John Prevost, Pope Leo XIV’s Brother, Reflects on His Election and Values

Thousands of Afghans protested nationwide on Friday against Israel's actions in Gaza, responding to a call from Taliban authorities, with demonstrators gathering in multiple cities after prayers, waving Palestinian flags and burning images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Taliban Prime Minister Hassan Akhund condemned Israel's actions as "genocide," emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the severe impact of the blockade on Gazans, who face famine risks. The Taliban government, which remains internationally unrecognized, continues...

Lawyers for the six victims say ‘historic’ court decision recognises the plight of survivors who demanded justice for decades.A Guatemalan court has sentenced three former paramilitaries to 40 years in prison for the rape of six Indigenous women during the civil war from 1981 to 1983, marking a pivotal moment for the Maya Achi community. The judge praised the victims for their courage in testifying, highlighting the broader issue of sexual violence as a weapon...

SummaryAn overturned truck in Washington state released an estimated 250 million bees, prompting authorities to warn the public to avoid the area due to potential swarming. Emergency officials, alongside master bee-keepers, worked to rescue the bees from the truck, which was transporting approximately 70,000 lb of active honey bee hives. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office reported that efforts were underway to help the bees re-hive and locate their queen, with expectations that most would return...

A semi-truck carrying 250 million bees overturned on a Washington state roadway, releasing a swarm of bees. Thanks to over two dozen volunteer beekeepers from Whatcom County, hives were restored, and most bees were expected to return to their hives within 24-48 hours. The sheriff's office warned residents to avoid the area as the bees were likely agitated, while the cause of the crash remains unknown. Full Article

The United Arab Emirates, a significant oil exporter, has initiated mandatory emissions monitoring for companies under a new climate change law, marking a first for the Middle East. Greenpeace praised this "bold leap toward regional climate leadership," as companies must now report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, facing fines up to two million dirhams ($545,000) for non-compliance. While the UAE aims for net-zero domestic carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to a 47% reduction...

Pop Mart, a Beijing-based toymaker, has seen explosive growth driven by the popularity of its collectible Labubu plush toys, appealing to Gen Z and millennials globally, with sales doubling to $1.8 billion last year. The toys' unique "blind box" packaging encourages repeat purchases, while Pop Mart's market valuation exceeds that of US toy giants Mattel and Hasbro. As the company expands internationally, it taps into consumer behavior that favors small luxuries in tough economic times,...