(2026-04-18). US-Iran conflict: Iran threatens Hormuz closure amid Trump's blockade warning, says '7 claims, all false'. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf warned US President Donald Trump of closing Strait of Hormuz after if the US continues its naval blockade, shortly after the US President said the blockade will remain in "full force". | Qalibaf said that decisions about the strait and its rules will depend on what actually happens on the ground, not on statements made on social media. His comment comes as US and Iranian officials continue to exchange messages online, often making important announcements there. | He also said that media influence and public opinion are important in this conflict,…
(2026-04-18). Racine, April 18, 2026: Stand For Peace! Free Palestine! Stop the U.S. War On Iran! wibailoutpeople.org 
RALLY FOR PEACE Saturday the 18th of April, 12: 30 to 1: 30 at the MLK Plaza, corner of State St., Marquette, and Martin Luther King Drive! US and Israel continue slaughter in Iran and Lebanon, and Gaza. We have banners, signs, 2 chairs, & sidewalk chalk for the youth. Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice (RCPJ)…
(2026-04-18). 10-day ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon goes into effect. ecns.cn A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday local time (2100 GMT), following an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump.
(2026-04-18). Is the Lebanon Ceasefire a Strategic Defeat for Israel? juancole.com ( Washington, Tel Aviv, and their…
(2026-04-18). Trump sees 'good news' on Iran, still threatens renewed strikes. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump said there had been "some pretty good news" about Iran, suggesting optimism about peace talks to end the war in the Middle East, but he said a ceasefire in the conflict may not be extended without a deal by Wednesday. | Iran, hours earlier, had temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a separate US-brokered ceasefire agreement by Israel and Lebanon. But subsequent statements from both sides left uncertainty over how quickly shipping might return to normal through the global oil choke point. | Trump, speaking on Air Force One late on Friday, declined to elaborate on what the…
(2026-04-18). Iran: Strait of Hormuz is Open; but with Conditions. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on "X" Friday morning that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open." | He "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran." | Araghchi's announcement came in the wake of an announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel…
(2026-04-18). Lebanese man removes Israeli flag from castle in southern Lebanon. aljazeera.com
(2026-04-18). Trump: Iran truce ends if no deal reached by Wednesday, U.S. may dropping bombs. haaretz.com
(2026-04-18). The Winner at the DNC's Latest Meeting? indybay.org Israel, Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide…
(2026-04-18). Palestinian Prisoners' Day 2026. wibailoutpeople.org 
On Palestinian Prisoners' Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the freedom of all Palestinian political prisoners in apartheid Israel's prisons and detention centers. Take meaningful action today by escalating all BDS campaigns to further isolate Israel's regime of apartheid and genocide. We call for escalating BDS campaigns against corporations that are deeply involved in …
commondreams.org (2026-04-18). Israel Strikes Lebanon Less Than an Hour After Trump Says It's 'PROHIBITED' From More AttacksLebanon's National News Agency reported that hours after the ceasefire went into effect, Israel struck an ambulance in the town of Khounine, near the Israeli border, which resulted in multiple casualties among the medical workers.
(2026-04-18). Free Dr. Abu Safiya Webinar April 18, 2026. wibailoutpeople.org 
View this email in your browser Free Dr. Abu Safiya Webinar this Saturday, April 18th. RSVP today!Free all Palestinian Political Prisoners! In honor of Palestinian Political Prisoners Day, USPCN, alongside Doctors Against Genocide and Healthcare Workers for Palestine, will host an online webinar on Saturday, April 18th, at 1 PM ET. Join us to hear …
(2026-04-18). No Tax Funds for Israeli Genocide & US Imperialist Wars – Rally at SF Israeli Consulate. indybay.org
(2026-04-18). Trump-Vatican feud escalates? Pope Leo's brother 'threatened' with bomb scare near his US residence. hindustantimes.com
(2026-04-18). Insights | Islam-Confucianism Civilisational Dialogue sheds light on deescalating Middle East crisis: Malaysian scholar. ecns.cn The Islam-Confucianism Civilisational Dialogue can shed light on addressing the Middle East crisis ⚪ the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, a Malaysian scholar said on Thursday.
(2026-04-18). Iran reports reopening Strait of Hormuz as Paris summit plans European intervention. wsws.org The flurry of announcements, while they produced a sharp fall in oil prices, has neither produced a lasting peace nor resolved any of the fundamental conflicts underlying the war.
(2026-04-18). War on Iran: Uneasy Truce: Iranian president condemns US-Israeli strikes on schools and hospitals, thanks China for humanitarian aid. ecns.cn
(2026-04-18). U.S. turns to 'financial bombing' in war on Iran. wibailoutpeople.org
(2026-04-18). CDF Munir, Naqvi conclude Tehran visit, urge peace in region. tribune.com.pk 
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and a delegation, on Saturday, concluded a three-day official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the military's media wing said in a statement. | "During the visit, the field marshal called on the President of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, and held separate meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and the Commander of Khatam ul Anbiya Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi," according to the Inter-Se…
(2026-04-18). Al-Noor centre: A lifeline for blind children in Gaza. aljazeera.com Al-Noor is a UNRWA centre in Gaza providing education and support for visually impaired children.
(2026-04-18). Friday 4/24: Healing Under Fire: A Medical Mission to Gaza. indybay.org MCC East Bay, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton CA…
(2026-04-18). Saturday 4/18: Fundraiser: Mutual Aid for Gaza and support for Cancer Resource Center. indybay.org 300 Ramona Ave, corner of Curry, El Cerrito | Sale will be held in secured back yard…
(2026-04-18). Chinese embassy urges Japan to investigate threats, ensure safety of personnel. ecns.cn The Embassy of China in Japan on Thursday urged the Japanese side to promptly investigate a series of terror threats and take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese diplomatic missions and personnel in the country.
(2026-04-18). Fakhar didn't take recent controversy to heart. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman has said that the recent ( ball-tampering) incident did not affect him at all, adding that it did not impact even "one percent" of his performance. While he prefers opening the innings, he emphasized that the final decision always rests with the captain and coach. | In an exclusive interview with the Express tribune, Fakhar Zaman said that he hasn't played many matches since his ban was lifted. "In T20 cricket, if you perform well in even 3 or 4 out of 10 matches, that is considered a success. As a professional player, if minor incidents like these begin to affect your performance…
(2026-04-18). US court lets Trump resume work on US$400 million White House ballroom — for now. scmp.com A US appeals court allowed President Donald ‚Å Trump's administration on ‚Å Friday night to continue construction ‚Å of a US$400 million ballroom on the site of the White House's demolished East Wing, setting a June hearing to review a Washington judge's order halting the project. | An order by a three-judge ‚Äåpanel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit put the lower court's preliminary injunction on hold for now, giving the panel time to consider the US Justice Department's…
(2026-04-18). If Man City lose 'it's over', says Guardiola. tribune.com.pk 
Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if they beat the Gunners. | Mikel Arteta's men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City have home advantage and a game in hand on the leaders. | Should Guardiola's side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, they would go top for the first time in months. | Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appear to have hit the wall in recent weeks. | Defeat to City in the League Cup final la…
(2026-04-18). UN aid chief warns of possible 'full-scale famine' in South Sudan. aljazeera.com UN aid chief Tom Fletcher says that South Sudan is at risk of slipping into 'full-scale famine and collapse'.
(2026-04-18). China-Vietnam Ties: From student to scholar: A Vietnamese teacher's China journey reflects closer educational cooperation. ecns.cn During their talks on Wednesday, top leaders from China and Vietnam agreed to strengthen collaboration across various fields, including youth exchange. A Vietnamese student who came to China nearly two decades ago is now shaping the next generation of engineers here. Her story offers a vivid example of how education cooperation between the two neighbors is turning into lasting people-to-people connections. Yang Jinghao has the story.
(2026-04-18). Trump's foe starts new war? While world watches Iran, China quietly repositions for Taiwan conflict. hindustantimes.com China is quietly changing the game while the world is distracted. As Donald Trump doubles down on Iran, a different story is unfolding thousands of miles away, one that could reshape the balance of power in Asia. Is Beijing using this moment to redraw its Taiwan strategy? And more importantly, is this about war… or something far more calculated? For years, the assumption was simple: China would move on Taiwan when it was militarily ready. But what if that timeline is no longer the point? What if Beijing is now betting on politics, pressure, and patience instead of pure force? As tensions rise with Japan, warnin…
(2026-04-18). Indian woman in US for 35 years detained by ICE, alleges 24-hour custody without food, water. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old woman of Indian origin, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas, raising legal questions about whether her detention is valid. She has lived in the US for over 35 years and is the only licensed Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu court interpreter in Texas, helping many people in immigration cases. | She was detained on March 17 at Harlingen International Airport while traveling to Milwaukee for work related to an immigration case. ICE officers stopped her, handcuffed her, and took her into custody. Even though she explained that she had valid leg…
(2026-04-18). Curry, Warriors knocked out of NBA play-in tournament by Suns. aljazeera.com Stephen Curry struggled with just 17 points as the 2026 NBA champions season was ended by the Phoenix Suns in play-in.
(2026-04-18). Shenzhou-21 astronauts complete third series of extravehicular activities. ecns.cn The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
(2026-04-18). Trump lied? Oil shortage hits US amid Iran war: This state's gasoline stock falls to lowest ever… hindustantimes.com California fuel stocks have plunged to record lows as the Iran war triggers an oil shock across the U.S. With gas prices soaring, a Hormuz blockade causing disruption, and Trump claiming victory, Americans are facing rising costs and new uncertainty. Could this become a full-blown energy crisis?
(2026-04-18). Thursday 5/14: AFSCME 3299 UCSF Strike at St. Francis & St. indybay.org St. Francis & St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco…
(2026-04-18). Thursday 5/7: Apple Whistleblower Ashley Gjovik and the Fight for Worker Rights & Environmental Justice. indybay.org San Jose Peace | Justice Center | 48 S. 7th St. | San Jose, 95112…
(2026-04-18). SEIU1021/IFPTE21 City Workers Rally at SF General Against Mayor Union Busting Layoffs. indybay.org Hundreds of San Francisco SEIU 1021 and IFPTE Local 21 rallied at San Francisco General Hospital to demand an end to lay-offs by Mayor Daniel Lurie and support Prop D which raising taxes on high paid CEOs…
(2026-04-18). Beyond Einstein: From "Why Socialism?" to Why not Egalitarianism? indybay.org Humanity is capable of going beyond the predatory phase of society and obtaining true equality…
(2026-04-18). DOG-EAT-DOG Selfishness Is the Root of All Evil. indybay.org Selfishness is the root of all evil, driving environmental destruction, social inequality, and political corruption. Ayn Rand's "Objectivism," libertarians, right-wing ideologues, and corporate elites, has brainwashed society to embrace individualism over collective responsibility, leading to corporate fascism and pathocracy (rule by sociopaths & psychopaths) destroying humanity and the world.
