United News of Bangladesh

As daylight hours shrink with the approach of winter, people vulnerable to seasonal depression may experience changes in their mood, energy and mental well-being. Millions of people worldwide are estimated to suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that typically begins in autumn and improves during spring or summer. Reduced daylight, particularly darker afternoons following the return to standard time, can trigger symptoms. A milder form, known as subsyndromal SAD, is also recognised by medical experts, while seasonal depression during summer is less understood. Dr Norman Rosenthal, who led the National Institutes of Health research team that first described the disorder in 1984, coined the term seasonal affective disorder. He said the acronym's simplicity and memorability helped it gain widespread recognition. Scientists investigate possible causes Researchers have yet to identify a single cause of SAD. According to the NIH, the condition affects significantly more women than men. Its symptoms resemble those of depression and may include persistent hopelessness, pessimism and difficulties with concentration, memory and decision-making. Scientists are investigating how specialised cells in the eyes respond to blue wavelengths of light and send signals to the brain that influence mood and alertness. Sunlight contains substantial amounts of blue light, which activates the brain's alertness centres when absorbed by these cells, helping people feel more awake and potentially improving their mood. Kathryn Roecklein, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, studied the responses of people with and without SAD to blue light. Her research found that people with SAD were generally less sensitive to blue light, particularly during winter, suggesting a possible link between reduced light sensitivity and seasonal depression. Light therapy can ease winter depression Bright-light therapy has proved effective for many people with SAD, said Dr Paul Desan of Yale University's Winter Depression Research Clinic. The treatment generally involves sitting in front of a specially designed bright-light device for about 30 minutes each morning. Research supports using devices that provide around 10,000 lux of light, roughly 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lighting. Desan said the therapy could also benefit people experiencing milder forms of winter-related low mood. Such devices cost between $50 and more than $400. However, some products marketed for SAD may not provide sufficient brightness to be effective, he cautioned. Yale has tested different products and published recommendations, while the nonprofit Center for Environmental Therapeutics also offers a consumer guide to choosing suitable light devices. People diagnosed with SAD may check with their health insurance providers to see whether the cost of light therapy equipment is covered. Therapy, medication also offer relief Antidepressant medication and light therapy are among the first-line treatments for SAD. Doctors also recommend maintaining a regular sleep schedule and spending time outdoors, including on cloudy days. Although light therapy can be effective, its benefits may diminish when treatment is discontinued. Research has also shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy, can produce longer-lasting benefits, said Kelly Rohan, a researcher at the University of Vermont. CBT involves working with a therapist to identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking. Rohan said therapy can also help people gradually resume enjoyable activities and overcome the tendency to withdraw during winter. Planning simple activities, such as meeting a friend for coffee or spending time outdoors, can help people remain socially active and improve their mood.

