Malaysia imposes near-total lockdown after virus cases soar
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's prime minister announced on Friday a near-total coronavirus lockdown in the country, with social and economic activities to be halted for two weeks to contain a worsening outbreak.
Croatia to buy 12 French Rafale fighters for $1.2 billion
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia announced Friday that it will purchase 12 used Rafale fighter jets from France for nearly 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion), to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and strengthen its air force amid lingering
US consumers boosted spending in April as inflation surged
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans increased their spending by 0.5% in April, a slowdown after a massive gain in March that had been powered by the distribution of billions of dollars in individual stimulus checks.
Hungary donates COVID-19 jabs amid slowing vaccination drive
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary's prime minister on Friday urged Hungarians to register for their COVID-19 jabs, following a sharp drop in what was until recently one of the strongest vaccination drives in the 27-nation European Union.
Greek PM calls for improved ties with Turkey
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s prime minister said Friday his country is seeking improved ties with neighbor and longtime foe Turkey, but that the onus is on Turkey to refrain from what he called “provocations, illegal actions and aggressive rhetoric.”...
Frenchman killed after stabbing, shooting 3 police officers
PARIS (AP) — A man with severe schizophrenia who had been on a watch list for Islamic radicalism stabbed a police officer at her station Friday in western France and shot two other officers before police killed him, authorities said.
Rise in UK coronavirus cases stoke concerns over 3rd wave
LONDON (AP) — The number of new coronavirus infections in the U.K. hit a near two-month high Friday as British regulators authorized the use of the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.
Japan to allow residents from Myanmar to extend stay
TOKYO (AP) — Japan will allow residents from Myanmar to stay an additional six months as an emergency measure as a violent military-led crackdown continues in the Southeast Asian country, officials said Friday.
Royal-backed Thai institute to import Chinese vaccine
BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai research agency associated with the country’s royal family said Friday that it will purchase and import a coronavirus vaccine made by China's Sinopharm, expanding the country's options at a time when the government is facing
Flying over Memorial Day? Expect long lines at airports
WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says people traveling for Memorial Day weekend should be patient because there will be long lines at U.S. airports.