Scoop: Treasury to green-light new Iran sanctions after Israel attack
The U.S. under Treasury Secretary Yellen is preparing sanctions on Iran in response to attacks on Israel, signaling willingness to retaliate economically. [ more ]
This article discusses the reauthorization of a key intelligence power in the United States to enhance surveillance while preserving privacy rights. [ more ]
Japan is now in the space race. Here's where other countries stand
Japan hopes to have made the world's first pinpoint landing on the moon with its recent spacecraft touchdown.
Japan's attempt to land on the moon follows the failure of a Japanese company's spacecraft in April, and success would bring international recognition and potential political gains. [ more ]
What a TikTok Ban Would Mean for the U.S. Defense of an Open Internet
The United States could undermine its open internet champion reputation by targeting TikTok for a forced sale or ban, raising concerns globally. [ more ]
White House science chief signals US-China co-operation on AI safety
The United States and China need to collaborate on addressing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) despite the competition between the two nations.
The Biden administration aims to create a framework for cooperation with China, focusing on areas such as AI safety, ethics, and responsible development. [ more ]
U.S. missiles strike targets in Yemen linked to the Houthi militia.
The United States and its allies carried out military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to Houthi drone and missile attacks against commercial shipping.
The strikes were an expansion of the war in the Middle East that the Biden administration had sought to avoid for three months. [ more ]
Odysseus, a lunar lander built by Intuitive Machines, has successfully launched and is on its way to the moon's south pole for a historic private lunar landing.
If successful, Odysseus will become the first-ever private spacecraft to successfully land on the moon, marking a significant achievement for the United States in space exploration. [ more ]
Putin says Russia is in dialogue with the US on exchanging jailed Americans Gershkovich and Whelan
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is in dialogue with the United States about bringing home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.
The U.S. State Department has put multiple offers on the table for their release, but Russia has rejected them. [ more ]
Austin Cancels Trip to Europe After Returning to Hospital
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III will not be attending NATO meetings due to hospitalization for complications from prostate cancer surgery.
His authorities have been handed over to the deputy defense secretary. Celeste Wallander and Julianne Smith will represent the US at the meetings. [ more ]
House wines in Europe are typically easy-drinking, affordable wines that reflect the local flavors and culture.
In the United States, the concept of house wine is changing, with sommeliers collaborating with boutique winemakers to create exclusive, high-quality options. [ more ]
Gaza war exposes dissent on EU Israel policy DW 02/07/2024
Former Dutch diplomat, Angelique Eijpe, resigned in protest of her government's response to the Israel-Hamas war.
The European Union and the United States have been reluctant to support an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, citing fears that it could embolden Hamas. [ more ]
China and the U.S. Are Talking, but Their Detente Has Limits
The United States and China have resumed diplomatic talks on various issues, indicating a tentative detente in their relationship.
There is a disagreement on how to define the relationship, with the Biden administration seeing it as strategic competition and Chinese officials rejecting this and promoting a 'San Francisco Vision' of stabilizing relations and putting competition aside. [ more ]
The killing of three American soldiers in a drone attack has crossed a red line in the shadow war between Iran and the United States.
The Iranian leadership is being blamed for the attack, although the Biden administration has not directly implicated Iran in ordering the strike. [ more ]
Taiwan's election explained: What's at stake, and how will China react?
China's leader, Xi Jinping, has been warning that Beijing's rule over Taiwan is inevitable, raising the prospect of a conflict that could involve the United States.
The front-runner for Taiwan's presidency, Lai Ching-te, is from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, signaling a clear rebuke of closer ties with China if he wins.
China has displayed its displeasure by surrounding Taiwan with fighter jets and warships, and has engaged in psychological warfare by sending balloons towards the island. [ more ]
North Korea Tests Long-Range Missile for First Time in Months
North Korea launched its first long-range missile test since July, firing an intercontinental ballistic missile off its east coast.
The missile was fired from near Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, and South Korean military officials are analyzing data to determine its type. [ more ]
Brooklyn Public Library Launches Contemporary Anthem Project
The Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center have launched a program called 'Anthem to US', inviting the public to create a contemporary national anthem.
The purpose of the program is to create a modernized anthem that reflects the diverse population of the United States. [ more ]
Pacific island Tuvalu votes as ties with Taiwan in spotlight
China, Taiwan, the United States, and Australia are closely watching the national election in Tuvalu as they vie for influence in the region.
Tuvalu is at risk of being inundated by tides due to climate change, and has campaigned for greater action in international conferences.
The contest for influence in the Pacific between China and the US has seen Tuvalu courted, with Washington pledging to connect its remote population to global telecommunications for the first time. [ more ]
Measles cases have surged in Europe, including Britain, and in various parts of the United States.
The outbreaks in Europe are largely attributed to children missing routine immunizations, while in the United States, most cases are linked to travel outside the country. [ more ]
Diversity initiatives are the epitome of patriotism. The GOP's disdain for them is pure racism.
Despite the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, there is still work to be done to achieve equal rights for all in the United States.
Various strategies have been used throughout history to progress towards these goals, including constitutional amendments, legislation, social movements, and DEI initiatives. [ more ]
Paris-Based AI Startup Nabla Secures $24M Series B to Propel US Expansion of AI-Powered Clinical Note Tool
Paris-based healthcare technology startup Nabla has raised $24 million in a Series B funding round, bringing the total investment in the company to $43 million.
Nabla Copilot, an AI-powered tool, automates the process of generating clinical notes during patient consultations, saving doctors up to six hours per week in documentation time. [ more ]
Homelessness Rose to Record Level This Year, Government Says
Homelessness in the United States reached its highest level on record this year, with a 12% increase in the homeless population.
The increase in homelessness is attributed to factors such as rising rents, the end of pandemic-related aid and eviction bans, and the surge in numbers of migrants entering the country. [ more ]
Zelensky's Hasty Visit Shows How MAGA Republicans Have Captured US Foreign Policy
The United States is experiencing a shortage of aid packages, leading to difficulties in providing support to countries like Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
The Republican Party's hard-line base, led by former President Donald Trump, is skeptical of providing aid to Ukraine, while hawkish Republicans argue that aid should be redirected to Taiwan. [ more ]