(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). 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). 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). 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). 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). Israel's long history of stoking sectarian tensions in Lebanon, and what it means for the ceasefire. mondoweiss.net 
Netanyahu may have been "coerced" by Trump into a ceasefire with Lebanon, but this won't stop Israel from following a well-worn playbook: exploit sectarian divisions to weaken or disarm resistance while entrenching Israeli expansionism.
(2026-04-18). Trump: Iran truce ends if no deal reached by Wednesday, U.S. may dropping bombs. haaretz.com
(2026-04-18). Lebanese man removes Israeli flag from castle in southern Lebanon. aljazeera.com
(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 …
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). 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 …
(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). U.S. Energy Dominance and the Remaking of the Global Order. moderndiplomacy.eu The sequence of events stretching from Venezuela to the war in Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the simultaneous degradation of Russian energy infrastructure by Ukraine appears, at first glance, as a series of disconnected crises. Looked at more closely, however, these developments reveal a coherent pattern. What appears as disruption begins …
(2026-04-18). Twenty-One Miles: The Geography That Held the World Hostage. moderndiplomacy.eu Twenty-one miles. That is the width of the Strait of Hormuz at its narrowest point, a sliver of water between Iran to the north and Oman to the south, barely wide enough to fit two shipping lanes and a separation zone. You could drive it in under half an hour on a straight road. The …
(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). Ervand Abrahamian: Iran Under Fire. newleftreview.org One of modern Iran's leading historians provides a critical anatomy of the power structures of the Islamic Republic, on the eve of war—and a scathing denunciation of the long-incubated American-Israeli assault on the country, calculated to bring about Syria-style disintegration and civil 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). 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). 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). 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). Delcy Rodríguez Enacts New Organic Law of Mines; Welcomes IMF's Reinstatement of Venezuela. orinocotribune.com This Thursday, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed the Organic Law of Mines into effect. During the signing, she welcomed Venezuela's reinstatement in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after years of illegal exclusion. However, she clarified on Friday that her government does not have an indebtedness program planned. | Accompanied by Vice President for Economy and Finance Calixto Ortega and Minister for Economy and Finance Anabel Pereira, the acting president sealed a new chapter in the management of Venezuela's mining resources. The event included participation of workers from various mining u…
(2026-04-18). Venezuela-Chevron Deal: Possible Effects on Venezuela's Energy Landscape. orinocotribune.com Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez led the signing of an agreement between the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and the US company Chevron to exchange energy assets. This step is expected to have a certain impact on Venezuela's energy market. | The agreement includes the transfer of a license for a gas field to Venezuela in exchange for the incorporation of the Ayacucho 8 block, located in the Orinoco Oil Belt, into the production for PetroPiar, Chevron's joint venture with PDVSA. | "This exchange agreement… will allow us to make significant progress in terms of production," said Rodríguez, a…
(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). 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). Sustaining Life, Building Communes: Vida Café Communal Economic Circuit (Part 4). mronline.org 
What emerges in Vida Café is not simply a set of solutions to a moment of crisis. It's the outline of a different logic: one in which production, infrastructure, and care are organized by the people themselves, and where the capacity to respond to immediate needs opens onto the possibility of something more.
(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). Why The Middle East Crisis Cannot Be Read Through Power Alone. moderndiplomacy.eu There is another way to read the ongoing Middle East crisis, one that makes legible what standard analysis consistently struggles to explain. It begins not with capability but with the geometry of the system through which capability must travel to produce effects. The United States and its partners possess overwhelming military superiority over Iran, and …
(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). 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). 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). 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.
(2026-04-18). Young men, masculinity and states of emergency in the Caribbean. globalvoices.org 
(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). 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). A more troubling picture of sea level rise is coming into view. grist.org 
Sea levels are much higher than we thought. Real-world oceans are making a mockery of flood-risk forecasts based on crude global modeling. And to make matters worse, coastal lands almost everywhere are subsiding faster than anyone realized — often many times faster than the seas are rising. | These findings come from two major new studies that are reshaping our understanding of the threats posed by rising tides and sinking land and underlining the imminent risk of inundation facing tens of millions of people in some of the world's largest megacities, say researchers not involved in the studies. | "The im…
(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). 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). 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). 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). Tax Day Protest at the Zionist Consulate. indybay.org Our tax money for Israel's bombs are big problem for many…
(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). 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). 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). 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). 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). Daily Memo: ICE Arrests Plaintiff of Federal Lawsuit Challenging ICE Raids. lataco.com A second ICE-custody death has also been reported this week, while acting ICE Director Todd Lyons has submitted his resignation and will leave the agency after the end of May.