(2026-04-18). This Rock n Roll – Interview w/ author Daniel Rachel on Pop Music & The Third Reich. indybay.org Audio interview with author Daniel Rachel, author of the new book This Ain't Rock n Roll – Pop Music, The Swastika and The Third Reich. (October 30, 2025 – Akashic Books)…
(2026-04-18). Milei opens up Argentina's glaciers to destruction by mining companies. wsws.org The fascistic administration of President Javier Milei rammed through a bill modifying legal protections to glaciers to increase mining activity in the Andes.
(2026-04-18). New IMF agreement requires Sri Lankan government to complete austerity program. wsws.org The government has announced a package of paltry relief measures in a desperate attempt to contain rising social tensions, while meeting all of the IMF's demands.
(2026-04-18). 6 films from Iran that should be seen by workers in the US and around the world. wsws.org These films provide some insight into the problems of Iranian society and help transform the Iranian "devils" into humans very much like ourselves.
(2026-04-18). Green and Smart: New consumption trends in China at Hainan expo. ecns.cn Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) is the first edition held since the Hainan Free Trade Port began island-wide special customs operations.
(2026-04-18). Zhang Shuai and Ostapenko advance to Stuttgart Open women's doubles semifinals. ecns.cn China's Zhang Shuai and Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko advanced to the women's doubles semifinals at the Stuttgart Open on Thursday, defeating Germany's Laura Siegemund and Russia's Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 6-3.
(2026-04-18). 2 US soldiers injured in brown bear attack during training exercise in Alaska. scmp.com Two US Army soldiers have been injured after encountering a brown bear in a mountainous training area in Anchorage, according to the military. | The incident happened on Thursday as the soldiers were taking part in a "land navigation training event" in Arctic Valley, part of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's training area. | The soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday, a military official told the Anchorage Daily News. Queries sent to base were not immediately returned on Friday.
(2026-04-18). Justice 4 For All! CFA & The Acquittal Of CSU Channel Island CFA Professor John Caravell. indybay.org CSU Channel Island professor John Caravello was framed up by ICE and the US "Justice" Department after he went to the Glass House to defend immigrants there. He was charged with throwing tear gas projectiles at the ICE agents. He talks about the defense campaign and the active support of the CFA, students and community.
(2026-04-18). Monday 5/11: Barrio Book Club. indybay.org Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, 1807 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz…
(2026-04-18). Saying No to the Empire Is Not Enough. portside.org Saying No to the Empire Is Not Enough |
(2026-04-18). Schadenfreude Of the Week: Majority of New York's Pending Wind and Solar Projects Getting Canceled. wattsupwiththat.com It's the feel-good story of the week, if you don't mind taking joy from others' misfortunes. When it comes to the wind and solar energy grifters, I don't mind a bit taking joy from their misfortunes.
(2026-04-18). China Fruit Market: Durian shipments from Southeast Asia hit peak season as border clearance cut to 5-day delivery. ecns.cn As the tropical fruit season gets into full swing, markets for imported ASEAN fruit in southern Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are bustling with activity.One day to harvest, fumigate and pack, then it leaves for China the next day.Five days, flat, and its ready here to sell.".
(2026-04-18). Hainan Expo 2026: CCBC: We see growing positive momentum in China-Canada economic relations. ecns.cn With Canada serving as the Guest Country of Honor at this years Hainan Expo, China-Canada economic ties are seeing new opportunities emerge across various sectors.Our reporter Xu Yi spoke with a representative from the Canada-China Business Council for more insights.
(2026-04-18). Wall Street Journal announces the era of the "mega layoff" wsws.org The cost of their attempts to sustain massive debt, while also financing the massive cost to society of the corporate oligarchy itself, can only be carved out of the backs of the working class under capitalism.
(2026-04-18). Thursday 4/23: People's Park 57th Anniversary – Cafe Night & film. indybay.org Long Haul Infoshop – 3124 Shattuck Ave Berkeley…
(2026-04-18). New Jersey announces $150 transit tickets to reach the World Cup. aljazeera.com Transit fares from New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for World Cup matches will rise to $150.
(2026-04-18). Palestinian Students are fighting for their Right to Education. juancole.com ( The familiar campus bustle of classes, friends and events was violently interrupted on Jan. 6, 2026, when Israeli f…
(2026-04-18). NDRC plans to unlock China's untapped market potential. ecns.cn With the boosting of domestic demand a key priority during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, China will formulate and release an implementation plan to aid in accomplishing that goal, Wang Changlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Friday.
(2026-04-18). SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum. sanews.gov.za SA and Lesotho to launch Senqu Bridge as LHWP Phase II gains momentum | South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will next week officially unveil the completed Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. | In a significant boost for regional integration and water security, the bridge will be declared ready for use by motorists on 22 April 2026 in Mokhotlong District, Lesotho. | Constructed at a cost of approximately R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges being developed as part of Phase II, alongside the Mabunyane and Khubelu bridges.
(2026-04-18). First-quarter growth robust at 5%. ecns.cn China's economic growth accelerated to 5 percent in the first quarter of 2026 despite mounting external uncertainties, underscoring that the resilience of the world's second-largest economy is underpinned by its vast domestic market, officials and experts said on Thursday.
(2026-04-18). Qalandars slump to sixth PSL defeat. tribune.com.pk 
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars saw their playoff hopes fade further after slumping to a six-wicket defeat against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Friday. | Chasing a modest 135 on a slow, two-paced surface at National Bank Stadium, Quetta rode on a composed unbeaten 60 from Rilee Rossouw and a fluent 49 by Hasan Nawaz to reach their target comfortably. | The pair shared a decisive 104-run stand for the third wicket after Quetta stumbled early in the chase. | Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in the opening over, removing Shamyl Hussain for a duck as the batter miscued a full tos…
(2026-04-18). Tuesday 5/5: Stop the Layoffs, Save Our Public Healthcare. indybay.org 55 Harrison Street, Oakland(Jack London Square)…
(2026-04-18). Friday 5/1: Santa Cruz: May Day Rally & March. indybay.org Corner of Mission, Front, and Pacific Ave. (outside Jamba Juice), Santa Cruz…
(2026-04-18). Thursday 4/23: Tell Target to Stand Up To ICE! indybay.org Metreon Target: 789 Mission Street. Meet on the sidewalk by the Mission Street entrance.
(2026-04-18). Wednesday 5/13: Oakland Privacy: Fighting Against the Surveillance State. indybay.org Please email contact@oaklandprivacy.org a few days before the meeting to get up-to-date location information or obtain Zoom meeting access info.
(2026-04-18). IMF spells it out: Workers must pay for the cost of war. wsws.org The Fiscal Monitor report insisted that governments must not undertake measures to alleviate the intensifying cost-of-living pressures on workers around the world.
(2026-04-18). Lampard restores Coventry reputation. tribune.com.pk 
Frank Lampard has silenced his critics by leading Coventry into the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, masterminding a promotion-winning campaign that rehabilitated the former Chelsea star's managerial reputation. | Lampard's Championship leaders clinched promotion on Friday with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Sky Blues boss, his players and 7,500 Coventry fans at Ewood Park. | It was a cathartic scene for Lampard and his club after both endured painful spells in the wilderness. | Redemption was an emotional moment for Lampard, who wiped away tears of joy afte…
(2026-04-18). World's largest intelligent container ship sets sail. ecns.cn The delivery of the nation's first and the world's largest intelligent container ship powered entirely by electricity marks the transition toward a greener and more intelligent future by China's shipping industry, experts said.
(2026-04-18). China-Spain Ties: Chinese Ministry of Commerce: Trade, investment cooperation gains momentum after Sánchez visit. ecns.cn China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic ties with Spain following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchezs fourth visit to China in four years.Chinas Ministry of Commerce highlighted steady progress in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
(2026-04-18). Digital, smart tech helps bring forward delivery of China's second home-built large cruise ship. ecns.cn China's second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, will be delivered in Shanghai on Nov. 6, nearly two months ahead of schedule thanks to digital and intelligent technologies that have helped accelerate construction, its builder said on Thursday.
(2026-04-18). Japan's presence in overseas drill raises concern. ecns.cn Japan has deployed combat-capable units to take part in military exercises in the Philippines, marking the first time since World War II that its combat troops have set foot on Philippine soil.
(2026-04-18). Inter move closer to Serie A title. tribune.com.pk 
Inter Milan took another step towards the Serie A title on Friday by comfortably beating Cagliari 3-0 and taking a provisional 12-point lead at the top of the table. | Quickfire strikes shortly after half-time at the San Siro from Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella, and Piotr Zielinski's rocket in stoppage time, took Inter to potentially one game from claiming their 21st league crown, with closest challengers Napoli hosting Lazio on Saturday. | If Napoli do not beat Lazio, Inter could wrap up the Scudetto next weekend at Torino, although they would also need the reigning champions to not win their next fixture a…
(2026-04-18). From green to digital intelligence: China—ASEAN's integrated upgrade. ecns.cn As the digital wave converges with green development, China and ASEAN are forging a new model of high-quality cooperation. New energy vehicles are crossing borders, clean energy grids are increasingly interconnected, digital infrastructure is linking entire regions, and smart agriculture is transforming rural landscapes. At the same time, precision meteorology is enhancing public well-being, while joint ecological governance is protecting the shared environment. Driven by digital innovation and anchored in sustainability, China and ASEAN are deepening practical, multi-sector collaboration to shape a mutually bene…
(2026-04-18). Saturday 4/18: Free virtual screening of the documentary film "The Great Book Robbery" indybay.org Zoom | us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yLx0……
(2026-04-18). Chris Hedges LIVE The Iran War the Fall of the American Empire. scheerpost.com By Chris Hedges / The Chris Hedges Report ; ⚪ Chris Hedges: | Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize—winning journalist who was a foreign correspondent for fifteen years for The New York Times, where he served as the Middle East Bureau Chief and Balkan Bureau Chief for the paper. He previously worked overseas for The Dallas Morning News, The Christian Science Monitor, and NPR. He is the host of show The Chris Hedges Report. | He was a member of the team that won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for The New York Times co…
(2026-04-18). Iran says transferring enriched uranium to U.S. never an option. ecns.cn Iran will not transfer its enriched uranium to a foreign country, and sending it to the United States has never been under consideration, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Friday.
(2026-04-18). Sarfaraz named head coach for Bangladesh Test. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan have included four uncapped players in a 16-man squad for next month's two-Test series in Bangladesh, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed takes over as head coach. | Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Ghazi Ghori earned maiden call-ups, with only Ghori having prior international exposure after featuring in a One-Day International against Bangladesh last month in Mirpur. | Test captain Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, supported by a revamped coaching staff that includes Sarfaraz, alongside former internationals Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach. | Sarfaraz, wh…
(2026-04-18). Insights | China a key partner as Hainan consumer expo unlocks new opportunities for investors. ecns.cn The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened Monday in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province. This year's event marks the first edition since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations in December last year.
(2026-04-18). UN chief urges future guided by rule of law, not raw power. ecns.cn UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on the international community to choose a future governed by the rule of law rather than one driven by raw power in The Hague, the Netherlands.
(2026-04-18). A world in a cup: Cultural event celebrates Yunnan's coffee heritage>. ecns.cn China Daily hosted a premier international cultural exchange event on Tuesday at Beijing Foreign Studies University.
