Trump allegedly wants outlet to run propaganda

Some journalists at Voice of America charged in a lawsuit Monday that the Trump administration — while largely shutting down the government-run outlet that provides news around the world — wants the operation to be more of a voice for propaganda. It’s another front in the legal battle over the outlet’s future.

Last week a federal judge ordered hundreds of journalists back to work at Voice of America, which has been operating with a skeleton staff for the past year. The new lawsuit says that the administration is trying to control what is reported on the few language services that remain; the government says that taxpayer funds must support broadcasting that reflects U.S. interests.

Big worries grow as fuel prices surge globally

People around the world are cutting back on spending as high gas prices stretch household budgets.

From Argentina to Germany to the Philippines, drivers say rising fuel costs are forcing them to give up everyday comforts — from weekend outings to even a nightly beer. The spike is tied to the war in Iran, now in its 24th day, which has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Stocks rally, oil sinks amid cautious relief

A cautious relief swept through financial markets after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Iranian officials denied that talks were underway with the United States.

Oil prices eased Monday, and stock prices jumped on Wall Street following severe losses taken elsewhere in the world before Trump’s announcement. The S&P 500 climbed 1.1% for its best day since the war began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 1.4%. Brent crude fell back below $100 per barrel.

Global economy faces ‘major threat’ from war

The head of the International Energy Agency says the global economy faces a “major, major threat” because of the Iran war.

Fatih Birol told Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra on Monday that the crisis in the Middle East has had a worse impact on oil than the two oil shocks of the 1970s combined, and a worse effect on gas markets than the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump pays firm $1B to give up wind leases

The Department of Interior says a French energy company has agreed to give up two U.S. offshore wind leases for a $1 billion refund and invest in fossil fuel projects instead.

The Trump administration has tried to halt offshore wind construction, but federal judges overturned those orders. These settlements are a different way of stopping U.S. offshore wind development.

Kalshi, Polymarket rush to ban insider trading

Kalshi and Polymarket are tightening their rules on insider trading as Congress appears to be moving closer to cracking down on prediction markets.

On Monday, the platforms announced bans that target politicians and athletes.

Jury begins deliberations in social media trial

Jury deliberations have begun in a landmark trial where New Mexico prosecutors are accusing social media conglomerate Meta of misleading people about the safety of its platforms for children.

Meta denies violating state consumer protection laws. Nationwide, social media companies are contending with lawsuits that allege the platforms harm children.