Middle East Instability Ripples Globallyactive

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...

The unusual secrecy surrounding the Waldorf Astoria meeting has frustrated some looking for funding clues as Trump’s popularity has dropped to near historic lows.

Two U. S. officials who died in Mexico on Sunday worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, two sources told The Intercept. They are among the first known fatalities of President Donald Trump’s expanding drug war in Latin America. The American personnel died in a vehicular crash in the mountains of the Sierra de Chihuahua following a drug raid, alongside two Mexican officials, including Román Oseguera Cervantes, the director of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency. The sources said the Americans died after a raid on a synthetic drug lab. Ronald Johnson, the U. S. ambassador to Mexico, announced the death of the Americans on Sunday, referring to them as “two members of staff from the United States Embassy” in a post on X. The State Department refused requests for additional information on the Americans’ activities or the agencies that employed them. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said during a Monday press conference that she was unaware of “any direct work between Chihuahua state and personnel from the U. S. embassy.” Two U. S. government officials who spoke to The Intercept on the condition of anonymity said the CIA has been running covert operations in Mexico, working alongside vetted Mexican state-level police forces and other government agencies. The sources said the Americans died after a raid on a synthetic drug lab. “You may note that CIA declined to comment,” a CIA spokesperson told The Intercept by email in response to questions about the deaths. Mexican authorities told the press that the Americans were not involved in the raid after earlier stating they died following the operation against the labs. Trump has turned the Western hemisphere into a war zone, as part of what he and others have called the “Donroe Doctrine.” This bastardization of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine — which Trump has turned into a unilateral license to militarily meddle in America’s backyard — has led to strikes on civilian boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, an attack on Venezuela and the abduction of its president, and increased military operations elsewhere in Latin America. Admiral Frank M. Bradley, the chief of U. S. Special Operations Command recently referenced the “perceived increase of U. S. support to counter-cartel operations in Mexico” in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. He said his elite troops “remain postured to provide… support to Mexican military and security forces to dismantle narco-terrorist organizations.” In a little-noticed move in January, U. S. Northern Command – on Trump’s order – established Joint Interagency Task Force – Counter Cartel, or JIATF-CC, to coordinate U. S. government intelligence “to identify, disrupt, and dismantle cartel networks,” including by “developing cartel targets for action by USNORTHCOM’s partners and providing direct support to law enforcement.” Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORTHCOM’s commander, said then that the task force would be operating “via traditional and non-traditional means to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant intelligence to execution elements.” Last week, he told lawmakers that the force would “provide actionable intelligence to the Government of Mexico and federal law enforcement counterparts acting domestically based on leads developed from foreign intelligence operations.” “Trump has reportedly been pushing for U. S. direct action against drug labs and traffickers in Mexico since his first term,” Brian Finucane, a senior adviser for the U. S. Program at the International Crisis Group, told The Intercept. “In his second term, he now has some officials in his administration eager to do a ‘Sicario’ — making Mexico a battlefield in the new GWOT” — global war on terror — “against the narcos.” Related U. S. Military Joins Drug War in Ecuador: “It Wasn’t Going to Be Just Boat Strikes Forever” Joseph Humire, the acting assistant secretary of war for homeland defense and Americas security affairs, was unable to tell members of the House Armed Services Committee how many land strikes were being conducted across almost 20 Latin American and Caribbean nations. “I don’t have an exact number,” he replied to a question last month. But when asked by Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member of the Committee, if the War Department would “be moving to a lot more terrestrial strikes,” Humire replied, “Yes, ranking member.” Trump mused last year that he might send U. S. commandos into Mexico to battle cartels. “Could happen,” he said. “Stranger things have happened.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also threatened military action on Mexican soil. The Americans died at around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning in the town of Morelos after their multi-vehicle convoy departed from the site of the drug raid. Their vehicle reportedly drove off the road and over the side of a ravine, exploding upon impact. The Americans killed in the wreck in Mexico are some of the first known casualties since Trump ramped up military and CIA operations in and around Latin America last year. A number of U. S. military personnel were injured in the U. S. attack on Venezuela in January.  In February, Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, 21, fell off the USS Iwo Jima while it was conducting operations in the Caribbean and was declared deceased on February 10. The Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office claimed that the Americans in Mexico were only conducting training on drone operations, according to Mexican press reports. Sheinbaum said at a news conference Monday that she would ask Johnson to meet with Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco to discuss the incident. Sheinbaum has repeatedly said that Mexico will not accept U. S. boots on the ground. “It’s outrageous that U. S. operatives were working to blow up drug labs in Mexico and President Sheinbaum’s security cabinet wasn’t informed of their activities,” said Sanho Tree, the director of the Drug Policy Project at the Washington-based Institute for Policy Studies. Last year, the State Department declared eight Mexican drug cartels — the Sinaloa cartel, CJNG, the Northeast cartel, the Michoacán family, the United Cartels, and the Gulf Cartel — to be foreign terrorist organizations. The Salvadoran MS-13 and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang were also named. That designation activates U. S. sanctions, including restrictions on financial transactions and bans on U. S. citizens from providing support to the groups. The drug war deaths in Mexico follow the announcement of new joint counter-cartel operations in Ecuador last month. Humire said that the Department of War supported “bilateral kinetic actions against cartel targets along the Colombia-Ecuador border” — Pentagon-speak for March 3 strikes on unnamed “Designated Terrorist Organizations” previously reported by The Intercept. “The joint effort, named ‘Operation Total Extermination,’ is the start of a military offensive by Ecuador against transnational criminal organizations with the support of the U. S.,” he said. The attacks in Ecuador are also part of, and an expansion of, Operation Southern Spear: the U. S. military’s illegal campaign of strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean. The U. S. has conducted 53 attacks on so-called drug boats since September 2025, killing more than 180 civilians. The latest strike, on April 19 in the Caribbean, killed three people. Gen. Francis Donovan, the chief of U. S. Southern Command, told lawmakers last month that “boat strikes are not the answer,” but teased an even broader campaign. “What we’re moving for right now might be an extension of Southern Spear, but really a counter-cartel campaign process that puts total systemic friction across this network,” he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “I believe these kinetic [boat] strikes are just one small part of that.” The post U. S. Personnel Who Died in Mexico Were Working For the CIA, Sources Say appeared first on The Intercept.

While Iran supplies 11% of China’s oil. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and the U. A. E. account for 37%.

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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace late on Tuesday, with the president expected to reaffirm his support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, three days after the death of a French peacekeeper in southern Lebanon.

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In his program, he speaks in Italian and attacks the Prime Minister using vulgar language.