Geopolitical Tensions and Climate Impactsactive

A Singaporean man who was seen in a viral video assaulting a Filipino woman at Lucky Plaza shopping centre was charged on Wednesday over the incident and a previous alleged attack on the same woman. Andrew Suresh Markandan, 47, was handed two charges of voluntarily causing hurt to Alibutdan Vilma Litgio and two charges of mischief by damaging her property. He is accused of first assaulting the victim at about 7.25pm on March 30 last year at Hotel 81 Bugis. He allegedly slapped her and punched...

Listen on Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music Brussels faces a narrowing window to strike a deal on its next long-term budget. EU leaders gather in Cyprus this week for a potential clash over the bloc’s €1.8 trillion plan — already dividing north and south, farmers and reformers, capitals and Brussels. Council President Antonio Costa wants momentum. But with proposed new EU taxes, debt repayments and looming elections on the table, compromise looks distant. On today’s episode, Ian Wishart and Ryan Heath break down what’s at stake — and why this battle is only just beginning. They also dig into the Commission’s new emergency energy package, as fears of a new crisis grow — driven by the war in Iran and disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: A rekindled Paris–Brussels romance raises awkward questions about power, politics and conflicts of interest. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Further reading: Magyar wants to put the Austro-Hungarian Empire back on the map Germany spearheads effort to weaken EU’s AI rules

The Iran conflict is pushing Saudi Arabia to reconsider its US-led security strategy, with China emerging to play a limited, but functional role, analysts say. However, deep US ties in defence would restrict Saudi Arabia’s broader cooperation with China, they added, as one expert predicted Riyadh was likely to deepen ties with regional powers such as Pakistan and Turkey. In a rare alignment, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the Middle East, initiated a phone...

Calls for ‘urgent, sustained action’ over rising number of children who do not have permanent home Living in temporary accommodation has contributed to the deaths of 104 children in England in the past six years, 76 of whom were under the age of one, according to data. Statistics also show there were 64 stillbirths and 27 neonatal deaths involving mothers living in temporary accommodation (TA) in the UK in 2024. Experts say the housing crisis is pushing families into conditions that endanger their lives. Continue reading...

Research finds global heating has already lengthened the pollen season in addition to worsening heatwaves and droughts Climate breakdown has extended the pollen season in the UK and mainland Europe by between one and two weeks since the 1990s, a study has found, adding itchy eyes and runny noses to the harm wrought by fossil fuel pollution. The finding may be less dramatic than the floods and wildfires typically associated with a warming planet but represents a “huge” increase in the combined suffering of tens of millions of people, the researchers say. Continue reading...

Not using capital punishment ‘really a requirement’ for Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly, says president Israel’s observer status at the Council of Europe’s parliamentary assembly could be suspended over the country’s new law mandating the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of some offences, the president of the body has said. Petra Bayr, an Austrian Social Democrat and president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (Pace), said not using the death penalty was “really a requirement” of having observer status at the pan-European human rights body, which has no connection to the EU. Continue reading...

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed his "satisfaction" on Wednesday with the unilateral decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to extend the temporary ceasefire reached in early April between the United States and the Iranian regime. Guterres urged all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardize the truce and called for constructive participation in negotiations to achieve a sustainable and lasting solution. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres described the extension of the ceasefire announced by Washington as an "important step" for "diplomacy and building trust between Tehran and Washington." Furthermore, he expressed his full support for the efforts of Pakistan, a country that has been instrumental in promoting the dialogue process to end the conflict since the beginning of the truce between the two countries. "The Secretary-General hopes that these efforts will contribute to creating the necessary conditions for a comprehensive and lasting resolution of the conflict," said Dujarric. Within the United Nations system, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told the press on Tuesday evening that the effort to end the conflict between Tehran and Washington is a complex process, and it is important to allow this process to continue. "I believe it is essential to provide an opportunity for..."

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, will be part of the American delegation for the upcoming direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, CNN reported. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also participate in the talks, along with the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, and the State Department advisor, Michael Needham. Israel and Lebanon will once again be represented by their ambassadors to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh Moawad, respectively. The American news website Axios reported that President Donald Trump intends to maintain the exemption from a controversial maritime law. The report indicates that Trump is pushing to keep the requirements of the Jones Act exempt for energy shipments. Critics argue that the law from the 1920s often inflates the cost of domestic maritime transport by requiring that oil supplies transported between U.S. ports be carried on vessels flagged in the United States, the availability of which is much smaller than the global fleet. According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, the Iranian Minister of Education, Alireza Kazemi, stated that 775 of the 1,300 schools damaged during the U.S.-Israeli attacks have already been repaired. According to Kazemi, approximately 20 schools were completely destroyed, and the most significant damage occurred in the provinces of Tehe…

US President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not clear on Wednesday if Iran or Israel, the US ally in the two-month war, would agree. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

Videos show large crowds attending a military parade in Tehran on Tuesday as the US-Iran ceasefire deadline approached.

