In Gaza, 70% Youth Unemployment Leads to Despair

For young Gazan Arabs, life is terrible. There are scarcely any jobs, even for those with higher degrees. Positions are filled not on merit, but on the applicant’s connections to Hamas, or Fatah, or to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Corruption is colossal, siphoning off billions that ought to have gone to all of the people, […]

Washington polar bear cub Laerke receives encouraging results at annual physical exam

Laerke, a polar bear at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, underwent her annual medical exam with encouraging results, veterinarians said.

White House urges Congress to extend internet subsidy program before funds run dry

The White House plans to renew its push in April to convince Congress to extend an internet subsidy program utilized by millions of American households.

To raise mental health awareness, Nigerian swims length of Lagos' longest bridge

A Nigerian swimmer named Akinrodoye Samuel sought to raise awareness of mental health issues by swimming the length of the longest bridge in Lagos, nearly 7.45 miles.

Biden admin approves eighth US offshore wind project off Massachusetts coast

The U.S. Interior Department has approved the eighth commercial-scale offshore wind project. It is scheduled to be built off the coast of Massachusetts.

Wind, solar projects flourish under climate law, while nuclear and others lag behind

Under the Biden administration's push to reduce carbon emissions, certain sectors like solar energy have seen a boost, while other trail behind. New regulations prove controversial.

Japan's economy must shift away from 'crisis-mode' to demand-driven growth, government panel says

A Japanese government panel recommended implementing fiscal policies that respond to rising prices and strengthening growth instead of continuing a "crisis-mode" approach.

Freed Israeli hostage, 71, reflects on 'surreal' rescue from Hamas in Rafah

The 71-year-old Argentinian-Israeli Luis Har, a hostage who was freed in a special forces operation in Rafah, Gaza, reflects on his captivity, rescue and the lasting effects thereof.

Pot producers are on the rise as Florida voters decide on the fate of the use of recreational marijuana

Voters in Florida will have the chance to vote for or against the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state following a referendum on the November ballot

Rare gene variant believed to play a role in understanding why people are left-hand dominant

Researchers have linked a rare gene variant involved with controlling the shape of cells to the development of the brain asymmetry known for determining a dominant hand.

US to sell 35 Blackhawk helicopters to Greece in $1.2B defense deal

Greece has approved the purchase of 35 Blackhawk helicopters from a U.S. defense contractor. The deal is part of Greece's efforts to modernize its military.

Mexico mayoral candidate murdered after having request for security ignored

In central Mexico, a mayoral candidate from the ruling party was murdered during her campaign event after requesting security protection, which was not provided.

Ukrainian foreign minister accused allies of not giving enough air defense to combat Russian missile attacks

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has accused the country's allies of not providing enough air defense or extra Patriot systems to fight off the Russian missile attacks.

Typhoon-like winds hit South China during major storm, leaving 7 dead

Extreme weather hits China's southern Jiangxi province with rare typhoon-like winds that have killed at least 7 people and 552 individuals have been evacuated.

Russian military recruitment numbers spike following Moscow concert hall attack

Russia has seen a spike in men signing contracts to join the military following the Moscow concert hall attack where a gunman killed at least 144 people.

Close ally of Taiwan to become top US diplomat in Taipei, sources say

Raymond Greene, the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Tokyo, is set to become the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan this summer.

Tropical forest loss decreased in 2023 but global threats remain, data shows

Tropical forest loss saw a decline in 2023, but there is still an ongoing pressure on woodlands globally, according to an analysis released on Thursday.

New York judge revises ruling, scaling back invalidation of state's marijuana regulations

A New York state judge has revised his previous ruling regarding cannabis regulations following a lawsuit challenging advertising rules for marijuana.

US avoids 'digital security crisis' after developer uncovers sabotage in software

A Microsoft software developer reportedly uncovered a deliberate act of sabotage within a program, sparking alarm among tech leaders and U.S. government officials.

Burmese rebels guard border town against junta attempt to reclaim it

A key town along the border between Thailand and Burma has been fought over by the Burmese military and the rebel forces, who recently captured it and have successfully defended it.

World Bank 'ringing alarm bells' as income gap between riches and poorest countries widens

The World Bank reports half of the world's poorest countries are getting poorer as the income gap between them and the world's richest countries grows for the first time this century.

China urges Hong Kong to 'tightly hold' national security line

China's top official on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, has voiced the importance of maintaining national security in Hong Kong to ensure its development.

