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QUETTA: Amid the heightened risk of floods during the ongoing monsoon season, Balochistan’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has activated a province-wide emergency response plan to protect lives and property from potential flooding and other rain-related disasters. Jahanzaib Khan, PDMA’s Director General, confirmed that district disaster management authorities have been activated, local administrations have been

DHAKA: At least 19 people were killed and 164 injured as a Bangladesh air force training jet crashed into a college and school campus in the capital Dhaka on Monday after experiencing a technical problem shortly after take-off, a military spokesperson said. The F-7 BGI jet took off at 1:06pm (0706 GMT) from the Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed four terrorists from a banned separatist group during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kalat district late Saturday night. The operation was conducted in the Pahrod area based on intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists. According to an official statement, troops positioned themselves near the terrorists’ hideout and neutralized them after

Bottles of tequila now command premium prices in trendy bars. On Instagram, celebrity-backed brands of the agave-based Mexican spirit jostle for attention. And debates over cultural appropriation and agave sustainability swirl alongside booming tourism in Jalisco, the western Mexican state that serves as the world’s tequila distillation hub. But behind the spirit’s flash of marketing and growing popularity lies a rarely asked question: Where did the knowledge to distill agave come from in the first place? In recent years, scholars studying how Indigenous communities responded to colonialism and global trade networks have begun to look more closely at the Pacific world. One key focus is the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route, which linked Asia and the Americas for 250 years, from 1565 to 1815. The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route. Jesse Nett/Oregon Encylopedia After Spain colonized the Philippines in 1565, Spanish galleons – towering, multidecked sailing ships – carried Chinese silk and Mexican silver across the ocean. But far more than goods traveled aboard those ships. They moved people, ideas and technologies. Among them was the craft of distillation. This overlooked connection may help explain how distilled agave spirits such as tequila came into being. While tequila is unmistakably a Mexican creation, the techniques used to produce it may owe something to Filipino sailors, who brought with them deep knowledge of transforming coconut sap into a potent spirit known as lambanog. 3 competing theories For centuries, the rise of tequila has been credited to the Spanish. After the conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, colonizers introduced alembic stills, which are based on Moorish and Arabic technology. Unlike simple boiling, distillation requires managing heat and capturing purified vapor. These stills represented a major technological leap, allowing people to transform fermented drinks into distilled spirits. Agave, long used to make the fermented drink pulque, soon became the base for something new: tequila and mezcal. Colonial records, including the “Relaciones Geográficas,” a massive data-gathering project initiated by the Spanish Crown in the late 16th century, describe local Mesoamerican communities learning distillation from Spanish settlers. This version is well documented. But it assumes that technology moved in only one direction, from Europe to the Americas. A second idea suggests that Mesoamerican communities already had some understanding of vapor condensation. Archaeologists have found ceramic vessels in western Mexico that may have been used to capture steam. While distillation requires additional steps, this prior knowledge may have primed Indigenous groups to more readily adopt new techniques. As Mexican ethnobotanists Patricia Colunga-GarcíaMarín and Daniel Zizumbo-Villarreal have argued, “The adoption of distillation was likely not simply imposed, but creatively adapted to local knowledge systems.” A third perspective, which other researchers and I are exploring, traces a potential Filipino influence. The galleon trade brought thousands of Filipino sailors and laborers to Mexico, particularly along the Pacific coast. In places such as Guerrero, Colima and Jalisco, Filipino migrants introduced methods for fermenting and distilling coconut sap into lambanog, the coconut-based spirit. The stills they used, sometimes called Mongolian stills, were built with clay and bamboo and included a condensation bowl. Historian Pablo Guzman-Rivas has noted that these stills more closely resemble the earliest Mexican agave distillation setups than European alembics. He has also documented oral traditions in some coastal Mexican communities to link local distillation practices to their Filipino ancestors. The still on the left in Jalisco, Mexico, has similarities to the lambanog on the right from