Pope Francis has undergone a successful surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall. The 86-year-old pontiff is in “good general condition” and is awake, alert, and breathing on his own. He is spending his first post-surgery day resting in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The operation was Francis’s second major abdominal surgery in two years, following a 2021 procedure to remove part of his colon. The pope is expected to remain in the hospital for several days, with papal audiences canceled through June 18.
Cranston Retiring 2026
Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston plans to retire from acting in 2026 to spend more time with his family and travel. The 67-year-old is currently starring in and producing the Showtime drama series “Your Honor,” and will appear in Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” and the spy thriller “Argyle.” Cranston has received multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and two Tony Awards for his performances and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2015.
Biden Downplays China Provocations
The Biden administration has been accused of downplaying provocative actions by China, including reported plans to build an electronic listening facility in Cuba, in order to secure a visit to China by top US diplomat Anthony Blinken. Blinken’s trip would be the first for a secretary of state since 2018, and insiders claim the White House is eager to avoid jeopardizing the visit. The administration has been vague in its response to reports of the Cuba project, maintaining only that articles on the issue were inaccurate.
Nuclear Plant Cold Shutdown
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant went into a “cold shutdown” following catastrophic flooding from a dam collapse. All six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are now in a state of cold shutdown, which is the facility’s safest operating mode. This comes as analysts suggest that Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive in the south, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant.
Ukraine Dam Blast Catastrophe
The environmental impact of the flooding caused by a dam blast in war-torn Ukraine has been described as “catastrophic” by experts. Already millions of fish have washed up dead, and plant life and countless other animals are being significantly impacted. Furthermore, pollution caused by flooding and the flushing out of military and industrial sites will potentially cause ecological damage, which could negatively affect human health for years after the conflict ends. The ecosystems will recover, but the habitats that emerge after the disturbance will be less diverse and less resilient to change.
AAPI Entrepreneurs Disrupt Groceries
Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs are addressing the underrepresentation of Asian foods in US grocery stores by starting their own online food and beverage brands. Often centered around ingredients that tell stories about their cultures, these brands offer shoppers access to unique food items sourced from AAPI communities. AAPI-owned companies such as Homiah, Immi, Wildwonder, and Fly By Jing sell products ranging from spices and sauces to infused drinks and ramen noodles, providing an authentic taste of Asian cuisine for customers who may not have access to traditional Asian grocery stores.
Economist’s “Racist” Article
The Economist magazine has been heavily criticized for a “racist” article on why the Latin American region is the world’s slowest-growing regional economy. The scholars, journalists and historians that have hit back at the publication claim the heading and subtitle play into racist tropes of Latin American workers being lazy.
Donbas Floods: Mines, Diseases
Heavy flooding in Ukraine is elevating previously contained risks from mining, disease and conflict. The flooding is washing away landmines and igniting chemical or fuel fires in abandoned mines, while also worsening the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, the water is accumulating and washes into contested regions, putting frontline troops and other first responders at risk.