Feb 22 Florida lawmakers pass ban on social media for kids and teens under 16 despite constitutional concerns By Brendan Farrington, Associated Press Supporters in Florida hope that if the bill becomes law, it would withstand legal challenges because it focuses on addictive features rather than the content on social media sites. Continue reading
Feb 22 Cease-fire between Israel and Hamas gains steam as U.S. envoy visits. Mediators report 'encouraging' signs By Josef Federman, Samy Magdy, Wafaa Shurafa, Associated Press The U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been struggling for weeks to find a formula that could halt Israel's devastating offensive in Gaza, but now face an unofficial deadline as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. Continue reading
Feb 22 Wall Street sees a solid 2024 ahead for homebuilders, though mortgage rates remain a wildcard By Alex Veiga, Associated Press Housing market trends are shaping up in favor of a solid 2024 for U.S. homebuilders — as long as mortgage rates don't jump back to the highs they hit late last year. Continue reading
Feb 22 Farmers from 10 EU countries join forces to protest agricultural policies By Associated Press Farmers complain that the 27-nation EU's policies on the environment, such as the Green Deal, which calls for limits on the use of chemicals and on greenhouse gas emissions, limit their business and make their products more expensive than non-EU… Continue reading
Feb 22 Denmark records highest number of antisemitic incidents since WWII, part of a grim European trend By Jan M. Olsen, Associated Press Henri Goldstein, the head of the Scandinavian country's small Jewish Community said there had been violent escalation, not least fueled by the uncontrolled spread of hatred on social media. Continue reading
Feb 22 U.S. promises new sanctions on Iran for its support of Russia's war in Ukraine, potential missile sale By Zeke Miller, Associated Press National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that the U.S. will be “imposing additional sanctions on Iran in the coming days" for its efforts to supply Russia with drones and other technology for the war against Ukraine. Continue reading
Feb 22 Russia's forces turn their focus on Ukraine's northeast in what may be an ambitious new offensive By Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press Russia overwhelmed Ukraine's army in Adviidka, a strategic eastern city, where it brought to bear its significant battlefield advantage in men, aircraft and artillery. Continue reading
Feb 22 Georgia Republicans seek to stop automatic voter registration in state By Jeff Amy, Associated Press The Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday voted to advance a bill that would require people to opt in to voter registration when they receive or renew a driver's license. Continue reading
Feb 22 WATCH: Pentagon holds news briefing as Houthis continue attacks on Red Sea shipping By Associated Press The Houthis launched attacks Thursday on both Israel and a ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden, setting the vessel ablaze and again demonstrating their ability to launch assaults despite facing U.S.-led airstrikes targeting their forces. Continue reading
Feb 22 Planned Parenthood asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to find 1849 abortion law unconstitutional By Todd Richmond, Associated Press The organization filed a petition Thursday asking the high court to find the law unconstitutional without letting any lower courts rule first. Liberals hold a 4-3 majority on the Supreme Court, and one justice has repeatedly declared her support for… Continue reading