In other news

Northern China is bracing for extreme winds up to 150 kph (levels 11–13 on China’s scale) from Friday to Sunday, prompting Beijing’s first orange gale alert in a decade. Authorities have urged millions to stay indoors, suspended classes, outdoor events, construction, and some train services, and closed parks and tourist sites. Temperatures in Beijing could drop by 13C in 24 hours. Thousands of trees have been reinforced, and a forest fire alert has been issued. The winds, driven by a cold vortex from Mongolia, are expected to weaken Sunday night; social media in China has mixed warnings with humor about the disruption.

A ceiling collapse at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub killed at least 221 people during a merengue concert by Rubby Pérez, who was among the dead. Survivor Carwin Javier Molleja, celebrating a reunion with his mother after three years, described “total chaos” as debris fell, screams erupted, and they narrowly escaped with head injuries. He repeatedly re-entered the club to search for his friend Jessica, later found dead with her sister. Molleja lamented the lack of heavy machinery on site in the immediate aftermath and expressed anguish at being unable to help. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the scale of the disaster overwhelmed the scene.

Donald Trump signed an order directing the energy secretary to roll back Obama-era rules that capped the total water flow of multi-nozzle showerheads at 2.5 gallons per minute. The White House framed the move as ending a “war on water pressure,” arguing consumers should choose their showerheads without federal limits. Critics, including conservation groups, say the change is wasteful and undermines long-standing efficiency standards that save water, energy, and money. The order seeks a return to the 1992 law’s original definition of “showerhead,” allowing each nozzle to deliver up to 2.5 gallons per minute, and will take effect 30 days after notice is published. Trump cited personal frustration with low water pressure, echoing comments he made in 2020; Biden had previously reversed Trump’s earlier attempt to loosen the rule.

Eric Dane, 52, known for Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, has announced he’s been diagnosed with ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease. He expressed gratitude for family support and said he plans to continue working, returning to Euphoria’s set next week, while requesting privacy. Dane’s credits include roles in Charmed, The Last Ship, and films like Marley & Me. ALS is a degenerative disease that leads to progressive muscle paralysis, affecting speech, movement, and breathing; there is no cure, and typical survival is three to five years after diagnosis, though some live longer.

Gabon votes in its first presidential election since the August 2023 coup that ended over 50 years of Bongo family rule, with coup leader and transitional president Gen Brice Oligui Nguema the clear frontrunner. Oligui has built support through visible projects and youth-focused schemes like hire-purchase taxis, and a campaign centered on anti-corruption and infrastructure. However, critics note many candidates, including main challenger Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, are veterans of the old regime, raising doubts about genuine renewal. A new constitution and electoral rules—seen by some as favoring Oligui—exclude older opposition figures but do not bar his candidacy. While supporters hail a “liberation” from the Bongo era, analysts question whether governance and elites have truly changed.

A nationwide strike in Argentina over President Javier Milei’s austerity measures severely disrupted transport, cancelling all domestic flights and suspending trains and metro services, though buses largely ran. Aerolíneas Argentinas scrapped 258 flights affecting about 20,000 passengers; international flights faced minor delays. Unions argue cuts to subsidies and public sector jobs are hurting vulnerable groups, including pensioners, amid protests that have occasionally turned violent. Milei’s policies have reduced annual inflation from over 200% to about 60%, and the government is seeking a new $20bn IMF loan on top of $44bn already owed. The US Treasury expressed support for Milei’s reforms, with a visit to Buenos Aires scheduled. This is the third general strike since Milei took office in late 2023.

Nigeria’s broadcasting regulator, the NBC, has banned radio and TV stations from airing Eedris Abdulkareem’s new song “Tell Your Papa,” which criticizes President Bola Tinubu and addresses economic hardship and insecurity. The commission called the track inappropriate and against public decency. The song, which appeals to Tinubu’s son Seyi to convey public suffering, has sparked online debate amid rising costs following subsidy removal and persistent insecurity. The government defends its reforms as long-term fixes with cash transfers for the poor, and claims security has improved. Abdulkareem previously faced a similar ban in 2003 for “Nigeria Jaga Jaga.”

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, widely seen as President Erdogan’s chief rival, made his first court appearance since his March arrest, which sparked Turkey’s largest anti-government protests in over a decade. While jailed on separate corruption and terrorism charges, Friday’s hearings concerned allegations he intimidated Istanbul’s chief prosecutor Akin Gurlek; the case was adjourned to June, with prosecutors seeking up to 7 years and 4 months in prison and a potential political ban. Imamoglu and the opposition call the charges politically motivated; the government denies interference. Massive protests and about 2,000 arrests have followed his detention, with many demonstrators and two opposition journalists recently released on bail. The Council of Europe urged Turkey to drop charges and free Imamoglu. Presidential elections are due in 2028, though early elections could allow Erdogan to run again.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, citing government intelligence and the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in Donetsk—the first official allegation of Chinese manpower involvement. He says recruits are trained in Moscow and provided documents and pay, with recruitment occurring via social media. China denies state involvement, calling itself neutral and urging citizens to avoid conflict zones, suggesting any participation is private. Washington called the reports disturbing. The claims come amid broader accusations that China supplies dual-use technology to Russia while denying the export of lethal arms. Ukraine recently also reported capturing North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia.

