A general view of a kiosk near Charing Cross station in London, England, on January 20, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images LONDON — Stronger-than-expected January retail sales provided a glimmer of light for the struggling British economy on Friday — and suggest that the country’s recession … Read more
Many Americans believe the United States was founded as a Christian nation, and the idea is energizing some conservative and Republican activists. But the concept means different things to different people, and historians say that while the issue is complex, the founding documents prioritize religious freedom and do not create a Christian nation. Does the … Read more
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A top court in St. Vincent and the Grenadines upheld laws on Friday that criminalize gay sex, a blow to activists who have long decried the violence the LGBTQ+ community has faced on the conservative Caribbean archipelago. The ruling by St. Vincent’s High Court stems from a 2019 case filed … Read more
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates on his seventh trip to the nation, preparing to be feted by tens of thousands of his countrymen ahead of elections back home in the coming months. Modi was met on landing in Abu Dhabi by Emirati President … Read more
Wisecarver stepped across the threshold. “Good morning, Mr. President.” He gave a little nod. Beneath his arm he carried a single binder. “Good morning, Trent.” Smith gestured for Wisecarver to sit with him on the sofa while Hunt and Hendrickson sat opposite. As they settled in, Julia caught Wisecarver glancing at the half dozen other … Read more
SYDNEY — Prime Minister Kausea Natano reportedly lost his seat in parliament in elections on the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. The election for the 16-seat parliament, which could have implications for China, Taiwan and Australia, saw eight newcomers win seats, according to Radio New Zealand. The report couldn’t be independently confirmed. Tuvalu, with … Read more
Comment on this storyCommentAdd to your saved storiesSave HERZLIYA, Israel — “Quiet on the set, QUIET ON THE SET!” barks a tall woman dressed in black, with cropped dark hair and headphones. A hush settles over the airy studio. Cameras hum, spectators fidget. There’s a mechanical grind, a puff of smoke and then a rush … Read more
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The Indian Ocean island nation of Comoros voted Sunday for president in Africa’s first national election of 2024. Incumbent President Azali Assoumani, a former military officer, is expected to win a fourth term despite criticism he has become increasingly authoritarian and cracked down on his opponents. Five opposition candidates stood … Read more
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S.-led airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels over their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea pulled the world’s focus Friday back on the yearslong war raging in the Arab world’s poorest nation, even as shipping across the wider Mideast remains threatened. As the bombing … Read more
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — It was a day like any other at the TC Television studio in Ecuador, with its mid-afternoon newscast underway, when masked gunmen burst in, unleashing at least 15 minutes of threats and fear — all broadcast live. First, a man with a pistol appeared in the middle of the public TV station’s … Read more