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Recent articles highlight ongoing travel challenges, including cramped train cabins, airport overbookings, and high hotel prices during major events. Travelers are improvising, sleeping in airports, or choosing solo trips for flexibility amid systemic infrastructure issues. These stories reveal persistent systemic travel problems and individual resilience.
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Turkish authorities have detained officials and suspended over 1,000 players amid a major betting and match-fixing investigation. The scandal involves top-tier clubs, referees, and players, revealing a moral crisis in Turkish football. The investigation continues, with key figures under scrutiny.
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Austria has charged two former Syrian officials, including Brig. Gen. Khaled al-Halabi, with war crimes related to torture and repression during the Syrian uprising. Halabi, a double agent for Mossad, has been in Austrian custody since December 2024. The case highlights ongoing efforts to hold Syrian regime figures accountable in Europe.
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Scotland secured a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, overturning a 2-2 draw in stoppage time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match featured dramatic goals, including a bicycle kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range shot from Kieran Tierney, ending Scotland's 27-year absence from the tournament.
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Over the weekend, avalanches in Austria killed at least 11 skiers across two regions, with several others injured. Heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk prompted warnings, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The incidents highlight the dangerous conditions this winter season.
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On December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC. The prize recognizes Trump's efforts in brokering peace deals, including a Gaza ceasefire, despite criticism over his administration's military actions and human rights record. The event highlighted Infantino's close ties with Trump amid global controversy.
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Curacao, with a population of 156,000, has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so. The team secured its spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, in a dramatic CONCACAF qualifying finale. Haiti and Panama also qualified, with the expanded 48-team tournament set for North America.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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European broadcasters are divided over Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026 amid tensions over Gaza. Several countries threaten to boycott if Israel competes, citing concerns over political interference and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The EBU plans rule changes to prevent voting manipulation, with a vote on Israel's inclusion imminent.
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A referendum in Slovenia has rejected a law legalising assisted dying, with about 53% voting against. The law, approved in July, would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives under specific conditions. The suspension of the law will last at least one year, following a campaign backed by the Catholic Church and conservative groups.
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Recent studies reveal domestication processes in dogs, cats, and raccoons. Dogs originated twice in Eurasia with ongoing wolf interbreeding. Cats arrived in Europe around 2,000 years ago via North Africa, while urban raccoons show early signs of domestication, including shorter snouts and reduced fear of humans.
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Five young tennis players, including Canadian Mboko and Indonesian Tjen, have been named the ITF World Tennis Tour's most promising talents of 2025. The selections reflect their recent successes, such as tournament wins and Grand Slam breakthroughs, amid ongoing debates about the sport's scheduling and athlete well-being.
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Several countries including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Iceland are withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's participation, amid ongoing tensions over Gaza. The EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete despite criticism has sparked protests and threats of boycott from multiple broadcasters.
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Brian Walshe is facing trial for the murder of his wife, Ana, after online searches about dismemberment and disposal of bodies. He reported her missing in January 2025, but evidence suggests premeditation. The case remains unresolved as the body has not been recovered. Closing arguments are expected soon.
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Austria's government has approved a law banning girls under 14 from wearing headscarves in schools, citing protection from oppression. The law affects about 12,000 girls and includes fines for repeated violations. Critics argue it discriminates against Muslim girls and risks social division.
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Eurovision 2026 faces a significant boycott as multiple countries withdraw over Israel's participation amid ongoing Gaza conflict. Artists and broadcasters cite conflicts with Eurovision's values of inclusion and dignity, reflecting broader political tensions and concerns about the contest's neutrality.
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Eurovision 2026 in Vienna faces a significant boycott as several countries, including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, withdraw in protest of Israel's participation amid its Gaza conflict. The decision by organizers to allow Israel to compete has intensified political tensions, overshadowing the event's usual festive atmosphere.
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Recent events highlight growing political and cultural tensions, including protests at major events, boycotts of Eurovision, and Canada's support for Israel amid controversy over military exports and activism. These developments reflect shifting public opinion and diplomatic strains in Europe, North America, and beyond, as nations grapple with complex geopolitical issues.
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Weather conditions have led to the cancellation of a key downhill race in Italy, affecting Olympic preparations. Top athletes, including Lindsey Vonn, remain strong contenders despite injuries and event disruptions. The season's schedule is tightening as the Olympics approach on February 6, 2026.
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Several individuals share stories of leaving their homes in the US or Europe for simpler, more affordable, or more fulfilling lifestyles. From downsizing homes to relocating abroad, these stories highlight shifts driven by economic, environmental, and personal factors, with many seeking a slower, more intentional life.
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A cold snap has caused widespread disruptions across Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania, affecting airports, rail, and public transport. Major airports in Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava temporarily closed due to ice and freezing rain, with flights diverted or delayed. Rail and road services also impacted.