Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi dies

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) – Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, an ex-police commissioner who investigated the 1982 killings of more than a dozen political opponents that deeply scarred the South American country, has died. He was 67.

Oil plunges below $95 as the Dow surges 1,300 in a worldwide rally following a ceasefire with Iran

NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices plunged below $95 per barrel, and stock markets surged worldwide after President Donald Trump pulled back from his threat of devastating attacks against Iran. The S&P 500 leaped 2.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1,325 points, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 2.8%.

Clowns take to the streets of Bolivia to protest decree

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) – Dozens of clowns marched through the streets of Bolivia’s capital on Monday to protest a government decree that limits extracurricular activities, threatening their livelihoods. Wearing full face paint and their signature red noses, the clowns gathered in front of the Ministry of Education in La Paz to oppose a decree published in February.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea Wednesday in its second launch event in two days, South Korea’s military said, hours after a senior North Korean official released crude insults against Seoul’s hopes for warmer relations.

Chile's president vows tougher school security following recent stabbing

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) – President José Antonio Kast said Monday that his administration will tighten security measures at Chile’s schools, following two incidents involving weapons and amid growing concern about school violence in the South American country.

Canada's Carney attracts another Conservative lawmaker to Liberal Party

TORONTO (AP) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has attracted another opposition Conservative lawmaker to the Liberal Party, further assuring that he will soon have a majority government. Ontario Member of Parliament Marilyn Gladu alluded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canada’s sovereignty and economy for her decision.

US reopens embassy in Venezuela months after military operation to remove Maduro

WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States has formally reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, after the restoration of full diplomatic relations with the South American country following the Trump administration’s ouster of then-President Nicolas Maduro in early January.

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

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Brazil's dual-fuel ethanol fleet stabilizes gasoline prices despite Iran war oil shock

SAO PAULO (AP) – As the war in Iran rattles global oil markets, Brazil is partially shielded by a decades-old buffer against shocks that is both cheap and environmentally friendly: Tens of millions of drivers here can choose between filling their tank with 100% sugarcane-based ethanol or a gasoline blend that contains 30% of biofuel.