A 3,600-year-old piece of kefir cheese has been discovered on a mummified woman's neck in the Xiaohe Cemetery, Xinjiang, China. Found during a 2003 excavation, the cheese was identified after DNA analysis of samples from three tombs. The research, published in Cell, highlights the use of kefir grains to ferment milk from goats and cows, despite the Xiaohe people being lactose intolerant. The Tarim Basin’s arid climate preserved the remains. Qiaomei Fu, paleogeneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noted the cheese’s dry and dense texture but firmly declined to taste it, saying "no way."

Hezbollah launched missiles into northern Israel's Tiberias and Kiryat Ata, prompting sirens and interceptions. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed some projectiles were intercepted, while others fell in open areas. Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Telegram, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza and defense of Lebanon. In response, the IDF destroyed the launcher and struck additional Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. The incident marks an escalation in Israel-Hezbollah tensions. No casualties were reported. The exchange follows recent hostilities between Israel and Gaza-based militants.

Tensions are rising in Bangladesh as the Hindu community prepares for Durga Puja, their biggest festival. Radical Islamic groups are protesting the open celebration, opposing nationwide holidays and idol immersion, citing environmental and social concerns. Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, an Islamist organization, staged a protest in Dhaka with placards demanding "no worship everywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols." Extremist groups also marched against Hindus using a playground in Dhaka's Sector 13 for celebrations. This comes amid a history of sectarian violence, with over 3,679 attacks on Hindus reported since 2013.

Peter and Christine Scott, a British couple married for nearly 50 years, have chosen to end their lives together in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland. Christine, 80, a retired nurse, was recently diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia, which influenced their decision. Peter, 86, a retired RAF engineer, stated that he could not bear the thought of living without his wife. In interviews, he reflected on their long and happy life together, acknowledging the difficulties that old age presents. The couple's choice emphasizes their strong bond and mutual desire to face their final journey side by side, ending their lives on their own terms.

During a recent event at the White House focused on gun violence, President Joe Biden made another gaffe, mistakenly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as his “boss” and labeling Ohio Senator JD Vance as “secretary.” While signing executive orders to strengthen gun control measures, Biden criticized Vance’s comments on gun violence. The executive orders aim to regulate untraceable 3D-printed guns and address the psychological trauma experienced by students from active shooter drills. Additionally, the government plans to form a new team to propose solutions to these significant issues, with expectations for their recommendations to be presented within three months as part of a broader initiative to enhance gun safety.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel will continue its "full force" strikes against Hezbollah, despite calls for a 21-day ceasefire from U.S. and European officials. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu stated that Israel will not stop its military operations until its objectives are met, including the safe return of residents in northern Israel. This statement follows the killing of Hezbollah’s drone chief amid ongoing clashes. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will persist with its strikes in Lebanon until all their goals are fully achieved, dismissing any possibility of an immediate ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue military action against Hezbollah, rejecting calls from the U.S. for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon. This follows intensified clashes across the Israeli-Lebanese border, with over 1,500 people killed since fighting began. On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed Hezbollah commander Muhammad Hussein Srour, leader of the group's air unit. Netanyahu, in a defiant post on X, stated that Israel would "speak in actions, not words" and continue targeting Hezbollah until Israeli residents could safely return home. The strike marks the fourth attack on Hezbollah members within a week as tensions escalate in the region.

Israel continues its aggressive airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, killing at least 28 people on Thursday, bringing the death toll to over 550 since Monday. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to fight with "full force," while residents in northern Israeli border towns voiced their opposition to the proposed 21-day ceasefire. "When you give them 21 days, they will regroup again. I do not believe in them," said Gil Jakov from Nahariya. Israeli forces have targeted key Hezbollah positions, killing a Hezbollah air unit commander. Meanwhile, US-led discussions at the UN push for a ceasefire, aiming to prevent further escalation.

U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, reaffirming support for Ukraine's war efforts against Russia. Biden announced an $8 billion surge in military aid, including $5.5 billion authorized before the fiscal year's end. "Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail," Biden stated during the Oval Office meeting. Zelensky, dressed in military attire, expressed gratitude for the continued U.S. support. The visit comes amid tension with Republican candidate Donald Trump, who criticized Zelensky for not negotiating with Moscow. Trump's comments have stirred controversy among Republicans ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The Israeli military conducted additional airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Thursday, dismissing a US-backed 21-day ceasefire proposal. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) confirmed its ongoing strikes against Hezbollah, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, rejected international pleas for de-escalation. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Lebanon reporting over 1,500 deaths from cross-border violence. Netanyahu emphasized that the military will continue its operations "with full force" until objectives are met, amid warnings from the US of a potential all-out war.