Infanta, Quezon, Philippines. Photo on left courtesy of Patricia Colunga-GarcíaMarín and Daniel Zizumbo-Villarreal; photo on right courtesy of Sherry Ann Angeles and Rading Coronacion, CC BY-SA Beyond the bottle Filipino influence extends beyond the distilling pot. In Colima and other Pacific port towns, traces of the Manila galleon trade ripple through daily life – in kitchens, cantinas and even in architecture. The word “palapa,” used in Mexico and Central America today to describe rustic thatched roofs, is exactly the same as the term for coconut fronds that’s primarily used in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Filipino migrants in Mexico also shared knowledge of boatbuilding, fermentation and food preservation. Coconut vinegar, fish sauce and palm sugar-based condiments became part of Mexican cuisine. One of the most enduring legacies is tuba, the fermented coconut sap still popular in coastal areas of the Mexican state of Guerrero, where Filipino sailors once settled. Known locally by the same name, tuba is sold in markets and along roadsides, often enjoyed as a refreshing drink or as a cooking ingredient. A replica of a galleon, the Spanish trading ship that traversed the world’s oceans from the 16th century to the 18th century. Dennis Jarvis/flickr, CC BY-SA Exchange moved both ways. Filipino vessels carried corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes and cacao back across the Pacific, reshaping food in the Philippines. These exchanges took place under the shadow of colonialism and forced labor, but their legacies endure in language, in taste and even in the roofs over people’s heads. Technical knowledge rarely travels through official channels alone. It moves with cooks in ship galleys, with carpenters below deck, with laborers who desert ships to settle in unfamiliar ports. Sometimes it was a way to build a roof or preserve a flavor. Other times, it was a method for turning a fermented plant into a spirit that could keep for long voyages. And by the early 1600s, new types of distilled agave spirits were being made in Mexico. Tequila is unmistakably a product of Mexico. But it is also a product of movement. Whether Filipino migrants directly introduced distillation methods or whether they emerged from a mix of Indigenous experimentation and European tools, every time you sip tequila, you’re tasting an echo of those long ocean crossings from many centuries ago. Read More

Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber II cited reasonable grounds for believing supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and chief justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani were guilty of “ordering, inducing or soliciting the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds.” The warrants – the first ever on charges of gender persecution – are being hailed as an “important vindication and acknowledgement of the rights of Afghan women and girls”. Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada is accused of crimes against humanity, especially against women and girls. Afghan Islamic Press/AAP But will they improve the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, given the Taliban does not recognise the court or its jurisdiction? The signs are not good with the Taliban denying the allegations and condemning the warrants as a “clear act of hostility [and an] insult to the beliefs of Muslims around the world”. Erased from public life Strict rules and prohibitions have been imposed on the Afghan people since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Women and girls have been singled out for even worse treatment by reason of their gender. According the warrants, the Taliban has severely deprived, through decrees and edicts, girls and women of the rights to education, privacy and family life and the freedoms of movement, expression, thought, conscience and religion. Women are banned from public places and girls from attending school once they turn 12. Zahra Nader is the editor-in-chief of newsroom Zan Times which investigates human rights violations in Afghanistan. She says Afghan women and girls are being silenced, restricted and stripped of their basic human rights. It is this discriminatory system of control of woman and girls in Afghanistan that is at the core of the court’s prosecution. The warrants also accuse the Taliban of persecuting other persons who don’t conform with the Taliban’s ideological expectations of gender, gender identity or expression; and on political grounds against persons perceived as ‘allies of girls and women. This is the first time an international tribunal or court has confirmed crimes against humanity involving LGBTQIA+ victims. This marks an important milestone in the protection of sexual minorities under international law. Crimes against humanity International law clearly spells put the offences which constitute crimes against humanity. The aim is to protect civilians from serious and widespread attacks on their fundamental rights. Different definitions of crimes against humanity have been included in the statutes of a handful of international tribunals and courts. The definition