BERLIN (AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled top posts on Friday as he tries to boost the fortunes of his deeply unpopular government ahead of regional elections. Merz’s presentation of an incomplete set of changes, however, raised questions and risked undermining his effort to generate new momentum.

MEXICO CITY (AP) – Nicaragua’s lawmakers said they will carry out a plan by President Daniel Ortega to abolish elections in the Central American country, prompting renewed criticisms Wednesday by the international community.

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

NEW DELHI (AP) – Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on Friday that helped galvanize a youth movement that’s become one of India’s largest protests in recent years, but demonstrators vowed to continue until the education minister resigns.

CHICAGO (AP) – Caitlin Clark was in awe after meeting former President Barack Obama after he surprised the WNBA All-Stars on Friday at his Presidential Center.

Before the war in Iran, roughly 15 million barrels of Persian Gulf oil were shipped each day through the Strait of Hormuz. Within a few years, much of that oil could bypass the strait. As Iran’s chokehold over the strait drags on and oil prices surge, countries across the Gulf are planning to spend billions of dollars to build pipelines.

CAIRO (AP) – The U.S. military announced Thursday that they are conducting their 13th night of strikes against Iran as clashes escalate over shipping routes. U.S. Central Command once again said the strikes are designed to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters”.

White House: Saudi nuclear deal ‘contingent’ on normalizing relations with Israel