The Mix

For a long, sun-addled stretch, Lorcan Finnegan’s beach-set “The Surfer” simmers as a deliciously punishing nightmare, driving Nicolas Cage into his most natural state: a boil.

U.S. applications for jobless benefits jumped to their highest level in two months, but layoffs remain in a historically healthy range despite increasing fears of a tariff-induced economic slowdown.

LONDON (AP) — British counterterrorism detectives will investigate comments by Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, which has been criticized by U.K. politicians over statements about the Middle East and British politics, police said Thursday.

You know that burst of flavor you experience when you take a bite of certain savory foods , such as meat, fish, mushrooms or miso? That sensation of “whoa, that is just delicious!” In all likelihood, you are tasting umami.

WINNIPEG — Great-West Lifeco Inc. says its president and CEO Paul Mahon is set to retire July 1 and will be succeeded by David Harney. Mahon has spent 39 years with the company, including the past 12 as its chief executive.

TORONTO — Thomson Reuters says its profit fell in its latest quarter as revenues edged higher. The company, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, reported a first-quarter profit of US$434 million, down from US$478 million a year ago.

NEW YORK (AP) — It starts with a Post-it note scrawled with a reminder. Then a chocolate bar you'll probably eat later.

McDonald’s store traffic fell unexpectedly in the first quarter as economic uncertainty weighed on diners. The burger giant’s same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, fell 1% globally in the January-March period.

LAVAL — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. says it has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. amid its pursuit to acquire the Japanese parent company of 7-Eleven.

ROME (AP) — Two papal tailors and no conclave orders.