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US lawmakers express support for stalled Taiwan special defense budget

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – The United States supports efforts by Taiwan’s government to pass a $40 billion special defense budget that is being stalled in the opposition-controlled parliament, a group of visiting U.S. lawmakers said Monday in Taipei.

Trump warns Iran energy sites face destruction without a quick deal

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached “shortly.” The war has already threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertilizer shortages and disrupted air travel.

Military-led Myanmar transitions back to an elected government

BANGKOK (AP) – Myanmar ‘s Parliament on Monday began the process of electing the country’s next president, which will mark a nominal return to an elected government after five years of military rule, but is widely considered to be an effort to keep power in the hands of the army.

Fed watching energy prices, but Chair says bank is limited in what it can do

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) – Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that it is important to closely monitor inflation amid a spike in energy prices from the Iran war. Powell said there wasn’t a lot Fed policymakers could do since energy shocks “tend to come and go pretty quickly” and monetary maneuvers work over the longer-term.

Australia Threatens Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube over child account ban

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Australia’s online safety watchdog said Tuesday it was considering court against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube alleging they are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their platforms. Courts could decide what steps the platforms can reasonably be expected to take under the laws.

Sysco expands into high-margin restaurant segment with $29 billion deal

NEW YORK (AP) – Sysco, the nation’s largest food distributor, will acquire supplier Restaurant Depot in a deal worth more than $29 billion. The acquisition would create a closer link between Sysco and its customers that right now turn to Restaurant Depot for supplies needed quickly in an industry segment known as “cash-and-carry wholesale.”

 

Ukraine chides German defense boss about 'Lego' drones made by 'housewives'

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Senior officials in Kyiv are taking a swipe at the head of German defense giant Rheinmetall, whose unflattering comments about Ukrainian drone technology and the role of women in the war against Russia ignited a social media backlash.

Trump warns Iran energy sites face destruction without a quick deal

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached “shortly.” The war has already threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertilizer shortages and disrupted air travel.

Israeli parliament passes budget, allowing Netanyahu to avoid early elections

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – Israel’s parliament on Monday passed its annual budget, ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government can complete its term until the fall. Israel needed to pass a budget before April 1 in order to avoid triggering early elections. Netanyahu still reserves the right to call early elections before then if he wants.