North America
- The U.S. Coast Guard said it’s searching for five people after a fishing boat capsized in cold seas off Point Couverden, southwest of Alaska’s capital of Juneau. The Coast Guard announced the search Sunday morning (Dec 1), responders could face tough conditions because part of the region, located in the Gulf of Alaska, is under a winter storm warning.
- Major snowstorms blanket parts of the U.S. over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 30 and Dec 1). One of the first major snowstorms this season blanketed parts of New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The snowstorm led to an emergency declaration in parts of New York and a disaster declaration in Pennsylvania, with officials warning of dangerous conditions for Thanksgiving travellers returning home.
- Los Angeles, a city of migrants, braces for Trump’s vow of mass deportations. Post-election fears of deportation are running high among the estimated 1.3 million documented and undocumented immigrants living in the city. Donald Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented migrants was one of the key points of his presidential campaign, with Trump often boasting that it would be the largest such effort in U.S. history.
- New Jersey farmers struggle amid stubborn drought conditions as of last Friday (Nov 27). Earlier this month, New Jersey declared a drought warning amid dry conditions that contributed to the spread of multiple wildfires in the state. In the last four months, it has only rained about three inches about a foot less than normal before that.
- President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump made the announcements on his Truth Social site Monday evening (Nov 24) as he railed against an influx of illegal migrants. He said the new tariffs would remain in place “until Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! “. The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices on everything from gas to automobiles. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada as its top three suppliers, according to the most recent Census data.
Europe
- Russian forces captured a British man amidst the battlefield of Ukraine on Tuesday (Nov 26). Identified to be James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, claiming to be a former soldier for the British Army, he is currently being held captive in Kursk, Russia. The UK’s foreign secretary has stated they would do their best to offer him all the support they can.
- Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK reported immigration statistics unveiling shocking revelations on Thursday (Nov 28). Approximately 900,000 immigrants were reported to have entered the country in the year ending June 2023 revealing what he believes to be the Tories’ conduction of an open borders experiment in their earlier bid to push for the execution of Brexit.
- Romania’s top court has called for a recount of ballots on Friday (Nov 29), in the first round of presidential elections conducted last Sunday (Nov 24). This comes among accusations of social media platform TikTok allegedly providing a biased algorithm boost that is believed to be a contributing factor to the surprise victory of Far-Right candidate Calin Georgescu.
- Sweden began cooperation with China on Saturday (Nov 30) in the repairs of multiple severed communication cables. This dates back to Nov 19 whereby an Arelion cable between Gotland and Lithuania was severed and the following day a C-Lion 1 cable between Helsinki and Rostock was found severed as well. According to data tracking, Chinese ships were last spotted at the site during the incident. Earlier on Thursday (Nov 28), Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson sent a formal request to China requesting clarification of the incident despite Beijing’s claims about their uninvolvement. Spokeswoman Mao Ning has mentioned that China is actively communicating with Sweden regarding this incident.
Asia-Pacific
- Myanmar rebel group Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), announced on Monday (Nov 25), their willingness to begin talks with the junta in a bid to establish autonomy over the northern Shan state of Myanmar. The TNLA has engaged the junta in combat for over a decade and has consistently defended the Shan state that was forcefully claimed by the junta for the construction of infrastructure allowing smoother trade with China. The junta has been deploying multitudes of artillery upon the Shan state in futile attempts to drive out the rebels opposing their illegitimate rule and claim to power over the Asian country.
- Washington reported on Monday (Nov 25) that satellite imagery taken by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, discovered the potential expansion of North Korean missile plants. It is strongly believed that North Korea has been assembling short-range missiles for use by Russia amidst the Russo-Ukrainian war. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny the allegations put forth against them. However, this expansion of their facility previously unheard of in 2023 may be indicating a more aggressive support for their allies in the North.
- Pakistan deployed the Army on Wednesday (Nov 27) in the state capital, Islamabad, following bouts of clashes between police forces and Imran Khan protestors. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on various charges having been detained for over a year now. Khan’s supporters under the goading of his wife, Bushra Bibi, have persisted and engaged in a march towards the capital. Clashes with the police and subsequently the Army have resulted in a disengagement of the protest as supporters disperse in fear of the rising casualty count.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor sought an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday (Nov 28) following allegations of crimes against humanity. Min is being accused of the conducting of violent crimes resulting in the fleeing of numerous Rohingya Muslims towards Bangladesh. As Myanmar is not a signatory to the ICC the case was initially deemed impossible. 5 years later, the prosecutor believes he has gathered sufficient evidence substantiating a case against Myanmar.
