FRONTLINE VOICES with Rebecca Myles
PART I A conversation with Jennifer Loewenstein, former associate director of Middle Eastern Studies and senior lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
PART II Nick Bryant, investigative journalist, weighs in on the DOJ and FBI decision not to make any further releases of files related to the sex trafficking crimes of Jeffrey Epstein.
But first the headlines:
RUSSIA/UKRAINE
Europe's top human rights court has ruled Russia violated international law in Ukraine — the first such finding since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
The court also found Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. These rulings, while largely symbolic, come amid a record overnight drone attack by Russia and a retaliatory Ukrainian drone strike in Kursk that reportedly killed 3 people.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump pledged to send more defensive weapons to Kyiv, reversing a previous announcement. He criticized Vladimir Putin and hinted at future sanctions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed Trump’s comments, citing his “harsh rhetorical style.”
GAZA
At least 150 Palestinians, including 7 seeking aid, were killed in the last 24 hours. Over 500 were injured in Israeli strikes, per the Gaza Health Ministry.
Trump and Netanyahu met twice in 24 hours about a ceasefire, but no breakthrough was reported.
The UN warned of a critical fuel crisis in Gaza, worsening the humanitarian situation.
Israeli defense minister Israel Katz outlined plans to relocate Palestinians into a controlled “humanitarian city” in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost area. The city would be sealed off, with construction potentially starting during a proposed 60-day ceasefire.
Hamas insists it will only release hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Critics call the relocation plans forcible displacement in violation of international law.
Israeli officials say the aim is to separate civilians from Hamas. Trump voiced support for relocating Palestinians as part of ending the war.
WEST BANK
The British consulate in Jerusalem condemned unchecked settler violence. Staff visited displaced residents of Mughayir a Dier now living in industrial zones. The consulate posted on X that this violence is a trend, not an isolated incident, and called for protection of Palestinian communities.
Israeli forces have brought mobile housing units to Hebron, which activists fear may be used to house settlers.
LOCAL POLITICS
The United Federation of Teachers endorsed Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor after staying neutral in the primary. UFT represents nearly 200,000 members. DC37 endorsed Speaker Adrienne Adams, naming Mamdani as its second choice.
"Public education is under attack from Trump's authoritarianism on the outside and an affordability crisis from the inside," Mamdani said in a statement. "The need for a true fighter for New York City teachers and students has never been higher."
Other union endorsements include the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, Local 32BJ SEIU, and the NY State Nurses Association, who previously supported Andrew Cuomo in the primary.
The general election is November 4. Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent, joined by attorney Jim Walden. Cuomo has not yet declared. Curtis Sliwa is running on the Republican line.