(2026-04-18). Want to Know Climate Truth? Believe the Opposite When the Media Says Something Is False. wattsupwiththat.com In other words, Dr. Clauser was right as rain — the kind of moisture most likely to come from a Nimbostratus or Cumulonimbus cloud, although others can also produce rain (in case the New York Times is fact checking).
(2026-04-18). The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo opens to public. ecns.cn Visitors tour the exhibition halls at the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo, which opened its doors to the public in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province on April 16, 2026.
(2026-04-18). Australian state Labor government defends unconstitutional anti-protest law. wsws.org The NSW Labor government is defiantly proceeding with arrests and charges under its invalid anti-protest legislation.
(2026-04-18). New Zealand defends military patrol flight near China. tribune.com.pk 
New Zealand on Saturday defended the actions of a military patrol aircraft flight near China after Beijing said it had undermined its security interests. | China's foreign ministry said on Friday that a New Zealand P-8A patrol aircraft had "conducted continuous close-in reconnaissance and harassment in the airspace and waters of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea". | "The action undermined China's security interests, increased risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation," spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, according to an official transcript. | Read: Trump sees "go…
(2026-04-18). CICPE 2026 in south China's Hainan FTP sees record int'l participation. ecns.cn The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), the first major international event since the start of island-wide special customs operations in Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), drew record-breaking international participation this week.
(2026-04-18). Russell backs Verstappen amid F1 criticism. tribune.com.pk 
Championship favourite George Russell said he would understand if Max Verstappen walked away from Formula One in the sport's new era and he would not be surprised either way. | Speaking to reporters via a video call on Friday, on what would have been a Saudi Grand Prix weekend but for the cancellation of April Middle Eastern races due to the Iran war, the Mercedes driver said his old rival's current frustration was "only natural". | Red Bull's four-times world champion Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the new rules and engines, and what he calls "anti-racing", and has said he will be doing "stuff th…
(2026-04-18). Saturday 4/25: Dog$piracy Screening at the Roxie Theater. indybay.org Roxie Theater, 3125 16th Street, San Francisco CA 94103…
(2026-04-18). French Assembly Withdraws Attack on Free Speech, For Now. indybay.org As part of a week of protests across France to show solidarity and resistance with Palestinians, a large protest in Paris on April 16 took place near the National Assembly ahead of a scheduled vote on the controversial anti-semitism bill "The Yadan law." But at the last minute, the Assembly withdrew the draft bill deciding instead to incorporate its full text into a new draft that it will consider in late June.
(2026-04-18). Chris Krohn on Santa Cruz Mayoral Race. indybay.org Yes, we have a housing crisis, but it is an affordable housing crisis. Our mayor and city council are making deals with people building these high-priced units, like River Row, and allowing developers to set public policy.
(2026-04-18). Tech firm tops A-share rankings as China's market shifts toward innovation-led growth. ecns.cn A high-tech company overtook a traditional blue-chip on Friday to become the most expensive stock in Chinas A-share market, underscoring a broader market shift toward innovation-driven growth.
(2026-04-18). 'Red flag' recruits: how record US$75 billion ICE expansion led to questionable hiring. scmp.com Their backgrounds stand out. And not in a good way. | Two bankruptcies and six law enforcement jobs in three years. An allegation of lying in a police report to justify a felony charge against an innocent woman — an incident that led to a US$75,000 settlement and criticism of his integrity. | A third job candidate once failed to graduate from a police academy, then lasted only three weeks in his only job as a police officer.
(2026-04-18). Tax Day Protest at the Zionist Consulate. indybay.org Our tax money for Israel's bombs are big problem for many…
(2026-04-18). Lawsuit alleges quarry operator Granite Rock Company illegally polluted Pajaro River. indybay.org SAN JOSE, Calif., April 15. 2026 — The nonprofit groups Environment California and California Sportfishing Protection Alliance ("CSPA") filed a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday against Granite Rock Company (commonly known as "Graniterock"), alleging the company violated the federal Clean Water Act for more than 1,000 days. The nonprofits charge that, for years, the company has routinely discharged illegal levels of harmful pollutants — including dissolved solids, aluminum, iron and molybdenum — into the Pajaro River at its A.R. Wilson Quarry, a granite mining and processing facility in…
(2026-04-18). Thursday 4/30: International Hotel: The Struggle for Housing Justice. indybay.org St. James Church ~ 4620 California St (between 8th & 9th Ave)…
(2026-04-18). Interview given by Díaz-Canel to Kristen Welker for 'Meet the Press'. wibailoutpeople.org
(2026-04-18). Mexican authorities report possible oil spill detected near Pemex offshore Abkatun-Cantarell site. ecns.cn
(2026-04-18). Mojtaba's hidden revenge? Iran war triggers global food crisis; fertilizer shock raises famine fears. hindustantimes.com
(2026-04-18). CA State Capitol Juneteenth – Dia de Los Negroes – Slavery Era Banking Disclosure Featured. indybay.org California State Legislature joins growing notion of considering "Corporate Slavery Era Disclosure" proposals that adds weight to the UN-designated "gravest crime against humanity" as a matured financial debt, calling for restorative justice modalities that include direct compensatory payouts to a verified global class of descendants to trigger a new era of worldwide growth.
(2026-04-18). Italians reaffirm unwavering support for Cuba at ANAIC Congress. radiohc.cu During the XIV Congress of the National Association of Friendship between Italy and Cuba (ANACI), which began on Friday in Montesilvano, near Pescara, solidarity with the island in the fight against the blockade and threats from the United States was reaffirmed. | On the first day, speaking on behalf of local authorities were the mayor of Montesilvano, Ottavio de Martinis, and the vice president of the Abruzzo region, Antonio Biasioli. They highlighted the importance of ANACI, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary on April 19, when this meeting concludes. | Also participating were the regional secretary of th…
(2026-04-18). Trump administration continues torment of El Gamal family as detained mother remains in severe pain. wsws.org Hayam El Gamal, mother of five children, was taken to the emergency room earlier this month after repeated medical complaints were ignored at the Dilley detention camp.
(2026-04-17). American farmers bet on solar. Then Trump changed the rules. grist.org 
Over the past few years, Kentucky sheep farmer Daniel Bell has been expanding his flock, and that meant he needed to build a new barn. His land is far from the power lines he'd need to heat it, so he figured rooftop solar would be ideal. | To help pay for it, he wanted to apply for a renewable-energy grant through the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP — only to find that the Trump administration had effectively halted grants through the program. Bell said that made it impossible to proceed with the idea on his land. | "For me, it's just been about freedom. Freedom t…
(2026-04-17). How Israel's war upended daily life in Lebanon. aljazeera.com People in Beirut describe how the Israel war has turned their lives upside down.
(2026-04-17). Lebanon has become a strategic front for proxy policy and Israeli ambitions. haaretz.com The cease-fire could bolster the authority of the Lebanese government, jumpstart diplomacy with Israel and strip Iran of a significant bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S. But it's vital that Israeli recognize the limitations on Beirut's ability to disarm Hezbollah…
(2026-04-17). A restore quiet for Israelis on the Lebanon border. haaretz.com The people of the north don't want to repeat the 18-year mistake of the last security zone. The prevailing view says 'kill and occupy,' but that's a product of fear and pain…
(2026-04-17). Report from Beirut: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Met with "Cautious Optimism" democracynow.org 
A 10-day ceasefire has begun in Lebanon. The news is being celebrated across the country, but major questions remain over what happens next. President Trump announced the deal between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday. Hezbollah, which is not a party to the agreement, says it will observe the ceasefire. The Israeli military is occupying a large swath of southern Lebanon, about 10% of the country. Early on in the current war, the Israeli military announced the intention to create a "security zone" from the Lebanese-Israeli border all the way to the Litani River, 20 miles north of the border. | Many in the…
(2026-04-17). 'Trump forced Israel into a ceasefire' with Lebanon. aljazeera.com Abed Abou Shhadeh, a political commentator in Israel, says the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is 'problematic'.
(2026-04-17). TRUMP SAYS "ENOUGH" —BUT ISRAEL PUSHES ON IN LEBANON WAR LATEST. scheerpost.com Staff A fragile pause in the widening Middle East war is colliding with escalating rhetoric, conflicting claims, and continued violence on the ground. In a flurry of social media posts, President Donald Trump declared that the United States had directly intervened to halt further Israeli strikes on Lebanon. "Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any …
(2026-04-17). The Collapse Is Real; Lebanon Ceasefire Marks A Historic Strategic Defeat. popularresistance.org A ceasefire in Lebanon was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump, but its reality tells a very different story. The ceasefire was not the product of American diplomacy, nor Israeli strategic calculation. It was imposed—largely as a result of sustained Iranian pressure. | Washington, Tel Aviv, and their allies—including some within Lebanon itself—will continue to deny this reality. Acknowledging Iran's role would mean admitting that a historic precedent has been set: for the first time, forces opposing the United States and Israel have succeeded in imposing conditions on both.
(2026-04-17). In final moments before truce, Israeli strike kills Lebanese family. al-monitor.com By Thomas Suen and Louisa GouliamakiTYRE, Lebanon, April 17 (Reuters) – Hassan Abu Khalil's family miraculously survived six weeks of war in southern Lebanon, but tragedy struck in the final minutes before a ceasefire came into force. An Israeli strike late on Thursday killed 13 of his relatives, leaving him the sole survivor.Abu Khalil, 36, stepped out to see friends just before midnight, when a U.S.-brokered truce between Lebanon and Israel was meant to halt fighting that had raged since March 2 between Israel and armed group Hezbollah.
(2026-04-17). Will the ceasefire in Lebanon hold? aljazeera.com Lebanon and Israel are holding first direct talks in decades.
(2026-04-17). Lebanon becomes key to Iran-US peace talks amid fears of Israel's 'hegemony'. scmp.com A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Thursday was the final turn in the diplomatic maze leading to a breakthrough in Pakistan-mediated peace talks between Washington and Tehran, analysts say. | Arranged by Pakistan with help from Saudi Arabia, the 10-day cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was a key Iranian condition for a second and potentially conclusive round of talks in Islamabad on a date yet to be set.
(2026-04-17). Drone Kills Lebanon Man Minutes After Trump Said Israel Prohibited From Striking. news.antiwar.com President Trump declared on Friday, shortly after the start of the Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire, that Israel was absolutely "PROHIBITED" by the United States from carrying out any strikes on Lebanon because "Enough is enough!!!" Mere minutes after that declaration was posted on social media, the first strike was reported. An Israeli drone in Beit Yahoun, …
(2026-04-17). Rami Khouri: U.S. & Israel Were "Forced into Two Ceasefires" as Regional Balance of Power Shifts. democracynow.org 
"We've seen now, in the last six weeks, Iran and Hezbollah almost single-handedly checking — not defeating, but checking — the two biggest military powers in the region, which is the U.S. and Israel," says Rami Khouri. Khouri says the U.S. and Israel have been "forced into" ceasefires in Iran and Lebanon. This is all a sign "of the evolving balance of power across the region" and demonstrates that Iran's Axis of Resistance "is still effective." Khouri is a Palestinian American journalist and public policy fellow at the American University of…
(2026-04-17). Trump, Jesus, And White Supremacy. popularresistance.org Donald Trump's downward spiral has become more evident in recent weeks. His behavior substantiates the evidence provided by medical experts that he suffers from both dementia and a serious personality disorder. Beginning on the evening of April 12, he posted all night on his Truth Social platform on various obsessions including his ballroom, Joe Biden, and the Strait of Hormuz. Those comments have since been forgotten because of his 334-word tirade directed at Pope Leo XIV for being "weak on crime", "weak on nuclear weapons," an associate of Obama "sympathizers," who is also "catering to the radical left."
