US economic growth slows in first quarter as businesses draw down inventories

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. economic growth slowed more than expected in the first quarter as an acceleration in consumer spending was offset by businesses liquidating inventories in anticipation of weaker demand later this year amid higher borrowing costs. The first decline in private inventories in 1-1/2 years reported by the Commerce Department…

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U.S. targets Russia’s FSB, IRGC members over wrongful detention of Americans

By Humeyra Pamuk and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Russia’s domestic security service FSB and the intelligence unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accusing them of being responsible or complicit in the wrongful detention of Americans overseas. The sanctions also targeted four senior commanders within IRGC’s IO,…

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South Korea leader stresses need for cooperation with Japan on North Korea

By Patricia Zengerle and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday it is necessary to speed up trilateral cooperation with Japan and the United States to counter increasing North Korean nuclear threats, and said the world must not “shy away” from promoting freedom for the North. Yoon,…

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Thousands rally in Jerusalem in favor of planned judicial overhaul

By Dedi and Hayun JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Jerusalem on Thursday to show support for controversial planned legislation by the far-right coalition government which would see the country’s highest court stripped of much of its powers. Israelis remain polarised over the planned legislation that proponents say would restore balance…

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Senators urge Biden to enable agency to seize tankers of Iran oil

By Timothy Gardner and Jonathan Saul WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As Iran’s oil exports rise despite U.S. sanctions over its nuclear program, senators from both parties urged President Joe Biden to enable a federal government agency to seize Iranian oil and gas shipments. Senators Joni Ernst, a Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said in a…

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White House’s Sullivan: US not looking to decouple from China economy

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday the United States is not looking to decouple its economy from the Chinese economy, saying, “We’re not cutting off trade.” Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Sullivan said China should step up as a constructive force in assisting heavily indebted countries. He said…

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