2026-04-16: News Headlines

hindustantimes (2026-04-16). 'Victor' Iran drops $270 billion bombshell: Trump Arab allies fear massive war reparations demand. hindustantimes.com 270 billion in damage, while officials discuss war reparations during talks in Islamabad. With civilian losses mounting and Trump's blockade facing resistance, tensions are rising fast. Are U.S. Arab allies about to pay the price for the conflict's aftermath? Watch the latest developments.

hindustantimes (2026-04-16). Last chance diplomacy? Pak Army Chief Munir in Tehran with US offer as Iran talks enter final phase. hindustantimes.com

Angela (2026-04-16). Thursday 4/16: Power Half-Hour for Gaza. indybay.org Zoom | http: //jvp.org/gazaph…

Albany & El Cerrito for Palestine (2026-04-16). Thursday 4/16: Albany & El Cerrito for Palestine – Human Billboard for Gaza. indybay.org El Cerrito Plaza, San Pablo & Carlson…

WSWS (2026-04-16). Venezuelan workers protest persistent poverty amid privatizations and US corporate deals. wsws.org Mass protests are growing in Venezuela as workers face deepening poverty and repression, even while the government opens the country's oil and mineral wealth to US corporate exploitation.

Guest Blogger (2026-04-16). Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz force us to reconsider the material benefits of fossil fuels. wattsupwiththat.com Energy "REALITY" tells us that we need refineries to convert crude oil into usable transportation fuels and products.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

WSWS (2026-04-16). European states refuse to join in US blockade of Strait of Hormuz targeting Iran. wsws.org At the same time, European governments refused to clearly denounce or oppose a US blockade that threatens to cut off their access to energy supplies on which their economies depend.

hindustantimes (2026-04-16). Amid Hormuz crisis, US to pull plug on Iran, Russia oil sanctions waiver? Trump aide ends suspense. hindustantimes.com The United States has signaled a firm stance on sanctions and energy policy amid rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran, China, and Russia. Responding to questions on possible sanctions relief, Scott Bessent made it clear that there will be no renewal of general licenses for Iranian or Russian oil exports, tightening pressure on both nations. Officials revealed that China had been purchasing over 90% of Iran's oil exports, accounting for a significant portion of its energy needs. However, due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a pause in Chinese buying is expected. The U.S. Treasury has also warned Chinese…

Juan Cole (2026-04-16). South Korea, Asia, Livid about Israeli role in Fuel Crisis. juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — Most US allies are deeply annoyed by the Netanyahu-Trump war on Iran and the consequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The war has taken around 11 million barrels a day off the market. The world used to produce a little over 100 million barrels a day before the war. While an 11 percent shortfall may not sound like much, the price consequence is much more than a 11% rise at the pump because drivers of gasoline vehicles have no choice but to buy gasoline, and with Saudi Arabia among the producers cut off from the Strait of Hormuz, the main swing producer cannot increase output.

WSWS (2026-04-16). Ukraine's Zelensky in Berlin: Germany escalates its war offensive against Russia. wsws.org With the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and Donald Trump's open threats of annihilation against Iran, all pretences are now being dropped in the war in Ukraine as well. Merz and Zelensky visited arms factories together and agreed on measures to return fit-for-service Ukrainian men in Germany to the front line.

Karl Grossman, Harvey Wasserman (2026-04-16). The Trump/Newsom nuke war against renewables gets a Diablo push. nationofchange.org Together Trump and Newsom are pushing nuclear power plants whose drastic deregulation may now rival the dangers posed by any bombs Iran could produce.

Amos Harel (2026-04-16). As U.S. nears Iran deal, Israel pushes on toward a familiar dead end in Lebanon. haaretz.com Although Trump's messaging remains contradictory, Washington is trying to create the impression that the war in Iran is nearing its end ‚ñ The IDF signals intentions to advance north in Lebanon, but it is operating slowly and under U.S. restrictions ‚ñ And the assault on Bint Jbeil serves as a reminder that the town that became a symbol is an illusion that always ends badly…

Yunus Soner (2026-04-16). The changing regime in Washington. unitedworldint.com Interview with Jon B. Alterman, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies Regime change in Teheran or in Washington? Though Washington declared regime change in Iran as one of its goals, many see more the change of regime in the U.S. capital. While the US-Israeli war against Iran is on …

Matt Sledge (2026-04-16). The Dam Breaks: Democratic Senators Overwhelmingly Reject Arms Sales to Israel. theintercept.com Democratic senators overwhelmingly voted to block bomb and bulldozer sales to Israel on Wednesday, in a reflection of the Jewish state's plummeting stock among party rank-and-file and growing anger over the war with Iran. | The Democratic votes on the pair of resolutions from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., were not enough to overcome universal opposition from Republicans. | "This is where the American people are. The polls are very clear." | Still, the votes represented a watershed moment in the party's relationship with Israel and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel had continued to enjoy…

| Anadolu Agency | (2026-04-16). US confirms loss of $238M surveillance drone during Iran war. tribune.com.pk rauryThe US Naval Safety Command has confirmed the loss of an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone on April 9, classifying it as a Class A mishap, meaning damages exceeding $2 million, with no injuries to personnel. | The location of the incident was withheld for operational security reasons, but the drone was last tracked flying in international airspace toward Iran. There is no evidence that it went down in Iranian territory. | Read: Israel, Lebanon to speak on Thursday after 34 years | The high-altitude drone, valued at approximately $238 million, had been conducting a maritime surveillance mission over the Pers…

Eric Worrall (2026-04-16). Huge Refinery Fire: Aussie Fuel Crisis Just Got Worse. wattsupwiththat.com Large fire and explosion reported at one of Australia's three operating refineries.

nosihle (2026-04-16). Severe thunderstorms warning. sanews.gov.za Severe thunderstorms warning | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says there is a high likelihood of minor weather impacts, with severe thunderstorms expected over the escarpment and eastern Highveld of Mpumalanga on Thursday. | Severe thunderstorms may cause localised flooding and damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock due to heavy downpours and strong damaging winds. | In addition, a surface trough, supported by an upper-air trough west of the country, will result in severe thunderstorms over the Khai-Ma and Hantam municipalities in the Northern Cape o…

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Israeli forces fire stun grenades at journalists in occupied Nablus. aljazeera.com Video shows Israeli forces firing stun grenades towards journalists who were reporting on the army's raid of Nablus.

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-16). BBC to slash 2,000 jobs in biggest redundancy drive in 15 years. scmp.com The BBC said on Wednesday that the British broadcasting corporation is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs amid a challenging media landscape. | The BBC's interim director general Rhodri Talfan Davies said in a statement to staff that "while we still have to work through the detail, we anticipate the overall number of jobs will fall by 1,800-2,000". | The BBC reported the cuts on Wednesday afternoon, saying they amount to "almost one in 10" jobs, since it has about 21,500 employees.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). (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).

aljazeera (2026-04-16). The pope has shown the world how to stand up to Trump. aljazeera.com Far too many world leaders have chosen to mollify the bullying US president. Pope Leo has shown there's another way.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). China seeks public opinion on national standard for L2 driver assistance systems. ecns.cn China is soliciting public opinion regarding a mandatory national standard concerning safety requirements for Level 2 (L2) driver assistance systems in intelligent connected vehicles.

| Reuters | (2026-04-16). US-sanctioned supertankers enter Gulf despite blockade. tribune.com.pk

newarab (2026-04-16). Tunisian lawmaker's remarks on rape and migrants spark outrage. newarab.com Remarks by a On Monday, lawmaker Tarak Mahdi said during a parliament session that recent reports of the rape of a migrant woman from sub-Saharan Africa were false. | "That an African woman is r…

Jack Khoury (2026-04-16). Lebanon fears talks with Israel could push the country to the brink of civil war. haaretz.com Lebanon's pro-government camp views the talks in Washington as part of a broader effort to curb escalation, while the pro-Hezbollah camp warns of a path detached from the reality on the ground. Beirut is waiting to gauge domestic reactions before forming a stance, a Lebanese source said…

newarab (2026-04-16). Tunisia to broaden access to annual Jewish pilgrimage. newarab.com This year's Jewish pilgrimage on The pilgrimage to the But after a deadly 2023 attack on the synagogue that killed two worshippers and three police officers, fewer pil…

Socialist Alliance (2026-04-16). Socialist Alliance welcomes NSW Supreme Court binning Minns' anti-protest laws. socialist-alliance.org Socialist Alliance welcomes the NSW Supreme Court decision to rule Chris Minns' anti-protest laws as unconstitutional.

Rising Majority (2026-04-16). Monday 4/20: No War, No ICE, Free Palestine: May Day Mass Call. indybay.org Zoom | bit.ly/nowarmayday

Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge Volunteers (2026-04-16). Sunday 4/26: Film Screening: Eating Our Way to Extinction. indybay.org Santa Cruz County Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz…

The Center for Racial Justice (2026-04-16). Saturday 4/25: The Anti-Defamation League and the Racial State: A Book Talk with Emmaia Gelman. indybay.org Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St, Santa Cruz…

Bay Area Freedom Socialist Party (2026-04-16). Sunday 4/26: A socialist feminist speaks out for renewable energy. indybay.org 747 Polk Street @ Ellis, San Francisco | 7 blocks from Civic Center BART, on/near Muni #5, 19, 27, | 31, 38 and 49…

UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute (2026-04-16). Friday 5/1: Sequence to Survival: Using Genomics to Save Biodiversity. indybay.org UC Santa Cruz Merrill Cultural Center…

Noise against genocide (2026-04-16). Friday 4/17: Demo at israeli consulate. indybay.org 456 MomtgomernSt, SF…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

Foreign Policy in Focus (2026-04-16). War as a GOP Pretext to Cut Social Safety Net. juancole.com By | (

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

Khubaka Michael Harris (2026-04-16). 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.

| Web Desk | (2026-04-16). Pakistan receives $2bn from Saudi Arabia: SBP. tribune.com.pk The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday that the country has received $2 billion from the Ministry of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a post on X. | State Bank of Pakistan has received funds of US$2 billion from Ministry of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the value date of 15April2026. | — SBP (@StateBank_Pak) April 16, 2026 | The central bank said the funds were received "in the value date of April 15, 2026". | The news comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia for the first part of his three-nation tour amid ongoing active negotiation efforts for peace i…

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Brazil's fugitive ex-spy chief freed in the US after ICE detention. aljazeera.com Alexandre Ramagem, who fled Brazil following his conviction for plotting a coup, was held by ICE in Florida on Monday.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

WSWS (2026-04-16). Coalition leader's speech: Australian ruling elite turns to anti-immigrant poison. wsws.org The Coalition leader called for the reversal of the nominally non-discriminatory immigration program that has existed since the formal end of the blatantly racist White Australia regime in the 1960s.

Human Rights Watch (2026-04-16). Appeal for AU Action in Zambia Lead Poisoning Case. hrw.org Click to expand Image | (Johannesburg) — Zambia should provide accountability for its failure to clean up a contaminated mine site that is responsible for the ongoing lead poisoning of children, Human Rights Watch said today in supporting a request for African Union action to require the government and others involved to clean up the site.The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), together with Zambian nongovernmental organizations, and affected families filed a complaint to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC). The complaint seeks accoun…

GABIK (2026-04-16). PeWG advances public-private partnership framework to boost eThekwini service delivery. sanews.gov.za PeWG advances public-private partnership framework to boost eThekwini service delivery | The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has taken a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between government and business, advancing a public-private partnership (PPP) policy framework aimed at improving service delivery and driving economic growth in eThekwini. | The workshop, held this week at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, brought together the eThekwini Municipality, representatives from various spheres of government, including the Office of the Presidency and key business lead…

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Israel's military kills four Lebanese paramedics in consecutive strikes. aljazeera.com An Israeli triple-tap attack on rescue workers in southern Lebanon has killed four and left several others injured.

