The article discusses the current state of FC Bayern under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann. It describes the team as an 'Amplitudenmannschaft', a term that suggests they are experiencing significant fluctuations in performance. The article implies that there is a lack of understanding within the team regarding these fluctuations. It also touches on the high expectations in Munich, where the only options are to be either outstanding or to be out of favor.

The article discusses the plight of the indigenous Baka people in Cameroon, who have been displaced from their ancestral rainforest lands due to the establishment of rubber plantations by companies like GMG Global Ltd and its subsidiary Sud Cameroun-Hévéa S.A. The Singapore-based GMG Global was granted land concessions by the Cameroonian government, which led to deforestation and the eviction of the Baka. The company was later acquired by Halcyon Agri, which is controlled by Chinese state-owned enterprises including Sinochem International and China Hainan Rubber Industry Group. The article also touches on the historical context of rubber plantations in Cameroon, the environmental impact of deforestation, and the European Union's new law aimed at preventing the import of commodities linked to deforestation. The Baka community's struggle for reparations and the return to their traditional way of life is highlighted, as well as the complex web of corporate ownership and the involvement of the Cameroonian government and Chinese interests in the rubber industry.

A contentious real estate deal involving Jared Kushner's plan to invest $500 million in the renovation of Belgrade's Generalštab, a historic building damaged by NATO bombings, has sparked outrage among Serbian citizens. The deal, which includes the construction of a luxury hotel and apartments, was reportedly made with a 99-year lease at zero rent in exchange for 22% of future profits, without public tender. Critics, including opposition parties and architectural associations, argue that the project disrespects cultural heritage and the memory of those affected by the NATO bombings. The Serbian government defends the deal, citing the need for renovation and the inclusion of a war victims' memorial center. The controversy arises amid a booming real estate market in Belgrade and ongoing political debates.

Serbian farmers in Central Serbia have discovered 80,000 'ghost cows'—cattle that exist on paper for subsidy purposes but are not physically present. The Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Jelena Tanasković, has promised to remove these fictitious cows from the government register amid heavy criticism for not preventing subsidy fraud. Farmers receive about 340 euros per milk-producing cow to compete with lower milk prices in EU countries. However, veterinarian Milos Trajković alleges widespread corruption involving farmers, government-employed veterinarians, and inspectors. Dairy farmer Nenad Mihailović from Borać expresses the difficulties of competing with the EU and hopes for increased government support. Despite Tanasković's promises of new inspections and more predictable and transparent subsidies, Trajković remains skeptical, especially given the ruling Serbian Progressive Party's (SNS) controversial election win and Transparency International's conclusion of increased corruption under their governance.

Localization, a key issue in development since the 2016 Grand Bargain, involves local entities having more influence over aid and local delivery of development programs. Proponents, including USAID, argue it's more efficient and beneficial for local economies. However, evidence supporting these claims is limited. Studies suggest local aid is more cost-efficient and preferred by recipients, but comprehensive data on localization's impact is lacking. Experts highlight challenges in defining and measuring localization, and the need for evidence to guide effective implementation. Despite moral arguments for localization, evidence is crucial for practical application.

In Vareš, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the opening of the Adriatic Metals Rupice mine by British company Adriatic Metals has sparked controversy. The mine promises economic benefits and job creation in a region suffering from depopulation, with an estimated 21 million tons of metal reserves including silver, zinc, and lead. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has invested in the project, which aligns with the EU's Green Deal to reduce reliance on Chinese minerals. However, local residents and environmental activists express concerns over deforestation, biodiversity threats, and water pollution, with increased cadmium levels detected in the Bukovica river. Despite the company's claims of compliance with environmental regulations, a complaint has been filed with the Council of Europe, and the Bern Convention Secretariat has advised halting the mine's operation. The article highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection, with implications for EU mineral strategy and local communities' well-being.

