BRICS, which represents 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade, has been described as a “motley collection of emerging markets that agree on little and achieve even less,” said the Financial Times. Many of its members are at odds with their supposed allies, but at last weekend’s summit in India, leaders of the group’s 11 countries united to sign a 45-page declaration calling for a multipolar world: a global system in which power is spread across several major countries or power blocs rather than being controlled by just one or two.

‘Source of tension’
The “historically unruly bloc” — which started as Brazil, Russia, India and China — and now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE — agreed on a statement “blasting protectionism and economic sanctions and calling for peace in the Gulf,” said the Financial Times. The declaration also expresses concerns about the “unilateral tariff and nontariff measures” that distort trade. It urges cooperation to protect global trade, supply chains, energy flows and maritime security as wars disrupt international commerce.

The Ukraine war is a “source of tension” within BRICS, of which Russia is a founding member, said Al Jazeera. The declaration states that international disputes should be resolved through “dialogue, consultation and diplomacy” but makes no mention of Ukraine.

‘Space for rivals to talk’
For Iran, this month’s summit in New Delhi was a “chance to show that it does not stand alone amid the U.S.’s and Israel’s military attacks and economic pressure,” said the BBC. In the face of Washington’s sanctions, Iran “pressed for deeper economic ties” with BRICS members, including India and Ethiopia. And for China, this was its leader Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years, showing that BRICS can “create space for rivals to talk and maneuver outside Western-dominated institutions.”

But “key members and partners of the bloc are at serious loggerheads,” said political scientist Stefan Wolff at The Conversation. Iran is “effectively in a state of war” with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while the Saudis and the UAE have been “at odds for years” over Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. A group whose “sole remaining source of unanimity is opposition to the U.S. and its allies” is “hardly likely to become a pole of a multipolar order.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested a record number of pregnant people and placed them in detention centers where they receive subpar prenatal and postnatal care. And the agency has lost count of how many have suffered miscarriages.

What’s happening to women who miscarry?
The Trump administration “placed more pregnant immigrants in detention” last fall and winter than ever before, said The Guardian. In October, there were at least 87 pregnant women and teens in detention, and by November, there were 101, according to government documents. ICE reported 18 miscarriages during the first nine months of the Trump administration, but the agency stopped recording miscarriages after Oct. 3. 

Detained pregnant women report they are “struggling to access routine and emergency medical care,” said The Guardian. Women who miscarried or were hospitalized for pregnancy complications told the outlet they “did not receive follow-up care, despite experiencing ongoing pain and symptoms.” Center for Reproductive Rights reports from earlier this year also indicate high numbers of miscarriages in detention centers and, in severe cases, “allegations of coerced or unnecessary gynecological surgeries and hysterectomies,” said Forbes. 

What does the DHS have to say?
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, confirmed it “does not have data on miscarriages from October 2025 through June 2026,” said The Guardian. It’s convenient for the Trump administration that ICE cannot report how many miscarriages happened in its custody, because when “you don’t track something,” you don’t have to be “confronted with the reality of what your policies have yielded,” said Faisal Al-Juburi, the co-chief executive of the nonprofit Raíces, to the outlet.

In May, Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Jon Ossoff (Ga.) demanded answers regarding the “horrific treatment” of pregnant, postpartum and nursing women in immigration detention, in a letter sent to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and private contractors operating an ICE facility in Texas. The trio cited “cases of miscarriages, medical neglect and the use of shackles during pregnancy,” said the Latin Times. They also urged the Trump administration to “restore a policy presuming the release of pregnant women from immigration custody except in extraordinary circumstances.”

A mahout, or elephant keeper, watches over a Sumatran elephant amid a smoky haze caused by forest fires at the Buluh Cina Nature Tourism Park in Riau, Indonesia. Critically endangered Sumatran elephants continue to be pushed further to the brink as wildfires destroy their habitat.
Wahyudi / AFP / Getty Images

Not all castles are as they seem. Many have been transformed into hotels where guests can live out their aristocratic dreams behind stone walls and high gates. These historic castles offer a stay you won’t experience anywhere else, plus the chance to be king or queen for the night.

Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland
Upon arrival, you will notice the “legendary” porters and doormen who carry your bags to your room with “cheery smiles and lots of stories,” said Condé Nast Traveler. Their excellent service is just one perk of staying at Dromoland (pictured above). Take time to explore the “maze-like” main building, where architectural details include stained glass windows and carved ceilings.

Ozu Castle, Ehime, Japan
This meticulously restored wooden castle is one of only a few still standing in Japan and the first to welcome overnight guests. It’s believed that the original fortress went up in the 14th century, about 200 years before the Kato clan took control of Ozu. Amenities and items like sheets and tableware are made locally, and guests are introduced to the area’s history.

Pousada Castelo Estremoz, Portugal
Built in the 13th century by King Dinis I for Queen Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Pousada Castelo Estremoz offers “sweeping views” of the Alentejo region, said Condé Nast Traveler. Rooms and suites come with “gorgeous” canopy beds, and outside there are “manicured” gardens, a swimming pool, and a terrace perfect for meditation sessions.