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Failed UN Plastics Talks in Geneva Leave Few Options to Confront Crisis (Maria)

The author writes, “Negotiations to reach a major treaty to end growing plastic pollution around the world fell apart on Friday, with delegates in Switzerland adjourning with no immediate plans to resume. The consequence of the failed talks is devastating, as it leaves no clear path for nations to collectively address the mountains of plastic that are filling landfills, clogging oceans and showing up in chunks on beaches and other public places.”

Christian Militants Are Using Instagram to Recruit — and Becoming Influencers in the Process (Sean)

From Wired: “Experts say that this emergent movement draws on a number of trends in the modern extremist landscape, including that it establishes a paramilitary wing of surging Christian nationalism in the US, and reflects the sensibilities of a new generation of fitness-obsessed, “Christ-pilled” young men, some of who call themselves tradcaths. (This is the name for the highly online, far-right community who churn out provocative memes promoting an idiosyncratic interpretation of what they claim to be traditional Catholicism.)”

What It Actually ‘Feels Like’ in DC (Gerry)

The author writes, “The purpose of this post is to say something about Washington, D.C. as a real place. Rather than as the political prop most recently weaponized by Donald Trump, in his ongoing effort to change the topic away from Jeffrey Epstein.”

‘You Need to Make a Choice’ About Gaza. Last Sunday, 1,700 People Did (Reader Steve)

From The Seattle Times: “It’s one of the many casualties of Israel’s war in Gaza that we have lost … moral clarity. Somehow we have arrived at a moment in our history when advocating for children not to be bombed or starved is exceptional. It’s considered by some to be ‘courageous,’ but by many who stay silent, foolish or naive.”

What Scientists Discovered About French Fries and Diabetes (Mili)

The author writes, “Eating three servings of French fries a week is associated with a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but eating similar amounts of potatoes cooked in other ways — boiled, baked, or mashed — does not substantially increase the risk.”

A New Cat Color Is Defying Genetic Expectations (Dana)

From Popular Mechanics: “You’ve probably heard of spooky black cats, chaotic orange cats, and distinguished-looking tuxedo cats. If you’re really into cats, you might have even lesser-known color variants like seal point and ticked tabby. But there’s officially a new cat color in town: salmiak, or ‘salty liquorice.’”