Marc Lamont Hill speaks to Molly Crabapple about the Jewish Bund, anti-Zionism and the Jewish left today.
Founded in 1897 in the Russian Empire, the General Jewish Labour Bund was a revolutionary socialist movement that organised Jewish workers and championed Yiddish culture and democracy while standing against Zionism.
But what remains of its memory? And is its vision finding new life in the Jewish left today?
This week on UpFront, Marc Lamont Hill speaks to Emmy Award-winning artist and author Molly Crabapple.
Aristotle was one of the greatest philosophers in the history of humankind. His ideas have impacted almost every field of life from philosophy, science, politics, ethics, education to modern logic. Philosophers were often concerned with just abstract theories, but Aristotle thought that wisdom should be used to help people live better lives. More than 2,300 years later, his teachings still influence schools, universities, governments and scientific thought. Aristotle was born in the Greek northern city of Stagira in 384 BC. His father Nicomachus was physician to the Macedonian royal family. Aristotle came from a medical family and was exposed to observation, biology and scientific inquiry from an early age. These early influences later led him to study nature closely, instead of relying on speculation alone.At the age of seventeen he went to Athens, the intellectual capital of the Greek world, and joined Plato’s Academy. Plato, a student of Socrates, was already one of the great philosophers of Greece. Aristotle stayed for nearly twenty years, becoming one of Plato’s most brilliant pupils. Aristotle greatly respected his teacher , but frequently disagreed with Plato ‘s ideas . Plato was interested in perfect forms and abstract realities . Aristotle thought that knowledge should start with observations of the real world . After Plato’s death, Aristotle left Athens and spent several years travelling and conducting research. King Philip II of Macedonia invited him to tutor his son, the future Alexander the Great, which he accepted c. 343 BCE. By teaching the young prince, Aristotle achieved influence over one of the greatest military leaders in history.Aristotle returned to Athens after Alexander’s ascension to the throne and founded his own school, the Lyceum. Unlike many of the schools before it, the Lyceum did not concentrate on philosophical debate, but promoted systematic study of subjects ranging from biology and astronomy to politics, literature, ethics and logic. Aristotle and his students collected plants, animals, constitutions and scientific observations, making the Lyceum one of the first research institutes in the history of the world. Anti-Macedonian feeling rose in Athens after Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE. Afraid of political persecution, Aristotle left the city, reportedly remarking that he would not allow Athens to “sin twice against philosophy,” a reference to the earlier execution of Socrates. There he moved to the island of Euboea where he died in 322 BCE at the age of sixty-two.His philosophy Aristotle believed that all men, by nature, desire to be happy, but he took happiness much deeper than pleasure or comfort. He spoke of eudaimonia, a Greek word often rendered as “human flourishing” or “living well.” Aristotle thought leading a life of virtue, wisdom, responsibility and purpose is the key to true happiness. One of his most famous philosophical concepts is the Golden Mean. Aristotle claimed that virtue generally lies between two harmful extremes. Courage, for example, is between cowardice and recklessness. Generosity is a mean between selfishness and wastefulness. Confidence is a place between insecurity and arrogance. A wise man is never too much or too little.Aristotle also emphasised practical wisdom that he called phronesis. Intelligence was insufficient. A truly wise man can make the right decision in everyday life combining reason and experience with a sense of moral character. Many philosophers considered mind and body as separate, but Aristotle viewed human beings as social creatures who achieve their full potential only through engagement in family, friendship and community. He is famous for calling people “political animals” which means that people naturally live and thrive in society.For about 2000 years his work on logic gave the basis for rational thinking. His systems of deductive reasoning became central to philosophy, mathematics and scientific inquiry. His work in biology was also revolutionary, as he studied hundreds of animal species with great care and tried to classify living organisms.Aristotle’s legacy in the worldFew thinkers have had as much influence on human civilisation as Aristotle. His writings influenced the ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, mediaeval Europe, the Islamic Golden Age, and the Renaissance. His ideas were central to ethics, political theory and metaphysics in philosophy. In the Middle Ages, Thomas Aquinas and other scholars combined Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology, and so his works became the foundation of European intellectual life.Islamic scholars, such as Avicenna and Averroes, translated, preserved, and expanded the works of Aristotle, allowing his ideas to live on into the Middle Ages. His influence reaches into science as well. Although many of his scientific conclusions were revised by modern research, his insistence on observation, classification and logical reasoning became the foundation of scientific methodology. Political scientists today still study Aristotle’s analyses of constitutions , citizenship and good governance . He believes in education that builds knowledge and moral character, a notion educators admire. His moral lessons are still used to provoke