In Belgrade, opposition forces have increased pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić's authoritarian regime, following two mass shootings and ongoing protests against government glorification of violence, corruption, and mismanagement. Vučić has announced national elections for December 17, and the pro-European opposition, including the 'Serbia against Violence' coalition, is preparing to challenge the ruling party. Skeptics, including former ambassador Milan St. Protić, doubt the ease of defeating Vučić, citing a pseudo-democracy where the president's allies control most media outlets. Despite this, Protić believes Vučić is facing unprecedented pressure.

In Cameroon, the expansion of the Sud Cameroun Hévéa SA rubber plantation, owned by Corrie MacColl, a subsidiary of Singapore's Halcyon Agri, has led to the destruction of rainforest and the displacement of the indigenous Baka people. The plantation, which also involves the Chinese state-owned Hainan Rubber, has been linked to environmental degradation and social injustices. Despite the company's claims of no further deforestation and the creation of a community forest for the Baka, environmental organizations argue that the social responsibilities are not being met and the Baka's rights are overlooked. The European Union's new law requiring 'deforestation-free supply chains' aims to address the impact of European consumption on global deforestation. However, the article suggests that the law may come too late for the Baka people, who continue to suffer the consequences of land grabbing and loss of their traditional way of life.

In Conakry, Guinea, Lieutenant Mohamed Cissoko and his team, including ten soldiers and undercover Interpol agents, conducted a raid on a private zoo suspected of illegally housing endangered animals. Guinea has been a major hub for smuggling endangered species, such as chimpanzees and bonobos, and faces issues with illegal logging, sand mining, mining, and fishing. Cissoko's elite corps has made progress in reducing illegal trade, instilling fear in criminals. Environmental crime is the fourth largest organized crime globally, according to the UN. Commander Pierre Kamano, Cissoko's boss, emphasized the need for international support to combat these crimes effectively. Despite new uniforms funded by the military regime, resources remain scarce, with only six vehicles to patrol over 6,566 square kilometers of nature reserves. The brigade, supported by a French NGO's donation, was able to seize various animals during the raid and release them in the Parc National du Haut Niger.

Serbia has become a key transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, particularly for birds trafficked from Guinea to European pet shops. Despite a 2005 EU ban on wild bird imports to prevent avian flu, the trade persists, exploiting loopholes and lax enforcement. Up to 50% of smuggled birds die in transit, and the trade is linked to broader smuggling activities in the Balkans. CITES has issued numerous certificates for bird exports from Guinea to Serbia, but there is little data on population sustainability, raising concerns about contributing to a human-caused sixth mass extinction. The demand for exotic birds in the EU remains high, with millions kept as pets, and smuggled birds become legal once inside the EU. Corruption, inadequate enforcement, and a lack of specialized knowledge among officials exacerbate the problem. The trade is lucrative, with significant markups from Guinea to European markets, and is facilitated by airlines like Turkish Airlines. Environmentalists warn that the combined effects of deforestation, pesticides, and bird catching are devastating for bird populations.

The article discusses the impact of the Indonesian government's 2018 ban on coral exports, which was intended to prevent illegal harvesting of wild coral but also led to the collapse of sustainable coral farms. Agus Joko Supriyatno, a coral farmer from Nusa Lembongan, lost his livelihood as a result of the ban. The new Minister of Maritime Affairs, Edhy Prabowo, reversed the ban in January, allowing exports of farmed coral to resume. However, environmentalists are concerned that this could lead to a resurgence in illegal wild coral harvesting. The article also touches on the broader issues of overfishing, tourism, climate change, and the challenges of enforcing regulations to protect endangered species.

