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Economy
From Black Death to Covid, ships have long hosted outbreaks
A deadly outbreak on a cruise liner is just the latest in a long history of infectious diseases spreading rapidly in the cramped confines of ships, from the Black Death to Covid.
Sports
Furyk wants long-term US Ryder blueprint, maybe role for Tiger
Jim Furyk said Wednesday he wants a long-term blueprint for United States success in the Ryder Cup, with the 2027 American captain also seeing a possible role next year for Tiger Woods.
Sports
McIlroy back on course on eve of PGA despite blister
Rory McIlroy was back on course at Aronimink on Wednesday, a day after a blister on his toe caused him to cut short a practice round for the PGA Championship.
France locks down 1,700 on cruise ship after 92-year-old dies
French authorities on Wednesday confined more than 1,700 passengers and crew on a British cruise ship after an elderly passenger died and dozens suffered upset stomachs, health officials said.
Sports
Eulalio seizes control of drenched Giro d'Italia
Portuguese rider Afonso Eulalio claimed a sizeable lead in the Giro d'Italia's overall standings on Wednesday after a rain-lashed 203km stage five was won by his escape partner Igor Arrieta of UAE Team Emirates.
Boulevard
New trial ordered for US lawyer convicted of murdering wife, son
A US court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of a prominent lawyer serving a life sentence for killing his wife and son in a sensational case that drew national attention.
Economy
Stocks rise ahead of US-China summit
Stock markets drifted higher Wednesday as investors awaited a high-stakes summit between the United States and China, while oil prices diverged as Middle East peace talks stalled.
Economy
US wholesale prices jump 6.0% year-on-year in April, highest since 2022
Wholesale prices in the United States rose sharply in April, lifted by a surge in energy costs related to the Iran war, registering their highest 12-month increase in more than three years.
Politics
Nations drawing down oil stocks at record pace: IEA
Countries are tapping into oil inventories and strategic reserves at a "record pace" due to the "unprecedented" supply disruptions caused by the Middle East war, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday.
Sports
Carrick on brink of permanent Man Utd job: reports
Michael Carrick is expected to be recommended as Manchester United's permanent manager by club chiefs after overseeing a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes, it was widely reported on Wednesday.
Politics
Strong US economy's resilience to shocks tested by Iran war
If you look at the numbers, the United States economy seems to be doing surprisingly well despite massive successive shocks from the pandemic, Ukraine war, tariffs, and now the Iran war energy crunch -- but economists warn that resilience is precarious.
Starmer clings on as leadership talk overshadows king's speech
The pomp of a speech by King Charles III to Britain's parliament Wednesday failed to quell speculation that a senior government minister is poised to launch a leadership challenge against embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Things to know
Italy cheers UK's Catherine on first foreign visit since cancer diagnosis
Britain's Princess Catherine was greeted with cheers during a visit to Italy on Wednesday on her first official foreign trip since her 2024 cancer diagnosis.
Sports
Keys says players will strike over Grand Slam pay if 'necessary'
Former Australian Open champion Madison Keys told AFP that "many players" are united on the question of Grand Slam prize money and that they will boycott a major tournament if their voices are not heard.
Things to know
Eurovision stage inspired by Viennese opera
The Eurovision Song Contest's staging this year is inspired by grand Viennese opera, with more than 3,000 lights and lasers used to conjure up different visual worlds for all 35 performances.
Politics
Gunshots at Philippine Senate as lawmaker wanted by ICC holds out
Multiple gunshots sent Philippine senators into hiding in their offices late Wednesday, AFP journalists said, as a legislator wanted by the International Criminal Court has sought refuge in the building.
Sports
Winning worth the wait for Young no matter the ball
Having waited six years for his first PGA Tour victory, third-ranked Cameron Young is thrilled to have added two more titles in two months ahead of this week's PGA Championship.
Nature
The Chilean town living with the world's most polluting dump
From afar, Chile's Tiltil landfill almost resembles just another mountain, but the growing rubbish pile has created a daily nightmare of odors, flies and health concerns for residents nearby.
Sports
Donald pleased to have Rahm back for Ryder three-peat bid
Luke Donald, seeking a three-peat in 2027 as Europe's Ryder Cup captain, is pleased with Jon Rahm securing his eligibility for the squad and has no worries about team-room issues.
Economy
Stocks waver, oil steady ahead of US-China summit as Iran talks stall
Stock markets were mixed Wednesday and oil prices steadied but remained above $100 a barrel as investors awaited a high-stakes summit between the United States and China, and Middle East peace talks stalled.
Economy
War in Middle East: latest developments
Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:
Health
No cadmium please: French want less toxin in their baguettes
France is mulling how to prevent people from ingesting too much of the heavy metal cadmium, after a warning their breakfast cereal and baguettes could be contaminated with the toxin.
Politics
Warsh set to take over a divided Fed facing Trump assaults
The US Senate is expected to confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chairman on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump applies unprecedented pressure on the central bank to cut rates despite stubbornly high inflation.
Boulevard
Shots heard at Philippine Senate as lawmaker wanted by ICC holds out
Multiple gunshots sent Philippine senators into hiding in their offices late Wednesday, after a legislator wanted by the International Criminal Court sought refuge in the legislative building, AFP journalists said.
Health
France locks down 1,700 on cruise ship after 90-year-old dies
French authorities on Wednesday confined more than 1,700 passengers and crew on a British cruise ship docked in Bordeaux after an elderly passenger died, said officials, who played down any links to the hantavirus scare.
Things to know
After the hobbits, director Peter Jackson tackles 'Tintin'
"The Lord of the Rings" maestro Peter Jackson revealed Wednesday that he is taking on another cult classic -- "Tintin".
Economy
Real Madrid win legal battle over Bernabeu concert noise
Real Madrid said Wednesday they have won a legal battle in their dispute with a residents association complaining about "noise pollution" generated by concerts held at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Economy
EU won't ban LGBTQ 'conversion therapy' but will push states to act
The European Union will not ban "conversion therapy" targeting LGBTQ people, but will push member states to take action against such practices, it said Wednesday.
Sports
Revived Swiatek cruises past Pegula and into Italian Open semis
Iga Swiatek gave another indication that she might be back to her brilliant best after destroying Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday and breezing into the Italian Open semi-finals.
Politics
Shots heard at Philippine Senate as lawmaker wanted by ICC holds out: AFP
Multiple gunshots were heard late Wednesday inside the Philippine Senate, where a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court has sought refuge, AFP journalists said.
Culture
Vin Diesel drives 'Fast and Furious' tribute in Cannes
Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez will lead a cast reunion of "The Fast and the Furious" stars on Wednesday in Cannes ahead of a special screening to mark the 25th anniversary of the original movie.
Things to know
Heckler ejected from Eurovision after Israel song disruption
Four people were thrown out of the first Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, which saw attempts to disrupt Israel's performance, organisers said Wednesday.