(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). 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). Friday Nite Videos | April 17, 2026. portside.org Friday Nite Videos | April 17, 2026 |
(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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). Thursday 4/23: People's Park 57th Anniversary – Cafe Night & film. indybay.org Long Haul Infoshop – 3124 Shattuck Ave Berkeley…
(2026-04-18). Saying No to the Empire Is Not Enough. portside.org Saying No to the Empire Is Not Enough |
(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). 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). 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). 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). 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.
(2026-04-18). 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). The End of the Pillars: How TॠLâm Is Steering Vietnam Toward Beijing. moderndiplomacy.eu In mid-April, Vietnam's top leader TॠLâm will visit China;this meeting is going to signal a change that goes well beyond normal administrative reshuffling in the theater of Vietnamese politics. Then, on April 7, the National Assembly's unanimous election of Communist Party General Secretary TॠLâm as State President did not just fill a vacancy: …
(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). 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). 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). Monday 5/11: Barrio Book Club. indybay.org Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, 1807 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz…
(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). 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). Saturday 4/25: Dog$piracy Screening at the Roxie Theater. indybay.org Roxie Theater, 3125 16th Street, San Francisco CA 94103…
(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). 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). 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). Gunboat Diplomacy Could Spur Anti-Imperialism. It Has Before. portside.org Gunboat Diplomacy Could Spur Anti-Imperialism. It Has Before. |
(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). Susan Watkins: Trump Abroad. newleftreview.org In which direction is America heading, amid the strategic cacophony of Trump's second term—counter-revolution in the Caribbean, onslaught on Iran, somersaults on China? Analysis of the political logics at stake as the US ratchets up from covert to overt assassinations; from wars of attrition to wars of overthrow.
(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). 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). 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). How Businesses Use White Label Crypto Solutions to Launch Trading Services. moderndiplomacy.eu Here's the thing nobody tells you when you first start looking into launching a crypto trading service: building everything from scratch is, frankly, a nightmare. Not just technically — though yes, that too — but financially, legally, and in terms of sheer time. A full custom exchange, built properly, can take two to three years …
(2026-04-18). Understanding India's Opposition to the IFDA Investment Deal at the WTO. moderndiplomacy.eu The recently concluded 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO produced mixed results. While the multilateral system remains stuck on Appellate Body appointments, one of the most extensive pre-conference discussions focused on the Chinese-led Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA). With 129 member states backing the IFDA, including countries like Bangladesh and several least developed countries …
(2026-04-18). AI warfare triggers Putin, as Kremlin moves to dismantle the last pieces of Russian internet. globalvoices.org More and more restrictions are being imposed on the internet in Russia Originally published on At the beginning of April 2026, the Russian government's attempts to limit access to anything out of its control…
(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). 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). 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). Costas Lapavitsas: A Topography of the New Dollar Imperialism. newleftreview.org Topography of the contemporary world economy as a system of subordination, structured by the primacy of Fed-backed dollar-liquidity and a world division of labour jointly configured by productive and financial capital, generating forms of peripheral financialization. Monetary dominance—ultimately underwritten by military force?
(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). 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). The "cake" being pushed in front of Xi is getting bigger and bigger. moderndiplomacy.eu The smartest thing Trump can do for the United States is to adopt a "cake-sharing" strategy to cope with the arrival of a multipolar era. He wants to ensure that America still gets the largest slice of the cake, with its power base rooted in traditional energy—oil and natural gas. This aligns well with "Cold …
(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). 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). Is the Pope Catholic? What JD Vance Thinks. portside.org Is the Pope Catholic? What JD Vance Thinks. |
(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). 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). 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). 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.
(2026-04-18). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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.
