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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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On August 4, 2025, the CDC confirmed the first US human case of New World screwworm in Maryland, involving a patient recently returned from El Salvador. The flesh-eating parasite, primarily affecting livestock, has been spreading northward through Central America and Mexico since 2023. The US is responding with plans for a sterile fly facility in Texas to prevent reintroduction and protect the cattle industry.
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Federal agents conducted raids at two U.S. manufacturing sites, detaining dozens of workers, mostly from Guatemala and South Korea. The operations, involving criminal charges and deportation proceedings, drew criticism from local officials and advocacy groups, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
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Washington D.C. ends cooperation with ICE after federal intervention, amid ongoing immigration enforcement and declining crime rates. Local officials emphasize that immigration enforcement is not part of the city's police duties, while the federal government claims its actions have improved safety. The debate continues as tensions rise.
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Guatemala has passed new legislation designating gangs Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha as terrorist groups. The law increases prison sentences, orders a new maximum-security prison, and follows a recent prison escape involving 20 gang members. The move aims to strengthen security amid regional gang violence concerns.
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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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President Trump has retroactively exempted key food imports, including beef, coffee, and bananas, from tariffs imposed earlier this year. The move aims to address rising grocery prices amid political pressure following recent elections where affordability was a key issue. The exemptions reflect a shift in trade policy and negotiations with trading partners.
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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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The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash clouds across Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. No casualties reported, but villages are covered in ash, affecting livestock and travel. The eruption is the first in 12,000 years, with ongoing regional impacts.
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Recent eruptions from unmonitored, dormant volcanoes highlight the risk of overlooked threats. Experts warn these hidden volcanoes, often in remote regions like Ethiopia and Mexico, can cause widespread climate and societal disruptions, yet remain poorly monitored compared to famous volcanoes like Yellowstone.