As winter approaches and daylight hours decrease, people vulnerable to seasonal depression may begin experiencing changes in their mood, energy levels and mental well-being. Millions of people worldwide are estimated to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that generally begins in autumn and improves during spring or summer. The condition can be triggered by reduced daylight, including the shift back to standard time, which occurred Sunday across much of the United States, resulting in darker afternoons. A milder form, known as subsyndromal SAD, is also recognised by medical professionals. Seasonal depression can also occur during summer, although researchers know less about this form. The condition was first described in 1984 by a research team led by Dr Norman Rosenthal, then a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who introduced the term seasonal affective disorder. "I believe that because it is easy to remember, the acronym has stuck," Rosenthal said. Scientists investigate the causes of seasonal depression Researchers have yet to identify a single cause of seasonal affective disorder. According to the NIH, women are affected significantly more often than men. Its symptoms resemble those of other forms of depression and may include persistent hopelessness or pessimism, along with difficulties concentrating, remembering information and making decisions. Scientists are investigating how specialised cells in the eyes detect blue wavelengths of light and convert them into neural signals that influence mood and alertness. Sunlight contains substantial amounts of blue light. When these specialised cells absorb it, they activate areas of the brain responsible for alertness, helping people feel more awake and potentially improving their mood. Kathryn Roecklein, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, studied how the eyes of people with and without SAD respond to blue light. Her research found that people with SAD were generally less sensitive to blue light than those without the condition, particularly during winter. The findings point to a possible explanation for winter-related depression. Bright light therapy may help during shorter days Many people experiencing seasonal affective disorder benefit from light therapy, said Dr Paul Desan of Yale University's Winter Depression Research Clinic. The treatment involves sitting in front of a specially designed bright-light device for approximately 30 minutes each morning. These devices produce light around 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lighting. Research supports using light therapy devices with a brightness of approximately 10,000 lux, a standard measurement of light intensity. Studies indicate that using them for 30 minutes every morning can help manage symptoms. According to Desan, the approach may also benefit people experiencing milder forms of winter-related low mood. Specialised light therapy devices typically cost between $50 and more than $400. However, Desan warned that some products marketed for seasonal affective disorder may not produce sufficiently bright light to be effective. Yale University has tested several products and published recommendations, while the nonprofit Center for Environmental Therapeutics provides a consumer guide to help people choose suitable devices. People diagnosed with SAD should also contact their insurance providers to determine whether the cost of a light therapy device is covered. Talk therapy and medication offer additional treatment options Antidepressant medications are among the first-line treatments for seasonal affective disorder, alongside light therapy. Doctors also recommend maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and spending time outdoors, including taking walks on cloudy days. However, the benefits of light therapy may diminish once people stop using the devices. Researcher Kelly Rohan of the University of Vermont said studies have found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy, can produce longer-lasting benefits. CBT involves working with a therapist to identify and change negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking. According to Rohan, therapy can also help individuals gradually reintroduce enjoyable activities into their daily routines. Planning simple, pleasurable activities can help people break out of seasonal withdrawal. These may include going outside, meeting a friend for coffee or participating in other enjoyable social activities.

Citrus trees can thrive indoors during winter in colder regions if they receive proper care, sufficient sunlight and suitable growing conditions. While these subtropical and tropical plants can tolerate lower temperatures than many people expect, prolonged freezing conditions require them to be moved indoors. Unlike citrus growers in warmer regions, who can leave their trees outside throughout winter, gardeners in places such as New York often need to grow them in containers and move them indoors as temperatures drop. Meyer lemon and Ponkan mandarin trees, for example, can remain healthy and produce fruit indoors with the right winter care. Ensure adequate sunlight Citrus trees need plenty of light during winter. A well-draining potting mix specially prepared for citrus plants is recommended to maintain healthy roots and prevent waterlogging, particularly when the plants require less water during colder months. The sunniest location in the house is usually the best place for indoor citrus trees. South- or southwest-facing windows are ideal because they receive substantial sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, gardeners can use full-spectrum grow lights positioned above the plants for 10 to 12 hours daily. Keep pets away from citrus trees Citrus trees can be toxic to both cats and dogs, making it important for pet owners to keep them out of animals' reach. One possible solution is to cover the plants with a mesh bag fitted with a drawstring. This allows sunlight to reach the trees while preventing pets from chewing their leaves. However, mesh coverings may slightly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the plants. Proper watering, fertilising and maintenance Indoor citrus trees should be kept away from cold drafts, radiators and forced-air heating vents. Sudden temperature changes and dry indoor air can stress the plants and cause their leaves to fall. A relatively cool room is generally better than an excessively warm environment. Maintaining humidity at around 50% is also beneficial. If indoor air becomes too dry, a humidifier can be placed nearby. Alternatively, the pot can be positioned on a shallow tray containing pebbles and water. Although citrus trees do not become fully dormant during winter, their growth slows considerably. Therefore, watering should be reduced, keeping the soil only slightly moist. Gardeners should allow the top one or two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Watering can be increased when new growth appears in spring. Fertiliser should be applied once a week from spring through September. However, feeding should be stopped completely during winter. Regularly inspect the leaves for pests, particularly their undersides, where spider mites, scale insects and aphids commonly gather. If pests are detected, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used according to the product instructions. Gradually move trees outdoors in spring When temperatures become suitable again, citrus trees can be moved outdoors. Around late May, they should initially be placed in a shaded location before being gradually exposed to direct sunlight over approximately one week. This gradual transition helps the plants adjust to outdoor conditions and reduces the risk of stress caused by sudden changes in sunlight. Although indoor citrus trees may not produce as much fruit as those grown in warmer climates, proper winter care can still result in a rewarding harvest of fresh lemons and mandarins, suitable for making juice, desserts and homemade pies.

