Targeting Iran, the US tightens Iraq’s dollar flow, causing pain

BAGHDAD (AP) – For months, the United States has restricted Iraq’s access to its own dollars, trying to stamp out what Iraqi officials describe as rampant money laundering that benefits Iran and Syria. Iraq is now feeling the crunch, with a drop in the value of its currency and public anger blowing back against the … Read more

Russia hits civilian targets again, EU officials visit Kyiv

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian missiles hit residential areas in an eastern Ukrainian city Thursday for the second time in 24 hours, while top European Union officials held talks with the government in Kyiv as the war with Russia approaches its one-year milestone. The latest strikes in Kramatorsk came as rescue crews searched for survivors … Read more

Pakistan’s economy is on the brink

Islamabad/London CNN – Muhammad Radaqat, a 27-year-old greengrocer, is worried. He doesn’t know how much an onion will cost next week, let alone how he’ll be able to afford the fuel he needs to heat his home and keep his family warm. “All we’re being told by the government is that things are going to … Read more

How do you lose a radioactive capsule? Australian investigators are wondering too

Brisbane, Australia CNN – The discovery of a tiny lost radioactive capsule beside a remote highway in Western Australia raises many questions – not least how it escaped layers of radiation-proof packaging loaded onto a moving truck. It’s one of the many puzzling aspects of a case investigators will examine in the coming weeks as … Read more

Russia said eyeing eastern Ukraine push; Kyiv targets graft

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia is mustering its military might in the Luhansk region of Ukraine, officials said Wednesday, in what Kyiv suspects is preparation for an offensive as the first anniversary of Moscow’s invasion. approaches. Also Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government continued its crackdown on alleged corruption dismissal of several high-ranking officials, prominent lawmaker … Read more

Vikings brought their animals with them to Britain over 1,000 years ago

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advances and more. CNN – When the Vikings crossed the North Sea to reach Britain in the ninth century AD, they brought their dogs and horses with them, according to new research. Archaeologists uncovered what they believe to … Read more

Britain hit by the biggest day of strikes in a decade as pay disputes escalate

London CNN – As many as half a million workers are striking across Britain on Wednesday, closing schools, canceling university lectures and bringing most of the rail network to a standstill in what unions say will be the biggest single day of walkouts in more than a decade. Teachers, university staff, train drivers and civil … Read more

Hong Kong is criminalizing CBD as a ‘dangerous drug’ alongside heroin

Hong Kong CNN – Two years ago, cannabidiol was booming in Hong Kong. The compound, known as CBD, was popping up in cafes, restaurants and stores, with businesses eager to join an exciting new market already well-established in countries around the world. That all came to an end on Wednesday, when CBD was criminalized in … Read more

Samothrace, Greece’s secret green ‘virgin island’

Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news about opening destinations, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. CNN – The Greek island of Samothrace is a vision in green. The craggy rocks of Mount Saos, the … Read more

‘Hands off Africa!’: Pope blasts foreign plundering of Congo

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – Pope Francis demanded Tuesday that foreign powers stop plundering Africa’s natural resources for the “poison of their own greed” as he arrived in Congo to a raucous welcome by Congolese grateful he was focusing the world’s attention on their forgotten plight . Tens of thousands of people lined the main road … Read more