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Five people drowned and two are missing after powerful waves battered Australia’s east coast over the Easter weekend. Incidents occurred in New South Wales—where three men died in separate events, including one found near Tathra, and a man near Sydney is missing—and in Victoria, where a woman drowned and a man is missing after a group was swept into the sea at San Remo. Authorities urged beachgoers to use patrolled beaches, noting hundreds of drownings at unpatrolled locations over the past decade.

Gunmen wearing fake military uniforms opened fire at a cockfighting ring in La Valencia, Manabí province, Ecuador, killing 12 people. Police arrested four suspects and seized weapons and replica police and army gear. Authorities suspect the attackers were gang members targeting rivals at the event. The incident comes amid escalating gang violence linked to Ecuador’s role as a key transit point for cocaine from Colombia and Peru, with January recording 781 murders, many tied to the drug trade. A criminal investigation is underway.

Rakhaldas Banerjee, an Indian archaeologist and epigraphist with the Archaeological Survey of India, unearthed Mohenjo-daro in 1919–23, revealing key evidence of the 5,300-year-old Indus Valley Civilisation and linking it to Harappa through seals and scripts. Despite his pioneering fieldwork, his legacy was overshadowed by controversies and colonial-era politics: his reports were never published by the ASI, and then–director John Marshall is often credited instead. Banerjee’s independent, abrasive style, financial irregularities, and a later-dismissed idol theft allegation damaged his standing; he resigned in 1927, taught briefly, and died in 1930 at 45. Though celebrated by some historians, he remains largely forgotten despite making one of archaeology’s most significant discoveries.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing says Nay Pyi Taw’s layout will be redrawn after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March killed over 3,500 people and damaged about 70% of government buildings. He blamed collapses on soft soil and ordered soil testing and earthquake-resistant rebuilding. Several ministries and agencies are relocating temporarily, with some moving to Yangon and others to steel-frame halls in the capital. Critical documents and museum collections are being salvaged. Despite a declared ceasefire to aid relief, fighting reportedly continues amid ongoing civil war. Reconstruction could take years in the sparsely populated, planned capital established in 2005.

Pakistan has accelerated the expulsion of undocumented Afghans, deporting over 19,500 in April and prompting more than 80,000 to leave ahead of a 30 April deadline, according to the UN. Authorities say the influx—part of an estimated 3.5 million Afghans in Pakistan, about half undocumented—strains services and poses security risks. Between 700 and 800 families are being removed daily, with up to two million possibly affected in coming months. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Taliban officials in Kabul amid rising border tensions; the Taliban expressed concern over deportations. Many returnees were born or raised in Pakistan and fear life under Taliban rule, particularly restrictions on girls’ education. The mass returns are straining Afghanistan’s fragile economy and infrastructure, despite limited cash assistance, and returnees report restrictions on belongings at the border—claims Pakistan denies.

A Spanish woman, Lina, reported her abusive ex-partner in January and was assessed as “medium” risk by VioGén, Spain’s algorithmic tool used by police to gauge danger in domestic violence cases. Her request for a restraining order was denied, and three weeks later she was killed after her ex allegedly entered her home with a key and set it on fire. The case has intensified scrutiny of VioGén’s accuracy and influence, with critics warning police may overly rely on the algorithm and calling for independent audits. While police defend VioGén as valuable and resource-guiding, they acknowledge it can fail. Judges say VioGén is only one factor in restraining order decisions, and outcomes vary widely across jurisdictions. Transparency is limited: access to VioGén data is tightly controlled, and external auditors argue that without audits, bias and misclassification—potentially like Lina’s—cannot be identified or corrected.

Sudan’s Zamzam camp, home to about 700,000 displaced people, was devastated in a major assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid their push to capture nearby El-Fasher. Authorities say the camp is now empty and destroyed. Tens of thousands fled to Tawila, enduring attacks, robbery, hunger, and exhaustion. Survivors describe shootings and homes burned; MSF treated over 170 gunshot and blast casualties, many women and girls, with reports of injured people left behind and families separated. The RSF denies atrocities but confirms seizing the camp. The attack underscores the deepening conflict in Darfur and rising fears of Sudan’s fragmentation, as civilians call for peace.

