Lebanon's first official census of Palestinian refugees reveals a population of 174,422, significantly lower than previous estimates of 450,000. The census, conducted by Lebanese and Palestinian statisticians, aims to provide accurate data for better planning and resource allocation. Palestinian leaders hope the lower numbers will encourage improved rights and living conditions. The census also highlights high unemployment rates among young Palestinians and calls for increased international aid to UNRWA. Lebanon's political factions, including the far-right Kataeb party, have accepted the census results.

Lebanon's first official census of Palestinian refugees reveals a population of 174,422, significantly lower than previous estimates of 450,000. The census, conducted by Lebanese and Palestinian statisticians, aims to provide accurate data for better resource allocation and policy-making. Palestinian leaders hope the lower numbers will encourage improved rights and living conditions. The census also highlights high unemployment rates among young Palestinians and the ongoing challenges faced by UNRWA due to funding shortfalls. Lebanon's political factions, including the far-right Kataeb party, have accepted the census results.

In Tripoli, Lebanon, the Beirut-based organization March is working to mend ties between the rival neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen by engaging youth, including former combatants, in community rebuilding projects. The initiative includes a café on Syria Street that serves as a gathering place and employs young people to restore businesses damaged in past conflicts. The project addresses both economic and sectarian issues, offering skills training and team-building activities. Despite the positive impact, the initiative's sustainability is uncertain without broader governmental economic and social reforms.

Southern California Edison has decided to permanently shut down the San Onofre nuclear plant, which has been a source of nuclear energy in Southern California for four decades. The plant has been closed for over a year due to a leak of radioactive steam caused by unusual wear on hundreds of tubes in the newly replaced steam generator system. The closure follows a 16-month debate over the plant's future and leaves unresolved the issue of who will bear the more than $1 billion in costs. The shutdown will result in the loss of 1,100 jobs and raises questions about the future of nuclear power in California and the nation. The decommissioning process is expected to be covered by a fund into which Edison has been paying, with an estimated 90% of the costs accounted for. The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the costs of the outage and the steam generators, with a focus on potential refunds to customers.

The article discusses the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals within the criminal justice system in Los Angeles County and California state prisons. It highlights the case of Reginald Murray, a man diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, who ended up in prison instead of receiving proper mental health care. Los Angeles County officials have announced plans to divert mentally ill individuals from jail and prison, but the number of mentally ill inmates has continued to rise. The article also touches on the decrease in acute psychiatric beds in California and the story of Murray's journey through the criminal justice system, his struggles with mental health, and the impact of his incarceration on his family.

Syrian former detainees Amthal Alnwawy, Abdulhakim Almassri, and Mahmoud recount their harrowing experiences in the notorious Branch 215 detention center in Damascus, where they formed a bond that helped them survive torture and inhumane conditions. The article sheds light on the broader context of arbitrary detention and torture in Syria, with recent international attention on the issue through a landmark trial in Germany and a UN report. Support networks among detainees and post-release aid from organizations like Taafi play a crucial role in helping survivors cope and rebuild their lives.

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, including those in the Bourj al-Barajneh camp, reject the US-proposed plan for the Israel-Palestine conflict, which they believe undermines their right to return to their homeland. The plan, unveiled by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, suggests land swaps and resettlement options that fall short of Palestinian demands. Lebanese officials and Palestinian representatives uniformly oppose the plan, emphasizing the right of return and criticizing the proposal for compensation in lieu of this right. The plan has sparked protests and strong statements from various Lebanese political factions and Palestinian leaders.

African refugees and asylum seekers in Lebanon, primarily from Sudan and Ethiopia, have been protesting for months outside the UNHCR headquarters in Beirut, demanding better treatment and faster processing of their cases. They allege neglect and racism, claiming their files have been closed without clear reasons and that they face potential deportation. The UNHCR maintains that it treats all refugees equally and follows international law. The economic crisis in Lebanon has exacerbated the situation, making it harder for refugees to survive. Advocacy groups criticize the UNHCR for not doing enough to support African refugees and for allegedly using force to disperse protests.

Lebanon's 'October revolution' began on October 17, 2019, with protests against regressive tax proposals and a failing political system. The movement quickly grew, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Protesters demand a technocratic government, early parliamentary elections, and an investigation into corruption. The protests highlight Lebanon's complex sectarian political system and economic struggles, including a currency crisis. Key figures like President Michel Aoun and Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah play significant roles, with concerns about potential political violence and economic collapse if a new government is not swiftly formed.

The ruins of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Thailand, represent the remnants of the Thai state's first capital with 700-year-old temples and shrines. It was an important center for worship, politics, commerce, and culture, known for its ceramics industry and hydraulic engineering. Despite its eventual absorption by the Ayutthaya kingdom, the religious monuments of Sukhothai have survived, and the area has been restored, resulting in the Sukhothai Historical Park, which offers visitors a serene environment for exploration and meditation.