The vast majority of Americans are about to get an extended taste of frigid Siberian weather. Another polar vortex disruption will stretch Arctic air across the top of the globe…
Trump’s immigration agenda sets stage for battle over sanctuary cities
One of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises was to urge the US Congress to pass legislation banning sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some local officials…
Britain, Ukraine sign 100-year agreement
Britain and Ukraine signed a 100-year agreement Thursday, with Britain pledging to provide Ukraine with $3.6 billion in military aid this year. The deal was announced during a joint news…
Trump’s pick for hostage envoy pledges ‘to take action’
Dozens of U.S. citizens and residents are unjustly held around the world. If confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for hostage envoy, Adam Boehler will be tasked with freeing them.…
US Customs agents intercept contraband cars headed overseas
SPARROWS POINT, MARYLAND — Most Americans and visitors to the United States encounter Customs and Border Protection agents when they enter or return to the country at land crossings or airports.…
Putting aside past tensions, Turkey’s Erdogan sees new Trump presidency as opportunity
With Donald Trump returning to the White House, analysts say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees an opportunity to rekindle what he calls his close working relationship with the president-elect.…
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy seeking continued US support under Trump
As Russia’s war with Ukraine approaches the three-year mark in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is emphasizing his country’s hope for continued U.S. support under the incoming Trump administration. “We…
Vice president-elect credits grandmother, Kentucky roots
Republican Vice President-elect JD Vance rose from humble beginnings. He grew up in a struggling industrial town in the Midwestern state of Ohio. He went on to attend an Ivy…
Donald J. Trump: An unconventional path to the presidency
Donald Trump takes the oath of office Monday to become the 47th president of the United States. It is a historic return to power for a man who in just…
Families mourn Ukrainian women killed in action since Russia’s invasion
Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have died fighting since Russia invaded the country in February 2022, and some of them have been women. Tetiana Kukurika met with two families who lost…
China reaches out to US allies ahead of Trump’s inauguration
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — China initiated a new round of diplomatic outreach to Japan and the European Union this week as Washington prepares for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. A delegation of Japanese…
Bezos’ Blue Origin reaches orbit in first New Glenn launch, misses booster landing
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Blue Origin’s giant New Glenn rocket blasted off from Florida early Thursday morning on its first mission to space, an inaugural step into Earth’s orbit for Jeff…
Britain announces Ukraine pact with military collaboration
Britain announced Thursday a treaty with Ukraine that includes military collaboration, science and technology partnerships, and an effort to track stolen Ukrainian grain. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting…
Cyprus says US decree on security affirms island’s stabilizing role in region
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus on Thursday hailed a U.S. memorandum allowing military sales, including arms, to the island as a milestone affirming recognition of the island as a pillar of stability…
Dry, windy weather to ease as firefighters battle LA wildfires
Southern California firefighters made some progress in containing two major wildfires, while forecasters said weather conditions in the coming days could bring welcome relief from the days of dry air…
Billionaires and foreign dignitaries to attend Trump’s inauguration
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, will be among several billionaires attending Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. Tesla CEO Musk was instrumental in Trump’s reelection with his contribution of over…
Cuba begins freeing prisoners after US says it will lift terror designation
HAVANA — Cuba started releasing some prisoners Wednesday as part of talks with the Vatican, a day after President Joe Biden’s administration announced his intent to lift the U.S. designation of…
Secretary of state selection Rubio: US must put national interest first
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to serve as secretary of state faced questioning from lawmakers Wednesday. Republican Marco Rubio told senators that if confirmed he would make U.S. national interest a…
VOA Russian: Victims of Russian torture in Ukraine speak at UN
Ukrainians formerly imprisoned by Russia testified at the United Nations this week about the torture they were subjected to in captivity. Ukrainian journalist and activist Maxym Butkevych, who spent more…
Usha Vance to become first Indian American second lady
Usha Vance will be the next second lady of the United States, making the Yale-educated lawyer the first vice presidential spouse of South Asian origin. VOA White House correspondent Anita…
US imposes export controls on biotech equipment over AI security concerns
On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it would implement new export controls on certain biotechnology equipment, citing national security concerns relating to artificial intelligence and data science. The…
World Economic Forum will highlight conflict, AI, climate change
GENEVA — More than 3,000 global leaders from upwards of 130 countries will make their annual pilgrimage next week to the World Economic Forum, meeting in the plush Swiss Alpine resort…
White House says Biden leaving Ukraine in strongest position possible
While U.S. President Joe Biden views his response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a cornerstone of his foreign policy legacy, critics argue he missed a historic opportunity to help…
Biden bids farewell with Oval Office address
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden gives his farewell address from the Oval Office Wednesday evening, five days before he ends his term and President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated. In a…