Dan Verbin

News writer based in North America

British uni launches investigation into prof accused of lashing out at Jewish students

Bristol U opening investigation into professor who slandered Jewish students as "pawns of a racist regime engaged in ethnic cleansing."

During times of disease, ants socially distance similarly to humans

U.K. scientist: humans aren't alone in socially distancing when pandemics occur

International body warns that without turn to clean energy, oil use will skyrocket

The IEA in a report is sounding the alarm on the dangers of a post-COVID surge in oil usage if "clean energy moves" are not implemented.

Council of Hasidic Jews of Quebec told by judge that 8 p.m. curfew must remain in place

Request by the Council of Hasidic Jews of Quebec to be granted two and a half hour exemption to 8 p.m. curfew rejected.

Death of doctor known as 'healer of the poor' in Iraq means only three Jews left

With the death of 61-year-old Thafer Fuad Elyahou, only three Jews remain in Iraq, and the tragic end of a historic community is in sight

Klimt painting sold under duress during Nazi era returns to heirs of Jewish family

France is returning a painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt to the heirs of the Jewish family forced by the Nazis to sell it.

Pew Research: As pandemic enters second year, Americans face mental health challenges

A year into the pandemic, one fifth of American adults say they are experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress

New smart mask monitors your vitals and surrounding air quality

AirPop has developed a smart mask that elevates your safety beyond simply protecting you from viral particles by monitoring your vitals.

U.S.-Israel foundation to combat climate crisis through $4 million for innovative research

Funding will be provided by the BIRD energy program. The initiative seeks to foster U.S.-Israeli innovation through strategic partnerships.

University of Illinois responds to complaints of anti-Semitism by creating advisory coucil

School announces creation of an advisory council to study problem of campus anti-Semitism

Statues unveiled in honour of trailblazing Supreme Court Justice

The late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been honored with two statues in New York City, where she was born.

Rumors swirl that the former president is feuding with son-in-law

Rumor has it Jared Kushner has decided to distance himself from the former President, leaving politics to spend time with his family.

South Africa's Chief Justice refuses to back down from pro-Israel comments

Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke of his "love" for Israel and attacked his country's antagonistic behaviour toward the Jewish State.

Washington Post issues retraction, admits misquoting ex-president in Georgia vote story

Washington Post admits falsely attributed quotes to ex-President Trump in a story about a call made to Georgia's elections investigator

Virtual meeting hosted by United Nations tackles dangers of anti-Semitism

On Monday, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) hosted a virtual conference on combating anti-Semitism.

Yaphet Kotto, Jewish actor famous for playing James Bond villain, has died

Yaphet Kotto, actor who played a James Bond villain, was in the film Alien, and starred in Homicide: Life on the Street, dies at 81.

Brandeis University's most generous benefactor leaves a lasting legacy

Carl Shapiro, Boston philanthropist and longtime benefactor of Brandeis University, has passed away at the age of 108.

Today marks the date 78-years ago when Germany began exterminating Greek Jews

Seventy-eight years ago to the day, on March 15, 1943, the Nazis began deporting Greek Jews to Auschwitz.

Man who blew himself up in downtown Nashville believer in anti-Semitic tropes

Fervent belief in conspiracy theories, including that a shadowy cabal of lizard people secretly rule the world, fuelled actions of bomber

Switch to daylight savings time means "red zone" curfews conflict with evening prayer

With an 8 p.m. curfew in place during daylight savings, observing evening prayers at a synagogue will become a challenge

Former senior Trump advisor says Arab-Israeli conflict in 'last vestiges'

Jared Kushner expressed hope that the Abraham Accords will usher in a new era of "friendly relations" in the Middle East.

Navy contractor, known for racist views, on trial for part in storming capital

One of the protestors charged with storming the U.S. Capital Building has been identified as a white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer

Hong Kong scientist discovers new way to detect autism in children

Professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong developed a method to diagnose autism using a high resolution camera and a software algorithm

While publicly dismissing Sputnik vaccine, EU may be changing its mind

With efforts to vaccinate Europe's 450 million residents encountering difficulties, EU may turn to Moscow for its vaccine

Georgia officials discover state investigator had tried to erase call

Eye opening recording of Trump's call to investigator was discovered by Georgia Secretary of State's office recently

New evidence suggests clean coal may not be so clean

A multibillion dollar clean coal tax credit is under doubt, being investigated by Congress

Space rock will be travelling through space extraordinarily fast

On March 21, an asteroid nearly the size of the Golden Gate Bridge will sweep by Earth at an astonishingly fast pace.

Ex-president Jeanine Anez arrested on terrorism and conspiracy charges

Former Bolivian president Jeanine Anez behind bars facing charges of terrorism, conspiracy and sedition.

Middleweight champion who reigned for most of 1980s dies unexpectedly

Legendary middleweight boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler has died unexpectedly at the age of 66.

Biden administration attempts back channel talks with N Korea

The Biden administration attempted to talk with North Korea in February through behind the scenes channels but did not receive a response.

Russian authorities detain independent political forum participants as "undesirable"

Police arrest hundreds at forum hosted but 'undesirable' opposition group, accusing participants of 'administrative violations.'

Iranian-backed group turns down US-brokered Yemen ceasefire as violence spirals

Houthi rebels in Yemen have stated that they will not support a US plan to broker a ceasefire

Women invent protective sweater to keep pooches safe from predators

Spiky sweater gives small dogs protection from predators

Resolution calls Trump "most effective in 245-year history"

Alabama Republican Party passes resolution declathe most effective Presidents in the 245-year-history of this Republic”

Researchers begin to unlock ancient astronomical device's secrets

Scientists believe they have finally discovered the key to understanding what has been dubbed the "world's oldest computer."

33-year old Sarah Everard went missing while walking home from friend's hosue

The arrest of a British police officer charged with the death of a 33-year old woman has outraged the United Kingdom.

As country plunges into chaos, the U.S., India, Japan and Australia vow to act

At least 12 people in Myanmar were recently killed by security forces, according to witnesses and local media

Lack of oxygen kills COVID-19 patients in Jordanian hospital

Patients at a Jordanian hospital's COVID-19 unit died after their oxygen supply ran out, leading to resignation of Jordan health minister.

Sri Lanka government announces burqa ban, closure of over 1,000 Muslim religious schools

Sri Lanka has announced plan to ban the burqa while shuttering over 1,000 madrassas for reasons of national security.

Thursday, March 11 is World Kidney Day, a day to support those with chronic kidney disease

With kidney disease a worldwide problem, World Kidney Day seeks to highlight the importance of kidney health across the world.