(2026-04-18). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). He is Seriously, Frighteningly, Utterly, and Completely Losing His Mind. progressivehub.net ROBERT REICH | SUBSTACK…
(2026-04-18). Mojtaba's hidden revenge? Iran war triggers global food crisis; fertilizer shock raises famine fears. hindustantimes.com
(2026-04-18). Mexican authorities report possible oil spill detected near Pemex offshore Abkatun-Cantarell site. ecns.cn
(2026-04-18). Interview given by Díaz-Canel to Kristen Welker for 'Meet the Press'. wibailoutpeople.org
(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). 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.
(2026-04-18). 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). Headlines for April 17, 2026. democracynow.org Israel Agrees to 10-Day Ceasefire in Lebanon After U.S.-Brokered Talks, Israelis in Tel Aviv Protest Settler Violence After High Court Lifts Wartime Ban on Gatherings, House Votes 213-214 to Reject War Powers Resolution as Trump Claims Deal with Iran Is "Very Close", Ukraine Strikes Black Sea Oil Refinery as Russian Attacks Kill 17, Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejía Wins Special Election for New Jersey House Seat, House Temporarily Extends FISA's Mass Surveillance Powers in Late-Night Vote , House Votes to Extend Deportation Protections for 330,000 Haitian Immigrants, Acting ICE Director Todd…
(2026-04-17). 'Enough Is Enough': Trump Tells Israel to Halt Attacks on Lebanon. news.antiwar.com President Donald Trump instructed Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon. Iran said the truce with Lebanon was the reason it elected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday. …
(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). '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 He's Still Blockading Iran After It Says It's Opening Strait. truthout.org After Iran's foreign minister announced that the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remaining duration of the ceasefire, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. is still maintaining its naval blockade on Iranian ships in the region. Iran said that it is reopening the strait in response to the temporary ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday. |
(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). Trump dictates the terms in Lebanon and Iran, leaving Netanyahu boxed in. haaretz.com The Israeli prime minister told the security cabinet that the U.S.-facilitated cease-fire is an effort to align on the major issue — Iran. But Netanyahu can't convince the Israeli public that the war's goals were achieved, with Hezbollah not disarmed and the Iranian regime still largely intact…
(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). Trump says he Israel from bombing Lebanon; Netanyahu: Hezbollah a threat. haaretz.com Netanyahu says Israel pursuing 'political and military' path with Lebanon after Trump request; minutes later, Israeli drone strike kills one in southern Lebanon…
(2026-04-17). Lebanon, Israel reach ceasefire deal. ummid.com In a major development to contain the raging war in the Middle East, Lebanon and Israel have reached a ceasefire deal.
(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). 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). Friday 4/17: Demo at israeli consulate. indybay.org 456 MomtgomernSt, SF…
(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). 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). 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). (W.E. Talk) Osman Bakar: Dialogue between Confucian and Islamic civilisations offers answers for addressing conflict and restoring regional peace. ecns.cn The Islam-Confucianism Civilisational Dialogue 2026 was held in Beijing on Thursday. This year's dialogue, themed "The Idea of Global Civilisation: Islamic and Confucian Perspectives", was jointly hosted by the International Confucian Association (ICA) and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
(2026-04-17). Mojtaba's reply to Trump's blockade: Shock for entire world; US war on Iran causing new crisis. hindustantimes.com Global markets are bracing for shockwaves as Iran halts petrochemical exports in retaliation to Donald Trump's naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The move—combined with strikes on key Iranian energy hubs—threatens to disrupt supply chains and push already fragile economies toward instability. With the Gulf accounting for a significant share of global petrochemical output, the suspension risks ripple effects across industries worldwide.
(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). 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). Strait of Hormuz 'open' following start of Lebanon ceasefire. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Nordic leaders welcome statement on Strait of Hormuz. al-monitor.com STOCKHOLM, April 17 (Reuters) – Leaders of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark on Friday welcomed Iran's announcement on opening the Strait of Hormuz, and said they supported diplomatic efforts to find lasting solutions to the conflict.Iran said earlier on Friday the strait was open following a ceasefire accord agreed in Lebanon.Statements by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson were made following a meeting led by Britain and France.
(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). Trump announces complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz. ummid.com U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday April 12, 2026 announced complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz, hours after Pakistan mediated talks between Iran and the United States collapsed.