Angela (2026-04-16). Friday 4/17: Virtual Action Hour for Palestine. indybay.org Zoom | afsc.org/events/action-hour-palestine

| Web Desk | (2026-04-16). Pakistan Navy successfully conducts test of indigenously developed anti-ship missile. tribune.com.pk Pakistan Navy on Thursday successfully conducted a live weapon firing of an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship missile, the military's media wing said in a statement. | According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), "In a resolute display of preparedness and precision-strike capability, Pakistan Navy successfully conducted a live weapon firing of an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-ship missile, accurately engaging its target at high speed and extended range." | The statement said that Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, along with leading scientists and engineers, witnes…

geo.tv (2026-04-16). US Senate backs Trump's Iran war, shuts down Democratic push to stop conflict. geo.tv Members of US House of Representatives gather for fourth round of voting for new House Speaker on second day of 118th Congress at US Capitol in Washington, US, January 4, 2023. — ReutersSenate Republicans have blocked war powers measures four times.Almost all Republicans remain firmly…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Huge crowds greet Pope Leo in Cameroon 20 years after outreach trip. aljazeera.com Huge crowds have greeted Pope Leo in Cameroon, returning to a country he visited 20 years ago as 'Father Bob'.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Spokesperson reiterates one-China principle in response to Denmark's change of residency designation for Taiwan residents. ecns.cn The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing international consensus, said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Trillions in credit flow to back quality growth. ecns.cn The country's six largest State-owned commercial lenders collectively extended more than 9.4 trillion yuan ($1.38 trillion) in new loans last year, sustaining robust growth in areas such as strategic emerging industries and green finance.

nosihle (2026-04-16). SAWS warns of two cold fronts. sanews.gov.za SAWS warns of two cold fronts | The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of two cold fronts, with good rainfall amounts expected to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Friday until Monday. | The cold fronts will result in a significant drop in the daytime temperatures. | "Maximum temperatures may be between 10-12 ∞C in places over the southern high-lying areas of the Namakwa (Northern Cape) as well as over the Central Karoo and western part of the Cape Winelands Districts (Western Cape). | "General windy conditions will accompany the cold and wet conditions. Additionally, wave heights…

WSWS (2026-04-16). War powers resolution blocked in the Senate as 10,000 more US troops head to the Middle East. wsws.org The Senate voted 52-47 on Wednesday to reject a motion to move a Democratic Party-sponsored joint resolution to the floor that would mandate the removal of US troops, "from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress."

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Xi urges closer, stronger China-Russia strategic coordination to defend interests, uphold Global South unity. ecns.cn Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged closer and stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia to firmly defend their legitimate interests and safeguard the unity of Global South countries.

LVP (2026-04-16). SF Mayor Lurie & DPH Threatens to Close Three Healthcare Centers, Including the Only One for Seniors. indybay.org San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie and his Department of Public Health are moving to shutdown 3 community healthcare centers including the only one for seniors with mental health problems.

nosihle (2026-04-16). Mkambati Nature Reserve awarded international status. sanews.gov.za Mkambati Nature Reserve awarded international status | The Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape has been designated as South Africa's newest Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, marking a significant conservation milestone. | The Ramsar Convention identifies and protects wetlands of global significance, known as Ramsar Sites. | "The designation acknowledges that the many wetlands found at Mkambati have unique ecological, cultural and socio-economic value, placing the reserve firmly on the global map of internationally recognised wetlands," Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries…

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Trump says Israel and Lebanon's leaders will speak on Thursday. aljazeera.com The US president says the conversation will be the first between the Israeli and Lebanese leaders in 34 years.

Revolution Books (2026-04-16). Saturday 4/25: Attack on BirthrightCitizenship:Trump,SupremeCourt &Poetry Carved Into Angel Islands Walls. indybay.org Revolution Books | 2444 Durant Ave. | Berkeley, CA…

WSWS (2026-04-16). The political lessons of Mamdani's first 100 days. wsws.org The mayor of New York's alliance with Trump under conditions of expanding war and attacks on democratic rights is a damning exposure of Mamdani's political bankruptcy…

newarab (2026-04-16). Police stop Palestinians hiding in truck trying to enter Israel. newarab.com About 70 Palestinian men were found hiding inside a garbage truck by Israeli police as they attempted to cross into Israel from the Israeli police released footage showing the back of the truck when it was being opened late Monday, revealing the men tightly crammed inside the truck's waste compartment. Police are seen in the video, some with their weapons drawn, surrounding the truck. | Some of the men inside…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Chinese, Vietnamese top leaders attend signing ceremony of cooperation documents. ecns.cn General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam jointly attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents in Beijing on Wednesday.

Henry Wilder (2026-04-16). Bill Clinton: Is He a Lifetime Supporter of a CIA Dictatorship? indybay.org The Wikipedia article on Bill Clinton with in parenthesis what the article proves and what other sources have said, making it appear Bill Clinton is a lifetime supporter of turning America into the same dictatorship Donald Trump wants.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Peng Liyuan, Vietnam's first lady visit China's national center for performing arts. ecns.cn Peng Liyuan, wife of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam, visited China's National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing on Wednesday.

WSWS (2026-04-16). Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell resigns amid sex scandal. wsws.org In less than 100 hours, Swalwell went from frontrunning candidate for governor of California to political oblivion.

Allan Fisher (2026-04-16). Wednesday 4/15: Santa Cruz: Tax Day Protest. indybay.org Downtown Post Office, Front Street, Santa Cruz…

Roxie Theater, non-profit partners (2026-04-16). Friday 4/17: "Steal This Story, Please!" Film: Reporter Amy Goodman & Democracy Now! 30th Anniversary. indybay.org Roxie Theater | 3125 16th Street, | San Francisco, CA 94103 | IN PERSON: | Friday, April 17th: Oscar Æ-Nominated filmmaker Tia Lessin…

newarab (2026-04-16). YouTube suspends pro-Iran channel posting Lego-style clips. newarab.com YouTube has terminated a channel belonging to a pro-Iran group producing viral Lego-themed AI videos that ridicule Explosive Media, a group of pro-Tehran creators that describes itself as independent but is widely suspected of ties to the Iranian government, has gained internet notoriety during the

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Trump plans 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch' to mark 250 years of US independence. aljazeera.com The Trump administration has unveiled plans for a huge structure to mark 250 years since the US declared independence.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

Nir Hasson (2026-04-16). Israel collaborating with settlers to expel Palestinians from their Old City homes. haaretz.com The Justice Ministry is using a lawyer from the Ateret Cohanim association to lead the eviction process of the Basha family from a building where they have lived for almost a century in the Old City of Jerusalem. The family has less than two weeks to leave…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Chinese, Vietnamese top leaders hold talks on advancing wide-ranging cooperation. ecns.cn China will advance high-quality comprehensive strategic cooperation with Vietnam, and accelerate the building of a higher-level China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

LVP (2026-04-16). SEIU1021/IFPTE21 City Workers Rally At SF Gen 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…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

newarab (2026-04-16). Health of jailed Iran Nobel winner 'critical': supporters. newarab.com The health of jailed Her Iran-based family and legal team were on Saturday allowed a second in person visit with

WSWS (2026-04-16). Rohingya refugees among 250 feared dead in boat capsize. wsws.org A trawler carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants has sunk in the Andaman Sea, with about 250 people missing, presumed dead in the absence of any serious search-and-rescue effort.

SEIU 1021 (2026-04-16). Wednesday 4/15: SF Public Workers Rally Against SF Mayor Lurie Layoffs At SF General. indybay.org In front of Bld 25 at roundabout | SF General Strike…

Agencies (2026-04-16). Trump says Israel and Lebanon to hold talks Thursday. scmp.com US President Donald Trump has said that leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak on Thursday, as Washington pushes to ease hostilities after the rivals' first direct talks in decades. | Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war on March 2 after pro-Tehran group Hezbollah attacked Israel.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

Matona (2026-04-16). South Africa is stabilising its sugar industry through deliberate reform and investment. sanews.gov.za South Africa is stabilising its sugar industry through deliberate reform and investment | By Moahlodi Maphori | Protecting livelihoods and safeguarding jobs in South Africa's sugar industry remains a key priority for government. The sector is a strategically important agricultural and agro-processing value chain, supporting more than 20,000 direct jobs across milling and cane-growing operations, while sustaining thousands of additional livelihoods in rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. | The industry continues to operate under severe pressure from challenging domestic and international market cond…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Sculptor remolds clay modeling for new generation. ecns.cn The lively small clay figurines created for the Year of the Horse Spring Festival stand out among the traditional large sculptures of figures such as Guan Yu and Confucius at the Tianjin Clay Figure Zhang Studio in Dongli district, Tianjin.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). China showcases drone innovation as Canton Fair adds new zones. ecns.cn China's Canton Fair has for the first time introduced dedicated exhibition zones for drones, highlighting the rapid development of the country's low-altitude economy and the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in global trade.

aljazeera (2026-04-16). US military kills three in new Eastern Pacific boat strike. aljazeera.com The attack is the latest in a string of killings by the United States that rights groups say are 'unlawful'.

newarab (2026-04-16). FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup 'for sure' despite war. newarab.com Speaking at CNBC's Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," Infantino said. "We hope that by the…

Etan Nechin (2026-04-16). Record number of Democratic Senators vote to block Israel arms sales. haaretz.com Despite support from 40 of the 47 Democratic Senators – a historically significant increase in support – both of Bernie Sanders' measures were defeated…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Xinjiang seen attracting steady stream of tourists. ecns.cn Efforts by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to build itself into a global tourist destination have borne fruit, evidenced by a steady growth in its inbound tourism market.

WSWS (2026-04-16). After Amazon worker dies at Troutdale, Oregon warehouse, management ordered employees to work around the body. wsws.org The death went unreported for a week before the online investigative outlet, the Western Edge, broke the story on April 13.

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

WSWS (2026-04-16). Censorship of artist Basma al-Sharif continues: Germany's foreign ministry reprimands Goethe-Institut for showcasing her work. wsws.org State censorship efforts are once again being directed against an artist with Palestinian roots. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) department has reprimanded the Goethe-Institut for allowing a work by Basma al-Sharif to be shown in an exhibition in Lithuania.

| Web Desk | (2026-04-16). PM Shehbaz lauds Saudi economic backing, highlights strong defence partnership. tribune.com.pk Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued support in strengthening the country's economic stability during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, while reaffirming the close defence and security partnership between the two nations, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X. | The statement comes a day after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pledged $3 billion in deposits, with disbursement expected in the coming week. The existing $5 billion S…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Chinese know-how helps boost rice production in Uganda. ecns.cn In the quiet wetlands of Butaleja district in eastern Uganda where emerald-green rice paddies stretch across the horizon, Robert Sagula proudly walks among the swaying stalks. Farming has been his life since childhood, following in the footsteps of his father, who grew traditional rice varieties, first introduced to the area by the Chinese government in 1975.

WSWS (2026-04-16). After shutting down JBS strike in Greeley, Colorado, UFCW pushes through contract 30 cents better than management's initial offer. wsws.org The agreement addresses none of the workers' demands which led to a powerful three-week strike, the largest in the US meatpacking industry in more than 60 years.

Nicole Leonard (2026-04-16). Pennsylvania launches new privacy protections for people with disabilities, including autism. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Pennsylvania is adding more privacy protections for people with intellectual disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, after federal plans to collect more health information raised concerns. | Any state agency collection of personal and private information on people with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, will be limited to the minimum level of detail that is absolutely necessary, Pennsylvania leaders announced Wednesday. | This data will also not be…

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). 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.

WSWS (2026-04-16). Trump DOJ seeks to erase January 6 convictions of Proud Boys, Oath Keepers ringleaders ahead of 2026 elections. wsws.org Trump's commutations and pardons last year freed militia members charged with the most serious January 6 crimes but left their convictions intact. This new motion seeks to vacate those convictions and dismiss the indictments, helping clear the way for the fascist militia forces to legally rearm.

Vickie (2026-04-16). Saturday 4/18: Billionaires Ruin EVERYTHING San Jose. indybay.org Winchester Shopping Center Sign | 3137 Stevens Creek Blvd, San José…

| Reuters | (2026-04-16). Israel, Lebanon to speak after '34 years', says Trump. tribune.com.pk US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak for the first time in 34 years on Thursday, as he claims he is "trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon." | truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/1164122… | The announcement came after Israel's and Lebanon's envoys to the US held rare, direct talks in Washington to discuss an end to Israeli attacks on its neighbour, according to Al Jazeera. Israel…

ILWU 6 (2026-04-16). ILWU 6 Bio-Rad Workers Fighting for a Living Wage Are Asking: Where is Norm? indybay.org ILWU 6 Bio-Rad workers are fighting for a living wage…

WSWS (2026-04-16). Democrat Abdul El-Sayed seeks to contain anti-war opposition during Michigan university campaign tour. wsws.org Rallies at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University sought to divert youth and students into El-Sayed's Senate campaign, which is backed by the DSA, as well as Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker.

