Why the EU's wartime loan is a vital lifeline for cash-strapped Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Cash-strapped Ukraine has secured a crucial European Union loan that will provide a vital lifeline to sustain its wartime efforts this year. The 90 billion-euro ($106 billion) package was formally approved on Thursday, days after the Druzhba pipeline had been repaired.

US military says it seizes another oil tanker associated with Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The U.S. military on Thursday seized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff with Iran a day after its paramilitary Revolutionary Guards took control of two vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Trump threats against Iran are a boon for prediction markets

NEW YORK (AP) – Will President Donald Trump send troops into Iran? Will he rename the Strait of Hormuz after himself? Will he post again praising Allah? No one knows the answers, but online betting companies that allow people to wager on Trump policies and statements are profiting – including some backed by his oldest son.

Trump naval blockade presents big differences from Venezuela and Cuba

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has turned to naval blockades to pressure the governments of Venezuela, Cuba and now Iran to meet his demands, but his preferred tactic is confronting a very different reality in the Middle East than in the Caribbean.

Ex-Philippine president Duterte to face trial on crimes against humanity

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – Judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he allegedly oversaw while in office.

Trump reclassifies medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major policy shift long sought by advocates who said cannabis should never have been treated like heroin by the federal government.

Lebanon and Israel to resume rare direct talks in Washington to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

BEIRUT (AP) – Lebanon and Israel were set to begin a second session of direct talks in Washington on Thursday to discuss the possibility of extending a truce between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and plans for future negotiations between the two neighbors with a long history of hostile relations.

Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $81 billion takeover of the Hollywood giant

NEW YORK (AP) – An $81 billion Warner-Paramount mega merger has received shareholders’ stamp of approval, propelling a deal that could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape closer to the finish line.

Lack of water and power forces Cubans to change their routines

HAVANA (AP) – Eduvirgen Zamora hides her hands out of embarrassment these days. Her nails are down to the quick, except for her thumbs, which feature inch-long talons covered in fancy silver swirls. Unable to afford a new set of nails as Cuba’s economic crises grind on, the 56-year-old cafeteria worker opted instead to do her lashes.