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US Supreme Court seems split on Idaho abortion ban

The US Supreme Court appeared divided Wednesday on whether Idaho's near-total ban on abortion conflicts with a federal law requiring hospitals to stabilize patients needing emergency care, in a case that carries potentially sweeping national consequences.

Mass cancellations loom despite French air union cancelling strike

Hundreds of flights were cancelled at French airports Thursday despite the country's main air traffic controllers' union dropping a call for a one-day strike after making a deal for higher pay.

France's Casino supermarket chain to axe up to 3,200 jobs

French supermarket group Casino said Wednesday it would axe between 1,300 and 3,200 jobs as part of a reorganisation following its recent takeover led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss

Troubled aviation giant Boeing reported a first-quarter loss of $343 million on Wednesday, reflecting recent safety troubles that have slowed production and deliveries.

US Supreme Court to hear high-stakes case on Idaho abortion ban

The US Supreme Court was set to hear a crucial case Wednesday weighing whether Idaho's near-total ban on abortion violates federal law requiring hospitals to stabilize patients needing emergency care.

Germany nudges up growth forecast, ailing economy at 'turning point'

The German government slightly increased its 2024 growth forecast Wednesday, saying there were signs Europe's beleaguered top economy was at a "turning point" after battling through a period of weakness.

EU lawmakers agree to exit energy treaty over climate fears

The European Parliament on Wednesday backed the EU's withdrawal from an international energy treaty over concerns it offers too much protection to fossil fuel companies.

Thousands in heatwave-hit Bangladesh pray for rain

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country.

Italy fines Amazon over 'recurring' purchase option

Italy's competition authority said Wednesday it had fined two Amazon companies 10 million euros ($10.6 million) for unfair commercial practices, for pushing customers into agreeing to "recurring" rather than "one-time" purchases online.

Malaysian airline mogul Fernandes delays retirement

Malaysia's Tony Fernandes, one of Asia's most prominent entrepreneurs, has decided to extend his contract as chief executive of Capital A, the firm said Wednesday, after the board persuaded him to delay his planned retirement.

Heineken beer sales pop but hazy days ahead

Dutch brewer Heineken said Wednesday its beer sales were up but saw a "challenging and uncertain" economic outlook and couldn't guarantee the same growth for the rest of the year.

Chinese sellers go to TikTok school to reach buyers abroad

Donning hijabs and floor-length abaya gowns over shorts and tank tops, Chinese students at an e-commerce school perform into a smartphone camera as they learn how to sell the clothes to overseas TikTok users.

German forecast to offer signs if ailing economy on the mend

The German government will present its latest growth forecasts on Wednesday as Europe's crisis-hit top economy shows tentative signs it is finally turning a corner.

Top price predicted for long-lost Klimt portrait at Vienna auction

A painting by symbolist icon Gustav Klimt that reappeared after nearly a century will be sold at auction in Vienna on Wednesday despite questions surrounding its provenance.

Biden hammers Trump on abortion in Florida

US President Joe Biden hammered Donald Trump on Tuesday over his role in restricting abortion rights, telling a crowd in Florida that voters will hold his Republican predecessor and opponent personally "accountable" in November.

US markets rise for second straight day as sentiment improves

US stocks rose for a second straight session in New York Tuesday, building on the prior day's momentum following a round of mostly good corporate earnings, while European markets also rose.

Starbucks set for talks with unionized US stores

Starbucks is set to hold talks with labor representatives from stores that have voted to unionize in a key step towards reaching contracts, both sides said Tuesday.

French police union threatens to disrupt Olympics relay

A French police trade union threatened Tuesday to disrupt the Olympics torch relay ahead of the start of the Paris Games this July unless officers were given bonuses.

French air traffic controller strike threatens flight chaos

French air traffic controllers are to stage a one-day strike Thursday that risks seeing most flights cancelled at the two main Paris airports, France's leading aviation association warned Tuesday.

Milei announces Argentina's first budget surplus in 16 years

Argentina's spending-slashing new President Javier Milei has hailed his country's first quarterly budget surplus since 2008 as an "historic achievement."

UK Rwanda law sparks fear among migrants hoping to cross Channel

Britain's new law allowing the deportation of undocumented asylum seekers to Rwanda is sparking fear among migrants who have come to France in the hope of crossing the Channel to England.

General Motors lifts 2024 profit forecast after strong Q1

General Motors reported higher profits Tuesday thanks to continued strength in North America that offset a loss in its China business, enabling the carmaker to lift its forecast.

New US home sales pick up in March

Sales of new homes across the United States increased sharply last month, according to fresh government data published Tuesday, though February's numbers were revised lower.

Spotify shares soar as company swings to profit

Shares in music and podcast streaming giant Spotify soared after it reported Tuesday an increase in the number of paying subscribers and a rare but lower-than-expected operating profit for the first quarter.

European rights court to examine Semenya's appeal on May 15

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) confirmed Tuesday that it will examine the appeal of double Olympic champion Caster Semenya against regulations requiring female athletes with high testosterone levels to take medication on May 15.

London stock market strikes record as sentiment lifts globally

London's FTSE 100 stocks index hit record highs Tuesday, catching up with major global peers that have struck all-time peaks this year as inflation cools.

Spotify swings to profit, paying subscribers rise

Music and podcast streaming giant Spotify reported Tuesday an increase in the number of paying subscribers and a rare but lower-than-expected operating profit for the first quarter.

Eurozone business activity accelerates in April

Business activity in the eurozone picked up in April thanks to "increasingly robust" growth in the services sector, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday.

London stock market hits record high

London's FTSE 100 stocks index hit record highs Tuesday, catching up with major global peers which have struck all-time peaks this year as inflation cools.

Stocks rise ahead of US data and earnings, London hits fresh record

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday and London hit a fresh record, with hopes for earnings this week from tech titans helping to offset worries about the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans ahead of the release of key US growth and inflation data.

Markets up ahead of US data and earnings, London hits fresh record