-
Tanzania's recent elections, marked by violence and repression, have resulted in hundreds of deaths, a government crackdown, and international criticism. President Hassan declared victory amid allegations of misconduct, with reports of bodies being concealed and opposition figures detained. The election's legitimacy is widely questioned today, December 2, 2025.
-
A man was indicted for child sex abuse after surveillance footage linked him to multiple incidents involving young girls. Separately, a middle school girl was expelled following a bus altercation over explicit images, prompting her family to plan legal action. A school district also faces criticism over LGBTQ+ educational content without parental notice.
-
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.
-
Kenneth McFarland, pastor of the 2819 Church in Georgia, was arrested on charges of child cruelty after wounds on a 15-year-old stepson were linked to physical discipline. The church has a large following among Black evangelicals, and the case raises concerns about abuse within religious communities.
-
On December 8, 2025, a Boston federal judge ruled that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unlawfully terminated Rümeysa Öztürk's SEVIS record after her visa was revoked amid a crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. Öztürk, a Tufts University PhD student, was arrested in March and detained for 45 days. The ruling requires ICE to reinstate her student record, enabling her to resume teaching and research.
-
On December 2, 2025, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was released from a US prison after receiving a full pardon from former US President Donald Trump. Hernández was convicted in 2024 of drug trafficking and sentenced to 45 years. Trump justified the pardon citing claims of political bias and support from Hondurans. The move coincides with Honduras's tight presidential election, where Trump backs candidate Nasry Asfura.
-
Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old college student at Babson in Massachusetts, was detained at Boston Logan Airport on November 20 while attempting to fly to Texas. Despite a court order against her removal, she was sent to Honduras two days later. The college is supporting her and remains informed of legal developments. The case raises questions about immigration enforcement and legal protections for students.