War and bargaining press the land between Tel Aviv and Gaza. Protesters block a road in Tel Aviv, demanding Hamas hostages be freed and opposing the Gaza plan. Hamas backs a 60-day ceasefire through Egypt and Qatar: 10 hostages released, swaps and a partial withdrawal, with U.S. guarantees. Israel weighs approving the plan to seize Gaza City.

Another thread runs on aid and policy. GHF lays out pre-reserved aid boxes; the U.S. halts Gazan visas after a "far right" post; ex-Biden aides say Netanyahu urged a floating Gaza aid pier.

In Brisbane, a viral claim that a Chinese national dumped coffee on a 9-month-old over a visa denial is questioned. The baby survived; sources are dubious; China’s no-extradition policy calls for stricter screening.

Air Canada and its 10,000 striking flight attendants reach a tentative contract. A member vote will decide; operations could resume in days, and the airline apologized for the disruption.

Carole Malone on GB News blasts councils for removing British flags, outrageous to her. Two authorities pulled down St George’s crosses. She cites Birmingham’s green lights, says flags show national pride amid double standards, and notes Reform UK councils vow to keep flags.

The Digest, 8/19/2025 @600AM, CDT

Loading...