VIDEO: Researchers at online shopping site eBay have come up with a way to surf apps on your smartphone without having to use your fingers. Their solution? Use your head, literally. VOA has more on the newest way to scroll through your phone, hands not required.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On December 20, 1989, the United States invades Panama in order to overthrow the government of dictator Manuel Noriega. Noriega had been indicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges. The U.S. easily defeated Panamanian forces, and Noriega fled to the Vatican nuncio in Panama City. He surrendered in January 3, 1990.

The White House’s announcement that U.S. troops are withdrawing from Syria caught U.S. lawmakers by surprise and angered some of President Donald Trump’stop allies on Capitol Hill.

VIDEO: A bridge over a busy interstate highway — not for cars or pedestrians, but for wildlife — is under construction in Washington state. The aim is to keep the animals off the road while reconnecting their forest habitat.

Some Syrian Kurdish officials and residents voiced concerns Wednesday that the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, announced earlier in the day by the White House, could affect the war on the Islamic State terror group and create yet another conflict in the war-torn country.

VIDEO: This week Plugged In takes a look at the year that was, and the key issues that shaped U.S. policy around the world. VOA reporters share their insights and reporting on U.S. politics, foreign policy, China, African elections and immigration.