The US military struck the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa oil terminal on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, aiming to cut the group’s fuel supply and revenue. Houthi authorities say at least 74 people were killed and 171 wounded, calling the attack a “war crime” and insisting the site was civilian. The strikes come amid intensified US action in response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping linked to the Gaza war; hours later, Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. The US framed the operation as degrading Houthi economic power and warned against illicit support from Iran, which condemned the strikes. The incident marks one of the deadliest episodes since the campaign escalated, as the Houthis continue missile and drone operations against Israel and Western targets.

Twenty-one Chinese-made humanoid robots ran alongside thousands of humans in Beijing’s Yizhuang half marathon, billed as the world’s first robot half marathon. The winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, finished the 21 km race in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. Some robots completed the course, while others struggled—one fell at the start and lay flat for minutes before resuming.

Hainan, China is successfully cultivating home-grown durians, once seen as too difficult domestically compared with Southeast Asia. On a 40-hectare orchard managed largely by a single caretaker, Huang Qijun oversees over 10,000 trees using sensors, app-controlled irrigation, and manual work like weeding, hand pollination, fruit selection, and tying to prevent drops. The province’s climate has enabled flowering and early fruiting, proving skeptics wrong. However, despite technological efficiencies and growing investor interest, China’s nascent production remains small and cannot yet compete with the scale and cost of booming Southeast Asian imports.

Chinese researchers from CSSC’s 705 Research Institute conducted a controlled field test of a non-nuclear hydrogen-based explosive using magnesium hydride, a solid-state hydrogen storage material. A 2kg device produced a fireball over 1,000°C lasting more than two seconds—around 15 times longer than a comparable TNT blast—by rapidly decomposing the hydride to release hydrogen that then ignited. Published in a peer-reviewed Chinese journal, the study highlights the material’s high hydrogen density and the explosive’s minimal ignition energy and wide flame propagation, suggesting potential military applications without using nuclear materials.

Taiwan is facing a surge of espionage scandals that have penetrated the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the military, exposing serious counter-intelligence weaknesses. Investigations and detentions now include aides to President William Lai and National Security Council chief Joseph Wu, fueling alarm over Beijing’s deepening infiltration efforts and eroding public trust. Analysts warn that China’s spy networks in Taiwan appear increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, with the frequency and seniority of cases suggesting systemic vulnerabilities. The developments come amid rising cross-strait tensions since Lai took office, intensifying concerns about internal security and political stability.

South Korea is facing a sharp rise in AI-driven digital sex crimes, with victims reporting inadequate police support and legal protection. A graduate student known as Ruma received AI-generated explicit images based on her public photo and had to collect evidence herself after police said they couldn’t help. Her perpetrator and an accomplice created and shared nearly 1,900 deepfake images of 61 women via Telegram; their initial prison sentences were later reduced on appeal after settlements with some victims. In 2024, over 18,000 digital sex crimes were recorded—a 12.7% increase—while deepfake-related cases surged 227%. Schools have also been hit, with hundreds of students and staff targeted in a single month. Advocates and educators are calling for stronger enforcement and cultural change in gender attitudes alongside legal reforms to combat the growing threat.

Chinese state media showcased the PLA’s 81st Group Army aviation brigade—a Central Theatre Command unit normally focused on Beijing’s defense—conducting joint sea drills with naval elements, including low-altitude sea-skimming helicopter operations. Experts say the unusual participation of an inland, infantry-based unit in maritime exercises signals expanding cross-unit coordination and a growing focus on front line coastal support relevant to a Taiwan contingency. The drills highlight efforts to simulate real combat conditions, improve joint operations, and broaden the PLA’s ability to integrate army aviation with naval missions.

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Hong Kong is seeing a surge in home renovations to make flats safer and more accessible for ageing residents, driven by a rapidly greying population and increased awareness of fall risks. Families are investing heavily—sometimes over HK$1 million—to retrofit small apartments with features like widened doorways, barrier-free layouts, walk-in showers, grab bars, non-slip flooring, and space for caregiving. Demand is not only from seniors; younger homeowners are proactively adapting homes for future needs. Renovation firms report booming business as safety, comfort, and ageing-in-place become priorities in the city’s compact housing environment.

US tariffs imposed by President Trump on steel and aluminium, including a 10% levy on UK metals and 25% on Canadian metals, could raise costs and delay construction of US naval vessels, potentially affecting Australia’s AUKUS submarine plans. Senator Tim Kaine warned of budget and schedule setbacks, noting about one-third of inputs come from now-tariffed allies. Australia is slated to receive three Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s and SSN-AUKUS boats in the 2040s. Some analysts say if the first delivery occurs around 2033 and the others by decade’s end, tariff impacts may be limited, but overall scepticism about AUKUS timelines and costs is growing.

Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer who escaped custody in California in December, was arrested in Tijuana after a weeklong manhunt. He is accused of fatally shooting Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, the leader of Baja California’s elite “Gringo Hunters” unit that targets U.S. fugitives in Mexico, during an April 9 shootout as officers tried to arrest him. Hernandez reportedly evaded capture by fleeing nearly naked, disguising himself in a fluorescent green uniform, and walking away. Mexican authorities announced his capture and said he faces criminal proceedings. Esparza Reyes had led the unit for eight years, conducting over 400 operations.

Gunmen wearing fake military uniforms opened fire with automatic rifles at a cockfight in La Valencia, northwest Ecuador, killing 12 and injuring several. Police detained four suspects linked to the “Los R7” gang and recovered weapons, cash, and military-style gear. The attack underscores Ecuador’s surging gang violence tied to drug trafficking routes, with much of the country under a state of emergency. The incident comes amid broader crackdowns on criminal groups, including U.S.-targeted sanctions and indictments of Ecuadorian gang leaders.

Netflix’s U.K. drama “Adolescence,” now one of the platform’s most-watched English-language shows, has sparked a national debate about online misogyny and radicalization of boys. The series follows a 13-year-old influenced by incel content who commits murder, exposing a hidden digital world many adults miss. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the show will be free for U.K. high schools to stream to teach about misogyny, online radicalization, and healthy relationships. With polls showing 73% of Gen Z social media users in the U.K. have seen misogynistic content, charities like Tender are providing school workshops and resources to help children critically assess harmful material and build respectful relationship skills. Experts urge supporting boys early to prevent future violence without blaming them, positioning them as part of the solution to ending abuse.

Ryan Gosling will star in a new standalone Star Wars film titled “Star Wars: Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy, set for a May 2027 theatrical release. Announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan, the movie will feature new characters and take place several years after 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, not as a prequel or sequel. Filming begins later this year. Gosling and Levy appeared at the event with Lucasfilm leaders, teasing the project without revealing plot details.

Archaeologists from the University of Wrocław discovered a circular tomb in Peru’s Atico River Valley containing the remains of 24 people—men, women, and children—who died from battle injuries. A stone inscription listed their names, and analyses confirmed trauma as the cause of death. The elaborate burial included textiles, pottery linked to the Chuquibamba/Aruni culture, stone and wood objects, and corn cobs, suggesting ritualized internment. Researchers believe the deceased were likely from the victorious side of a conflict, enabling such a formal burial. Work at the pre-Columbian site continues through April.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ivor D. Thornton, a 34-year-old from Virginia who went missing after landing with the second wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944, has been identified 81 years later. Initially interred as unknown remains (X-159) near the battlefield, he was officially unidentifiable despite multiple postwar attempts. After a 2022 family request, his remains were exhumed in 2023 and identified through dental, anthropological, and mitochondrial DNA analysis by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. A rosette will be placed by his name on the Normandy American Cemetery’s Walls of the Missing, and he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

A Boeing 737 MAX painted for China’s Xiamen Airlines flew back to Boeing’s Seattle hub from China, highlighting how new tariffs have upended aircraft deliveries. After the U.S. raised baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% and China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods, taking delivery of a $55 million jet became financially untenable. The plane had been awaiting final work at Boeing’s Zhoushan center but returned via Guam and Hawaii. The move underscores growing disruption to Boeing’s China deliveries and the erosion of the aerospace sector’s traditional duty-free status, with airlines considering deferrals amid tariff uncertainty. Boeing and Xiamen did not comment.

Canada heads to federal elections with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals leading amid escalating tensions with the US under President Trump. Carney, a former central banker, emphasizes crisis management, forging ties with European allies, and a clear plan for retaliatory and alternative trade strategies. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, once favored after Justin Trudeau’s exit, has lost momentum as tariffs and sovereignty threats dominate; he backs reciprocal tariffs and distances himself from Trump while pitching “Canada First” and cutting taxes. Trump’s steep tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and potential pharmaceuticals and lumber have shaken markets, risk higher unemployment, and threaten to worsen Canada’s housing affordability by raising construction costs. Voters appear to favor the candidate seen as best able to minimize trade-war damage, with anti-American sentiment at its highest in decades. Other parties on the ballot include the NDP, Greens, and Bloc Québécois.