NEO (2026-04-16). Laptops to bridge the digital divide for Gauteng school. sanews.gov.za Laptops to bridge the digital divide for Gauteng school | As part of efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, together with the CEO of HONOR Technologies Africa, Zou Lefeng, handed over laptops to learners of Kaalfontein High School in Ebony Park, Gauteng. ⚪ "As government, we remain committed to building an inclusive society where no child is left behind. Initiatives like this are part of a broader effort to ensure that all young people, regardless of where they come from, have access to the tools they need to succeed," the Deputy Minister said. ⚪ …

DR KYLIE LL STEIN (2026-04-16). **The San Francisco Paradox** just one thing a set of contradictions that keep. indybay.org **The San Francisco Paradox** isn't just one thing — it's a set of contradictions that keep coming up in articles, research, and even stand-up sets. Here's how people usually describe it:…

ProPublica magazine (2026-04-16). Tuesday 4/28: Trillion-Gallon Time Bomb: Inside the Oil Industry's Toxic Wastewater Pollution Crisis. indybay.org Online event – join from anywhere…

Indivisible SF (2026-04-16). Saturday 4/25: Communities Not Cages: National Day of Action to Stop ICE Warehouse Detention. indybay.org corner of Van Ness and O'Farrell St, San Francisco…

Staff (2026-04-16). Trump says talks between Israeli, Lebanese leaders to be held Thursday. haaretz.com

Phil Pasquini (2026-04-16). French Ministers to Vote on Orcas' Fate. indybay.org

hindustantimes (2026-04-16). Scared Trump tries to hide desperate pleas to Iran? 'Extend ceasefire' offer to mediator Pak's visit. hindustantimes.com

Michael Powelson (2026-04-16). Channel Island CSU CFA Professor Acquitted of All Charges After ICE Frame-up. indybay.org

ecns.cn (2026-04-16). Hungary election winner Magyar goes to meet President Sulyok. ecns.cn

The Conversation (2026-04-16). Iran's New Hormuz Weapon Will Outlast the War. juancole.com

Martha Rios (2026-04-16). Cámara de Comercio de Cuba convoca a intercambio con emprendedores en La Habana. radiohc.cu La Cámara de Comercio de la República de Cuba convocó este miércoles a emprendedores y empresarios al intercambio especial por el Día Mundial del Emprendimiento, previsto para el jueves 16 de abril en el Nodo Habana. | Precisó la institución desde su perfil en Facebook, que el encuentro, organizado junto al Instituto Nacional de Actores Económicos No Estatales (INAENE) y el Proyecto NAE, abordará avances y proyecciones de esa iniciativa, así como experiencias de asociación público‚Äëprivada. | Según los organizadores, la cita se inscribe en el Proyecto "Apoyo a los nuevos actores económicos para u…

Martha Rios (2026-04-16). Cuba ratifica amistad con la República Popular Democrática de Corea. radiohc.cu

Ed Newman (2026-04-16). Cubans prepare for International Workers' Day. radiohc.cu Under the slogan "The Homeland Defends Itself," union members and representatives of organizations and institutions in Santiago de Cuba have met in plenary session to plan actions leading up to the celebration of International Workers' Day. | The plenary session, which became a platform for reaffirming revolutionary principles and denouncing the blockade and the interventionist policies of the United States government, was led by the First Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, and the General Secretary of the Cuban Workers' Federation here, Orlando Beltrán. | Beltr…

Martha Rios (2026-04-16). Kremlin: Rusia no querría ver a ningún país invadiendo Cuba. radiohc.cu El portavoz oficial del Kremlin, Dmitri Peskov aseveró este miércoles en una entrevista a India Today que Rusia no querría que ningún país invadiera Cuba. | Las afirmaciones del vocero se produjeron en medio de las amenazas de Donald Trump contra la nación caribeña.Cuba es un socio excepcional de Rusia, nuestro buen amigo. Y no nos gustaría ver a ningún país invadiendo Cuba, ni presionando a Cuba, ni aislándola desde el exterior, impidiendo que lleguen medicamentos a los niños cubanos ª, manifestó. | Peskov describió la grave situación que se vive actualmente en Cuba a raíz del bloqueo estadounidense y la cr…

Martha Rios (2026-04-16). Gobierno de China reitera respaldo a Cuba frente a interferencia externa. radiohc.cu La Cancillería de China enfatizó este miércoles que Beijing se opone firmemente a la diplomacia coercitiva y apoyará firmemente a Cuba en la defensa de la soberanía nacional y en la oposición a la interferencia externa. | La declaración del portavoz Guo Jiakun se conoció luego de las últimas amenazas del presidente estadounidense, Donald Trump, sobre la isla y tras divulgarse en el gigante asiático entrevistas del mandatario cubano, Miguel Díaz-Canel, a varios medios de comunicación estadounidenses. | Previamente, la Cancillería china llamó a Estados Unidos a escuchar la voz de la justicia y de la comunidad inter…

Martha Rios (2026-04-16). Evalúan recuperación tras incendio en hospital de la provincia cubana de Cienfuegos. radiohc.cu El viceministro de Salud Pública de Cuba, Julio Guerra Izquierdo, encabeza un equipo multidisciplinario que evalúa los daños causados por el incendio ocurrido en el Hospital Provincial 'Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima', de Cienfuegos, en el centro-sur de Cuba. | En declaraciones al Periódico 5 de Septiembre, el vice titular destacó la rápida organización del centro y agradeció que no hubiera pérdida de vidas humanas.Estamos para ayudar en todo lo que sea posible al hospital en lo que ha sucedido. Nosotros creemos, en primer lugar, que la respuesta de todo el personal del hospital ha sido excelente, al igual que la de…

Edited by Khubaka, Michael Harris (2026-04-16). 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.

aljazeera (2026-04-16). Curry scores 35 as Warriors upset Clippers to extend playoff run. aljazeera.com Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors keep their NBA playoff hopes alive, eliminating LA Clippers from the play-in.

newarab (2026-04-15). US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran. newarab.com The United States said on Wednesday it was discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and was optimistic about reaching a deal, as Tehran threatened to A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran earlier Wednesday bearing a new message from Washington after White House Press…

hindustantimes (2026-04-15). As US blockade 'fails' on day 1, Trump gets desperate for Iran to reply to his new…. hindustantimes.com After enforcing a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has signalled a possible diplomatic pivot, hinting at a second round of talks with Iran. The shift comes as questions emerge over the blockade's effectiveness. While United States Central Command claims tight enforcement with ships turned back, reports suggest vessels may have bypassed restrictions, raising doubts about Washington's leverage.

| Fact Check By iVerify | (2026-04-15). Fact check: Viral video of Pakistani envoy calling out Israel at UN is old, unlinked to ME conflict. tribune.com.pk Multiple users and journalists on social media platform X have been sharing a video since Tuesday, claiming that it shows Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar calling out Israel at a UN Security Council session amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East. However, the clip is old from September 2025. | Pakistan stepped into the role of a mediator in the US-Israel war with Iran, successfully brokering a critical ceasefire between the warring sides on April 8, 2026. The South Asian country also hosted the first round of talks between Washington and Tehran on April 11-12, which ended inconclusively. | During this…

United World International (2026-04-15). How Will the KMT Leader's Visit to China Affect Beijing-Taipei Relations? unitedworldint.com Can U.S. influence on the island be broken? By Oràßun Gà∂ktàºrk, from Beijing / China While the world has been focused on imperialist-Zionist aggression against Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the US-Iran talks held in Islamabad, and the uncertain ceasefire agenda, Cheng Li-Wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), completed …

Dewey Sim (2026-04-15). US cites optimism over a deal even as Iran threatens to shut down Red Sea shipping. scmp.com The White House on Wednesday dismissed as untrue reports that the US had sought to extend a ceasefire with Iran, while confirming that discussions over a second round of in-person negotiations were under way after marathon talks in Islamabad last week ended without a breakthrough. | White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that discussions were under way about a further round of talks with Tehran but "nothing is official", adding that the negotiations would "very likely" be held…

| Kamran Yousaf | (2026-04-15). Pakistan in diplomatic overdrive. tribune.com.pk Pakistan has mounted an unprecedented diplomatic push ahead of a potential second and possibly decisive round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, with its top civilian and military leadership fanning out across key regional capitals to build momentum for a breakthrough. | Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as part of a multi-country visit, while Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir undertook a surprise trip to Tehran, moves seen as part of a coordinated effort to lay the groundwork for the next phase of talks. | The flurry of engagement…

Muhammad Arshad (2026-04-15). Why Israel—Lebanon Talks Preceded the Next US—Iran Negotiation Round. thinktank.pk In the intricate chessboard of Middle Eastern geopolitics, timing is rarely accidental. The decision to initiate dialogue between Israel and Lebanon before convening the next round of talks between the United States and Iran reflects a carefully calibrated diplomatic sequence rather than a spontaneous development. Beneath the surface, this move reveals a layered strategy aimed …

| afp | (2026-04-15). IAEA flags N Korea nuke activity. tribune.com.pk North Korea is showing a "very serious increase" in its ability to produce atomic weapons, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday on a visit to Seoul. | The diplomatically isolated north is believed to operate multiple facilities for enriching uranium, a key step in making nuclear warheads, South Korea's spy agency has said. | They include one at the Yongbyon nuclear site, which Pyongyang purportedly decommissioned after talks but later reactivated in 2021. | "In our periodic assessments, we have been able to confirm that there's a rapid increase in the operations" of the Yongbyon reactor, Inter…

| Reuters | (2026-04-15). White House says discussing second round of Iran talks in Pakistan. tribune.com.pk The United States is discussing holding a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, the White House said on Wednesday. | "Those discussions are being had", and "we feel good about the prospects of a deal," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that further talks "would very likely" be in Islamabad. | Commenting on reports regarding a US request for an extension of the ceasefire, Leavitt called them "bad reporting," saying they were not true at this time. | "We remain very engaged in these negotiations, in these talks. You heard from the vice pr…

Tom Hussain (2026-04-15). Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume. scmp.com As Islamabad prepares to host a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, Pakistani mediators are seeking ways to extricate the Gulf monarchies from the conflict, according to a well-placed diplomatic source. | While the success of those efforts depends largely on the outcome of talks that US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday could resume by the end of the week, Pakistan's mediation has produced a second confidence-building phone call in a week between the Iranian and…

Bloomberg (2026-04-15). Mossad says Israel will keep trying to topple Iran's government. scmp.com Israel's spy chief has pledged more covert efforts to try to topple Iran's government, a tacit acknowledgment the countries' conflict would continue even as the US pursued a new round of peace negotiations with the Islamic Republic. | David Barnea, the head of the Mossad, said Israel had not expected that its bombardment of Iranian military, nuclear and infrastructure sites, waged in concert with the United States, would be enough to end Iran's 47-year-old clerical-led rule.

