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On December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. The ceremony coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The prize, a departure from FIFA's traditional sports focus, sparked controversy due to Infantino's close ties with Trump and ongoing political tensions.
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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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Spain's outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar near Barcelona has led to export bans and containment efforts. Authorities suspect contaminated food as the source, with no farms affected so far. The outbreak threatens Spain's significant pork industry and international trade, prompting coordinated EU responses.
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The 2026 World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center, featuring entertainment, political figures, and star-studded moments. The event announced the 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with notable attendance by President Trump and other leaders.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
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As of late October 2025, major financial institutions including the Bank of England and IMF warn that soaring valuations in AI-driven tech stocks resemble the 2000 dotcom bubble peak. The S&P 500 is heavily concentrated in a few AI-focused firms, raising risks of a sharp market correction. Despite this, industry leaders emphasize AI's transformative potential and ongoing infrastructure investments.
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Recent studies confirm a sharp rise in destructive wildfires and deadly heatwaves driven by climate change. Wildfire damages have tripled since 1980, and heat-related deaths are at record highs, highlighting urgent environmental and public health challenges worldwide. These trends are linked to extreme weather conditions worsened by global warming.
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Kylian Mbappe has confirmed his availability for France's upcoming matches despite a recent ankle niggle. The Paris Saint-Germain star, now at Real Madrid, has settled into life in Spain and is expected to feature in qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland. His injury is under control, and France's coach emphasizes caution against underestimated opponents.
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Mark Bray, a Rutgers professor known for his work on antifascist movements, has been targeted with threats and a petition calling for his dismissal after being falsely labeled as an antifa member. He has relocated to Europe for safety, citing political harassment linked to recent right-wing rhetoric and a Trump executive order designating antifa as a terrorist group.
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President Trump criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's 5% defense spending target, calling them a 'laggard' and suggesting they could be expelled. Spain reaffirmed its commitment, stating it meets its targets, amid ongoing disputes over contributions within the alliance. The debate highlights tensions over NATO commitments and defense budgets.
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On October 10, 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts promoting democratic rights and resisting Nicolás Maduro's regime. Despite being forced into hiding, Machado continues to push for free elections and democracy. The award has sparked debate due to her alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump, who supports regime change in Venezuela.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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A rare, powerful storm in California has prompted evacuations, especially in areas scarred by recent wildfires. Heavy rain, potential tornadoes, and debris flows threaten the region, with authorities warning residents to stay alert as the storm progresses today.
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The European Commission is reviewing climate and emissions policies, including a proposed emissions trading scheme set for 2027, amid member states' concerns over rising costs and feasibility. Discussions include potential delays and adjustments to meet economic and environmental goals, with upcoming announcements expected this week.
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Tunisia has resumed voluntary repatriations of migrants, with about 7,200 returned in 2024, amid ongoing regional migration tragedies. Recent shipwrecks off Libya and Tunisia have resulted in over 58 deaths, highlighting the dangers of Mediterranean crossings. EU-Tunisia cooperation aims to curb migration, while Libya's chaos fuels deadly crossings.
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Jannik Sinner secured his fourth title of 2025 at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, defeating Alexander Zverev after a comeback. The event highlighted his personal life, with his relationship with model Brooks Nader drawing media attention amid ongoing debates about his national representation and commitments in tennis.
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Kosta Diamantis, a former Democratic state representative and lawyer, was convicted of over 20 charges including extortion, bribery, and conspiracy. He used his role at the state’s Office of School Construction Grants to demand bribes from contractors between 2018 and 2021. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2026. Diamantis denies the allegations, claiming the payments were legitimate consulting fees. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in state contracting processes.
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Australian scientists have detected signs of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory. Dead seals and seabirds suggest possible infection, raising concerns about the virus's spread toward Australia. Samples are being tested, but no confirmed detection has been made yet.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an £8bn agreement with Turkey for 20 Typhoon fighter jets, marking the largest UK fighter jet order in nearly two decades. The deal supports thousands of British jobs, boosts NATO cooperation, and concludes long-running negotiations, with deliveries expected from 2030. Critics highlight human rights concerns in Turkey.
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Carlos Mazón, Valencia's regional president, resigned on November 3, 2025, amid sustained criticism over his administration's delayed response to the deadly October 29, 2024 floods that killed over 230 people. His handling of the crisis, including a late flood alert and absence during the disaster's peak, sparked protests and political fallout. Mazón will remain a regional lawmaker.
