Spotlight
U.S. government drops legal battle over Titanic salvage rights as company halts expedition plans
The U.S. government has withdrawn its legal challenge against RMS Titanic Inc., the company holding salvage rights to the Titanic wreck, after the firm indicated it has no immediate plans for expeditions that might violate federal law.
Houses of worship in Los Angeles unite in response to devastating fires
Multiple synagogues, churches and a mosque were destroyed by devastating wildfires in Los Angeles this week, leaving religious communities grappling with loss while demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Midlife health choices critical in preventing dementia, experts say
Dementia cases in America are projected to double by 2060, reaching approximately 1 million new cases annually, according to research published Monday in Nature Medicine.
Debate intensifies as Trump’s HHS nominee calls for end to water fluoridation
A decades-old public health measure is facing renewed scrutiny as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary, calls for an end to water fluoridation across the United States.
North Dakota’s tribal districts clear Supreme Court hurdle
The Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to North Dakota's 2021 legislative redistricting plan, effectively upholding measures designed to enhance Native American representation in the state legislature.
U.S. general praises Lebanese army’s security operations in border region
A top U.S. general gave high marks to Lebanese forces this week for their efforts to stabilize the volatile border region with Israel, marking a potential turning point in the area's yearlong conflict.
Beijing condemns U.S. cybersecurity sanctions against technology group
Diplomatic tension has escalated between China and the United States over cybersecurity issues, following the U.S. Treasury's decision to impose sanctions on Beijing-based Integrity Technology Group.
Ukraine restores diplomatic ties with Syria, launches humanitarian grain program
Ukraine announced plans Thursday to restore diplomatic relations with Syria following last month's collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad's Russian-backed government in December 2024.
Trump urges Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban, citing national security and free speech balance
President-elect Donald Trump has petitioned the Supreme Court to delay the impending federal ban on TikTok, which is set to take effect on Jan. 19. The ban requires TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell the platform or cease U.S. operations.
Remembering Jimmy Carter: From peanut farmer to humanitarian Nobel Peace Prize winner
Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President and longest-living president in American history, died at age 100.
Azerbaijan launches investigation into whether Russia had role in crash of passenger jet
Azerbaijan officials claimed Thursday that Russian anti-aircraft fire brought down their passenger jet over Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, allegedly after electronic warfare systems disabled the aircraft's communications and Russian forces mistook it for a Ukrainian attack drone, according to local reports.
Many elite universities eliminate tuition for families making under $100K
Elite universities across the United States are expanding their free tuition programs to attract middle-class applicants amid declining enrollment trends.
Russian forces close in on strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk
The battle for Pokrovsk, a crucial eastern Ukrainian city and defensive stronghold, has reached a critical phase as Russian forces advance within approximately 6 kilometers of the city.
Syrian rebels capture strategic city of Hama
A significant shift in Syria's civil war occurred as the Syrian army lost control of the strategic city of Hama to rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This defeat follows the recent capture of Aleppo by the same jihadist group, marking a dramatic turn in the 13-year-old conflict.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren backs Trump’s labor secretary pick in rare show of bipartisan unity
In an unexpected alliance, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is supporting President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for labor secretary.
370 dead in latest Syrian conflict as Assad launches counteroffensive
In a dramatic turn of events in Syria's ongoing conflict, rebel forces have made significant advances against President Bashar Assad's government, prompting immediate response from his allies Russia and Iran.
Australia passes landmark social media ban for children under 16
Australia's Parliament has passed groundbreaking legislation banning social media use for children under 16, marking a significant move that could influence global social media regulation.
Supreme Court petition challenges California gun show restrictions on state property
A gun show organizing group has petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge California's laws that restrict firearm sales on state property.