European allies pledged €21bn in new military aid to Ukraine at a Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels, aiming to bolster air defenses, missiles, drones, and other equipment amid a critical phase of the war. Germany committed €11bn over four years, while the UK and Norway announced a £450m package for radar, anti-tank mines, repairs, and hundreds of thousands of drones—part of the UK’s previously pledged £4.5bn for 2025. Ministers emphasized the growing impact of drones, with the UK estimating 70–80% of battlefield casualties now caused by them. Despite discussions of a ceasefire led by the US, European leaders said Russia shows no interest in peace. Russia claimed gains in Sumy region as Kyiv warned of massed Russian forces near the border.

Pope Francis, 88, was seen at St Peter’s Basilica without his usual white papal attire, wearing black trousers, a white shirt, a striped blanket, and using an oxygen tube while in a wheelchair. He briefly greeted visitors during his recovery after a five-week hospital stay and late-March discharge. A day earlier, he met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla in his customary white “house dress.”

A BBC Arabic report profiles Hajjah Umm Mohammed, whose son, 23-year-old Palestinian Red Crescent paramedic Rifaat Radwan, was among 15 emergency workers shot dead by Israeli troops near Rafah on 23 March. Video found on Rifaat’s recovered phone shows the convoy’s lights were on, contradicting the Israeli military’s initial claim that ambulances approached in darkness without lights. Israel later called that account a mistake, said troops perceived a threat due to an earlier encounter, and alleged—without evidence—that at least six of the dead were Hamas operatives. Bodies were buried in sand by troops and recovered a week later by a UN-led team. A surviving paramedic says they were fired on without warning and describes detention and abuse by Israeli forces; the IDF has not responded to those claims but says it is conducting a thorough investigation. The Palestinian Red Crescent calls the shootings deliberate and a war crime, demanding an independent probe, noting 27 of its staff have been killed since the war began. The incident unfolded amid Israel’s ongoing Gaza campaign following Hamas’s 7 October attacks.

A French court sentenced eight people to up to five years in prison for smuggling endangered European eel larvae (“glass eels”) worth over €1.7–€2.1 million to Asian markets. Authorities seized over 300 kg of larvae in a 2023 raid near Paris—nearly double all French customs seizures in 2024. Prosecutors compared the operation to cocaine trafficking due to the high value increase across borders. European eels, protected since 2009, have declined by about 75% in 30 years; their fishing in France is tightly regulated. The larvae are typically sold to Asian aquaculture and ultimately the Japanese restaurant market.

Eighty years after Edward R. Murrow’s searing 1945 broadcast from the newly liberated Buchenwald concentration camp, the site remains a vital place of remembrance and education. Murrow’s eyewitness report, alongside images by journalists like Margaret Bourke-White, helped reveal Nazi atrocities to the world and continues to counter Holocaust denial. Today, Buchenwald’s memorial draws over half a million visitors annually, preserving original structures like the crematorium and gate while marking former barracks with granite outlines. Educators and memorial staff emphasize informed, voluntary learning to understand how Nazism operated and to resist rising far-right narratives that seek to minimize Germany’s responsibility. The memorial’s mission centers on documentation, critical reflection, and passing survivors’ stories to new generations.

Scientists report that a partial jawbone dredged from the seabed near Taiwan likely belonged to Denisovans, an elusive extinct human group known from scant fossils in Siberia and Tibet. Unable to extract DNA, researchers analyzed preserved proteins and found similarities to Denisovan genetic material, expanding the group’s known range and suggesting they adapted to diverse habitats. While some experts urge more evidence before firm identification, the find adds to understanding of Denisovans, who coexisted and interbred with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens and left genetic traces in some modern East and Southeast Asian populations.

AP analysis of two drone videos from March 13 in Piatykhatky, southern Ukraine, indicates Russian soldiers executed four surrendered Ukrainian POWs. A Ukrainian drone video shows the prisoners lying face-down before Russian troops shoot them at close range; a Russian drone video of the same incident ends earlier, showing the surrender but not the killings. Experts call it a clear, illegal execution. Ukraine has opened a war crimes investigation; Russia has not commented beyond claiming compliance with international law. The U.N. reports a surge in extrajudicial killings of Ukrainian POWs since 2024, with 91 documented cases in that period and at least 245 since the war began, while noting one case of a Russian POW killed by Ukrainians. The episode comes amid intensified fighting and debates over accountability, as U.S. policy shifts have weakened international justice efforts and raised questions about amnesty in potential peace talks. Ukraine insists war-crimes accountability must be part of any agreement.

