International

A Virginia menorah lighting ceremony has been canceled due to political tensions in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

Virginia city cancels menorah lighting to avoid appearing to side with Israel

Lawmakers have struggled to agree on what to do with foundation models, which includes systems like ChatGPT, according to Reuters.

Europe’s AI regulations face uncertain fate amid negotiations

The poinsettia, a staple in U.S. holiday decor, boasts over one hundred varieties and generates around $250 million annually. Originating from Mexico and Central America, it was introduced to the U.S. and named after the controversial American figure, Joel Roberts Poinsett.

Poinsettias: The complex history behind the Christmas symbol

Three commercial ships with ties to 14 countries were attacked by Iranian-backed Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

US warship responds to attacks on ships in Red Sea, shoots down drones

Days after the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas ended, Israel said that it was expanding its ground operations to all of Gaza.

Israel expanding strikes in Gaza following end of temporary truce: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 4, 2023

SpaceX launched South Korea's first homegrown spy satellite Friday following North Korea's recent launch of its own spy satellite.

SpaceX launches S. Korean spy satellite days after North’s launch

The Philippines has constructed a new coast guard station on the contested island of Thitu in the South China Sea, enhancing its ability to monitor movements of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the busy disputed waterway.

Filipino coast guard builds station in contested South China Sea

A federal judge blocked Montana's ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok for violating users' rights to free speech.

Judge blocks Montana TikTok ban from taking effect Jan. 1

After a weeklong pause in fighting, the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas came to an end as Israel said it resumed strikes in Gaza.

Airstrikes resume in Gaza as cease-fire ends: The Morning Rundown, Dec. 1, 2023

UK police are investigate a potential hate crime after anti-immigration signs were posted throughout Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Anti-immigration signs spark hate crime probes in Northern Ireland

Internal documents show that the U.S. Air Force aims to reduce the percentage of white males in the ROTC officer applicant program by 2029.

Iran upgrading air force with jets from Russia no one else wants

A surge in childhood pneumonia cases is spreading throughout China and Europe as global inquiries escalate.

Childhood pneumonia cases spike in Europe following China outbreak

Henry Kissinger, the secretary of state and national security adviser under Presidents Richard Nixon and Geral Ford, died Wednesday at the age of 100.

Henry Kissinger dies at 100: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 30, 2023

Members of Congress spoke with the parents of dual U.S.-Israeli citizens serving in the Israeli military who are currently held hostage.

‘Hostages out, then we deal with Hamas,’ father of Israeli hostage tells Congress

Ocean Census has launched its latest subsea mission off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, one of the largest Canary Islands.

Ocean Census mission aims to discover 100,000 new species

The CIA emailed staff warning not to post anything political on social media after a senior analyst posted a pro-Palestinian picture.

CIA warns staff about social media after pro-Palestinian post by senior analyst

A U.S. military aircraft crashed in the ocean near Japan with six people on board killing at least one according to Japan's Coast Guard.

US military aircraft crashes near Japan, at least 1 dead: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 29, 2023

Ireland’s government is proposing hate speech laws after anti-immigration protests and riots in Dublin. Critics say the bill goes too far.

Ireland’s proposed hate speech law receiving fierce backlash

A Beijing court held compensation hearings for Chinese relatives of MH370 passengers on Monday. The flight disappeared in 2014, enroute from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. More than 40 relatives seek compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Allianz.

Beijing court opens hearings for relatives of MH370 passengers

A Chinese scientist claimed China’s own stealth fighters can shoot down the B-21 Raider. So, should you believe the hype?

Study claims China can down USAF’s B-21 Raider stealth bomber

A mysterious crash on the moon left scientists wondering what created a pair of craters but new study found that it involved remnants of a Chinese rocket booster.

Chinese rocket crashed into the moon hauling an unknown payload: report

China's hospitals are seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children. Officials claim it's due to the recent lifting of lockdowns.

China sees childhood pneumonia wave; officials tamp down outbreak fears

Rescuers successfully pulled 41 workers from a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas after 17 days. The evacuation took one hour to complete.

41 workers rescued from a collapsed tunnel in India after 17 days

More hostages are expected to be released on Tuesday, Nov. 28, as the temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas enters a fifth day.

More hostages set to be released as Israel-Hamas cease-fire is extended: The Morning Rundown, Nov. 28, 2023