(2026-04-17). US army 'defeat' in Iran confirmed as Trump drops military, reveals new plan amid Hormuz failure. hindustantimes.com The U.S. intensifies its economic war against Iran as President Donald Trump pivots from military pressure to sweeping new sanctions amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries and financial institutions against purchasing Iranian oil, with China emerging as a key focus due to its dominant role in Tehran's export market. As the naval blockade faces scrutiny and mixed enforcement reports, Washington is now targeting Iran's "shadow fleet," banks, and global trade networks to choke off revenue streams. With tensions rising and diplomacy uncertain, the latest sancti…
(2026-04-17). US blockade of Strait of Hormuz deepens conflicts between major powers. wsws.org US Vice President Vance's remarks Tuesday that Washington is seeking a "grand bargain" with Tehran underscores that US imperialism wants nothing less than the complete reorganisation of the Middle East in its interests, at the expense of all its rivals.
(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). 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). Neoliberalism caused two fractures in the world why Iran's resistance is so vital. asiapacificreport.nz ANALYSIS: By Prabhat Patnaik It is the people of the Global South, not governments, who must resist this subversion of the concepts of the "nation' and of non-alignment. The Indian government's position on the US-Israeli war against Iran shows an unbelievable degree of pusillanimity. India attended the recent meeting of about 50 countries called by…
(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). 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). 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). 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). Gaza civil defence says Israeli fire kills four, including child. newarab.com 
Gaza's civil defence agency said Thursday that Israeli fire killed four people, including one child, in different locations across the Palestinian territory. | Israeli violence continues despite Saleh Badawi, 9, "was killed and taken to Al-Maamadani Hospital after being hit by Israeli fire in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, southeast of Gaza City", in northern Gaza, Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, told AFP. | He added that "two br…
(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). 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). Gaza's young, untrained journalists step up to document Israel's war crimes. asiapacificreport.nz Pacific Media Watch At least 262 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war against the besieged enclave, marking one of the deadliest periods for media workers in recent global history, reports Al Jazeera. Despite newsrooms being destroyed and reporters losing their lives, coverage continues through a new generation of…
(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). Venezuela's Jorge Arreaza: 96.1% of Those Granted Amnesty Were Not Behind Bars. orinocotribune.com The president of Venezuela's Monitoring Commission of the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence, Deputy Jorge Arreaza, has reported that most of the applications received under this legal tool correspond to people who were in a judicial process, but not behind bars or detained. | "It's not that we released 8,000 people from prison; that number of people detained for political reasons has never existed during the Bolivarian Revolution," he explained this Wednesday, April 15. "The vast majority, 96.1%, were in legal proceedings and appeared regularly before the courts, and only 314 people were detained for politic…
(2026-04-17). Labor leaders at People's World town hall: May Day's our day. peoplesworld.org 
Video of the town hall meeting will be available and posted here shortly. CHICAGO—"May Day is our day. It belongs to all working people," declared Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, at a virtual town hall of labor leaders hosted by People's World on Thursday, April 16. The event featured a panel discussion on the …
(2026-04-17). US oil floats to top as Asia looks for Middle Eastern alternatives amid Iran war. scmp.com Asian refiners have grown increasingly reliant on US crude as oil-starved fuel makers scour the globe to replace Middle Eastern supply and stave off shortages that could ripple through the broader economy. | Buyers in Japan led the charge to purchase May-loading cargoes from the US early in the month, with South Korean, Singaporean and Thai processors also among customers, said traders familiar with the matter. At least 60 million barrels of grades from the US Gulf were bought for loading next…
(2026-04-17). Football World Cup transportation costs shock fans. thecanary.co 
There are growing indications that the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is facing a series of challenges even before its official start, amid concerns about transportation costs, logistical procedures, and rising prices in the host cities. This latest furore comes as fans are still reeling from […] | By
(2026-04-17). Nuclear-powered rocket could be no small anomaly. nationofchange.org Pursuing use of nuclear propulsion in space has been a NASA aim for many years—indeed, going back to the 1960s.