Animal protection group warns of high risk of animal-to-human diseases in Chinese fur farms

Human Society International's study of five Chinese fur farms found them to have poor conditions and high risk of developing diseases that could transfer from animals to humans.

US approves potential $140M aircraft support deal for Iraq, Pentagon officials confirm

The U.S. State Department has given approval for the potential sale of aircraft contractor logistics support to Iraq, at an estimated cost of $140 million.

US envoy to UN urges Russia, China to halt support for North Korea's weapon programs

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged Russia and China to halt their support for North Korea, saying that it shields the country from sanctions.

California aquarium pairs stranded sea otter pups with surrogate moms

Two California aquariums are addressing the issue of stranded sea otter pups found along the state's coast each year by pairing them with surrogate mothers.

Biden admin to reject access road to northern Alaska mining district

The Biden administration plans to reject the construction of an access road to the Ambler mining district in northern Alaska. The rejection is expected later this week.

Taiwan's military submarine program to proceed after resignation of project chief

Taiwan's indigenous submarine program remains on course despite the resignation of its leader, Huang Shu-kuang, who cited unfair criticism against him and the military.

Full UN membership won't help Palestinians with statehood, US ambassador says

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has voiced concerns about a U.N. resolution supporting full membership for the Palestinian Authority.

'Peculiar' black hole discovered in Milky Way, scientists say

Astronomers have detected a black hole positioned roughly 2,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquila. It was identified through the Gaia mission.

Caribbean ambassador proposes establishment of assembly to seek reparations for transatlantic slavery

A Caribbean ambassador has voiced the importance of creating an international tribunal to address reparations for transatlantic slavery and its enduring impacts.

French organizers exclude Putin from D-Day anniversary event due to Ukraine war

French organizers of the 80th anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings have announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be invited to the event.

Ukraine alleges Russia increasingly using tear gas illegally in battle

Ukrainian military officials allege Russian forces have increasingly used riot control agents that are illegal to use in war under the international Chemical Weapons Convention.

Solomon Islands national election count begins, closely watched by US, China

Counting began on Thursday in the Solomon Islands following a national election, with electoral officials seeking a larger venue in the Pacific Island capital.

US, Italy agree to coordinate efforts to counter spread of misinformation by foreign governments

The U.S. and Italy have agreed to collaborate in combating the dissemination of misinformation and fake news by foreign governments, according to officials.

2 arrested in Germany for alleged plot to sabotage US military facilities on behalf of Russia

Two German-Russian nationals have been arrested in Germany for allegedly planning sabotage attacks, including targeting U.S. military facilities, officials said.

Texas farming crisis looms as US, Mexico spar over long-standing water treaty

Texas farm groups are sounding alarms over water shortages stemming from a dispute between Mexican and U.S. officials over a long-standing water treaty.

Brazil faces Indigenous resistance over plans to drill for oil in Amazon rainforest

A Brazilian corporation is facing resistance from Indigenous groups and government agencies over its plan to explore oil drilling opportunities in the Amazon rainforest.

World Health Organization, experts reach landmark agreement on how to define airborne diseases

The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have established a consensus on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, officials said.

G7 leaders talk Ukraine defense support as Russia targets key infrastructure

The G7 leaders heard from the Ukrainian foreign minister as they discussed how to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion, as well as tensions between Israel and Iran.

US aid to Ukraine will not change situation on battlefield, Russia says

Russia has responded to the approval of a new $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine by the U.S. House of Representatives, saying that it won't make an impact.

Russia has grounds to seize Western assets after US legislative move, top lawmaker says

Top Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Monday warned of potential consequences of the passing of the "REPO Act" by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Georgian opposition parties urge mass protests against 'Russian' bill

Six Georgian opposition parties appealed last week for mass protests against a bill on "foreign agents" which they say aims to block the South Caucasus country's path towards the European Union and NATO.

US and South Korea to hold talks in Hawaii on cost sharing for American troops

U.S. and South Korean officials are meeting in Hawaii to discuss sharing the cost of maintaining American troops in South Korea. The U.S. delegation is led by Linda Specht.

Alzheimer's drug embrace slows down as US doctors' reluctance grows

The adoption of the FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug, Leqimbi, has slowed down in the U.S. as more experts grow hesitant about the drugs cost, risks and efficacy.

