Pope Francis has died, aged 88

Francis was often dubbed “the pontiff of firsts,” and ushered in a new era for the Vatican.
Pope Francis blesses a faithful during the weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican in 2023.Vatican Media/File Photo/­Handout via Reuters

Tariffs set to dominate World Bank and IMF spring meetings

Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies threaten the Bretton Woods system, analysts warned.
IMF head Kristalina GeorgievaLeah Millis/Reuters

Late Pope Francis’ Catholic Church defined by humility, openness

Pope Francis’ election was seen as ushering in an era of decentralization and progressive changes, but critics argued those ambitions were not entirely realized.
Pope Francis delivers his “Urbi et Orbi” speech in 2017.Osservatore Romano/Vatican Media/File Photo/Handout via Reuters

China’s trade war playbook is coming into focus

Beijing’s strategy is evolving: In recent days, China has wielded non-tariff weapons to put pressure on American companies specifically.
Cranes and containers are pictured at the Yantian port in Shenzhen.Tingshu Wang/Reuters
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politics

While fighting Trump deportations, Democrats still avoid ‘abolish ICE’

A powerful progressive slogan in 2018 has all but vanished from the party’s messaging, even as it takes on the president’s aggressive migration agenda.
Protesters at an Earth Day event, including an “Abolish ICE” signBryan Smith/Zuma/Reuters

Hegseth looks safe at the Pentagon — for now

As damaging reports and firings pile up, the president is sticking by his defense secretary. There’s still some doubt he can hang on.
Defense Secretary Pete HegsethLeah Millis/Reuters

Tariffs add a new twist to the tax fight for blue-state Republicans

GOP lawmakers in battleground seats may have to wrestle with upended local economies as they seek a state and local tax deal.
Shipping containers seen at the port of Oakland, Calif.Katerina Ang/Reuters

Debatable: Trump’s ‘Wall Street vs. Main Street’ argument for tariffs

Two experts debate whether the Trump administration’s dichotomy is a useful way of understanding his levies.

Reported US State cuts spark concern in Washington

A purported draft executive order proposes various cuts at the department, including eliminating a bureau devoted to sub-Saharan Africa.

Trump’s showdown with the courts escalates as he blames a judge for creating tensions

The White House accused a federal judge of escalating tensions, heightening a showdown between Trump and the courts.

Conor Lamb: CECOT is a ‘gulag’

The Pennsylvania Democrat, who is not running for anything, talks about marshalling resistance to the Trump administration.

The GOP’s Harvard alumni side with Trump

Meanwhile, a Democratic alumnus says the president’s escalations against Harvard are unlawful.

Bernie-backed El-Sayed runs for Senate in Michigan

The physician and progressive activist is jumping into Democrats’ first seriously contested primary in the state in a generation.

Trump advisers ‘bullish’ on a TikTok solution — even as China trade war heats up

The administration’s professed optimism came as the White House pushed Beijing harder.

Trump signs order removing limits on the locations of federal agencies

The new directive comes one day after an administration deadline for submission of potential plans to move offices outside the Washington, DC area.
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