New York City is grappling with the financial and social implications of a migrant crisis, with Mayor Eric Adams warning of a potential $10 billion cost by 2025. The city has already spent $2.4 billion since July 2022, accommodating over 170,700 migrants and asylum seekers. Despite the high initial costs, experts argue that migrants contribute to the economy by filling jobs, paying taxes, and starting businesses. The city's spending includes emergency contracts for shelter sites and other services, which have faced criticism for inefficiency and potential waste. The federal government's delay in issuing work permits for asylum seekers exacerbates the city's financial strain. However, advocates emphasize the long-term economic benefits of integrating migrants into the community, citing their entrepreneurial spirit and essential roles in the workforce.

The article profiles Sergei Munier, a French-Ukrainian soldier associated with the Wagner Group, amidst a backdrop of tension between the Russian army and Wagner mercenaries. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Wagner, initiated a rebellion against the Russian government, capturing a headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and advancing towards Moscow before a deal was brokered, allegedly by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, to avoid civil war. Ukrainian officials expressed satisfaction over the internal Russian conflict, while Ukraine's military attempted to capitalize on the situation with successful advances. The article also introduces guest reporter Christopher Allbritton, who reflects on his experiences covering conflicts and the unique aspects of the war in Ukraine.

Matter is a new universal smart home connectivity standard that simplifies the integration of various smart devices, allowing them to work together regardless of the manufacturer. It supports basic functions across a range of devices and is designed to operate locally without an internet connection, emphasizing security with encrypted communication and authenticated devices. Major tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung are part of the Matter coalition. The standard is still evolving, with more device categories expected to gain support throughout 2023. Industry buy-in is crucial for Matter's success, with some companies already integrating the standard while others adopt a wait-and-see approach.

The XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K projector is commended for its excellent picture quality, ease of setup, and advanced features like auto-keystone and auto-focus. Despite its high price, the projector's compact design and Android TV integration offer a premium home entertainment experience. However, the lack of native Netflix support and subpar built-in speakers are noted as significant drawbacks, with the latter likely requiring additional speaker setup for optimal sound quality.

Apple's 2021 Livestream Event introduced new iPhones, Apple Watches, and a redesigned iPad mini. The iPad mini features a new design, USB-C, 5G, and improved camera technology. The Apple Watch Series 7, while not redesigned, offers a larger screen and faster charging. Apple's Fitness+ service is expanding with new workouts and group sessions. The iPhone 13 and 13 mini are incremental upgrades with better chips and batteries. The iPhone 13 Pro models introduce 'computational photography' and a Cinematic Mode for advanced video recording. The event showcased Apple's focus on incremental hardware upgrades and significant software advancements.

The article describes the dire situation of Venezuelans fleeing their country's economic collapse and political turmoil to Colombia, particularly to the Guajira department. The journalist, along with a photographer and communications officers from Mercy Corps, witnesses the influx of Venezuelan migrants crossing the border, many of whom are young mothers and children, carrying their belongings and seeking a better life. The migrants face exploitation and have to pay for every step of their journey, including crossing points controlled by armed men. In Colombia, they struggle to find work and make ends meet, often living in overcrowded conditions. The article highlights the work of Mercy Corps in providing assistance to these migrants, focusing on their needs for legal status, employment, healthcare, and food. The journalist expresses pride in being part of the effort to help Venezuelan families build new lives in Colombia.

Chimpanzees in Bossou, Guinea, have been observed consuming naturally fermented palm wine, showing signs of inebriation similar to humans. Over 17 years, researchers documented chimps using leafy tools to drink the alcohol, which has an ethanol content comparable to beer. The study, published by the Royal Society, supports the 'drunken monkey hypothesis' suggesting an evolutionary advantage for primates that can metabolize alcohol, a trait shared by humans and great apes due to a genetic mutation around 10 million years ago. The findings also contribute to understanding our ancestors' diets and the origins of tool use.

U.S. soldiers and military contractors in Colombia are alleged to have sexually assaulted up to 54 Colombian children between 2003 and 2007, with no prosecutions due to diplomatic immunity. The allegations are part of a report by Colombia's Historical Commission for the Conflict and Its Victims, which aims to understand the conflict's violence. The U.S. Army has found no evidence warranting investigation but is open to further inquiry. Sexual violence is widespread in Colombia's conflict, with the majority perpetrated by local armed forces and paramilitary groups. The U.S.-Colombia military cooperation, including diplomatic immunity, dates back decades and expanded under Plan Colombia. Allegations include drugging and rape of a 12-year-old girl by U.S. personnel, with the accused flown out of Colombia without prosecution. The U.S. Army CID denies the allegations as unfounded, while Colombian media report up to 90 cases of sexual violence by U.S. personnel.