James David Spellman (2026-04-15). Given history of ceasefires, it's no surprise US-Iran truce is fraying. scmp.com The fraying of the ceasefire in the US-Israel war against Iran reflects grim patterns of history. Truces are often doomed because they focus on stopping battle-related violence and rarely begin to address the underlying struggles that ignited hostilities. A pause without a shared common endgame often resets the battlefield as reasons harden for prolonging warfare. Viable political solutions seldom follow and take hold for peace to endure. | Over the past decade, we've seen the perils. The Minsk…

Rawan Suleiman (2026-04-15). Israeli fire kills eight in Gaza, wounds 29, in past 24 hours, medics say. haaretz.com Israel continued air, drone and artillery strikes on the Gaza Strip, killing at least two children in the past 24 hours. The IDF also said it 'eliminated' a 'threat' that crossed the Gaza Yellow Line…

newarab (2026-04-15). Gaza civil defence says toddler among 10 killed in Israeli strikes. newarab.com Gaza's civil defence agency said on Tuesday that a toddler was among 10 people killed in separate Violence continues despite a ceasefire in the Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agenc…

Democracy Now! (2026-04-15). Democracy Now! 2026-04-15 Wednesday. democracynow.org Headlines for April 15, 2026; Israel's War & Demands "Could Throw Lebanon Back into a Civil War": Ex-Israeli Negotiator Daniel Levy; "Scorched-Earth Campaign": Israel Uses "Gaza Playbook" to Turn Southern Lebanon into Rubble; Reps. Swalwell & Gonzales Resign over Alleged Sexual Misconduct; Will Congress Take More Action?; "The Future Is Peace": Maoz Inon & Aziz Abu Sarah on Israelis and Palestinians Working Together | Headlines for April 15, 2026; Israel's War & Demands "Could Throw Lebanon Back into a Civil War": Ex-Israeli Negotiator Daniel L…

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). Haiti: Solidarity in a World at War. wibailoutpeople.org Haiti: Solidarity in a World at War, Counterpunch April 10, 2026 By Robert Roth, Haiti Action Committee As the world reels from the devastating U.S.-Israel war on Iran and Lebanon, and as the U.S.-backed Israeli genocide continues in Gaza and the West Bank, the Trump Administration's plan to assert its dominance over the Americas is …

| afp | (2026-04-15). Xi foresees 'constructive role' for China. tribune.com.pk China's President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, Chinese state media said, as a string of leaders of countries impacted by the Middle East war flock to Beijing. | Lavrov joins Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vietnam's President To Lam in meeting with Xi this week. | The Russian diplomat told a news conference after meeting Xi that Moscow could "compensate" for China's energy shortages as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains choked by the Iran war. | Xi, meanwhile, has sought to position China as a…

hindustantimes (2026-04-15). Second ship breaks US' Hormuz siege: Trump's blockade unsuccessful Vs Iran & its allies? | China. hindustantimes.com A U.S.-sanctioned Chinese tanker, Rich Starry, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 14 despite the American blockade, marking a potentially significant test of enforcement in one of the world's most sensitive shipping lanes. Reuters-cited tracking data said the medium-range tanker, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, was carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded at the UAE's Hamriyah port, while reports also identified the vessel as Malawi-flagged and crewed by Chinese nationals.

Mia Nurmamat (2026-04-15). Analysts doubt Iran war will prompt China stimulus, tip 'solid' first-quarter GDP growth. scmp.com The US-Israeli war on Iran and the current Iranian and American blockades of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are likely to overshadow China's first-quarter economic performance, analysts said, with questions looming large about how the world's second-largest economy will handle their impact. | Many observers said they expect the leadership in Beijing will adopt a wait-and-see approach, with little likelihood of an immediate stimulus to guarantee the country's annual economic target is…

Brian Rhoads,Raymond Ma (2026-04-15). China cements Russia ties as both win from US war. scmp.com Russia can help China and other nations weather energy supply disruptions stemming from the war in Iran, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. | "Russia can, without a doubt, compensate for the shortfall in resources that has arisen", Lavrov told reporters in response to a question about the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He also said that Chinese-Russian ties are "unshakeable in the face of any storms".

ptcnews.tv (2026-04-15). Trump claims he is 'permanently opening' Strait of Hormuz; says China's Xi Jinping agrees not to supply weapons to Iran. ptcnews.tv Middle East tensions: US President Donald Trump has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that Beijing will not supply weapons to Iran, even as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz contin | Trump claims he is 'permanently opening' Strait of Hormuz; says China's Xi Jinping agrees not to supply weapons to Iran…

| reuters | (2026-04-15). Trump doubles down on criticism of Pope Leo. tribune.com.pk US President Donald Trump, whose war and immigration policies have been condemned by Pope Leo, reiterated his criticism of the religious leader on Tuesday night. | In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged that "someone please tell Pope Leo" about the killings of protesters by Iran and that "for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable." The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and Gulf states with US bases. US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions. | Iran does not have nuclear weapons…

newarab (2026-04-15). UN nuclear chief urges strict Iran checks in any deal to end war. newarab.com The head of the

| Fact Check By iVerify | (2026-04-15). Fact check: Viral video does not show Saudi FM announcing end of reliance on US amid Mideast tensions. tribune.com.pk Multiple users have been sharing a video on social media platforms X and Facebook since Monday, showing Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan allegedly announcing the end of reliance on the US. However, the video is old from December 2022 and does not contain any such statement. | The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026, after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership sites. In response, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones not only toward Israel but also towards US military bases and allied infrastructure…

Jack Khoury (2026-04-15). Netanyahu to convene cabinet amid report of imminent Hezbollah cease-fire in Lebanon. haaretz.com The Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen reported a week-long Lebanon cease-fire may begin overnight Wednesday, citing a senior Iranian official. The Israeli army said it has not been asked to change its deployment and is awaiting the cabinet's decision…

Editor (2026-04-15). Everyone Knows Israel is Sabotaging The Iran Ceasefire—Even The Trump Administration. scheerpost.com Marc Steiner Show Real News Network Hours after a temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran was announced last week, Israel unleashed a massive, deadly bombing campaign on Lebanon. In this episode of The Marc Steiner Show, Marc speaks with award-winning Iranian-Canadian journalist Samira Mohyeddin about the reality that Israel is a rogue state …

Editor (2026-04-15). Iran Says YouTube Is Trying to 'Suppress the Truth' By Banning AI Lego-Style Videos Mocking US-Israeli War. scheerpost.com Stephen Prager for Common Dreams Iran's foreign ministry is accusing YouTube of trying to "suppress the truth" by banning the account responsible for a series of viral Lego-style animations mocking the US-Israeli war. The small team known as Explosive Media has racked up tens of millions of views across several platforms, with slickly produced music videos mercilessly …

hindustantimes (2026-04-15). Mojtaba stuns Trump, revives underground missile cities which US-Israel claimed to have destroyed. hindustantimes.com New satellite imagery during the ceasefire shows Iran clearing debris from underground "missile cities," as US intel now concedes roughly half of Tehran's launchers remain intact despite months of US‚ÄëIsraeli strikes. Experts say these tunnels are designed to "eat the first attack, dig out, and launch again," undermining Trump's victory claims.

hindustantimes (2026-04-15). Iran has last laugh as Trump's army fails to block Hormuz on day 1 of siege | Israel, IRGC, USA. hindustantimes.com On day one of Trump's much‚Äëtouted naval blockade, Iran‚Äëlinked and Chinese ships reportedly sail through Hormuz, prompting Quds Force chief Esmaeil Qaani to sneer that the US and Israel will "pull out…without any achievement." As Tehran warns all enemy vessels and ports are now fair game, Washington's strategy looks badly exposed.

Noelle Belanger (2026-04-15). Dearborn, Michigan says 'NO' to war. peoplesworld.org DEARBORN, Mich.—The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the recent brutal attacks in Lebanon have been raging on as the everyday cost-of-living crisis continues to also ramp up here at home. As the Trump regime continues to send money and weapons to Israel at the behest of the war economy, the working class in Dearborn and …

Reuters (2026-04-15). Israeli security cabinet to discuss possible Lebanon ceasefire: senior official. scmp.com Israel's security cabinet ‚Å will convene on Wednesday to discuss a possible Lebanon ceasefire, a senior Israeli official has said, more than five weeks into a war with Hezbollah that spiralled out of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet would meet ‚Äåat 8pm local time, the official said.

Leonid Savin (2026-04-15). The War In The Middle East: Religious, Metaphysical, And Spiritual Interpretations. thealtworld.com The aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran has opened the veil of the metaphysical dimension of the conflict — the contours of religious beliefs, more precisely, the clash of metaphysical doctrines and ideas, have clearly emerged in it. And although each side points out that it is right, both in political rhetoric and by appealing to history, the facts and actions clearly indicate that Iran is on the good side. Then Israel and the United States automatically become the forces of evil, although they are unlikely to agree with this interpretation. | At the political level, representatives of…

Carol Yang (2026-04-15). US officials claim China is 'hoarding' oil. What does the data say? scmp.com Though high-level officials in Washington have accused China of undermining global energy security by "hoarding" oil during the US-Israeli war on Iran, import and inventory data suggest Beijing is facing its own supply pressures as the conflict drags on. | US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday labelled China an "unreliable global partner," alleging that Beijing has prioritised stockpiling crude over easing global shortages triggered by the war, according to a Reuters report.

Medea Benjamin, Nicolas J. S. Davies (2026-04-15). How many people have the US and Israel killed in Iran? nationofchange.org Why the real numbers of people killed are almost certainly much higher and why this matters with the conflicting estimates of the death toll in occupied Iraq 20 years ago.

Jared Sacks (2026-04-15). How Zionism's anti-Jewish logic led Israel to bomb an Iranian synagogue. therealnews.com This story originally appeared in The state of Israel and its propaganda machine (officially called "Hasbara", Hebrew for "explanation") has long claimed that Jews across the world are under existential threat from terrorists and antisemites emanating from the Muslim world and their "far-left" allies. This narrative asserts that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran hate Jews simply for being Jews; th…

newarab (2026-04-15). Drone strike hits Iranian Kurds, one killed: exiled group. newarab.com

David Matthau (2026-04-15). 2 special birding events are coming up in New Jersey that are designed for people with reduced mobility. whyy.org

Ed Newman (2026-04-15). Cuba evaluates progress in energy transition and promotes bioenergy projects. radiohc.cu Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel led a meeting on Tuesday, April 14, with experts and scientists to evaluate the progress of the energy transition on the island. The meeting highlighted the results of the joint work between the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the National Group of Universities for Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency (GNUFRE), focused on leveraging available resources and technologies to generate efficient solutions. | The meeting featured presentations of bioenergy projects focused on the production of biogas and biomethane from pig, livestock, and industrial waste. Among the initiat…

David Swanson (2026-04-15). Will Youth Prisons Be Found Only in History Books? Could War Meet the Same Fate? worldbeyondwar.org In the United States in 2000 the number of young people held inside locked buildings was 108,800 and in 2022 it was 27,600. At least two-thirds of youth prisons and jails have been shut down. #WorldBEYONDWar…

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Shehbaz orders action against over-invoicing. tribune.com.pk Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the relevant authorities to immediately take legal action against all individuals involved in the illegal practice of over-invoicing. | Chairing a review meeting regarding Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the prime minister noted with concern that from 2017 to 2022, the illegal practice of over-invoicing continued, and the relevant institutions remained consistently negligent in performing their duties. | He also directed the authorities concerned to identify those responsible for negligence and to accelerate departmental proceedings against them. | During the…

newarab (2026-04-15). Rival of Druze leader Hikmat al-Hiri gunned down in Suweida. newarab.com

Reuters (2026-04-15). Incoming Hungarian leader Magyar vows to suspend state news broadcasts. scmp.com Hungary's election winner Peter Magyar said on Wednesday he will suspend state media news broadcasts, which critics at home and abroad say became a government mouthpiece under Viktor Orban, ‚Äåand restore media freedoms after his cabinet takes power. | Magyar's TISZA (Respect and Freedom) party won a landslide victory in Sunday's election, ending Orban's 16-year rule that became a prototype for "illiberal" conservative rulers across the Western world.

Newswire Editor (2026-04-15). New Report Warns of Growing Debt and Climate Crises in Developing Countries. commondreams.org A

Linda Dayan (2026-04-15). Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah know victory means Can they convince the rest of us? haaretz.com In 'The Future Is Peace,' Maoz Inon, whose parents were killed on October 7, and Aziz Abu Sarah, whose brother died from torture in an Israeli prison, share their pain and their hope of building understanding. In an interview, they explain why they're stance is not naàØve…

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Toxic gas in Balochistan mine kills three. tribune.com.pk Three coal mine workers lost their lives after toxic gas accumulated inside a private coal lease in the Degari area, once again exposing hazardous conditions in Balochistan's mining sector, officials and local sources said on Wednesday. | In the Degari locality of Machh, workers were engaged in underground operations when a sudden release of methane and other toxic gases rapidly filled the confined space, causing immediate unconsciousness and fatal suffocation, according to local accounts. | The deceased workers include Murad Bakhsh, Ali Hassan, and Dilawar Khan.

