UN chief Guterres says human rights are being suffocated by autocrats and warmongers

Results from the National Assessment of Education Progress reveal a persistent decline in high school students' reading and math performance, with 12th graders scoring at their lowest in over 20 years and significant losses in eighth-grade science. The achievement gap is widening, particularly affecting students' basic proficiency, and a gender gap has re-emerged in STEM subjects post-pandemic. Want More Context? 🔎

Charles Bronson, a long-serving inmate, has recorded an audio message urging young prisoners to abandon knives and drugs, specifically addressing the dangers of the synthetic drug spice. As he prepares for his ninth parole hearing after 51 years in prison, Bronson emphasizes his transformation and role as a peacemaker, while his supporters continue to campaign for his release. Want More Context? 🔎

An Ottawa man, Patrick Macdonald, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for producing propaganda videos for the neo-Nazi group Atomwaffen Division, which incited violence against Jewish people and minorities. Despite his involvement, Macdonald has apologized and participated in initiatives to disengage from extremist violence, prompting discussions on the need for reform in hate crime legislation in Canada. Want More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