- Australia’s senate passed a bill on Friday (Nov 29) banning the use of social media for children under the age of 16. Following a month of debate, Australia has opted to lighten parental responsibilities by relocating them to social media companies demanding their implementation of a verification system that would allow them to deny access to under-16s. It is believed that this would set a precedent for many states following matters of anonymity and censorship.
Middle East
- Israel confirmed the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary who had gone missing in the UAE on Monday, (Nov 25). His body was found after his abandoned car was discovered an hour away from his residence. Israeli officials, along with Mossad, have been investigating the crime, with three suspects arrested. Israel has labelled the murder a criminal, antisemitic terrorist attack, and vowed to pursue justice. Rabbi Kogan, who had worked to expand Jewish life in the UAE, was a key figure in the community, including running a kosher supermarket in Dubai. The incident has raised security concerns, with Israel advising its citizens to limit travel to the UAE.
- Violent thefts by criminal gangs in southern Gaza blocked aid distribution, worsening the region’s food shortages on Tuesday (Nov 26). These gangs, operating near the Kerem Shalom crossing, have looted nearly 100 UN aid lorries, injuring drivers. In response, Hamas reactivated a security force to combat the looters, though some view this as a move to control Gaza’s black market. The humanitarian crisis deepens as food prices rise and essential goods become scarce, highlighting the urgent need for effective aid distribution.
- On Wednesday (Nov 27), Saudi Arabia approved its 2025 budget, which forecasts a $27 billion deficit, representing 2.5% of its GDP. This deficit comes as part of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to diversify the economy beyond its reliance on oil revenues. Despite the deficit, the budget places a strong emphasis on investments in key non-oil sectors such as tourism, technology, and infrastructure, which are essential for the kingdom’s long-term economic transformation. The government expects a GDP growth rate of 4.9% in 2025, signalling optimism about the success of its diversification efforts and the anticipated positive impact of these investments on future economic performance.
- Israel’s military launched airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s aerial unit on Wednesday (Nov 27), just before a ceasefire took effect. The strikes killed Jafar Ali Samaha, responsible for launching UAVs and missiles at Israel, and hit multiple Hezbollah sites in southern and central Beirut, including command centres and weapons storage. At least 25 people were killed, with 10 fatalities in central Beirut, in one of the conflict’s most intense bombardments. The 60-day ceasefire, aimed at enforcing a 2006 UN resolution, began at 4 a.m. local time.
- Lebanon’s healthcare system was reported to be on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, according to Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project Hope on Thursday (Nov 28). Medical facilities in southern Lebanon, already strained by the country’s economic crisis, were forced to suspend or reduce operations due to destroyed infrastructure, fuel shortages, and displaced medical staff. Essential medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension ran out, while displaced populations overwhelmed clinics in safer regions. Torbay stressed that restoring ICU services, delivering medicines, and deploying mobile clinics must be prioritized to prevent further casualties during the ceasefire.
- Satellite images showed that Israel is creating a new military partition across northern Gaza, with forces clearing land and demolishing buildings to separate Gaza City from towns like Jabalia and Beit Hanoun on Friday (Nov 29). This 5.6-mile divide is seen as a strategic measure to control Hamas movements. Israeli troops and lightly armoured vehicles are stationed along the partition, while thousands of displaced civilians face worsening conditions. The UN reports severe shortages, and analysts suggest the partition could become permanent, though the Israeli government denies plans for long-term settlements in the area. The situation raises concerns about the safety and future of civilians in northern Gaza.
Africa
- Nigerian authorities cracked down on a widespread “cryptic pregnancy” scam, which has been preying on vulnerable women desperate to conceive on Monday (Nov 25). The scam involves fraudulent fertility treatments, where women are led to believe they are pregnant after receiving injections or other dubious substances. These women, like Chioma, claim to have carried babies that they later “deliver,” although some babies are trafficked from other sources. The Nigerian government, including Anambra state officials, has launched investigations to combat the growing issue, which highlights serious concerns around reproductive rights and the exploitation of women facing societal pressure to bear children.