Ernesto “Don Neto” Fonseca Carrillo, the 94-year-old co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel convicted in the 1985 kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, has been released from custody in Mexico after completing a 40-year sentence. He had been under home confinement since 2016. It’s unclear if the U.S. will seek his extradition; he remains listed by the DEA as a fugitive for the agent’s murder. Co-founder Rafael Caro Quintero was extradited to the U.S. earlier this year.

Greenpeace U.K. co-executive director Will McCallum was among several activists arrested after they poured red dye into a public pond outside the U.S. Embassy in London to protest U.S. weapons sales to Israel amid the Gaza war. Co-executive director Areeba Hamid said the action targeted U.S. responsibility as Israel’s primary arms supplier. London’s Metropolitan Police said five people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and conspiracy to cause criminal damage, noting there was no breach of the embassy’s secure perimeter.

Ecuador faces a surge in drug-fueled violence as an influx of cocaine moving through its ports has attracted foreign cartels and spawned numerous fragmented local gangs with striking names like “Los Freddy Kruegers” and “Peaky Blinders.” These groups terrorize citizens through extortion, kidnappings, and murders, with killings exceeding one per hour early this year. President Daniel Noboa’s state of emergency and military deployments slightly reduced homicides in 2024, but gang fragmentation since the 2018 split of major groups and the 2020 killing of Choneros leader “Rasquiña” has intensified turf wars and complicated law enforcement. Violence now reaches previously safer areas like Quito, while local gangs ally with Mexican, Colombian, Albanian, and Italian mafias. U.S. actions include sanctions on Los Choneros and prosecutions of leaders; Ecuador recently arrested a senior Los Lobos figure, though notorious Choneros boss “Fito” remains at large. Security dominates the presidential runoff as authorities brace for further escalation driven by shifting alliances.

Bahamas police say 23-year-old Dinari McAlmont of Bowie, Maryland, whose body was found on a Paradise Island beach on April 6, died by drowning; toxicology is pending and foul play is not suspected. His mother disputes that conclusion, alleging possible foul play after being told of an earlier incident report and seeing injuries in a photo, and has hired a lawyer. McAlmont, an engineer at Lowcation Studios, was staying at Atlantis Resort, which expressed condolences while awaiting police findings. The U.S. State Department currently has a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas, noting swimming risks and crime.

Prada Group will acquire Versace from Capri Holdings in a deal valuing the brand at €1.25 billion (~$1.4 billion), funded by €1.5 billion in new debt and expected to close in the second half of the year. Prada plans to keep Versace’s creative identity while leveraging its industrial, retail, and operational platform to drive growth. Capri bought Versace for $2 billion in 2018 but struggled amid the “quiet luxury” trend. A recent leadership shakeup moved Donatella Versace to chief brand ambassador and appointed Dario Vitale, from Prada’s Miu Miu, as creative director, paving the way for the sale. Boards of both companies have approved the deal.

Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Lviv, Ukraine, touring the Superhumans Center, a clinic providing free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological support to soldiers wounded in the war with Russia. Accompanied by representatives of the Invictus Games Foundation, which he founded, Harry met patients, medical staff, and Ukraine’s veteran affairs minister. Invictus CEO Rob Owen called Ukraine a vital part of the charity’s work. The visit was disclosed after his departure and followed Harry’s court appearance in London over his U.K. security arrangements.

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival unveiled a 19-film competition lineup featuring new works by Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, Richard Linklater, Kelly Reichardt, and others, with six films directed by women—one shy of the record. Notable entries include Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme,” Aster’s “Eddington,” Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague,” Reichardt’s “The Mastermind,” and Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha.” The opening night film is Amélie Bonnin’s “Leave One Day.” Past Cannes-to-Oscar momentum is highlighted, with recent Palme d’Or winners like “Parasite” and “Anora” also winning Best Picture. Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning” will screen out of competition, and Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d’Or. The festival runs May 13–24.

Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz was fined €10,000 (~$11,340) by the FIA for arriving five seconds late to the Japanese Grand Prix national anthem due to verified stomach issues. He criticized the penalty in a Bahrain press conference and swore, which could trigger further sanctions under new FIA rules penalizing profanity with hefty fines and potential points loss or bans. George Russell defended Sainz, calling it a “pretty expensive poo,” and criticized the broader fines policy, noting ongoing but unproductive negotiations with the FIA. CNN has requested FIA comment on the fines framework.

Reservists and retirees from Israel’s elite Unit 8200 published a letter urging the immediate return of hostages in Gaza even if it means ending the war, arguing the conflict now serves political rather than security interests. Their move follows a similar letter from air force reservists, some of whom were fired by the IDF, and reflects growing dissent within Israel’s reserve ranks after 18 months of fighting. Military leaders condemned the letters as harmful to cohesion, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the signatories as a small, foreign-funded fringe. The protests, amid polling that shows strong public support for a hostage-first ceasefire, raise concerns about the military’s ability to sustain a prolonged campaign in Gaza.

