Rebels Make Surprise Advances in Syria. Who are They and What Does it Mean?

France has suspended its program for receiving Palestinians fleeing Gaza while investigating a Palestinian student accused of making antisemitic remarks online. The 25-year-old woman, who was on a scholarship in Lille, has been deregistered from her university, and existing beneficiaries will undergo new security checks following this incident. Want More Context? 🔎

Jeannie Seely, the influential country music singer known as "Miss Country Soul," died at 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Celebrated for her hit "Don't Touch Me" and her trailblazing presence in a male-dominated industry, she was remembered fondly by peers, including Dolly Parton, and made significant contributions to country music throughout her career. Want More Context? 🔎

Indonesia has begun releasing hundreds of inmates, including political prisoners, as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency plan aimed at fostering national unity; the initial batch includes notable figures like Hasto Kristiyanto, a critic of former President Joko Widodo, and six independence activists from West Papua. Law Minister Agtas indicated that more releases are planned, with a second list of inmates to be submitted soon. Want More Context? 🔎

Australia, led by Kaylee McKeown and Cameron McEvoy, aims to reclaim the top position in the swimming world championships in Singapore after falling behind the US in the medal tally. Despite Mollie O’Callaghan's near victory in the women’s 100m freestyle, she and the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay team secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, with hopes for gold in upcoming events. Want More Context? 🔎

Tribal leaders in Gaza have condemned aid distribution centers managed by Israel and the US as humiliating, accusing them of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid widespread starvation and suffering. They demand dignity and true human rights for Palestinians, highlighting that since the conflict escalated on October 7, over 60,200 have died, with many children succumbing to malnutrition. Want More Context? 🔎

A tractor-trailer carrying hot dogs crashed on Interstate 83 in Pennsylvania due to mechanical issues, leading to a significant spill of hot dogs across the road and a traffic jam. Four individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and cleanup crews noted that the spilled hot dogs were rendered unsalvageable. Want More Context? 🔎