"Rust" is an American Western film set in the 1880s that tells the story of Harland Rust, a former outlaw, who emerges from hiding to save his teenage grandson, Lucas Hollister, wrongfully sentenced to death. Caught in a tense chase, Rust and his grandson must elude his old adversary, U.S. Marshal Wood Helm, and a relentless bounty hunter named Fenton "Preacher" Lang, attempting to navigate the perils of their quest for freedom. The central role of Harland Rust is portrayed by Alec Baldwin, who also had a hand in producing the film and shaping its story alongside director Joel Souza. The film features Patrick Scott McDermott as Lucas, replacing Brady Noon who left the project. Travis Fimmel steps into the shoes of the fierce bounty hunter, with Frances Fisher playing Lucas' grandaunt, and Jake Busey as Drum Parker. The film also includes Josh Hopkins and Devon Werkheiser in roles that are yet to be revealed to the audience. However, the film's production faced severe adversity when, during scene preparations in October 2021, a tragic accident occurred resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injury to director Souza due to a misfire from a prop gun handled by Baldwin. The production was put on hold, resuming in January 2023 amid legal complications, including charges of involuntary manslaughter filed against Baldwin. Although the charges were initially dismissed in April 2023, leading to the continuation of filming, they were later reinstated in 2024. The film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted for her role in the incident and received a prison sentence. Ongoing legal disputes, including civil cases, persist alongside the production's journey toward completion.

Since October 7, 2023, a violent clash has erupted mainly in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestinian militants led by Hamas. The conflict has also spread to the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the borders with Lebanon and Syria, where confrontations with Hezbollah have occurred. Marking the most severe confrontation since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, this latest conflict is the deadliest for Palestinians and represents the fifth major battle in the Gaza-Israel saga, which has seen recurring hostilities since 2008. The confrontation was ignited by a surprise offensive from Hamas and its allies, who assaulted Israel with a rocket onslaught and approximately 3,000 fighters breaking through the barrier separating Gaza from Israel. Civilian areas and military outposts in Israel were targeted, resulting in substantial losses, including over a thousand fatalities among Israelis and foreign nationals, numerous civilian casualties, and the capture of more than 250 individuals by the militants. Hamas justified their offensive as a reaction to Israel's ongoing control over Palestinian territories, the blockade on Gaza, the continual establishment of settlements, and in defense of what they claimed were threats to the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque, coupled with the broader suffering of the Palestinian people. Israel retaliated fiercely with a massive bombardment, one of the most intense on record, followed by a major ground campaign launched on October 27. The stated aim was to dismantle Hamas and rescue those taken hostage. The Israeli operations have resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant proportion being women and children. The intensification of Israel's blockade has triggered a grave humanitarian emergency in Gaza, with the destruction of critical infrastructure, the collapse of the healthcare system, and rising fears of famine. Indirect fatalities from diseases are expected to be substantial, while thousands are missing, believed to be buried beneath ruins. This war has signaled not only a devastating toll in lives but a dire humanitarian predicament that continues to unfold. Each side asserts its rationale and objectives amidst a landscape

In the world of theater and film, an object known as a prop is indispensable for creating a convincing and engaging performance. Props can be any item that actors interact with on stage or in front of a camera, so long as it's not a fixed part of the set design, an item of clothing, or part of the lighting and electrical setup. The term "props," short for "properties," has a history that dates back to a 15th-century morality play, indicating these items have long been an essential part of theatrical productions. Originally, actors would bring their own personal items to use during performances, which is why such items were referred to as their "property." As time went by and theater companies formed, larger items might be collectively owned by an acting troupe. The notion of "props" has since expanded to all performative settings, including television and cinema. The significance and fundamental nature of props persist, regardless of the medium, underlining their universal role in storytelling. Behind the scenes, a methodical approach is crucial for the management of props. Before a performance starts, they must be arranged in sequence and placed within easy reach of the action, typically overseen by an assistant stage manager. The person tasked with the overall responsibility for these items is the property master, who ensures that props are appropriate for the scene, in good condition, and correctly located where they need to be for the performance. Props can be everyday objects, but they often need adjustments for theatrical use—such as altering the wiring of lamps for stage lighting controls or painting objects to make them appear older or stand out under stage lighting. Sometimes, it's necessary to craft unique items specifically tailored for a production to capture the essence of a particular scene or setting. These specially made props highlight the depth to which productions go to create believable and compelling worlds for audiences to immerse themselves in.