FBI Director Christopher Wray testified during a Senate hearing on threats to the U.S. from foreign adversaries, Tuesday, Dec. 5. Wray’s responses gave insight into the state of national security and increasing levels of terror threats. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Wray whether terror threats today are at a level not seen since 9/11. “So,…

The White House warns the U.S. is running out of money to aid Ukraine. And, a house explodes in Virginia as police attempt to execute a search warrant. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. White House warns U.S. is running out of Ukraine aid A letter the White…

Border talks between Senate Democrats and Republicans fell through during the weekend of Dec. 2, as senators are expected to vote on President Biden’s aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the U.S. southern border. Biden is seeking $106 billion with $14 billion earmarked for tightening border security. Republicans are looking to strike a deal…

The European Union’s once-pioneering efforts to regulate artificial intelligence have hit some roadblocks in the face of new legislation. Lawmakers are struggling to reconcile differing perspectives on foundation models such as generative AI tools like ChatGPT, according to Reuters. The European Commission unveiled its proposal for the AI Act in 2021, and the European Parliament…

The poinsettia, a staple in U.S. holiday decor, boasts over 100 varieties and generates around $250 million annually. Originating from Mexico and Central America, the plant was introduced to the U.S. and named after the controversial American figure, Joel Roberts Poinsett. The plant, known as “Cuetlaxóchitl,” means “a flower that withers” in Nahuatl. The plant…

On Sunday, Dec. 3, three commercial ships with ties to 14 countries were attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to a U.S. Central Command report. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, reportedly fired ballistic missiles at the three ships over about eight hours. According to U.S. Central Command, the first missile that…

With the cease-fire over, Israel says it’s expanding its ground operations to all of Gaza. And plans for the next merger in the airline industry have been announced. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. Israel expanding operation in Gaza days after cease-fire ends Just days after the temporary…

District of Columbia native Dave Chappelle visited Capitol Hill, Thursday, Nov. 30, just hours before his show at the 20,000 seat Capital One Arena. When asked, “What is the punchline and the joke for George Santos,” Chappelle responded, “Oh man, don’t get me started on that s**t.” “I’m from D.C., so as you know, government…

As 2023 comes to a close, Republicans are asking Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to answer for the crisis at the U.S. southern border, which continued to grow worse throughout the year. Bloomberg News recently pressed Mayorkas on that issue, and asked the secretary for a solution to the influx of undocumented immigrants. Mayorkas hinted…