Both chambers of Britain’s parliament have approved a bill that would ban children aged 17 and under from buying cigarettes during their lifetime. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to stop anyone born after January 1, 2009 (now aged 17) from taking up smoking. Health minister Wes Streeting called this a “historic moment for the nation’s health” that will lead to the “first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm”. When it gets royal assent and becomes law, it would...

Consumers in five EU countries will save up to €8.5 billion on their energy bills this year, compared to those with the dirtiest energy mix.

As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) moves closer to application, all attention is on the deadlines for its practical delivery. Few provisions illustrate this more clearly than Articles 32 and 33, which seek to expand reusable packaging and ‘bring your own’ (BYO) options for take-away food and beverages across the EU’s hotel, restaurant and cafés (HORECA)  sector. However, even the terminology reflects a disconnect. While the industry commonly refers to BYO, the PPWR uses the term “refill”. More importantly, uncertainty around how these provisions are meant to work in practice highlights a deeper issue: namely, the lack of operational clarity in the European Commission’s approach. This gap is particularly notable given that DG Environment has welcomed a bottom-up approach to the implementation of Articles 32 and 33. At a Commission stakeholder webinar in December 2024DG Environment said that they would welcome a bottom-up approach from affected sectors. Serving Europe, which represents the European branded food service sector, together with other operators from the HORECA industry, has developed Voluntary Industry Guidelines in response, intended to operationalize Articles 32 and 33. Despite this work, the European Commission failed to mention Articles 32 and 33 in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) document it released. A persisting implementation gap Different industries share frustration at the lack of guidance. They are asking to stop the clock so  a targeted revision for the legislation can be created. For operators, regardless of size, the implementation of compliant and scalable systems will require significant investments, reorganization of operations and training of staff in addition to substantial preparation time. via Serving Europe Reusable packaging systems will require structural changes to existing operations, each of which come with their own environmental considerations depending on the design and management of the system. By contrast, BYO packaging raises a different set of challenges regarding food safety and consumer health, as it risks introducing foreign contaminated objects into previously strictly controlled environments in restaurants. Risk to food safety and the environment In particular, the lack of guidance relating to Articles 32 and 33 is consequential, as it must be applied across a wide range of operators offering diverse products and menus. In operational terms, the BYO obligation raises legitimate sanitary and liability concerns, as food service operations rely on controlled hygiene environments. Customer-provided containers can be outright dirty and contaminated, and restaurants cannot thoroughly assess or wash them on the premises. While the PPWR exempts operators from liability, it does not reduce the health risks for consumers, as BYO will lead to an increased risk of cross-contamination through pathogens and allergens. Similarly, reusable packaging does not automatically deliver environmental benefits. It only works when return rates are high and logistics are well managed. The EU Joint Research Centre has shown that these conditions are hard to achieve in off‑premises settings. When these conditions fall short, reusable systems can end up with a higher life‑cycle footprint than fully recyclable paper options. This is reflected in the fact that Articles 32 and 33 apply to all  take-away channels, including delivery. It does not take an industry expert to see that the delivery of BYO packaging will not bring a net benefit to the environment. Instead, for both options the most controlled and implementable option is for customers to walk into a restaurant and order take-away over the counter in either reusable packaging or BYO. These considerations do not undermine the objectives of Articles 32 and 33. On the contrary, they underline the importance of clear and consistent implementation guidance. Further market fragmentation A reference to the Voluntary Industry Guidelines in the FAQ could have been an opportunity to provide clarity and harmonize the EU market. However, national and local authorities will inevitably interpret these provisions in crucially different ways. via Serving Europe This fragmentation leaves operators active in multiple member states navigating legal uncertainty, higher compliance costs and a shortage of scalable best practice. The result is an uneven application of EU law, negatively impacting one of the PPWR’s core aims: preserving a level playing field in the internal market. Voluntary Industry Guidelines as a pragmatic reference The Voluntary Industry Guidelines developed by Serving Europe are intended to mitigate this risk, providing a practical reference for implementing Articles 32 and 33 in a manner that safeguards food safety, reflects environmental conditions and remains operationally feasible. Importantly, these guidelines are voluntary and therefore do not replace legislation and do not bind authorities. They are designed as a common baseline, both for operators preparing for compliance and for regulators assessing implementation in good faith. At present, these guidelines are not formally recognized by the regulator, as the European Commission has failed to reference it in the FAQ, despite addressing an implementation gap and incorporating feedback from DG Environment directly. Importantly, these guidelines are voluntary and therefore do not replace legislation and do not bind authorities. They are designed as a common baseline, both for operators preparing for compliance and for regulators assessing implementation in good faith. Time pressure is increasing. The lack of a realistic operational roll-out is reinforcing industry uncertainty ahead of the PPWR application date of August 12, 2026. This is followed by a separate application date of February 12, 2027 for BYO packaging. As operators require at least 12 months to design procedures, adapt operations, communicate changes and train staff, they are left under enormous time pressure to ensure compliance. Operators, therefore, face a choice between investing without legal certainty or missing compliance, outcomes that oppose the regulation’s environmental objectives. Acknowledging the Voluntary Industry Guidelines would not reduce ambition or shift regulatory responsibility. Rather, it would provide clarity, support consistent application and give practical effect to the bottom-up approach already endorsed by DG Environment. Articles 32 and 33 are designed to change behavior on the ground, but without clearer implementation signposts they risk generating more uncertainty than impact. As the PPWR enters its application phase, the question is no longer one of ambition, but whether the framework is ready for delivery. Disclaimer POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT The sponsor is Serving Europe . The entity ultimately controlling the sponsor is Serving Europe. This article calls on EU policymakers to clarify and adjust the implementation of the PPWR, including recognition of industry guidelines and potential delays, thereby seeking to influence EU public policy and falling within the scope of the TTPA. More information here.

