What’s Brewing?

This week something interesting happened. Surprisingly, not many knew about it.Hundreds of Muslim scholars, professors and researchers of different Islamic sects attended a conference called “Islamic Unity Week” to honor the birthday of the Holy Prophet (P). In an effort to create unity and solidarity among Muslims and develop mutual understanding, the Islamic Unity Week spanned the two differing opinions of the date of the Prophet’s birth. This was the 37th year the international unity conference took place in Tehran, Iran, and focused on Islamic cooperation to achieve common values. Topics included justice in war and peace, religious freethinking and acceptance, Islamic empathy and sympathy, mutual respect and etiquettes of difference, avoidance of tensions, conflicts, desecration and insults. It also focused on Islamic brotherhood and countering terrorism, and disapproving the normalization of the Zionist entity.

World

Iraqi Wedding Turns into a Graveyard

More than 100 people were killed and 150 were injured after a fire broke out at a wedding reception in Iraq. The fire was reportedly triggered by fireworks that had been set off inside the hall and swept throughout the room in a matter of seconds, resulting in the collapse of parts of the hall. Local police arrested 14 people in connection with the incident for negligence and lack of safety measures. The Iraqi government issued a three-day national mourning period following the blaze.

Bedbug Infestation

In a stroke of irony (or shall we call it karma?), Paris now has a bedbug infestation crisis on its hands — and all over French beds. The deputy mayor warned that “no one is safe,” provoking waves of insectophobia ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

Economy

Largest US Healthcare Strike Enters Third Day

More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers across the country have walked off the job and are participating in the largest healthcare strike in US history.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions represents 40 percent of the company’s staff and includes critical workers in patient care, including EMTs, respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff. The unions are calling for better benefits and higher pay for healthcare workers, many of whom were on the front lines at the height of COVID-19, risking their health to protect patients during a global pandemic. 

Tech

ChatGPT has Officially Leveled-up

ChatGPT now has the capability of browsing the internet to provide users with up-to-date information. The AI-powered system previously only had access to data up to September 2021. This new development means users will soon be able to ask the chatbox about current affairs and news, unlocking a new feature that takes artificial intelligence to new – and potentially dangerous – levels.

What You Need to Know

A Gold Rush is Sweeping Across Costco

A modern-day gold rush is happening at Costco after the retailer began selling gold bars that are now flying off the shelves. The one-ounce, 24-karat PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan bars are available for purchase online and are selling for just under $2,000. A Costco top executive said the gold bars have quickly become a hot item, and are selling out within hours.

News

What Else is Brewing?

• In its latest report, TMJ News delved into the rabbithole of Islamophobia in Europe, and boy is it messy. The report reveals that Quran burnings are not new, and one of the consequences of deeply entrenched hatred that dates back centuries. 

• In what has been a shocking statement that rocked the Vatican, Pope Francis suggested the possibility of same-sex marriages to a group of conservative cardinals ahead of the 3-day conference taking place starting today, where LGBTQ issues are on the agenda. Talk about a scandal!

• While we’ve all been wondering why unending hard earned tax payer money has been flowing to Ukraine, the Pentagon just informed Congress that it is low on funds for Ukraine and needs replenishment for long-term sustainability. Of course, the problem would quite literally solve itself if they’d just scrap the whole program. 

• While it's true that the average Muslim has major trust issues with the Saudi government, seeing that not one but TWO Israeli ministers were spotted in Saudi this week amidst normalization talks brokered by the US is just too much.

🫀 Quote of the Day  

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided.”

Holy Quran 3:103

Written by Sara Salimi and Zainabrights

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