Ukrainian military forces and separatist fighters clashed at Donetsk Airport, further straining the fragile ceasefire between the Kiev government and breakaway factions in eastern Ukraine. A video released by pro-Russia news organization Novorossiya TV shows the exchange of fire, with an explosion occurring near the cameraman. Despite recent escalations, rebel leaders deny launching a new offensive or receiving more weapons from Russia. NATO confirmed the entry of Russian soldiers and military equipment into eastern Ukraine, raising concerns of increased conflict.

The US Navy is advancing its use of robotic technology by developing 'drone gunboats' to enhance naval warfare capabilities. These unmanned vessels, developed with NASA technology, aim to protect larger ships and perform coordinated attacks, reducing risks to human lives. The CARACAS software, adapted from NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover, enables these boats to operate autonomously, making tactical decisions in real-time. Successful tests have demonstrated their potential, and experts highlight the strategic advantages of such technology. The initiative also aims to cut costs and personnel requirements, with potential applications in commercial sectors.

Mount Ontake in Japan erupted suddenly, causing a suspected death toll of at least 36. The eruption trapped around 250 people, but most managed to escape. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 12 confirmed dead and 24 bodies still on the slopes. The eruption, classified as 'phreatic,' released ash and steam rather than lava. Japan, a seismically active nation with over 100 active volcanoes, has not seen volcanic-related deaths since 1991.

California's severe drought conditions are exacerbated by the increasing water demands of the cannabis industry, particularly in the Emerald Triangle. Scott Bauer from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife highlights significant water diversion by marijuana growers, impacting local ecosystems. Hezekiah Allen of the Emerald Growers Association argues for better water management and regulation. The state has introduced fines and enforcement teams to combat water theft, but the growing number of cultivators and high market demand pose ongoing challenges.

A study by academics from Yale, Brandeis, and Notre Dame reveals that the Ku Klux Klan's activities in the 1960s had a lasting impact on shifting voter allegiance in the US South from Democratic to Republican. The research highlights how radical social movements can influence mainstream political behavior and how historical voting patterns can become entrenched. The study also discusses the broader implications of extremist rhetoric on political and social dynamics, with insights from the Southern Poverty Law Center. The article contextualizes these findings within contemporary issues, such as the protests in Ferguson and Staten Island, and the ongoing racial and political tensions in the United States.

Seven US states, including Maryland and South Carolina, have constitutional provisions that prohibit atheists from holding public office. Despite a 1961 Supreme Court ruling against religious tests for public office, these outdated laws persist. Activists and organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Openly Secular are working to remove these bans, though the process is complex and politically challenging. Polls indicate significant public disapproval of atheists, further complicating efforts. The article highlights the need for greater political organization and influence among atheists to address these discriminatory practices.

Emil Michael, Uber's senior vice president, suggested hiring a team to counter bad press and attack critical journalists, specifically targeting Sarah Lacy of PandoDaily. His comments, made at a private dinner, sparked outrage and led to apologies from Michael and Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Privacy watchdog Jeffrey Chester criticized Uber's data practices, calling the company 'out of control' and urging investigations. Despite the backlash, Uber remains defiant, unveiling a new privacy policy and continuing its data mining practices.

An audiotape allegedly recorded by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was released, suggesting he is alive despite reports of his death. In the recording, he urges fighters to continue jihad and refers to recent events, including US airstrikes and President Obama's decision to deploy more troops to Iraq. The recording, which has been deemed 'authentic and recent' by the Associated Press and BBC, also calls for attacks on Saudi Arabia and praises jihadist groups in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen for pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.

