WASHINGTON — The deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza was a tragic turn for an American homegrown charity that, in less than 15 years, has mushroomed from the grassroots brainchild of a celebrity chef into one of the world’s most recognized food relief organizations. The killings also interrupted a crucial flow of desperately needed food into the besieged…

A company that provides services for immigrants in federal detention has been ordered to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a lawsuit alleging it used deceptive and abusive tactics ByPHILIP MARCELO Associated Press NEW YORK — A company that provides services for immigrants in federal detention was ordered Tuesday to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a…

TOKYO — Asian shares mostly rose Thursday after a firm finish on Wall Street, as expectations remained solid for U.S. interest rate cuts this year. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 1.7% to 40,120.11. Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4% to 7,813.80. South Korea’s Kospi added 0.8% to 2,728.82. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 1.2% to 16,725.10, and the Shanghai Composite slipped nearly 0.2% to 3,069.30. Analysts…

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina said Wednesday that it had cut 15,000 state jobs as part of President Javier Milei’s aggressive campaign to slash spending, the latest in a series of painful economic measures that have put the libertarian government on a collision course with angry protesters and powerful trade unions. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced the job cuts in a news conference, portraying them…

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers announced an agreement on Wednesday to resolve differences over proposed tax and fee increases, settling on a far more modest approach after a $1.3 billion package was considered too high in the current economic climate, especially in an election year featuring a competitive Maryland U.S. Senate race with high stakes. Fiscal concerns were only amplified last week by the collapse…

DENVER — A wolf has killed a calf in Colorado, wildlife officials said Wednesday, confirming the first livestock kill after 10 of the predators were controversially reintroduced in December to the aggrievement of the state’s rural residents. Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed after an investigation that the wounds of the calf killed Tuesday, and nearby wolf tracks, were consistent with a wolf kill, what they…

BALTIMORE — A third body has been found at the site of last week’s bridge collapse in Baltimore. Meanwhile, a tentative timeline has been released for how soon authorities believe they can reopen crucial commercial shipping channels. President Joe Biden also visited the port city. And federal and state authorities are ramping up efforts to soften the economic blow to businesses and residents who work…

Disney shareholders have rallied behind longtime CEO Robert Iger ByDAVID HAMILTON AP business reporter SAN FRANCISCO — Disney shareholders have rallied behind longtime CEO Robert Iger, voting Wednesday to rebuff activist investor Nelson Peltz and his ally, former Disney Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo, who had sought seats on the company’s board. The company had recommended a slate of directors that did not include Peltz…

Legislation that would authorize a lottery and other types of gambling in Alabama is headed to a conference committee ByKIM CHANDLER Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday rejected Senate changes to lottery and gambling legislation as the two chambers remain apart on whether to allow sports betting and multiple casinos in the state. Representatives voted to send the bill…

Does time — and a new host — heal all wounds? Fourteen years after Conan O’Brien was messily ousted from NBC’s “The Tonight Show” to make way for the return of Jay Leno — the comedian is finally back. O’Brien will appear on the April 9 show to promote his new travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go” for Max in conversation with Jimmy Fallon, who…