Countries pledge over $170 million to WHO ahead of US exit

** Researchers are sounding the alarm—microplastics aren’t just floating in the ocean; they’re likely ending up in your brain, and your diet might be to blame. Four new studies highlight how ultra-processed foods, packed with these tiny plastic particles, could be double trouble for your health. Think of it like a "plastic spoon" of contamination slowly adding up in your body.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just another scary headline—it’s a wake-up call about how modern food production and plastic pollution are colliding in ways that could harm us long-term. If microplastics are creeping into our brains through everyday snacks, it’s a sign that both our diets and our environment need serious rethinking. Time to pay attention to what’s *really* in that convenience meal.

British authorities are zeroing in on English-speaking young people as prime suspects in recent cyberattacks targeting major retailers like Marks & Spencer and Co-op. The National Crime Agency shared details with the BBC about their hunt for the hackers, suggesting this isn’t just random cybercrime—it’s likely coordinated by tech-savvy youths.

What This Mean: Retail hacks aren’t just faceless cyberattacks—they can disrupt everyday shopping, compromise customer data, and shake trust in big brands. If young people are behind this, it raises questions about how they’re getting into cybercrime and what’s being done to stop them before they cause even more damage.

Kraft Heinz, the food giant behind household staples like ketchup and cheese slices, is exploring potential strategic moves—think mergers, acquisitions, or even selling parts of the business—but they’re keeping the details under wraps for now. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, a major investor, is stepping back from its board seat, signaling a shift in its involvement with the company.

What This Mean: Kraft Heinz isn’t in crisis mode, but this is a clear sign they’re rethinking how to stay competitive in a tough food industry. Berkshire’s exit from the board suggests even long-term backers are adjusting their stance, which could mean bigger changes ahead—whether that’s a shake-up in leadership, a major deal, or just a quieter step back. For consumers, it’s business as usual (your ketchup’s safe), but investors and industry watchers will be eyeing what comes next.

** Gold prices held steady during early Asian trading, with ongoing worries about the U.S. fiscal deficit helping to keep demand for the precious metal stable. Investors seem to be hedging their bets, turning to gold as a safe haven amid uncertainty over government spending and debt.

What This Mean: ** Gold often acts like a financial safety net when people get nervous about things like government debt or economic instability. The fact that it’s holding steady—instead of dropping—suggests that traders aren’t fully convinced the U.S. has its budget issues under control. It’s not a crisis, but it’s a quiet signal that some investors are playing it safe.

** CNN reports that Israel is gearing up for a potential military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, signaling escalating tensions in the region. While no final decision has been made, the preparations suggest Israel is seriously weighing its options amid stalled diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just saber-rattling—it’s a high-stakes move that could spiral into a broader conflict. With Iran inching closer to nuclear capabilities and Israel unwilling to let that slide, the world is watching nervously. If things go sideways, the fallout won’t stay in the Middle East; global oil markets, alliances, and regional stability could all take a hit.