- Namibia held its presidential election, with Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah aiming to become the country’s first female head of state on Tuesday (Nov 26). Nandi-Ndaitwah, representing the ruling Swapo party, faces a challenge from former Swapo member Panduleni Itula, now leading the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). The election comes amid rising disillusionment with Swapo, plagued by high unemployment and corruption. While Nandi-Ndaitwah symbolizes continuity, Itula appeals to younger voters seeking change. The result is expected to focus on economic issues like youth unemployment and corruption, with the possibility of a runoff if no candidate secures a majority.
- Kumasi, Ghana, marked the 100th anniversary of the return of King Prempeh, the Asantehene, after his exile by the British in 1896 on Wednesday (Nov 27). Prempeh had resisted British colonization and was taken with his family and attendants to Seychelles. The celebration featured a grand procession with the current Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, and vibrant displays of Asante culture. The event highlighted the lasting legacy of Prempeh’s exile, with Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan attending. The festivities reflected both pride in Asante heritage and the enduring impact of the king’s resistance.
- At least 113 people were reported missing and at least 15 confirmed dead after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in eastern Uganda on Thursday (Nov 28). The landslides hit multiple villages in the Bulambuli district, approximately 280 km from the capital, Kampala. Rescue teams are still actively searching for survivors after more than 40 homes were swept away. The Ugandan Red Cross reported that six of the recovered bodies were children. The region has been experiencing heavy rainfall, causing rivers to overflow, damaging schools and churches, and destroying bridges. Military forces have joined the recovery efforts, though such disasters are not new to the area; a similar landslide occurred in 2010.
- Prince Yormie Johnson, a former Liberian warlord turned politician, died at the age of 72 on Friday (Nov 29). Johnson, who was infamous for a 1990 video showing him sipping beer while then-president Samuel Doe was tortured nearby, played a significant role in Liberia’s two civil wars. Despite being accused of war crimes by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was never prosecuted. As a senator since 2005, Johnson remained influential in Liberian politics, supporting the last three presidential candidates. His death has sparked mixed reactions, with some mourning his loss while others criticize his lack of accountability for wartime atrocities.
South America
- The Colombian navy had intercepted a semi-submersible vessel packed with cocaine in the Pacific Ocean last Thursday (Nov 28), as part of an operation in which hundreds of arrests have been made. It said the vessel had enough fuel to sail to Australia, on what was believed to be a new smuggling route, and maps indicated that is where it was headed. Officials said the semi-submersible was the third such vessel they had seized in that part of the Pacific. That suggested to them that gangs had established a new direct maritime route to Australia, they said.
- Chilean authorities have confirmed that President Gabriel Boric is being investigated over allegations of sexual harassment. In a statement on Tuesday (Nov 26), Attorney General Cristian Crisosto said allegations filed in September at the prosecutor’s office of Magallanes in southern Chile, where Boric previously served as a lawmaker, are being investigated. His attorney Jonatan Valenzuela, said the complaint comes from a woman who sent Boric unsolicited and sexually explicit emails from July 2013 to July 2014 while the complaint accuses Boric of harassment and leaking private images.
- Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a measure that would implement steeper penalties for those who support US sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. On Thursday (Nov 28), the country’s National Assembly passed the so-called Simon Bolivar Liberator law, which bans officials who approve US sanctions against Venezuela from holding office for up to 60 years. The law also allows broadcast media to be shut down if they support sanctions, while text-based media may be hit with fines of up to $51.7m.
- Brazilian federal police have published a report implicating former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in an alleged criminal organisation designed to overturn the 2022 presidential election, won by his leftist challenger and current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The 884-page report, made public on Tuesday, outlined eight main pieces of evidence against Bolsonaro, including an alleged meeting he took with members of Brazil’s armed forces to plan the coup. The report expands on bombshell accusations last week that Bolsonaro and 36 others conspired to retain power, even in the event of an electoral defeat.
- The United States has announced sanctions against 21 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing alleged involvement in the suppression of protests following a contested July election. Officials with the US Department of the Treasury said on Wednesday (Nov 27) that the harsh crackdown, in which at least 25 protesters were killed, was an effort to stifle dissent. More than 2,400 protesters were arrested during the demonstrations. The sanctions come months after a July 28 presidential election in which Maduro claimed victory, despite pre-election polling showing him losing by an insurmountable margin.
