US to set up 12 regional disaster response hubs

WASHINGTON (AP) – The State Department is setting up 12 regional hubs to coordinate disaster and emergency humanitarian responses under the auspices of a new bureau that will oversee some of the functions that had been handled by the now-dismantled U.S. Agency for International Development.

Oil prices knock down stocks and erase hopes for interest rate cut

NEW YORK (AP) - Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets on Friday, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 fell 1.5% to close its fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 443 points, or 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 2%.

US attack on alleged drug-smuggling boat leaves 2 dead

WASHINGTON (AP) – A U.S. military attack on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean has left one survivor and two people dead, U.S. officials said Friday, as the Trump administration pursues its campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America.

Middle East War: The Latest Updates

On one of the holiest days on the Islamic calendar, Iran fired on Israel and energy sites in neighboring Gulf Arab states, insisting that it can still build missiles and issuing a new threat: to deny safety to its enemies in “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide. Israel meanwhile pounded Tehran with airstrikes as Iranians marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Chuck Norris, actor whose toughness became internet lore, dies at 86

Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy – sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents – has died at 86.

CBS News shutters its storied radio news service after nearly a century

NEW YORK (AP) – CBS News said Friday it is shutting down its storied radio news service after nearly 100 years of operation as part of a round of layoffs, blaming a shift in radio station programming strategies and challenging economic times.

Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines

WASHINGTON (AP) – A bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to advance Friday in the Senate amid growing concerns about long lines to get through screening at some of the country’s biggest airports.

Editorials from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

WASHINGTON (AP) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sought to reaffirm her alliance with President Donald Trump on Thursday after the president this week seemed to complain that Japan was among the nations that did not quickly join his call to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.