Newswire Editor (2026-04-15). On Tax Day, Patriotic Millionaires descend upon Capitol Hill urging lawmakers to raise their taxes. commondreams.org Today, standing steps away from the U.S. Capitol, the Patriotic Millionaires, along with Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), Senator Edward Markey (MA), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and countless other organizations, demanded Congress tax the rich in order to defeat the oligarchs and billionaire class and advance a new kind of economy that works for everyone.The "Tax the Rich, Make Life Affordable" rally highlighted efforts to reform the tax code for working people and to unrig our economic system that currently rewards wealth over work. During the press conferen…

Editor (2026-04-15). We Need 'More Muckrakers and Fewer Buck-Takers'. scheerpost.com Mickey Huff for Project Censored Fifty years ago, Carl Jensen founded Project Censored because he knew that journalism was the lifeblood of democracy. He argued that the news media, despite its increasingly corporate and commercial nature, can have a positive influence on the world, especially when it operates ethically and independently in the public interest. He encouraged …

WSWS (2026-04-15). Workers at Cummins turbo components plant in Huddersfield reject insulting pay offer. wsws.org The Unite union received a mandate for strike action at the start of April, but no dates have been confirmed.

Yossi Ben Ari (2026-04-15). Next Mossad chief and teen agent affair: Roman Gofman, prove that you have integrity. haaretz.com The designated Mossad director's involvement in an affair in which an Israeli teen was jailed for espionage after taking part in a military intelligence operation raises serious questions about his character…

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-15). Ukraine robot combat unit says it launched over 100 attacks on Russia's forces. scmp.com A Ukrainian unit said on Wednesday that it has carried out more than 100 attacks on the front using ground robots, after President Volodymyr Zelensky recently hailed the capture of a Russian position thanks to this new method. | "In total, there have already been over 100 such operations," said a source within the NC-13 company, which specialises in the use of these combat machines and is part of Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade.

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Israel appoints first ambassador to Somaliland. aljazeera.com The decision comes months after Israel became the first country to recognise the territory, in a widely condemned move.

Matan Golan (2026-04-15). Police say Israeli soldier arrested on suspicion of killing Palestinian, wounding others. haaretz.com According to the police, the suspect is a settler serving as an IDF reservist and will be held in custody at least until Friday. Since March, 10 Palestinians have been killed in settler attacks across the West Bank…

Thomas Newdick (2026-04-15). Germany Is Now Airdropping Its Tiny Wiesel 'Tankettes'. twz.com

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Cop guarding polio team martyred. tribune.com.pk

WSWS (2026-04-15). Turkish coal miners march to Ankara for their unpaid wages. wsws.org Following the arrest of Independent Miners' Union leader Başaran Aksu, miners have launched their march to the capital.

He Huifeng (2026-04-15). Chinese steelmakers coordinate response to EU's carbon-linked import imposts. scmp.com China's leading steelmakers are stepping up coordinated efforts to adjust export strategies, compliance systems and pricing models in response to this year's full implementation of the EU's tariff-like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes direct carbon-linked costs on imports. | "China's indirect steel exports to the EU are substantial, and a significant portion consists of high value-added products," said Jiang Wei, vice-chairman and secretary general of the China Iron and…

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Peru's ballot count drags on amid frustration with presidential election. aljazeera.com The turbulent election has prompted fraud claims by candidates and frustration with the country's chaotic politics.

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-15). At least 9 dead in Turkey's second school shooting in as many days. scmp.com A 14-year-old armed with five guns opened fire at a Turkish school on Wednesday, killing nine people, wounding 13 and sparking scenes of mayhem as students jumped out of windows to escape. | The attack in the southern province of Kahramanmaras was Turkey's second such incident in as many days, shocking a country where school shootings are a rare occurrence. | Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci confirmed nine deaths, with 13 wounded — six in intensive care, three of them in a critical condition.

Cory Sharber (2026-04-15). Stateside Live! announces grand reopening date with concert series featuring Taking Back Sunday. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Following a name change and a The weekend will serve as the Coors Light Concert Stage, a new 5,000-seat outdoor mus…

Ed Newman (2026-04-15). Russia and China reiterate continued support for Cuba. radiohc.cu The governments of Russia and China expressed this Wednesday in Beijing, the capital of the Asian country, that they will continue their respective support for Cuba. | Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is on a working visit to the Asian nation, also demanded that the United States abandon its policy of colonial warfare. | The Foreign Minister recalled that Moscow sent the first tanker with 100,000 tons of oil to the Caribbean nation and said that it will continue to provide this aid. | He mentioned that, in parallel, China will continue to participate in this support. | Lavrov argued that the U.S. shoul…

Tyler Rogoway (2026-04-15). B-21 Raider Seen From Above For The First Time. twz.com We have just gotten our first full overhead image ever of the

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Power cuts: president urges transparency. tribune.com.pk President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed concern over the weaponisation of water by India by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. | He expressed the views while chairing a meeting on water resources management at Aiwan-e-Sadr. | The meeting reviewed issues related to water availability, governance and regional developments affecting Pakistan's water security. | The president noted that the attempt to use water as a political tool was a matter of serious consequence, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Pakistan's water rights and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and legal measures are pursu…

newarab (2026-04-15). Iranian convict returns home after French detainees Freed. newarab.com

Jamie Hunter (2026-04-15). U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk Tour And Mission Brief With Its Pilots. twz.com

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). Madison: Stand with Noel Quintana and his family! wibailoutpeople.org Donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/help-free-noel-quinta… Noel Quintana, who has been a resident here for decades, was detained by ICE at Chicago O'Hare while returning home from a trip to Mexico. He is being held in Indiana. It is unknown at this time when he may be released. Noel and his wife Ofelia are fantastic people who would …

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Trump doubles down in criticising Pope Leo over Iran. geo.tv This collage shows Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump. — ReutersUS President Donald Trump, whose war and immigration policies have been condemned by Pope Leo, reiterated his criticism of the religious leader on Tuesday night.In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged that…

Dennis Broe (2026-04-15). Spring TV preview: The good, the bad, and the bland. peoplesworld.org The best way to sum up this spring streaming series preview, drawn from this edition's Series Mania, the largest television festival in the world in France's Lille, is to quote that well-known authority on streaming TV Voltaire from Candide. To paraphrase: "How many dramas have you at the festival, sir?" asked Candide. "Fifty-one," replied the …

| Rameez Khan | (2026-04-15). PTI facing a two-pronged challenge. tribune.com.pk The rift between the PTI and the TTAP deepens after the latter declines a formal invitation to participate in an April 19 rally, laying bare internal divisions within the PTI, with rival factions trading accusations of unilateral action and government appeasement. | Party sources and a TTAP office-bearer say Mehmood Khan Achakzai has refused to attend the April 19 rally, citing two concerns: that a rally in K-P would be futile, and that the TTAP was not consulted prior to the announcement. | According to sources, on Tuesday, PTI K-P leader Atif Khan approached TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain initially and…

Guest Blogger (2026-04-15). Solar Power Threatens to Overwhelm Electricity Grid. wattsupwiththat.com Solar power is threatening to overwhelm the UK electricity grid this summer as gluts of supply create a risk of blackouts and leave households and businesses facing being asked to consume excess power. The Telegraph has the story.

WHYY (2026-04-15). The Big Dig Highway Tear Down Tour. whyy.org Every American city is divided by crumbling old highways. Join Ian Coss, host of the "The Big Dig" for a live taping about Philadelphia's own attempts to solve that puzzle.

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Russia ready to help China with energy ahead of Putin's visit, says foreign minister. geo.tv Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, April 15, 2026. — ReutersChina, Russia pledge deeper cooperation, mutual support.Putin expected to visit China in first half of this year.Lavrov says…

Joshua Leifer (2026-04-15). Could crushing defeat be a blueprint for opponents? haaretz.com Péter Magyar's triumph in Hungary offers a glimpse of what Israel's opposition, led by Naftali Bennett — our own Magyar — could deliver by unseating Netanyahu: relief from corruption and populism, but little more than a return to normalcy…

Associated Press (2026-04-15). Sudan enters 4th year of war as 'abandoned crisis' grows. scmp.com Famine. Massacres. And now badly needed food and other supplies are under strain. Sudan on Wednesday enters a fourth year of war that is being called an "abandoned crisis" as a new conflict in the Middle East throws into shadow the fighting that has forced 13 million people to flee their homes. | Sudan has been described as the world's largest humanitarian challenge, notably in terms of displacement and hunger. There is no end in sight to the fighting between the military and the paramilitary…

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). SC orders PIA to pay ex-employee 24-year pension. tribune.com.pk The Supreme Court ordered PIA to pay 24 years' pension and benefits to an employee. | A petition was filed in the Supreme Court by a former PIA employee Mustafa Ansari. A three-member bench led by Justice Shahid Waheed heard the case. | Counsel for the petitioner stated that his client retired in 2002 under a scheme, after which the Sindh High Court ordered the payment of pension and other benefits. The petitioner's lawyer further said that despite the SHC's orders, his client's dues for the past 24 years have not been paid.

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Bayern knock Real Madrid out of Champions League in quarterfinal classic. aljazeera.com Luis Diaz and Michael Olise score late goals in Munich to give Bayern a dramatic 6-4 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Saeed Minhas (2026-04-15). France Is Not Fueling War—It's Redefining Power in the Middle East. thinktank.pk In the increasingly polarized landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, France has adopted a position that defies easy categorization. While debates intensify over Western military support to Israel, Paris is pursuing a quieter, more calibrated strategy—one that prioritizes legal responsibility, strategic autonomy, and long-term diplomatic influence over short-term alignment. The discussion surrounding French arms exports to …

WSWS (2026-04-15). UAW President Shawn Fain unveils "Stand Up Slate" for 2026 election: New label, same bureaucracy. wsws.org Far from representing a break with the corrupt, pro-corporate apparatus, the slate is a merger of the same bureaucratic factions that have spent decades collaborating with management to impose concessions.

Larry Neumeister (2026-04-15). Jury finds that Ticketmaster and Live Nation had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues. whyy.org A jury has found that concert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big concert venues, dealing the company a loss in a lawsuit over claims brought by dozens of U.S. states. | A Manhattan federal jury deliberated for four days before reaching its decision Wednesday in the closely watched case, which gave fans the equivalent of a backstage pass to a business that dominates live entertainment in the U.S. and beyond. | At the end of the proceeding, the judge told lawyers on both sides to meet with one another "and the United States" to provide a joint letter proposing a schedu…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Labour peer George Robertson demands UK welfare spending cull to fund "warfighting readiness" , accusing Treasury of "vandalism" wsws.org "We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget," Robertson said.

Ed Newman (2026-04-15). Colombia prepares to ship solar panels to Cuba. radiohc.cu Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his country is preparing for its first shipment of solar panels to Cuba. | On his X account, the Colombian president also echoed a statement by the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, who referred to the installation of photovoltaic systems donated by the Asian giant to polyclinics and other vital centers in Cuban provinces, amid the energy embargo imposed by the United States. | The Colombian president's message comes on the same day that a plane carrying humanitarian aid departed from the South American nation for Cuba. | Senator Gloria Flórez of the Histori…

Tom Mowle (2026-04-15). The Iraq and the Iran Wars: Parallel Strategic Pathologies. juancole.com Divide, Colorado (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) — Disregard for negative outcomes. | Dismissing the adversary's interests and motives. | Distraction from objectives. | Displays of concern for the president's political future. | The dysfunction of the renewed war in Iran reminds me of what I saw as a strategist in Baghdad in 2004: the same toxic optimism, the same lack of focus, the same partisanship, and the same treatment of others as nonplayer characters that undermined any chance of success in that war. | In fall 2004, I volunteered to leave my teaching duties at the Air Force Academy to work on p…

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-15). UK PM Starmer says 'not going to yield' to Trump's Mideast war threats. scmp.com British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday said he would not "yield" to pressure to join the Iran war after US President Donald Trump threatened to scrap a UK trade deal. | "We're not going to get dragged into this war. It is not our war," Starmer told parliament. | "I'm not going to change my mind. I'm not going to yield. It is not in our national interest to join this war," the Labour leader added.

Noah Hurowitz (2026-04-15). Armed Off-Duty Cop Tried to Incite Violence at a High School Anti-ICE Protest. theintercept.com "My plan is legitimately to just let them all assault me and you guys arrest them all," the Phoenix cop told fellow police after the incident. cop high school ICE

Kate Horgan (2026-04-15). Educating Students On Climate Change Through A New Curriculum. projectcensored.org As climate change continues to shape our planet's future, it is more important than ever for younger generations to understand the implications of this environmental crisis. A news story from the Hechinger Report published by Olivia Sanchez on March 1, 2026, reports on a recent initiative to integrate lessons on…

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). Detroit Solidarity With Cuba! wibailoutpeople.org Detroiters gathered at two events in solidarity with Cuba at a time when the Trump administration is trying to strangle the island nation with a blockade on oil deliveries. Trump has also repeatedly threatened military intervention to overthrow the socialist government of Cuba. On Thursday, April 9 a crowd gathered at the Sheffield Bridge Community …

Megan Cummins (2026-04-15). Mirta Ojito on "Deeper than the Ocean" publicbooks.org "I gave her my love for Spain, and particularly the north of Spain, and particularly the city of Santander. And I gave her my fears. I too, fear the ocean."

