Associate Professor Khaled Ezzelarab discusses how social media’s emphasis on speed, volume and viral engagement can encourage lower-quality journalism and accelerate the spread of misinformation and disinformation. AI-generated videos and deepfakes further undermine audiences’ ability to verify what they see. Social media can also challenge dominant narratives and enable citizen journalism, as illustrated by coverage of the war in Gaza. Ezzelarab recommends consulting multiple sources and approaching media critically, while universities can strengthen media literacy by examining how information is produced and circulated.

Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya, leading to the collapse of two dams and the release of 30 million cubic meters of water. Humanitarian organizations warn that the floods may have uncovered unexploded landmines and other weapons from past conflicts. Libya's political instability and history of conflict have left the country with a significant amount of unexploded ordnance. The International Committee of the Red Cross is working to map out contaminated areas and raise awareness about the dangers. The situation poses a severe risk to survivors and rescuers, potentially leading to further casualties.

Eastern Libya, particularly the city of Derna, is grappling with severe water contamination following devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel. Health authorities warn of waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources. Aid organizations, including the ICRC, WHO, and UN agencies, are providing immediate relief and working on long-term solutions to ensure safe water access. The political instability and damaged infrastructure in Libya exacerbate the crisis, with at least 150 people falling ill due to water contamination. Humanitarians stress the importance of dignified management of bodies to prevent further health risks.

Following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, there has been a surge in online messages advocating for the marriage and exploitation of underage girls, raising alarm among women's rights activists and organizations. Yasmina Benslimane, founder of Politics4Her, and other activists are calling for a gender-sensitive relief response. At least one man has been arrested for promoting content related to sexual assault of young girls. King Mohammed VI has granted 'Ward of the Nation' status to orphaned children to protect them from trafficking. NGOs like Al Karam Association and international bodies like UNFPA are working to address gender-based violence and provide reproductive health services. Period poverty remains a significant issue, with organizations providing menstrual supplies and education. Pregnant women are also facing challenges, with at least 4,100 affected by the quake, and makeshift delivery rooms being set up in rural areas.

Ramy Essam's new album 'Metgharabiin' chronicles his life in exile, blending traditional rock with industrial electronic music. The album, created during the COVID-19 lockdown, reflects his experiences and those of others affected by exile. Essam's music, often censored in Egypt, continues to be a powerful tool against dictatorship. Despite the hardships, Essam remains committed to documenting the era through political art, hoping to inspire future generations. The album features contributions from activists and artists, emphasizing themes of hope, resilience, and the ongoing fight for freedom.

Lebanon’s first pole dancing championship, created by Pole Fit Lebanon founder Laura Ayoub, showcased the sport’s growing local community and its efforts to overcome persistent taboos associating pole dancing with stripping. The event featured junior, amateur and semi-pro categories with international judges and competitors. Ayoub and several participants described how pole dancing provided personal empowerment, athletic discipline and emotional expression despite societal prejudice. Stories from dancers highlighted the community’s inclusivity and the challenges of pursuing the sport in a conservative environment. The championship reflected both the sport’s expansion in Lebanon and a broader shift toward acceptance.

Michel Douaihy, a newcomer MP, has successfully broken the traditional political stronghold of the Frangieh and Moawad families in Zgharta by winning a parliamentary seat under the Shamaluna coalition. This coalition, formed by opposition groups, capitalized on the changing political landscape following the Oct. 17, 2019 revolution. Douaihy's academic background and political activism have positioned him as a key figure in this movement, advocating for progressive changes in Lebanon's political system. Despite challenges, Shamaluna's success reflects a shift towards more inclusive and diverse political representation in the region.

Egyptian musician Ramy Essam and Lebanese filmmaker Tariq Keblaoui collaborated on a song titled 'Mafi Mafi (Khod)', expressing political discontent in Lebanon ahead of its parliamentary elections. The song, which lists Lebanon's numerous crises, reflects a shared history of rebellion in the region. Essam, known for his anthem of the Egyptian uprising, and Keblaoui, who documented Lebanon's 2019 revolution and survived the Beirut port blast, aimed to support the Lebanese movement against decades of exploitation. The project also involved Egyptian artist Ganzeer and co-writer Samir Skayni, blending Egyptian and Lebanese dialects. The song and its video, featuring a mix of street footage, graphics, and archival material, offer a raw emotional representation of the struggles faced by the Lebanese people. The collaboration underscores the power of art in challenging oppressive regimes and inspiring change, despite the varying political landscapes in Egypt and Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Alternative Press Syndicate called for a protest at the UN ESCWA headquarters in Beirut to demand an investigation and international condemnation of Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing. Abu Akleh, a Palestinian journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic, was shot while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin and later died. The report describes grief and condemnation among journalists, and quotes a Samir Kassir Foundation representative calling attention to the lack of accountability for journalist killings. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett circulated footage suggesting Palestinian gunmen may have shot Abu Akleh, but journalists at the scene disputed that account, saying there was no Palestinian armed resistance there.

Lebanon's Alternative Press Syndicate called for a demonstration outside the UN ESCWA headquarters in Beirut, demanding an investigation and international condemnation over journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's killing. Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent, was shot while covering Israeli army raids in Jenin. The report notes that journalists at the scene disputed Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's suggestion that Palestinian gunfire may have killed her, saying there was no Palestinian armed resistance there. Her death prompted expressions of grief and renewed calls for accountability for violence against journalists.