under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is the most comprehensive. It includes severe deprivation of personal liberty, murder, enslavement, rape, torture, forced deportation or apartheid. Specifically, the Taliban leaders are accused under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute, which states: Persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender […] or other grounds that are universally recognised as impermissible under international law. Physical and direct violence is not necessary for persecution on “gender […] grounds” to be established. Systemic and institutionalised forms of harm, which can be the imposition of discriminatory societal norms, are sufficient. Women and girls are often disproportionately affected by Taliban policies and rules. But proving gender-based crimes have occurred is not enough. Discriminatory intent must also be established. The Taliban has been open about its religious beliefs and interpretations, suggesting a clear intention to persecute on the grounds of gender. Not just symbolic As with other cases, the court relies on the cooperation of states to execute and surrender those accused. The interim government in Kabul which was formed after the US-led invasion in 2001 became a party to the Rome Statute in 2003. Afghanistan remains legally obligated to prosecute perpetrators of these crimes – it must accept the Court’s jurisdiction in the matter. The arrest warrants have been welcomed as formal recognition of the crimes being committed against Afghan women and girls. Qudratullah Razwan/AAP The Purple Saturdays Movement, an Afghan women-led protest group, is warning the arrest warrants must be more than just symbolic. Any failure to prosecute would likely result in an escalation of human rights violations: The Taliban has historically responded to international pressure not with reform, but by intensifying such repressive policies. Hopeful step It is important to note the strict policies and widespread abuses targeting women and girls in Afghanistan are ongoing, despite the intervention by the International Criminal Court. The court’s Office of the Prosecutor is stressing its commitment to pursuing “effective legal pathways” to bring the Taliban leadership to account. The Afghan Women’s Movement in Exile wants an independent international judicial committee established to monitor and accelerate the legal process. It is not yet clear if the warrants will actually lead to arrest and prosecution in The Hague. But we know this is possible. A prime example being the the arrest earlier this year of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. At the very least, the arrests warrants are a hopeful step towards accountability for the Taliban and justice for the women and girls of Afghanistan. Read More

Think back to a time you helped someone move a heavy object, such as a couch. While at first the task may have appeared simple, it actually required a suite of advanced behaviours. The job needed verbal commands for social coordination (“pivot!”) and anticipation of near-future events (moving other furniture out of the way). It also required a clear, shared vision of the final goal (which room to take the couch to). It’s a small but satisfying example of human cooperation. But before we all get too pleased with ourselves, consider that ants – creatures with tiny brains and no capacity for speech – routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own. Ants routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own. Andre Moura/Pexels Understanding ant intelligence Earth is literally crawling with ants. Scientists estimate there are at least 20 quadrillion ants on Earth. That’s 20 followed by 15 zeros – more ants than stars in our galaxy! These incredible insects are amongst the most successful organisms on the planet. Part of the success comes from an ability to form complex societies, ranging from a few individuals to millions. And those societies, or colonies, are remarkably co-operative. Take, for example, ants’ abilities to move large food items. To do it, they mobilise teams of dozens – or even hundreds – of fellow workers. Together, they efficiently work together to transport the load back to the nest. Longhorn crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are even known to clear debris from a path before a heavy object arrives – seemingly anticipating its trajectory and preparing the way. One experiment pit longhorn crazy ants against humans, all tasked with moving T-shaped objects (scaled to body size) through tight spaces. In some trials, the human teams were not permitted to speak or use gestures. And the result? Ants performed better in larger groups compared to smaller ones, showing the clear benefits of collective action. In contrast, human performance did not improve with group size. And when communication was restricted, human performance declined as group size increased. All this highlights how ants rely on collective intelligence, without the need for central control or sophisticated cognition. Expert farmers Humanity’s invention of agriculture 12,000 years ago is understandably hailed as one of our greatest achievements. But leaf cutter ants beat us to it. These ants (from the species Atta and Acromyrmex) evolved to undertake large-scale agriculture about 55 million years ago. Leaf cutter ants cut and transport fresh leaves to feed a fungus. Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia These ants cut and transport fresh leaves not to eat directly, but to feed a fungus that serves as their main food source. This evolutionary partnership allows the ants to feed colonies with populations in the millions. Remarkably, leaf cutter ants have also evolved a form of biological pest control to protect their crops from bacteria. Some worker ants patrol the gardens, detecting infected sections of the fungus. Then they apply antibiotics produced by bacteria that live on their bodies. Many ant species farm insects for food. Tanya Latty, Author provided (no reuse) What’s more, many ant species farm aphids and other sap-sucking insects. As these farmed insects feed on plant sap, they excrete a sugary liquid the ants eagerly collect. In return, ants serve as bodyguards, defending their tiny livestock from predators such as ladybirds and lacewings. In some species, queen ants gently carry sap-sucking insects in their jaws as they fly off to start new colonies. Fossilised ants preserved in amber suggest this behaviour evolved up to 20 million years ago, long before humans domesticated animals. Ant medicine Medical care may seem like a distinctly human innovation. But several ant species have evolved sophisticated ways to treat injuries. When a Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) is injured during a battle between colonies, its nest-mates will amputate a damaged limb to prevent infection from spreading. Ants receiving this battlefield care are more likely to survive than ants left untreated. Some ants can also detect infection and treat infected wounds by cleaning them and applying antimicrobial secretions from specialised glands. Master builders Some ant species are known to literally put their bodies on the line for the colony. Army ants (Eciton burchellii) join their bodies together to form structures. These include bridges across gaps on the forest floor, and “scaffolds” across steep terrain to prevent other ants from slipping. Even the nest is made of hundreds of thousands of ants joined together, complete with tunnels and chambers housing the larvae and the queen. The entire structure is packed up and rebuilt each day, after the colony emigrates a few hundred metres into the forest. Army ants join their bodies together to form structures. Smartse/Wikimedia, CC BY Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), meanwhile, self-assemble into rope ladders to span vertical gaps. They also form a line of workers that pull leaves together in treetops to form nests. Once the leaves are winched into place, other ants arrive with ant larvae in their jaws. Each larva produces a tiny blob of silk which the ants use to glue the leaves together. Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), a major pest species, owes its invasive success partly to a unique method of dispersal. When their underground nests are flooded by rain, the ants join together into a huge raft which floats on a layer of buoyant larvae. These rafts can ride floodwaters in safety for hundreds of kilometres, until the ants reach dry land. When their nests are flooded, fire ants join together into a huge raft. TheCoz/Wikimedia, CC BY Lessons for humanity? Humans rightly take pride in our greatest achievements – agriculture, medicine, engineering and building civilisations. But remarkably, ants mastered these innovations millions of years before we did. Ants may be tiny – but by working together they can build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two. Read More

Spinal cord stimulators are electrical devices that are surgically implanted in the body to treat long-term pain. They have a battery pack and leads that deliver electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. The devices are thought to work by providing electrical impulses that interfere with how the brain senses pain. Spinal cord stimulators are mainly used to treat chronic back pain, especially when other less invasive treatments have not worked. They also aim to reduce people’s reliance on risky pain medicines. These include opioids, which research shows are ineffective and harmful for low-back pain. But research, including our own, shows spinal cord stimulators work no better than a placebo. And they can also carry risks. Do they work? In a 2023 Cochrane review, researchers reviewed data from 13 randomised controlled trials on low-back pain and found no benefits in the short and medium term. These international reviews draw together the most robust evidence to provide a detailed summary of what we know on a particular topic. Only one of the trials in the review tested efficacy in the longer term (six months). That trial found no benefits of spinal cord stimulation. An earlier Cochrane review looked at the evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain in general, including