July 17, 2025
Israel Launches Attack on Syria; U.S. Engages in De-escalation Talks
We’ve been engaged with them all morning long and all night long, with both sides. We think we’re on our way towards real de-escalation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressing escalated tensions between Israel and Syria. On Wednesday, Israel launched “dozens” of strikes across Syria, including Damascus, claiming to defend the Druze, a religious minority in the region. The strikes came after clashes between Druze fighters and other groups prompted Syrian military action. The U.S. says de-escalation talks are ongoing, and Syria withdrew its military forces from the region, but tensions in the area are still high.
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- Israel strikes Syria’s capital, Damascus, pledging to defend Druze minorities (NPR)
- Israel bombs Damascus, stoking conflict with Syria’s new government (The Washington Post Gift Link)
Young Dinosaur Skeleton and Largest Piece of Mars Found on Earth Sold at Auction
This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot.
Vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby’s, Cassandra Hatton, describing the 54-pound space rock that sold for just over $5 million on Wednesday in New York, making it “the most valuable meteorite ever sold at auction.” The rock was discovered in 2023 in Niger and came to Earth after being struck from Mars’ surface by an asteroid. Also sold during the auction? A rare young dinosaur skeleton that received a final bidding price of more than $30 million.
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by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
