US economy expanded at solid 2.1% pace January-March

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy expanded at a solid and unexpected 2.1% annual pace from January through March, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in its final estimate of first-quarter growth.

Key inflation gauge jumps to 3-year high in latest sign of affordability challenges

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, a sign rising costs could pose political problems for President Donald Trump and his political party as midterm elections near.

Venezuelans search for survivors after 2 strong quakes kill at least 164

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuelans searched for survivors beneath collapsed buildings Thursday and rescue teams raced to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed at least 164 people. Many more were feared dead.

Editorials from The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

SURAT, India (AP) – Before dawn breaks over the Indian industrial hub of Surat, textile worker Sibaram Pradhan is already awake, sitting on the floor in a cramped room he shares with as many as nine other men. Sweat beads on his forehead even at 6 a.m. as sweltering heat and humidity make days and nights hot across India this summer.

China defends patrols east of Taiwan after 3 European nations raise alarm

BEIJING (AP) – China on Thursday defended its recent patrols in waters east of Taiwan, one day after Britain, France and Germany expressed alarm about what they described as “novel Chinese activity.”

British military says a cargo ship was hit while moving through the Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – A cargo ship moving through the Strait of Hormuz on a route backed by the United Nations was hit by a projectile Thursday, the British military said, as several tankers made their way out of the channel using the same path.

Rubio: The U.S. is "immediately" deploying humanitarian assistance to Venezuela

Rubio: The U.S. is “immediately” deploying SAR and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela

Rutte praises Trump's actions on Iran, insists NATO allies are with him

Rutte praises Trump’s actions on Iran, insists NATO allies are with him