Southern California Edison has decided to permanently shut down the San Onofre nuclear plant, which has been a source of nuclear energy in Southern California for four decades. The plant has been closed for over a year due to a leak of radioactive steam caused by unusual wear on hundreds of tubes in the newly replaced steam generator system. The closure follows a 16-month debate over the plant's future and leaves unresolved the issue of who will bear the more than $1 billion in costs. The shutdown will result in the loss of 1,100 jobs and raises questions about the future of nuclear power in California and the nation. The decommissioning process is expected to be covered by a fund into which Edison has been paying, with an estimated 90% of the costs accounted for. The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the costs of the outage and the steam generators, with a focus on potential refunds to customers.

The article discusses the challenges faced by mentally ill individuals within the criminal justice system in Los Angeles County and California state prisons. It highlights the case of Reginald Murray, a man diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, who ended up in prison instead of receiving proper mental health care. Los Angeles County officials have announced plans to divert mentally ill individuals from jail and prison, but the number of mentally ill inmates has continued to rise. The article also touches on the decrease in acute psychiatric beds in California and the story of Murray's journey through the criminal justice system, his struggles with mental health, and the impact of his incarceration on his family.

The ruins of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Thailand, represent the remnants of the Thai state's first capital with 700-year-old temples and shrines. It was an important center for worship, politics, commerce, and culture, known for its ceramics industry and hydraulic engineering. Despite its eventual absorption by the Ayutthaya kingdom, the religious monuments of Sukhothai have survived, and the area has been restored, resulting in the Sukhothai Historical Park, which offers visitors a serene environment for exploration and meditation.

French photographer Yoann Cimier, while vacationing on Djerba island in Tunisia, captured the unique and elaborate beach shelters set up by Tunisian locals. These makeshift encampments, which Cimier views as a symbol of freedom and a continuation of Tunisia’s Bedouin heritage, contrast with the regulated beach camping in the West. Despite recent security concerns affecting Tunisia's travel industry, the country's beaches are gaining popularity, with tourism numbers expected to reach a record high.

Turkey's tourism industry is recovering after a significant decline due to security and political concerns, including terrorist attacks and a failed coup attempt. The devaluation of the Turkish lira has made the country more attractive to budget-conscious tourists. Foreign visitor numbers dropped from 36.2 million in 2015 to 25.4 million in 2016 but rebounded to 32.4 million in 2017. The largest share of tourists came from Russia, Germany, and the UK. Despite the challenges, travelers like Australian photographer Patricia Sofra have found a new appreciation for Turkish culture and people.

Baños de Agua Santa in Ecuador, located near the active Tungurahua volcano, offers a range of tourist attractions including natural hot springs, outdoor adventure activities, and the Swing at the End of the World for breathtaking views. The town is also known for its thermal springs, outdoor sports, the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and the neo-Gothic basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Bill Gates appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' to play a game where he guessed the prices of everyday supermarket items, highlighting his disconnection from everyday shopping due to his wealth. Despite his struggles with most items, he accurately guessed the price of dental floss. The article compares Gates to former President George H.W. Bush, who was perceived as out of touch during a recession. It also notes Gates' and his wife Melinda's commitment to philanthropy, planning to give away more than half of their fortune.

Father Dario Escobar, an 83-year-old Maronite monk from Colombia, has resided as a hermit in Lebanon's Qadisha Valley for 17 years, becoming a niche tourist attraction. The valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a history of providing refuge to Christians. Escobar's daily life includes 14 hours of prayer and a vegetarian diet. His hermitage, Saydet Hawqa Monastery, attracts visitors, especially since the Lebanon Mountain Trail was established. While some seek his blessing, others are drawn by curiosity. The valley also hosts other hermits, and Escobar acknowledges that he may eventually have to leave his solitary life for a convent due to old age.

Father Dario Escobar, an 83-year-old Maronite monk from Colombia, has resided as a hermit in Lebanon's Qadisha Valley for 17 years, attracting tourists and locals alike. The valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a history of providing refuge to Christians and is now part of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which has boosted local tourism. Escobar, known for his humor and lecherous jokes, follows a strict daily routine of prayer, work, study, and sleep, and lives off his garden, although he occasionally receives provisions from nearby towns. As he ages, he acknowledges that he may eventually have to leave his hermitage for a convent, but for now, he remains a unique figure in the valley.

The article discusses the situation in Arsal, a town on Lebanon's northeast border, which has been heavily affected by the Syrian civil war. The town, which now has a refugee population double that of its Lebanese citizens, has faced economic hardship after local businesses like stone quarries and factories closed due to fighting between Syrian militants and the Lebanese army. Recently, the Islamist group Al Nusra Front was driven out of Arsal, raising hopes for a return to normalcy. The Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which supports the Syrian government, has been instrumental in changing the situation on the ground. The restoration of 3G networks and potential reopening of businesses are signs of improvement. However, the fate of the refugees, including their potential voluntary return to Syria, remains uncertain. The article also touches on the broader impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Lebanon.

Thousands of Syrian rebels and civilian refugees are being transferred from Lebanon back to Syria, raising concerns about forced returns. The transfers are part of agreements negotiated by Hezbollah with various rebel groups, including Saraya Ahl Al Sham and Hayyat Tahrir Al Sham. While some view the transfers as humanitarian gestures or security measures, others, including the UN and community leaders, express deep concern over the safety and voluntariness of these returns. Lebanon, a small country with a significant refugee population, is facing political pressure to return refugees to Syria, despite the risks involved.

Noobtsaa Philip Vang, founder and CEO of Foodhini, shares his story as the son of Laotian refugees and his journey to creating a food delivery service featuring refugee chefs in Washington, D.C. His inspiration came from craving his mother's cooking and recognizing the potential in the refugee community. Foodhini began beta testing in 2015 and launched in January 2017, with a focus on creating opportunities and community connections. The service has received significant support and plans to expand beyond the D.C. area. Chef Mem, one of the chefs at Foodhini, has a rich culinary background influenced by her time in Southeast Asia and Laos.

The article discusses the story of a Syrian family who fled war-torn Aleppo and settled in southern Italy through a humanitarian corridors program. The program, initiated by church organizations, aims to provide a safe passage for refugees, avoiding the perilous Mediterranean crossing. The family's transition to Italian life has been challenging, particularly due to language barriers and accessing medical care. The town of Riace, where they initially settled, is known for welcoming migrants to counteract population decline and revitalize the local economy. The mayor of Riace, Domenico Lucano, has been recognized for his efforts in integrating migrants. The family later moved to Gioiosa Ionica, hoping for better integration and employment opportunities. The article also touches on broader issues such as the impact of immigration on local economies, the challenges of integration, and the varying responses of Italian communities to the influx of migrants.

Jisr az-Zarqa, an isolated all-Arab village on Israel's coast, is seeking to overcome decades of seclusion by promoting tourism. The village is uniquely positioned, bordered by a freeway, the Mediterranean, a nature preserve, and the Jewish resort town of Caesarea. Despite facing challenges such as a barrier built by Caesarea Development Corp. and a history of being viewed as collaborators by other Arabs, residents like Ahmad Juha are optimistic about Jisr's potential. Juha has opened the first backpackers' hostel in partnership with Neta Hanien, a Jewish Israeli woman, aiming to foster interaction between villagers and visitors. However, the village's tourism efforts face skepticism due to safety concerns and a decrease in visitors following the Gaza warfare. Despite these challenges, the younger generation, like 16-year-old Maisan Jarban, sees a future in Jisr and the possibility of change driven by the community itself.