China's VP urges US to halt pressure on Iran and Cuba in UN address

'India calls for restraint': EAM on ship attacks in Gulf, seafarers at UNGA

Brooklyn Public Library adds 150,000 members in 2025 as cards offer savings beyond books

Brooklyn Public Library gained 150,000 new members in 2025, reflecting growing community reliance on libraries amid economic pressures. Public libraries across the United States are expanding their offerings well beyond traditional books to include digital content and technology support. Many libraries have partnered with local businesses to provide cardholders with discounts and promotional deals. The surge in memberships signals a shift in how communities view libraries — increasingly as cost-saving tools for everyday life. Libraries are now widely regarded as essential, free spaces for community engagement and access to services.

Nina Simone's Childhood Home in North Carolina Restored After 20 Years of Neglect

Nina Simone's 650-square-foot childhood home in Tryon, North Carolina, has been fully restored after lying vacant and deteriorating for over two decades. The small three-room house was purchased in 2017 for $95,000 by a group of artists committed to preserving the jazz legend's legacy. The rehabilitation project ultimately cost nearly $850,000, far exceeding the original purchase price. The restored structure retains its original architectural features and is expected to open to the public in 2027.

Russia backs India and Brazil for UNSC permanent seats, opposes Germany and Japan

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's support for India and Brazil gaining permanent membership on the UN Security Council at a recent UN General Assembly session. Lavrov voiced strong opposition to expanding the council's permanent membership to include Western nations such as Germany and Japan. He linked his objections to the West's military involvement in Ukraine, arguing that such actions contradict the foundational principles of the United Nations. Russia's stance draws a clear distinction between backing Global South nations and opposing further Western influence within the UN's most powerful body.