U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 17, 2026
Today: April 17, 2026

Political

Arts|Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|Political|Technology

Takeaways from AP-Grist reporting on federal support for rural renewable energy

The Associated Press and Grist have collaborated on a project to analyze how federal policy changes on energy are affecting farmers

Takeaways from AP-Grist reporting on federal support for rural renewable energy
Crime|Europe|Political|World

France's foreign minister says 85-year-old widow detained by ICE returns home

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says the 85-year-old French widow of an American military veteran has returned home from U.S. immigration custody

France's foreign minister says 85-year-old widow detained by ICE returns home
Economy|Europe|Political|World

Polish leader Tusk claims Russia-linked crypto firm backed Nawrocki's presidential bid

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk claims a cryptocurrency firm with “Russian money” has sponsored politicians from Poland's former government

Polish leader Tusk claims Russia-linked crypto firm backed Nawrocki's presidential bid
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Political

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister resigns

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and ministry secretary Udayanga Hemapala resigned on Friday following an outcry over coal imports for

Sri Lanka's Energy Minister resigns
Economy|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Over a dozen countries offer to play role in Hormuz mission, Starmer says

More than a dozen countries said on Friday they were willing to join an international mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz when

Over a dozen countries offer to play role in Hormuz mission, Starmer says
Crime|Election|Europe|Political|World

Hungary's Magyar says documents from outgoing government being destroyed

Hungarian election winner Peter Magyar said on Friday he had reports that sensitive documents from the time of the outgoing administration were being destroyed and

Hungary's Magyar says documents from outgoing government being destroyed
Business|Economy|Political|World

At Cuba's Bay of Pigs, a victory against U.S. invaders stirs pride, fresh parallels

Orestes Chamizo points at a scrubby patch of sand on Cuba's Bay of Pigs, showing the spot where a brigade of U.S.-trained Cuban exiles landed

At Cuba's Bay of Pigs, a victory against U.S. invaders stirs pride, fresh parallels
Arts|Business|Economy|Political

A Trump pledge is falling flat as Ohio musical instrument plant closes

When Keith Czika learned the brass-instrument factory where he had worked for nearly 18 years was closing and his job was headed to China, the 62-

A Trump pledge is falling flat as Ohio musical instrument plant closes
Africa|Economy|Political|Travel|World

Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at Mass that draws 120,000 people

Pope Leo called on Cameroonians on Friday to reject violence and be generous with their neighbours during an event billed as

Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at Mass that draws 120,000 people
Business|Economy|Political|Technology|World

Wanna bet? Washington steps up scrutiny of prediction markets

A controversy has erupted over prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi

Wanna bet? Washington steps up scrutiny of prediction markets
Americas|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political|World

Lula and Sánchez to 'work for peace' at gathering of progressive leaders in Barcelona

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has started a two-day visit to Spain on Friday when he and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez met a day before they will gather with other leaders who are concerned with the fate of the democratic order and the rise of the populist far right

Lula and Sánchez to 'work for peace' at gathering of progressive leaders in Barcelona
Americas|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Kosovo approves troop contribution for Gaza force

The small Balkan nation of Kosovo says it wants to commit dozens of its security troops to an international force for Gaza because it appreciates what NATO-led peacekeepers have done for its own security since the 1998-99 war with Serbia

Kosovo approves troop contribution for Gaza force
Economy|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

EU to restore Syria relations, strengthen trade and security ties, document shows

By Lili Bayer and Feras Dalatey BRUSSELS/DAMASCUS, April 17 - The European Union plans to deepen its engagement with Syria by relaunching formal political contacts and paving the way for closer

EU to restore Syria relations, strengthen trade and security ties, document shows
Crime|Europe|Political|World

Russia still tackling a blaze at Tuapse port

Firefighters continued extinguishing a blaze at Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse on Friday, more than 24 hours after Ukrainian drone attacks, local authorities said.

Russia still tackling a blaze at Tuapse port
Asia|Political|World

China says its military activities around Taiwan are 'reasonable, justified'

China's regular military activities around Taiwan are "entirely justified and reasonable" and any tensions are the fault of the government in Taipei, the Chinese defence

China says its military activities around Taiwan are 'reasonable, justified'
Business|Finance|Political|US|World

US Congress punts on surveillance powers after failing to authorize a long-term extension

Congress passed a short extension to a high-profile surveillance law on Friday after failing to secure the long-term reauthorization pushed by

US Congress punts on surveillance powers after failing to authorize a long-term extension
Arts|Political|Science|Travel|World

How the first American pope is reclaiming Christian values from the Trump administration

How the first American pope is reclaiming Christian values from the Trump administration