Finding the perfect gift for the holiday season can be challenging, but some innovative products stand out by offering practical solutions to everyday problems in unexpected ways. From smarter car diagnostics and multifunctional power tools to advanced pet feeders and sleep accessories, these eight creative gift ideas are designed to make daily activities easier, more convenient and enjoyable. Car diagnostics at your fingertips For car enthusiasts and drivers who want to understand their vehicle better, the Sparq AI OBD2 Scanner offers a handy solution. The Bluetooth-enabled device plugs directly into a vehicle and connects to a free app that explains 50,000 diagnostic codes in simple language. It also provides vehicle health checks, explains dashboard warning lights, helps investigate unusual noises, monitors tyre tread and reviews vehicle history. When repairs are needed, the app can also help users assess whether repair estimates are reasonable. The device costs $129. A multifunctional 3-in-1 drill Dremel's compact Blueprint DD-12V-S1 combines a power drill and driver with an integrated stud finder and a detachable, self-adhesive line laser featuring a bubble level. Its 12V brushless motor is supported by an LED light for working in dimly lit spaces and locating dropped drill bits. A battery indicator also helps users keep track of charging needs. The product is priced at $99, although prices may vary by retailer. Metal containers safe for microwave use Using metal cookware or aluminium foil in microwave ovens has traditionally been discouraged because of the risk of sparks and fire. As a result, most people rely on glass, ceramic or plastic containers for heating food. Genicook's microwave-safe stainless-steel containers offer an alternative. Designed with smooth, rounded edges to prevent sparking, they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The three-piece set includes containers with capacities of 3.4 cups (0.8 litres), 5.1 cups (1.2 litres) and 7.6 cups (1.8 litres). Each comes with a leak-proof tempered-glass lid featuring silicone vents. The set costs $54.99. A pet feeder that recognises individual animals Managing feeding routines can be difficult for households with multiple pets, particularly when animals try to eat from one another's bowls. The Surefeed microchip pet feeder addresses the problem by recognising individual pets through their microchips. Its battery-operated feeding unit opens its protective cover only when the designated pet approaches and closes automatically when the animal moves away. The system helps prevent dogs from eating cats' food or one cat from consuming another's meal. It is priced at $199. A smarter way to reseal food bags Traditional chip clips and rubber bands can close opened food packets but may not provide an airtight seal to preserve freshness. The handheld Magic Reseal magnetic heat sealer offers a more effective alternative. The USB-C rechargeable device features six sealing modes and can seal up to 300 bags of chips, cereals, coffee, frozen food and other products on a single charge. Users simply press the device against the open edge of a bag, slide it along the opening and wait a few seconds for an airtight seal. It also features a built-in cutter for opening or reopening packets. A magnet on its back allows it to be attached to a refrigerator for convenient access. Available in white and blue, the device costs $49.99. Turn almost any surface into a speaker The Anything Speaker is a compact, portable audio device weighing less than 3 ounces (85 grams) and measuring roughly the diameter of a silver dollar. Unlike conventional Bluetooth speakers, it uses bone-conduction technology to generate and amplify sound through vibrations. With an attached suction cup, or the included magnet or adhesive strip, users can attach it to surfaces such as doors, windows, tables, boxes, guitars, pianos and mirrors. The connected surface then produces 360-degree, omnidirectional audio streamed from a smartphone. A USB-C charging cable is included. The device comes in Aerospace Aluminum and Onyx Black finishes and costs $49.99. A sleep mask designed for side sleepers The Manta Sound Sleep Mask is designed particularly for people who sleep on their sides, combining light-blocking features with Bluetooth audio. It has adjustable