Victory Giant Technology, a China-based PCB maker and Nvidia supply chain partner, debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 21, with its shares rising as much as 60% on the first day of trading. Founder and chairman Chen Tao said order momentum remains strong, with proceeds from the listing primarily earmarked for capacity expansion in China.

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said it fired rockets and drones into northern Israel on Tuesday, accusing the Israeli military of violating a ceasefire ahead of US-mediated talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments this week. The Israeli military earlier said Iran-aligned Hezbollah had fired several rockets towards its troops operating in southern Lebanon, in what it described as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement. It was not immediately clear if the incidents were the...

U.S. President Trump announced that the ceasefire agreement with Iran would be extended, while simultaneously instructing the U.S. military to continue its blockade of ships entering and exiting Iranian ports. The positions of both sides remain significantly divergent, with Iran reportedly stating that "continuing the maritime blockade is equivalent to an act of hostility," making the future of negotiations uncertain.

The Singapore dollar strengthened slightly against its U. S. counterpart in Asian trading as risk of a re-escalation in the U. S.-Iran conflict eases.

The public debate among the four candidates vying to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres has begun, with each candidate outlining their policy platforms. The candidates expressed a strong sense of urgency regarding the current state of the United Nations and demonstrated their commitment to reform.

In his last post on X, David Wilcock wrote about Donald Trump posting an AI-generated photo depicting himself as a figure resembling Jesus.

According to Donald Trump, Iran could "make $500 million dollars a day" with the open strait

Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a new congressional map that could boost Democrats’ representation in the US House by as many as four seats, reshaping the political landscape ahead of November’s midterm elections. The move, seen as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting, intensifies the national battle over gerrymandering and raises the stakes in an already razor-thin fight for control of Congress.

Earlier, in an interview on Tuesday, Trump denied plans to extend the ceasefire and said that the US was in a strong negotiating position.

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated that the Governor of the province of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof, will become the President of Argentina. Just days ago, both were present at a global summit of progressive leaders held in Barcelona, where they held a private meeting. "Kicillof will undoubtedly become the President of Argentina and will pursue a progressive course," the Colombian president wrote on his X account on Tuesday. He also criticized the economic policies adopted by the government of Javier Milei: "The lines to receive food at public restaurants are growing." Later, Petro made another post in which he analyzed the regional situation. He denied that there is a "right-wing surge in Latin America" and asserted that "they have only won a few elections." He also argued that these governments "have caused a disaster by deepening neoliberalism, eliminating social achievements, and causing hunger in their countries." In recent years, candidates from the right or center-right have been elected in at least five countries in Latin America. This includes Milei in Argentina, Antonio Kast in Chile, Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia, Santiago Peña in Paraguay, and Daniel Noboa in Ecuador. However, in countries like Brazil and Colombia, opposition candidates closely aligned with these political sectors are gaining ground in the polls. It is worth noting that the messages shared by Petro come just days before a progressive summit.

Ambassador to Tunisia Mir Masoud Hosseinian separately said that Iran was "not taking any measures based on the escalation of tensions"

Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a mid-decade redistricting plan that could help Democrats win four more House seats ahead of the November midterms Voters in the Old Dominion approved a temporary amendment to the state constitution allowing Democrats to draw new congressional lines favoring the party in all but one of its 11 House districts.…

This Tuesday, Lufthansa announced the cancellation of 20,000 flights due to a potential global fuel shortage resulting from the increase in oil prices caused by the war in the Middle East. The German flag carrier announced that the measure will extend until October. The affected services include European and domestic routes. The company argued that this measure aims to conserve fuel and ensure the continuation of the rest of its operations, according to the British newspaper Financial Times. The disruption of services began this Monday with the suspension of 120 flights. In addition, during the same day, it was announced that unprofitable routes from Munich and Frankfurt would be suspended until the end of the European summer. In a statement released in recent hours, Lufthansa stated that the cancellation of the 20,000 flights "is equivalent to approximately 40,000 metric tons of aircraft fuel, the price of which has doubled since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran." According to the German company's report, the plan, which will be implemented during the European summer, will be published "at the end of April or early May" and will include "optimizations to the short-distance offer for the entire summer season, thus ensuring the stability of the schedule for the period of the flight plan," according to Financial Times. The European Union's position The cuts announced by Lufthansa were confirmed after a meeting that took place…

Far-flung Pacific nations ⁠are reeling from the impact of a global ⁠fuel crisis as authorities scramble to manage energy supplies while families must grapple ⁠with fuel curbs and higher costs for food and access to healthcare. Global oil supplies are running down as the US-Israeli war with Iran disrupts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Aid agencies have warned that the crisis has driven up prices...

