Germany and Lithuania signed off on a historic agreement, marking the first time German troops will be permanently deployed abroad since World War II. The brigade — which should be ready for deployment by 2027 — will function as a deterrent against Russia. In the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,…

The death toll in Gaza rises above 20,000, according to local health officials. And the speaker of the House writes a letter to the president urging him to take executive action on the border crisis. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Dec. 22, 2023.   Health ministry says Gaza death toll surpasses 20,000…

Mexico’s government is being accused of fighting an “imaginary war” against drug cartels that smuggle fentanyl, the drug responsible for the most overdose deaths in the U.S. New data shows Mexico’s army is only raiding a handful of active drug labs each month despite U.S. pressure to ramp up efforts on fentanyl trafficking. The Mexican…

China’s secretive space plane, called Shenlong or “Divine Dragon,” is apparently laying “eggs” into Earth’s orbit. The astronomer who originally tracked the objects called them “mysterious wingmen,” but in truth, it’s not clear what they are.  China launched the Shenlong on Dec. 14, marking the space plane’s third voyage into orbit. That’s when amateur astronomer…

The recent fatal crash of a news helicopter from ABC’s Philadelphia station is putting a spotlight on the dangers news crews face. According to reports, pilot Monroe Smith and photographer Christopher Dougherty were the only two on board when the chopper went down in Washington Township, New Jersey, killing both. State police discovered the wreckage…

Despite talks of negotiations for a second temporary cease-fire in Gaza, fighting between Israel and Hamas continues. The Israel Defense Force said it has uncovered more evidence of the terror group using civilian infrastructure to wage war and launch attacks on the Jewish state. They use civilian infrastructure to build terror. Israeli military spokesperson The…

The U.S. Senate is not expected to vote on a package for increased aid to Ukraine until early next year. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has granted a total of $111 billion in aid to Ukraine, including a minimum of $45 billion allocated for military assistance. The…

Ten Americans and a fugitive are released from Venezuelan custody as part of a prisoner exchange between the two countries. And two media giants begin talks about a potential merger. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. 10 Americans, fugitive released from Venezuelan custody in prisoner swap Ten Americans…

The House of Representatives made history in 2023. Its year included 19 votes to elect two speakers, an expulsion and the opening of an impeachment inquiry.  “It’s been an up and down year. I know for those of you in the press there’s never been a week where it was boring for you,” Majority Leader…

In a move not witnessed since WWII, German troops are embarking on a permanent deployment to foreign soil. The decision comes amid Russia’s intensifying war with Ukraine, positioning troops in an at-risk region along Russia’s borders. The upped security will station 4,800 troops and their families in Lithuanian cities of Kaunas and Vilnius in an…