In Israel, massive protests erupted in demand for a cease-fire after six hostages held by Hamas were found dead in Gaza. The country’s largest union initiated a nationwide strike in an effort to shut down the economy and pressure the government to agree to a cease-fire deal. The strike is anticipated to bring a halt to much of Israel’s economy and close government offices, schools, and private businesses. The deaths of the hostages have sparked anger and protests across the country, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in major cities. A funeral is set to take place for one of the hostages, Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, on Monday, with his parents advocating for the hostages’ release via a cease-fire deal.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not invited to join former President Donald Trump and families at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the third anniversary of an attack in Afghanistan. Claims made by GOP Sen. Tom Cotton and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard about the invitation were refuted by a White House official and a Harris aide. Biden and Harris were criticized for not attending the event, while Trump faced backlash for posing for photos in a prohibited section of the cemetery. The incident has become a political talking point related to the upcoming election and the actions of the different political figures.
Former students have reported injuries and isolation at a Utah facility for troubled teens, the Elevations Residential Treatment Center, which is part of a company that operates multiple treatment programs for adolescents with behavioral and mental health challenges. Reports from former students and staff describe a chaotic environment at the treatment center, with allegations of staff misconduct and failure to follow mandatory reporting requirements. The facility has faced scrutiny for failing to notify the state of critical incidents, leading to calls for it to be shut down. These revelations shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in such facilities.
Extreme heat warnings have been issued for large parts of the South and Southeastern United States, presenting a danger to individuals with chronic health conditions. Areas affected by extreme temperatures have high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, which can make it difficult for individuals to regulate their body temperature effectively. Tips on staying safe in extreme heat are being shared to help vulnerable populations protect themselves during heat waves. The impact of extreme heat on public health underscores the need for preparedness and awareness in communities at risk.
In other political news, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has expressed openness to proposals for implementing an enforceable code of ethics for justices. Republican Senator Tom Cotton has shown openness to supporting former President Donald Trump’s proposal to have either the government or insurance companies pay for in vitro fertilization services. The Democratic National Committee is using bilingual billboards on Labor Day to call Trump an “anti-unionist” in Spanish. Elon Musk’s endorsement of Trump is facing backlash from Democrats focused on workers’ rights. These political developments highlight ongoing debates and discussions within the political landscape.
Psychological research delves into the appeal of extreme foods and challenges that have gained popularity on social media. Psychologists explain that the experience of consuming extremely spicy or sour foods triggers a flight-or-flight response in the brain, leading to the release of endorphins and dopamine that create a positive sensation. The psychological draw of extreme foods is compared to watching a horror movie, where the thrill of the experience is enjoyed despite the discomfort. This exploration of the psychological aspects of extreme food challenges adds to the understanding of human behavior and enjoyment of unique experiences.