(2026-04-17). Friday 4/17: Demo at israeli consulate. indybay.org 456 MomtgomernSt, SF…
(2026-04-17). Declaration of the Revolutionary Government: Girón is today and forever! radiohc.cu Cuba is living under the constant siege of the United States government, whose escalating threats have intensified in recent months. In addition to the brutal energy embargo, which exacerbates the genocidal blockade policy of the last six decades, there are declarations by representatives of the US government elite regarding intentions of military aggression.
(2026-04-17). Significant differences remain between Iran-US, including on nuclear issues, senior Iranian official says. al-monitor.com DUBAI, April 17 (Reuters) – Significant differences between Iran and the United States remain to reach a deal aimed at ending the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday, adding that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is "conditional on U.S. adherence to the terms of ceasefire".The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "no agreement has been reached on the details of the nuclear issues," and serious negotiations are required to overcome differences.
(2026-04-17). US to recover uranium from Iran, Trump tells Reuters. al-monitor.com WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump told Reuters on Friday that the U.S. will work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium and bring it back to the United States."We're going to get it together. We're going to go in with Iran, at a nice leisurely pace, and go down and start excavating with big machinery… We'll bring it back to the United States," Trump said during a phone interview. He referred to "nuclear dust" and addedthat it would be retrieved "very soon."
(2026-04-17). Iran war energy shock drives Asia and Africa nuclear power plans. newarab.com 
The Asia, where most of the Middle Eastern oil and natural gas was headed, was hit first and hardest by disruptions to
(2026-04-17). How to impeach the bastard, for real. peoplesworld.org 
Speaking at a January 6 retreat for House Republicans, Trump stated, "You gotta win the midterms 'cause, if we don't win the midterms, it's just gonna be—I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me. I'll get impeached." This was before Trump's agents murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, before the Justice Department released more Epstein files, before Trump's …
(2026-04-17). Amid Hormuz blockade, US Treasury threatens to sanction Chinese banks trading with Iran. wsws.org Trump's self-declared "cease-fire" in his war of aggression against Iran is rapidly proving to be the prelude to another vast escalation of what is in reality a global conflict, now involving China.
(2026-04-17). Mojtaba prepares trap as Trump sends 10,000 fresh troops: Ground invasion after 'failed' blockade. hindustantimes.com Iran's army has issued a stark warning as Trump deploys 10,000 more U.S. troops to the Middle East. With fears of a ground invasion, alleged infiltration attempts, and escalating military pressure, both sides appear locked in a dangerous standoff. Is this the next phase of a wider war?
(2026-04-17). Mine threat in parts of Hormuz not fully understood, US navy advisory says. al-monitor.com LONDON, April 17 (Reuters) – The threat posed by mines in parts of the Strait of Hormuz is not fully understood and avoidance of the area by ships should be considered, a U.S. navy advisory said on Friday. "Status of TSS mine threat is not fully understood. Consider avoidance of that area," said the advisory sent by the US navy's US NCAGS agency to mariners and seen by Reuters.
(2026-04-17). Iran Announces Full Reopening Of Strait Of Hormuz. popularresistance.org The Islamic Republic of Iran announced on 17 April the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following the fulfillment of its condition for a complete cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. | "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on Friday afternoon. | US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social plat…
(2026-04-17). France, UK to cohost talks on Hormuz. ecns.cn French President Emmanuel Macron and the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer will cohost a video-conference with international leaders on Friday, aiming to chart a plan to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
(2026-04-17). Iran Reopens Strait Of Hormuz, U.S. Blockade Continues (Updated). twz.com 
(2026-04-17). Shippers eye Iran Hormuz reopening with wariness. al-monitor.com Shipping industry figures gave a cautious welcome Friday to Iran's announcement that it was reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz trade route to commercial freight after nearly seven weeks closed.Iranian forces' closure of the strait has trapped hundreds of ships in the Gulf and driven up the costs of shipping goods, with captains avoiding the region for fear of attacks or mines.A spokesman for German transportation giant Hapag-Lloyd, which has ships stuck in the Gulf, told AFP by phone that the reopening was "in general… good news".
(2026-04-17). Pakistan oil tanker becomes first to exit through Hormuz since US blockade began. scmp.com A Pakistan-flagged tanker that entered the Persian Gulf over the weekend has become the first carrier to exit through the Strait of Hormuz with a crude cargo since a US blockade began on Monday, underscoring just how limited traffic through the vital chokepoint remains. | The Shalamar sailed just south of Iran's Larak Island and out into the Gulf of Oman late Thursday with around 450,000 barrels of crude loaded at Das Island in the United Arab Emirates, according to ship-tracking data. The Aframax…
(2026-04-17). Strait of Hormuz is open, but economic pain is just beginning. responsiblestatecraft.org Ahead of expected talks with the U.S. in Pakistan this weekend, Iran
(2026-04-17). The Strait Of Hormuz Is Kinda Sorta Open: Let Me Explain. newsone.com 
Source: TOM NICHOLSON / Getty | The ongoing war in Iran can only be described as an absolute s—tshow. The conflict was started under dubious pretenses, and President Donald Trump seemingly keeps saying the war will end within two-to-three weeks every two to three weeks. There is some slight hope on the horizon as Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open. |
(2026-04-17). Strait of Hormuz 'open' following start of Lebanon ceasefire. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Across Africa, Farmers Are Adopting Regenerative Agricultural Practices. popularresistance.org The US and Israel's attack on Iran has led to significant price increases on fuel. Oil and gas capture the headlines. But fertilizer prices could also skyrocket, especially in low-income countries. This is what happened when Russia invaded Ukraine. | In African countries, dependency on imported fertilizers underlines the need for a new approach to food production and distribution. That new approach is often called food sovereignty. In the past, civil society groups and international development organizations have focused on food security, ensuring people have enough to eat.
(2026-04-17). Turkey's Erdogan urges Iran, US to use ceasefire to push for lasting peace. scmp.com Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday urged the United States and Iran to guard against any provocations by Israel and use their current ceasefire to push for lasting peace. | "We must not allow weapons to again replace words," he told the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. | "Let it not be forgotten, the shortest path to peace is dialogue and diplomacy. Peace is not a one-winged bird."
(2026-04-17). Trump says he may go to Islamabad if Iran deal reached. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks to board Air Force One for his trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, as he departs Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, on the day he announced that Israeli and Lebanese leaders had agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire, April 16, 2026. — ReutersTrump…
(2026-04-17). Hezbollah Confirms Ceasefire in War With Israel To Take Effect at Midnight. orinocotribune.com A Lebanese parliamentarian from the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc says Iran's ambassador in Beirut has informed Lebanese officials that a ceasefire will begin Thursday night, describing the agreement as the result of Iranian diplomatic efforts. | Hassan Fadlallah, a member of the Lebanese parliament, said Iranian authorities will monitor US compliance with its commitments under the agreement. He added that the resumption of Iran-US negotiations is contingent upon the implementation of these commitments. | Fadlallah also stressed that Hezbollah's adherence to the ceasefire depends on a complete halt to all hostil…
(2026-04-17). Loss of energy output in MidEast will take about two years to recover: IEA. geo.tv 
Smoke billows from Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery after a reported Iranian drone strike, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, March 2, 2026. — Reuters
(2026-04-17). Responses to Questions from Asgar Ghahremanpour, Iran Daily, 4/26; Israel/Iran/IL. richardfalk.org 
It is a fundamental norm of international law that the targeting of civilian infrastructure is not only unlawful, it is a war crime, if sustained it is a crime against humanity. Israel has repeatedly targeted schools, hospitals, and heritage sites resulting to severe physical damage but also in many deaths and injuries. This unacceptable pattern …
(2026-04-17). US-Iran: The Elusive Peace Deal. ummid.com As expected, the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace deal after high-stakes talks in the Pakistani capital, with American Vice President JD Vance saying Tehran refused to accept Washington's terms after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, and Iran citing lack of American commitment to the talks.
(2026-04-17). Iran declares Hormuz open for commercial vessels as Trump expects deal 'soon'. geo.tv 
This collage of pictures shows Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump. — Reuters/File Trump says Iran wants deal, war 'should be ending soon'.Timing of next round of US-Iran talks remains uncertain.Britain, France to chair meeting on Strait of…
(2026-04-17). Hosting US-Iran talks, Pakistan angles to become the new Oslo. responsiblestatecraft.org Pakistan has found itself in the spotlight recently for less
(2026-04-17). China steps up Iran diplomacy while seeking smooth summit with Trump. tribune.com.pk 
China is accelerating its efforts to end the Iran war, walking a diplomatic tightrope as it prepares for a summit next month with US President Donald Trump while trying not to alienate Tehran. | President Xi Jinping's mid-May meeting with Trump is shaping Beijing's approach to the Middle East conflict even as the world's top crude oil importer, reliant on the Middle East for half its fuel, seeks to safeguard its energy supplies, analysts say. | China's modulated approach to the war has protected its back-channel leverage enough that Trump credited Beijing with helping to get Iran to last weekend's peace talks…
(2026-04-17). Gaza: Israeli sniper kills Palestinian schoolgirl in front of classmates. ummid.com Israeli occupation forces shot and killed a Palestinian schoolgirl Thursday April 09, 2026 in front of her classmates while she was studying in a tent classroom in northern Gaza.
(2026-04-17). Israel kills toddler in Gaza. electronicintifada.net Israelis subjecting Gaza to systematic, escalating process of engineered starvation.
(2026-04-17). Israeli strikes on desalination plant in Gaza kill two. newarab.com 
The two civilians were killed after the Israeli army targeted a water desalination plant in Shujaeyya, east of The…
(2026-04-17). felt I was a IDF soldiers talk about the — and the silence. haaretz.com Some of them killed civilians in Gaza; others just looked on, or witnessed abuse and cover-ups in the name of revenge. Now they're trying to cope with something a bit different than PTSD…
(2026-04-17). Press groups push Israeli court to expedite Gaza media access. newarab.com 
Several press freedom organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Foreign Press Association in Israel (FPA), the Union of Journalists in Israel (UJI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have filed an The statement, released by CPJ, said the motion was submitted on Monday after the court post…
(2026-04-17). Starmer premiership threatened as Mandelson/Epstein crisis re-erupts. wsws.org Mandelson, the main architect with Tony Blair of the New Labour project, was appointed by Starmer as US ambassador in December 2024, with the prime minister fully aware of his intimate connections with the billionaire child sex trafficker.