discussion on leadership, responsibility and personal growth.Quote of the DayOne of the most iconic quotes of Aristotle with a profound meaning is, “The main aim of men who are wise is not just to secure pleasure in life but to try and stay away from things that can cause pain.” This quote reflects Aristotle’s pragmatic view of happiness. This might initially seem surprising, because so many people assume that happiness comes from the pursuit of pleasure. Aristotle did not concur. Instead, Aristotle says, wise people think ahead. They avoid the habits, decisions and behaviours that lead to pain in the end. This pain can be physical, emotional, financial, moral or social.For instance, an individual may love to spend recklessly today but later financial problems bring stress and hardship. Another may like unhealthy eating but bad health comes years later. The student may prefer to enjoy himself now rather than study, but then later he faces academic challenges. And always, temporary pleasure is the mother of lasting pain. The point Aristotle makes is not that pleasure is bad. He never said people should reject enjoyment altogether. Pleasure, he thought, should come naturally from living a virtuous, balanced life. This philosophy is still very relevant today. In our world today, we are always tempted by social media, online shopping, fast food, gambling and entertainment to seek instant gratification. Most of these activities provide instant gratification, but too much of any of them can cause anxiety, debt, addiction, ill health or damaged relationships. Aristotle would advise people to ask one simple question before making important decisions: Will this choice make my life better in the long run, or will it cause problems later? That habit of reflection, of thoughtfulness, is what separates wisdom from impulse. His quote also reminds us that part of being happy is being resilient. Life is a rollercoaster. Wisdom does not remove all pain. It helps people to not cause unnecessary suffering to themselves through bad decisions. With moderation, self-discipline and good judgement, people are capable of creating more stable, meaningful and fulfilling lives.Aristotle was more than just a philosopher. He was a scientist, a teacher, a researcher and one of the great intellectual pioneers of history. His thinking about ethics, logic, politics, education and science still influences the modern world. Aristotle was not like those thinkers who only wanted abstract theories. He wanted to help people live well, using reason, virtue, and practical wisdom.
There is something strange about the way many of us have learned to rest. We finally sit down after a long day, put our phones aside, make ourselves a cup of tea, or simply stare out of the window. Within minutes, a familiar thought appears.“I should be doing something productive.”Instead of feeling refreshed, we begin mentally listing unfinished tasks, unread emails, laundry waiting to be folded, or goals we have not yet achieved. Relaxation slowly turns into another source of stress.The truth is, guilt has quietly become part of rest for many people. We celebrate being busy, praise ourselves for pushing harder, and often treat relaxation as something that has to be earned. But real rest is not a reward. It is a basic emotional need.If you often struggle to switch off without feeling guilty, these small mindset shifts may help.
Stop treating rest like a prize you have to earn
Many people unknowingly create invisible conditions before allowing themselves to relax.“I’ll rest after I finish everything.”The problem is that “everything” rarely gets finished. There is always another email, another chore, another responsibility.Instead of making relaxation the final item on an endless to-do list, try seeing it as something that helps you do everything else better. Rest is not a luxury reserved for people who have completed every task. It is what gives you the energy to return to those tasks with a clearer mind.Sometimes, doing nothing for a while is also doing something important.
Notice where your guilt actually comes from
The guilt you feel while relaxing may not even belong to you.Many of us grew up hearing phrases like “Don’t waste time,” “Successful people are always working,” or “You can relax later.” Over time, these messages become internal rules that keep playing in the background.The next time guilt appears while you’re resting, pause and ask yourself one simple question:“Is this my belief, or is it something I learned from someone else?”Often, simply becoming aware of that inner voice is enough to loosen its grip.
Replace the idea of productivity with the idea of presence
Not every moment has to produce something.Some of the most meaningful experiences in life happen when nothing measurable is achieved. Watching rain fall, listening to your favourite music, sitting quietly with someone you love, reading a few pages of a novel, or taking an unhurried walk may not improve your résumé, but they can quietly restore your emotional energy.A life filled only with achievements can still feel empty if it has no moments of presence.Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is fully experience the moment you are in.
Remember that your worth is bigger than your output
It is easy to tie your identity to what you accomplish.When work goes well, you feel valuable. When you are resting, you may feel as though you are falling behind.But your value as a person has never depended on how many boxes you tick in a day.You deserve kindness, peace, and moments of stillness simply because you are human, not because you have worked hard enough to deserve them.The more you separate your self-worth from your productivity, the easier it becomes to relax without carrying guilt alongside you.