While Iran attacked Israel, morality police flooded its streets to suppress dissent, activists say

The same day that Iran launched its attack on Israel, it also launched a crackdown on dissent within its own borders and flooded the streets of Tehran with morality police.

College graduation season: 3 tips for parents to dodge expensive hotel rates

In U.S. college towns, booking a hotel room for graduation day can be challenging. Prices skyrocket as demand surges, leaving parents feeling exploited.

Biden admin confirms 12 offshore wind auctions through 2028

The Biden administration on Wednesday announced plans for up to twelve auctions of offshore wind development rights by 2028, with four scheduled for this year.

Republic of the Congo declares monkeypox epidemic after more than a dozen cases confirmed

The Republic of the Congo has declared a monkeypox epidemic after confirming 19 cases across five departments, including the capital Brazzaville, officials said.

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate says he would free political prisoners, bring home exiles

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez said that, if elected, he would guarantee the freedom of political prisoners and the return of those exiled.

USDA raises school nutrition standards in attempt to fight diet-related disease

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new rules governing meals served at public schools that will go into effect over the next few years, including sugar and sodium limits.

Ukraine sees first of new EU aid package worth about $50B

Ukraine received its first tranche of financial support from the European Union as the rest of the new aid program is set to be approved.

Russia claims US pressured Turkish Airlines into preventing Russians from flying into Mexico

A Russian official claimed that the United States was forcing Turkish Airlines to prevent Russians from flying into Mexico, but provided no evidence for the accusation.

Russia may downgrade relations with US if its assets are confiscated, deputy foreign minister says

The U.S. and some European countries are considering confiscating frozen Russian assets and using them to fund Ukraine. Russia said it was considering downgrading U.S. ties in response.

Biden admin to tighten restrictions on firearm exports, official says

The Biden administration plans to implement new restrictions on firearms exports to limit their diversion to criminal groups and drug cartels, officials say.

Russian defense minister proposes expanded military exercises in Asia to counter US security expansion

Russia's defense minister has voiced the need for Russia and its allies in Asia to expand joint military exercises, citing what he perceives as a direct threat from the U.S.

Somalia detains US-trained military unit over alleged theft of rations

Somalia's government has taken action against members of its Danab commando unit for allegedly stealing rations donated by the U.S., according to officials.

18 confirmed dead after bus crash near Mexico City, authorities say

18 people have been confirmed dead after a bus crash on the outskirts of Mexico City on Sunday. 14 people were killed instantly, while another four died in the hospital.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges faster US weapon deliveries

President Zelenskyy has voiced the urgent need for faster delivery of U.S. weapons to Ukraine, saying that small amounts had begun to arrive but were inefficient.

Russia threatens seizure of US assets in response to potential confiscation of currency reserves

A senior Russian security official has warned that Russia could retaliate against any U.S. seizure of its frozen currency reserves by seizing the assets of U.S. citizens.

NATO chief says Ukraine aid will increase, apologizes for falling short, on unannounced visit

Jens Stoltenberg, chief of NATO, visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to admit that the military alliance fell short of their promises of arms to Ukraine, but reaffirmed commitment to the cause.

World Central Kitchen, known for providing wartime food aid, to resume work in Gaza after staff deaths

World Central Kitchen is resuming operations in the Gaza Strip following a temporary halt after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli air strike.

Taliban faces criticism for depriving women of human rights at UN meeting

The Taliban faces criticism for depriving women of human rights at a U.N. meeting, though no Taliban representatives attended because they are not recognized by the U.N.

India protests against separatist slogans at Canadian event following killing of Sikh leader a year ago

India expressed concern and protest after people attending a Canadian event addressed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used separatist slogans in support of a Sikh homeland.

30 men have died while attempting to flee Ukraine to avoid military service, official says

Since the onset of the war with Russia in 2022, approximately 30 Ukrainian men have lost their lives while attempting to flee Ukraine to avoid military service.

White House voices concern over Indian intelligence service's alleged role in assassination plots

The White House has voiced concern over reported involvement of the Indian intelligence service in two assassination plots in Canada and the United States.

New climate officials from China and US to meet for formal talks for first time

U.S. climate change diplomat John Podesta and Chinese climate diplomat Liu Zhenmin will hold official talks for the first time when the former visits Washington in May 2024.

Bird flu could spread to cows outside US, head of WHO flu program says

The U.S. confirmed the presence of the bird flu in American cow herds. The W.H.O. said there is risk of the disease spreading to other countries.