As Russia vowed to respond “extremely harshly” to a rare, two-day border incursion by pro-Ukrainian fighters, the leader of Russia’s largest mercenary force warned that it faced further setbacks unless its ruling elite took drastic, and likely unpopular, measures to win the war. “The most likely scenario for us in a special operation would not […]
France Bans Short Domestic Flights, But Not Much Changes
When the French government officially enacted a ban on short domestic flights this week, it hailed the measure as proof that France was at the vanguard of ambitious climate change policies. But critics say it’s much ado about almost nothing. “We are the first to do it,” President Emmanuel Macron wrote in a celebratory message […]
Russia-Ukraine War News: Live Updates
As attacks by Ukrainian-aligned insurgents in Russian territory stretched into a third day on Wednesday, concerns were rising in Russia that the rare border incursion could create new battlefield problems — and it has increased calls for the military to expend more resources defending against such assaults. A group composed of anti-Kremlin Russian fighters, the […]
Russian Judge Agrees to Extend Evan Gershkovich’s Detention for Three Months
MOSCOW — Meeting behind closed doors, a Moscow court on Tuesday extended the arrest of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent accused of espionage, for more than three months, until Aug. 30. The refusal of bail and the extension of Mr. Gershkovich’s detention were widely expected, although Russia has presented no evidence to back […]
The U.S. Needs Minerals for Electric Cars. Everyone Else Wants Them Too.
For decades, a group of the world’s biggest oil producers has held huge sway over the American economy and the popularity of U.S. presidents through its control of the global oil supply, with decisions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries determining what U.S. consumers pay at the pump. As the world shifts to […]
Russia Blames ‘Ukrainian Militants’ for Assault Across Belgorod Region: Live Updates
MOSCOW — Meeting behind closed doors, a Moscow court on Tuesday extended the arrest of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal correspondent accused of espionage, for more than three months, until Aug. 30. The refusal of bail and the extension of Mr. Gershkovich’s detention were widely expected, although Russia has presented no evidence to back […]
Harry and Meghan Say They Were Chased by Paparazzi in New York
The statement was alarming, unmistakably evocative of the car chase that killed Princess Diana 26 years ago: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan had been “involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi,” according to an unnamed spokesperson for the couple. That story, of a chaotic […]
For Biden, Debt Limit Crisis Complicates Trip to Asia
President Biden left for Japan on Wednesday for a meeting of the leaders of seven major industrial democracies who get together each year to try to keep the world economy stable. But as it turns out, the major potential threat to global economic stability this year is the United States. When Mr. Biden lands in […]
Guatemala’s elPeriodico Closes After Government Jails Publisher
When the newspaper elPeriodico was founded in Guatemala in 1996, the country was emerging from a brutal civil war, and there was a feeling that a small space for free thought might be opening. That opening closed this week when elPeriodico, which made a name for itself and became a frequent target for trying to hold […]
Johannesburg, Where Mayors Last Just Months, or Even Only Weeks
NOW HIRING: A mayor of Johannesburg. DUTIES: Managing fickle governing partners. Dodging insults from opposition parties. And cleaning up piles of garbage. LENGTH OF TERM: Likely very short. This was once a city of dreamers, a gold town that seduced prospectors from all over hoping to strike it rich. Lately, though, Johannesburg has been something […]