Good morning, I'm Sophia Tulp filling in for Sarah Naffa. In the news today: A government shutdown has been averted through the holidays; more pandas could soon be coming to American zoos; and a battle over science textbooks in Texas is creating rifts. Also, meet Finney, a protective Jack Russell terrier who stayed by his injured owner’s side until the end. | President Joe Biden speaks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) |
Biden signs temporary spending bill averting government shutdown |
While the fight with congressional Republicans over the federal budget is pushed into the new year, wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel remains stalled. The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. Read more.
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Could America’s giant panda exodus be reversed? The Chinese president’s comments spark optimism |
Panda lovers in America were given hope when Chinese President Xi Jinping said this week that his government was “ready to continue” lending the animals to American zoos. But it wasn’t certain when or to where the pandas might be coming, although Xi gave a hint that California zoogoers might have reason to celebrate. Read more.
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The number of giant pandas in American zoos has steadily dwindled as multiple exchange agreements have expired and not been renewed. Washington’s National Zoo sent its three pandas back a week ago.
Veteran China-watchers have speculated that the People’s Republic is gradually pulling its bears from American and European zoos due to tensions with Western governments over a host of issues.
- At a Wednesday dinner with business leaders, Xi called the bears “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.”
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Climate change in Texas science textbooks causes divisions on the state’s education board |
How science textbooks in Texas address climate change is at the center of a key vote expected Friday after some Republican education officials criticized books for being too negative toward fossil fuels in America’s biggest oil and gas state. The issue of which textbooks to approve has led to new divisions on the Texas State Board of Education. Read more.
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Friday’s vote will decide whether the proposed textbooks meet the standards set in 2021, which describe human factors as contributors to climate change, and do not mention creationism as an alternative to evolution.
Texas has more than 1,000 school districts and none is obligated to use textbooks approved by the board. Still, the endorsements carry weight.
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The State Board of Education has faced other heated curriculum battles surrounding how evolution and U.S. history is taught to the more than 5 million students.
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This image provided by Dana Holby shows her Jack Russell terrier Finney on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. (Dana Holby via AP) |
WATCH: Researchers print new robotic hand
Researchers in Switzerland say they've 3D printed a robotic hand, with bones, tendons and ligaments, from a scan. They hope the hand could advance robotic technologies, making more complex and durable robots. |
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Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sophia
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Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Sophia
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