Europe is considering large-scale industrial seaweed farming to meet a goal of 8 million metric tons annually by 2030, up from the current production of about 3,000 metric tons. The European Commission and the European Investment Fund are providing significant financing for this initiative. However, the potential ecological impacts, such as nutrient depletion, genetic pollution, and disease, have not been fully assessed. While some industry players and researchers are optimistic about the economic and environmental benefits of seaweed farming, others express caution, highlighting the need for further research to understand the long-term consequences. The industry also faces challenges in becoming financially viable without subsidies.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in August 2018, has disrupted traditional mourning rituals, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, has developed alternative burial rituals to help families find closure. These include sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has counseled 122 families and planted almost a hundred trees in honor of those who died from Ebola. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative endorse this approach and suggest it should be scaled up in future epidemics.

During the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, traditional burial practices were prohibited due to contagion risks, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, introduced alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These included sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has counseled 122 families and planted almost a hundred trees and flowers in honor of those who died from Ebola. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative endorse this approach and suggest it should be scaled up in future epidemics.

During the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, traditional burial practices were prohibited due to contagion risks, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, provided alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These included sharing stories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting memorial trees. The program has been successful, with nearly a hundred trees planted in honor of Ebola victims. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative endorse this approach and suggest its replication in future epidemics.

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in August 2018, has disrupted traditional burial practices due to contagion risks, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, has developed alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These include sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has counseled 122 families and planted almost a hundred trees in honor of Ebola victims. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative endorse this approach and suggest it should be expanded in future outbreaks.

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in August 2018, has disrupted traditional mourning rituals, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, has developed alternative burial rituals to help families find closure. These rituals include sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has been positively received and endorsed by mental health professionals, with nearly a hundred trees and flowers planted in honor of those who died from Ebola.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in August 2018, has disrupted traditional burial practices due to the risk of virus transmission from deceased bodies. This has led to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, has developed alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These include sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has counseled 122 families and planted almost a hundred trees in honor of Ebola victims. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative endorse this approach and suggest it should be adopted in future outbreaks.

During the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, traditional burial practices were prohibited due to contagion risks, leading to mistrust between community members and health workers. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, provided alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These included sharing stories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting memorial trees. The program has been successful, with nearly a hundred trees planted in honor of Ebola victims. Experts like Ashley Nemiro and Carmen Valle Trabadelo from the MHPSS Collaborative praise the approach and suggest it should be adopted in future epidemics.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which began in August 2018, has resulted in over 2,200 deaths and disrupted traditional burial practices due to contagion risks. The Bethesda Counselling Centre, led by psychologist Noé Kasali, has developed alternative mourning rituals to help families find closure. These include sharing stories and memories, writing letters to the deceased, and planting trees or flowers as living memorials. The program has been positively received and endorsed by mental health professionals, with nearly a hundred trees and flowers planted in honor of Ebola victims.

The article discusses the harmful practice of using cyanide to stun tropical fish in coral reefs, which is done to capture them for aquariums. The majority of these fish die either during the capture process or while being transported. The article highlights the unregulated market and the severe ecological consequences of this practice. Nyoman Sujana is featured as an individual who prepares for his day's work, which implies his involvement in this practice. The article aims to shed light on the environmental impact and the need for better regulation in the industry.

The article tells the harrowing story of Tira, a 16-year-old Syrian girl who was forced into marriage and subsequently raped and beaten on her wedding night. The narrative focuses on the personal account of Tira, who shares a photograph of the bed where the abuse took place. The bed is described in detail, with a frilly red eiderdown and red pillows, and a heart-shaped cushion with 'I love you' written on it. The article highlights the issue of child marriage and violence against women, particularly in the context of war-torn regions where such practices are exacerbated. The perpetrator is mentioned as an overweight Saudi Arabian man named Amr, indicating the cross-border nature of such human rights violations.

Nyoman Jabo Sujana, a Balinese fisherman, dives daily to catch colorful coral fish for global private aquarium owners. The trade, worth an estimated nine billion euros, is mostly legal and provides employment to coastal communities but is feared to harm marine ecosystems. Richard Derks, an aquarium enthusiast in Breda, Netherlands, exemplifies the growing European demand for tropical fish and coral. The article explores the supply chain from Indonesia and Kenya to Europe, highlighting the environmental impact, including coral reef destruction and the use of cyanide in fishing. It also discusses the challenges faced by local communities and efforts towards sustainable practices, such as marine aquaculture and new regulations. The Indonesian government has recently allowed the trade of farmed coral, offering hope for a more sustainable future.

