Even After the Salman Rushdie Attack, Turmoil at Chautauqua Institution

A major arms fair in London opens without Israeli government officials amid strained UK-Israel relations over the Gaza conflict, although 51 Israeli defense companies, including Elbit and Rafael, will exhibit. Activist groups plan to protest the event, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits London in solidarity with the Jewish community facing antisemitism during this critical time. Want More Context? 🔎

Thailand’s Supreme Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must serve one year in prison, concluding that his hospital stay did not count as time served for his earlier eight-year sentence for fraud and abuse of power. This decision follows his return to Thailand after 15 years in exile and comes amid political turmoil for his party, Pheu Thai, which recently lost power. Want More Context? 🔎

Most U.S. adults believe personal choices significantly drive poverty and homelessness, with 68% noting an increase in poverty over the past 25 years, despite data showing a decrease in the poverty rate. The poll reveals support for removing homeless encampments, but highlights divisions on root causes, with 60% attributing poverty primarily to personal choices and nearly half citing unfair systems. Want More Context? 🔎

Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced revised standards prohibiting only books with visual depictions of sexual content in school libraries, following criticism of the previous guidelines. The new order removes specific grade-level restrictions and requires school boards to submit lists of materials to be removed by October 31, with implementation due by January 5, 2026. Want More Context? 🔎

Belgium's Foreign Ministry announced it cannot issue diplomatic passports to Palestinian officials for the upcoming UN General Assembly due to a 2014 Consular Code restriction, following a proposal from the Belgian-Palestinian Association. This decision comes amid U.S. visa denials for Palestinian representatives and criticism from Belgian officials regarding the U.S. stance, particularly as other nations move to recognize Palestinian statehood. Want More Context? 🔎

The UK government, represented by former foreign secretary David Lammy, stated that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza but must take greater efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, a deadly shooting in Jerusalem resulted in six deaths, President Mahmoud Abbas condemned violence against civilians, and Spain imposed a ban on weapon shipments to Israel, labeled antisemitic by Israeli officials. Want More Context? 🔎