EU state calls out ‘double standards’ on Russia and Israel

Labour leader Keir Starmer is backing off from some planned welfare cuts after pushback from within his own party. The compromise means reductions to certain disability benefits will only apply to new claimants, sparing those already receiving support.

Editor’s Note: This is a classic political balancing act—Starmer is trying to keep both fiscal hawks and progressive critics in his party onside. For people relying on disability benefits, the tweak means current recipients won’t face sudden losses, but it still signals tighter welfare rules ahead. It’s a glimpse into Labour’s tricky dance between reform and restraint.

The Toronto Raptors picked Alijah Martin with the 39th overall draft pick, signaling a clear focus on shoring up their defense. Martin, known for his defensive hustle, fits the mold of the kind of player the Raptors seem to be prioritizing right now.

Editor’s Note: For Raptors fans, this pick suggests the team is serious about tightening up their defense—something they’ve struggled with lately. Martin might not be a flashy name, but if he brings energy and stops opponents, he could become a key piece in Toronto’s rebuild. Draft moves like this often fly under the radar, but they can shape a team’s identity in the long run.

Russia's finance minister, Anton Siluanov, is pushing back against Western sanctions, claiming they won’t derail the country’s economic growth. Despite international pressure, he insists the Russian economy remains resilient and on track to expand.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about economics—it’s a political standoff. Russia’s defiance signals it won’t back down easily, which could prolong tensions with the West. Whether the economy truly holds up or not, the message is clear: Moscow wants to project strength, even under pressure.

Bill Moyers, a towering figure in journalism and public broadcasting, has passed away at 91. Known for his sharp intellect and deep commitment to storytelling, Moyers wore many hats—White House press secretary under LBJ, documentary filmmaker, and a trusted voice on PBS for decades. His work championed civil discourse and investigative journalism, leaving a lasting mark on American media.

Editor’s Note: Moyers wasn’t just a journalist; he was a bridge between politics, public service, and thoughtful media. His death marks the end of an era—one where TV journalism often prioritized depth over soundbites. For anyone who cares about the role of media in democracy, his legacy is a reminder of what’s possible when integrity meets storytelling.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back in critiquing teammate Mohammed Siraj’s approach during the recent India vs. England Test, joking about how many "dams" (a playful dig at bowling tight spells) Jasprit Bumrah would have to build while others leaked runs. Ashwin stressed that Siraj needs to focus more on containing batters rather than just hunting for wickets. Bumrah, meanwhile, was India’s standout bowler with a five-wicket haul, while Prasidh Krishna had a mixed day—taking three wickets but going for runs at a costly 6.40 economy.

Editor’s Note: Ashwin’s blunt remarks highlight a growing tension in India’s bowling attack—while Bumrah’s brilliance papered over cracks, the reliance on him is unsustainable. Siraj and Krishna’s inconsistency could hurt India in tight matches, especially with England’s aggressive batting. For fans, it’s a wake-up call: individual flair isn’t enough if the supporting cast can’t apply pressure.