Tallal Khalid, an insurance broker who opened a Muslim funeral agency in Brescia, Northern Italy, is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With Italy's death toll surpassing China's, the cities of Bergamo and Brescia are overwhelmed, and the Muslim community, which numbers around half a million, is struggling to find burial places due to limited Muslim cemeteries. Repatriation, previously a common choice, has become impossible with closed borders, as highlighted by a failed attempt to send bodies to Casablanca and a case in Pisogne where a family was unable to bury a deceased relative due to the lack of a local Muslim cemetery.

An investigation by OCCRP has revealed that two Bulgarian coal power plants, Bobov Dol and Brikel, linked to energy tycoon Hristo Kovachki, may have underreported their carbon dioxide emissions for the past three years, potentially avoiding EU payments of between 26.6 and 32.2 million euros. The emissions data was verified by a new company, GMI Verify, founded by a 27-year-old with no known experience in the industry. This company quickly gained contracts to verify emissions from 12 plants associated with Kovachki. The analysis of official data suggests that the reported emissions factors for both plants were significantly lower than the expected values. Local officials and environmental groups have raised concerns about the air quality and working conditions at the plants. Kovachki's control over Bulgaria's energy sector has been controversial, with accusations of vote-buying and exerting undue influence through proxy ownership of assets.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of depopulation in Europe's island communities, highlighting the risks and consequences of declining populations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sufficient working-age population to ensure the survival and functionality of these communities. The article points out that without addressing critical issues such as transport, housing, employment, and education, island communities may face the threat of complete abandonment, a scenario that has already occurred in some European islands. The article suggests that reversing depopulation is not only desirable but necessary for the well-being of islanders and the preservation of their communities.

Daniela Meneses Sala reflects on the cultural phenomenon of 'lockdown walks' that emerged in England due to the COVID-19 restrictions. She discusses how the pandemic altered her daily walks and the streets of London, making them emptier and quieter. During these walks, she began to notice objects like keys and signs, which she interprets as 'care objects' imbued with the affective touch of others. Drawing from theorists like Jane Bennett, Mel Y. Chen, and Sara Ahmed, Sala explores the concept of 'vibrant matter' and 'animacies', suggesting that non-human objects can have vitality and affect us. She considers how objects can carry emotions like care and fear, and how the pandemic has racialized fears and affected different bodies in varied ways. Sala also touches upon her own positionality and privilege during the pandemic. The article is a blend of personal narrative and theoretical exploration, examining how the pandemic has changed our relationship with the material world and each other.

The article discusses the water crisis in the city of Hasakah, where trucks are used to transport water from wells in the countryside to the city. This water is then sold to smaller trucks, which deliver it to households. The article also mentions a small station that was previously used to transfer water from Alouk water station to the Khashman neighbourhood in Hasakah. However, the Turkish occupation of Alouk in October 2019 has led to repeated water cutoffs, exacerbating the water supply issues for the residents of Hasakah.

Northern Iraq is facing a burgeoning conflict over water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and regional dam projects. The area between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, once fertile, is now suffering as the local population contends with reduced water supply due to upstream dam construction, particularly in Iran and Turkey. The World Resources Institute's 'Water, Peace and Security' tool indicates an emerging conflict in the region. Local farmers, such as Alqod Mahmoud, have seen their yields plummet, and cities along the Diyala river are affected. The Iranian Tropical Water Project, which includes 14 dams, is diverting water for domestic use and agriculture, disregarding the needs of Iraq. Despite international agreements on water rights, political inaction and regional power dynamics hinder solutions, leading to increased dependence on Iranian imports and potential social unrest.

Cardinal Marx's resignation came as a surprise and shock, reflecting a crisis within the Church, particularly in handling sexual abuse by the clergy and the need for systemic reform. The Synodal Path, which Marx propelled, seeks to address issues of power, clericalism, and the role of women in the Church. The celibacy of priests and its connection to sexual abuse is also under scrutiny. The Church is at a critical juncture, facing a fundamental crisis of credibility that requires systemic solutions.

Despite Lombardy's healthcare system being one of the best in Europe, resources are increasingly exhausted due to the COVID-19 epidemic, with cases rising from a few hundred to over 10,000 in less than two weeks. Medical staff are overwhelmed, working under extreme conditions to minimize infection. Italy, ranked fourth in healthcare efficiency, faces challenges due to regional disparities in healthcare management. The Lombardy region is recruiting doctors from China, Cuba, and Venezuela as the EU has not responded to requests for help. Difficult ethical decisions are being made regarding patient care due to a shortage of intensive care beds. The situation is under control in Rome, but there are fears for the south where medical care is poorer. Over 2,000 medical staff have been infected, and a 47-year-old paramedic from Bergamo has died, symbolizing the risks faced by healthcare workers.

The article discusses the sex trafficking crisis in Lebanon, exacerbated by the influx of Syrian refugees. It highlights the story of Paul, a volunteer with the Jesuits, who has witnessed the control traffickers have over women in the sex trade. Despite efforts by the ISF and GS, the true scale of trafficking remains hidden, with official figures vastly underestimating the problem. Lebanese law criminalizes unlicensed prostitution but fails to protect victims, often treating them as criminals. The article details the notorious 'Chez Maurice' case, where Syrian women were held captive in a brothel, and the challenges faced by NGOs and the legal system in addressing trafficking. It emphasizes the need for state intervention and long-term solutions to combat this organized crime, as NGOs alone are insufficient.

In the Gaza Strip, artificial insemination is popular as children are considered status symbols. Charitable organizations, such as the Palestinian Center for Human Perseverance (Fata), offer free in-vitro fertilizations, often with political motives to gain public approval. The region has a high birth rate, but infertility can lead to social ostracism. The economic situation in Gaza is dire, with shortages of drinkable water and electricity, and frequent military responses from Israel to militant Palestinian attacks. Despite the challenging conditions, many couples desire children, seeing a life without them as meaningless. The cost of in-vitro fertilization is high, making free services essential for many. The success rate of these procedures is below 30% and decreases with the woman's age. The article is part of the Global Society project, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.