The move could increase the Democrats chances of winning four currently Republican-held seats in Congress in midterm elections in November.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, stated that over the past year approximately 16 cases were recorded in which the United States lifted or eased sanctions against Russian and Belarusian companies and individuals.

Iranian authorities on Tuesday escalated their rhetoric against the United States and Israel, warning that they will respond "immediately" and "with force" to any aggression, marking a new chapter in the escalating tensions in the Middle East despite the ongoing temporary ceasefire. The statement was issued by the Central Command Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya, the main unified command body of the Iranian armed forces. Through its spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, the organization stated that its forces are in a state of "maximum readiness" and prepared to execute attacks against "pre-determined targets." "Our powerful and competent forces have been prepared and on alert for a long time," Zolfaqari stated, adding that Tehran "will attack immediately and with force" if any hostile action is taken. In that vein, he warned that the response will be more severe than previous offensives seen in the conflict. The message was released shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire agreement reached in early April, conditioning its continuation on Iran presenting a concrete proposal within the framework of ongoing negotiations regarding its nuclear program. However, Tehran has strongly criticized Washington's recent actions, particularly the naval blockade imposed in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. ...

Donald Trump's post regarding Tim Cook's succession announcement has elicited diverse reactions.

President Donald Trump criticized Elliot Kaufman of The Wall Street Journal for writing an opinion piece titled "The Iranians Take Trump for a Sucker."

Mir Masoud Hosseinian says Tehran is ready to defend its land and people by any means necessary

Afghan allies who assisted US forces now face a stark choice: resettle in the war‑torn Democratic Republic of Congo or return to Taliban‑ruled Afghanistan.

The new maps in Virginia could make it easier for Democrats to take control of the US House of Representatives in November.

The world breathed a sigh of relief as US President Donald Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire with Iran, but uncertainty remains in the Middle East over how the US-Israeli war will end. These are the main takeaways from what happened overnight. Last-minute extension Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran hours before it was due to expire, at the request of Pakistan. But he said the US naval blockade would continue. “Based on the fact that the government of Iran is...

On the eve of the expiration of the two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, uncertainty and threats reignited tensions between the Islamic Republic and the United States this Tuesday. Throughout the day, Washington and Tehran continued to send mixed signals regarding a potential new round of negotiations ahead of the provisional truce's expiration on Wednesday. Ultimately, the U.S. President, Donald Trump, stated during the day that he would extend the cessation of hostilities until Iran presents a proposal to end the conflict permanently. "Due to the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously divided, which is not unexpected, and at the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we have been asked to suspend our attack on Iran until its leaders and representatives can present a unified proposal," Trump wrote on Truth Social. In any case, he stated that he had ordered the U.S. military to "continue the blockade and, in all other respects, remain prepared and ready to act." He added that the truce, which was set to expire in the coming hours, "would extend the ceasefire until their proposal is presented and negotiations conclude, whatever the outcome." STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP: Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Mini…

Amid a public feud with Pope Leo XIV and backlash over an AI-generated image of Jesus, Donald Trump read Bible verses from the Oval Office.

China’s shipyards are emerging as beneficiaries from the US-Israeli war on Iran, securing new orders as crude transport bottlenecks worsen and global demand for large oil tankers rises. With the United States and Iran effectively blockading the Strait of Hormuz – a chokepoint that handles about a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil – shipping companies are racing to expand capacity, particularly in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) capable of transporting about 2 million barrels of oil per...

Kash Patel argued with a reporter during a public briefing, denying claims about system access problems and dismissing the reporting as unfounded.

The proposal, which was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, will ban the supply or sale of tobacco products to anyone born in 2009 or after, permanently.

Mahdi Mohammadi says the US, as the losing side, cannot dictate terms

Discussions reportedly come after Trump’s decision to stop initiative that allowed group to apply to resettle in the US The Trump administration is in discussions to potentially send up to 1,100 Afghans who helped US forces during the war in Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a non-profit confirmed on Tuesday. The resettlement talks, first reported by the New York Times, come after Donald Trump’s decision to stop an initiative that allowed Afghans who assisted US war efforts to apply to resettle in the US. Continue reading...

Reciting of Old Testament passage comes days after clash with pope and posting AI image of himself as Jesus Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Donald Trump read a Bible passage from the Old Testament during a Tuesday event billed as a celebration of the US’s founding, days after he clashed with Pope Leo XIV and upset some of his religious supporters by posting an AI-generated image appearing to depict himself as Jesus. The event, titled America Reads the Bible, was imagined as a “sacred opportunity to call our nation back to its spiritual foundation”, according to its website. Continue reading...

