‘Slightly haunted but manageable’: new signs cause confusion – and delight – in Christchurch

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.

Al Chapman, a chef stationed at Scott Base in Antarctica during the summer of 2021-22, has spent months cooking in extreme conditions, providing meals for up to 85 people. The dining hall serves as a social hub, and Chapman emphasizes the importance of comfort food during the continent's harshest days, while also noting that penguins are no longer consumed as they are now protected.

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.

Pablo Lemoine, the head coach of Chile's rugby team, expressed his concerns about the challenges facing rugby globally, particularly for developing nations, following the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where Chile will compete against powerhouse teams Australia and New Zealand. He emphasized the need for a broader vision that includes development programs and social impact beyond just the sport itself.