Create small rituals that tell your mind the day is over
Our minds often stay in “work mode” long after work has ended. That is why simply sitting on the couch may not feel relaxing.Instead, create a small ritual that signals a shift.It could be changing into comfortable clothes, lighting a candle, watering your plants, making herbal tea, stretching for five minutes, or stepping onto your balcony before dinner.These tiny habits gently remind your brain that it is safe to slow down.Rest becomes easier when your mind recognizes that this part of the day has a different purpose.Thumb image- Canva
Sixty-seven people have so far been rescued after a ferry carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew sunk off the coast of Guyana, local officials have said.
Fifteen children are among those to have been recovered after the MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt on Saturday. Dozens of people are still missing.
A distress call was received at 23:01 local time (03:01 GMT Sunday) triggering a search operation involving state and private boats, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said in a statement.
“We’re hopeful we’ll be able to account for all that were on board,” he told reporters as emergency teams continued their search for survivors on Sunday afternoon.
Both passengers and crew are among those rescued so far, Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips earlier told AFP.
The names of those onboard will be released once rescue operations and medical checks are complete, he said on Facebook. Assistance centres have been set up for relatives of those rescued and passengers still missing.
The MV Barima was travelling from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it capsized.
Edghill said it was fitted with 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts and six inflatable life crafts.
It was built in 1939 and is 40m (131ft) long, according to a listing on VesselFinder.
While the sight of an orange sun piercing through dense wildfire smoke can be unsettling, the most significant threat posed by the haze is often invisible.
Experts warn that microscopic airborne particles carry the potential for a spectrum of health problems, ranging from acute symptoms to long-term chronic conditions.
Such smoke plumes can linger over urban areas for extended periods, with Canadian wildfires currently casting a hazardous blanket of air across millions in multiple US states.
In response, health authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and implement measures to ensure clean indoor air quality.
How to safely run your AC
If you have central air conditioning, it should clean the air in your home.
The US Capitol, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are seen through haze caused by wildfire smoke from Canada from the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia on July 17, 2026 (AFP via Getty Images)
Make sure filters are replaced on schedule and are of the highest level of filtration your system can handle. Filters rated MERV 13 or higher are ideal. Set the air to recirculate and close any vents that pull air from outside if you can. The University of Oregon’s Center for Wildfire Smoke Research and Practice recommends running the system’s fan through the entire smoke event, not just when cooling.
If you buy a portable air filter, look for a HEPA air filter or one that says it traps small particles of pollution. Ensure it does not generate ozone, another harmful air pollutant.
If you can only afford one portable air filter, use it to create a “clean room” in your house where you can spend most of your time.
“The basic message is that something is better than nothing,” said Amy Kalkbrenner, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The science behind DIY air filters
There’s good evidence that DIY filters made by duct-taping furnace air filters to a box fan work.
They’re simple, relatively affordable and scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency have found they are just as good at removing fine particles of pollution from the air as a small commercial air purifier.
“The good news is they really work,” said Kalkbrenner.
The Detroit skyline as smoke from the Canadian wildfires settles in the city on July 16, 2026 (Getty Images)
All you need to have to make one is: four 20-by-20-inch (50.8-by-50.8-centimeters) furnace air filters rated MERV 13 or higher, a box fan, cardboard and duct tape.
The EPA’s website shows how you can modify the design to only use one or two filters. The fan should blow out, and the arrows on the filters should point in. Make sure everything is taped up air-tight.
Using your window AC and cooling your air safely
Many window air conditioners, mini-split heat exchangers and portable air conditioners don’t have the filters needed to remove fine pollution particles. But heat can also be dangerous.
“When smoke and heat occur together, the impacts on your health are even greater than when they occur by themselves,” said Jess Downey, a researcher at the University of Oregon’s Center for Wildfire Smoke Research and Practice
Downey said the ideal scenario is running the AC unit and using an air purifier or a DIY box fan filter to clean the air. Make sure your AC is well-sealed in your window frame, she added.
Make sure the window units are set to recirculate air. Portable units with a single hose should be used sparingly, according to the University of Oregon wildfire smoke center.
City officials encouraged people to stay inside as the air quality index was rated ‘very unhealthy’ (Getty Images)
If you don’t have AC, any reprieve from hot, smoky air is important. Head to the library, shopping mall or other space with clean, cool air.
Ways to seal up a home to keep hazardous air out
Whether it’s a towel, some tape, or something else — plug areas where air could enter from outside.
“Being from Chicago, I think you can liken it to trying to keep the cold air out,” said Dr. Khalilah Gates, a lung doctor with Northwestern Medicine. “Any areas in which air can come in, consider sealing up those areas to reduce the amount that’s coming into the home.”