(2026-04-17). House Judiciary Investigating Jared Kushner's Investments From Saudi Arabia. truthout.org The ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee on Friday morning announced a "sweeping" probe into alleged self-enrichment by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump who has served as a high-profile White House envoy in the Middle East while also, according to Congressman Jamie Raskin, "soliciting billions of dollars from Gulf monarchies for [his] private business… |
(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). Why Did It Take So Long To Arrest d4vd? newsone.com 
(2026-04-17). Palestine barred from entering Canada for FIFA Congress. thecanary.co 
In a development that puts FIFA in a difficult position ahead of the 2026 World Cup, three senior officials from the Palestinian Football Association were barred from entering Canada after their visa applications to attend the FIFA Congress, scheduled to be held in Vancouver on April 30, were rejected. The decision includes the president of […] | By
(2026-04-17). From Havana: An invitation to continue building Homeland and Humanity. radiohc.cu Under Martí's premise that "Homeland is humanity" and with a call to communicators from Cuba and the world not to falter in this common struggle, the 5th International Colloquium Patria was inaugurated on Thursday in Havana. | The opening ceremony, which took place at the Cultural Station on Línea and 18th Streets, was attended by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, who, along with more than 500 guests, both Cuban and international, welcomed a new edition of the event, which is increasingly consolidating itself as a spa…
(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). 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). Cuba 'ready' for possible US attack: president. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Paper-cutting pioneer fuses scissors with software. ecns.cn By utilizing computer-aided layer decomposition to create 18-layer, three-dimensional paper-cuttings, Hao is elevating Yangliuqing paper-cutting to a recurring national gift on the world stage.
(2026-04-17). After Trump attack, Pope Leo slams 'tyrants' spending billions on wars. geo.tv 
Pope Leo XIV arrives to hold a holy Mass for peace and justice at Bamenda airport in Bamenda, Cameroon, April 16, 2026. — ReutersBAMENDA: Pope Leo blasted leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world was "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants", in unusually forceful…
(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). Australia's National Defence Strategy outlines military build-up for war against China. wsws.org The document is a statement of the Labor government's complete commitment to US-led wars globally, and above all to preparations for a catastrophic conflict in the Indo-Pacific targeting China.
(2026-04-17). France arrests suspect over 1982 attack on Jewish restaurant. aljazeera.com Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra, sought for over four decades, was surrendered by Palestinian authorities.
(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). 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). 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). Cuba Not To Surrender, Cuba To Prevail: Diaz-Canel. orinocotribune.com The U.S. blockade is the main cause of the suffering of the Cuban nation. | On Thursday, Cubans commemorated the 65th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Revolution with mass events in several cities across the country. | In Havana, President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected the hostility of the U.S. government, which has maintained an economic, commercial and financial blockade for more than six decades. | He also rejected growing threats of military aggression that are accompanied by a cynical narrative according to which Cuba is a "Failed State." Such arguments, he said, have been used…
(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). 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). 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). 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). The chance of a Türkiye-Israel war has never been more real. jpost.com 
(2026-04-17). Newly revamped train offers travelers luxury of a star-rated hotel. ecns.cn An inaugural 12-day trip on a newly renovated five-star travel train set off from Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday night, expecting to provide luxurious experiences for tourists.
(2026-04-17). Books on the Bay of Pigs and the Roa-Stevenson Debate presented at the Patria Colloquium. radiohc.cu The Ocean Sur publishing house presented new books about the Bay of Pigs invasion, the first major defeat of imperialism in Latin America, and the famous debate between diplomats Raúl Roa and Adlai Stevenson at the United Nations. | The event took place at the 5th edition of the Patria International Colloquium and was attended by the president of Ocean Press and Ocean Sur, David Deutschmann, and the president of the Latin American news agency Prensa Latina, Jorge Legañoa. | "For almost 40 years, publishing hundreds of books on the Cuban Revolution, we have tried to prioritize the words of the Revolution, because…
(2026-04-17). The FISA Warrantless Surveillance Loophole Threatens Black Communities. newsone.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). 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). MPBSE 10th, 12th Results 2026 Out: Check Full List of Toppers. ummid.com MP Board 10th, 12th Results 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education (MPBSE) has declared the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Class 12 and High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric results 2026 along with the Merit List and names of toppers on its official website mpresults.nic.in.
