UN says Afghanistan's Taliban have arrested 3 journalists

The United Nations and rights groups say Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have detained at least three journalists on undisclosed charges in recent days. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan expressed “serious concern” Thursday over the detentions, as well as over “reports of assaults against journalists and confiscation of property.”

Stock markets drop from records as oil prices rattle market

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market fell from its records and joined a worldwide drop for stocks after higher oil prices sent a shiver through the bond market. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% Friday from its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.5% from its own record.

Honda records its first-ever annual loss on costly EV strategy

TOKYO (AP) – Honda racked up a 423.9 billion yen ($2.7 billion) loss Thursday, the first-ever full year loss for the Japanese automaker, acknowledging heavy costs for its electric-vehicle plans, stemming from President Donald Trump’s pro-U.S. policies.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

BEIJING (AP) – As President Donald Trump wraps up his whirlwind visit to China on Friday, he’s insistent that relations between the world’s two biggest powers are good and getting better despite deep differences on Iran, Taiwan and more.

Mumbai hands Punjab fifth successive loss

DHARAMSHALA, India (AP) – Tilak Varma’s blistering unbeaten half century helped give Jasprit Bumrah a winning debut as captain of Mumbai Indians on Thursday, and handed Punjab Kings a fifth consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League.

Trump administration prepares to seek Raúl Castro indictment as it pressures Cuba

MIAMI (AP) – The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Friday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island.

US Retail sales growth slowed in April from March wth higher gas cost

NEW YORK (AP) – Shoppers tempered their spending in April as higher gas prices fueled by the Iran war meant less money left over for some nonessentials like clothing and furniture. But they’re still buying, thanks to more generous government tax refunds.

Editorials from The Washington Post, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

BEIJING (AP) – U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his hotly anticipated talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Iran war, trade and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The meat of the summit doesn’t start until Thursday, when the leaders hold bilateral talks.