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.

BRICS foreign ministers meet in India as Iran war tests the bloc's unity

NEW DELHI (AP) – Foreign ministers from the BRICS nations began a two-day meeting in New Delhi on Thursday as the expanding bloc faces divisions over the war in Iran, rising energy prices and growing global economic uncertainty. The meeting brings together diplomats from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa along with newer member countries.

Canada doubles down on clean energy commitment

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a clean electricity strategy Thursday he says will help double Canada’s electricity grid by 2050 and lower energy costs for the majority of Canadian households.

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

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Tensions flare near Strait of Hormuz as ship is seized and another sunk

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – A ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran and another – a cargo ship near Oman – sank after being attacked, authorities said Thursday, as tensions escalated near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran war drives interest in biofuels across hard-hit Asia

BENGALURU, India (AP) – Taxi driver Ravi Ranjan, who lives with his wife and child in New Delhi said shipping disruptions caused by the Iran war have forced him to pay higher prices for cooking fuel at a time when India’s prime minister is also urging residents to reduce driving and travel.

Jeffries' job grows more difficult in race for House and speaker's gavel

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had warned Republicans they would come to regret the congressional redistricting fight, and when Democrats counterpunched last month with a redrawn Virginia map, he had made his point.

Trump and DeSantis sued over donation of Miami land for presidential library

Miami residents sued President Donald Trump, Miami Dade College and Florida state officials on Wednesday, alleging that the decision to donate an iconic stretch of downtown Miami property for Trump’s future presidential library – which might also house a hotel – is unconstitutional.

Newsom outlines his final budget proposal with no deficit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday proposed a revised budget without a deficit for his last year of office and the next, laying out a $350 billion spending plan that includes little new spending but also avoids major cuts.