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "Only through our unity can we achieve the goals of the special military operation," reaffirming his intention to continue the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly emphasized his commitment to continuing operations to counter Russia.

The Trump administration has signed multimillion-dollar deals with foreign countries to accept non-citizen deportees.

The civil rights group has long been a target for conservative activists who object to its characterisations.

The military’s $1.5 trillion budget request seeks to replenish missiles and boost drone warfare — but it has to get through a skeptical Congress first.

On the New York stock market on the 21st, selling pressure emerged due to concerns that the possibility of a second round of face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran was becoming uncertain. As a result, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by nearly 300 points from the previous day.

The White House did not offer any additional updates on the possibility of in-person meetings.

For the second time in two weeks, the president has failed to follow through on his threats to resume the war if Tehran does not accept a deal.

Ambassador to Tunisia Mir Masoud Hosseinian stated that Iran's participation in the negotiations depends on the actions of the American side.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said two Americans who died in a car crash appeared to be working jointly with local Mexican police, a potential violation of Mexican law.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) shares his reaction to a small group of unauthorized users gaining access to Anthropic’s Mythos AI and what risks this might pose. He also discusses President Trump’s Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh’s hearing and the debate surrounding Fed independence, and his thoughts on Trump extending the Iran ceasefire until talks conclude. Senator Cramer speaks with Kailey Leinz on the late edition of Bloomberg’s “Balance of Power.” (Source: Bloomberg)

The biggest question facing Kevin Warsh was answered before he even reached the committee room Tuesday when President Donald Trump doubled down on a criminal probe that is effectively blocking his own nominee from taking over at the Federal Reserve.

A Chinese university student has been charged with unauthorised photography of US military aircraft in Nebraska during a road trip through several states, which included a stop at an air force base in South Dakota. Tianrui Liang, who is studying in Glasgow, was arrested at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport on April 7 as he attempted to return to Scotland, court documents filed in the Eastern District of New York revealed. The 21-year-old has been charged with photographing defence...

Barbara Leaf, distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute and former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, discusses whether or not she is encouraged by President Trump saying the Iran ceasefire will extend until Iran's proposal is submitted. She shares her insight as to what’s next to get officials to the negotiating table and what to make of the mixed messaging on both sides. She speaks with Joe Mathieu on the late edition of Bloomberg’s “Balance of Power.” (Source: Bloomberg)

A small group of unauthorized users have accessed Anthropic PBC’s new Mythos AI model, a technology that the company says is so powerful it can enable dangerous cyberattacks, according to a person familiar with the matter and documentation viewed by Bloomberg News. Michael Shepard has more on "Balance of Power: Evening Edition." (Source: Bloomberg)

A pilot program began on Wednesday for a public service that manages the assets ...

The Iranian regime has detained at least 3,646 people since the start of the conflict on February 28th, on charges related to the United States and Israel, in an operation that ranges from alleged espionage to the dissemination of content and the use of technology to circumvent censorship. The figure was reported by the Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization, which warned that the actual number is "likely" higher due to restrictions on internet access within the country. According to the Norwegian-based NGO, the data is based on reports from state media and its own investigations. The report details that at least 767 arrests occurred even after the start of the ceasefire on April 8th, which demonstrates the continuation of the internal crackdown despite the truce on the external front. The charges attributed to the detainees are broad and, in many cases, difficult to independently verify. According to IHR, they include "espionage, communication with foreign intelligence agencies, transmission of images or coordinates of sensitive locations to foreign-based media outlets, and attempts to establish operational cells or carry out armed activities." There were also arrests for the use and distribution of Starlink satellite internet terminals, used to circumvent digital restrictions, as well as for alleged links to monarchist groups. Among those detained are more than a hundred activists...

Iran has warned its Gulf neighbors that allowing the US to launch attacks from their territory would mean the end of oil production throughout the entire Middle East.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, says Republicans need to "grow a backbone" and stand up to President Donald Trump regarding the war in Iran. Speaking on "Balance of Power: Evening Edition," Senator Warren also discusses Federal Reserve Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee. (Source: Bloomberg)

The United States House Select Committee on China recently released a report on artificial intelligence. Titled “Buy What It Can, Steal What It Must: China’s Campaign to Acquire Frontier AI Capabilities”, it captures a hardening view in Washington that Beijing’s artificial intelligence rise is closely tied to both market access and security concerns. Whether fully substantiated or not, such beliefs are increasingly shaping the policy lens through which technology competition between the two...

France says the economic fallout from the Iran war has cost France at least 6 billion euros, as the government has rolled out support measures for businesses and households, increased defence spending and faced surging borrowing costs. To offset this while meeting its budget deficit target, officials say a freeze in some spending is necessary. Plus, Kevin Warsh, President Trump's pick for the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, faced a grilling in the US Senate in a confirmation hearing.

