Dec 18 EU investigates X over potential violations of social media law By Kelvin Chan, Associated Press The European Union has made Elon Musk’s online platform X the first tech company to face an investigation under Europe’s tough new regulations designed to clean up social media and protect people from toxic online content. Continue reading
Dec 18 Ukraine's military chief says routine sweep discovered bugged office By Illia Novikov, Associated Press Ukraine’s military chief says a covert listening device was found in one of the offices where he works and he is hinting that other bugs were detected in other locations. Continue reading
Dec 18 In Hong Kong, national security trial opens for prominent publisher Jimmy Lai By Kanis Leung, Associated Press The 76-year-old Lai was arrested in August 2020 during a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement under the sweeping national security law enacted following huge protests four years ago. Continue reading
Dec 18 BP joins list of companies halting Red Sea shipments due to Houthi attack fears By Courtney Bonnell, Associated Press Houthi rebels have targeted container ships and oil tankers passing through a narrow waterway that connects to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, where an estimated 10% of the world’s trade passes through. Continue reading
Dec 18 Live updates: Israel's allies call for winding down of assault in Gaza By Associated Press The U.N. Security Council has scheduled a vote Monday on an Arab-sponsored resolution calling for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants. Continue reading
Dec 18 Suspected cyberattack renders most gas stations in Iran out of service By Associated Press In recent years, Iran has seen a series of cyberattacks on its filling stations, railway system and industries. Surveillance cameras in government buildings, including prisons, have also been hacked in the past. Continue reading
Dec 18 Pope formally allows priests to bless same-sex couples By Associated Press The Vatican issued a new document explaining a radical change in Vatican policy by insisting that people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” to receive it. Continue reading
Dec 18 Defense Secretary Austin expected to press Israel to wind down major combat operations in Gaza By Tara Copp, Melanie Lidman, Samy Magdy, Associated Press France, the U.K. and Germany joined global calls for a cease-fire over the weekend, and Israeli protesters have demanded the government relaunch talks with Hamas on releasing more hostages after three were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops. Continue reading
Dec 17 Chile rejects conservative draft of new constitution in 2nd referendum vote By María Verza, Patricia Luna, Associated Press Chilean voters have rejected a conservative constitution to replace the country’s dictatorship-era charter, a little over a year after turning down a proposed leftist charter that many characterized as one of the world’s most progressive. Continue reading
Dec 17 Discovery of major Hamas tunnel in Gaza renews scrutiny of Israeli intelligence failures By Ariel Schalit, Julia Frankel, Associated Press The Israeli military said Sunday it has discovered a large tunnel shaft in Gaza close to what was once a busy crossing into Israel, raising new questions about how Israeli surveillance missed such conspicuous preparations by Hamas for the militants' deadly Oct. Continue reading