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This week, diverse cultures observed their traditional holidays honoring the dead. Mexico celebrated El Día de los Muertos with colorful altars and sweets, while Poland and Spain marked All Saints’ Day with cemetery visits and candles. The observances blend ancient customs with modern influences, emphasizing remembrance and family connection.
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Recent protests in Morocco and Madagascar highlight rising inequality, public service cuts, and social unrest. The upcoming World Summit for Social Development aims to address these issues by focusing on equitable access to health, education, and social services. Wealth concentration and urban health disparities remain key challenges.
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Between November 4 and 7, 2025, multiple drone sightings forced temporary shutdowns and flight cancellations at Brussels and Liège airports, Belgium’s main international hubs. The incidents followed weekend drone incursions near the Kleine-Brogel military base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are stored. Defense Minister Theo Francken described the drone activity as a coordinated spying operation testing Belgian security systems. Belgium plans to enhance airspace monitoring by January 2026 amid rising European drone threats.
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As of November 10, 2025, the Philippines faces severe impacts from Super Typhoon Fung-wong following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed over 200 people. Fung-wong made landfall Sunday with winds up to 185 kph, causing heavy rains, flooding, and forcing evacuations of over 1.3 million people. The storm disrupted rescue efforts and is expected to affect Taiwan next. The region braces for ongoing recovery amid repeated disasters.
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On November 16, 2025, Ecuadorians voted against allowing foreign military bases, including US bases, with 61% opposing the measure. This referendum defeat is a political setback for President Daniel Noboa, who supports foreign cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Concurrently, Wilmer Chavarria, leader of the Los Lobos cartel, was arrested in Spain after faking his death and coordinating criminal activities from Europe.
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Spanish police arrested 13 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua across five cities, targeting its expansion into Spain. The gang, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, is linked to drugs, human trafficking, and extortion. Operations included seizing drugs and dismantling laboratories.
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The Palestinian national football team played their first match in Europe since 2023, at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, with 50,000 spectators. The game was a political statement supporting Palestinian rights, with many fans waving flags and paying tribute to slain players, amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.
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Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn visits China for his first official trip abroad since 2016, marking a significant shift in regional alliances. The visit emphasizes strengthening strategic cooperation, economic ties, and regional influence, amid ongoing border tensions and shifting US-China dynamics. The trip underscores China's growing regional influence and Thailand's balancing act.
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Luis Rubiales was targeted by egg throwers at a public event, with one egg splattering on a screen behind him. The incident occurred amid ongoing controversy over his actions at the 2023 Women's World Cup, including his conviction for sexual assault and his book claiming a conspiracy against him. The event highlights ongoing tensions surrounding his reputation.
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Michael Wiseman, 51, wanted in the US for child sexual abuse, was arrested in France after fleeing in 2008. He had traveled through Vietnam and Poland, adopted children, and obtained a Polish passport under an alias. French authorities are investigating potential harm to his children.
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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Cloudflare experienced a major internal service degradation that caused widespread outages affecting websites like X, ChatGPT, Spotify, and others globally. The issue stemmed from an internal file doubling in size due to a database permission change, disrupting Cloudflare's bot management system and causing errors across its network. Recovery took several hours.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Madrid to strengthen alliances and secure military aid, including 300 million euros for defense. He references Picasso’s 'Guernica' to highlight the horrors of war, emphasizing ongoing international support amid domestic and global pressures.
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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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Today marks half a century since Francisco Franco's death, ending his authoritarian rule. The anniversary prompts reflection on his legacy, with debates over his impact on Spain's democracy and rising support for right-wing parties among younger generations. Recent polls show a significant minority view Franco's dictatorship positively.
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Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, was seen dining near Westminster while visiting gun shops in London. The outing coincided with debates on UK border and immigration policies. Farage's activities raise questions about his stance on gun laws and immigration, amid ongoing political discussions.
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Several European broadcasters, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, announced they will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates, citing concerns over Gaza's humanitarian crisis and political interference. The EBU plans rule changes to address voting manipulation, but a vote on Israel's inclusion is imminent.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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Spanish police arrested three individuals linked to a neo-Nazi group called The Base, which operates through a decentralized network of paramilitary cells. Weapons, tactical gear, and neo-Nazi materials were recovered. The group’s leader was in contact with the US-based founder, promoting violent accelerationism amid rising far-right sentiment in Spain. The arrests highlight growing extremism in Europe.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have announced they will not participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna due to disagreements over Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union faces a divided stance, with some nations threatening to boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. The decision hinges on ongoing debates about political interference and contest neutrality.