How the first American pope is reclaiming Christian values from the Trump administration
Crime|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

NATO will not collapse and US will defend its allies, Estonian minister says

NATO member Estonia has no doubt that the United States would help defend it if Russia attacks, its defence minister told Reuters, while warning that

NATO will not collapse and US will defend its allies, Estonian minister says
Business|Economy|Political|Technology|World

China offers Vietnam railway loans, technology; shows off its high-speed rail

China offered to boost ties with Vietnam on rail infrastructure, from loans and technology to training, as its neighbour's top leader, To Lam, wound up a visit

China offers Vietnam railway loans, technology; shows off its high-speed rail
Economy|Political|World

Romanian broad ruling coalition parties must continue despite tensions, president says

Romania's broad ruling coalition of four pro-European Union parties has no choice but to continue to govern, President Nicusor Dan said, even if its biggest party will

Romanian broad ruling coalition parties must continue despite tensions, president says
Business|Economy|Environment|Political|World

Global leftist leaders gather in Spain to mobilise against far right

Spain's Pedro Sanchez and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will spearhead gatherings of the global left in Barcelona on Friday and

Global leftist leaders gather in Spain to mobilise against far right
Business|Economy|Political|World

China steps up Iran diplomacy while seeking smooth summit with Trump

China is accelerating its efforts to end the Iran war, walking a diplomatic tightrope as it prepares for a

China steps up Iran diplomacy while seeking smooth summit with Trump
Election|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Georgia Democrats try to make their move in a jumbled, low-dollar primary for governor

Democrats running for governor in Georgia are scrambling for attention and cash

Georgia Democrats try to make their move in a jumbled, low-dollar primary for governor
Arts|Business|Economy|Entertainment|Lifestyle|Political|US

Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency

President Donald Trump is more overtly leaning into some of the spoils of his office in his second term, drawing comparisons to French Queen Marie Antoinette from political opponents

Trump draws Marie Antoinette comparisons as he leans into the gilded trappings of the presidency
Crime|Political|World

ICE acting director Todd Lyons will resign at end of May, DHS says

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons, a key executor of President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda, will resign at the end of May, federal officials announced Thursday

ICE acting director Todd Lyons will resign at end of May, DHS says
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty

Myanmar's new President Min Aung Hlaing has approved an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, state television reported on Friday, the third such move in the past six months. 

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty
Crime|Political|US|World

Prosecutors in a Minnesota county charge ICE agent with assault

Prosecutors in Minnesota's Hennepin County have charged a U.S.

Prosecutors in a Minnesota county charge ICE agent with assault
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says not aware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Friday it was not aware of any U.S. protest or curbs on intelligence sharing following a report that Washington

South Korea says not aware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site
Business|Economy|Political|Technology|World

Philippines, US to build industrial hub to strengthen supply chain security

The United States and the Philippines will build a 4,000-acre (1,620 hectares) industrial hub after Manila joined a Washington-led initiative to secure AI and

Philippines, US to build industrial hub to strengthen supply chain security
Economy|Political|US|World

Progressive Democrat wins New Jersey special election to succeed Mikie Sherrill

By Nolan D.

Progressive Democrat wins New Jersey special election to succeed Mikie Sherrill
Economy|Europe|Political|World

Ukraine PM says she feels more confident of US support after visit to Washington

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko left the United States on Thursday buoyed by what she called positive talks with top U.S. officials,

Ukraine PM says she feels more confident of US support after visit to Washington
Business|Economy|Environment|Political|World

Canada Post taking steps to stop home mail delivery

The government-owned corporation that delivers mail in Canada is taking steps to stop home delivery

Canada Post taking steps to stop home mail delivery
Business|Crime|Political|US|World

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to step down from agency

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to step down from agency

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to step down from agency
Business|Crime|Political|US|World

Acting US ICE head Todd Lyons to leave agency at end of May

The acting head of the U.S.

Acting US ICE head Todd Lyons to leave agency at end of May
Business|Election|Finance|Political|World

New Zealand PM says he has party's full support after reports of leadership challenge

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Friday he had the full support of his party's lawmakers, responding to media reports that some members will push for a

New Zealand PM says he has party's full support after reports of leadership challenge
Economy|Environment|Political|World

Less than a year after being fired, former FEMA chief is set to be reinstalled by Trump

Less than a year after being fired, former FEMA chief is set to be reinstalled by Trump

Less than a year after being fired, former FEMA chief is set to be reinstalled by Trump
Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|Political|Science|Technology|US

Lawmakers gathered quietly to talk about AI. Angst and fears of 'destruction' followed

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill conducted a roundtable with leading AI executives and academics to discuss the potential transformative impacts of the technology on American society

