Signs of hope are beginning to emerge from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as several Ebola patients recover during the country’s latest outbreak, even as health officials monitor suspected cases appearing outside Africa and intensify efforts to prevent international spread. The outbreak, centered primarily in eastern Congo’s Ituri Province, has triggered worldwide concern after hundreds of suspected infections and dozens of deaths were reported in recent weeks. The World Health Organization recently classified the outbreak as a major international health emergency due to the rapid rise in suspected cases and the potential for cross-border transmission. Despite the alarming developments, doctors and aid workers now say a growing number of patients are surviving treatment, offering an important sign that containment efforts may be beginning to show progress. Health officials describe the recoveries as critical not only medically, but psychologically, helping restore confide...

  Credit card fees are rising again across parts of the United States and globally, putting new pressure on consumers, small businesses, restaurants, retailers, and service providers already dealing with inflation and higher operating costs. Banks, payment processors, and credit card networks have gradually increased various transaction-related charges over the past several years, but recent adjustments are becoming more noticeable as businesses begin passing those costs directly to customers through: higher prices, checkout surcharges, minimum purchase rules, and additional “processing fees.” For many consumers, the increases may seem small at first—sometimes just a few cents or a percentage added during checkout—but economists say the cumulative effect could significantly impact household spending over time. Credit card fees generally come from what are known as “interchange fees,” which are charges paid by merchants every time a customer uses a card. These fees are ...

  Fresh military strikes between the United States and Iran have raised concerns that the fragile diplomatic progress made in recent weeks could quickly unravel. The latest exchange comes at a time when negotiators are attempting to secure a broader agreement involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities. At the same time, political tensions are rising in Washington as several members of the U.S. House of Representatives prepare for difficult re-election campaigns that could reshape the balance of power in Congress. The newest round of military action began after U.S. forces carried out what officials described as defensive strikes against Iranian military targets in southern Iran. According to reports, the strikes targeted missile launch sites, drone facilities, and vessels allegedly involved in threatening commercial shipping and American forces near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials said the actions were inten...