(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). IMF warns of war's human impact far from Middle East. newarab.com 
IMF economists warned Thursday that the war in Iran could have "very, certainly severe" consequences far outside the region – especially for energy-importing countries. | Countries in East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are among the countries most affected now – and who could suffer the most – outside the region, as the conflict stretches on. | Ironically, the ongoing virtual closure of the Bu…
(2026-04-17). Labor Rights Activists Navigate What César Chávez Sexual Abuse Allegations Mean For Their Movement. scheerpost.com Michelle Zacarias for Prism A month after the explosive New York Times investigation into the rape and sexual misconduct allegations against Latino labor rights organizer César Chávez, immigrant and labor rights organizations throughout Southern California are still grappling with the aftermath. The multiyear investigation by journalists Manny Fernandez and Sarah Hurtes named survivors, including prominent activists Ana Murguia, …
(2026-04-17). City of Gold Coast hides new Beach Bar proposals from residents. independentaustralia.net 
(2026-04-17). Saturday 4/25: Attack on BirthrightCitizenship:Trump,SupremeCourt &Poetry Carved Into Angel Islands Walls. indybay.org Revolution Books | 2444 Durant Ave. | Berkeley, CA…
(2026-04-17). On Tax Day, Mamdani Taxed the Rich. progressivehub.net WHITNEY CURRY WIMBISH | THE AMERICAN PROSPECT…
(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). Tucker Carlson may have Turned on Israel and Trump, but he's no friend to Progressives or Muslims. juancole.com Oakland, Ca. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — Republicans seem to have reached the Donner party stage now, cannibalizing one another, as is illustrated by
(2026-04-17). Open Letter to A-G Michelle Rowland: Mercy for David McBride. independentaustralia.net 
(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). 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). 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). 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). Six Takeaways From Sunday's Hungarian Election. portside.org Six Takeaways From Sunday's Hungarian Election |
(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). Hajj 2026: Pilgrims asked to confirm flight booking online. ummid.com The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has asked all pilgrims embarking to Makkah for Hajj 2026 to confirm online the flight booking allotted to them.
(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). 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). 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). 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). 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). After 2 votes in favor, UAW bureaucracy denies strike approval to student workers at Columbia University. wsws.org The UAW bureaucracy has twice now rejected their democratic vote; student must organize to impose this decision, with or without the approval of corrupt and unaccountable bureaucrats.
(2026-04-17). Saudi wealth fund sells football club Al-Hilal. newarab.com 
The
(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). Inside The Lives Of West Bank Workers Crushed By Israel's Labor Ban. popularresistance.org Bir Nabala, a ghost town of abandoned houses and empty streets, is surrounded by the Israeli separation wall and was once a vibrant middle-class community. Its diverse businesses benefited from the town's strategic location north of Jerusalem, which made it one of the city's important gateways. Then the wall cut Bir Nabala off, killing its commercial life overnight and turning it into a remote village on the far edges of Ramallah. Residents have since been gradually leaving the town. | The Israeli wall stretches across the horizon in the village from edge to edge. Lining the streets are a few scattered workshops…
(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). Cuba's president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight. scmp.com Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Thursday that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight should it happen. | Diaz-Canel spoke during a rally that drew hundreds of people to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban Revolution's socialist essence.
(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). Bushra Bibi shifted to hospital, says PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. tribune.com.pk 
Bushara Bibi, wife of incarcerated former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, was taken to the hospital last night, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan posted on X on Friday. | In a post on X, Gohar said, "Late night, I was informed through a message that Bushra BB had been shifted to the hospital last night and that I would be briefed about the treatment". | Late night I was informed thought a message that Bushra BB had been shifted to the hospital last night and that I would be briefed about the treatment. Awaiting that I would request meeting of family members with her. And also mee…
(2026-04-17). TS SSC Results 2026 – Steps, Link to Check. ummid.com The Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Telangana is declaring on its official website 'bse.telangana.gov.in' the results of the students who appeared in the TS SSC (Class 10) examination in 2026.
(2026-04-17). The practical guide to ageing well and staying active in Australia. 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). Power struggle between China and US could benefit peripheral regions and sustainability. infobrics.org China launches investigation into US trade practices affecting global supply chains.