(2026-04-17). IMF, World Bank say they are restoring ties with Venezuela. aljazeera.com Acting President Delcy Rodriguez calls resumption of ties 'great achievement' of Venezuelan diplomacy.
(2026-04-17). Sculptor remolds clay modeling for new generation. ecns.cn The lively small clay figurines created for the Year of the Horse Spring Festival stand out among the traditional large sculptures of figures such as Guan Yu and Confucius at the Tianjin Clay Figure Zhang Studio in Dongli district, Tianjin.
(2026-04-17). After 3 years of fighting, Sudan's civil war is only getting worse. responsiblestatecraft.org This month marks the third anniversary of the war in Sudan. Estimates of the death toll range from 150,000 to 400,000 or more; 2025 was, according to the United Nations' internal estimates, a particularly
(2026-04-17). The Criminal Past of the Far-Right Anti-Migrant 'Auditors' Going Viral on YouTube. bylinetimes.com 
'Migrants from Calais to 300k apartments & aggressive security,' shouts the YouTube video's title, as the man behind the camera attempts to give viewers a tour of asylum accommodation he has entered without permission before being ejected by security. The cameraman, Scott Chesterman, is the owner of His video forms part of a growing trend of 'auditing' content on YouTube. Auditors play as citizen journalists, cashing in on views for videos they claim reveal…
(2026-04-17). Chinese ministry focuses on car standards to put industry in global driving seat. scmp.com To sharpen its competitive edge in the world's next-generation vehicle market, China has pledged to fast track automotive technical standards to build its status as a global rule-setter. | The carmaking powerhouse would drive high-quality development of the auto sector through the formulation and enhancement of core standards during the next five years, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) told state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing on…
(2026-04-17). MV-75 Will Be Reconfigurable For Medevac Mission Via Kit, Not Purpose-Built Like HH-60. twz.com 
Key Takeaways: | MV-75A Cheyenne II offers modular flexibility. The tiltrotor can be reconfigured for MEDEVAC missions using kits, unlike the purpose-built HH-60 Black Hawk. | Enhanced speed and range for MEDEVAC missions. The MV-75's increased speed and range improve casualty evacuation, crucial during the 'golden hour' after injuries. | Streamlined acquisition and fielding process. The modular design aids in simplifying production and reduces the need for single-purpose aircraft. | Operational flexibility for commanders. Commanders can adjust aircraft configurations between MEDEVAC and assault roles…
(2026-04-17). Transnet Rail Infrastructure invites bids for sidings lease RFPs. sanews.gov.za Transnet Rail Infrastructure invites bids for sidings lease RFPs | Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued Sidings Lease Requests for Proposals (RFPs) covering nine rail siding facilities located across the Eastern and Central Regions. | Successful bidders will be awarded leases for a minimum period of 10 years, with clear performance and investment commitments tied to the lease term. | Proposals are expected to include comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and enable seamless road-to-rail integration. | These may include rail line refurbishment; loading and hand…
(2026-04-17). Visit to enhance trade between China, Spain. ecns.cn Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's visit to China is set to add an even greater boost to an already expanding bilateral trade relationship, reinforcing the strong potential for future growth, experts in Madrid say.
(2026-04-17). Eight killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia. tribune.com.pk 
All eight people on board an Airbus H130 helicopter were killed after it crashed on Thursday in Sekadau regency, West Kalimantan province of Indonesia, authorities said Friday. | The aircraft was carrying six passengers, a pilot and a co-pilot. | The helicopter departed from Melawi regency at 7.34 am local time (0034GMT) and lost contact at 8.39 am. | "All victims have been confirmed dead," Jakarta Globe quoted a Sekadau police official as saying. | Rescue teams reached the crash site later the same day, but evacuation efforts were hindered by difficult terrain and low visibility.
(2026-04-17). 'Unconstitutional' NSW court strikes down Minns' draconian anti-protest laws. asiapacificreport.nz By Stephanie Tran of Michael West Media The Supreme Court of New South Wales has struck down the state's draconian anti-protest laws, ruling they impose an "impermissible burden" on political communication and are invalid. In a landmark decision yesterday, the court declared key provisions of the anti-protest laws introduced after the Bondi terrorist attack unconstitutional,…
(2026-04-17). AP Inter 1st, 2nd Result 2026: When, Where and How to Check. ummid.com The Board of Intermediate Education Andhra Pradesh (BIEAP) is set to declare soon on its official website bie.ap.gov.in the result of the students who had appeared for AP Intermediate 1st (Class 11) and 2nd year (Class 12) 2026 examinations.
(2026-04-17). The 4/20 Guide to Underground Parties and Events in L.A. lataco.com A free music festival, a record shop pop-up, and other underground ways to celebrate 4/20 cannabis culture in 2026!
(2026-04-17). A Primer On the Petrodollar And The War On Iran. popularresistance.org As you and I worry about how war and inflation will impact our families and nations, bond traders are fixated on the numbers on their screens, calculating what might happen to seemingly arcane financial instruments. Their job is to protect the treasure of the wealthy. For the past fifty years, the relative stability of the US dollar — above all as embodied in US Treasury securities — has rested in part on what is called the 'petrodollar' system. | When petroleum prices are relatively stable, the costs of production and transport are more predictable, inflation is easier to contain, and the prices of b…
(2026-04-17). France: Denial of Entry to Palestinian Activist Blocks Advocacy. hrw.org (Paris, April 17, 2026) — France has refused to grant an entry visa to Shawan Jabarin, the director of Al-Haq, one of the leading and oldest Palestinian human rights organizations, based in the occupied West Bank. Jabarin was due to travel to France to appear before the European Parliament's Human Rights Committee in Strasbourg, alongside representatives from other Palestinian organizations. This is the second time Jabarin has been denied entry into France; in October 2025, French authorities rejected his application to renew his Schengen visa, reportedly citing "threats to public order or internal security…
(2026-04-17). A New Phase After the AZAL Plane Crisis: How Will the Compensation Decision Affect Relations? unitedworldint.com Azerbaijani Member of Parliament Hikmet Babaoglu commented to UWI. By Tahran Oruàßoƒülu, from Baku / Azerbaijan In line with the agreement reached during the meeting between the Presidents of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation in Dushanbe on October 9, 2025, the parties agreed to properly resolve the issues arising from the crash …
(2026-04-17). Financial majors step up AI-driven strategic overhaul. ecns.cn China's major banks and insurers are racing to embed artificial intelligence at the heart of their operations, ramping up intelligent computing and pushing technology from a back-office support function to a front-line engine powering financial services.
(2026-04-17). Friday 5/1: Sequence to Survival: Using Genomics to Save Biodiversity. indybay.org UC Santa Cruz Merrill Cultural Center…
(2026-04-17). Young South Sudanese models 'take up space' in quest to showcase talent. aljazeera.com Longing to stride down international runways often collides with reality of conservatism and lack of structural support.
(2026-04-17). Madhya Pradesh 10th, 12th Results 2026 – Date: April 15, Time: 11:00 AM. ummid.com The Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education (MPBSE) has officially confirmed the date and time to declare the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Class 12 and High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric results 2026.
(2026-04-17). France, UK to lead multinational Hormuz mission. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Reject the Writers Guild of America sellout contract! wsws.org The contract contains huge givebacks on healthcare, sub-inflation pay increases and no meaningful AI protections.
(2026-04-17). The Most Dangerous Climate Argument Today Isn't Denial, It's Delay. scheerpost.com By Dr. Joakim Kulin and Dr. Ekaterina Rhodes , DeSmog. Belief in climate change is rising, but action stalls. New research reveals how subtle narratives are slowing policy — and how to fight back. Under Donald Trump's renewed push to expand fossil fuel production — including plans to ramp up oil and gas drilling and roll …
(2026-04-17). Registration Starts for CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026. ummid.com The Central Board of Secondary Education has started registration of the candidates who wish to appear in the CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026 to be held in May this year.
(2026-04-17). Tone-deaf, expensive tourism songs draw a lot of flak. ecns.cn A government-funded tourism promotion song with a price tag of 3 million yuan ($440,000) has drawn criticism across China, with authorities noting that the costly project is not grounded in practical needs.
(2026-04-17). Watch: Ronaldo's Free Kick Goal Viral Ahead of Al-Nassr Vs Al Akhdoud Clash. ummid.com Saudi Pro League 2025-26: The video of Portuguese legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's 'insane' free kick goal has gone viral ahead of Al-Nassr vs Al-Akhdoud Saudi Pro League (SPL) match Saturday April 11, 2026.
(2026-04-17). US judge blocks Justice Department bid to seize voter data in Rhode Island. aljazeera.com Ruling is latest loss for Trump administration, which has sought access to state voter data ahead of the US midterms.
(2026-04-17). Spain signs deals with Brazil as Sanchez builds anti-Trump bloc. scmp.com Spain and Brazil signed a flurry of agreements at Pedro Sanchez and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's first bilateral summit, as the Spanish leader seeks to build an alliance to counter US President Donald Trump. | "The relationship between Spain and Brazil goes far beyond the strictly bilateral," Sanchez told reporters after signing 15 deals covering areas including critical minerals, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.
(2026-04-17). Sino-Pakistan project yields satisfactory results. ecns.cn A hybrid rice variety, jointly developed by China's Wuhan University and the University of the Punjab in Pakistan, is moving toward wider commercial use in Pakistan.
(2026-04-17). Iranian women footballers have 'hope for future' in Australia. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Wedding guest dress ideas for Australian country weddings. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-17). Pro-Palestinian Tufts University graduate targeted by Trump administration returns to Turkey. al-monitor.com By Nate RaymondBOSTON, April 17 (Reuters) – A Tufts University graduate who had been arrested by U.S. immigration agents last year as part of the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestinian campus activists has returned to her home in Turkey following a settlement with the government.Lawyers for Rumeysa Ozturk announced the accord on Friday, a week after President Donald Trump's administration fired an immigration judge who had in January rejected the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's efforts to deport her.
(2026-04-17). Mundy Talks Motivation, Messaging, and his Music Making Proccess. mediasanctuary.org Local MC and Producer Mundy talks about his beginnings as an artist, how his music making process has evolved, and the message he leaves in his his music. He is one of the performers at Song City on May 12. Mundy spoke with Jacob Boston and Richard Sleeper.
(2026-04-17). terrorism exists, debate over. The only question is: are you for it or against. haaretz.com Roy Sharon, who grew up in a religious Zionist settlement in the West Bank, is perhaps the most vigilant Israeli reporter when it comes to exposing burgeoning settler violence. The farthest fringes of the hilltop youth now set the right's agenda, he says…
(2026-04-17). China's 3-satellite surveillance network, Hong Kong's inflation surge: SCMP's 7 highlights. scmp.com We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. | 1. 3 satellites to track all? Chinese radar images confirm US military fears…
(2026-04-17). Will Blockade of Hormuz Reshape Global Energy? juancole.com
(2026-04-17). "Loud and proud" : Strikes against Lufthansa continue. wsws.org For days, pilots and flight attendants have been striking against Lufthansa's brutal restructuring course. On Wednesday, 15 April, a strike by over 19,000 stewards and stewardesses from Lufthansa and LH-CityLine began again.