A three-year German experiment by Mein Grundeinkommen gave 122 adults €1,200 monthly with no conditions and found no drop in work effort: recipients worked the same 40 hours per week as a control group. Those receiving the income reported higher job and income satisfaction, better mental health, greater perceived autonomy—especially among women—and were more likely to change jobs or pursue education. Participants also felt they had more time for sleep, volunteering, and relationships. Researchers concluded universal basic income did not reduce labor market participation and improved well-being, suggesting it could be an investment in public health. Over 2 million applied; the privately funded nonprofit plans broader, more representative studies.

A British Airways flight (BA252) from Grand Cayman to London underwent two unplanned diversions, turning an ~11-hour trip into nearly 23 hours. After a scheduled stop in Nassau, the Boeing 777 diverted to Gander, Canada, due to a sick passenger. Delays then pushed the crew near their maximum duty time, prompting a second stop in Reykjavik, Iceland, for a crew change. The flight finally arrived at Heathrow at 10:38 p.m. on April 9. British Airways has been asked for comment.

Argentine authorities are investigating Russian national Konstantin Rudnev—founder of the Ashram Shambala group, labeled a cult by Russian officials—after a malnourished 22-year-old Russian woman gave birth in Bariloche and companions insisted the baby carry Rudnev’s surname. Police arrested Rudnev and over a dozen associates on March 28 and are probing whether the woman and her newborn were coerced as part of a scheme to obtain Argentine citizenship, as well as broader allegations of sex trafficking and slavery. Searches allegedly revealed enforced food rationing and punishment fasts, drugs, multiple phones, cash, and properties with blacked-out windows and floor mattresses. Rudnev, previously convicted in Russia in 2013 for rape, violent sexual acts, drug trafficking, and creating a rights-violating religious group, has not been formally charged in Argentina; his lawyers declined comment.

The Trump administration directed the Social Security Administration to flag over 6,000 immigrants as “dead” in its database—now reportedly renamed the “Ineligible file”—effectively cutting off their legal work authorization, benefits, and access to financial services, with the stated goal of prompting self-deportation. DHS and the White House claim the targets include individuals on parole with terror watchlist ties or FBI criminal records, though no evidence was provided. Critics, including former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley and Sen. Ron Wyden, argue the move is unlawful, denies due process, and risks stripping legally earned benefits from both immigrants and potentially citizens, especially amid degraded SSA customer service. The policy follows broader efforts to restrict immigrants’ access to Social Security numbers and benefits, amid unsupported claims of system abuse by Elon Musk.

A video shared by attorney James Rivera shows him confronting a Homeland Security agent who arrived unannounced at the home of Rivera’s 19-year-old client, a green card applicant, for what the agent described as a welfare check. The incident raises concerns about unannounced visits to immigration applicants, with Rivera challenging the basis and appropriateness of the agent’s presence.

Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) told CNN she regrets voting for the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes. She indicated she now disagrees with aligning with Republicans on the measure.

Five major law firms — Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, A&O Shearman, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft — struck agreements with the Trump White House to provide a combined $600 million in pro bono legal services to causes it supports, such as fighting antisemitism and assisting law enforcement. This brings the total pledged by big firms in recent weeks to about $940 million, as firms seek to avoid executive orders that could hinder their federal work. Some firms, including Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and now Susman Godfrey, are challenging the orders in court as unconstitutional retaliation; judges have temporarily stayed the orders against several. The EEOC also pressed firms on their DEI practices, but, as part of the settlements, agreed not to pursue claims against four of the firms. Critics, including legal scholars, say the settlements reward pressure tactics and risk further emboldening the administration.

The New York Times’ Upshot offers a weekly interactive “Flashback” quiz for April 12, 2025, challenging readers to place eight historical events in chronological order. The page also highlights recent Upshot analyses, including pieces on surprising 2024 data insights, padded airline flight times, a sharp decline in U.S. murders in 2023 with further improvement in 2024, Americans spending more time at home, and a dialect quiz.

The article explores how Disney+’s partnership has reshaped Doctor Who’s scale, distribution, and audience while sparking debate among fans. With a bigger budget, simultaneous global streaming, and Ncuti Gatwa’s charismatic, emotionally open Doctor under returning showrunner Russell T Davies, the series is reaching more — and more diverse — viewers, especially in the U.S. Some fans praise the global push and inclusivity; others criticize Davies for reverting to his 2005-era “playbook” (standalones, mystery box, classic-villain finales) and want fresh creative leadership. The adjusted release time aims to balance U.K./U.S. audiences. Despite tabloid “woke” backlash claims, many welcome the Disney deal for improved access and production values, while differing on tone, emotionality, and the show’s future direction.

