‘It’s sad we have to do this’: the US citizens carrying passports out of fear

Christchurch, New Zealand's second-largest city, has transformed from a place marked by a decade of disasters—including earthquakes, wildfires, and a terrorist attack—to being recognized as the country’s most vibrant city, attracting residents with its lower house prices, job opportunities, and a flourishing cultural scene.

Myanmar is set to hold its first national elections since the military coup in 2021, with the ruling junta claiming the polls are a return to democracy. However, critics argue that the heavily restricted elections are a facade aimed at maintaining military control through proxy candidates.

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.

Activist and author Bill McKibben discusses the rapid advancements in solar and wind power in his latest book, Here Comes the Sun, highlighting the United States' loss of leadership in the renewable energy sector to its main rival. McKibben, known for his earlier work The End of Nature, emphasizes the soaring potential of renewable energy as a positive development in combating climate change.