Beirut Today

08/06/2025

Early this morning, 19 detainees escaped from the Ghazir police station in Keserwan, sparking a major security operation.

So far, one escapee has been arrested in Jbeil by Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF), while the remaining 18 are still at large. Security operations are ongoing with the help of Lebanese Army Intelligence to track and re-arrest the fugitives.

Authorities have not yet released details on how the escape occurred, but efforts are intensifying to bring those involved back into custody.

07/06/2025

A major new study reveals that va**ng increases the risk of lung disease “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - COPD” by 50%, yet e-cigarettes remain widely used in Lebanon, especially among youth and athletes. With weak regulations and rising health concerns, experts warn of a growing public health crisis.

By Jinan Nabaa

Independent, community-based news

07/06/2025

A preliminary report by Beirut’s Reconstruction Committee reveals extensive damage in the southern suburbs after a series of Israeli airstrikes. Entire residential blocks were flattened, and dozens of businesses and cars were destroyed.

Here’s what the numbers show:
• 9 buildings completely destroyed
• 71 buildings damaged
• 115 residential units destroyed and 874 damaged
• 50 vehicles hit
• 177 businesses and institutions affected

The most impacted areas include Roueiss, Santrize, Kfayat, and Al-Qaaim. The damage highlights the growing toll on civilian areas and critical infrastructure, raising urgent concerns about safety, displacement, and reconstruction.

Image by AFP

06/06/2025

Lebanon is reworking its relationships in the region. It’s reopening dialogue with Iran, rebuilding ties with Syria, and reconnecting with Gulf countries like the UAE. But while things are shifting, real progress still depends on solving deep political and economic issues in the country.

Image by IRNA

Independent, community-based news

06/06/2025

Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk boiled over this week in a very public fight. What began with Trump criticizing Musk’s stance on a key spending bill quickly spiraled into an online war of words, with Musk accusing Trump of “ingratitude” and even calling for his impeachment.

The drama rattled markets, wiping $150 billion off Tesla’s value in just one day. Meanwhile, Musk hinted the feud may cool down soon, and there are conflicting reports on whether the White House is trying to arrange a reconciliation call.

This high-stakes clash isn’t just personal, it could shake political and business alliances ahead of next year’s elections. And with Musk holding major federal contracts and Trump eyeing a comeback, the fallout could get even messier.

Stay tuned.

05/06/2025

Israeli Army issues warning on Southern Suburbs, check below for the buildings under threat.

05/06/2025

Lebanon is once again on the brink of a waste crisis. With Eid al-Adha approaching, concerns are mounting that garbage may accumulate in Beirut’s streets due to a financial standoff between the Ministry of Finance and waste management companies. The root of the issue lies in the Ministry’s delay in authorizing overdue payments to these companies, threatening to halt waste collection services. 

In response to growing public concern, the Ministry of Finance issued a statement clarifying its position. The Ministry emphasized that it had previously presented a detailed report on the waste management situation to the Cabinet. Following this, during its session on May 29, 2025, the Cabinet decided that to prevent disruptions in waste collection, the Ministry should continue disbursing payments to the waste management companies as before. Additionally, the Ministry was tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Environment to propose new funding solutions for waste management contracts.

Subsequently, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber signed off on the necessary payments, forwarding them to the relevant directorates for processing. This move aims to ensure the continuity of waste collection services and avert a potential public health crisis during the festive period. 

Image by L’Orient Le Jour

05/06/2025

From “breasts that smile” to women who exist solely to die beautifully or make men feel things, literature is full of female characters with the emotional depth of a doorknob. This piece dives into the bizarre, hilarious, and depressing ways men have been butchering women on the page... and why it’s time we stop calling it genius or creative and start calling it what it is: lazy.

By Samar Abou Khzam

Independent, community-based news

04/06/2025

Lebanon’s Ministry of Tourism announced the upcoming reopening of Jeita Grotto, one of the country’s most iconic tourist sites and a nominee for the New 7 Wonders of the World, after a six-month closure.

The shutdown followed the passing of the former private operator, prompting the ministry to draft a temporary agreement with the Municipality of Jeita to manage the site in the meantime. A special committee has been formed to ensure the reopening is handled transparently and in full compliance with Lebanese law.

The site is expected to reopen in the coming weeks, just in time for the summer tourism season.

04/06/2025

A key government building in Baabda, home to the commercial registry, labor court, real estate court, and enforcement office, was evacuated after engineers found it at risk of collapse.

The decision to evacuate staff was taken immediately as a safety measure, with officials now expected to step in and determine next steps. The incident highlights serious concerns about the state of many old public buildings in Lebanon, many of which haven’t been maintained for years but continue to serve hundreds of citizens every day.

The building also contains sensitive legal files and official records. Experts warn that the structural risks don’t just threaten public safety, but also put the judicial system and key public services at risk.

03/06/2025

The Nubian ibex is back in Lebanon. Once extinct, this wild mountain goat is being reintroduced by the Shouf Biosphere Reserve to restore its role in the country’s nature.

03/06/2025

Twelve members of the Tripoli municipal council have submitted their resignations following the appointment of Abdel Hamid Karami as head of the municipality.

The resigned members are now meeting with North Governor Imane El-Rafei, and all signs point to upcoming by-elections. A by-election (also called a special election) is held to fill a political position that has become vacant before the end of the regular term. Karami will stay on for now in a caretaker role until an official election date is set.