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Today’s top stories
The Israel Security Cabinet has approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza and take control of Gaza City. Most of Gaza is already under military control or inaccessible to Palestinians. The goal of the operation is to disarm Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and establish Israeli security control before ending the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel aims to take over Gaza but not hold it permanently.
Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Gaza City on Aug. 7, 2025.
Jehad Alshrafi/AP
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Jehad Alshrafi/AP
- 🎧 Public opinion on the decision to expand military operations in Gaza is divided. Many Israelis are in favor of ending the conflict, while some military personnel oppose the move. Right-wing Israelis support the expansion. Former peace negotiator Menachem Klein believes the Israeli army will struggle against a guerrilla force in their own territory. Mahmoud Abdel Salam Ahmed, a resident of Gaza City, expresses deep concern over the plan, calling it the worst news since the war began.
Vice President Vance visited Indiana recently to discuss redistricting with Republican state leaders. The redrawing of districts to favor Republicans has sparked a battle, starting in Texas where Democratic lawmakers are resisting GOP-led efforts. Civil arrest warrants have been issued for Texas Democrats who have left the state in an attempt to block the redistricting process.
- 🎧 The White House’s involvement in redistricting signifies a strategic political move to secure favorable outcomes, according to NPR’s Ashley Lopez. Ohio and Florida are among the states undergoing redistricting processes. Meanwhile, Democratic states are exploring options to counter GOP-led redistricting efforts in case they succeed.
President Trump has directed his administration to develop a new census plan that excludes millions of undocumented residents from being counted. This proposed change would be a significant departure from traditional census practices, impacting electoral representation and resource allocation.
- 🎧 President Trump’s previous attempt to exclude undocumented residents from the 2020 census was unsuccessful, notes NPR’s Hansi Lo Wang. Efforts are underway for the 2030 census, with Congress holding final authority over census procedures. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced a bill to overhaul census practices, which could face legal challenges if passed.
Jared Wise, a former Jan. 6 defendant, now serves as a senior adviser at the Department of Justice, despite his involvement in the Capitol riot. Wise’s actions were captured on police bodycam footage and detailed in his testimony, where he attempted to justify his behavior.