for neck pain. Reviewers looked at 15 randomised controlled trials and couldn’t be certain about its benefits, largely due to the quality and reliability of the available trials. Are there side effects? Aside from disappointing results for pain relief, there are risks and side effects to consider. We co-authored an analysis of 520 adverse events reported to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We found 79% of reported events were rated as severe, with 13% life-threatening. The same research found 80% of events required surgery to correct. Our recent analysis in the Medical Journal of Australia looked at data from private health insurers. These cover 90% of spinal cord stimulation implants in Australia. Five major insurers, which covered 76% of privately insured people, contributed de-identified data. We found about one-quarter of people who had a spinal cord stimulator implanted needed corrective surgery afterwards. These surgeries occurred within a median of about 17 months. This indicates these surgeries are not routine or expected interventions, such as to replace batteries, which are meant to last five to ten years. Our previous research shows the sorts of reasons for corrective surgery. These include to replace a malfunctioning device, or the person was in more pain, had an infection, or a puncture of the delicate tissues covering the spinal cord. However, even our latest findings are likely to underestimate the risk of these devices. Sometimes the lead delivering the electrical current moves away from the spinal cord to elsewhere in the body. This requires surgery to reposition the lead, but does not necessarily require new hardware, such as a brand new lead. So this type of corrective surgery is not counted in the data from the private health insurance companies. How much does it cost? We found spinal cord stimulators cost about A$55,000 per patient, including the device, its insertion, and managing any associated additional surgeries. For people who only had a “trial” – where the leads are implanted temporarily but the battery pack remains outside the body – this cost was about $14,000 per patient. These figures do not include any out-of-pocket costs. What do regulators say about the devices? In 2022 the TGA began a review of spinal cord stimulators on the market because of safety and performance concerns. As a result, several devices were removed from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – that is, they were banned from use in Australia, but existing stock could still be used. The rest of the devices had conditions imposed, such as the manufacturers being required to collect and report safety data to the TGA at regular time points. Should I do my own online research? Yes, but be careful. Unfortunately not all online information about spinal cord stimulators is correct. Look for sites independent of those who manufacture or implant these devices. Government agencies, health departments and universities that have no financial interests in this area may be a better option. The Cochrane Library is also a reliable and independent source for trustworthy health information. What shall I ask my doctor? The Australian health department provides useful advice for consumers about medical implants. It says medical implants “are considered higher-risk therapeutic goods, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly”. It recommends asking your health professional these questions: do I really need this medical implant? what are the risks/benefits? is the medical implant approved? where can I get more information? what happens if I experience an adverse event? What else could I do for my back pain? There are other treatment options that are effective and have fewer risks than spinal cord stimulation. For example, education about how to manage your pain yourself, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of psychological therapy), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) all have solid evidence to back them. All offer benefits that are not outweighed by their potential risks. Australian research has shown other types of therapy – such as sensorimotor retraining and cognitive functional therapy – are also effective. You can discuss these and other options with your health professional. Spinal cord stimulation is a good example of a treatment that got ahead of the evidence. Although the devices have been around since the 1960s, we’ve only had reliable trials to test whether they work in recent years. Everyone wants to find ways to help people with chronic pain, but we must ensure medical care is grounded in reliable science. Read More

