Sideways World

In Albania, LGBTQ people still face bigotry and violence, despite progress since the 1990s. Activists now run secret shelters, offering refuge to those abused for their sexual orientation.

In Serbia, pirates illegally seize oil, ores, and fertilizers from international boats along the Danube. Rival gangs and violent clashes are common, and the country has been blacklisted for this river piracy.

The U.S. sees about one million divorces each year, creating a $50 billion industry. In New York City, new trends like divorce merchandise and “conscious uncoupling” are growing. These changes show how attitudes toward marriage are evolving, with people adopting new ways to end relationships.

Tulum is attracting psychedelic tourists seeking Bufo Alvarius, the world’s strongest hallucinogen. While legal ceremonies promise life-changing experiences, there are reports of psychosis and abuse. A journalist visits to see whether the experience is worth the risk.

Planespotter John Wiseman tracks aircraft data and notices suspicious surveillance flights. He uncovers planes linked to front companies connected to the U.S. Department of Justice. After analyzing billions of signals, he identifies hundreds of suspected FBI aircraft. The FBI later confirms a nationwide aerial surveillance program.

Ten years later, the scars of the earthquake and nuclear disaster are still visible in Fukushima, Japan. Today, the population of Fukushima prefecture remains 180,000 less than before the triple disaster.