US retailers urge Trump to halt tariffs

US retailers on Monday called on President Donald Trump not to go ahead with punitive tariff plans on China to avoid an adverse effect on the US economy and consumers.

Steel prices on rise before tariff talks

Prices of US-made steel and aluminum have been rising since US President Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on the two metals, and the price increases may reflect other factors, industry observers said.

G20 meeting in Argentina eclipsed

BUENOS AIRES - Finance ministers and central bankers from the 20 leading industrial and developing countries are meeting in Argentina at a meeting that has been eclipsed by growing concerns over the potential of a global trade war following US President Donald Trump's decision to slap import tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Facebook hires auditors to probe alleged data breach

SAN FRANCISCO - The world's largest social media company Facebook said on Monday that it has hired a digital forensics firm, Stroz Friedberg, to investigate the alleged leakage of user data abused for the US presidential campaign in 2016.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Vote of confidence, now Putin turns to challenges

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after winning the presidency for another six years, will focus on developing the country's economy and seek talks with the West on easing sanctions, experts said.

Russian leader rejects attack claims

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday rubbished claims that Russia poisoned a former spy in Britain, on the eve of international chemical weapons experts heading to the United Kingdom to probe the attack.

US, ROK and Japan hold talks on summit meetings

High-level representatives from the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan met over the weekend, with the tensions on the Korean Peninsula at the heart of their discussions.

Abe hits back as support dives

TOKYO - Japan's embattled prime minister hit back on Monday at critics over a favoritism and cover-up scandal that has seen his popularity plunge and loosened his iron grip on power.

Winds fan bush blaze but forecast brings relief

SYDNEY - High temperatures and strong winds have fueled large grass and bush fires in Australia, officials said on Monday, reducing dozens of houses to ash and killing cattle.

Retaliation could hurt GOP states

Kentucky has bourbon and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Assad visits army in eastern Ghouta

DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday visited Syrian soldiers who appear close to defeating the last major opposition foothold near Damascus and met some of the many thousands of people uprooted during the government offensive.