Senators approve withholding their own pay during government shutdowns

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senators unanimously approved a resolution Thursday to withhold their pay during government shutdowns, an attempt to make federal closures financially painful for lawmakers after a string of record-breaking impasses in the past year.

Cisco leads Wall Street and the Dow back to 50,000

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market rose to more records after Cisco Systems joined the parade of companies reporting fatter profits. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8% Thursday to set an all-time high for a second straight day. The Dow Jones rose 0.7% and finished a day above the 50,000 level. The Nasdaq composite added 0.9% to its own record.

Trump will join prayer gathering promoting Christian nationalism

President Donald Trump and several top administration officials are joining with a cast of mostly conservative Christian clergy this Sunday on the National Mall in Washington for a prayer gathering billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God” upon America’s 250th birthday.

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.

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.

Trump says China agreed to buy 200 Boeing planes and signaled interest in 750

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing will make its first major sale to China in nearly a decade with an order for 200 planes, President Donald Trump told reporters Friday as he flew back from his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Postal Service releases special edition bald eagle stamps for America's 250th

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – For America’s 250th birthday, the U.S. Postal Service is releasing special edition stamps featuring one of the nation’s icons: the bald eagle.

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

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

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.