Topping coverage of Egypt in the news is the discovery by archaeologists of a rare collection of mummified scarab beetles, cat statues, and a pristine Fifth Dynasty tomb with an unusually intact facade and door, according to Reuters. The discoveries were among seven tombs unearthed over the past six months on the edge of the King Userkaf pyramid complex in Saqqara, south of Cairo. The tombs were in a buried ridge that has been only partially uncovered, which could point to more discoveries in the future.

Brazil may be reconsidering the relocation of its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem after Egypt cancelled a scheduled visit from Brazilian diplomats last week — and as the South American nation ponders losing its position as a major meat exporter to the Middle East,according to Reuters. Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro said his final decision on the move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is still undecided. The decision is expected to be a major concern to other Islamic nations, to whom Brazil exports to over USD 5 bn of halal meat per year.