Lawmakers gathered quietly to talk about AI. Angst and fears of 'destruction' followed
Business|Political|World

Trump expected to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA after his firing last year

President Donald Trump has offered Cameron Hamilton the role of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's permanent administrator

Trump expected to nominate Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA after his firing last year
Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US|World

A 10-day ceasefire agreed on by Israel and Lebanon goes into effect

A 10-day ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and agreed on by Lebanon and Israel has started

A 10-day ceasefire agreed on by Israel and Lebanon goes into effect
Economy|Election|Political|US|World

Democrat Analilia Mejia will win House special election in New Jersey, further narrowing GOP majority

Democrat Analilia Mejia will win House special election in New Jersey, further narrowing GOP majority

Democrat Analilia Mejia will win House special election in New Jersey, further narrowing GOP majority
Economy|Health|Political|Science

A vaccine standoff and other key moments from RFK Jr.'s first congressional hearing in months

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a more than 12% proposed cut to his department's budget and dodged arrows from angry Democrats as he kicked off an expected sprint of seven hearings in Congress over the next seven days

A vaccine standoff and other key moments from RFK Jr.'s first congressional hearing in months
Business|Economy|Europe|Political|US|World

US to delay weapons deliveries to some European countries due to Iran war, sources say

U.S. officials have informed some European counterparts that some previously contracted weapons deliveries are likely to be delayed

US to delay weapons deliveries to some European countries due to Iran war, sources say
Business|Economy|Political|World

Israel and Lebanon begin ceasefire, Trump says Iran may meet US over weekend

A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Thursday and President Donald Trump said the next meeting

Israel and Lebanon begin ceasefire, Trump says Iran may meet US over weekend
Crime|Europe|Political|World

UK foreign ministry chief to leave after Mandelson vetting row

Britain's top foreign ministry official will leave his post after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and

UK foreign ministry chief to leave after Mandelson vetting row
Arts|Business|Political|World

Judge orders Trump to halt $400 million White House ballroom project, for now

A U.S. judge said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump cannot construct his planned $400 million ballroom on the site of the White House's

Judge orders Trump to halt $400 million White House ballroom project, for now
Business|Economy|Environment|Political|World

Trump administration restores funding to Manhattan subway project after NY sues

The Trump administration has agreed to resume funding a key Manhattan subway project after New York officials sued

Trump administration restores funding to Manhattan subway project after NY sues
Health|Political|World

Trump nominates former deputy surgeon general as CDC director

U.S.

Trump nominates former deputy surgeon general as CDC director
Africa|Crime|Political|World

Senegal president backs new anti-LGBT law banning 'promotion'

Senegal's president has approved a bill doubling the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and criminalising any efforts to promote homosexuality,

Senegal president backs new anti-LGBT law banning 'promotion'
Business|Economy|Political|World

Mongolia names new prime minister following stalemate in parliament

Mongolia's parliament on Monday confirmed Uchral Nyam-Osor as the nation's third prime minister in nine months, following his predecessor's resignation last week over

Mongolia names new prime minister following stalemate in parliament
Economy|Finance|Political|US|World

Countries need to step up on Strait of Hormuz, says Hegseth

The United States has done the lion's share of the work in making Iran less of a threat and other countries now need to step up to reopen the critical

Countries need to step up on Strait of Hormuz, says Hegseth
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets

US lawmakers press SEC's top official over enforcement director's exit

Top U.S.

US lawmakers press SEC's top official over enforcement director's exit
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Political|World

At least 25 sanctioned Russian ships pass through UK waters after boarding threat

More than two dozen ships sanctioned for being part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet have passed through UK waters since Prime Minister

At least 25 sanctioned Russian ships pass through UK waters after boarding threat
Business|Economy|MidEast|Political|US|World

Trump urges countries seeking oil to go to Strait of Hormuz and 'just take it'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries that did not help in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran to buy American oil and go to the Strait of Hormuz and "just

Trump urges countries seeking oil to go to Strait of Hormuz and 'just take it'
Europe|MidEast|Political|World

UK PM Starmer raises migration, border security in talks with Syria's president

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed migration and closer cooperation on returns, border security and tackling people smuggling networks in a meeting with Syrian

UK PM Starmer raises migration, border security in talks with Syria's president
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

Canadian GDP up 0.1% in January, most likely up 0.2% in February

The Canadian economy grew by 0.1% in January as gains in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction more than offset a contraction in manufacturing, Statistics Canada

Canadian GDP up 0.1% in January, most likely up 0.2% in February
Asia|Political|US|World

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip

Taiwan should look at what happened to Hong Kong and not be naive about China's

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip
Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Italy refuses US aircraft use of Sicily base for Middle East operations, sources say