The article recounts the harrowing experiences of individuals during the ninth Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the initial disbelief and subsequent horror as the disease spread through communities. It details the rapid response by the Ministry of Health and international organizations like the WHO and Doctors Without Borders to contain the epidemic. The story of Lucien Ambunga, an Ebola survivor, is central, illustrating the physical and social aftermath of the disease. The article also touches on the political and economic neglect of the Équateur Province, the role of traditional beliefs, and the impact of the experimental vaccine by Merck. Despite the containment of the outbreak, the article reflects on the lingering effects of Ebola on survivors and the exploitation and neglect by political figures.

The Ebola outbreak in East Congo, worsened by ongoing conflict and over a hundred militias vying for control of rich natural resources, is the second deadliest in history with 440 infected and 255 fatalities. Despite the challenges, including attacks on health workers and mistrust in the government, a new vaccine has been deployed, with over 37,000 immunizations, including 10,000 healthcare workers and 8,000 children. Funded by Gavi and produced by Merck, the vaccine's availability is limited but has high acceptance. The WHO and the Congolese government have authorized its compassionate use. Efforts to contain the virus are hampered by the mobility of the population and the upcoming elections, raising concerns about further spread.

The article discusses the trade of vanilla in Africa, highlighting the perspective of a local hustler named Bienvenue. Bienvenue, who deals in vanilla, explains that in Africa, they do not use vanilla for cooking due to its high cost; instead, they sell it. The journalist describes an encounter with Bienvenue, who presents a black bundle of vanilla that emits a tart-sweet aroma, indicating its quality and allure. The article seems to shed light on the local trade practices and the value of vanilla in the African market.

The article recounts the commemoration in Freetown, Sierra Leone, marking one year since the country was declared Ebola-free. The city observed a three-minute silence to honor the 3,580 lives lost to the Ebola virus. The silence was a unique event, not previously done even for the civil war's end. The article shares personal stories of loss from individuals like Ishmael Jalloh and Alaji Samura, who lost numerous family members to Ebola. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, head of the President's Delivery Team for Transition and Recovery, organized the national ceremony, facing challenges due to limited communication channels. Despite skepticism from some, the event was successful, with the city coming to a standstill at 11 am. The article also touches on the ongoing recovery efforts and the challenges faced by survivors and family members of the deceased, highlighting the need for support beyond the healthcare for survivors, extending to those caring for orphaned children.

The Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi Elementary and Junior High School in the West Point slums of Liberia, once used as an Ebola holding center during the outbreak, has been transformed into a mural masterpiece. This transformation is the result of a collaboration between street artists from Baltimore, including David 'Nanook' Cogdill, and Liberian artists. The project, funded by German Agro Action, aimed to inspire the returning students and the community. The murals feature vibrant artwork such as a sunset, a butterfly, and a pygmy hippo. The reopening of the school was celebrated with a parade, and the artwork also serves as a tribute to a young boy named Shacki, who was killed during the riots. The murals are not only for the students but also for the enjoyment of the entire community.

The article discusses the plight of former Ebola fighters in Liberia who feel neglected and stigmatized after their service during the outbreak. Amos Tomah, Rancy 'Hooks' Harrison, Mohammed Zangar, and Francis Cooper shared their experiences and grievances. They were instrumental in raising awareness, collecting bodies, disposing of medical waste, and educating families on safe burial practices. Despite their crucial roles and satisfactory pay during the crisis, they now struggle with normal life and feel entitled to additional funds, which the government has reserved for health workers. They also seek more recognition and respect from their community, which fears them due to their association with Ebola. Some are pursuing further education, but the stigma remains a significant obstacle in their lives.