The Root

As Sudan's civil war grinds on, communities are reportedly organising to run their own affairs — providing security, services and local administration — in the absence of a functioning state. The Waging Nonviolence feature examines how mutual aid and emergency response networks, rooted in Sudan's resistance committees, have stepped into the vacuum left by collapsed institutions. The piece suggests these grassroots structures may be reshaping how society governs itself during and after the conflict.

A British TV programme first broadcast in 1989 is being recirculated to challenge the view that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began with the October 7th attacks. Commentators point to the 1948 Tantura massacre and earlier events as evidence the conflict has much deeper roots. The discussion invokes the Latin phrase 'ridendo castigat mores' and draws on the documentary's coverage of the contested killings during the 1948 war.

Japanese director Takuya Uchiyama, born in Niigata City and a graduate of Bunka Fashion College, releases his semi-autobiographical film "Shibire" on September 25. Starring Takumi Kitamura and Rie Miyazawa, the film was shot entirely on location in Niigata Prefecture. The Niigata Nippo interview explores what Uchiyama poured into the work, and the director's local roots and alma mater are promoting the release.

Middle Tennessee State University Theatre students are opening their fall season with 'Jack's Tale', a bluegrass musical, running October 1-4. The production gives student performers a chance to stage a show rooted in regional bluegrass traditions. The announcement comes from MTSU's own news outlet, with little wider discussion so far beyond the university community.

Skye Perryman, a Waco native and attorney, has published a new book laying out how everyday citizens can help protect democracy. In interviews around the release, she argues that democratic participation is not limited to politicians or activists, and that ordinary people have a role in defending democratic institutions. The book is drawing attention from local outlets in her hometown and from readers interested in civic engagement.

The concept of 'soft fascination' is drawing attention online, highlighting how gently engaging stimuli like nature walks or watching water restore mental focus without effort. The idea, rooted in attention restoration theory, is being discussed as a practical antidote to digital overload and constant screen-based stimulation, with many people sharing how they build soft fascination into their daily routines.

Robinhood is working on AI trading bots that would manage users' investments automatically, even while they sleep, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The move would mark a major expansion for the brokerage app beyond its commission-free trading roots, putting automated, algorithm-driven portfolio management directly in the hands of retail investors and intensifying competition in AI-powered personal finance.

The Independent Institute has published a news article examining what is actually driving inflation. The piece questions common explanations for rising prices and explores the underlying causes, drawing renewed attention to the debate over monetary policy, government spending, and supply-side pressures that continue to affect economies worldwide.