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Iran tightens control of Hormuz after US calls off renewed attacks
WASHINGTON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD, April 23 (Reuters) - Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz as it tightened its grip on the strategic waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was indefinitely calling off attacks, with no sign of peace talks restarting.
Reza Pahlavi declined invitation to address members of the EU parliament
Last week, Reza Pahlavi (pictured) addressed the Riksdag, Sweden’s Parliament in Stockholm where he was invited by the Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats. There he strongly criticized Europe. "When I look at Europe, I see ambivalence and a continued inability to see the
Sellers in China trade hub Guangdong seek tariff reprieve from Trump visit
Factories in Guangdong province have borne the brunt of Mr Trump’s mercurial policies and a blistering trade war.
5 takeaways from first major California governor's debate after Swalwell exit
Six candidates running for California governor squared off on the debate stage Wednesday, yet the forum may have created more questions than answers for politcal observers, as Democrats struggle to coalesce around a candidate ahead of the June primary The debate came just weeks
Flights delayed at Japan’s Haneda airport after international check-in system glitch
This comes just two days after the airport suffered a glitch in its air traffic control system.
Africa: 6 African Thinkers Who Help Us Understand the World - New Book
[The Conversation Africa] Who counts as an intellectual? In many traditions, the figure of the intellectual is tied to the search for truth, social critique and public engagement. From the Dreyfus Affair (a political scandal in 1894 in France that mobilised writers and thinkers
China's Xpeng expects to start delivering 'flying' cars in 2027
The Chinese electric vehicle maker has received more than 7,000 orders for its flying cars, the majority of which are in China.
‘Cut fossil fuel industry’s lifeline’: How subsidies and petrochemicals are propping up oil and gas
Experts on the major wins they want to see from the Santa Marta fossil fuel phaseout conference.
Fury as Indonesian court dismisses 1998 mass rape lawsuit
Rights groups called the ruling a major step backward that further perpetuates impunity.
Chinese EV maker Xpeng expects to start delivering ‘flying’ cars in 2027
It also expects to start large-scale production of its humanoid robots in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Thailand moves to end 60-day visa-free stays to screen out unwanted visitors
Thailand is seeking to shift its tourism strategy towards higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
Japan mulls social media age limits as global curbs spread
In Japan, teenagers spent nearly 70 minutes a day on social media on weekdays, almost double the overall national average.
Another American quagmire at Hormuz
There is a certain grim symmetry to watching Washington, in the spring of 2026, once again flailing about in the Persian Gulf — blockading Iranian ports, rattling sabers over a strait it cannot fully control and dispatching delegations to Islamabad in search of a diplomatic
Diplomacy stalls as Iran fires on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and US maintains blockade
Diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States appear to stall, with Tehran rejecting the premise of talks until Washington lifts its naval blockade of its ports. The international community has urged all parties to de-escalate and engage with diplomatic efforts to bring
Use of toxic Pfas in consumer goods must be urgently restricted, MPs say
Commons committee heard from residents of Yorkshire town with the highest levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in UK On 15 January, members of the House of Commons environmental audit committee (EAC) visited Bentham, the North Yorkshire town that has the highest levels of Pfas
One ship, three deaths: the shocking truth behind working conditions on a Chinese trawler
Damning testimony from the crew of one tuna-fishing vessel has lifted the lid on the treatment of workers in the fleets supplying fish to the UK and EU Abdul was the first to fall sick, in February 2025, four months into his first ever stint on a longline tuna fishing vessel in
Katie Couric on Media’s ‘Capitulation’ to Trump: ‘A Good Old-Fashioned Shakedown’
The former CBS Evening News anchor called her former network's $16 million settlement with Trump "deplorable"
Why China’s support for Iran has limits
Beijing showed little support for Tehran's defence besides criticising the attacks.
Three GOP senators break with leaders over addressing insurance companies’ denial of medical care
Three Republican senators broke with the rest of the Senate GOP conference Wednesday night to vote in support of an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) to address insurance companies delaying or denying necessary medical care. Vulnerable Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Negeri Sembilan’s royal dispute deepens as dissenters’ seats lay empty at state assembly
The state’s Malay ruler stressed that their absence would not affect the legality of the state assembly sitting.
Lena Dunham Says She Has the ‘Plot Line in My Brain’ For a ‘Girls’ Movie: ‘I Would Love to Do it’
Lena Dunham recently told SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy” that she has an idea for a “Girls” movie. She also shared that she made a group chat with the original cast, in which they’ve discussed reuniting when the hit HBO drama is “appropriately missed.” “I would love to do it, and I
Collins, Sullivan break with Senate GOP leaders on amendment to reverse SNAP cuts
Senate Republicans on Wednesday defeated an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) to create a reserve fund to lower grocery costs and reverse an estimated $187 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enacted by last year’s One Big Beautiful
New York City council member arrested during eviction protest
New York City Council member Chi Ossé (D) was arrested on Wednesday during a protest to stop a city resident from being evicted from her home. Ossé was later released, telling reporters outside the New York City Police Department's 79th Precinct that three men "manhandled" him,
‘Dancing in their hands’: Japan wig masters set stage alive
A fresh wig is crafted for each kabuki performance and customised for each actor.
