Israeli cabinet minister tells banks to ignore EU sanctions

A new U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia is so aggressive that it might backfire, hurting American trade more than Moscow. Politico reports that the proposed measures could strain relationships with major economies, including European allies, potentially leaving Washington more isolated than intended.

Editor’s Note: Sanctions are usually meant to pressure adversaries, but this bill could end up being a double-edged sword. If it alienates key trade partners, the U.S. might find itself in a weaker economic position—raising questions about whether the strategy is worth the collateral damage.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was controversially deported to El Salvador in March despite a U.S. immigration judge's order blocking his removal, is now back in the U.S. and facing human smuggling charges. His legal team is gearing up for a fierce battle, arguing his deportation was unlawful and vowing to challenge the new charges.

Editor’s Note: This case highlights the messy, often contradictory nature of U.S. immigration enforcement—where court orders can be ignored, deportations overturned, and individuals caught in legal limbo. It’s a stark reminder of how immigration policies play out in real lives, with high stakes for both the accused and the system’s credibility.

On Eid-ul-Adha, a major religious holiday for Muslims, authorities in Srinagar locked the historic Jamia Masjid and placed prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, barring worshippers from praying at the mosque. The move drew sharp criticism from political figures like Omar Abdullah, while the mosque's managing body, Anjuman Auqaf, confirmed the closure and heavy police presence. Mirwaiz, a key voice in Kashmir, called out the ongoing suppression of religious freedoms in the region.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one mosque being closed—it’s part of a broader pattern in Kashmir where religious and political expression often face tight restrictions. The decision to shut down prayers on Eid, a day of celebration and community, hits especially hard and fuels frustration among locals. It also signals how tensions between governance and religious/cultural identity continue to simmer in the region.

Alberta is resuming alcohol purchases from the U.S. after hitting pause back in April—a move originally meant to push back against American tariffs on Canadian products. It looks like the province is shifting gears, though the exact reasons aren’t spelled out here.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about restocking liquor shelves—it’s a small but telling sign of how trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. play out in real time. Alberta’s earlier pause was a bargaining chip; reopening the taps suggests either a thaw, a compromise, or just a pragmatic call that the standoff wasn’t worth the hassle. Either way, it’s a reminder that even niche policies can ripple through bigger economic relationships. Cheers to that? Maybe—but keep an eye on what comes next.

In a thrilling comeback, 20-year-old Coco Gauff clinched her first French Open singles title by defeating top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in a nail-biting final. The match was a rollercoaster, with Gauff rallying after dropping the first set to secure the victory—marking a major milestone in her young career.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tennis win—it’s a breakout moment for Gauff, who’s been pegged as the future of American tennis since her early teens. Beating the world No. 1 in a Grand Slam final cements her as a serious force in the sport, and it’s a feel-good story for fans who’ve watched her grow up on the court. For Sabalenka, it’s a tough loss, but the match itself was a showcase of high-stakes, high-drama tennis.