(2026-04-17). Lebanese officials had 'good' meeting with IMF: finance minister. newarab.com 
Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Thursday said his government had good meetings this week with the International Monetary Fund and remained committed to working toward a lending programme. | Current events, including the "Our aim as a government is to reach an agreement with the IMF on a programme," J…
(2026-04-17). RFK Jr. Confronted Over Statement That Black Children Should Be 'Re-Parented' Because They're All On ADHD Meds. newsone.com 
I don't know who needs to hear this, but a federal administration full of proud white nationalists has no business taking it upon itself to assess Black health, the needs of Black children or that of the Black community in general. Actually, I know exactly who needs to hear this: Health and Human Services Secretary …
(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). Answering Trump's war threats, Cuban workers plan mass May Day defense rallies. peoplesworld.org 
HAVANA—As the Trump administration tightens its energy blockade on Cuba and threatens war and regime change, the Cuban labor movement—along with all of Cuban society—is gearing up for a mass mobilization on May 1. The Workers' Central Union of Cuba (CTC) and its affiliates have issued a call for this year's May Day, International Workers' …
(2026-04-17). Kremlin denies Putin's isolation from Russia's woes amid blogger's criticism. scmp.com The Kremlin on Friday denied that ‚Å President Vladimir ‚Å Putin was insulated from ‚Å bad news after a celebrity blogger accused unidentified top officials of not telling Russia's paramount leader the truth about the country's problems. | Viktoria Bonya, a social media influencer who ‚Äåis well known inside Russia for her appearances on reality TV shows, said this week that she supported Putin and listed five problems which she said officials were not briefing him on honestly.
(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). 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). Hormuz must open, G7 ready to mitigate war fallout: France FM. newarab.com 
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told reporters Thursday that the Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies added in a statement released Thursday that "it is urgent to limit" the global economic cost of an enduring "G7 members reaffirmed the pressing need to move toward a lasting peac…
(2026-04-17). Progressive Upset in New Jersey: Analilia Mejía Wins Big, Challenging Trump—and the Democratic Establishment. scheerpost.com Backed by Sanders and running on unapologetic progressive politics—including sharp criticism of Israel—Mejía's decisive victory signals a shifting political terrain ahead of the midterms Joshua Scheer decisive victory in the state's 11th Congressional District special election—defeating Republican Joe Hathaway and delivering a clear message: the political center is no longer where many voters are looking. …
(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). China, Spain to deepen cooperation in innovation, industrial chains. ecns.cn China is willing to work with Spain to strengthen strategic alignment and policy coordination, continuously improve the business environment, and promote deeper cooperation among enterprises in technological innovation and industrial and supply chains, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Wednesday.
(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). '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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). How 50 days of Iran war lead to loss of $50 billion worth of oil. geo.tv 
(2026-04-17). First South Korean tanker transits alternative Red Sea route. newarab.com 
A South Korean oil tanker has transited the Import-dependent
(2026-04-17). This Prisoners' Day, WB's mothers fear children may return dead. newarab.com 
During events marking the In particular, these mothers are afraid that their children may return as corpses amid harsh conditions within Israeli prisons and the recent approval of an Israeli law allowing the Watfa Shehwan…
(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). 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). Drone zone debuts at Canton Fair. ecns.cn With an advanced manufacturing theme, the fair has a total exhibition area of 520,000 square meters and more than 25,000 exhibition booths established by over 12,000 companies in its first phase.
(2026-04-17). Iranian women footballers have 'hope for future' in Australia. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). New York home care workers wage second hunger strike in 2 years. wsws.org These highly exploited workers are risking their health to end torturous 24-hour shifts, but previous experience shows that protests and moral appeals must give way to class struggle.
(2026-04-17). Inside Israel's prison system. aljazeera.com As Palestinians mark Prisoners' Day, more than 9,600 Palestinians are still being held in Israeli prisons.
(2026-04-17). South African politician Malema sentenced to 5 years for firing rifle at rally. scmp.com South African opposition party leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after he was convicted of breaking firearm laws by firing a rifle at a political rally in 2018. | He was released pending an appeal, which will be heard at a later date.