Trump gave Iran a reprieve, but negotiations still hang in the balance
Trump's pause may ease immediate pressure, but deep divisions within Iran's leadership – and its belief it can outlast U.S. pressure – could still derail any diplomatic progress
South Korea’s air force apologises after audit blames 2021 jet collision on mid-air selfies
SEOUL, April 23 - South Korea's air force apologised on Thursday for a 2021 mid-air collision involving two fighter jets, a day after auditors said pilots were taking selfies and filming during the flight and held them responsible for the accident.
Stocks sink and oil rises with Iran, US no closer to peace talks
Asian stocks fell and oil prices rose Thursday as the United States and Iran appeared no closer to holding fresh peace talks and Tehran continued to refuse to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Hopes that the two would meet for a second round of negotiations in Pakistan have
‘Beaches’ Broadway Review: Soulless and Uninspired Musical Remake of Beloved Film Washes Ashore
Audiences going to the musical “Beaches” are likely to know what to expect: the story of a decades-long, female friendship with plenty of schmaltz, some sass, and a mega-hit song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” The musical, which began its development a dozen years ago — and most
As more ASEAN states turn to Russia for fuel, will Moscow boost its influence in the region?
Asian countries have been especially affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Two Republicans break with party as GOP defeats budget amendment to lower health care costs
Senate Republicans on Wednesday voted against an amendment sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to create a point of order against any future budget reconciliation bill that doesn’t lower out-of-pocket health care costs for Americans. Schumer offered a
Malaysian TikTok creator arrested for wearing police gear in viral video
The incident involves a video believed to be recorded for online content.
Ex-Jakarta agency head faces charges in deadly landfill collapse
The environment agency had failed to comply with administrative sanctions imposed since late 2024.
LA mayor says she had 'positive discussion' with Trump on FEMA help for wildfire recovery
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) on Wednesday said she had a "positive discussion" with President Trump at the White House about Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for areas of the city still recovering from last year's devastating Palisades and Eaton
Over 1,000 people urged to evacuate as wildfires rage in north-eastern Japan
The local weather observatory had warned of dry air and strong winds in Otsuchi.
US intercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, sources say
At least three Iranian-flagged tankers have been redirected from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said.
‘Dungeon Masters’ Host Jasmine Bhullar on Running D&D Without Licensing Restraints for New Actual-Play Show: ‘We Can Call Everything By Its Right Name’
Wizards of the Coast debuted the first two episodes of its new actual-play series, “Dungeon Masters,” Wednesday on YouTube, adding an officially licensed offering to the growing lineup of “Dungeons & Dragons”-inspired gameplay shows on the market. Run by “DesiQuest” and
A longer Iran conflict could boost risk for Ukraine securing missile defences, Zelenskiy says
April 23 (Reuters) - Ukraine could face increased risks in securing U.S. anti-missile defences if the war in Iran goes on for an extended period of time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday. Zelenskiy, interviewed by CNN, said Ukraine received limited
Taiwan minister makes rare visit to South China Sea island for drills
It is the first time in seven years a minister had visited the island, which is also claimed by China.
North Korea, Russia aim to open new road bridge soon, KCNA says
The 850m bridge will connect to Russia’s highway system.
Lufthansa slashes 20K flights to save jet fuel as Iran war drives up oil prices
The Lufthansa Group said the cancellation of less profitable routes would save the equivalent of approximately 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel.
Leah Kateb Says Tobey Maguire is ‘The Best Spider-Man’ at Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit: ‘I Don’t Care What Anyone Says’
Leah Kateb’s fans include millions of “Love Island USA” viewers — and Tobey Maguire. During a panel at Variety’s Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte, the reality TV star said that she met the actor, who told her he was a “really big fan.” “I was like, ‘This is
Warner Bros. Pictures’ Pam Abdy on ‘Weapons’ Prequel Status, Prepping ‘Practical Magic 2’ Merch and Animated Movies
Since Warner Bros. Pictures debuted the teaser trailer for “Practical Magic 2” on Monday, the video has racked up nearly 11 million views from fans — and several calls from marketing teams looking to work some magic of their own. “We just dropped the trailer this week and we’re
D&D’s new actual play show borrows a clever horror mechanic from Dark Dice
Dungeon Masters' DM Jasmine Bhullar is making long rest harder for her players, but it's nothing compared to the house rules in Dark Dice.
Jimmy Fallon Crashes ‘Survivor’ 50: Christian Hubicki Breaks Down Massive Twist, Shares His Message to Mike White After That Blindsiding (EXCLUSIVE)
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers from “I Deserve All of This,” the ninth episode of “Survivor” Season 50. It’s safe to say that “Survivor” player Christian Hubicki won’t be watching “The Tonight Show” anytime soon. Christian, who first competed in Season 37,
Japan’s ANA to introduce fuel surcharge to domestic flights amid rising costs
Japan Airlines is also set to introduce fuel surcharges to domestic flights in 2027.
Jason Derulo Trial Begins: Producer Claims Singer Cut Him Out of ‘Savage Love’ Credit
Jurors heard opening statements at a trial pitting Derulo against a guitarist-producer who claims he wrote the “critical pre-hook section” of the chart-topping song