USA: Star John Legend defends playing Rwanda concert during war

American singer-songwriter John Legend has told the BBC he is unfazed by a public backlash against his decision to perform in Rwanda, despite the country’s involvement in the war in…

USA: Most USAID staff laid off or placed on leave by Trump administration

The Trump administration has placed most United States Agency for International Development (USAID) employees back on administrative leave from midnight on Sunday and laid off hundreds more. In addition to…

USA: Starbucks axes some drinks and staff in bid for US turnaround

Starbucks is cutting 1,100 jobs and simplifying its menu in the US as it tries to improve flagging business in its home market. The first items to get the axe…

USA: Macron suggests Ukraine truce could be weeks away

French President Emmanuel Macron has said a truce between Ukraine and Russia could be agreed in the coming weeks. He was speaking to Fox News in Washington following talks with…

USA: Washington sides with Moscow in UN resolutions on Ukraine

The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the UN to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration’s change of stance…

USA: Trump names podcaster Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director

US President Donald Trump has appointed podcaster and commentator Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI. Trump posted on social media that Bongino was “a man of incredible love…

USA: Fed warns Trump’s tariffs may fuel inflation

American shoppers may face higher prices if US President Donald Trump goes ahead with some of his proposed tariffs, the US central bank has warned. Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s…

UK: Scotch makers condemn English single malt whisky proposal

Plans to allow English whisky makers to use the term “single malt” have led to a backlash by Scottish distilleries and politicians. Under proposals being considered by the UK government,…

USA: Apple commits to $500bn US investment

Apple plans to invest more than $500bn (£396bn) in the US over the next four years, starting with a new advanced manufacturing factory in Texas. The tech giant said it…

India: Mega river-linking plan has sparked massive protests

Thousands of villagers in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh are protesting against a multi-million-dollar river-linking project which, they say, will rob them of their homes and livelihoods. The…