(2026-04-17). Civil Society Demands World Bank Withdraw from the So-Called Board of Peace. worldbeyondwar.org Over 190 civil society groups and human rights advocates have signed this joint statement to express our unequivocal denunciation of the World Bank's role. #WorldBEYONDWar…
(2026-04-17). BREAKING: Clean FISA reauthorization fails. We have 13 days to secure vital reforms. rightsanddissent.org Early this morning, the House took a dramatic vote, preventing Speaker Johnson and President Trump from ramming through an extension and expansion of FISA section 702. Their proposal was This is a major victory for our bipartisan coalition of grassroots activists and civil society groups who have been fighting FISA for almost 20 years. | Our work isn't finished! | The…
(2026-04-17). OMB Head Russ Vought Refuses to Provide Financial Estimates on Iran War Costs. truthout.org Testifying before both houses of Congress on Wednesday, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) head Russ Vought refused to provide lawmakers with estimates of how much the war on Iran is costing the U.S. financially. Vought — one of the main proponents of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-backed blueprint for how President Donald Trump should run the government that was published and… |
(2026-04-17). Khabarovsk Highway to Be Extended to Border With China at Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island. infobrics.org The Khabarovsk bypass will be extended to the exit on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, where a new road checkpoint between Russia and China is currently being built…
(2026-04-17). Destruction, hope in south Beirut as Lebanese return home. al-monitor.com In cars and on motorbikes, people trickled back into Beirut's southern suburbs Friday, passing bombed-out buildings to check on homes and loved ones after a ceasefire began between Israel and Hezbollah."We'd been on the street going from place to place because there was no space in the shelters," said Insaf Ezzedine, 42, who had fled the area's Hay al-Sellom neighbourhood.
(2026-04-17). Cold weather to dominate SA. sanews.gov.za Cold weather to dominate SA | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a period of cold, wet and windy weather conditions is expected to affect large parts of the country from Friday through to Monday, 20 April. | "This change in weather is associated with the passage of two consecutive cold fronts making landfall over the western parts of South Africa. Initially, these systems are expected to impact the Western Cape and Northern Cape before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior over the weekend," the weather service said. | Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to drop significantl…
(2026-04-17). City of Gold Coast hides new Beach Bar proposals from residents. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-17). Government calls on private sector to partner in enhancing conservation. sanews.gov.za Government calls on private sector to partner in enhancing conservation | Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called on the private sector to partner with government to slow biodiversity loss, restore critical habitats, and secure the ecological infrastructure that supports the economy. | This as the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) paints a concerning picture of the state of the country's biodiversity, showing that nearly one-third of terrestrial ecosystems are classified as threatened. | "Pressures on biodiversity are intensifying habitat loss from agriculture, se…
(2026-04-17). opposition suffers from with too many Magyars. haaretz.com Naftali Bennett may be encouraged by the victory of a right-wing candidate in Hungary, but he has a problem with his opposition partners. Research is showing that Netanyahu's most loyal voters are leaving Likud. And, what's the hottest name to appear on a party slate for the next Knesset election…
(2026-04-17). BRICS Chair India to Work Closely with Russia to Address Shared Challenges: EAM Jaishankar. infobrics.org External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar said that, guided by its humanity first and people-centric approach during its ongoing BRICS chairship, India remains focused on deepening engagement with Russia to collectively address common challenges through a balanced and inclusive framework…
(2026-04-17). 'Power in the Hands of People': Union Leaders Push To Revive Ailing US Labor Movement. portside.org 'Power in the Hands of People': Union Leaders Push To Revive Ailing US Labor Movement |
(2026-04-17). This Isn't Just Trump's War on Iran. Both Parties Paved the Way for Disaster. truthout.org Unlike the invasion of Iraq, which received the support of a sizable minority of congressional Democrats, Donald Trump's war on Iran has received near-universal criticism. Still, the party has focused primarily on process-style critiques — such as the legality of declaring the war under the Constitution and the war's economic impact — rather than the humanitarian consequences and flagrant… |
(2026-04-17). Chinese LED chipmaker's purchase of Dutch firm collapses after US opposition. scmp.com China's leading LED chipmaker and its Malaysian partner have abandoned their US$239 million cash offer to purchase Dutch technology company Lumileds Holding after opposition from US authorities, marking the latest setback for Chinese tech investment overseas following the high-profile Nexperia saga. | Sanan Optoelectronics, listed in Shanghai, said in a disclosure announcement on Friday that despite multiple rounds of discussions, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)…
(2026-04-17). Thailand's right-wing government formally takes power. wsws.org The new cabinet, in which the Bhumjaithai Party holds 31 posts and its junior partner Pheu Thai holds nine, is unmistakably pro-business and pro-military.
(2026-04-17). Ashlee Jenae Is Dead, And The Internet Said, 'That's What You Get For Dating A White Man'. newsone.com 
Source: Ashlee Jenae / Instagram | The details are still coming into focus, but here's what we know so far. | Ashly Robinson, a 31-year-old influencer who went by Ashlee Jenae, died while on vacation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. She had been traveling with her fiancé Joe McCann, and in the days leading up to her death, her social media showed what looked like a celebration: a birthday, an engagement, a trip that, at least publicly, appeared joyful. | Then something shifted. | Reports indicate that the couple had a serious argument, were placed in separate rooms by the hotel staff, and hours later, she was found unre…
(2026-04-17). Poll: Netanyahu bloc short of majority; rivals form coalition without Arabs. haaretz.com Channel 12 poll shows Likud steady at 25, Bennett down to 20 and Eisenkot up to 14; Jewish opposition would struggle to form a coalition without Arab parties…
(2026-04-17). Federal Bill Would Put Big Oil Above the Law. commondreams.org After months of fossil fuel industry lobbying, Republican lawmakers have
(2026-04-17). KVS Balvatika Admission 2026: 2nd List Published, Where to Check. ummid.com Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission 2026-27 List: The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has released on its website www.kvsangathan.nic.in the KV Admission Second List (2nd lottery result) of Balvatika-1 & 3 and Class 1 for the academic year 2026-27.
(2026-04-17). Hungary just held its most consequential election since 1989. globalvoices.org The people ousted its government of 16 years Global VoicesIn Hungary, people celebrated the historical win of the opposition party. On April 12, 2026, Hungary held one of its most important elections in nearly four decades, widely broadcast for its relevance not just on a domestic scale, but globally. Prior to the polls, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had enjoyed the
(2026-04-17). EconoScope | China's energy storage boom powers global demand amid energy crisis. ecns.cn China's energy storage sector is seeing explosive overseas demand amid mounting global energy uncertainty, positioning the country as a key provider of stability.
(2026-04-17). Take The 'M,' Caitlyn. You Earned It. newsone.com 
Source: Noam Galai / Getty | The cover that sparked this piece was almost too perfect: Caitlyn Jenner says her passport has the wrong gender, but she is still MAGA. | That is not just a contradiction. That is the whole lesson. | In a recent
(2026-04-17). Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: 'Russia and Cuba are More Than Partners'. orinocotribune.com During a video message to the participants of the Fifth International Patria Colloquium, currently being held in Cuba, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova highlighted that Moscow and Havana share a number of values that they jointly defend in the international arena. | "Russia and Cuba are more than partners," the Russian diplomat emphasized this Thursday, April 16. "We share truly warm and fraternal relations that have stood the test of time." | "[Our relationship] is about sovereignty," she continued, "including digital sovereignty, multipolarity, trust in international law, and the central ro…
(2026-04-17). Is America on the Verge of a Nuclear Renaissance? wattsupwiththat.com It has been more than seven years since President Donald Trump signed the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) into law — and it has taken all seven years (including four during the Biden Administration) for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue a final rule implementing its provisions.
(2026-04-17). 'You Have Died Of Dysentery': What To Know About The Growing Shigella Health Concern. newsone.com 
Source: RUSLANAS BARANAUSKAS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty — Shigella bacteria. | What is Shigella infection? It's the question at the top of people's minds following a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning of an increase in cases tied to the bacteria. | Here's what we know about the growing health issue. | What is Shigella infection?: | Shigella, also called shigellosis, is a diarrheal illness caused by a group of bacteria. Interest in the disease has grown following an
(2026-04-17). Hegseth quotes fake Bible verse copied from Pulp Fiction. thecanary.co 
Fresh from praying for "overwhelming violence" on Iran, 'Christian' (I know, right) bloodthirsty US 'secretary of war' Pete Hegseth has quoted a 'Bible verse' to an audience of military personnel. Except it wasn't a Bible verse — it was a fake one lifted almost word for word from the ultra-violent film Pulp Fiction. And one […] | By
(2026-04-17). Qatari 747-8i Gifted To Trump For Interim Air Force One Is Undergoing Test Flights. twz.com 
The 747 is being rushed into service and the Air Force now says it is expected to be delivered this summer.
(2026-04-17). Charlie Kirk alleged killer had already been in custody two hours before Discord 'confession'. thecanary.co 
Another gaping hole has opened up in the supposedly 'open and shut' case against Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of murdered US far-right activist Charlie Kirk. Tyler Robinson Kirk, who had begun to turn against Israel and refused approaches from Israel lobbyists just before his death, was murdered as he answered public questions in Utah. […] | By
(2026-04-17). Rohana Kuddus: Prabowo's Year One. newleftreview.org A critical-analytical portrait of Southeast Asia's answer to Trump, as the Indonesian President—formerly the Suharto dictatorship's crown prince and chief butcher in East Timor—re-centralizes power in the archipelago, strengthening the Army's place within the civil administration.
(2026-04-17). Troops in… Cuba? Another quagmire for Washington, besides Iran. infobrics.org As the Iran conflict drags on, an attempt at pivoting appears to be underway in US strategy. Reports suggest Cuba is re-entering Washington's regime-change calculus under a revived neo-Monroeist logic. The US may find itself instead entrapped in two quagmires at the same time.
(2026-04-17). TS Inter 1st, 2nd Results 2026 Declared: Check Pass Percentage, Toppers Details. ummid.com TS Inter 11th, 12th Topper List 2026: Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education Andhra Pradesh (TSBIE) has declared today i.e. Sunday April 12, 2026 on its official website tsbie.cgg.gov.in the result of the students who had appeared for TS Intermediate (Class 11 and 12) 1st and 2nd year 2026 examinations.
(2026-04-17). These 100 former US lawmakers have become foreign lobbyists. responsiblestatecraft.org As Pete Hegseth was fighting an uphill battle to be confirmed as the secretary of defense, an experienced politico came running to whip votes: Norm Coleman, a former Republican senator from Minnesota.After
(2026-04-17). Madison, May 16, 2026: Wisconsin Unity Summit. wibailoutpeople.org 
Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026Wisconsin Unity Summit — All Day — Madison Join Wisconsin Justice Leaders who are signing on to this Invitation Letter More information about this summit can be found in the Invitation above. To get updates and more information, please fill out this form: tinyurl.com/WI-Unity-Campaign-Sign-up Our goal is to create a …
(2026-04-17). Xi Ruochen: In Search of Good Books. newleftreview.org Where might Chinese-language readers hungry for critical histories and marginalized voices find such books? A history of Sinosphere publishing, charting the relationship between Hong Kong and the Mainland within a broader media ecology from the Revolution to the present.
