Today’s Top News at Virginia Times

Catch up on the major headlines making waves on July 31, 2025. From a state holiday in Florida honoring Hulk Hogan to deadly missile strikes in Kyiv, here are today’s most important stories curated by the Virginia Times editorial desk.

Florida Declares August 1st as ‘Hulk Hogan Day’ to Honor Wrestling Icon

Governor Ron DeSantis has officially declared August 1st as “Hulk Hogan Day” across Florida. The state will lower flags in honor of the wrestling legend, who was born in Augusta but rose to fame while living in Clearwater. The move was announced via DeSantis’ official X account.

Kyiv Death Toll Rises to 16 in Russia’s Missile Strike; Ukraine Urges UN Action

At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured following a Russian missile strike on Kyiv. President Zelensky is urging urgent United Nations action as rescue operations continue. This marks one of the deadliest single attacks in recent months.

Poll: Nearly 70% of Americans Believe Government Is Hiding Truth About Jeffrey Epstein

New polling data reveals that nearly 7 in 10 Americans—including a majority of Republicans—believe the U.S. government is concealing critical information about Jeffrey Epstein’s connections, death, and alleged criminal network.

Pakistan’s ‘Ghost Airport’: No Planes, No Passengers at Gwadar Hub

The $246 million Gwadar International Airport project remains largely empty, with no commercial flights and minimal traffic. Pakistan’s opposition calls it a glaring example of failed planning within the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

5 Free Harvard Courses to Jumpstart Your AI Learning Journey

Harvard University is offering five online AI-focused courses free of charge. These include introductions to machine learning, ethics in AI, and AI for social good. Ideal for beginners or professionals looking to refresh their skills.

Why Trump Delayed New Tariffs: Inside the 90-Day U.S.–Mexico Trade Extension

President Donald Trump has paused the implementation of new tariffs for 90 days following a diplomatic call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The move affects steel, fentanyl-linked imports, and automobile tariffs, giving both sides room to negotiate.

Severe Weather Alert: Flash Flood Watch Issued for Fairfax County Through Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Fairfax County through Friday afternoon. Heavy thunderstorms and isolated flooding are expected. Residents are urged to monitor alerts and avoid flood-prone areas.

ICE Arrests Surge Past 109,000 in Early Months of Trump’s Second Term, CBS Reports

A CBS News analysis reveals a dramatic increase in ICE arrests since the return of President Donald Trump. The administration has prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement, with over 109,000 individuals taken into custody between January and June 2025. The report highlights high-profile arrests such as that of Jonathan De Jesus Vazquez Carillo, a Mexican citizen with prior assault convictions. Civil rights groups are raising concerns over the scope and transparency of these operations.

25 Hospitalized After Delta Flight Hit by Severe Turbulence, Makes Emergency Landing in Minneapolis

A Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York encountered severe turbulence mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Minneapolis. According to an official Delta statement, 25 passengers were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Passengers described being thrown violently from their seats. The FAA and NTSB have launched a review, citing growing turbulence incidents tied to climate shifts.

Gaza Crisis Deepens: OCHA Warns Tactical Pauses Insufficient as Children Die from Hunger

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an alarming statement warning that Israel’s announced daily tactical pauses in Gaza are not enough to alleviate the worsening humanitarian catastrophe. Aid trucks remain blocked, hospitals lack electricity, and at least a dozen children have died due to hunger and dehydration. The UN is calling for a full ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to save civilian lives.

Ukraine Parliament Reverses Controversial Law, Restores Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies

Ukraine’s parliament has passed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bill restoring the independence of anti-corruption institutions, following weeks of domestic and international criticism over a law that had weakened oversight. The bill was approved by 331 votes — a constitutional majority — and is seen as a critical step for Ukraine’s EU candidacy and NATO aspirations. Transparency advocates praised the move as a victory for democratic reform.

Eight Killed, Dozens Injured in Russian Missile Barrage on Kyiv

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack overnight on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, killing eight people — including a young child — and injuring at least 64 others. Residential buildings and public areas were struck with precision munitions. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack a war crime, while emergency services raced to recover survivors from the rubble. The escalation has renewed global calls for increased air defense support to Ukraine.

₹23 Lakh for a Lifetime UAE Visa? The Story Behind a Viral Golden Visa Claim

A viral claim that Indians can now obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for ₹23 lakh without any trade license or property requirement has been debunked. PTI reported that UAE authorities have denied offering such a blanket visa scheme. The misinformation spread widely on social media, leading to confusion among Indian applicants. The UAE’s Golden Visa program remains selective and tied to specific business, investment, and talent criteria.

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