Marfa, a small town in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, has transformed into a modern art hub since the 1970s, largely due to the influence of minimalist artist Donald Judd. Judd moved to Marfa in 1971, purchasing and repurposing several buildings to create spaces where art interacts with architecture and the surrounding landscape. The Chinati Foundation, a non-profit museum established in 1978, showcases Judd's works and those of other artists. Marfa also attracts tourists with its mysterious lights, a phenomenon observed since the 19th century, which some attribute to atmospheric conditions or paranormal activity.

Juan Guaidó, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition who declared himself interim president four years ago, has been ousted from office, not by dictator Nicolás Maduro and his armed forces, but by his own opposition. Venezuelan socialists, responsible for the country's unprecedented economic, social, and moral decline, remain firmly in power. The situation is also influenced by Putin's Russia and the West's need to eliminate its dependence on Russian oil.

The Czech Republic, initially successful in containing COVID-19, is now facing a severe second wave with the highest death rate per 100,000 globally. After an early strict response, the government declared a premature victory, leading to relaxed precautions. Epidemiologists like Jaroslav Flegr warned of a resurgence, but were ignored. The government, under Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, is criticized for its delayed and inadequate response, including dismissing Health Secretary Adam Vojtěch who advocated for mask-wearing. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and the public's initial solidarity has waned. Some Czechs resist new measures, while experts like Flegr and virologist Ruth Tachezy call for a lockdown.

Dr. Oscar Noya, a renowned parasitologist, is battling a resurgence of malaria in Venezuela amid severe underfunding and threats from the Maduro regime. The government's neglect and intimidation tactics have led to a dramatic increase in malaria cases, alongside other epidemics like measles and diphtheria. Noya's efforts are hampered by the dismantling of health infrastructure and the harassment by pro-government thugs. Despite these challenges, Noya remains committed to his mission, drawing inspiration from his mentor, Arnoldo Gabaldón, who once led Venezuela to significant victories against malaria.

In the affluent Caracas neighborhood of Las Mercedes, signs of economic renewal are evident with the widespread use of U.S. dollars for transactions and the appearance of specialized Christmas pop-up stores. Financial analyst Henkel García attributes this to President Nicolás Maduro's relaxation of price control and import regulations. Imported goods, cheaper than domestic products due to factors like inflation and inefficiency, are now prevalent, with American goods in the east and Russian and Turkish goods in the west of Caracas. Contraband fuel and gold mining are sources of hard currency, along with remittances from the Venezuelan diaspora. Some experts suggest Maduro is adopting a Chinese model of governance, allowing economic freedoms while maintaining political control. Despite the increased use of dollars, experts warn of growing inequality and poverty, as the poor remain without access to dollars, facing a bleak Christmas.

The article focuses on the efforts of Roberto Patiño, a Harvard-educated Venezuelan, who has established over 100 free dining halls in Venezuela to feed children at risk of starvation due to the country's political and economic crisis. Patiño, who has a history of working in impoverished communities and political activism, started this initiative in response to the dire need for food among children in poor neighborhoods. The project is funded through donations, contributions from the Venezuelan diaspora, and a social business model. Despite challenges, including hyperinflation and clashes with government social programs, Patiño's initiative continues to grow, aiming to feed 10,000 children. The article also touches on the potential political implications of Patiño's work, as some see it as a stepping stone for his future political career.

Venezuela is facing a critical political situation with widespread civil unrest against President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of leading the country into poverty, hyperinflation, and under the control of criminal gangs. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president, is gaining popularity and support from the public, despite the government stripping him of immunity. Discussions of a potential U.S. military intervention are prevalent among Venezuelans, with some seeing it as the only solution to remove Maduro's regime. The country's future is uncertain, with fears of civil war or further chaos post-intervention.

The article discusses the political crisis in Venezuela, focusing on the challenges faced by President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition's efforts to appeal to Chavistas, the supporters of the late President Hugo Chávez. It highlights the hardships Venezuelans are enduring, including hunger, inflation, and shortages, which have led some Chavistas to question their support for Maduro. National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó's declaration as interim president is seen as a significant challenge to Maduro's rule. The article also explores the deep-rooted support for Chávez's '21st Century Socialism' among his followers, despite the country's economic downturn. It mentions the role of Datanálisis, a Caracas-based pollster, in measuring public opinion and the political strategies being employed to win over Chavistas to the opposition's side.

Cubans are leaving their country in significant numbers due to a new travel law, seizing the opportunity to explore the world beyond Castro's regime. Eduard Freisler, a Czech journalist, reflects on his visits to Cuba and the stark contrast between the flourishing capitalist Czechoslovakia and the struggling socialist Cuba. He shares personal stories of Cubans' curiosity about life outside socialism and their desperation to escape. Freisler's wife, a Cuban native, experienced a profound sense of freedom upon moving to Prague, symbolizing the broader search for independence and fulfillment among Cubans now able to travel.

On August 18, 1990, a concert by The Rolling Stones in Prague became a symbol of freedom from Communist rule. The event, attended by a hundred thousand people including the author and their father, marked a significant cultural moment as it was held in a stadium where Communist rallies were once organized. The Stones' performance, especially the opening song 'Start Me Up', ignited a display of genuine emotion among the Czechoslovakians, who had been suppressed for decades. The concert is remembered as a turning point where people realized they were finally free to express themselves.