Pakistan’s government is set to abolish sales tax on sanitary products, in a sweeping new measure that reproductive justice advocates say could de-stigmatize ubiquitous social taboos around sexual health. The planned withdrawal of the 18% sales tax on sanitary items and contraceptives, announced as part of the country’s fiscal budget last week, comes after a campaign for improved access to commercial period products in a nation where only a tiny proportion of woman currently use them. Such items are “indispensable for women’s health, dignity and full participation in social activities,” said Muhammad Aurangzeb, the finance minister, on Friday.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/16/asia/pakistan-period-tax-hnk-intl
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/16/world/video/teen-student-uk-social-media-ban-viral-digvid-vrtc
Consider the established entrepreneur and world traveler who says he checks off boxes for both “over 6 feet” and “over 6 figures.” Or the CEO seeking a beautiful muse to share “international adventures” and a “curated lifestyle.” Then there’s the dude pictured in the driver’s seat of a blue convertible who insists he’s “less of an a**hole than I look.” Scroll matchmaking profiles and you’ll find posts highlighting three specific qualities on repeat: “looks, money and status” — or LMS for those hip to modern dating lingo. Sure, touting LMS features might make more people swipe right, but if you’re looking for lasting love, this same triad could leave you lonely.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/16/health/looking-for-love-using-science-wellness
The winners of the James Beard Awards — often called “the Oscars of the food world” — were announced Monday, with the award for Best New Restaurant going to Lei, a winebar in New York’s Chinatown. Michael Tusk of Quince in San Francisco was named Outstanding Chef at the award ceremony, which took place at the historic Lyric Opera in Chicago before an audience of about 2,000 chefs, restaurant owners and culinary figures. The Outstanding Restaurateur award was won by Dana Street, who owns Fore Street, Scales and other restaurants in Portland, Maine, while the southern Thai eatery Kalaya, in Philadelphia, was named the Outstanding Restaurant.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/15/travel/james-beard-award-winners-2026
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the “reckless” crew of a Russian warship that fired warning shots at a yacht in the English Channel, an incident a British sailor on board described as “completely unnecessary.” Speaking at the G7 summit in France on Wednesday, Starmer called the incident involving the Russian navy frigate Admiral Grigorovich “deeply concerning.” “That shouldn’t have happened. It is reckless, and the couple on the yacht must’ve been terrified,” added Starmer.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/16/uk/russian-warship-warning-shots-latam-intl