When smoke levels are high, experts recommend avoiding anything that burns — candles, fireplaces, even gas stoves — so plan ahead with some meal prep.
How wildfire smoke affects the body
Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches, and a burning sensation in the nose and eyes.
“When you ever start to feel those symptoms and they’re not severe, it’s important to acknowledge, ‘Oh, my body is responding to this. I need to move away from it. I need to move inside,’” Gates said.
If you’re wheezing, can’t catch your breath or are in distress, get to the emergency room immediately, she said.
IShowSpeed, a 21-year-old influencer from Cincinnati, Ohio, will take the stage ahead of the final match Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium alongside Scherzinger, Malone, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem, while Cruise is slated to make a special appearance.
But while the other headliners are known performers with experience in the entertainment industry, Speed is mostly famous for his online presence and viral videos.
The contrast raises some questions about the internet personality’s background, as well as his plans for the massive show, which is estimated to bring in 1.5 billion viewers globally.
Read on for answers to your questions about IShowSpeed.
IShowSpeed is slated to perform at Sunday’s World Cup closing ceremony (Getty Images)
Who is IShowSpeed?
Born Darren Watkins Jr., Speed is an online streamer known for his high-energy personality, viral stunts and gaming content. If you don’t recognize him from reaction memes or clips on TikTok, you might know him from his music career, his frequent celebrity collaborations or his WWE Wrestlemania debut earlier this year.
Before the brand deals and fame, Speed got his start as a hyper preteen in the midwest. He was given the nickname Speed because he was fast, he told Dazed magazine in June 2024. He decided to use it as his gamertag at the age of 12.
He registered the YouTube channel IShowSpeed in 2016 and only occasionally posted gaming content. He began livestreaming regularly at the age of 15, often broadcasting games like NBA 2K and Fortnite.
It wasn’t until 2021 that Speed began to grow a following after clips of his outbursts — often aggressive and chaotic — during livestreams went viral as memes on TikTok.
At the time of writing, Speed has more than 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 53 million followers on TikTok, 52 million followers on Instagram and 5 million followers on Twitch. He won the 2022 Streamy Award for Breakout Streamer and the 2023 Streamy for Variety Streamer.
His massive platform has sparked various side quests for Speed, including livestream tours on five continents last year, wrestling in WWE events and meeting his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
He has also released several songs in his budding music career, including two songs dedicated to the World Cup: the 2022 single “World Cup” and 2026 hit “World Cup (Champions).” The latter has a music video that garnered more than 90 million views within just one month of its release.
What will IShowSpeed do during the closing ceremony?
IShowSpeed said in a livestream Tuesday that Fifa called him up and asked him to perform “World Cup (Champions)” at the closing ceremony.
“They told me they heard the song and wanted me to perform at the World Cup final,” he said during the stream, adding, “At first I thought it was a prank call.”
He told his viewers, “I think out of everything I’ve done, I think me performing at the World Cup final is probably one of my most craziest achievements.”
After the song was released June 1, Speed publicly tagged Fifa on social media and asked them to consider making the song the Cup’s official anthem, to which the organization responded, “We will be in touch.”
The reply went viral and two days later, the song was added to the World Cup’s official track list for the Fifa World Cup 2026 Official Album.
Details about Speed’s performance of his song, which begins by calling out all 48 teams that played in this year’s tournament, remain a mystery — though fans can be almost certain that the streamer will land one of his signature moves by doing a backflip.
How has IShowSpeed already been involved in the World Cup?
Speed, a known soccer fan, started a series of livestreams from various locations at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in June. He also partnered with Fifa, Fox Sports and YouTube to host live broadcasts of certain games for viewers in the U.S.
While Speed was livestreaming the July 3 match between Argentina and Cape Verde, an Argentina fan was caught on camera making a racist comment toward the streamer, which prompted an investigation by Fifa.
“Fifa strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms. These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society,” FIFA said in a statement July 7. “Fifa was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match on 3 July 2026 and immediately initiated an investigation.
IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., is a big soccer fan who has livestreamed multiple World Cup matches (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“The Fifa World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”
Speed has not commented on the investigation.
How do I watch IShowSpeed’s performance?
Speed will perform at the closing ceremony, which starts at 1:30 p.m. local time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Fifa encouraged ticketholders to arrive early, promising that fans “will have an active role to play in the show.”
Sunday’s final will also bring the tournament’s first halftime show, which will feature Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS.