During the recent Easter week, the holidays for April were announced, and soon the holidays for May will be revealed. The calendar includes two days marked for the upcoming month, and it will also feature another extended weekend, following the one that occurred during the recent Good Friday celebration. What are the May holidays? The next holiday of the year is Friday, May 1st, which commemorates Labor Day. It's worth noting that this day will mark the second extended weekend of the year, out of a total of four on the 2026 calendar. Furthermore, this is the next mandatory holiday of the year, meaning that on the first day of the month, regular business operations and services will be suspended. Only establishments such as restaurants, entertainment venues, and pharmacies will be allowed to operate. Subsequently, the next holiday is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, to commemorate the Day of Naval Glory. However, this day is not a mandatory holiday. For those planning the coming weeks of the year, here is the complete list of holidays: Friday, May 1st: Labor Day (mandatory) (extended weekend) Thursday, May 21st: Day of Naval Glory Sunday, June 21st: National Day of Indigenous Peoples Monday, June 29th: Saint Peter and Saint Paul (extended weekend) Thursday, July 16th: Day of the Virgin of Carmen Saturday, July 15th …

The Iranians are notoriously slow negotiators. Our reporter David E. Sanger explains what the history of U. S.-Iran negotiations could mean for the latest round of talks.

Solovyov, in Italian: "A fascist [expletive]." Tajani summons the ambassador: "Very serious."

Kevin Warsh repeatedly pledged to act independently if he’s confirmed as the next Federal Reserve chair in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday. Tyler Kendall breaks down the key takeaways from the hearing. (Source: Bloomberg)

Peace talks between the US and Iran ground to a standstill on Tuesday, with reports stating that Iranian officials refused to attend and Vice President JD Vance put off a planned trip to Pakistan.

With his characteristic composure, Eduardo Carrasco Pirard summarizes his assessment of his remote work with the Quilapayún ensemble in a single sentence. Although he no longer performs on stage with them, he remains involved in their activities. "For now, things are working well," he says from the other side of the screen. Since deciding to leave Chile and return to France, the country that welcomed the group during their exile, he says he feels more at peace. "I have three children here in France who live with their families. I have three grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild. So I have my family here, whereas when I lived in Chile, I was separated from them." Nevertheless, Carrasco dedicates part of his time to the activities of the "Quila" group. The most recent project is a box set, "Quilapayún 60," which celebrates the work of this cornerstone group of Chilean New Song. Available only in vinyl format, it is a collection of 5 LPs that review the history of the ensemble, including essential tracks such as "Plegaria a un labrador" and "El Discurso de Matta," although legal issues – part of the catalog is held by a multinational record label – prevented the inclusion of material from essential albums such as "X Vietnam." "It was an idea from Alfredo Troncoso of Macondo," Carrasco explains. "We had been discussing for some time how we could celebrate these 60 years, and then several ideas emerged, such as a female version of the cantata, and other things. Then he came up with the idea of creating a very carefully curated edition of the..."

Higher education institutions in Mexico and Spain have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as academic exchange, innovation, sustainability, and student mobility, during the Second Mexico-Spain Summit of Rectors and Presidents, held at the Jaume I University on April 20th and 21st. The event was organized by the National Association of Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities, with the participation of over a hundred academic representatives. The summit built upon the agreements reached in March 2024 and solidified this forum as a biennial platform aimed at fostering closer scientific and cultural collaboration between the two countries. Also read: UNAM Rector defends university autonomy; calls for more funding at the Mexico-Spain summit. As a result of the discussions, a Joint Declaration was issued and read by José Luján Alcaraz, Vice President of the CRUE and Rector of the University of Murcia, along with Luis Alberto Fierro Ramírez, General Coordinator for Academic and Institutional Strengthening at ANUIES. The document outlines action lines to promote pedagogical innovation, the digitalization of teaching, curriculum internationalization, and the development of joint academic programs, with a focus on more flexible and student-centered educational models. Furthermore, it was agreed to strengthen…

Senators grilled Kevin Warsh, President Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve, on Tuesday over the central bank’s independence and his plans to divest his financial assets amid the push to confirm Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement. Warsh argued that “independence is up to the Fed” and defended his ethics agreement with the administration during…

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Yonhap) -- Uncertainty continued Tuesday to shroud prospec...

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said the Pentagon's policy change to no longer require all U.S. troops to get flu shots is a "mistake," drawing a contrast between flu vaccines and more controversial COVID-19 vaccines. "I think it's a mistake," Wicker told reporters Tuesday when asked about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement…

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday clarified his post on the social platform X referring to the passage of Iranian vessels bypassing the U. S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as “awesome.” Murphy shared a story from the online journal Lloyd’s List with the headline “At least 26 Iranian vessels bypass U. S. blockade,” a report…

