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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Texas federal court rejects policy aimed at curbing 'judge shopping'

A Texas federal court has chosen not to adopt a recent policy aimed at curbing "judge shopping." The decision was announced by Chief U.S. District Judge David Godbey.

New AI test measures how fast robots can respond to user commands

A benchmarking group for artificial intelligence has released new results evaluating the speed of hardware in running AI applications and responding to users.

Jane Goodall to celebrate 90th birthday with talks on urgency of environmental action

Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned British primatologist and conservationist, is approaching her 90th birthday and plans to celebrate with a series of environmental talks.

FDA proposes ban on electrical shock devices used to stop aggressive behavior for the second time

The FDA has proposed banning electrical stimulation devices used to reduce or stop self-injurious or aggressive behavior due to the risk of injury they pose.

Lithium demand and development swell, but US laws lag behind

Companies in the U.S. are ready to begin extracting lithium from beneath the ground, but the jumbled intersection of state and federal law has made the legality of doing so murky.

Creature named after Kermit the Frog offers clues on amphibian evolution, scientists say

Texas scientists say that a fossilized skull dating back 270 million years was named Kermitops gratus after the beloved Muppet character Kermit the Frog.

Global fertility rates may become too low to sustain population levels, study says

Fertility rates worldwide are declining to levels insufficient to sustain populations by the century's end, according to a new study published in The Lancet.

Global demand for AI experts surges as EU struggles to recruit

Some government agencies around the world are struggling to meet their staffing goals when it comes to hiring artificial intelligence experts.

Millie Bobby Brown’s ‘Stranger Things’ co-star Matthew Modine to officiate her wedding with Jake Bongiovi

Millie Bobby Brown revealed that her wedding with her fiancé Jake Bongiovi will be officiated by her 'Stranger Things' co-star known as Dr. Martin Brenner in the hit show.

Ukrainian women's presence in tech sector has become ‘more pronounced’ since Russia's invasion, reports reveal

Ukrainian women are stepping up within the country's tech sector by taking on more leadership roles in an effort to bolster their economy.

World's first 'Dragon Ball’ theme park to open in Saudi Arabia

Japan's "Dragon Ball" franchise recently announced that they are building the world's first theme devoted to the franchise in Saudi Arabia.

77-year-old Philadelphia man released after serving decades in prison for a murder he says he did not commit

A Philadelphia resident who was released after 44 years in prison could face another trial for a 1976 murder that he firmly claims he did not commit.

Scientists decry threats to Mexican wetland, an oasis in Chihuahuan Desert

Scientists say Mexico's ancient desert oasis of Cuatro Cienegas can help them understand the origin of Earth and the chances of life on Mars, but its water is being diverted.

US pushes India to reverse laptop trade policy, says they will 'think twice' about future business

Behind-the-scenes lobbying by U.S. officials prompted India's 'usually inflexible' government to reverse a controversial laptop licensing trade policy.

China's Tibet charging students $400K to have someone else take their college entry exam

China's Tibet is offering students a controversial opportunity to pay $400,000 for someone to take their college entry exam. The plan has sparked widespread debate throughout China.

United Nations, European Union worry Hong Kong's new security law could threaten human rights

The European Union and United Nations are concerned that Hong Kong's new national security bill, Article 23, could threaten human rights in the city.

NASA collision with asteroid Dimorphos changed both its trajectory and shape

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test spacecraft showed that it is possible to change the trajectory of a celestial object, and data shows that the test asteroid's shape also changed.

UK to introduce bill to phase out legal sale of tobacco

The British government will introduce a bill in parliament on March 20, 2024, to prevent children turning 15 this year or younger from ever being able to be legally sold tobacco.

Plunging optimism among youth lowers global happiness rankings for US and western Europe

While Nordic countries keep the top spots in global happiness rankings, the U.S. dropped from No. 15 to No. 23 due to a big drop in the sense of wellbeing of Americans aged under 30.

Leaders in nuclear fusion meet in DC to raise money in race against China

Leaders in the nuclear fusion industry intend to meet in Washington, D.C., this week in a bid to raise more money for research to avoid falling behind China on fusion technology.

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, […]