As fortunes soar and coastlines sink, the contradictions of modern life grow ever sharper. Billionaires inch toward historic tax cuts while polar ice vanishes. Beauty routines go airborne, towers tumble, and a terminal touted as “mega yet cozy” rises in Singapore. Meanwhile, hermit crabs, of all things, find themselves at the center of an unlikely cross-border crime. Here’s what’s making headlines this week.
Billionaires, Untaxed
America’s wealthiest individuals are getting wealthier—fast. Over the past year, the 10 richest Americans gained a combined $365 billion, thanks to tech stock rebounds, AI optimism, and market momentum. Now, those same individuals are poised to benefit from a major Republican-backed tax proposal that would extend or make permanent Trump-era tax cuts.
Critics say the move would deepen inequality at a moment of increasing economic strain for ordinary Americans. Supporters argue that the cuts are pro-growth and will fuel further investment. But the numbers are staggering—and the optics unmistakable: as national debt climbs and household budgets shrink, the ultra-rich are racing ahead.
Selective Asylum
The Trump administration has begun fast-tracking asylum claims for white South African farmers, citing threats of land expropriation and targeted violence. In a rare move, their applications are being processed under an expedited system that bypasses many of the delays faced by asylum-seekers from other regions.
But not everyone wants to leave. Many farmers see the offer as political theatre and are choosing to stay, even amid risk. The decision underscores how race and geopolitical interests often shape the asylum process—raising questions about who gets refuge, and why.
Beauty at 30,000 Feet
TikTokers are filming their full beauty routines aboard commercial flights—and not everyone is thrilled. From sheet masks to full-face foundation, the trend has sparked debate over public space, hygiene, and in-flight etiquette. Videos with hashtags like #PlaneBeauty and #JetGlam have drawn millions of views—and plenty of backlash.
Critics call it intrusive and inconsiderate, while defenders argue it’s harmless and creative. For airlines already navigating post-COVID norms and personal space politics, the mile-high makeup moment is proving surprisingly divisive.
Vanishing Ice
A sobering new report reveals that the world’s two largest ice sheets—Greenland and Antarctica—are melting faster than previously feared. Together, they are now on track to raise global sea levels by more than 1.5 feet by the end of the century, putting major coastal cities at risk of chronic flooding.
The findings, based on satellite and radar data, show irreversible losses even under moderate climate scenarios. Scientists warn that adaptation alone will not be enough—rapid emissions cuts remain essential. For island nations and waterfront cities alike, the clock is no longer ticking. It’s ringing.
Heritage Lost
Tourists in central China were forced to evacuate this week after part of a 600-year-old wooden tower collapsed during a routine visit. The structure, located in Shanxi province, had been undergoing preservation work when its upper levels buckled, sending debris onto surrounding walkways.
The incident has renewed concern over the fragile state of China’s lesser-known heritage sites, many of which lack the funding and protections granted to marquee landmarks. No injuries were reported, but officials have launched an investigation into construction practices and oversight.
Disney Turns 70
Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with discounts on multi-day tickets, new nighttime shows, and a nostalgia-heavy marketing campaign. While prices have surged in recent years, the anniversary offers a brief reprieve—and a moment to reflect on the evolution of “the happiest place on Earth.”
Park officials are betting that a mix of legacy attractions and tech-savvy upgrades will keep crowds coming. From Sleeping Beauty Castle to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is banking on its past to shape the future.
Crab Smuggling
Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in Japan after authorities found thousands of protected hermit crabs packed into suitcases at a Tokyo airport. The crabs, classified as a protected species, were allegedly intended for illegal resale in the pet trade.
Officials say the seizure highlights a growing black market for exotic and endangered species, fueled by social media trends and lax enforcement across borders. The crabs have since been returned to wildlife authorities for rehabilitation and release.
Mega, Yet Cozy
Singapore’s Changi Airport—already hailed as the world’s best—is expanding once again. Ground has broken on Terminal 5, which promises to be one of the largest airport terminals in the world while somehow maintaining a “cozy” atmosphere, according to designers. The new space will include lush indoor gardens, automated baggage systems, and AI-powered operations.
Slated for completion in the mid-2030s, Terminal 5 is designed with future pandemics and sustainability in mind. As global travel rebounds, Changi is betting that luxury, efficiency, and nature can coexist at scale.
Read more like this: Last Week’s updates around the world
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