(2026-04-17). FO Live: Wars Rage in Iran and Ukraine, Where is the United Nations? fairobserver.com Fair Observer's Video Producer Rohan Khattar Singh speaks with Hugh Dugan, a former UN insider and president of Multilateral Accountability Associates, and Daniel Wagner, the organization's managing director and a political risk expert, about whether multilateralism can still function in a world shaped by war, rivalry and institutional fatigue. Global problems are increasingly interconnected, yet…
(2026-04-17). Palestinian Prisoners Live on Hope. Israel's Death Penalty Aims to Destroy It. truthout.org On March 30, 2026, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, wearing a golden noose-shaped pin, popped a bottle of champagne as he toasted the Israeli Knesset's enactment of a bill making the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of "terrorist attacks," under the pretext of "negating the existence of the State of Israel." The bill — which passed with 62… |
(2026-04-17). On Tax Day, Mamdani Taxed the Rich. progressivehub.net WHITNEY CURRY WIMBISH | THE AMERICAN PROSPECT…
(2026-04-17). Pentagon in panic mode? Trump pushes civilian firms to make missiles as stocks run dry amid Iran war. hindustantimes.com Is the world's "most powerful military" quietly running out of weapons? And is that what's really driving Washington's sudden shift in tone? As the Iran conflict stretches on, reports suggest the U.S. is facing a deepening munitions crunch, one that didn't begin in this war, but may be reaching a breaking point because of it. Years of supplying Ukraine, followed by sustained operations in the Middle East, have reportedly drained critical missile stockpiles. Now, the question is no longer just about battlefield strategy but industrial capacity. Why is the Pentagon reportedly reaching out to civilian giants like Fo…
(2026-04-17). Starmer rejects calls to quit as pressure mounts over Mandelson vetting. aljazeera.com Top Foreign Office official takes fall for fiasco and resigns; Starmer promises to deliver 'relevant facts' on Monday.
(2026-04-17). SFD signs agreement to extend $3b deposit with SBP. tribune.com.pk 
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) on Friday signed an agreement with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to extend the maturity of its $3 billion deposit, Radio Pakistan reported. | "The agreement, signed between the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), provides for the extension in the maturity of a USD 3 billion deposit placed by SFD with the State Bank of Pakistan", according to X post. | Finance Minister Witnesses Signing of Saudi Deposit Extension Agreement with State Bank of Pakistan | Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, witnessed the si…
(2026-04-17). 'Financial Pawn of the Saudi Monarchy': House Judiciary Opens Probe Into Jared Kushner. scheerpost.com "You cannot faithfully represent the United States with billions of dollars in Saudi and Emirati cash burning a hole in every pocket of every suit you own," said Rep. Jamie Raskin. Jon Queally for Common Dreams The ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee on Friday morning announced a "sweeping" probe into alleged self-enrichment by Jared …
(2026-04-17). PM Shehbaz meets Turkish FM in Antalya ahead of diplomacy forum. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held an early meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shortly after landing in Antalya on Thursday, who thanked him for participating in the upcoming Antalya Diplomacy Forum, saying President Recep Tayyip Erdoƒüan looked forward to meeting the Pakistani premier on the sidelines of the event, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). | According to a statement issued by the PMO, Fidan called on the premier upon his arrival. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar, along with Special Assistant to the Prime Mi…
(2026-04-17). Adam Bakri: Actor, artist and advocate telling Palestine's story. newarab.com 
For Palestinian actor His passing came while Adam, his brother, actor
(2026-04-17). Tunisian comedian Abdelli sentenced in absentia, says ruling targets free speech. al-monitor.com By Tarek AmaraTUNIS, April 17 (Reuters) – Tunisian comedian and actor Lotfi Abdelli said on Friday a court in Tunisia had sentenced him in absentia to 18 months in prison over a play he performed years ago, and described the ruling as politically motivated and aimed at stifling critical voices.Tunisian media reported that Abdelli had been charged with insulting state officials and offending public morals.
(2026-04-17). Delimitation Bill 2026 tabled as Parliament's Special Session begins. ummid.com The Narendra Modi-led BJP government tabled on the first day of the Parliament's Special Session Thursday April 16, 2026 three bills to implement 33% women's reservation in legislature, delimitation, and increase number of seats for Union Territories.
(2026-04-17). $96 Million to Nowhere: The Predictable Failure of Subsidized Electric Buses. wattsupwiththat.com Paying one group to produce and another to consume does not guarantee usefulness. It guarantees activity.
(2026-04-17). AMERICA'S SILENT POISON: KIDS EXPOSED TO LEAD — AND MANY ARE NEVER EVEN TESTED. scheerpost.com For more than a century, industry blanketed parts of Omaha with toxic lead—an invisible residue that still lingers in soil, homes, and bodies. Now, as new reporting from ProPublica makes clear, the crisis isn't just what remains in the ground—it's what isn't being measured. Despite living atop one of the largest residential lead Superfund sites …
(2026-04-17). RFK Jr. Refuses to Acknowledge He Called for "Re-Parenting" Black Kids in 2024. truthout.org On Thursday, during congressional testimony, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was questioned on his past remarks promoting the "re-parenting" of Black children being treated with mental health medication. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama), one of several lawmakers who questioned Kennedy during the hearing, referred to a 2024 interview in which he made the comments. |
(2026-04-17). Congo's Sassou Nguesso sworn in for fifth term. aljazeera.com Denis Sassou Nguesso has been sworn in for a fifth term as president of the Republic of Congo.
(2026-04-17). Lebanese return south as fragile Israel ceasefire takes hold. newarab.com 
A cautious calm has settled over On Thursday, hours before the ceasefire came into effect,
(2026-04-17). In Empire We Trust — Who Gains and Who Loses in Trump's America. portside.org In Empire We Trust — Who Gains and Who Loses in Trump's America |
(2026-04-17). Rapid Response: Hands off Cuba. peoplesworld.org 
Hands Off Cuba! Call, write, or visit your U.S. Representative and Senators to demand immediate intervention by Congress to stop the Trump administration's stated illegal plans for a military attack on Cuba after it already created a cruel humanitarian crisis with a full-scale oil blockade. Tell them to support and co-sponsor the War Powers Resolutions …
(2026-04-17). Maharashtra FYJC Admission 2026: Student Registration Starts, Last Date April 30. ummid.com The Maharashtra Education Department has started from today i.e. Friday April 10, 2026 online registration of FYJC 2026 or Class 11 students through official portal mahafyjcadmissions.in.
(2026-04-17). Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reads fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction. aljazeera.com US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth read a prayer drawn from a misquote of Ezekiel 25: 17 in Pulp Fiction.
(2026-04-17). Weekend Eats: There's a New Texas Breakfast Taco In Town. lataco.com Plus, we got the first look on Estrano's 4/20 menu pop-up!
(2026-04-17). Nausicaa Renner: Party and Class. newleftreview.org Nausicaa Renner on Paul Heideman, Rogue Elephant. Hollowed-out parties and capitalist sectoralization said to underlie the Trumpian capture of the GOP.
(2026-04-17). The moral case for harm reduction. onlineopinion.com.au Is addiction a disease to cure or a life to preserve? The answer shapes whether we choose abstinence or harm reduction.
(2026-04-17). 93.70% Pass CBSE 10th 2026 Exam, Check Result Details Here. ummid.com CBSE 10th Result 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared today i.e Wednesday April 15, 2026 the result of Class Xth board exams held in February/March 2026 on its official website cbseresults.nic.in.
(2026-04-17). Ben Crump Representing Charles Adair's Family In Civil Lawsuit. newsone.com 
Source: Courtesy of Erica Adair / Erica Adair | Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Charles Adair's family in a federal civil rights case against Wyandotte County, Deputy Richard Fatherley, and Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic. | Attorneys Harry Daniels, Gabrielle Higgins, and Sue-Ann Robinson are also representing the family, according to
(2026-04-17). Pressure mounts on Peru's election authorities amid presidential race delay. aljazeera.com The vote count continues to determine who will join conservative Keiko Fujimori in Peru's presidential run-off in June.
(2026-04-17). Open Letter to A-G Michelle Rowland: Mercy for David McBride. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-17). The Mossad Planned 1965 Assassination of Mehdi Ben Barka in France: Why It Matters Today. covertactionmagazine.com On November 22, 1963, the same day as the JFK assassination, Mehdi Ben Barka, an anti-colonial politician and head of the left-wing Union of Popular Forces (UNFP) of Morocco, was sentenced to death in absentia for conspiracy to overthrow King Hassan II. The sentence was carried out two years later in Paris, France, with the …
(2026-04-17). French lawmakers pass bill simplifying return of colonial-era art. ecns.cn French lawmakers on Monday passed a bill to simplify the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin.
(2026-04-17). Pentagon drafts plans for military assault on Cuba. wsws.org The Trump administration has ordered preparations for a military attack on Cuba as part of its broader campaign for hemispheric dominance.
(2026-04-17). Scores of Chinese women smuggled into Germany for massive prostitution ring: prosecutors. scmp.com Scores of Chinese women were brought to Germany without valid residency permits for sex work across the country, prosecutors in Frankfurt alleged on Friday. | Five suspects are accused of organised smuggling of foreigners for their roles in operating the prostitution ring over the past three years, according to prosecutors. | Prostitution is legal in Germany but is strictly regulated.
(2026-04-17). Turning tides: Most Democrats voted to block aid to Israel. newarab.com 
This week, the majority of Democrats in the US Senate voted for bills to block Though there were not enough votes for the bills to pass (40 out of the 47 in the Senate's minority in the bill to block weapons), this nevertheless shows a major departure from years of reliable US congressional support for Israel. | "When you have someone like [Adam] Schiff and [Alex] Padilla both voting on this, that to me is major progress. These aren't people who were progressive on th…
(2026-04-17). India: Proposed Rules to Expand Online Censorship. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Social media apps on a mobile phone. | © 2018 AP Photo | (New York) — The Indian government should immediately withdraw rules that would allow greater executive control over online content and further undermine privacy in the country, Human Rights Watch said today.The 2026 Draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Second Amendment Rules would allow the government to treat ordinary social media users who comment on news and current affairs on par with registered news publishers, threatening to chill free expression and cause self-cens…
(2026-04-17). What Is The 'Online Rape Academy'? Everything We Know. newsone.com 
Source: Nicholas Shkoda / Getty | One of the inherent horrors of our digital age is that it is so much easier for cruel men to find like-minded people. The internet has understandably been horrified by an investigation Here's everything we know. | What Is The Online Rape Academy?: | These chat rooms first came to light in 2024 after Dominique Pelicot was arrested for drugging his wife and allowing her to be raped over 200 times by 70 m…
(2026-04-17). White House and Anthropic CEO discuss working together amid Mythos AI fears. scmp.com The Trump administration and Anthropic's CEO on Friday discussed working together for the first time since a dispute earlier this year between the Pentagon and the artificial intelligence firm over how that company's models should be used. | The meeting between CEO Dario Amodei and White House staff, which took place amid growing ‚Äåfears the AI start-up's latest model will supercharge cyberattacks, suggests the two sides might be on a path to rebuilding trust.