DHL Express will temporarily stop shipping goods worth over $800 to U.S. consumers starting April 21 due to new U.S. customs rules that now require formal entry processing for shipments above $800 (down from the prior $2,500 threshold), causing longer clearance times. Business-to-business shipments will continue but may be delayed, and shipments under $800 are unaffected. The move follows broader U.S. changes impacting low-value imports, which also prompted Hongkong Post to suspend certain U.S.-bound services.

Hong Kong’s oldest and largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, is moving to disband after warnings from Chinese officials amid a sweeping political crackdown. Once a moderate force advocating universal suffrage and influential in the legislature, the party has been marginalized by national security laws and “patriots only” electoral reforms that effectively bar opposition candidates. About 90% of its roughly 110 members authorized starting dissolution, with a final vote expected in coming months. Analysts say the move underscores Beijing’s intolerance for even mild dissent and the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong, despite government claims that rights remain intact. The party’s rise, fall, and eventual shutdown reflect the city’s shift from limited pluralism to tighter authoritarian control following the 2019 protests and subsequent prosecutions of pro-democracy figures.

A large JAMA Neurology study of over 6 million Ontario adults found that people who had an ER visit or hospitalization related to cannabis had a 23% higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia within five years compared with patients hospitalized for other reasons, and a 72% higher risk than the general population, even after adjusting for age, sex, mental health, other substance use, and chronic conditions. Within five years of a cannabis-related hospital visit, 5% were diagnosed with dementia; within 10 years, 19%. ER visits tied to marijuana rose sharply from 2008–2021, especially among older adults. Experts caution the study shows association, not causation, but note plausible pathways (brain connectivity changes, inflammation/microvascular damage, and related risk factors like depression, social isolation, and trauma). Clinicians are urged to screen for cannabis use disorder, as rising potency and frequent use are linked to addiction and cognitive issues.

The New York Times reported that a Trump administration letter to Harvard outlining sweeping demands tied to federal funding—such as ending DEI practices, changing curriculum and admissions, and tightening protest rules—was sent in error and “unauthorized.” Harvard rejected the demands, asserting its independence and constitutional rights. The White House confirmed the letter’s authenticity and said it stands by it, while remaining open to dialogue. Despite questions over the letter’s authorization, the administration has already frozen over $2.2 billion in grants, threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and foreign student enrollment, and cited combating antisemitism as the rationale for reforms. Harvard maintains the government’s actions have immediate consequences and says it’s unclear what was mistaken versus intended.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly shared detailed, time-sensitive information about U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in a private Signal chat he created that included his wife, brother, personal lawyer, and advisers—some without a clear need to know—according to multiple sources. This second chat mirrors a separate incident where similar details were shared in a high-level Signal group that mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor. The Pentagon and White House insist no classified information was disclosed, but the revelations deepen concerns about Hegseth’s judgment, adherence to security protocols, and management, prompting calls from leading Democrats for his removal and highlighting internal turmoil at the Pentagon, including recent firings over alleged leaks.

A sudden wave of sectarian killings engulfed Baniyas, Syria, in early March, leaving more than 1,600 civilians—mostly Alawites—dead over three days. The violence followed coordinated attacks by former Assad security forces against the new rebel-led government, creating chaos that allowed roving gunmen, including armed civilians, former rebel factions, Sunni extremists, and some government soldiers, to carry out house-to-house executions and street shootings. The massacre exposed the new government’s weak control over allied armed groups and its failure to protect Alawite communities despite initial post-Assad stability. Authorities have denied official involvement, announced investigations, and formed committees to curb further violence, but arrests have been minimal and accountability unclear. Baniyas was left devastated, with mass graves, a makeshift morgue, and widespread displacement; about 20,000 Syrians fled to Lebanon, while thousands more hid locally or sought refuge at a nearby Russian base. Residents described terror and lawlessness, underscoring fears of renewed sectarian bloodshed along Syria’s Alawite heartland.

