extended outlook 2 - Factal Blog: News about global security, disaster response and crisis collaboration

Forecast: Powerful earthquake rocks the southern Philippines, White House hosts UFC fight, and G7 leaders meet in France

Factal June 11, 2026

The image depicts an aerial view of a large outdoor stage setup in front of a prominent white building with classical architecture. The building features columns and an ornate roof, partially obscured by a cluster of trees surrounding the area. The stage is adorned with an expansive metal arch structure decorated with red, white, and blue star patterns, suggesting a patriotic theme. The arch frames the front facade of the building and is fitted with lights and equipment for an event. Beneath the arch, a grid of assembled platforms and staging equipment is visible, with a few people milling about, appearing to prepare for or dismantle an event. To the side of the stage, there is a patterned backdrop composed of blue and red squares.

Dozens of people were killed and hundreds more injured this week when a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Philippines. In this…

Forecast: US plan for Ebola quarantine center in Kenya sparks protest, World Cup begins, and Pope visits Spain

Factal June 4, 2026

The image shows four men standing around a glass display case containing the FIFA World Cup trophy. The background features a vibrant red banner with white text. The man on the left is wearing a dark suit and light blue shirt. Next to him is a man with short white hair, wearing a blue suit with a blue jersey draped over his shoulder, which has "NEW JERSEY" printed on it. The third man is dressed in a black suit and tie with a light shirt. The man on the right wears glasses, a black suit, and a white shirt with a bright yellow patterned tie. They all look towards the trophy, which is displayed prominently in a clear case on a black pedestal.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has left at least 48 people dead, hundreds more infected, and prompted a controversial plan…

Forecast: Bolivia gripped by nationwide protests, USMCA talks begin, and Ebola outbreak grips parts of Africa

Factal May 21, 2026

The image depicts a vast crowd of people gathered around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building located at the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Kaaba is covered with a black cloth adorned with gold-embroidered calligraphy. The crowd, mostly dressed in white, indicates a large number of pilgrims performing the Hajj. The surrounding architecture of the mosque features multiple levels with grand, arched walls and ornate detailing. In the background, modern skyscrapers can be seen rising above the mosque, juxtaposing traditional religious structures with contemporary urban development. The gathering is densely packed, illustrating the massive scale of the religious event.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: Hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for Canary Islands, new Hungarian PM sworn in, and Trump visits China

Factal May 7, 2026

The image captures a military parade in front of a grand building with ornate architectural details featuring arches and decorative stonework. In the foreground, a group of uniformed soldiers marches in formation, each wearing dark green uniforms with red accents and gold epaulettes. Some soldiers carry flags, including a red flag and a flag with blue, white, and red stripes. The soldier leading the group is saluting. Behind them, a large formation of soldiers stands in a line, wearing blue uniforms. To the right, a large sign or banner displays partially visible text and imagery, hinting at a celebratory context.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: UK’s King Charles and Queen Camilla visit US, Iran ceasefire extended, and International Workers’ Day

Factal April 23, 2026

The image depicts a scene with two men wearing formal attire behind a podium adorned with the Seal of the President of the United States. The man on the left is dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, standing at the podium, holding a gesture with his hand. The man on the right is also in a dark suit and tie, with a surprised facial expression, hands clasped together in front of his chest. The background features beige curtains, and there are floral arrangements at the bottom right corner.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: Iran threatens retaliation as U.S. blockade continues, Bulgaria holds parliamentary elections, and Trump tariff refund tool goes live

Factal April 16, 2026

Bulgarians will elect their eighth parliament, pictured above in 2024, in five years on Sunday. (Photo: National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria)

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: Elections held in Peru, Hungary and Benin, Los Angeles teachers strike, and the IMF meets

Factal April 9, 2026

A public event where a middle-aged man in a dark suit and blue tie stands at a podium. The podium has a red sign with white text. He appears solemn and is positioned against a backdrop of an audience. The audience is densely packed and comprises various people in formal attire, some clapping and others observing intently. Low lighting casts a blue tint over the crowd, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: Iran war closes on first month, TSA workers potentially miss second paycheck, and NASA launches Artemis II mission

Factal March 26, 2026

The image depicts a large gathering of people outdoors on a sunny day, in front of a giant replica of the United States Constitution's preamble with the words "We the People" prominently displayed. The replica covers a significant portion of the scene and is held up by several participants. In the background, the U.S. Capitol building is visible with its distinctive white dome, accompanied by other government buildings. The crowd, composed of individuals in casual attire, holds various signs. Some signs include messages such as "NO MORE STOLEN ELECTIONS" and "DEMOCRACY NOT AUTOCRACY." The setting appears to be a political demonstration or protest on a large expanse of sandy, open ground, typical of an area like the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The season is likely late fall or early spring, as the surrounding trees are bare without leaves.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

Forecast: Muslims mark end of Ramadan, judicial reform plan faces vote in Italy and FIFA holds World Cup qualifiers

Factal March 19, 2026

As a partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nears its sixth week, travelers are increasingly feeling the effects. In this week’s Factal Forecast…

Forecast: Elections in France and Vietnam, EU leaders meet in Brussels and North American trade talks begin

Factal March 12, 2026

The image depicts a group of people standing outdoors, with a building in the background. There are multiple men wearing work uniforms, some with green and white hard hats labeled with various company logos. A central figure stands at a podium adorned with the seal of the President of the United States. The individuals appear to be smiling and engaged, with microphones and teleprompters visible. Flags are also partially visible in the background.

Suspected Iranian drones struck oil storage facilities in Oman and several cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz this week as the U.S.-Israeli war on…