C-shaped eyecups that sit flat against the temples to improve comfort while blocking 100 percent of light. Its breathable knit-mesh material adds to comfort during sleep. The mask also features adjustable, ultra-thin Bluetooth speakers measuring 0.2 inches (5 millimetres), offering up to 24 hours of playback at full volume on a single charge. It is also machine-washable and priced at $159. Keeping an eye on babies while driving Parents travelling with infants often rely on rearview or additional mirrors, or install separate baby cameras and monitors to keep an eye on children in the back seat. The BubbaSafe Baby View camera offers another option by connecting directly to a vehicle's Apple CarPlay screen. Mounted behind the front seat, the camera wirelessly transmits 1080p video to the car's display. Parents can view the footage in standard, split-screen or picture-in-picture modes, with infrared night vision available for low-light conditions. The camera comes in Cat, Dog and Panda designs and costs $208.

An amateur historian has uncovered new evidence that a prominent historical figure associated with one of New York's most popular beaches may have helped notorious English pirate Capt. Henry Every escape authorities after a massive raid on an Indian treasure ship more than three centuries ago. James Bailey, who attracted attention five years ago after discovering ancient coins believed to be connected to Every, says colonial-era documents point to Thomas Jones, the namesake of Jones Beach State Park, as a possible accomplice of the infamous pirate. Jones Beach, one of New York's most visited state parks after Niagara Falls, attracts millions of visitors each year. Bailey said his latest research suggests that Jones played a significant role in what could be considered one of the largest robberies in the history of piracy. His investigation focuses on the 1695 attack on the Ganj-i-Sawai, a royal Indian treasure ship travelling through the Red Sea. Historical accounts say Every and his crew tortured, killed and sexually assaulted passengers and crew members during the raid, triggering international outrage and one of the earliest major international manhunts. Although several members of the pirate crew were eventually captured and executed, Every and many of his associates disappeared. They are believed to have fled to different parts of Europe and the American colonies. According to Bailey, depositions from associates of Every and other historical records suggest that Jones acted as a getaway operator, helping the pirates avoid authorities after they seized gold and silver worth tens of millions of dollars. Additional documents indicate that New York's colonial governor later investigated Jones over suspected links to piracy, even after he had established himself as a wealthy businessman involved in whaling on Long Island's coastal barrier island. Mystery surrounding Jones' past Bailey's findings, which he hopes to publish, offer further insight into the controversial history of Jones, whose possible involvement in piracy has long been mentioned in local historical accounts. John Hanc, author of Jones Beach: An Illustrated History, said Bailey's research sheds light on an aspect of Jones' past that has never been fully established in local history books. Jones previously served as a major in the English military before moving to the American colonies. He initially settled in Rhode Island and later became a prominent businessman and landowner in New York. He owned thousands of acres across Long Island, which was largely rural at the time. However, questions about the source of his wealth continued long after his death in 1713. His deteriorating mansion was associated with ghost stories and strange occurrences before being demolished in the early 19th century. His grave was also repeatedly disturbed by treasure hunters searching for hidden riches before his remains were moved to a family burial ground behind a nearby church. A family history published in 1906 by one of his descendants rejected the allegations, describing the pirate stories as malicious rumours and unlikely inventions. Was Jones involved in piracy? Historians say Jones' possible involvement in piracy cannot be dismissed entirely because he had previously worked as a privateer. Meagan Schulman, a