Guest Blogger (2026-04-15). UK Economist Says the Quiet Part Out Loud: High Energy Prices are 'Good for the Climate'. wattsupwiththat.com Energy abundance is not a luxury; it is the foundation of modern civilisation. To pretend otherwise is not sophistication. It is civilisational self-harm. And the bill, as always, lands on the people least able to afford the eco-crucifix.

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Massive outages as deficit hits 6,500MW. tribune.com.pk The country faces a worsening electricity crisis, with the overall power shortfall reaching 6,500 megawatts (MW). This leads to prolonged load shedding across multiple regions and growing public frustration. | According to sources, total electricity demand has surged to around 22,000MW, while generation remains limited to 15,400MW. | The energy mix includes 1,500MW from hydropower, 9,250MW from thermal sources, 1,200MW from wind, 2,850MW from nuclear, 400MW from solar, and 200MW from bagasse. | The widening gap between supply and demand has resulted in 8 to 16 hours of load shedding in various parts of the cou…

Rachel Small (2026-04-15). MEDIA RELEASE: As Canadians Struggle with Rising Cost of Living, Civil Society Organizations Denounce Canada's Plans to Lead New DSRB "War Bank" worldbeyondwar.org Today, organizations across sectors are coming together to reject Canada's commitment to profiteering from perpetual war in the guise of economic development. We reject the DSRB war bank. Not in Toronto, not in Canada, not on this planet. #WorldBEYONDWar…

newarab (2026-04-15). Hermes hit as war deters shoppers from Dubai to Paris. newarab.com French luxury group Hermes reported weaker than expected first-quarter sales on Wednesday as the Investors' hopes for luxury demand to recover this year have been dashed by the conflict which has dented Hermes, which carefully controls production and sales to maintain exclusivity, has been the most…

| Hasnaat Malik | (2026-04-15). Unnecessary adjournments strike at heart of justice: SC. tribune.com.pk The Supreme Court has taken strong exception to the increasing trend of lawyers seeking adjournments in cases. | The court has also warned lawyers that adjournments sought without strict compliance with the legal framework and without demonstrable sufficient cause shall invite appropriate consequences, including the imposition of compensatory costs in terms of the Supreme Court Rules. | "Despite the legal framework, repeated reminders, and the settled position that adjournments are granted only upon sufficient cause, the record before the Court demonstrates that these principles are not being followed in pract…

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). Despite Temporary "Ceasefire" Aggression Continues Against Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. wibailoutpeople.org

Chen Maanit (2026-04-15). top court hears petitions to remove Ben-Gvir over alleged police politicization. haaretz.com AG warns of urgent need to halt the far-right minister's harm to civil liberties and democratic order via police interference; outside the supreme court, a Netanyahu minister says 'the time has come for a constitutional crisis,' as Ben-Gvir fires back: 'I was elected to govern'…

newarab (2026-04-15). White House offers no hint of war cost, seeks military funding. newarab.com White House budget director Russell Vought said on Wednesday he could not estimate the "We're not ready to come to you with a request. We're still working on it. We're working through to figure out what's needed," Vought told a hearing of…

Reuters (2026-04-15). Trump posts image of Jesus hugging him amid escalating feud with pope. scmp.com US President Donald Trump posted an image of Jesus embracing him on Wednesday, as a war of words between his administration and the pope showed little sign of abating. | The image, reposted to Trump's Truth Social account, shows Trump with his eyes closed, touching temple-to-temple with a similarly posed Jesus. Trump is standing behind a microphone, and behind him is an American flag. The original post ‚Äåhad a caption that included the words: "God might be playing his Trump card!"

Yana Pevzner (2026-04-15). saved me from depression after October. haaretz.com In a Tel Aviv studio, older women, and now men, use dance to process trauma, reclaim their bodies and challenge the limits of aging…

Reuters (2026-04-15). Pope Leo stresses message of peace and unity despite another Trump attack. scmp.com Pope Leo has said the world needs to hear a message of peace and coexistence, after US President Donald Trump attacked him for a second time this week on social media. | Speaking on Wednesday during his flight from Algeria to Cameroon for the second leg of a whirlwind 10-day ‚ÄåAfrica tour, the first US pontiff urged respect for all people and said his travels so far had shown the importance of pursuing dialogue between different communities.

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Brazil's police open a probe into presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. aljazeera.com Investigation centres on whether Bolsonaro committed defamation by linking Lula to crimes like drug trafficking.

Maria Siow (2026-04-15). In Indonesia, leaked plan for US military overflights triggers sovereignty row. scmp.com A leaked plan to grant the US military sweeping overflight access to Indonesia's airspace has triggered a domestic backlash over concerns that Jakarta is "colluding with the aggressor" amid Washington's war on Iran. | Analysts say the defence document, first reported by New Delhi-based newspaper the Sunday Guardian, raises concerns that President Prabowo Subianto may be trading away Indonesia's strategic independence.

aljazeera (2026-04-15). El Salvador publishes law allowing life sentences for minors as young as 12. aljazeera.com The new sentencing measure comes as President Nayib Bukele oversees a four-year-long state of emergency against crime.

Thomas Newdick (2026-04-15). Army Names Its New MV-75 Tiltrotor Cheyenne II. twz.com

| Khalid Mahmood | (2026-04-15). Three martyred in cross-border shelling. tribune.com.pk Three civilians, including two children, were martyred and three others injured on Wednesday when Afghan Taliban forces carried out unprovoked shelling on locals in a border area of K-P's Bajaur district, according to state media. | The incident marks a renewed episode of cross-border aggression after a gap of over a month, following Pakistan's Operation Ghazab Lil Haq launched in response to earlier unprovoked hostility from the Afghan side. | In a post on X, state broadcaster PTV News said, quoting security sources, that "Indian-backed Afghan Taliban unprovoked aggression on civilian population in the border…

Maximillian Alvarez (2026-04-15). 'The rain was black': A plant explosion set off a toxic bomb in this Louisiana town. therealnews.com On Aug. 22, 2025, the small-town lives of residents living near the Smitty's Supply facility in Roseland, Louisiana, changed forever when an explosion occurred at the automotive lubricant plant. The explosion and ensuing fire, which burned for days, triggered evacuations across the area, blanketing homes and businesses with smoke, soot, and oily residue, while spilling petroleum products from the plant into area waterways, including several adjacent ponds and the Tangipahoa River. While the Environmental Protection Agency claims that the area is safe, according to the agency's own chemical monitoring, resid…

Kate Horgan (2026-04-15). Fewer Vaccine Mandates Result in Fewer Doctor Visits for Kids. projectcensored.org Every year, schools remind families to keep up with their children's vaccines. But according to Sarah Carr for the Hechinger Report, the recent rise in vaccine exemptions means that more and more children are not going to their doctors at all. Vaccine refusers were once a small, fringe group, but…

geo.tv (2026-04-15). China dismisses claims of aiding Iran with satellite intelligence on US bases. geo.tv This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on February 28, 2026, and verified by AFPTV teams in Paris, shows the moment of an Iranian strike on a US base in Bahrain. — AFPFT report says Iran acquired Chinese spy satellite in 2024.Leaked documents suggest IRGC uses…

Robert Yoon (2026-04-15). What to expect in New Jersey's special congressional election. whyy.org Residents of New Jersey's 11th Congressional District will have a representative in Congress for the first time this year after a A Democratic victory in the Democratic-leaning district would further narrow the slim majority Republicans hold in the chamber. | The majo…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Massachusetts postal workers form rank-and-file committee: "USPS is a public service, not a profit-making enterprise" wsws.org "Our mission is to unite postal workers worldwide to build collective power, protect our rights, and improve wages, benefits and working conditions through solidarity, transparency and democratic action to actively counter the efforts of the 1 percent."

WSWS (2026-04-15). Big realtors in New York City demand massive concessions from residential building workers. wsws.org Tens of thousands of residential building workers in the largest American city are prepared to strike against concessions.

Ben Luongo (2026-04-15). 'Starving the Beast' through war: MAGA's class struggle strategy. peoplesworld.org Ronald Reagan's budget director, David Stockman, spoke candidly years ago about why Republicans like tax cuts so much. In his 1986 book, The Triumph of Politics: Why the Reagan Revolution Failed, he confided that tax cuts served the purpose of creating budget deficits that could then be used to justify spending cuts on government programs. Typically, …

GABIK (2026-04-15). Seitlholo raises concern over delays in Meyerton wastewater project. sanews.gov.za Seitlholo raises concern over delays in Meyerton wastewater project | Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, has raised concerns over delays in the completion of the R220 million upgrade of the Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). | Seitlholo raised concerns during an oversight visit to the facility in the Midvaal Local Municipality, within the Sedibeng District Municipality, as part of ongoing efforts to address sanitation challenges. | Tuesday's visit aimed to assess progress on the upgrade and expansion of the project, which resumed in 2017, and to engage with key stakeholders. | He…

WHYY (2026-04-15). The Last Thing He Told Me. whyy.org Nicolaj Coster-Waldau & Judy Greer talk with Patrick Stoner about making the second season of the series as the author was writing the sequel.

newarab (2026-04-15). China plans $2 billion investment in Egypt aluminium complex. newarab.com Chinese industrial group Henan Zhongfu is in talks with the government about investing in a new factory in the Suez Canal Economic Zone in what would be a boost to the country's aluminium industry, the Egyptian government said on Saturday. | The plan was proposed to Prime Minister Mos…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Cancellation of Los Angeles schools strike latest in string of union betrayals. wsws.org The last-minute deal demonstrates the ruling class's extreme sensitivity to and fear of the class struggle and its reliance on the union bureaucracy to suppress it.

Howard Altman (2026-04-15). Trump Downplays Chinese Concerns Over Iran War's Impact On Its Oil Supplies (Updated). twz.com The friction between the U.S. and China over disruption in energy shipments the war with Iran has caused remains a major issue.

Eric Worrall (2026-04-15). Guardian: "The Climate Deniers are In Charge Now" wattsupwiththat.com A Guardian journalist reports back from the Heartland Conference.

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 5:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Trump's NLRB rules against Henry Ford Genesys Hospital nurses as strike enters 8th month. wsws.org The struggle against the hospital's strike-breaking and refusal to address staffing issues requires a fight against management and the Teamsters union bureaucracy, which has isolated and diverted the fight into the dead end of appeals to the NLRB and the Democratic Party in Lansing.

David Rosenberg (2026-04-15). What Israel learn from Hungary. haaretz.com The Hungarian election doesn't offer any hope or insight as to how Bibi Netanyahu will be removed from power in Israel…

Tomdispatch (2026-04-15). The Mental Devastation of Racism: Beyond Public Accommodation. juancole.com

newarab (2026-04-15). Turkey sentences journalist under controversial media law. newarab.com

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 2:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest and local headlines from WHYY.

Associated Press (2026-04-15). US high school principal tackles and disarms gunman as students flee, dramatic video shows. scmp.com Newly released video shows a high school principal in Oklahoma tackling and disarming a former student who entered the lobby of the school and began firing a pistol. | Pauls Valley High School Principal Kirk Moore was shot in the leg during the April 7 attack but managed to wrestle the suspect onto a bench, disarm him and remain on top of him until law enforcement officers arrived, according to court records.

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). SEIU Wisconsin Joining May Day 2026 Events in Madison and Milwaukee! wibailoutpeople.org

Liza Rozovsky (2026-04-15). Israel says France is a positive in Lebanon talks. haaretz.com Israeli ambassador criticized France's role in negotiations after first direct Israel-Lebanon talks in decades…

Joseph Trevithick (2026-04-15). First Look At What A Night Stalker MV-75 Cheyenne Will Look Like. twz.com

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Israel bombs homes in southern Lebanon. aljazeera.com The Israeli army has bombed buildings in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district.

