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A series of recent fatal accidents include a motorcycle collision in Brazil killing a footballer, a bus crash in Uganda causing dozens of deaths, and a home crash in Nashville after a car driven by an impaired teen. Authorities urge caution amid ongoing investigations.
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Adria Kester, Iowa's chief judge of the Second Judicial District, was arrested for operating while intoxicated after her vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic. She was found heavily intoxicated, unsteady, and with bloodshot eyes. She has pleaded not guilty and is cooperating with authorities.
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On the UN's International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, reports highlight ongoing violence and repression worldwide. Despite some progress, journalists in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan, and Ghana face deadly attacks, arrests, and online harassment, with impunity remaining a major obstacle to press freedom.
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Qatar's leader visited the DRC to bolster peace talks with M23 rebels amid ongoing violence. A framework agreement was signed, backed by the US and Qatar, aiming to end years of conflict in eastern DRC. Despite progress, violence persists, and negotiations face delays.
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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 G20 summit in South Africa concluded with tensions over the presidency handover, as the U.S. boycotted the event citing alleged anti-white policies. Despite this, the summit highlighted issues like global inequality, debt relief, climate resilience, and regional trade, emphasizing South Africa's focus on inclusive development for the Global South.
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On December 16-17, 2025, the US administration announced expanded travel restrictions effective January 1, 2026. Full entry bans now include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority passport holders. Fifteen additional countries, mostly African, face partial restrictions. The move aims to address national security concerns, citing vetting challenges and recent violent incidents involving foreign nationals.
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The US has announced new visa restrictions affecting 38 countries, mainly in Africa, requiring applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000. The policy aims to reduce overstays but raises concerns over affordability and fairness, especially for Nigerian travelers. It takes effect on January 21, 2026.
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Heavy rains since December have caused severe flooding across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, resulting in at least 202 deaths, widespread destruction, and displacement. Authorities are deploying rescue efforts amid warnings of continued heavy rainfall linked to climate change and La Niña patterns.