doctoral candidate at Fordham University specialising in 17th-century piracy, explained that privateers were sailors authorised by the English crown to attack commercial vessels belonging to rival countries during wartime. However, when conflicts ended, such authorisation was withdrawn. Those who continued attacking ships could then be regarded as pirates. Schulman noted that privateers and pirates often carried out similar activities, although their legal status depended on whether they had government backing. After allegedly helping Every and his associates escape, Jones briefly returned to Rhode Island, according to documents cited by Bailey. In 1696, his father-in-law, wealthy New Yorker Thomas Townsend, reportedly gave Jones and his wife a substantial piece of land along Long Island's southern coast, according to property records. Bailey believes the land provided Jones with an opportunity to establish a new life while British authorities continued searching New England for Every and his associates. Jones subsequently built a home, raised a family and developed his business interests on Long Island. However, his suspected pirate connections resurfaced in 1698, when New York's colonial governor Richard Coote investigated allegations of piracy. In a report based on witness statements, Coote described how a barrel of money had been transported from New York City to Long Island and delivered to Jones' residence. Jones, whom the governor described as a former pirate, denied having any knowledge of the money. Piracy and colonial-era wealth Although Bailey's research presents an intriguing possibility, historians have cautioned against treating the findings as definitive proof. Richard Blakemore, a maritime history professor at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, said the evidence was compelling but noted that Thomas Jones was a relatively common name, making it difficult to establish the individual's identity conclusively. Kevin McDonald, a history professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles who has written about piracy during the colonial period, said the alleged connection highlights how piracy helped generate wealth for influential families in northeastern America. Blakemore also noted that pirates were not necessarily social outcasts, as commonly portrayed in popular culture. Historical evidence suggests that piracy was closely connected to the social and economic structures of early British colonies.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) is set to organise a special cultural programme featuring artists with special needs titled ‘Bismoyer Ovijatri, Kanoner Kokil’ on Monday. The programme will begin at 6 pm on November 2 at the National Music and Dance Centre auditorium under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, will attend as the chief guest, while ministry secretary Yasmin Begum will be present as the special guest. Professor Dr Aleya Parvin of the Department of Political Science at Government Music College will deliver the keynote address. The programme will be chaired by Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and acting director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The cultural segment will feature a series of group dance performances, solo songs and recitations by artists and performers from different organisations and institutions. The programme will open with a group dance performance of ‘Mon Amar Deho Ghori Shondhan Kori’ by SWID Bangladesh, choreographed by Reshmi Abedin. This will be followed by a solo rendition of ‘Alga Koro Go Khopar Badhon’ by Sujan Rahman, district cultural officer of Chuadanga. Laboratory Model School will present the group dance ‘Ei Rangamatir Pothe Lo’, choreographed by Amit Hasan. Sharmin Akter Shiku and Sayma Sharmin Ima will perform the solo songs ‘Amar Moner Koner Baire’ and ‘Amar Hiyar Majhe Lukiye Chile’, respectively. Expression Welfare Society will present the group dance ‘Bihur E Logon Modhur E Logon’, choreographed by Rafia Khandaker. The programme will also feature a solo song by Shanto Rahman and a solo recitation by Shahin Reza Russell. The event will conclude with a group dance performance of ‘Ay Tobo Sohochori Haat-e Haat-e Dhori’ by Wills Little Flower School, choreographed by Hasan. The programme will remain open to all.

