The VICE Morning Bulletin

Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.

US News

Trump to Announce Paris Accord Decision
President Trump will announce his decision on whether the US should adhere to the Paris climate accord in the Rose Garden at 3 PM Thursday, following reports he's set to pull the nation out of the landmark agreement. Three anonymous administration officials said they expected Trump to withdraw. The possibility drew condemnation from international leaders Wednesday. The head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said "not everything in international agreements is fake news."—The New York Times / CBS News

Trump Mulls Returning Compounds to Russia
The Trump administration is apparently considering giving two diplomatic compounds in New York and Maryland back to Russia, after the Obama administration forced Moscow to vacate at the end of last year in retaliation for election tampering. The US is said to be weighing the idea of allowing the Russians to occupy the buildings without diplomatic immunity, meaning American law enforcement officials could enter.—The Washington Post

Noose Found at African American History Museum
Visitors at the National Museum of African American History and Culture discovered a noose at one of the exhibits Wednesday. Founding Director Lonnie Bunch described its placement there as "a horrible act." A noose was also found hanging from a tree outside the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC Friday.—CNN

Joe Biden Announces New PAC
Former VP Joe Biden revealed his plan to form a new PAC called American Possibilities in an email to supporters. A spokeswoman for Biden said it would "continue to build up and support the Democratic Party and focus on the issues he cares about." There was no word on the speculation that he's considering a run at the presidency in 2020.—NBC News

International News

Ten Philippine Soldiers Killed in 'Friendly Fire' Air Raid
As the Philippine military tries to retake control of Marawi City from Islamist rebels, ten soldiers have been killed in a friendly fire incident, accidentally bombed by two air force planes targeting an area held by the Maute rebels. Another seven government soldiers were injured in the air raid. The defense secretary blamed the "fog of war."—Al Jazeera

ISIS Prepares for Showdown at Mosul Mosque
ISIS fighters are preparing for a final confrontation with Iraqi government forces in Mosul by blocking the streets surrounding the Grand al-Nuri Mosque. ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the existence of a caliphate at the mosque back in 2014. On Saturday, US-backed Iraqi forces launched an offensive to take western Mosul, having taken the eastern part of the city in January.—Reuters

Passengers Subdue Man on Malaysia Airlines Flight After Bomb Scare
A Malaysia Airlines flight from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur turned back to Australia after a man attempted to enter the cockpit and allegedly made bomb threats. Three passengers helped subdue the 25-year-old Sri Lankan, who wasn't carrying any explosives. Police described the incident as "a mental health issue."—BBC News

Planet Earth A Little More Peaceful, Study Finds
The latest Global Peace Index report estimates the world became 0.28 percent more peaceful in the last 12 months. The report by the Institute for Economics and Peace found a decrease in torture, extrajudicial killings, and the global murder rate. Iceland was once again deemed the least violent place on Earth, while the US was labeled more violent thanks in part to a modest increase in the murder rate.—BBC News

Everything Else

'Being Black in America is Tough,' Says LeBron James
LeBron James has responded to racist graffiti being sprayed on his home in Los Angeles. "No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are... being black in America is—it's tough," said the Cleveland Cavaliers star.—The New York Times

Assange Considers Hannity Hosting Offer
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said he was "looking into" an offer by Sean Hannity to fill in as host of his radio talk show. "If you would like to fill in for me one day I am on over 550 stations and 14 plus million listeners," Hannity tweeted.—CNN

Migos Sign Up for Adult Swim 2017 Singles Series
Adult Swim signed on 52 artists for its 2017 Singles Series, including Migos, Run the Jewels, MF Doom, and Julian Casablancas. There will be a new track available to stream every week, beginning with Zaytoven's Pose To.—Rolling Stone

VA Secretary Says Maybe 'Some Evidence' Medical Weed is Helpful
Veteran Affairs secretary David Shulkin said there "may be some evidence" that medical marijuana "is beginning to be helpful" to vets with health problems, and signaled he might not be opposed to including it in health care plans.—VICE News

Minorities Still More Likely to be Stopped by the NYPD
A new report on the NYPD's stop-and-frisk policy has found cops have cut down on reported stops, but are still stopping people of color more than whites. Blacks accounted for 53 percent of stops, and Hispanics accounted for 29 percent. Whites accounted for 11.—VICE

Charges Dropped Against Stanley Cup Catfish Thrower
A 36-year-old Tennessee man who threw a catfish onto the ice during the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh has had charges against him dropped. Jacob Waddell had initially been charged with disorderly conduct and possessing an instrument of crime.—VICE Sports

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