A federal judge in Washington declined to block the Trump administration from conducting immigration enforcement in places of worship, ruling that religious groups failed to show a credible, imminent threat or a pattern of raids targeting their congregations. Judge Dabney L. Friedrich noted limited evidence beyond a few arrests, including one tied to a plaintiff church, and said there were no directives indicating houses of worship were being singled out. The decision leaves in place the administration’s rollback of 2021 guidance that had discouraged arrests in “sensitive locations,” though a separate, narrower Maryland ruling temporarily restricts church raids there. The case continues, but the ruling casts doubt on the plaintiffs’ chances for a broader injunction.

Republicans are divided over how to fund President Trump’s spending and tax agenda, with Medicaid emerging as the biggest flash point. House conservatives demand $1.5 trillion in cuts over a decade and expect major entitlement reductions, but several Senate Republicans— including Jerry Moran (KS), Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Josh Hawley (MO), and Jim Justice (WV)—oppose Medicaid benefit cuts, citing threats to rural hospitals, low‑income families, and state budgets. While GOP leaders say they won’t cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits and may pursue work requirements and anti-fraud measures, those steps likely won’t meet the savings target. A Senate budget plan referencing up to $880 billion in Medicaid-related reductions has heightened resistance, and polling shows broad voter opposition to Medicaid cuts, including among Trump supporters. The standoff underscores the challenge of reconciling House demands with Senate moderates without endangering a program covering over 70 million Americans and underpinning rural health care.

A Spanish executive couple, Agustín Escobar of Siemens and Mercè Camprubí Montal of Siemens Energy, and their three children—Agustín, 10; Mercè, 8 (who would have turned 9 the next day); and Víctor, 4—were killed along with the pilot in a Hudson River helicopter crash near New York City during a family vacation. Two passengers were initially pulled alive from the water but later died. The cause is under investigation. The family, well-known in Barcelona, drew condolences from Spanish officials including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez; arrangements are being made to repatriate the remains. Escobar recently led Siemens’ rail infrastructure division from Berlin and was previously CEO of Siemens Spain.

The Trump administration’s budget proposal would dismantle NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office, slashing its funding from about $485 million to just over $170 million and redistributing a few programs to other NOAA branches. Overall NOAA funding would drop by $1.6 billion, with deep cuts to the National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service (which would be moved to Interior), climate data archiving, and satellite/space programs, including terminating NOAA-NASA satellite partnerships and shifting some space functions to DHS or the private sector. Officials and scientists warn the plan would severely undermine weather forecasting, climate research, conservation, and education; Democrats accuse the administration of targeting climate science and advancing Project 2025 goals. The proposal requires congressional approval, which former NOAA head Rick Spinrad doubts it will get, but agencies face rapid deadlines to plan for the changes amid broader federal workforce reductions.

The Naval Academy’s Nimitz Library removed 381 books after an order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office, targeting works on racism, the Holocaust, and diversity while leaving extremist and white supremacist–aligned titles like Mein Kampf, The Camp of the Saints, and The Bell Curve. Officials said the purge followed executive orders and keyword searches for compliance, but academics, alumni, and lawmakers condemned it as ideological censorship that undermines academic freedom and officer education. Alumni launched efforts to provide banned books to midshipmen, and critics warned the move stifles free thought and diversity of viewpoints, though the academy’s accreditor is not reconsidering accreditation at this time.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, warned the Senate that China’s increasing military activity around Taiwan are “rehearsals,” not mere exercises, with pressure up 300%. He said China’s rapid military modernization is outpacing the U.S. in air, maritime, missile, and space capabilities—building ships at roughly 6 to 1.8 and producing fighters at 1.2 to 1 compared to the U.S. While expressing confidence in current deterrence, he urged changes in shipbuilding, logistics, and workforce incentives. Beijing’s actions, aimed at coercing Taiwan, are drawing global attention and accelerating Taiwan’s defense preparations.

Rev. Franklin Graham praised the Trump administration’s anticipated generosity and efficiency in aiding Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, while emphasizing the need to avoid waste. Samaritan’s Purse rapidly deployed an emergency field hospital in Naypyidaw with up to 84 beds and multiple operating theaters, treating patients even as setup continued. The group airlifted over 104 tons of supplies and has more than 80 responders on the ground, with ongoing resupply flights planned. Graham highlighted severe conditions, high casualties, and long-term recovery needs, thanked Myanmar’s government for cooperation, and asked for prayers and financial support. He also remarked on Trump’s resilience following an assassination attempt, calling for continued prayers for his protection.

Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and center-left Social Democrats (SPD) have agreed to form a coalition, paving the way for CDU leader Friedrich Merz to replace Olaf Scholz as chancellor, likely in early May after party approvals. The coalition—formed amid economic stagnation, rising far-right support, and international pressures including U.S. tariffs—has already advanced measures to loosen debt rules for higher defense spending and to create a major infrastructure fund, marking a fiscal shift for the CDU. The parties will hold a news conference on the deal; together they control 328 of 630 Bundestag seats.