Pakistani security forces killed Saddam, the suspected planner of the school attack in Pakistan, during a raid in the Khyber tribal region. An hour-long shootout resulted in his death and the injury and arrest of six accomplices. Saddam's group was believed to be behind the December 16 attack that resulted in 148 deaths, mostly children.

The article discusses the aftermath of a devastating attack on a military school in Peshawar by the Pakistani Taliban, which resulted in the death of many children. It critiques Pakistan's long-standing security strategy of using extremist groups as proxies in regional conflicts, highlighting the inherent risks of such policies. The author references various militant groups with historical ties to Pakistan's security forces, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani network, and the Afghan Taliban. The piece also touches on the ideological roots of extremism in Pakistan, the influence of anti-Western sentiment in Pakistani society, and the need for a shift in the national narrative away from jihadism. The article includes insights from Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. and director at the Hudson Institute, who argues for a reevaluation of Pakistan's security strategy and a move towards internal development and security.

A 37-year-old American teacher, initials ABR, was stabbed to death in Abu Dhabi's Boutik Mall by an individual wearing a black abaya, niqab, and gloves. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred after an altercation in a women's restroom. The victim, a divorced mother of twins, succumbed to her wounds at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. The attack follows a U.S. Embassy warning about threats to American teachers in the Middle East, but the motive remains unclear. Abu Dhabi is known for its safety and has recently been active in the fight against ISIS, raising questions about its vulnerability to extremist attacks.

The article recounts the author's personal experience with ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew used in shamanistic ceremonies in South America. The author describes the preparation for the ceremony, including dietary restrictions and a long bus ride to Pasto, Colombia. The ceremony took place in a shamanic lodge called Casa del Tigre y la Boa, where the author, along with locals and tourists, consumed yagé under the guidance of Cofán shamans. The author details the physical and mental effects of the brew, including vomiting, which is considered an integral part of the experience. Despite initial apprehension, the author finds a sense of calm and belonging during the ceremony. The article also touches on the historical and cultural significance of ayahuasca and the author's reflections on spirituality and religion, particularly the symbolism of fire. The ceremony concludes with a cleansing ritual. The author, an atheist, shares a contemplative night that leads to personal insights about life and community.

The article recounts the author's personal experience participating in a yagé (ayahuasca) ceremony with Cofán shamans in Pasto, Colombia. The author describes the preparation for the ceremony, the ingestion of the yagé brew, and the subsequent spiritual journey, which includes vomiting as part of the ritual. The ceremony combines indigenous beliefs with Catholicism and is attended by locals and tourists. The author reflects on the spiritual aspects of the experience, despite being an atheist, and the communal atmosphere of the ceremony. The article also touches on the historical context of yagé and its cultural significance among indigenous South American religions.

Chris Allbritton reflects on the strong reactions from Bogotanos to his critical and complimentary posts about Bogotá. He notes that negative opinions tend to attract more attention and that while some locals were offended by his criticisms, others reached out with friendship and invitations. Allbritton also addresses the backlash he faced personally and reiterates his stance on the importance of honest commentary. He acknowledges the complexity of Colombia, with its beauty and challenges, and contemplates its future direction. As he prepares to leave for the United States, he muses on the need for critical writing in his homeland as well.

The article discusses the alarming increase in sectarian violence in Iraq, with a focus on the role of the Interior Minister, Bayan Jabr, in the potential transformation of the national police into Shi'ite death squads. Evidence suggests that the police, under Jabr's oversight, have been infiltrated by sectarian militias, particularly the Badr Organization, leading to revenge killings against Sunnis. The U.S. is criticized for its role in training and arming these police units, which may be contributing to the conflict. The article also touches on the historical context of militia integration into Iraqi security forces and the lack of effective demobilization, which has been exacerbated by the U.S. military's oversight of the police rather than civilian advisors. The situation raises concerns about the potential for a full-blown civil war in Iraq, with the police forces playing a central role in the conflict.

The article provides instructions for users on how to stay signed in on TIME.com. It mentions that by checking the 'Remember me' box, users can remain signed in for 30 days without needing to log in again when they return to the site. However, it advises against using this feature on public computers for security reasons. The article also directs users to visit TIME's Privacy Policy for more information.