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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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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took 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. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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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.
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Recent US immigration enforcement efforts have led to over 250 arrests in Louisiana, separating families and causing deep distress. Families face prolonged detention, deportation, and uncertain futures, amid record-low border crossings and increased deportation efforts across the country.
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Several recent transport incidents include a fatal bus crash in Guatemala, a train derailment in Mexico, a car crash in New York, and a bus rollover in Indonesia. These events resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, prompting investigations and safety concerns across regions. Today's date is Mon, 05 Jan 2026.
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Over the past week, the US military has conducted multiple strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they were drug traffickers. The operations have resulted in at least 115 deaths, with survivors and legal experts raising concerns over potential extrajudicial killings amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
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Over the past four months, US immigration officers have shot at least nine individuals across five states and Washington, D.C., mostly during vehicle pursuits. All targeted individuals were in vehicles, with officials citing self-defense. Multiple deaths and injuries have occurred, prompting questions about enforcement tactics and accountability.
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Guatemalan authorities retook control of the Renovación prison after inmates, linked to gangs Barrio 18 and MS-13, seized guards and launched attacks. The unrest spread to the capital, killing three police officers and injuring others. The government is negotiating with inmates while maintaining a firm stance against organized crime.