclusion of October.

The July outbreak of violence represents the second significant incident since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. Since assuming the interim presidency, Ahmed al-Sharaa has focused on unifying the nation, addressing rival factions, and consolidating government control, particularly in Damascus. However, ethnic tensions have posed ongoing challenges to these efforts. For example, in March, numerous Alawite minority civilians were killed following clashes with militias aligned with Mr. Assad. A previous fact-finding mission, while finding no direct orders from Syrian commanders to target civilians, still referred nearly 300 individuals to the judiciary over alleged abuses.

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Cracks are widening within the Democratic Party as more Senate Democrats are translating their concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime conduct in Gaza into concrete action. This shift is primarily driven by the escalating humanitarian crisis, particularly reports of children dying from starvation.

Recent Senate votes revealed a growing willingness among Democrats to challenge the status quo. More than half of the 47-member Senate Democratic Caucus supported measures to block weapons sales to Israel, a move seen as a direct rebuke of Mr. Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. While these votes ultimately failed due to unified Republican opposition, they highlighted a significant fracture within the Democratic ranks regarding policy toward Israel.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, articulated the rationale behind this shift, emphasizing the need to send a clear message that the current situation is unacceptable. She stressed that Israel has the power to allow more aid into Gaza immediately and to prioritize a long-term two-state solution. Vermont Senator Bernard Sanders, an independent who aligns with the Democrats, echoed this sentiment, expressing satisfaction that more Democrats are recognizing the problematic nature of U.S. taxpayer support for the Netanyahu government’s policies, which he characterized as devastating to the Palestinian people, even to the point of starving children. He also predicted that some Republicans might eventually join this perspective.

However, the issue remains deeply divisive. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat and the highest-ranking Jewish U.S. official, voted against halting weapons shipments. He argued that “security assistance to Israel is not about any one government but about our support for the Israeli people.” Despite this, he condemned the “heartbreaking and unacceptable” humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged the Trump administration and the Netanyahu government to drastically increase the delivery of food and other essential aid to “innocent Palestinians in Gaza.”

These votes represent the third time in the past year that Mr. Sanders has initiated Senate votes concerning arms provisions to Israel related to its conflict with Hamas. He has indicated his intention to continue this practice if the humanitarian crisis persists. Senator James E. Risch, an Idaho Republican and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted the unwavering GOP support for Israel, expressing uncertainty about the motivations driving the Democrats’ actions.

Specifically, one vote aimed to block the sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles, failing by a vote of 27-70. Another vote sought to prohibit a $676 million sale of thousands of 1,000-pound bombs and guidance kits, which was rejected by a slightly larger margin of 24-73. In similar votes orchestrated by Mr. Sanders earlier in the year, Democratic support peaked at 19.

This recent shift is largely attributed to the increasingly dire conditions in Gaza, where mass starvation has exacerbated the already staggering death toll resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The deteriorating situation has compelled some Democrats, who previously opposed such measures, to now support sending a message to Mr. Netanyahu.

Senator Raphael Warnock, a Georgia Democrat, who previously opposed blocking arms to Israel, supported the recent effort, stating, “Starving children and innocent civilians is wrong.” Other senators who switched their votes included Ms. Klobuchar, Sens. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Patty Murray of Washington, and Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, both of Rhode Island. Notably, Senators Reed, Whitehouse, and Jon Ossoff of Georgia only voted to block the sale of assault rifles, not the bombs.

Senator Ossoff explained that his opposition to sending assault rifles stemmed from the likelihood that they “would likely have been allocated to police forces under the control of Itamar Ben-Gvir,” Israel’s far-right national security minister, who has actively resisted ceasefire efforts. However, he supported the continued provision of bombs, arguing that they have a more significant role in protecting the Israeli people, “who face the persistent threat of rocket and missile attack and have been subjected to intense aerial bombardment from Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen.” He framed his vote as a demonstration of protest against the Netanyahu government’s policies, citing “overwhelming public concern, sadness and outrage at the starvation of children.”

Republicans were quick to criticize Mr. Ossoff’s stance. Some Democrats remain frustrated with Mr. Sanders’ continued efforts to force these votes, viewing them as a source of division within the Democratic Caucus. Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, emphasized the importance of a unified voice within the caucus, arguing that “these resolutions do not bring us closer to their stated goals. Instead, they renege on our promise of support to our ally Israel and risk a fragile but expanding aid apparatus.”

