Reuters

DUBLIN (Reuters) - The Irish government is to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state on Wednesday, a source familiar with the matter said.

European Union members Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The Irish government on Tuesday evening said the prime minister and foreign minister would... (continue reading...)

By Jamie McGeever

(Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in Asian markets.

Monetary policy decisions from New Zealand and Indonesia are the main points of focus in Asia on Wednesday, as debate over the timing of the first U.S. rate cut ebbs and flows, and lofty equity markets consider their next step.

Asian stocks retreated on Tuesday, snapping a seven-day winning streak despite the relative calm in currency and bond markets.... (continue reading...)

(Reuters) - TPC Group pleaded guilty to a Clean Air Act violation and was fined more than $30 million over blasts at its Port Neches petrochemical plant in Texas that prompted thousands of people to be evacuated in 2019, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.

The company has also agreed to spend around $80 million to improve its risk management program and improve safety issues at that Port Neches site and another in Houston, the statement added.

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican leader of the U.S. House of Representatives said on Tuesday he was close to inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address lawmakers even if the Senate's Democratic leader did not go along.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters at the Capitol he had given Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer until Tuesday to sign a letter inviting Netanyahu to address a joint... (continue reading...)

By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - Abortion providers in Kansas are asking a state court to block a new law requiring them to report patients' reasons for getting abortions to state authorities.

In a motion filed late on Monday in Johnson County Civil Court, the providers said the law, passed by the state's Republican legislature in April over the veto of its Democratic governor and set to take effect in July, would violate their right to... (continue reading...)