Thousands of Counter-Protesters Hit the Streets in UK After Far-Right Riots

What's Happening

International

Thousands of Counter-Protesters Hit the Streets in UK After Far-Right Riots

What's going on: The UK’s been in a state of unrest following the deadly stabbing of three children late last month. Far-right agitators and online misinformation claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker led to riots and attacks last week on hotels known for temporarily housing migrants, minority-owned businesses, and mosques. In an attempt to quell the misinformation, British officials took the unusual step of identifying the underage suspect, who was born and raised in the UK and had no ties to Islam. Yesterday, thousands of police officers braced for the potential of more violence from far-right groups. Instead, anti-racism protesters took to the streets, and the widespread violence many had feared didn’t happen.

What it means: Tensions over immigration and Islamophobic resentment have been simmering in the UK in recent years, becoming the main rallying cry for the far-right. One poll found nearly half of Britons view far-right extremists as a “big threat.” The recent riots, which are the UK’s most violent in 13 years, also highlight the challenge governments face to keep dangerous misinformation in check while upholding free speech laws. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (who’s been in office a little over a month) warned rioters they would face “the full force of the law.”

Related: PM Keir Starmer Slams Elon Musk’s “Civil War” Comments (NYT Gift Link)

International

Taylor Swift's Vienna Concerts Canceled After Alleged Terrorist Plot

What's going on: Taylor Swift’s three shows in Vienna this week were canceled after officials confirmed threats of a planned terrorist attack at her concert stadium. Officials said they arrested two men in connection with the threat yesterday, including a 19-year-old Austrian citizen who they say pledged “an oath of allegiance” to the Islamic State. Authorities said they found chemical substances at the 19-year-old’s home, and officials are investigating to determine if it could be part of a larger bomb plan. The promoter of the Austria-based shows, Barracuda Music, said it had “no choice but to cancel” for everyone’s safety.

What it means: Counterterrorism experts say large gatherings like concerts and festivals can be vulnerable to terrorist attacks with mass casualties. Earlier this year, a terrorist attack at a Moscow concert hall killed at least 137 people. In 2017, a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert killed 22 people. Last week, police in Missouri arrested a man for allegedly making a terrorist threat at a Morgan Wallen concert. This has all put concert safety in the spotlight, with people seeking tips on how to protect themselves.

Related: What To Do if You’re in a Crowd Crush (Washington Post Gift Link )

Health

Doctors May (Finally) Have to Address IUD Insertion Pain

What's going on: It seems like the Centers for Disease Control’s algorithm finally brought it to the right side of TikTok. The one where women are documenting their painful IUD experiences and doctors’ less-than-stellar pain management suggestions. The tide could be changing though as the CDC is officially recommending — for the first time ever — physicians give women pain management options before getting the IUD. The update also expands the short list of pain-relief options that doctors can offer, which now includes anesthetic gels, creams, and sprays.

What it means: The CDC’s updated guidance could be the first step in getting doctors to take womens’ pain more seriously, which they’ve long been accused of ignoring or downplaying. Doctors have been allowed to offer patients a local anesthetic shot during the procedure, but one study found less than 5% give their patients the option. Instead, many just recommend an over-the-counter painkiller (which doesn’t always cut it for period cramps, let alone IUDs). It’s about time for a change.

Related: Did You Know Contraception Is Free By Law? (WaPo Gift Link)

Quick Hits

👀 We saw his Venmo and alleged Spotify — now, we’re apparently getting a look at JD Vance’s leaked texts.

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🏊 The internet is obsessed with these artistic swimmers’ moonwalk under water.

🥄 Cate Blanchett just wore a shirt made out of 102 vintage spoons.

🏡 This life-sized Polly Pocket House is making all our 90s dreams come true.

Settle This

Ever since VP Kamala Harris announced “Coach Walz” as her running mate, the internet has been casting for his SNL dupe. So, who should play Walz?

Extra Credit

Stream

Get ready Brellies, because the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy has finally arrived. For those unfamiliar, the Netflix series follows a group of adopted siblings with remarkable superpowers who band together to save the world. Starring Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, and David Castañeda, the show is based off of the comic series created by Gerard Way (aka, the lead singer of your favorite ‘00s emo band). This time, fans can expect the usual Hargreeves shenanigans as the family attempts to live a normal life, as well as some new faces (the cast is joined by Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross). Find out how it all ends in the six-episode season, now streaming.

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.