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

mediasanctuary (2026-04-15). Beyond the Brink and Fighting Back Against American catastrophe in the Middle East. mediasanctuary.org The tables have turned. Fifteen years ago journalist Rosemary Armao went to work in Algeria teaching Arabic colleagues about the best practices of America's free press. The lessons were on everything from independence from government officials to newsroom management and critically looking at people in power. Now, newspaper editor Kamal Mansari who learned all those lessons, says it is…sadly… American journalists who need help. Government censorship, punishment of journalists who are critical of the administration, economic woes weakening media outlets and efforts to appease the president are all woes he re…

Javier Perez Jimenez (2026-04-15). Bayern Defeats Real Madrid and Qualifies for the Champions League Semi-finals. radiohc.cu Havana, April 15 (RHC) — Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid four goals to three today to qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. | Real Madrid took the lead in the opening minute with a goal from midfielder Arda Gàºler, who capitalized on a glaring error by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. | The Merengues' advantage was short-lived, as in the sixth minute of the first half, Aleksandar Pavlovic headed the ball into the back of the net, putting his team ahead on aggregate. | The team managed by àÅlvaro Arbeloa regained the lead with Arda Gàºler's second goal of the match, a powerful free…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Union-initiated Australian parliamentary report covers up Labor's university restructuring agenda. wsws.org Another official inquiry makes no mention of Labor's Universities Accord, which is driving the further corporate transformation of Australia's public universities.

DikelediM (2026-04-15). Failing municipalities are choking local economic growth, says President. sanews.gov.za Failing municipalities are choking local economic growth, says President | President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent reforms to unlock local economies, warning that poor governance at municipal level is undermining service delivery and stifling economic growth. | Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit at the Birchwood Conference Centre on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said persistent failures in local government are directly affecting economic opportunity. | "The Auditor-General's report on local government highlights persistent weaknesses that directly…

Cameron Harrison (2026-04-15). Workers at Axalta Coating Systems fight to resurrect their union. peoplesworld.org MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich.—With a high-stakes union election set to close Wednesday night, over 350 workers at the Axalta Coating Systems plant are organizing and fighting to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) in a vote that could reshape one of the nation's largest automotive paint suppliers. The workers, who once had union representation when the …

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Could the EU's alliance with Israel soon change? aljazeera.com A European Union petition is on track to trigger a formal review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Kenny Cooper (2026-04-15). Crozer-Chester's new owner wants to 'rightsize.' What does that mean — and how long will it take? whyy.org From Delco to Chesco and Montco to Bucks, what about life in Philly's suburbs do you want WHYY News to cover? Chariot Allaire Partners, the new owner of the Crozer-Chester Medical Center property, said it wants to "rightsize" the inpatient hospital to a tenth of its current size, find an established operator and reopen the 64-acre campus in Upland in a phased approach. | "We're entering into a study process with two and hopefully three of the major academic medical centers of the region, which will be about 60 to 90 days, and hopefully at the end of that period, we're going…

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Law firms helping migrants pose as gay to get asylum in UK: report. geo.tv This representational image shows commuters cross London Bridge, in London, Britain, January 13, 2025. — Reuters LONDON: A BBC undercover investigation has alleged that a network of immigration advisers, paralegals and associated intermediaries has been helping migrants…

Michael Hauser Tov (2026-04-15). Secret IDF report contradicts incoming Mossad chief on teen arrest. haaretz.com Handler says he reported the arrest in real time; senior IDF official says Roman Gofman was aware of details of the affair and that his conduct reflects 'a grave failure of command'…

Guest Blogger (2026-04-15). Mike Lee Takes On 'Valley Of Death' Plaguing Nuclear Energy Developers. wattsupwiththat.com the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad created by Lee's legislation "meaningfully expands opportunities for private companies to demonstrate their technologies in partnership with the [DOE]."

Javier Perez Jimenez (2026-04-15). Barcelona out of Champions League. radiohc.cu Havana, April 15 (RHC) — Atletico Madrid lost 1-2 to Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, but their 2-0 first-leg victory secured their place in the semi-finals. | Lamine Yamal in the fourth minute and Ferran Torres (24) leveled the tie for Barcelona in less than half an hour, but Nigerian Ademola Lookman pulled one back in the 31st minute to give Atlético Madrid the advantage and a place in the next round at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. | The visitors withstood Barcelona's pressure and, although they lost at home, they held onto their first-leg advantage to advance to…

Ashley Macchi (2026-04-15). Africa's forests no longer help fight climate change, shift to net carbon source. nationofchange.org Data published in the journal Scientific Reports reveals that this "safety net" has diminished.

aljazeera (2026-04-15). US jury finds Ticketmaster and Live Nation had anticompetitive monopoly. aljazeera.com The verdict could cost Live Nation and Ticketmaster hundreds of millions of dollars.

| Web Desk | (2026-04-15). China's foreign trade posts strongest start in five years. tribune.com.pk China's foreign trade surged to a record high in the first quarter of 2026, signalling renewed momentum in the world's second-largest economy despite a turbulent global backdrop marked by geopolitical tensions and slowing demand. | Official data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) showed that total imports and exports reached 11.84 trillion yuan ($1.63 trillion) in the January-March period, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. This is the first time China's first-quarter trade has exceeded the 11 trillion yuan mark, while the growth rate is the fastest in nearly five years. | According to X…

newarab (2026-04-15). Kanye West postpones France concert after minister's block call. newarab.com

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Opp slams govt over rising inflation. tribune.com.pk Leaders of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the government's economic management, accusing it of benefiting "mafias" through fuel pricing and failing to provide relief to the public. | Addressing a news conference, Salman Akram Raja said the country was facing "extremely grave" economic conditions, questioning what he termed the "Form 47 government" is doing to ease public hardship. He said the common man, particularly the poor, was struggling to make ends meet, adding that it was the opposition's duty to present the truth before the people. | Raja said that…

aljazeera (2026-04-15). Could the US oil blockade snuff out the Cuban cigar? aljazeera.com Since January, the Trump administration has blocked foreign oil to Cuba. Will the island's cigars survive the crisis?>

Sam Carliner (2026-04-15). Trump's extreme use of military is stirring a crisis of conscience among troops. therealnews.com This article was originally published by As President Donald Trump increasingly uses the U.S. military to carry out his agenda through brute force, organizations that provide counseling services for U.S. servicemembers are reporting growing numbers of calls. These calls…

Mark J Willière (2026-04-15). Is Europe's Tariff Surge a Direct Challenge to China's Dominance? thinktank.pk The decision by the European Union to double steel tariffs to 50% is not just a technical trade adjustment—it is a calculated geopolitical response aimed at reshaping global industrial power. Beneath the surface of economic justification lies a deeper strategic objective: reducing China's overwhelming influence over the global steel market and, by extension, its leverage …

| reuters | (2026-04-15). Trump claims he asked Xi not to arm Iran. tribune.com.pk Donald Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter not to give Iran weapons, and Xi responded that China was not supplying Tehran, the US president told Fox Business Network in an interview that aired on Wednesday. | Trump, in the interview taped on Tuesday, did not say when the letters were exchanged. Last week, he threatened countries with an immediate 50% tariff if they supplied Iran with weapons. | "I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying that, essentially, he's not doing that," Trump told FBN's "Mornings with Maria" program. | He also said he did not expect…

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Dubai's Burj Al Arab to close for 18 months for major restoration. geo.tv An undated image of Burj Al Arab. — Instagram@Jumeirah

Bloomberg (2026-04-15). Trump threatens to fire Fed chair Powell if he doesn't step down 'in time'. scmp.com US President Donald Trump has said he will fire Jerome Powell if the Federal Reserve chair does not step down "in time", adding that he will not drop the Justice Department investigation into the central bank leader. | "I'll have to fire him, OK, if he's not leaving on time. I've held back firing him. I've wanted to fire him, but I hate to be controversial," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business.

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 11:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest and local headlines from WHYY.

| afp | (2026-04-15). Pakistan seeks end to veto power. tribune.com.pk Reaffirming its consistent policy, Pakistan has called for the abolition or severe restriction of the veto power and strongly opposed any expansion of permanent membership in the UN Security Council. | Speaking in a resumed session of the long-running Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) aimed at reforming the 15-member Council, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that Islamabad stands for broadening non-permanent seats to counter balance the veto's blocking power. | "Increased number of elected members will tilt the balance away from the permanent members," he…

Doug Bock Clark, Jen Fifield (2026-04-15). Inside Trump's effort to "take over" the midterm elections. peoplesworld.org In mid-December 2020, federal officials responsible for protecting American elections from fraud converged in a windowless, dim, fortified room at the Justice Department's downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. They had been summoned by Attorney General William Barr. Over the preceding weeks, Donald Trump's claims that the presidential election had been stolen from him had reached a crescendo. He'd …

Guest Blogger (2026-04-15). How Do We Turn the Sun Off? wattsupwiththat.com A truly independent grid operator would surely be ringing the alarm bells now over the looming catastrophe facing us.

Editor (2026-04-15). Caught in the Crackdown: As Arrests at Anti-ICE Protests Piled Up, Prosecutions Crumbled. scheerpost.com A.C. Thompson, for ProPublica and FRONTLINE, and Gabrielle Schonder, FRONTLINE Co-published with FRONTLINE A squad of federal agents moved in flinging flash-bang grenades — explosives designed to disorient — into a small home before storming inside. They'd come for Alejandro Orellana, a Marine Corps veteran and UPS employee accused of being a central figure in a secret confederacy …

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Death toll from Türkiye school shooting rises to nine: minister. geo.tv This handout photograph taken and released on April 15, 2026 by Turkish news agency DHA shows first aid officers ambulances parking next to a school in Kahramanmaras, southern Türkiye. — AFPThose killed included a teacher and three students: governor. Minister says immediate…

Thomas Newdick (2026-04-15). CH-47 Chinook Air-Launching Swarms Of Drones Touted As Future Feature. twz.com With orders for the twin-rotor helicopter still rolling in, Boeing has provided details on its future plans for the venerable At the Army Aviation Association of America's Army Aviation Warfighting Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, today, Boeing released a computer-generated promotional video showing launched effec…

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 4:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

WSWS (2026-04-15). IMF warns of major downturn in global growth. wsws.org Under what it called a "severe scenario" the IMF said global growth could fall to as low as 2 percent close to the development of a world recession.

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). Campus harassment fears alarm Senate panel. tribune.com.pk The Senate Functional Committee on Devolution expressed serious concern over the rise in sexual harassment cases in the country's higher educational institutions. | In its meeting on Wednesday, some committee members referred to the case of Fahmida Laghari, a medical student who allegedly took her own life after being repeatedly harassed by a teacher and called for effective measures to stop such incidents. | The committee chairman, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, noted that Fahmida Laghari, a student at Muhammad Medical College in Mirpurkhas, had not reported the harassment and was driven to an extreme step.

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). Baraboo, WI, May Day 2026 Protest: Workers Over Billionaires! wibailoutpeople.org Baraboo May Day 2026 Protest: Workers Over Billionaires Friday, May 1, 2026, 10 am — 12 pm Sidewalk in front of the Campbell Park Pool, 320 South Blvd, Baraboo, WI When the billionaires break every rule, we know it's going to take more than a protest to stop them. Join us on May Day to …

Gabriela Bernal (2026-04-15). Why North Korea is rekindling China relations. scmp.com Having invested significant diplomatic capital into ties with Russia in recent years, North Korea now seems to be pivoting back to China. Leader Kim Jong-un said his country places "the greatest value" on improving ties with Beijing. | This shift came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to North Korea last week, where he met Kim and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

| News Desk | (2026-04-15). Indian national booked for assault on flight. tribune.com.pk An Indian national was charged with the alleged sexual assault of a woman on a Perth-bound flight, Australian media reported on Wednesday. | The 52-year-old man, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Western Australia Police, committed "non-consensual sexual acts" on a woman seated next to him on the flight on Monday, which was headed from Singapore to Perth, News.com.au reported. | According to the Australian Federal Police, the woman was moved to another seat after she complained to staff. At the same time, the suspect was monitored throughout the flight, the report said, adding that the s…

newarab (2026-04-15). Kuwaiti faces UK court over bid to attack Israeli embassy. newarab.com A Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 34, of no fixed address, has denied one count of "preparation of terrorist acts" and two counts of possessing knives in a public place. | He was detained in April 2025 by two police officers moments after an "almost successful" attempt to scale the fence at the Israeli embassy…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Whistleblower who exposed Australia's war crimes in Afghanistan still behind bars. wsws.org David McBride remains the only person convicted and jailed for Australia's war crimes in Afghanistan, not for committing them but for exposing them.

