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Executive Summary Renewed fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups in Suwayda province has caused a major humanitarian and economic crisis in Southern Syria. Despite a ceasefire declared on 19 July 2025 by the Syrian interim government, backed by diplomatic interventions from the United States and Jordan, the situation remains unstable. Fights and economic disruption displaced over 87,000 individuals, and the collapse of vital public services revealed the state’s limited administrative and security reach. Israeli air strikes, internal factionalism, and the absence of centralised control contribute to a persistent risk environment. The implications are significant for Syria’s economic recovery, internal stability, and regional geopolitical balance. Key Takeaways Widespread displacement and infrastructure damage in Suwayda have severely affected the local economy and society. The Syrian interim government under Ahmad al-Sharaa has not shown consistent authority across the national territory, especially in areas controlled by armed minorities. The conflict in southern Syria has underlined regional security complications, with Israel and other foreign powers actively influencing events on the ground. Background Information Following the kidnapping of a Druze truck driver, clashes in Suwayda quickly spiralled into widespread intercommunal violence between Bedouin and Druze militias, with Syrian government forces also participating. The repeated violations of

A new Jason Voorhees has joined the Friday the 13th universe. Young actor Callum Vinson (Chucky) boards Peacock’s highly anticipated prequel series, “Crystal Lake,” from A24! Pamela Voorhees Takes Center Stage Brad Caleb Kane serves as creator, writer, showrunner, and executive producer of the series. This new project is set to delve into the origins of the infamous hockey mask-wearing serial killer by focusing on his mother, Pamela Voorhees, played by Linda Cardellini. Cardellini’s Pamela is a mother who gave up a singing career to raise a special needs child. However, her life takes a dark turn when she loses her son. Crystal Lake is, of course, the iconic town, lake, and summer camp in the franchise. It serves as the chilling setting of the series. Voorhees famously drowned in the lake as a child. This led to his mother’s initial killing spree at the camp to avenge his “death,”  which sets him off on his brutal murder spree that haunts the franchise across 12 films. New Faces Join the Camp Counselors (and Victims!) In addition to Callum Vinson as the new Jason, a fantastic lineup of actors has joined the cast: Nick Cordileone (Warrior), Joy Suprano (Fleishman is in

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are reprising their roles as the iconic Owens sisters in Practical Magic 2. And the buzz is intensifying with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the sisters embracing each other (below).  Joey King (The Princess, “The Act”) has joined the magical cast! Reportedly, she will portray Bullock’s daughter. A new generation of Owens witches is on the horizon. The original 1998 film (based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel) followed “Two witch sisters (Bullock and Kidman), raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town. They face closed-minded prejudice and a curse that threatens to prevent them from ever finding lasting love. The curse, of course, being that any man they fall in love with meets an untimely demise. Reports say that the sequel will draw from a later installment in Alice Hoffman’s book series, specifically “The Book of Magic,” the true sequel to the original novel. This book picks up with Sally’s daughters, Antonia and Kylie, as they transition into young adulthood. This would certainly align with Joey King’s rumored role as one of the daughters who discovers dark family secrets and her powers. The magic behind the scenes is also coming together, with Akiva Goldsman (I Am Legend

"We've checked quite a few boxes off the last 12 months," says Crush Music's Dan Kruchkow. Dan Kruchkow Casi Radziul In 2023, Kesha completed her yearslong record deal with Kemosabe and RCA with the release of her experimental pop album, Gag Order. After its release, she parted ways with her longtime management, Vector. And by the start of 2024, she was ready for her next chapter: freedom.  In February 2024, Kesha signed a new management deal with Crush (Miley Cyrus, Lorde). And fittingly, this July 4, she released her first album, . (Period), with the new team intact – and her first as an independent artist, releasing on her own Kesha Records and distributed by ADA. “I am full of so much gratitude. Thank you for supporting me,” Kesha recently wrote on Instagram. “As an independent artist, I’m really floored by the amount of love and support yall are giving me.” Trending on Billboard Crush CMO Dan Kruchkow recalls meeting the pop star for the first time, saying: “You could immediately tell her ambition, vision and competitiveness were not lacking in the least. That’s a very good first impression in our book.” And it’s helped her deliver, big time. .(Period)

Throughout the 21st century, Hollywood had rebooted The Smurfs about as many times as Fantastic Four. We’ll see if they finally get Fantastic Four right in another week, but the Smurfs remain blue in the face. For a film that tries to succeed where its predecessors fell short, Smurfs retreads much of what we’ve seen before. Like the 2011 film, it sees the animated Smurfs venture to our live-action world. One of the destinations is Paris, which we saw in the 2013 sequel. Like 2017’s The Lost Village, the story centers on a Smurf trying to figure out what makes them unique. As is always the case, Smurfette is voiced by a trendy pop star (Rihanna this time), which comes in handy whenever the film randomly decides it’s a musical. Although this film establishes a new continuity, it assumes that the audience is already familiar with these characters. As such, it speeds through information like Smurfette being molded by the evil wizard Gargamel (JP Karliak), who is more of a side villain here. Karliak also voices Gargamel’s more successful brother Razamel, although they’re essentially the same character. Razamel is seeking a talking magic book (Amy Sedaris), which Papa Smurf (John Goodman) has hidden away. When Razamel

Neymar jr. has just been handed over his brand-new Tumblr. He can play Batman all he wants from now on, but only on private property.

Join Queer Coalition (QC) at The Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal on Friday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an informal gathering to welcome new and returning members to campus. QC Executive Board members will be on hand to answer any questions attendees may have about the organization. There will be no formal agenda, and attendees may drop in whenever is convenient. Queer Coalition is Illinois State’s sponsored LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, and graduate student affinity group. Those who wish to join the group are invited to fill out a membership form. Please email LGBTQ@IllinoisState.edu with any questions, feedback, or accommodation needs.

Overnight incidents – 15/16 July 2025 Incident date: 16 July 2025 Adwick firefighters attended a vehicle fire at 11:20pm on Woodside Road, Doncaster. Crews used one hose reel jet to extinguish the flames and left the scene at 23:59pm. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately. Share this page: Post navigation  Previous

Overnight incidents – 13/14 July 2025 Incident date: 16 July 2025 Rossington, Doncaster, Thorne and Edlington firefighters attended a field fire at 8:52pm on Grange Lane, New Rossington. Crews used hose hose reel jet, one main line and fire beaters to tackle the flames. They left the scene at 12:22am. Share this page: Post navigation  Previous Next 

Other recent artist signings include Mandopop artist David Tao, pop-punk singer-songwriter Taylor Acorn and rising country artist Trey Pendley. DEATHPIXIE Courtesy of DEATHPIXIE Virtual artist DEATHPIXIE signed with deadmau5‘s label mau5trap. The first release under the deal was a take on deadmau5’s “RAISE YOUR WEAPON,” which came out on Friday (July 11). DEATHPIXIE’s mau5trap debut EP is set to drop on Oct. 31, followed by “immersive live performances,” according to a press release. The release adds that DEATHPIXIE’s music, described as a mix of phonk, trap, techno, bass house and dubstep, is “created by an emerging group of songwriters, producers and animators” and that “there is a human behind every element of” the project. Brazilian artist Pedro Sampaio signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME). The signing follows a winning streak for Sampaio, whose “Perversa” — a collaboration with J Balvin, also on WME’s roster — continues to gain momentum outside of Brazil. “WME represents artists I deeply admire, with powerful and successful global careers,” Sampaio said in a statement. “I’m very excited to have this team with me at a time when my music is reaching new countries and new cultures. I want to keep taking Brazilian funk further.” Also