Italy last week denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, sources said on

Italy refuses US aircraft use of Sicily base for Middle East operations, sources say
Economy|MidEast|Political|US|World

Russia's Lavrov says regime change plans in Iran and Venezuela were about oil

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that U.S. plans to unfurl regime change in Iran and Venezuela were aimed at gaining more control over oil and gas

Russia's Lavrov says regime change plans in Iran and Venezuela were about oil
Crime|Europe|Political|World

Suspect in attack on Russia's Prague cultural centre turns himself in

A foreign national has turned himself in to Czech police, admitting that he threw petrol bombs at the building of a Russian culture centre in Prague last week, police said

Suspect in attack on Russia's Prague cultural centre turns himself in
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|World

March is the cruellest month

By Mike Dolan March 31 - What matters in U.S. and global markets today By Mike Dolan, Editor-At-Large, Finance and Markets The turbulent first quarter of 2026 ends with a dull thud, as the Iran war

March is the cruellest month
Economy|Europe|Health|Political|World

Italy's population stops shrinking after 12 years, thanks to migration

Italy's population has stabilised after 12 years of decline, with immigration almost entirely offsetting a shrinking number of births, while life

Italy's population stops shrinking after 12 years, thanks to migration
Education|Europe|Political|Technology|World

French Senate debates social media ban for children under 15

French senators vote on Tuesday on a draft law that aims to ban social media access for children under the age of 15, joining countries around the world

French Senate debates social media ban for children under 15
Crime|Europe|Political|World

Russia says it will respond if Ukraine uses foreign airspace to attack its Baltic ports

Russia will respond if other countries allow Ukraine to use their airspace to launch drone attacks on Russian Baltic ports, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

Russia says it will respond if Ukraine uses foreign airspace to attack its Baltic ports
Crime|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

EU: Israel's decision to pass death penalty law for Palestinians is "very concerning"

Israel's decision to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks is 'very concerning' for the

EU: Israel's decision to pass death penalty law for Palestinians is "very concerning"
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

Lebanese officials had 'good' meeting with IMF, finance minister says

Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Thursday said his government had good meetings this week with the International Monetary Fund and remained

Lebanese officials had 'good' meeting with IMF, finance minister says
Europe|Political|World

Moldova, separatist Transdniestria make no progress on settlement

Talks aimed at edging toward a solution to the decades-old dispute between Moldova and its separatist Transdniestria region broke down without

Moldova, separatist Transdniestria make no progress on settlement
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

G7 finance chiefs say it is urgent to limit Middle East war's cost to global economy

Finance chiefs of the Group of Seven nations on Thursday said it was urgent to limit the cost to the global economy of an enduring Middle East war and "reaffirmed the

G7 finance chiefs say it is urgent to limit Middle East war's cost to global economy
Election|Political|US|World

Two more Democrats qualify for California debate stage after Swalwell exits

Two more Democrats, former California attorney general and cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, cleared the polling threshold and will

Two more Democrats qualify for California debate stage after Swalwell exits
Europe|MidEast|Political|US|World

Europe pushes back on some US military operations as concerns over Iran war mount

France and Italy have pushed back against some U.S.-Israeli military operations, sources said on Tuesday, as U.S.

Europe pushes back on some US military operations as concerns over Iran war mount
Economy|Europe|Political|World

Zelenskiy says he will ask US to relay Easter energy truce offer to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he would ask U.S. mediators to pass Kyiv's offer of an Easter ceasefire for

Zelenskiy says he will ask US to relay Easter energy truce offer to Russia
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

Trump administration prepares final lending rule to narrow civil rights protections

The U.S. federal watchdog agency for consumer finance expects to finalize new regulations proposed in November that would narrow key civil-rights-

Trump administration prepares final lending rule to narrow civil rights protections
Business|Economy|Environment|MidEast|Political|World

Israel to destroy 'all houses' near Lebanon border, defence minister says

Israel will destroy all homes in Lebanese villages near the border and 600,000 people who fled the south will not be allowed home until northern Israel

Israel to destroy 'all houses' near Lebanon border, defence minister says
Business|Economy|Political|Science|Technology|World

California AI order requires firms seeking state contracts to have safeguards against abuse

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Monday that requires firms seeking contracts with the state to provide safeguards against AI misuse, including the

California AI order requires firms seeking state contracts to have safeguards against abuse
Arts|Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|Europe|Political

Prince Harry and Elton John's lawsuit against the Daily Mail

The trial at London's High Court to consider allegations from Britain's Prince Harry, singer Elton John and five other high-profile figures against the Daily Mail's

Prince Harry and Elton John's lawsuit against the Daily Mail