Iran is refusing to send its negotiating team to Islamabad to continue talks this week until President Donald Trump lifts the U. S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to two Middle East officials briefed on the situation,granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Trump, who hinted on Tuesday that high-level negotiations with Iran would resume “soon,” has given mixed signals about when, or whether, Vice President JD Vance would leave the White House for Pakistan. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, are also meant to take part in the talks but do not appear to have left the United States. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump on Monday said he has no plans to lift the blockade until the two sides reach an agreement. That’s led to the current impasse – with both Tehran and Washington, as of Tuesday, refusing to blink. The stalemate comes as Trump’s self-imposed deadline ticks ever closer. Trump gave the Iranians until Wednesday to agree to a deal or face a renewed American bombing campaign. And with the trip to Pakistan taking about 16 hours, the window for diplomacy was rapidly closing. Trump said earlier Tuesday he was unwilling to extend the ceasefire deadline yet again. The peace efforts remain fluid and it’s not clear whether some of the most recent demands from the Iranians or Americans are meant to be bluffs or are, in fact, red lines. The requirements and refusals could change at any time and Trump has been known to extend a deadline. Vance was ready to head to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations when plans were put on hold. The White House has not responded to inquiries about whether the vice president would be leaving, or if he would be making the trip at all. Iran has been frustrated in recent days by Trump’s decision to maintain the U. S. naval blockade of the critical waterway for Iranian vessels even after Tehran announced last Friday that it would reopen the strait following the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The blockade, according to the Iranians, violated the terms of the ceasefire. Trump has asserted in several social media posts and interviews that he has the upper hand in the standoff with Iran, claiming that the country’s leaders had little choice but to make a deal to avoid another American bombing campaign.

A U. S. aid worker said that the Afghans, who were evacuated to Qatar, would face a choice between moving to the Democratic Republic of Congo and living under the Taliban.

A Democratic lawmaker resigned on Tuesday, becoming the third member of the US House of Representatives to step down in just over a week as a wave of ethics scandals engulfs Congress. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida announced her immediate resignation ahead of a scheduled disciplinary hearing by the House Ethics Committee, which had been weighing potential sanctions over a string of campaign finance violations. Her departure follows the recent resignations of Democrat Eric Swalwell and...

President Javier Milei participated in the 78th anniversary of Israel's independence, and during the ceremony, he sang "Libre," a song by Nino Bravo. The president was one of those responsible for lighting the torches that represent the 12 tribes of the Jewish people, and he delivered a speech in which he reaffirmed his strategic alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu. At the conclusion of the event, the Argentine president was the last to participate in the ceremony, which also included other prominent Israeli figures. This event marks the beginning of Israel's Independence Day and symbolizes the twelve biblical tribes of Israel. It is worth noting that the torch lighting ceremony is a significant event in the Israeli calendar, as it marks the end of Remembrance Day—dedicated to fallen soldiers and victims of violence—and the beginning of the celebrations for the country's independence. There, the Argentine head of state performed the song by Nino Bravo, accompanied by two local singers who sang the lyrics in Spanish. After the song, he delivered a speech and danced at the end of the celebration. Later, Milei gave a short speech and said: "In this life, there are partners and friends; friends, on the other hand, forge bonds for a lifetime, united by shared values. Argentina and Israel are friendly nations." He also reiterated his intention to move the Argentine embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

A vehicle crash killed two Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials en route from destroying a drug lab in northern Chihuahua, Mexico, on Sunday, sources told The Associated Press. Three people who spoke to the AP on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity confirmed the CIA’s involvement. The crash also killed two Mexican investigators. The Hill…

President Trump signed an executive order Saturday for a speedy review of psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine.

Chris Wright added that he had been consulting the US leaders on the situation around Iran since he took office

WASHINGTON.- Kevin Warsh, Donald Trump's leading candidate to lead the Federal Reserve, is advocating for a significant shift in the U.S. central bank. His proposal aims to replace the current strategy for combating inflation and drastically alter the way the institution communicates its decisions. During his hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, the 56-year-old lawyer and financier insisted that the Fed needs a fundamental transformation. According to Warsh, the institution has been grappling with problems that emerged four or five years ago, during the recovery from the pandemic, and has yet to correct them. The candidate directly blamed the current leadership for the sharp rise in the cost of living that impacted American households after the Covid-19 pandemic. In his view, the Fed made "fatal mistakes" by reacting too slowly to inflation and then maintaining a flawed strategy to try to control it. Therefore, Warsh is proposing a "regime change" in monetary policy. By this, he means abandoning the current system and replacing it with one that restores predictability. He explained that the country needs a new framework for controlling inflation because the current one has failed to restore stability to prices. He also questioned one of the most commonly used tools of the Federal Reserve: the quarterly projections on interest rates, growth, and inflation.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday that the bloc intends to cut funding to the Venice Biennale following a decision by the art exhibition to readmit Russian artists to its 2026 edition. “While Russia bombs museums, destroys churches and seeks to erase Ukrainian culture, it should not be allowed to exhibit its own,” Kallas said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. “Russia’s return to the Venice Biennale is morally wrong, and the EU intends to cut its funding.” Kallas made the remark in passing during a press conference largely focused on Ukraine, where she also discussed continued military and financial support for Kyiv, new sanctions and efforts to counter Russian disinformation. The Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prominent art exhibitions, is set to host Russia for the first time since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — a move that has sparked widespread criticism across Europe. Latvia’s Culture Minister Agnese Lāce, who had spearheaded a joint position by 25 European countries calling for Russia’s exclusion, said she will boycott the Biennale’s May 9 opening if Moscow takes part. In a statement, Latvia’s Ministry of Culture argued that allowing Russia to participate would give “legitimacy through a major European cultural platform supported by European funding” to a sanctioned aggressor state, and warned that individuals linked to the pavilion have ties to Russian state structures and pro-Kremlin narratives. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kallas, 37 MEPs also urged the EU to suspend funding — estimated at around €2 million over three years — and consider restrictive measures against individuals linked to the Russian pavilion. The Biennale has defended its decision, arguing it remains a space for dialogue where art is kept separate from politics. But for a growing number of European policymakers, Russia’s return raises broader questions about whether cultural neutrality is tenable while the war in Ukraine continues.

