海角大神

Today鈥檚 stories explore the diplomatic ripple effects of the Soleimani assassination, the implications of President Donald Trump鈥檚 unilateralist approach, a search for solutions in California鈥檚 housing crisis, efforts to quantify femicide in Kenya, and a foray into ethical fashion design.

We鈥檙e keeping a close eye on the bushfires ravaging Australia and plan to have Martin Kuz on scene by week鈥檚 end. In the meantime, here鈥檚 a look at one little girl鈥檚 quest to help animals threatened by the fires.

Lucia Stewart is on a mission. At just 8 years old, she spends much of her time local wildlife. She currently cares for 53 animals at her home in South Waikato, New Zealand, including rabbits, ducklings, chickens 鈥� and her dog Rex. But she plans to devote the next several weeks to animals farther afield.

Like many around the world, Lucia has been devastated by bushfires ravaging Australia and the estimated聽 that have been killed.聽

鈥淪he鈥檚 watched the news, seen the photos and videos on social media, and has shed tears over it,鈥� her mom, Megan Stewart, explains in a Facebook Messenger chat. 鈥淭he numbers of recorded wildlife that are gone has totally touched her heart.鈥�

So for the next several weeks, Lucia is joining in a global effort to produce snuggly gear for animals rescued from the flames. Ms. Stewart, who is a seamstress and homeschools Lucia, taught her daughter how to sew five years ago during another spate of bushfires. Together the team made 200 pairs of mittens for koalas with burned paws.

This time, Lucia has full command of the sewing machine. Just a few days in, she and her mom have already stitched聽 and hanging pouches for joeys, bats, and wallabies.

鈥淚 want the world to know how special each and every animal is, especially native wildlife who don鈥檛 have owners to care for them and who cannot stand up for themselves,鈥� Lucia says. 鈥淓very little life matters.鈥