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Numerous European Union member states, totaling 18, are seeking €146 billion in EU-backed loans to strengthen their defense procurement efforts. These nations, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Hungary, aim to access these funds through Security Action for Europe (SAFE).

SAFE, a financial tool created by the EU in May, is designed to help member states enhance their defense spending and support the European defense industry. The European Commission’s statement indicates that this interest allows leadership to begin securing funds from capital markets.

EU member states and countries with defense procurement agreements with EU nations are eligible for SAFE loans. Supported projects must involve common procurement, including at least one member state and a member state benefiting from a loan, as well as Ukraine or other European Economic Area countries. A key condition dictates that no more than 35% of component costs can originate from outside the EU, Ukraine, or EEA nations.

The deadline for submitting a formal SAFE loan request is November 30th.

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Bolivia is on the cusp of a potentially significant political shift as it approaches its upcoming election. After nearly two decades under the rule of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, a new challenger has emerged, presenting a real possibility of unseating the established order.

Samuel Doria Medina, a seasoned politician and successful businessman, is making his fourth bid for the presidency. While his previous attempts were unsuccessful against the backdrop of Evo Morales’ dominant leftist party, the current political landscape presents a unique opportunity.

Bolivia is grappling with a severe economic crisis, its worst since 1991. This crisis, characterized by dollar shortages, fuel scarcity, and widespread unrest, has significantly weakened the MAS party’s grip on power. The once-unquestioned dominance of the party, which oversaw a period of economic growth and poverty reduction under Morales, is now being challenged.

Doria Medina is capitalizing on public discontent, promising unity and solutions to the country’s pressing economic problems. He aims to address the fuel shortages and stabilize the foreign exchange rate within his first 100 days in office. His economic plan draws inspiration from Argentina’s radical libertarian President Javier Milei’s approach to tackling inflation.

A key element of Doria Medina’s proposed economic overhaul is the elimination of fuel subsidies, a long-standing but controversial policy of the MAS party. While this move could face resistance, as seen in 2010 when Morales attempted a similar reform, Doria Medina argues that the current subsidy system is unsustainable, costing Bolivia billions of dollars annually.

Beyond economic policy, Doria Medina envisions a significant shift in Bolivia’s foreign policy. He aims to strengthen ties with the United States, seeking agreements to facilitate the export of Bolivian products to the U.S. market. This represents a departure from the country’s recent alignment with China, Iran, and Russia.

Bolivia’s vast reserves of strategic minerals, particularly lithium, are a key point of interest for the U.S. Lithium is a crucial component in renewable batteries, and securing access to Bolivia’s lithium mines could be a major win for the U.S., especially given the interest shown by Chinese and Russian companies.

The political landscape is further complicated by the internal divisions within the MAS party. The rift between current President Luis Arce and his predecessor, Evo Morales, has created significant instability. Arce ultimately withdrew from the race, while Morales’ attempts to remain a dominant force have been hampered by legal challenges and allegations of misconduct.

Adding to the intrigue, Morales faces an arrest warrant related to allegations of a sexual relationship with a minor, which he claims are politically motivated. Doria Medina has stated that if elected, he would enforce the law and ensure that Morales is held accountable, potentially facing imprisonment.

Despite Morales’ threats to destabilize the country in protest, Doria Medina believes that Morales no longer holds the same level of political influence. He cites widespread public anger and a desire for change as evidence that voters are ready to move on from the Morales era.

As the election approaches, the political climate in Bolivia remains highly charged. The outcome will determine the country’s future direction, both economically and politically. Doria Medina’s promises of economic reform, closer ties with the U.S., and a commitment to the rule of law have resonated with many voters, positioning him as a strong contender to lead Bolivia into a new chapter.

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An 8.7-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that impacted coastal regions of the Kuril Islands in Russia and Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. Authorities issued tsunami warnings, prompting evacuations to higher ground. The initial wave, approximately 30 centimeters, reached Nemuro on Hokkaido’s eastern coast.

In Severo-Kurilsk, the main settlement on Russia’s Kuril Islands, residents were moved to safety as a precaution against potential repeat waves. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated the possibility of waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above tide level in Hawaii, Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands. Coastal areas of Russia and Ecuador faced a heightened risk of waves exceeding 3 meters. The situation is being closely monitored as communities remain vigilant against further tsunami activity.

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