As part of the "Holy Week 2026 Special Operation" of the "Paisanos Heroes and Heroines" program, from March 18th to April 18th, the National Migration Institute (INM) assisted 745,998 nationals who visited various regions of the country to reunite with their families and communities. The INM, headed by Sergio Salomón Céspedes, highlighted the inter-institutional coordination involving more than 40 agencies from all three levels of government. In addition, support was provided by 559 observers, 367 from the "Youth Building the Future" program, and 192 from civil society organizations. Read also: Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco concludes working visit to Brussels; finalizes the Modernized Global Agreement with the European Union. The INM noted that 253 modules were set up at key locations frequented by nationals, including border crossings, bus terminals, and airports throughout the country. The Institute also distributed 600,000 printed guides. The INM reported that 745,016 people were assisted at the modules; 7 via email; 22 via social media; 592 via the INM call center; 337 via the "Marca-SAT" telephone line; and 24 via the 911 emergency line. Join our channel! "EL UNIVERSAL" is now on WhatsApp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device. em/apr

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking to remake an influential but little-known task force that determines what preventive medical services insurers must cover for free.  The Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday issued a call for nominations to the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force. The notice did not specify how many members of the 16-person panel will be appointed.  The call for nominations comes just days…

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned from Congress on Tuesday amid allegations of financial misconduct that could have led to her expulsion later in the week.  The stunning announcement came just moments before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to meet to weigh potential penalties for the embattled Florida Democrat, who is facing federal charges over…

As part of his working visit to Brussels, Belgium, which concluded, Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco is finalizing the signing of the modernized Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union, which will be announced soon. Furthermore, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) held several meetings to prepare for the upcoming visit of European Union officials. He also met with António Costa, President of the European Council, to discuss ways to deepen cooperation, political dialogue, trade, and investment. Among Foreign Minister Velasco's activities, a notable meeting was held with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during which they reviewed the bilateral agenda and emphasized the importance of increasing joint efforts in areas such as health, security, and digital affairs. Also, Rosa Icela Rodríguez stated that her meeting with the UN High Commissioner was positive; she highlighted the "great system" of human rights. The SRE reported that Roberto Velasco exchanged views with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Green Deal, to explore avenues for collaboration in areas such as energy transition, sustainable development, and investment in strategic sectors that will promote more equitable and sustainable growth. In addition, he spoke with Markus Beyrer, President of Business Europe, about...

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, resigned from Congress amid allegations that she stole pandemic relief funds.

Following the last round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Iran’s foreign minister and negotiator Abbas Araghchi declared in a post on X on April 17 that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open.” This came after he also signaled that his government could be flexible over the issue of nuclear […] The post Who is calling the shots in Iran? appeared first on Asia Times.

Yousra Elbagir, a journalist with British TV channel Sky News, has become the target of a smear campaign by supporters of Burkina Faso's junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré after she raised questions about security in the country and the repression of free speech.

Federal Reserve chief nominee Kevin Warsh called for a "regime change" at the US central bank, including a new approach for controlling inflation and a communications overhaul that may discourage his colleagues from saying too much about the direction of monetary policy. Warsh's comments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee left key questions about his nomination unresolved. Republican Senator Thom Tillis used his full time to explain why he would not vote for the...

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said that the Trump administration's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have had a serious impact on energy markets. "The administration has a big problem right now because they have created an energy crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which is impacting everything," Markey said, referring to rising fuel costs around the world.

The House Ethics Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday centered on Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s (D-Fla.) fraud violations and potential sanctions. Earlier this year, the committee found “substantial reason to believe” Cherfilus-McCormick violated several laws, regulations and standards of conduct — and later announced it had proven 25 of 27 claims. The complaint centered on…

Police bring criminal case over alleged manipulation of party database in Croydon East constituency Four Labour activists have been charged over allegations that a party database was manipulated to increase a candidate’s chance of selection. The four include Joel Bodmer, 40, who ran as a potential candidate for the Croydon East constituency in south London but later withdrew. He is charged with perverting the course of justice for allegedly altering phone records. Continue reading...