News published on Globe Banner in December 2025

News from December 2025


U.S. Embassy Seoul launches desk to support Korean investment and travel

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has introduced the Korean Investment and Travel (KIT) Desk, a new initiative aimed at strengthening economic relations between the United States and South Korea.


U.S. Embassy opens applications for fully funded summer study program for Portuguese educators

The U.S. Embassy in Portugal has opened applications for the 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.


Meta expands real-time news integration on its artificial intelligence platform

Meta announced it is expanding the range of real-time content available through its Meta AI platform.


U.S. Embassy in Tunis restricts operations due to new local labor laws

The U.S. Embassy in Tunis has announced that it will limit its operations starting December 8, 2025, following changes to Tunisian labor law.


U.S. personal income rises 0.4% in September as spending increases

Personal income in the United States rose by $94.5 billion, or 0.4 percent, in September 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).


Crypto Influencer on Binance Blockchain Week crowd: ‘Massive queue forming to meet CZ’

Pushpendra Singh, a crypto influencer and blockchain advocate, reported that a large crowd gathered at Binance Blockchain Week to meet Binance founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao.


Scientists rule out existence of fourth type of neutrino after major experiment

UK scientists have contributed to resolving a long-standing question in particle physics by helping rule out the existence of a fourth type of neutrino, known as the 'sterile neutrino.'


U.S. Embassy hosts graduation for first Academy for Women Entrepreneurs cohort in Hiri-Koiari

The U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea held a graduation ceremony for the first group of participants in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Hiri-Koiari District on December 4, 2025.


Volcanic eruptions linked by Cambridge study to start of Black Death pandemic

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) in Leipzig have provided new insights into the origins of the Black Death, linking a series of volcanic eruptions to one of...


U.S. Embassy highlights AmCham’s role at its 25th anniversary celebration in Albania

At the 25th anniversary gala of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Albania, Chargé d'Affaires Nancy VanHorn addressed attendees, highlighting the organization's growth and its impact on the country's business environment.


Binance Co-CEO Teng: 'Clear regulation will bring more trust and adoption' to the crypto industry

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, highlighted the role of cryptocurrency in expanding financial access and noted a shift in the United States towards seeking a global leadership role in the industry.


U.S. Embassy in Guinea seeks vendors for customs clearance services

The U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea, has announced a request for quotations to establish one or more Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) with qualified vendors.


Benin’s World Bank-backed project boosts cashew production through plantation rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of old cashew plantations in Benin is underway as part of efforts to strengthen the country's cashew value chain.


U.S. provides $5 million for nutrition aid to children in Northwest Nigeria

The U.S. State Department has allocated $5 million to UNICEF to support nutrition programs for children in Northwest Nigeria.


Ovation Home Insurance Exchange announces optional cyber protection coverage

Ovation Home Insurance Exchange has introduced an optional cyber protection coverage for homeowners, encouraging policyholders to incorporate this endorsement into their existing homeowners' policies.


Meta introduces new AI-powered account support tools for Facebook and Instagram

Meta has announced new measures to improve account support and security for users of Facebook and Instagram.


GCC economies sustain growth through reform-driven diversification and rapid digital transformation

Economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is strengthening in 2025, according to the latest Gulf Economic Update (GEU) released by the World Bank.


U.S.-funded scholarship program opens applications for study at American University of Beirut

The Higher Education Scholarship (HES) Program, funded by the U.S. government in Lebanon, offers around 50 scholarships each year to students from across Lebanon to pursue undergraduate degrees at the American University of Beirut (AUB).


U.S. Ambassador urges reforms at UN Food Agency council meeting

Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard, representing the United States at the 179th Council of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), delivered a statement emphasizing the need for reform within FAO to better serve global food security and support...


United States assumes G20 presidency with focus on economic growth

The United States has taken over the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) as of December 1, 2025.