A video surfaced showing Jabhat al Nusra's armed convoy entering Khan al-Sabeel, signaling a potential threat to the Kurdish enclave of Afrin. Kurdish leaders Cemil Bayik and Hevi Mustefa expressed concerns over the safety of Afrin's residents and the possibility of an attack similar to the siege of Kobane. The Syrian government has withdrawn from Afrin, leaving the YPG in control. Despite calls for support, Turkey's response has been limited, raising questions about their stance towards the Islamic State and Kurdish autonomy. Allegations of Turkey's collaboration with the Islamic State have also surfaced. Al Nusra, known as al Qaeda's Syrian wing, has been focusing on opposition groups, including the Kurds, and there are concerns over increased collaboration between militant groups due to airstrikes on the Islamic State.

Legal marijuana businesses in the United States are facing financial difficulties due to a federal tax law, section 280E, originally designed to target drug traffickers in the 1980s. This law prevents businesses selling Schedule I or II drugs from deducting regular business expenses, leading to effective tax rates of 70 to 85 percent. The National Cannabis Industry Association and business owners like Mitch Woolhiser and KC Stark express that this law is unfairly penalizing legal cannabis companies, and there is a call for Congress to reform the tax code, especially as more states legalize marijuana.

A 90-year-old man, Arnold Abbott, was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for feeding the homeless, an act he has been performing for 23 years. The arrest was made under a new city ordinance banning public food sharing, part of a series of laws aimed at reducing homelessness. Critics argue these laws are inhumane and make it harder for the homeless to survive, while supporters claim they are necessary for public health and safety. The article highlights the ongoing debate over how cities should handle homelessness, with various stakeholders expressing strong opinions on both sides.

Kurdish boys from Kobane were subjected to severe physical abuse and forced to watch violent videos while held captive by Islamic State militants, according to Human Rights Watch. The abduction and mistreatment of these children are considered war crimes. The Islamic State has captured significant territories in Iraq and Syria, enforcing a radical form of Sunni Islam and targeting minorities. The boys, aged 14 to 16, were detained for up to six months, with some being released in prisoner swaps. The article highlights the ongoing human rights abuses by ISIS and the international efforts to curb their activities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly executed 10 officials for watching South Korean soap operas, according to South Korea's Yonhap News. The executions were part of a broader crackdown on corruption and illegal media consumption. Despite strict bans, foreign media remains accessible in North Korea, particularly among elites. The regime's fear of foreign cultural influence has led to increased public executions and expanded prison camps. Kim Jong-un's familiarity with Western media contrasts with his harsh measures against its consumption.

An Antares rocket designed by Orbital Sciences Corporation under a NASA contract exploded six seconds after liftoff from Wallops Island, Virginia. The rocket, initially launched in April 2013, was carrying the Cygnus spacecraft intended to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. The explosion caused smoke to billow across the skies, and the incident was captured on live NASA TV. The Cygnus was expected to remain in orbit for several days before reaching the ISS, where astronauts would have unpacked supplies and reloaded the rocket with trash for reentry.

North Korea is set to become the first country to close its borders due to Ebola fears, despite no reported cases within the country. The ban on foreign tourists will begin on Friday, with uncertainty about its impact on diplomatic or business communities. This follows a history of North Korea sealing its borders during health crises, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003. Concurrently, reports from South Korean media suggest a potential purge of top military and government officials during Kim Jong-un's recent absence from the public eye. Speculations about Kim's health and political moves have arisen, but the exact reasons behind the disappearances of officials remain unclear. Experts suggest various reasons for these absences, ranging from re-education to involvement in undisclosed tasks.

Facebook has warned the DEA against using fake profiles for undercover operations, stating such actions violate the platform's terms and undermine user trust. This follows a lawsuit by Sondra Arquiett, who sued the DEA for using her personal information to create a fake profile after her arrest. The DEA defended its actions but has promised to review its social media policies. Legal expert Susan Freiwald highlighted the influence of companies like Facebook on government policies and the need for more robust privacy laws. Facebook, along with other tech companies, has been pushing back against government secrecy and seeking greater transparency regarding data requests.

A US Marine, Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, is accused of murdering a transgender Filipina woman, Jennifer Laude, in the Philippines, leading to tensions over the US military presence in the country. The case has reignited discussions about the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Expanded Defense Cooperation Agreement, with implications for US-Philippine relations and perceptions of American troops' accountability for crimes committed in the Philippines.

