Leah Worthington

2 weeks ago | alumni.berkeley.edu | Leah Worthington

On April 20, 2025, Catholics around the world gathered to celebrate Easter, the holiest day of the year. The following morning, Pope Francis died at age 88, ending a dozen years at the helm of the Catholic Church. Who will succeed Francis is the source of much debate and speculation—only to be determined during the upcoming papal conclave. Papal elections procedures have evolved over nearly two millennia, with some of the earliest evidence dating back to the early medieval period.

1 month ago | alumni.berkeley.edu | Leah Worthington

It’s 45 minutes until showtime at Zellerbach Hall. Half a dozen people crowd into a small corner backstage alongside a rack overflowing with lacy yellow garments, enormous sun hats, and fabric-adorned sticks as dancers rush past in various states of dress. One performer sits in the wings, carefully coating his feet in makeup; another, fully costumed, pauses to smile and address the visitors.

1 month ago | alumni.berkeley.edu | Leah Worthington

In late February, a man named John Schwarz took to social media to issue a rallying cry. “The system has been designed to exploit us,” the self-described mindfulness and meditation facilitator said in a video to his thousands of followers. “On February 28, we are going to remind them who really holds the power. For one day, we turn it off.”The video, which was shared nearly 700,000 times on Instagram, called for a 24-hour nationwide consumer boycott of major retailers.

2 months ago | nationalgeographic.com | Leah Worthington

It’s not just for searing up steaks or deep frying french fries anymore. Beef tallow, the humble cow fat byproduct, has been making its way into beauty routines. Citing vitamins and other biochemical benefits, some influencers and wellness gurus are touting beef tallow as the latest hack for soft, dewy skin. With a growing interest in “clean” and “natural” skincare alternatives, it’s perhaps no surprise that animal products—like beef tallow and snail mucin—are having a moment in cosmetics.

Jan 22, 2025 | flipboard.com | Leah Worthington