Global health inequalities persist despite progress, prompting the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health to launch a series of events themed 'Until We Are All Equal' to address power dynamics and promote equitable governance. In U.S. politics, the health of democracies worldwide is crucial for American democracy's survival, as explored by Owen, who argues that democracies shape their environments akin to keystone species. The upcoming Democratic National Convention will see President Biden endorse Kamala Harris as his successor, amid polling that shows Harris leading Donald Trump. Historian Alexander Keyssar warns that the upcoming elections could signify a pivotal moment for democracy in the U.S. Meanwhile, New Zealand faces an energy crisis exacerbated by a cold snap and declining hydro and wind resources, with political blame shifting among parties regarding the situation. The nation’s largest gas consumer has halted production, finding it more profitable to sell gas rather than produce methanol, highlighting the fragility of the economic recovery.