(2026-04-17). Tennis-playing robot helps showcase Haidian district as a high-tech hub. ecns.cn A humanoid robot developed by Galbot and Tsinghua University in Beijings Haidian district has demonstrated real-time tennis rally capabilities, as the area accelerates the development and deployment of embodied artificial intelligence technologies.
(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). "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). 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). How did the ceasefire in Lebanon happen, and what's next. newarab.com 
Lebanon on Friday, 17 April, entered a A parallel
(2026-04-17). Three charged after attempted arson at Iran International office. newarab.com 
(2026-04-17). Turkey hosts latest diplomatic push on Middle East war. newarab.com 
(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). Justin Fairfax Killed His Wife, So Why Did Roland Martin Turn It Into A Mental Health Panel? newsone.com 
Source: | When news broke that former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before killing himself, the facts were immediate and devastating. A woman was murdered in her home, and two children were left to live with the aftermath. | But within hours, something else began to take shape. | On social media, Black men, including Roland Martin, posted photos of Fairfax smiling in fraternity gear, at events, in rooms full of promise and prestige. They remembered him as a "brother," a "good man," and someone full of potential. The images were soft, nostalgic, and intimate. It…
(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). 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). 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). China launches largest AI4S computing cluster with 60,000 chips. ecns.cn A new supercomputing cluster capable of handling the most demanding scientific AI tasks has gone live in Central China's Henan province, marking a major step forward in the country's push to integrate artificial intelligence with scientific research.
(2026-04-17). When Assam Electorates Register Historic Polling Turnout. ummid.com With high voters' participation in Assam, the political observers in the region put two completely opposite predictions, where one group is favouring the return of the BJP-led government, and the other one, has been weighing for the Indian National Congress-led opposition alliance.
(2026-04-17). DWP Access to Work providers are pushing controversial psychotherapies to people with ME. thecanary.co 
Organisations specialising in support for neurodivergent employees are advertising their services to people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) through the Department of Work and Pension's (DWP) Access to Work scheme. An investigation by the Canary has revealed how they have been treating ME as an 'acquired' neurodivergent condition. Now, the Canary has also uncovered how […] | By
(2026-04-17). California Juneteenth remains a quasi-optional holiday for a majority of State Employees. indybay.org 2026 California State Capitol Juneteenth we will have a special session on updates on Global, Nationwide and California Reparations – Slavery Corporate Disclosure explores who profited or profits from slavery here in California and beyond.
(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). 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). Pope urges Cameroon to reject violence at mass that draws 120,000 people. scmp.com Pope Leo called on Cameroonians on Friday to reject violence and be generous with their neighbours during an event billed as the biggest of his four-nation Africa tour, with roughly 120,000 people flocking to a mass he led in the port city of Douala. | Amid heavy security, some believers had made their way on Thursday to the city's Japoma ‚ÄåStadium, venue of the mass, and slept overnight outside on mats to hear Friday's address from the pontiff, who has become outspoken on war and inequality and…
(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). It's On in WI!: All Out for May Day 2026 in Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville, Manitowoc (Art Builds, Phone Banking, Fundraisers More)… wibailoutpeople.org 
Voces de la Frontera Este #PrimeroDeMayo, nos levantamos en todo Wisconsin àönete a trabajadores inmigrantes y sus familias para exigir justicia, dignidad y protecciones. Milwaukee — Marcha principal 10: 00 am — Oficina de Voces, 733 W Historic Mitchell St. 11: 00 am — Marchamos hacia el Edificio Federal (517 E Wisconsin Ave) Green Bay — Autobús …
(2026-04-17). Madison: Freedom Rising A Benefit for Voces de la Frontera May 1, 2026. wibailoutpeople.org 
(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). Argentine lawmakers condemn U.S. economic war against Cuba. radiohc.cu National deputies Hilda Aguirre, Gabriela Pedrali, and Sergio Casas, representing the Argentinian province of La Rioja, condemned the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that the United States has maintained against Cuba for more than six decades. | In a statement obtained by Prensa Latina, the legislators from La Rioja also deemed it unacceptable that in the 21st century, "an attempt is being made to discipline a people through hunger, isolation, or the threat of war." | They asserted that Cuba has demonstrated throughout its history a profound commitment to peace, solidarity, and cooperation among nati…