Nathan Cirillo, a 24-year-old Canadian soldier, was identified as one of the victims in a shooting at the War Memorial in Ottawa. The suspect, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, was also confirmed dead. The incident led to a lockdown of the Parliament building as police investigated the possibility of multiple assailants. Authorities have not confirmed the number of shooters, but the lone gunman theory is being considered. The event follows a similar attack in Quebec, raising concerns about potential terrorist connections. Ottawa police have urged the public to avoid the downtown area.

Anonymous blackmailers are threatening to spread Ebola in the Czech Republic unless the government pays a million euros in Bitcoin. The Czech Republic's deputy police chief, Zdenek Laube, stated that the blackmailers aim to spread panic. Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka condemned the blackmailers. The country has had several Ebola scares but no confirmed cases. The Sierra Leone Liberty Group is using Bitcoin donations to combat Ebola, highlighting the potential of digital currencies in crisis situations. The World Health Organization warns of a significant increase in Ebola cases without more international aid.

California has enacted a groundbreaking law requiring colleges to adopt an affirmative consent policy for sexual activity, known as the 'Yes Means Yes' law. Signed by Governor Jerry Brown, the law mandates clear, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity and aims to shift the burden of proof in sexual assault cases. The legislation, sponsored by state senator Kevin de León, has been praised by university officials and activists for promoting a safer campus environment. Critics argue it presumes guilt and overreaches in defining consent. The law has sparked a broader dialogue on the importance of consent and aims to create a more supportive atmosphere for reporting sexual crimes.

At least 19 people were killed during US-led airstrikes targeting the Islamic State's captured oil fields in Syria, with the strikes focusing on disrupting the group's main revenue streams. The attacks, conducted with five Arab allies, led to the release of 150 prisoners in Raqqa and resulted in the deaths of 14 militants. The strikes also targeted checkpoints, compounds, and training grounds, with additional raids in Kurdish areas. The Islamic State, controlling 11 oil fields, relies heavily on oil smuggling and sales to fund its operations. The US has been conducting air raids in Iraq for over a month, but this marks the first significant targeting of the group in Syria, raising concerns about the impact on the ongoing civil war.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has launched a new nationwide disarmament program, with a $47 million fund to establish centers for voluntary firearm surrender, aiming to reduce the country's high rates of gun violence. Despite previous laws restricting gun sales and possession, firearms remain a major cause of death in Venezuela. The government has a history of disarmament efforts, including destroying over 30,000 guns in 2009 and over 50,000 in 2011. However, experts like Roberto Briceño León of the Venezuelan Violence Observatory are skeptical about the impact of the new plan. The announcement comes amid Venezuela's bid for a UN Security Council seat and high public discontent over insecurity.

A German fraud investigation company, Wifka, is offering a $30 million bounty for information leading to the identification of those responsible for downing Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine. The crash, which occurred on July 17 and killed all 298 people on board, is suspected to have been caused by pro-Russian separatists. Ukraine continues to face turmoil, with a ceasefire in place but not fully effective, and President Petro Poroshenko is seeking closer ties with the European Union and more aid from the US. Ukrainian lawmakers have passed laws granting rebels control of certain regions and a law for removing corrupt officials, while NATO reports about 1,000 Russian troops remain in Ukraine.

The Islamic State released a propaganda video titled 'Flames of War' in response to President Obama's commitment to destroy the group. The video, produced by Al Hayat Media, features high-quality production and is aimed at Western recruits. Meanwhile, the US State Department's Think Again Turn Away campaign is engaging in a social media war against terrorism, though it has been criticized for its effectiveness. In Iraq, state television al Iraqiya and other Arab language media are using satire to undermine the Islamic State's media campaign. The article also references a poll indicating increased American concern for national safety and mentions SITE Intelligence Group's critique of the State Department's efforts.