Mexico's streets are adorned with bright orange marigolds, flickering candles and people wearing makeup resembling elegant skeletons known as catrinas as the country celebrates its annual Day of the Dead festival. The celebrations begin in October and reach their peak on Nov. 1 and 2, when people believe the spirits of deceased family members return temporarily to the living world to reunite with their loved ones. Although the exact origin of the tradition remains unknown, it is rooted in agricultural beliefs dating back to Mexico's pre-Hispanic period. Catholic customs were later incorporated following the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the festival features large-scale parades along Mexico City's main avenues. Streets, shops and markets are decorated with orange Mexican marigolds, locally known as cempasuchil, whose bright colours are believed to guide the souls of the dead back to earth. Bakeries also display traditional pan de muerto, or bread of the dead. Families prepare special altars at home in memory of deceased relatives, placing photographs, food, sweets and mezcal as offerings. On the night of Nov. 1, families across the country gather in cemeteries to honour and reconnect with their departed loved ones, continuing a tradition observed for centuries. However, as the festival and Mexico's capital have attracted growing international attention, popular destinations such as Oaxaca and Michoacan have faced challenges linked to overtourism. In Mexico City, some residents have questioned an annual parade featuring floats decorated with catrinas. The procession was originally created for the 2015 James Bond film Spectre and later became part of the city's official celebrations, despite not being an established element of the traditional festival. Meanwhile, authorities on Janitzio, a small island in Lake Patzcuaro in the central state of Michoacan, barred tourists from entering its cemetery for the first time this year. The island's Day of the Dead celebrations were recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The decision followed a report by the community council that overcrowding had contributed to the collapse of damaged tombs, crosses and sections of the cemetery's boundary wall. Under the new restrictions, only local families and friends of people buried in the cemetery will be permitted to enter.

Music once echoed through Kabul's streets, filling cafes, restaurants and homes across the Afghan capital. But under Taliban rule, those sounds have largely disappeared, forcing musicians to abandon their professions and practise their art in secrecy. Since 2022, the Taliban authorities, who returned to power in 2021, have enforced a nationwide ban on playing and listening to music. Only religious vocal chants without instrumental accompaniment are permitted. The restrictions are enforced by the morality police under the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. "Music is forbidden in Islam," ministry spokesperson Saif ul Islam Khyber said, arguing that it encourages sinful behaviour. He added that people were not allowed to listen to music or record songs and musical compositions. Following the Taliban takeover, many musicians fled Afghanistan, while others sent their instruments abroad or concealed them to prevent their destruction. Kucha-e-Kharabat, a historic neighbourhood in Kabul known for its musical heritage, has also lost much of its identity. Former music shops now sell groceries, clothing and household products instead of musical instruments. Despite the restrictions, some musicians remain determined to preserve Afghanistan's musical heritage. Occasionally, they bring out their hidden instruments and perform privately, despite the risk of arrest. In a small house in Kabul, one musician keeps three hand-carved rubabs, a traditional Afghan string instrument. He occasionally takes one out and plays it, determined not to let the instrument or the country's musical traditions disappear. "As long as I am alive, I will continue to play," he said, adding that even if he has to perform secretly, he will not allow the rubab to fall silent. A Kabul-based singer shares the same determination, saying that music remains alive in people's hearts even when public performances are prohibited. Both musicians spoke anonymously because of fears of arrest. Before the Taliban takeover, the singer regularly performed at concerts and celebrations. He has since hidden his rubab, harmonium, flute, tabla and keyboard. He described covering his instruments with a tarp as an emotionally devastating experience, saying music had given him purpose, recognition and a livelihood. Sometimes, he stands beside his concealed instruments and cries, asking their forgiveness because he can no longer play them. Musicians face financial hardship The restrictions have also pushed musicians into severe economic difficulties. The rubab player previously taught at a music school and operated a traditional instrument shop inherited through his family. After the Taliban returned to power, he sent many instruments abroad, hid the rest and closed his business. He said his family had earned around 10,000 afghanis ($150) daily through music teaching and instrument sales. Today, he earns barely 100 afghanis ($1.50) a day working as a labourer. The closure also deeply affected his father, who died of a heart attack shortly afterwards. The musician believes his father never recovered emotionally from losing the family business. Meanwhile, the singer remained unemployed for two years before friends helped him establish a small business. Secret performances become increasingly risky Initially, some musicians continued performing at underground gatherings despite the ban. However, growing surveillance and the threat of arrest have made such events increasingly dangerous. The singer said government agents were actively searching for musicians involved in secret performances. He has not attended any underground musical gathering for four years, fearing imprisonment and worrying about his young children. The rubab player also stopped performing secretly after authorities raided a gathering where he had played. The morality police reportedly learned about the event after an attendee took photographs and sent them to officials. Several participants were arrested, although he managed to escape. Musicians fear loss of cultural heritage Beyond the financial consequences, musicians fear that Afghanistan's traditional music could gradually disappear if younger generations cannot learn and practise it. The rubab player learned the instrument from his father and now hopes to pass the skill on to his eldest son. He said preserving the family tradition was essential, describing it as a legacy passed down from his grandfather to his father and then to him. The singer, however, believes Afghanistan's musical identity cannot be erased despite the restrictions. "No one can ever truly separate music from Afghan society," he said, comparing their connection to that between a fingernail and flesh.