Greenpeace UK staged a protest at the U.S. Embassy in London, dyeing a public pond “blood red” to condemn U.S. arms sales to Israel amid the Gaza war. Police arrested six people, including Greenpeace UK co-executive director Will McCallum, on suspicion of criminal damage and conspiracy to cause criminal damage. The group said the dye was non-toxic and aimed to highlight civilian casualties in Gaza. The Metropolitan Police noted there was no breach of the embassy’s secure perimeter. The U.S. State Department did not immediately comment.

Taiwanese President William Lai is intensifying efforts to counter China’s influence operations, warning against Beijing’s United Front tactics and pledging penalties for expressions of loyalty to China. Following his tough speech, Taiwan jailed soldiers for selling sensitive information to China, revoked citizenship of Taiwanese holding Chinese IDs, and expelled some Chinese nationals for advocating violent annexation, including influencer “Yaya in Taiwan.” The government says divided loyalties are no longer acceptable. Critics argue Lai’s stance is partly political theater aimed at shoring up domestic support and aligning with a tougher U.S. policy under a potential Trump administration. Public sentiment in Taiwan largely favors stronger measures against Chinese infiltration, with implications for upcoming local elections and Lai’s 2028 reelection prospects.

Ernesto “Don Neto” Fonseca Carrillo, 94, a co-founder of Mexico’s Guadalajara Cartel convicted in the 1985 torture-murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, has been released after completing a 40-year sentence. He had been under home confinement since 2016. Another cartel co-founder, Rafael Caro Quintero—whose sentence was once overturned—was re-arrested in 2022 and extradited to the U.S. in February along with others. It’s unclear whether the U.S. will seek custody of Fonseca. Camarena’s abduction and murder, facilitated by corrupt Mexican intelligence officers, became a landmark case in U.S.-Mexico anti-narcotics efforts.

The U.S. and Panama signed a new defense and security pact reinforcing Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and expanding cooperation in engineering, security, and cybersecurity. The deal sets up a cost-sharing mechanism for services to U.S. warships, aiming to keep them cost-neutral, and is a first step toward a broader framework that could grant U.S. naval vessels priority, toll-free passage—though Panama’s Canal Authority says no fee changes have been made yet. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth framed the move as countering China’s regional influence and control of nearby infrastructure, vowing the U.S. will not allow threats to canal operations. Panama’s president rejected claims that China controls the canal. The U.S. is also deploying the USNS Comfort to the region as part of the expanded partnership.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine says he will run against President Yoweri Museveni in the January 2026 election if he is “still alive and not in jail,” despite past arrests, attacks, and threats, including from Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Wine, head of the National Unity Platform, expects a violent contest but believes Uganda’s youthful majority is hungry for change. He criticizes international partners for prioritizing diplomacy and business over democracy and urges targeted sanctions and an end to aid that enables repression. Citing pervasive corruption, mounting debt, and failing services, he argues Uganda’s resources and young population could thrive under accountable governance. His wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, remains active in the movement; their struggle was captured in the Oscar-nominated documentary Bobi Wine: The People’s President.

Gabon votes in its first presidential election since the 2023 coup that ended the Bongo family’s 55-year rule, with junta leader-turned-civilian president Brice Nguema the frontrunner. Nguema, 50, portrays himself as an anti-corruption reformer—eschewing a presidential salary and winning support in a nation where a third live in poverty—though he faces scrutiny over past alleged embezzlement and his close ties to France. A new constitution approved by referendum allows two seven-year terms and grants amnesty to coup participants. His main challenger is former prime minister Alain Claude Bilie By Nze, who pitches pragmatic governance and job creation, with other candidates including Joseph Lapensée Essingone and Stéphane Germain Iloko. While the 2023 coup was popular, concerns persist over repression, highlighted by claims that exiled opposition figure Hervé Patrick Opiangah is being targeted for opposing the referendum. Observer missions, including a Commonwealth team, are monitoring the vote.

A British man, Pete Belton, discovered his forearm tattoo—commemorating his daughter’s birth—was used in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security document to help identify alleged members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. The image, traceable to a UK tattoo artist’s Instagram post, appeared alongside other generic designs in both DHS and Texas DPS materials. The BBC found several tattoo images in these documents originated from tattoo websites with no gang links. The revelation heightens concerns about U.S. authorities misidentifying people as gang members based on common or misattributed tattoos, amid reports that the Trump administration deported Venezuelans—some without court hearings—due in part to such tattoo-based allegations.

Mexico will immediately send water to Texas farmers to reduce its shortfall under the 1944 US-Mexico water-sharing treaty, President Claudia Sheinbaum said, amid mounting US pressure and tariff threats from Donald Trump. Mexico has delivered less than 30% of the required 1.75 million acre-feet for the current five-year cycle ending in October, citing severe drought and limited Rio Grande availability. Sheinbaum called the treaty fair and expects an agreement soon, while Mexican officials weigh measures—including a contentious amendment allowing federal authorities to draw extra water from northern states—to avoid the dispute spilling into trade negotiations.