During the devastating magnitude 7.7 Myanmar earthquake on March 28 this year, a CCTV camera captured the moment the plate boundary moved, providing the first direct visual evidence of plate tectonics in action. Tectonic plate boundaries are where chunks of Earth’s crust slide past each other – not smoothly, but in sudden, violent ruptures. The footage shows Earth’s surface lurching sideways, like a gigantic conveyor belt switched on for just a second, as the fault slips. What we’re seeing is the propagation of a large earthquake rupture – the primary mechanism that accommodates plate boundary motion at Earth’s surface. These shear fractures travel at several kilometres per second, making them notoriously difficult to observe. This video explains the moment Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault ruptured in a large earthquake, allowing the tectonic plate boundary to shift. Research: https://doi.org/10.1785/0320250024. These rare events, separated by centuries, have shaped our planet’s surface over millions of years, creating features such as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Alpine Fault and the Southern Alps. Until now, seismologists have relied on distant seismic instruments to infer how faults rupture during large earthquakes. This video sheds new light on the process that radiates seismic energy and causes the ground to shake. Analysis of the video In our new study, we analysed the video frame by frame. We used a technique called pixel cross-correlation to reveal that the fault slipped 2.5 metres sideways over a duration of just 1.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 3.2 metres per second. The total sideways movement in this earthquake is typical of strike-slip fault ruptures, which move the land sideways (in contrast to faults that move land up and down). But the short duration is a major discovery. The timing of when a fault starts and stops slipping is especially difficult to measure from distant recordings, because the seismic signal becomes smeared as it travels through Earth. In this case, the short duration of motion reveals a pulse-like rupture – a concentrated burst of slip that propagates along the fault like a ripple travels down a rug when it’s flicked from one end. Capturing this kind of detail is fundamental to understanding how earthquakes work, and it helps us better anticipate the ground shaking likely to occur in future large events. Validation of the ‘slickenline’ hypothesis Our analysis also revealed something more subtle about the way the fault moved. We found the slip didn’t follow a straight path. Instead it curved. This subtle curvature mirrors patterns we’ve observed previously at fault outcrops. Called “slickenlines”, these geological scratch marks on the fault record the direction of slip. Our work shows the slickenlines we see on outcrops are curved in a manner similar to the curvature seen in the CCTV footage. Based on our video analysis, we can be certain that curved slip occurs, giving credence to our interpretations based on geological observations. In our earlier research, we used computer models to show that curved slickenlines could emerge naturally when an earthquake propagates in a particular direction. The Myanmar rupture, which is known to have travelled north to south, matches the direction predicted by our models. This alignment is important. It gives us confidence in using geological evidence to determine the rupture direction of past earthquakes, such as the curved slickenlines left behind after the New Zealand Alpine Fault’s 1717 earthquake. This first glimpse of a fault in motion shows the potential for video to become a powerful new tool in seismology. With more strategic deployments, future earthquakes could be documented with similar detail, offering further insight into the dynamics of fault rupture, potentially revolutionising our understanding of earthquake physics. Read More

Here’s the thing: We all want shoes that do everything. Walk far, look sharp, feel like slippers, match our outfits and — if possible — save the planet while they’re at it. But until recently, that combo lived in the land of wishful thinking (right next to wrinkle-free linen). Thankfully, Allbirds just dropped the Tree Runner NZ and Tree Cruiser, and they’re basically the overachievers of the sneaker world. In the best way possible. Let’s start with the Tree Runner NZ, because wow. If you’ve ever tried the original Tree Runner, think of this as the cooler, comfier younger sibling who also happens to study design and knows their way around a packing cube. It’s sleek, soft and super supportive. The big news? Allbirds has reworked its signature SweetFoam midsole with a new underfoot contour, which gives you smoother strides, better support and way less of that “why do my feet hurt after two blocks?” vibe. Allbirds Tree Runner NZ Allbirds The moment you slip them on, you’ll get it. There’s a plush, wool-blend collar and tongue lining that feels like slipping your foot into a cloud that’s been to therapy and knows how to support you. It hugs your heel just enough, keeps things cozy without overheating, and looks polished while doing it. Translation: You’ll never want to take them off — and honestly, you don’t have to. Aesthetically, the Tree Runner NZ is the definition of “minimalist magic.” Without obtrusively loud logos, this pair is refreshing, boasting clean lines and calm colors that go with everything, from yoga pants to work pants. Airport sweats and a trench coat? That works, too. Absolutely. Essentially, if “quiet luxury” had a shoe, this would be it, except it’s made from sustainable materials