The article describes the deserted state of Playa el Paredon, a once-popular surf spot on Guatemala's Pacific coast, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The journalist, Stephanie Capper, recounts her experience of being stranded in the village of el Paredon following Guatemala's lockdown, which included border closures and transportation prohibitions. She stayed at Cocori Lodge, which provided a 15-day quarantine for its guests to protect the local community. Despite the initial tranquility and continued activities like surfing and yoga, the growing global crisis and reports of aggression towards foreigners in other parts of Guatemala raised concerns among the guests. The article also touches on the Guatemalan government's response to the pandemic and the eventual organization of evacuation flights. The owners of Cocori Lodge express hope and resilience, looking forward to welcoming travelers back once the crisis subsides.

Victoria Malliaras, 22 weeks pregnant, is at risk of becoming homeless due to the cancellation of her Qatar Airways flight from London to Adelaide amidst a new coronavirus outbreak. South Australia has halted all inbound international flights, affecting many Australians stranded in the UK, including Alanna Deveny and Chelsea Matthews. The Parafield coronavirus cluster in Adelaide has grown, while the UK faces severe COVID-19 challenges. The Board of Airline Representatives estimates 30,000 Australians are stranded in the UK due to weekly return caps. Alternative flights and accommodations are scarce and expensive, leaving individuals like Malliaras, Deveny, and Matthews in distress and uncertainty.

The article reports on the backlash Qatar Airways is facing after female passengers were invasively searched at Doha airport, following the discovery of an abandoned baby. Thirteen Australian women on a flight to Sydney were subjected to medical examinations on the tarmac, an act that the Qatari government expressed regret for. The incident has led to calls for a consumer boycott and has affected stranded Australians' travel plans, with some cancelling their flights with Qatar Airways in protest. The Australian government has condemned the incident, and the Trade Workers Union is considering industrial action against the airline. Despite the outrage, there is concern about the impact of a boycott on stranded Australians needing to return home during the pandemic.

The article discusses the severe impact of the coronavirus lockdown on Guatemala's informal economy, where over 70% of the population is employed. The lockdown measures have led to widespread unemployment, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in rural indigenous communities. The government's response includes food assistance packages and cash transfers, but accessing aid is challenging for many, especially in areas without basic services. NGOs like Oxfam and Konojel Community Centre are working to provide relief, but they face funding shortages. The article highlights the urgency of addressing acute malnutrition and the need for the government to utilize loans from international organizations effectively to support the most vulnerable populations.

The article discusses the emotional turmoil and actions of Australian expatriates in response to the catastrophic bushfire season in Australia. Australians living abroad, such as Charlie Cenedese in Antigua and Abby Healy, express feelings of helplessness and constant worry for their families back home. Eliza Quinn, while backpacking in Mexico, reaches out to her local MP for climate action. Photographer Matthew Littlewood in Canada contemplates getting political to address climate change. Hanna Danielle Turner in Berlin reflects on the loss of Australian flora and fauna. Adrian Sampson talks about the unity within the Australian community in Berlin. Fundraising events are being organized globally by expatriates like Dhanesh Jayaselan and Talia Lipshut to raise awareness and support. Alicia Pallos, a flight attendant in Saudi Arabia, plans to visit and support affected areas in Australia. The article highlights the global solidarity and the Australian spirit in the face of the bushfire crisis.

The article discusses the harmful practice of Chhaupadi in Nepal, where menstruating women are considered impure and face harsh conditions. Gauri Bayak, a victim of this practice, died due to asphyxiation in a Chhaupadi hut. The article highlights the potential of menstrual cups, introduced by the Rato Baltin project, to challenge this tradition. Menstrual cups are a hygienic, long-lasting alternative to pads and tampons, and have shown a high acceptance rate among Nepalese women. Despite the Nepalese government's efforts to criminalize Chhaupadi, the practice persists, especially in remote areas. The article also touches on the cultural and educational challenges in promoting menstrual cups, such as strict interpretations of virginity and the need for comprehensive reproductive education. The menstrual cup is seen as a practical solution in Nepal, where sanitary infrastructure is lacking, but concerns about affordability remain.