A federal judge, Trevor Neil McFadden, allowed the Trump administration to enforce a long-standing but rarely used federal requirement that noncitizens in the U.S. register with the government. Starting Friday, all noncitizens aged 14 and older without legal status must register, provide fingerprints and an address, and carry registration documents or face fines and possible prison. The rule also covers Canadians staying over 30 days. The administration says it is merely enforcing existing law rooted in the 1940 Alien Registration Act and the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act. Opponents argue it’s intended to facilitate mass deportations, should have gone through a formal rulemaking process, and forces immigrants to choose between exposing their location to authorities or risking prosecution for not registering.

An early-season heatwave has swept northern India, with temperatures exceeding 40C and peaking at 46.4C in Barmer, Rajasthan—over 6C above April norms. New Delhi crossed 40C for the first time this year, and Jaipur saw five consecutive days above 40C. The Indian meteorological bureau warns of a hotter-than-normal summer with more heatwave days. The heat has triggered deadly thunderstorms in Bihar, causing at least 19 deaths, crop damage (wheat, mango, lychee), and continued storm risks due to a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system. Meanwhile, Mali issued a nationwide extreme heat warning, expecting 40–47C for at least three days—more typical of June–July—advising precautions such as staying indoors during peak heat and maintaining hydration.

Zimbabwe has begun compensating white former farm owners 25 years after land seizures, making an initial $3.1m payment to a first batch of 378 farms under a 2020 $3.5bn compensation deal. The remainder for this group ($311m) will be paid via low-interest (2%) US dollar bonds with maturities of 2–10 years. The move is a key step toward debt restructuring and a potential new IMF program, as Zimbabwe remains in arrears and cut off from multilateral lending. The land seizures from 2000 devastated agriculture and the economy, with reports that Mugabe allies took nearly 40% of confiscated land. While farmer representatives expressed gratitude, some economists criticized the payouts as inadequate and questioned feasibility given ongoing arrears and US restrictions on IMF support without governance reforms. About 1,000 former farmers have signed up for compensation.

Cardiff-based startup Space Forge is set to launch ForgeStar-1, a prototype “space factory” satellite, on a SpaceX rocket to manufacture advanced semiconductor materials in microgravity. The company aims to produce superior crystals that enable chips to run faster while using over 50% less energy, potentially saving billions on energy costs in the UK and supporting power-hungry applications like AI and quantum computing. If the process works, the materials could be replicated on Earth, with projected values up to £45m per kilogram. ForgeStar-1 has the UK’s first in-orbit advanced manufacturing license and features an origami-inspired heat shield, Pridwen, for safe ocean splashdown recovery. The UK’s Satellite Applications Catapult estimates in-space manufacturing could be worth £20bn to the UK economy over the next decade.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey called 2025 “the critical year” for Ukraine and announced a £450m military support package, including repairs and maintenance of UK-supplied equipment, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. The funding comprises £350m from the UK’s previously announced £4.5bn support and additional money from Norway via the International Fund for Ukraine. At a Brussels meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, allies pledged a record €21bn in military aid. Separately, a UK-French-led “coalition of the willing” (excluding the US) advanced planning for a future multinational “reassurance force” in Ukraine post-conflict. Peace talks between the US and Russia remain stalled, with Moscow rejecting the latest US proposal and maintaining maximalist demands.

Sky News reports from Poland’s Redzikowo base, home to Aegis Ashore—one of NATO’s key land-based missile defense sites alongside Romania’s. Locals near the lightly marked border with Russia’s Kaliningrad say stronger defenses and “scare tactics” are needed. Poland is boosting defense to 4.7% of GDP in 2025, planning voluntary training and a $2.5bn “East Shield” of fortifications, and is withdrawing from the anti-landmine treaty to keep options open. The U.S. Navy insists Aegis Ashore is purely defensive and cannot be quickly converted to offensive use, countering Russian claims that the sites are priority targets. NATO emphasizes transparency for deterrence, but uncertainty lingers over U.S. commitment amid President Trump’s remarks linking European troop levels to trade talks.

Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Lviv, Ukraine, to meet war victims and medical staff at the Superhumans Center, an orthopaedic clinic providing free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, and psychological support to wounded military personnel and civilians. Traveling with Invictus Games representatives and veterans, he toured the facility, met patients, and held talks with Ukraine’s minister of veterans affairs and members of the Ukrainian Invictus community. The trip, invited by the center’s CEO, followed his London court appearance over UK security and makes him the second royal to visit Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion, after Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s energetic walkabout in Ravenna, Italy, contrasted sharply with the King’s health struggles over the past year, when he was barred from full public engagements due to cancer treatment. Despite recent side effects that forced a Birmingham trip cancellation, Charles immersed himself in lively crowds, sampling food and watching performances alongside Italy’s president. The visit emphasized soft diplomacy—honoring shared cultural and historical ties, including the 80th anniversary of Ravenna’s liberation, and highlighting literary links with Dante and Lord Byron. Public reaction to the King’s Italian-language speech in parliament suggested diplomatic success. While the tour showcased his stamina and enthusiasm, the palace maintains he remains under medical guidance.