Javier Perez Jimenez (2026-04-15). Cuba Debuts with a Victory in Water Polo Qualifier. radiohc.cu Havana, April 15 (RHC) — The Cuban women's national water polo team got off to a strong start in the qualifying tournament for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, defeating host nation Colombia 14-11 at the Hernando Botero O'Byrne Olympic Pool in Cali. | The match was intense from the first quarter, with the lead changing hands several times and both teams displaying highly effective offense. | The Cubans relied on the scoring prowess of their leader, the experienced Mairelis Zunzunegui Morgan, who netted four goals, and the versatility of Caridad Indiaskys Suárez, who added three go…

WSWS (2026-04-15). Union bureaucrats, Democrats cancel strike of 77,000 Los Angeles educators. wsws.org What took place was not a genuine negotiation but an operation to stop a strike that threatened the union bureaucracy and the Democratic Party.

NEO (2026-04-15). President Ramaphosa undertakes Working Visit to Spain. sanews.gov.za President Ramaphosa undertakes Working Visit to Spain | President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Spain on Wednesday night. ⚪ "His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa is this evening undertaking a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain, where the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe VI, and a bilateral engagement with the President of the Government of Spain, His Excellency Dr Pedro Sánchez," the Presidency said on Wednesday night. ⚪ In his weekly newsletter, which reflected on the recently concluded sixth South Africa Investment Conference, Pres…

newarab (2026-04-15). Top Israel court hears petitions to oust far-right minister. newarab.com

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-15). EU unveils age-check app amid efforts to better protect children online. scmp.com European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that an EU-developed age-verification app was ready to go, as the bloc pushes to better protect children from online harm. | Brussels has been under pressure to come up with more stringent measures to safeguard children online as several EU capitals move ahead with plans to ban social media under a certain age.

newarab (2026-04-15). Lebanon ceasefire 'imminent' as Pakistan army chief visits Iran. newarab.com

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). PML-N gears up for G-B elections. tribune.com.pk A high-level delegation of the PML-N from Gilgit-Baltistan met with Federal Ministers Rana Sanaullah Khan and Engr Amir Muqam on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the upcoming general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. | The meeting held detailed consultations on the overall political situation, organizational matters, and future electoral strategy in Gilgit-Baltistan, said a press release. | It was agreed to field strong, capable, and popular candidates in all constituencies, while accelerating and streamlining the election campaign. The participants also agreed on expanding public outreach efforts.

Sophia Schmidt (2026-04-15). Goats, salamanders and ziplines: Your guide to free Earth Week events in Philly. whyy.org This story is part of the From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover?
| Earth Week is right around the corner, and organizations across Philadelphia are planning events and celebrations. | There are plenty of free opportunities to learn about nature, get active outside and make your community cleaner and greener. | Voluntee…

Allison Kaplan Sommer (2026-04-15). cautious High Court confronts a minister threatening to rip it apart. haaretz.com The High Court hearing on petitions to remove National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir descended into disruptions and threats rooted in Greek mythology — and a battle over the court's authority that the justices seemed reluctant to fight…

Agence France-Presse (2026-04-15). Ticketmaster owner Live Nation ran illegal monopoly, US jury finds. scmp.com A US jury on Wednesday found that entertainment giant Live Nation wielded monopoly power at its Ticketmaster business, violating federal and state antitrust laws, according to California's attorney general. | A verdict that could have profound repercussions in the concert world came after four days of deliberations, and remedies could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

United World International (2026-04-15). Vietnam's Energy Diplomacy. unitedworldint.com A Missing Pillar in Mekong Sustainability Strategy By Mehmet Enes Be≈üer Southeast Asia's most lifeblood river, the Mekong, is being confronted with increasingly intense ecological and geopolitical stresses. Hydropower dams, especially on the upper Mekong, have controlled its flow, disturbed ecosystems, and compromised the food and water security of millions. Vietnam, located at the river's …

| Our Correspondent | (2026-04-15). First Hajj flight from Islamabad on April 19. tribune.com.pk The 'sacred journey' to the Hijaz-e-Muqaddas is set to formally commence from the federal capital on April 19, with the first Hajj flight departing from Islamabad International Airport. | While the nationwide flight operation begins on April 18, Sunday (April 19) marks a significant milestone for Islamabad, where thousands of pilgrims will embark on their journey through a unique and digitized travel experience. | According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a special ceremony will be held at the airport to bid farewell to the first contingent.

David Sirota (2026-04-15). Tax Day Could Be Easy. They're Fighting To Make It Hard. levernews.com

Newswire Editor (2026-04-15). Bipartisan Privacy Champions Slow Johnson's Roll to Renew FISA. commondreams.org Today, the

Guest Blogger (2026-04-15). America's nuclear comeback is finally here. wattsupwiththat.com Instead of burying or warehousing used fuel, new processes can safely convert it into usable material for modern reactors.

David Matthau (2026-04-15). New Jersey casino workers call on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to support their demand to ban smoking in Atlantic City gaming halls. whyy.org

Joseph Trevithick (2026-04-15). Hunting Drones From Sloppy Airstrips Is General Atomics' Future Vision For Mojave. twz.com General Atomics is calling attention to a new mission for its A M…

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 7:00 p.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

WHYY (2026-04-15). WHYY Newscast for Wednesday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…

hindustantimes (2026-04-15). Turkey fumes at 'fake' UK report: Was Erdogan 'misquoted' or West already aware of new Mid-East war. hindustantimes.com A major media controversy has erupted after The Telegraph deleted a report claiming Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to invade Israel. Ankara swiftly pushed back, calling the report "entirely unfounded" and accusing it of spreading narratives that could destabilize the region. The controversy deepened after outlets like The Jerusalem Post picked up the story before it was retracted, amplifying its reach.

| Shahbaz Rana | (2026-04-15). Saudi largesse plugs Pakistan's sudden reserve hole. tribune.com.pk As Saudi Arabia extended a $3 billion new loan to fill a sudden hole in reserves, the government has decided to request the International Monetary Fund to increase the size of the current $7 billion bailout package to offset the impact of the Middle East war on the economy. | Official sources told The Express Tribune that the deliberations have taken place in the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Finance to enhance the size of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, which is ending in September next year. With the approval of the $1 billion fourth tranche next month, Pakistan has so far availed $4 bil…

Ed Newman (2026-04-15). Air shipment of solidarity aid arrives in Cuba from Colombia. radiohc.cu On the morning of Wednesday, April 15, a plane landed in Cuba from the Military Air Transport Command (CATAM) base located in Bogotá, Colombia, carrying a shipment of solidarity aid. | The shipment, sent to alleviate the shortages faced by the island's population due to the US blockade, consists of food, medicine, and essential medical supplies for the well-being of the Cuban people. | Medical supplies and food were donated by various social organizations, the Colombian government, and solidarity centers. | The shipment of these supplies was facilitated through a joint effort between the Colombian government, var…

WiBOPM (2026-04-15). HAMM JOURNEYS TO HISTORIC SITE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING ASSASSINATION ON 58TH ANNIVERSARY. wibailoutpeople.org THE PEOPLE'S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS (POP) PO BOX 22505 NEWARK, NJ 07101 973 801-0001 www.njpop.org CONTACT: LAWRENCE HAMM APRIL 7, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE HAMM JOURNEYS TO HISTORIC SITE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING ASSASSINATION ON 58TH ANNIVERSARY People's Organization For Progress chairman Lawrence Hamm visited the site where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was …

geo.tv (2026-04-15). Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases across Middle East, reports FT. geo.tv Military vehicles of US soldiers are seen at the al-Asad air base in Anbar province, Iraq, January 13, 2020. — Reuters Iran military directed satellite to monitor US military sites: FT.Images taken before and after strikes on those locations: report.'IRGC received access to…

Kandida Purnell (2026-04-15). Contested Body Counts, Visibility and the (Necro)Politics of America's War in Iran. fairobserver.com Over the Easter weekend, news of a missing American aircrew member dominated headlines after a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Good Friday. Just hours earlier, Novara Media reported that the US was "hiding the true extent" of its military casualties in the Iran war, presenting this as a problem of transparency….

DikelediM (2026-04-15). Roelf Meyer appointed US ambassador. sanews.gov.za Roelf Meyer appointed US ambassador | President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as South Africa's Ambassador to the United States, describing him as a seasoned and capable envoy suited to strengthening bilateral relations. | The President confirmed the appointment on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development (LED) Summit in Boksburg on Wednesday. | "Roelf Meyer is a South African, a very loyal and patriotic South African, who has distinguished himself in a number of areas where he has worked. And yes, he did lead the National Party negotiating team, together with myself. | "He was a Cabi…

Barbara Gomez (2026-04-15). Llaman en Cuba a aprovechar las fuentes renovables de energía. radiohc.cu Medios cubanos resaltan hoy un llamado de autoridades a aprovechar todas las fuentes renovables de energía y de esta manera enfrentar las dificultades económicas del país. | El periódico Granma en su edición digital de este miércoles refleja esta convocatoria como resultado del trabajo conjunto entre universidades del país y el Ministerio de Energía y Minas. | Dicho reclamo busca aprovechar recursos y tecnologías disponibles para la generación de energías a partir de las fuentes renovables, y fue un debate en un encuentro de expertos y científicos con el Primer Secretario del Comité Central del Partido Comunista…

mediasanctuary (2026-04-15). Lawmakers, enviros push back against Hochul's climate cuts (partt 1). mediasanctuary.org On April 14, state lawmakers and environmental groups held a news conference to push back against Governor Hochul's push to slash the state's climate law. In part one of our coverage, we hear from Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the En Con Committee; Stephen Edel of NY Renews; Senator Rachel May; and Assemblymember JoAnn Simone. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Robert S. Becker (2026-04-15). The deaf, dumb and blind cult still dazzled by the nastiest, most naked 'emperor' ever. nationofchange.org How mortifying: one crude, ham-fisted con artist, swelled by arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity, is all it took to topple this "naked" beacon of democracy. Figure even worse with a Putin in charge.

Barbara Gomez (2026-04-15). Primeros pronósticos ciclónicos de 2026. radiohc.cu Como ya habíamos mencionado en la entrega anterior, una de las características del mes de abril, que aunque relacionada con la meteorología no podemos decir que es meteorológica: es el momento en que se empiezan a emitir los resultados de los análisis acerca de la venidera temporada ciclónica. | La Universidad del estado de Colorado (CSU en inglés) es quizás el centro emisor de este tipo de pronósticos más seguido en el área. Fueron los pioneros en este tipo de predicciones y cuentan con gran reputación en el análisis y pronósticos de las temporadas ciclónicas. | Como cada mes de abril, ante la espectativa habitu…

Martha Rios (2026-04-15). Trabajadores cubanos se alistan para celebrar el Primero de Mayo. radiohc.cu Sindicalistas y representantes de organismos e instituciones de la oriental provincia de Santiago de Cuba se reunieron este miércoles en plenaria, para proyectar acciones rumbo a la celebración del Día Internacional de los Trabajadores, bajo el lema "La Patria se defiende". | La cita, que devino tribuna de reafirmación revolucionaria y denuncia al bloqueo y la política injerencista del Gobierno de Estados Unidos, estuvo encabezada por la primera secretaria del Comité Provincial del Partido, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia; y el secretario general de la Central de Trabajadores de Cuba en el territorio, Orlando Beltrán.

Barbara Gomez (2026-04-15). Continúa enfrentamiento a incendios forestales en Pinar del Río. radiohc.cu Fuerzas del Cuerpo de Guardabosques de Pinar del Río y del sistema de la Agricultura siguen el enfrentamiento a dos incendios forestales en la occidental provincia, de cara a su control. | El mayor de ellos, originado el viernes en la zona La Lanza, en el municipio de Minas de Matahambre, ya ha afectado unas 540 hectáreas (ha) de bosques, dijo a la Agencia Cubana de Noticias Rubén Guerra Corrales, jefe de gestión y manejo del fuego en el Fuerzas del Cuerpo de Guardabosques -CGB. | En el área se mantienen alrededor de 160 efectivos forestales y guardabosques de Minas de Matahambre, Mantua y Viñales; así como de la…

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