‘This is the Costco of energy, man!’: author Bill McKibben on the promise of renewables

Venezuela has enacted a law imposing severe penalties on individuals supporting the U.S. blockade, a move that reflects the government's strong opposition to what it describes as illegal acts of piracy by the U.S. This legislation comes amid escalating tensions following the recent seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by U.S. forces.

The US economy has shown significant growth, expanding at its fastest pace in two years, driven primarily by strong consumer spending. This unexpected surge indicates a robust economic recovery, suggesting that consumers are increasingly confident in their financial situations.

The Scottish whisky market is experiencing a supply glut as global sales fell by 3% in the first half of 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline due to US tariffs and decreased demand. Distilleries are responding by scaling back production or expanding storage to cope with the oversupply.

Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani are emerging as leading candidates for politically themed Christmas gifts in the US, highlighting the intersection of politics and consumerism during the holiday season. This competition reflects the ongoing influence of political figures in American culture and the ways in which their brands are leveraged for commercial purposes.

Afghans who were once celebrated for their contributions to the U.S. military efforts against the Taliban now face the looming threat of deportation under the Trump administration's immigration policies. Many, like Ali, an Afghan air force pilot, are experiencing heightened anxiety as they navigate a system that increasingly targets asylum seekers.

In the United States, a growing number of citizens are carrying their passports daily due to fears of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports of ICE detaining citizens have sparked anxiety, prompting individuals to take precautionary measures to avoid potential encounters with federal agents. Five individuals shared their experiences of living under this climate of fear, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on their lives.