For more than six decades, striped bass fishing has been a major passion for Bill Jakob. He still remembers spending entire nights casting into the rough waves off Montauk and returning with eight or nine fish weighing up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) each. However, after years of intensive fishing, those large catches gradually became less frequent. "I was part of the problem in those years. I operated party boats, and we caught fish recklessly without considering the consequences," said Jakob, president of the Montauk Surfcasters Association on the eastern tip of Long Island. Like Jakob, an increasing number of fishermen are concerned that the golden days of striped bass fishing may be disappearing. The fish are no longer appearing in the numbers they once did, while finding younger striped bass has also become increasingly difficult. Scientists studying the species say these concerns are justified, pointing to prolonged overfishing as one of several contributing factors. Regulators reported last week that striped bass have experienced eight consecutive years of poor reproduction in their most important breeding ground, the Chesapeake Bay. Their population has also declined across much of the Atlantic coast. Scientists have raised concerns about several additional threats, including rising water temperatures, reduced river flows, drought, pollution and potentially increased predation by seals and sharks. These challenges have raised questions about whether stricter fishing restrictions alone would be sufficient to restore the population. The decline of striped bass, important predators that help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling smaller fish populations, could also have serious economic consequences, putting an $8 billion fishing industry and tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

The Vatican has opened an exhibition celebrating the popemobile, the special vehicle that has helped popes meet and connect with Catholic faithful around the world for nearly a century. The Vatican Museums presented a preview of the exhibition, titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” on Wednesday. The display features eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles used by popes since 1930 and officially opened to visitors on Thursday. Pope Leo XIV, who has a keen interest in cars, also met senior Mercedes-Benz executives and thanked the company for its longstanding partnership with the Holy See. The Chicago-born pope said developments in car technology had gone hand in hand with changes in how popes travel. “Over the decades, the popemobile has evolved from a means of transportation into an instrument of encounter, enabling the pontiff to draw closer to the faithful during pastoral visits and public celebrations,” Leo said. He added that the company's work had supported the Church's mission of reaching people with messages of faith, hope and charity. The oldest vehicle in the exhibition is a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. It features a luxurious armchair covered in silk brocade, along with finely crafted wooden and metal fittings. The vehicle was specially designed and built for papal use, making it different from standard production cars, said Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums. He explained that the vehicles were designed to allow popes to see and be seen by crowds while travelling in safety and comfort. Later models reflected the changing needs of papal journeys, particularly the importance of interacting with the faithful and blessing babies brought to meet the pope. In 1960, Pope John XXIII received a Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet. Its removable rear side windows allowed him to reach out to people along his route, marking an important step towards more direct contact with the public. Another major development came in 1980, when Mercedes-Benz prepared a 230 G for Pope John Paul II's visit to Germany. The vehicle featured a raised, transparent dome at the rear, protecting the pope while allowing crowds to see him clearly. During his meeting with company executives, Leo also recalled the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, reflecting the late Argentine pope's commitment to environmental protection. “I encourage you to continue placing technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation and the common good,” Leo said.