When people think of Mirza Ghalib, they picture one of the greatest poets in Urdu and Persian literature, celebrated for his timeless verses on love, loss and philosophy. But there was another passion that defined the legendary poet just as vividly: mangoes. Ghalib’s fondness for the king of fruits was so famous that it found its way into his letters, conversations and countless anecdotes. More than 150 years after his death, stories of his mango obsession continue to delight readers, proving that even literary giants had their simple pleasures. Scroll down to read more…
Mangoes were more than just a favourite fruit
Unlike many poets who immortalised food through verse, Ghalib’s love for mangoes is best preserved in his personal letters. During mango season, he eagerly awaited gifts of the fruit from friends and patrons and often wrote about them with remarkable enthusiasm. In one of his letters, Ghalib joked that age had become his greatest enemy. Once capable of eating dozens of mangoes, he lamented that by the time he was around 60, he could manage only “10 or 12” in one sitting, calling mangoes nothing less than a gift from God.
His famous definition of the perfect mango
Perhaps the most quoted line associated with Ghalib’s love for mangoes is astonishingly simple. “Aam meethe hon aur bahut hon.”Translated, it means: “Mangoes should be sweet and there should be plenty of them.” In just a few words, Ghalib captured what many mango lovers still believe today. The line has become inseparable from his legacy and is often quoted every summer across India and Pakistan.
The donkey story that became legendary
No discussion of Ghalib’s mango obsession is complete without his sharp wit. According to a well-known anecdote, Ghalib was once eating mangoes with a friend who disliked the fruit. A donkey wandered by, sniffed the discarded mango peels and walked away without eating them. The friend remarked, “Even donkeys don’t eat mangoes.” Without missing a beat, Ghalib replied, “Exactly. Donkeys don’t eat mangoes.” The witty comeback has survived generations and remains one of the most beloved stories associated with the poet.Mirza Ghalib’s love for mangoes is one of the most charming aspects of his legacy. While his admiration is best known through his letters, he also described mangoes poetically in Persian, comparing their sweetness to the delights of heaven. In his correspondence, the fruit becomes much more than a seasonal indulgence. Ghalib wrote about mangoes with wit, affection and playful exaggeration, turning an everyday pleasure into a symbol of joy, comfort and refined taste. These writings reflect the same warmth, humour and literary elegance that made him one of the greatest voices in Urdu and Persian literature.
Why the stories still endure
Ghalib’s enduring love for mangoes offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the poetry. His letters show him not only as a literary genius but also as someone who eagerly awaited mango season, joked with friends and found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures.Perhaps that is why these stories continue to be retold every summer. They remind us that even one of the greatest poets of the Indian subcontinent could be completely captivated by the sweetness of a perfectly ripe mango.
LIMA, Peru — A 5.5 magnitude earthquake shook the Andes region of Peru, killing at least five people, local authorities said on Sunday. More than 20 people were injured, and 300 have been displaced so far.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake struck on Saturday at 9:24 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) west-southwest of the city of Sicaya, in Huancayo province. The incident took place at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute said in a statement the total number of people missing is still unknown.
Several buildings collapsed or suffered structural damage, including the local church and convent.
Images broadcast by local media captured the anguish of victims’ relatives in one of the hardest-hit areas, the agricultural region of Chongo Bajo, where residents huddled under blankets outside severely damaged homes. Animals were also seen under the rubble.
In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the province of Pisco in the Ica region, leaving nearly 600 people dead. Earthquakes are frequent in Peru, as the country is located in the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Speaking on his BBC podcast, the Money Saving Expert founder explained that several banks are offering at least £175 to switch to them.
Lewis said that some people open a dedicated “burner” account to take advantage of cash incentives for switching without disrupting their main banking arrangements.
He also advised that once this account is open, you should have a couple of direct debits going out of it to qualify for a switch. Lewis also urged listeners to check their new bank’s eligibility terms, as some may require a minimum amount of money to be paid in.
“The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!”.
He said it would be “a big day” for the UK and “very much appreciated by everybody”.
That may be a little premature. How all this is squared up will, hopefully, become clear in the coming days and weeks.
There is one thing we can be confident about now – the new prime minister won’t be confirming approval for the controversial Rosebank and Jackdaw fields on day one in the job.
The operators of those fields were given the go-ahead by the previous Conservative government but those decisions are having to be reconsidered because of a successful legal challenge.
Environmental groups Greenpeace and Uplift argued that ministers had not considered the full climate impact from burning fossil fuels which the fields would produce.
Despite both sites having production facilities in place, a lengthy process is still underway by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (Opred).
That is now in its final stages.
Both applications are subject to consultations which close in August and jumping the gun on those would certainly land the government back in court.