and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. And let’s not forget the most underrated flex: they’re machine washable. You could spill coffee, step in a puddle, get caught in a summer downpour — and it’s all good! Toss ‘em in the wash, air dry and boom: fresh kicks, no worrying. Try doing that with your leather sneakers. Now, cue a dramatic sneaker switch, because the Tree Cruiser is here, and it’s a whole different kind of vibe. Where the Runner is sporty-chic, the Cruiser is weekend-casual-meets-elevated-everyday. Think: court sneaker silhouette, modern simplicity and just the right amount of structure. It’s got a little more *presence* without ever feeling clunky. Allbirds Tree Cruiser Allbirds The Cruiser is built for people who are always on the move, but don’t want their shoes to look like it. You can dress it up with trousers and a button-down or down with joggers and a hoodie. It works for early-morning coffee runs, office marathons, spontaneous dinner plans and everything in between. And again: machine washable. What’s impressive is how lightweight the Cruiser is. It holds that classic sneaker shape without the bulk. The material is breathable, flexible and made from — you guessed it — sustainable, natural sources like eucalyptus tree fiber and sugarcane-based SweetFoam. So, while it looks like a timeless staple, it’s secretly one of the most eco-friendly things in your closet. And look, we all know travel shoes are tricky. You want one pair that works with multiple outfits, holds up after hours of exploring, and doesn’t make you look like you just stepped out of a tourist brochure. The Tree Runner NZ and Tree Cruiser are exactly those shoes. They’re the footwear picks you pack first, wear constantly and wonder how you ever traveled without. But even if you’re not jet-setting, they’re perfect for real life. Like, actual Tuesday-afternoon, forgot-to-get-coffee, meeting-ran-long life. Regardless if your day looks like you’re walking the dog, picking up groceries and hustling to the train, these two new pairs will make your day *that* much more comfort-driven and amazing. The bottom line In short? Allbirds is doing what Allbirds does best: making ridiculously comfortable, good-looking shoes that are actually kind to the planet. They’re here to last, to go the distance, and to keep your feet (and your outfits) happy the whole time. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change. Read More

By Alex Vena Published July 21, 2025, 11:20 a.m. ET Kristen Johnston has nothing but praise for Leanne Morgan. Johnston marks her return to sitcoms with Chuck Lorre‘s new Netflix series, Leanne, which sees Morgan — who is also a series co-creator and executive producer — and Johnston as sisters Leanne and Carol. When the 3rd Rock from the Sun alum sat down with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on Monday’s Live with Kelly and Mark, she lauded Morgan, who she conceded she was not familiar with before this project. “I’m not a big stand-up person,” she said. “And then Chuck Lorre called me, and he was like, ‘Watch her special on Netflix,’ and within five minutes, I was like oh, oh, she’s magic. She is so brilliant, and she learned how to do it on the sitcom.” Morgan’s Netflix special, Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman, was released in 2023. According to the streamer, the new series follow’s Morgan’s Leanne, who’s “world is turned upside down when her husband of 33 years unexpectedly leaves her for another woman.” Johnston lauded Morgan’s ability of rising to the occasion in Leanne, considering she had fairly little on-screen acting experience. “She’d done a little thing in a Reese Witherspoon movie,” she shared, referring to the Prime Video rom-com You’re Cordially Invited. “But really short, and she didn’t really know…” Consuelos chimed in, “Sitcoms are different.” Johnston agreed, “It’s very different. She’d never done stage, that kind of work. And she was so brilliant and so fast. By the second and third week, she’s as good as anyone I’ve [worked with] like John Lithgow and Allison Janney in terms of a great scene partner.” Photo: ABC Ripa asked, “And did you take her under your wing?” Johnston said she gave Morgan “a little bit of a sitcom clinic,” highlighting that Morgan was “so open and authentic, and she was so game.” “She was just so game, which made it so fun for me,” she added. On the topic of adopting a Southern accent in the series, Johnston explained that she “kind of based” her character’s accent on Morgan’s “fabulous daughter Tess, who does her make-up.” “She was around a lot, so I did kind of base it on that,” she continued. “But you know, I didn’t want it to be a show about an accent. [Morgan] corners that. I wanted to do enough that you kind of didn’t focus on it too much.” Johnston also offered some insight into what fans will see once the series begins streaming on July 31. “I’m a hot mess, and her life kind of explodes in the first episode. So it’s how we navigate that together,” she said. “She’s amazing.” Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays. Check out their website for your local listings. Read More