(2026-04-17). 'Performative' Berlin donor conference for Sudan causes backlash. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Madison, April 18, 2026: Potluck for People, Peace Planet! wibailoutpeople.org 
Building Unity Building Unity Gatherings are mostly monthly potlucks. They are great opportunities to enjoy fellowship with others who believe it is time to unite for people, peace, and planet. If you can, bring cake and frosting to help us create some fantastic Earth Day Cakes! For information about other Building Unity Gatherings around Wisconsin …
(2026-04-17). Scottish Greens candidate Q Manivannan says 'we are an island of friends'. thecanary.co 
Q Manivannan is a Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh and Lothians East. They're standing in the Scottish Parliamentary election on 7 May 2026. On the Edinburgh Greens website, Q describes themself as a "queer, Tamil immigrant" aiming to bring a "politics of care and compassion" to Holyrood. And, what really caught our eye was this […] | By
(2026-04-17). The 14th Congress of the National Association of Friendship between Italy and Cuba underway in Montesilvano. radiohc.cu The National Association of Friendship between Italy and Cuba (ANAIC) began its 14th Congress today in Montesilvano, a town in the province of Pescara, where a review of past work will be conducted and new solidarity initiatives will be planned. | "In an increasingly complex world, we reaffirm our support for the Cuban people, their Revolution, and their right to sovereignty," states an ANAIC press release regarding this event, which will continue until next Sunday, the 65th anniversary of the organization's founding. | The association, which already boasts more than 3,500 members grouped into some 70 chapters ac…
(2026-04-17). Revealed: How Male and Female Brain Cells Differ in Gene Activity. portside.org Revealed: How Male and Female Brain Cells Differ in Gene Activity |
(2026-04-17). Spanish academic denounces disinformation campaign against Cuba. radiohc.cu Labeling Cuba as a "failed state" is part of a disinformation campaign, Spanish academic Carlos González Penalva told the Cuban News Agency in an exclusive interview. He was present at the 5th International Colloquium "Patria," held at the Cultural Center on Línea and 18th Streets in Vedado. | "Cuba experiences blackouts, but life goes on; they can turn off the lights, but not the hopes," stated González Penalva, who is also responsible for Communication, Social Media, and Messaging for the United Left of Asturias. He also advocated for establishing normalcy as a strategy for defending the Cuban social project.
(2026-04-17). Vitriol and vendetta: Israel is doing everything it can to drive its closest allies away | Analysis. haaretz.com From social media attacks to real-life diplomatic snafus, from Berlin and Paris to Seoul, Gideon Sa'ar's Foreign Ministry has increasingly jeopardized relations with all but U.S. President Trump…
(2026-04-17). Australian ex-soldier Roberts-Smith granted bail in Afghan war crimes case. aljazeera.com Former soldier is accused of murdering five people in Afghanistan.
(2026-04-17). In Dead of Night, Johnson Tries—But Fails—to Ram Through Domestic Spying Bill for Trump. scheerpost.com The president and GOP House speaker wanted a 5-year extension of a despised domestic spying bill. Instead, they got just two weeks. "Now, they will have to fight in daylight tomorrow!" said one Democratic lawmaker Jon Queally for Common Dreams A dramatic series of votes in the US House of Representatives resulted in a dead-of-night extension of …
(2026-04-17). China's 15th Five-Year Plan charts path for sustainable development. peoplesworld.org 
Legislators, teachers, civic leaders, workers, trade unionists, scientists, economists, and experts in many fields from across China met in Beijing in March for the "Two Sessions"—the annual meetings of the country's two top political bodies. The National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese Peoples' Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convened to review the progress made during …
(2026-04-17). Collapsing Empire: Hezbollah Neutralises 'Greater Israel'. orinocotribune.com By Kit Klarenberg — Apr 15, 2026 | Kit Klarenberg argues that Hezbollah's battlefield resilience has derailed "Greater Israel" ambitions, exposing Israeli overreach and strategic exhaustion. "Israel's" war reveals a recurring pattern of miscalculation, where military escalation produces diminishing returns for Tel Aviv. | On April 8th, the Zionist entity struck a
(2026-04-17). European intelligence spied on Hungarian authorities. infobrics.org Illegal methods were used to interfere in the Hungarian electoral process.
(2026-04-17). Emilie Bickerton: Subterranean Godard. newleftreview.org Emilie Bickerton on Michael Witt, Jean-Luc Godard's Unmade and Abandoned Projects. A 'negative' history that sheds new light on the master filmmaker.
(2026-04-17). Saudi wealth fund sells football club Al-Hilal. newarab.com 
The
(2026-04-17). OFSS Bihar 11th Admission 2026 Starts, Check Steps. ummid.com Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has started receiving Online Application forms for Class 11 (Intermediate) Amission 2026 through Online Facilitation System For Students (OFSS) website (www.ofssbihar.info).
(2026-04-17). Trump seeks 'resolution' of his $10bn lawsuit against IRS, spurring concern. aljazeera.com Critics warn that Trump could arrange his own settlement by negotiating with a US Justice Department under his control.
(2026-04-17). How Elon Musk and the Tech Billionaires Hijacked the State and Our Minds. bylinetimes.com Polls consistently show that a majority of the British public hold a negative view of Elon Musk. Beyond his businesses and immense personal wealth, the US billionaire is best known for declaring that "civil war is inevitable" in the UK, and for amplifying far-right nativist movements across Europe. | But as historian Quinn Slobodian and technologist Ben Tarnoff argue in their new book
(2026-04-17). The Pope, the President and His Three Apostles. fairobserver.com 
Throughout four centuries of the office's history, the Devil's Advocate assumed the task of carefully and thoroughly unearthing the kind of evidence that could call into question a dossier for canonization. No dramatic courtroom antics. Basically, detective work. It's a bit like the editorial task of a crowd-sourced journal like Fair Observer. People with a…
(2026-04-17). NATO command center formed in Ukraine as UK pledges 120,000 drones. infobrics.org ARES will "accelerate Ukraine's alignment with NATO interoperability standards, easing future accession pathways and improving coalition compatibility". This is just a fancy way of saying that the Kiev regime will be fully integrated into NATO command structures and function as one of its members in all but name.
(2026-04-17). Democrat Analilia Mejia defeats Republican Joe Hathaway in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District special election. Here's why it matters. whyy.org What questions do you have about the 2026 elections? What major issues do you want candidates to address? Progressive Democrat
(2026-04-17). Xinjiang seen attracting steady stream of tourists. ecns.cn Efforts by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to build itself into a global tourist destination have borne fruit, evidenced by a steady growth in its inbound tourism market.
(2026-04-17). China seeks public opinion on national standard for L2 driver assistance systems. ecns.cn China is soliciting public opinion regarding a mandatory national standard concerning safety requirements for Level 2 (L2) driver assistance systems in intelligent connected vehicles.
(2026-04-17). Tuesday 7/7: Apple Whistleblower Ashley Gjovik And the Fight for Worker Rights & Environmental Justice. indybay.org San Jose Peace | Justice Center | 48 S. 7th St. | San Jose, 95112…
(2026-04-17). Renewed calls for EU sanctions on Israel amid global outrage. newarab.com 
Pressure is mounting on European politicians to impose Hundreds of European former politicians, diplomats and officials this week renewed calls for the EU to sever trade ties in response to Israel's violations of international law in the occupied territories. | An
(2026-04-17). Indonesia helicopter crash kills 8. geo.tv 
Members of an Indonesian search and rescue team examine the wreckage of a team helicopter on July 4, 2017, after it crashed in Temanggung, central Java. — AFP Private helicopter crashes in forest on Borneo island.Victims' bodies shifted to provincial capital of…
(2026-04-17). Last-Minute Tentative Agreements Avert Big L.A. School Strike. popularresistance.org Los Angeles — Last-minute tentative agreements, reached at 3 a.m. on April 13—two days before a scheduled strike was to start—averted the walkout by the three unions representing 37,000 teachers and support staffers of the Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD), one of the largest districts in the U.S. | One key to the agreements, covering the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), a Teachers/AFT local, Teamsters Local 2010, and Service Employees Local 99, was widespread labor, community, and political support for the workers, who sought substantial raises that would enable them to continue…
(2026-04-17). After clash with Trump, Pope Leo sets new goal: to stop settler violence. haaretz.com Pope Leo XIV has positioned himself as the most political pope in many years. The consequences are being felt in Israel and the territories as well…
(2026-04-17). The practical guide to ageing well and staying active in Australia. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-17). President Claudia Sheinbaum highlights long history of brotherhood between Mexico and Cuba. radiohc.cu President Claudia Sheinbaum has affirmed that the people of Mexico and Cuba share a long history of brotherhood and solidarity, after receiving the credentials of Ambassador Eugenio Martínez. | "We also received the credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Eugenio Martínez Enriquez. The people of Cuba and Mexico share a long history of brotherhood and solidarity," the head of the Executive Branch stated in a message on her social media account. The president has reaffirmed her support for Cuba on several occasions, which has materialized in various shipments of material aid to the Caribbean nation,…
(2026-04-17). Trump scammed by Iran and Pakistan. onlineopinion.com.au Trump's Hormuz ultimatum was impossible for Iran to meet, making renewed US action to reopen the strait all but inevitable.
(2026-04-17). World Cup 2026: FIFA chief Infantino defends pricing and tickets in US. aljazeera.com Gianni Infantino responds to criticism for pricing of 2026 edition highlighting 'very special' US market as factor.
(2026-04-17). Tony Wood: A Bolivarian Republic of Letters? newleftreview.org Tony Wood on Julio Cortázar, Carlos Fuentes, Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa, Las cartas del Boom. Correspondence between four titans of the midcentury Latin American novel.
(2026-04-17). UK firm refuses questions on arms to Israel seized in Belgium. thecanary.co 
US aerospace company Moog's UK subsidiary has declined to comment on the seizure of a consignment of military components by Belgian authorities while en route to Israel. According to a statement released by the Walloonian government, the consignment did not bear a declaration that the items were for military use as required by Belgian law […] | By
(2026-04-17). Lessons From The Sahel For The International Day Of Peasant Struggle. popularresistance.org On April 17, 1996, military police in Eldorado dos Carajás, Brazil, killed 21 landless workers who were blocking a road to demand agrarian reform. They were members of the Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST). Since then, La Via Campesina has designated April 17 as the International Day of Peasant Struggle — a global day to honor those fighting for land, seeds, water, and food sovereignty, and to hold accountable those who profit from their dispossession. | As we observe the 30th anniversary of this day in Africa, we are compelled to pay closer attention to important developments in the Sahel region of ou…