The article argues that “surface acting” — saying “I’m fine” when you’re not — harms well-being and relationships, and encourages more honest responses to “How are you?” It offers six approaches: pause and name your current feeling; share a brief, honest signal like “a bit stressed”; use humor or metaphors to convey emotions; ask permission to be candid (“Can I be honest?”); acknowledge mixed emotions (“stressed and grateful”); and invite a deeper mutual conversation. Being truthful fosters support, connection, and healthier norms, and the author suggests asking more meaningful questions like “What’s been on your mind lately?” to open richer dialogue.

The University of Michigan’s preliminary April survey shows U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply to 50.8 (from 57.0 in March), missing expectations, with declines across all demographics. One-year inflation expectations jumped to 6.7% (highest since 1981) and five-year to 4.4% (highest since 1991). The current conditions index dropped 11.4% and expectations fell 10.3% month over month, with unemployment fears at their highest since 2009. Survey director Joanne Hsu cited broad deterioration in views on business conditions, personal finances, incomes, inflation, and labor markets, raising recession risks. The survey period preceded a 90-day pause on new tariffs, and its inflation signals contrast with market-based measures and recent easing in CPI/PPI.

Tiffany Dufu, president of the Tory Burch Foundation, urges leaders to treat asking for help as a core problem-solving strategy, especially in uncertain times. Seeking advice from those with relevant experience accelerates solutions, reduces mistakes, and strengthens relationships. Dufu illustrates this with her startup The Cru, where mentorship directly guided a successful business model shift. Experts note that asking for help builds trust and influence, and isn’t a sign of helplessness—ask when you’ve tried reasonable options and need perspective. Combine others’ input with your own judgment, and view careers as team efforts rather than solo journeys.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said America’s shale industry will “survive and thrive” despite falling oil prices, citing past resilience and cost-cutting innovations during the 2014–2016 crash. Oil has dropped about 22% year over year, with Brent near $63.50 and WTI around $60, below the ~$65 level analysts say many shale producers need. Goldman Sachs cut its WTI forecast to $58 by end-2025 and $51 by end-2026. Wright, a former Liberty Energy CEO, acknowledged investment may slow if prices stay low but remained bullish, noting long-term alignment between the U.S. and Gulf producers despite OPEC+ boosting supply. He framed abundant, affordable energy as a shared goal to support economic prosperity.

UN member states at the International Maritime Organization reached a draft deal to impose a global carbon tax on shipping emissions, aiming to make the sector the first with binding international emissions targets and to achieve net-zero by 2050. The measure, slated for formal adoption in October and expected to take effect in 2028, faces opposition from the Trump administration. Public reaction is mixed, with supporters calling it a necessary climate step and critics warning of national sovereignty and economic impacts.

Irmgard Furchner, a former secretary at the Stutthof concentration camp, died at 99. Decades after World War II, she was convicted in Germany as an accessory to more than 10,000 murders for her role supporting the camp’s commandant, in one of the last prosecutions of Holocaust-era crimes. Her case underscored evolving legal standards holding even administrative staff accountable for complicity in Nazi atrocities.

The Trump administration is deploying active-duty troops, armored Stryker vehicles, and other military hardware to the U.S.-Mexico border to signal a tougher stance on illegal crossings and drug smuggling. The surge, visible in places like Sunland Park, N.M., uses equipment typically reserved for overseas missions and aims to bolster surveillance, mobility, and deterrence along difficult terrain. Critics argue it politicizes the military and misuses resources for a mission better suited to civilian agencies, while supporters say it addresses persistent security gaps and reflects a shift from the previous status quo.

China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun will visit Vietnam next week for a week-long military exchange that includes observing the 38th joint naval patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang. The activities, held near the China-Vietnam border at Friendship Pass, coincide with President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam. This marks Dong’s second visit in four months and reflects Beijing’s push to deepen military ties with Vietnam amid ongoing South China Sea tensions and a growing tariff dispute with the US.

China’s state arms maker Norinco has unveiled “Bullet Curtain,” a close-in anti-drone barrage system designed to defeat drone swarms and high-speed threats. Detailed in Norinco’s Modern Weaponry, the system uses a “plane-to-point” interception approach, forming a dense wall of overlapping 35mm projectiles—likened to a fly swatter—to cover an area rather than aiming at a single point. With a 4x4 array of gun barrels, it delivers extremely high rates of fire and rapid reloads. Norinco says Bullet Curtain can also intercept cruise missiles, rockets, mortar rounds, and aircraft, offering versatile defense against saturation attacks.