Osaka’s 2025 World Expo aims to revive the optimism of the city’s legendary 1970 fair, which showcased Japan’s rapid postwar rise with futuristic tech and drew 64 million visitors. Today, Japan faces stagnation, demographic decline, heavy debt, and new trade tensions—intensified by U.S. tariffs announced just before the Expo—dampening enthusiasm and ticket sales amid cost overruns. For older visitors, the 1970 Expo symbolized national ascent and first encounters with global cultures; the 2025 event, centered on a striking wooden ring and global pavilions, mixes nostalgia with hope that technology and international exchange can inspire renewal, even as many feel Japan’s economic dynamism has faded and global attention is elsewhere.

Peter Navarro, once marginalized in Trump’s first term, has reemerged in the second administration as a powerful architect of sweeping tariffs, pushing protectionist policies to historic levels to reduce import dependence and revive U.S. manufacturing. Fresh from a prison term for contempt of Congress, Navarro has drafted numerous trade executive orders, influenced a deficit-based tariff formula, and embodies Trump’s long-held view that global trade rules—especially with China—harm American workers. Supporters see him as a principled, prescient champion of reshoring; critics, including mainstream economists, argue his approach will raise prices, slow growth, and isolate the U.S. globally. Known for combative rhetoric and ideological zeal, Navarro dismisses expert criticism as out-of-touch, framing the tariff agenda as both economically necessary and politically popular among conservatives. His personal journey—from Harvard-trained economist and former free trader to hard-line tariff advocate—anchors his mission to “squeeze” foreign competitors and expand America’s industrial base despite mounting backlash.

Thierno Agne, 36, defied warnings that strawberries couldn’t be grown in Senegal and built one of the country’s largest strawberry farms, FraiSen, near Dakar. A former law student who switched to agriculture amid job scarcity, Agne aims to make strawberries an everyday local fruit, reduce Senegal’s 80% reliance on imports, and show farming as a modern, respected, and lucrative career for youth. His farms supply supermarkets and street vendors, host student visits to shift perceptions, and offer jobs that can deter migration. Though recent U.S.A.I.D. support for seasonal hiring and training was cut, Agne continues to expand and mentor, emphasizing the superior taste of local berries and the role of innovation and education in African agriculture.

The article explores the emotional impact when people with advancing dementia no longer recognize close family members. Caregivers often experience grief, identity disruption, guilt, and isolation, a form of “ambiguous loss” where the person is physically present but psychologically absent. Recognition may fluctuate or vanish, and reactions vary—some still feel connection despite lost names; others feel like strangers. Support groups, therapy, and personal rituals can help caregivers process these “reverse milestones.” The piece also describes rare moments of “paradoxical lucidity,” brief episodes when recognition or responsiveness returns, offering fleeting comfort without indicating recovery.

At least 148 people died and hundreds are missing after a motorized wooden boat, reportedly carrying up to 500 passengers, caught fire and capsized on the Congo River near Mbandaka, DRC. The fire reportedly began when a woman was cooking onboard. Around 100 survivors were sheltered locally, with burn victims taken to hospitals. Overloaded, aging boats are a common transport and frequent cause of deadly accidents in Congo; recent incidents include 78 deaths on Lake Kivu in 2024 and 22 deaths in a December river sinking.

The U.S. State Department accused China’s Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. of directly aiding Iran-backed Houthi rebels by providing satellite imagery used to target U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea. Despite U.S. engagement with Beijing, officials say the support continues, undercutting China’s peacemaker claims. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command escalated its campaign by striking the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port in northwest Yemen to cut off revenue, with the Houthis reporting 74 killed and 171 wounded. Satellite images showed significant damage and oil leakage. Shortly after, the Houthis launched a missile toward Israel that was intercepted. The U.S. also sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen for supporting the Houthis.

Puerto Rico restored power to over 98% of customers within 48 hours of an island-wide blackout that began Wednesday, with about 1.45 million customers reconnected, according to Luma Energy. Some temporary outages may persist due to limited generation, and roughly 21,400 current outages are attributed to other issues. Water service has been restored to more than 98% of customers. Officials say the blackout started after a transmission line failure triggered protective generator shutdowns; causes under investigation include possible breaker failures or overgrown vegetation. Governor Jenniffer González criticized the grid’s reliability and expects a preliminary report soon. This is Puerto Rico’s second major blackout in less than four months.

Cesar Hernandez, a 34-year-old California inmate who escaped custody in December while serving 80 years to life for first-degree murder, was arrested in Tijuana by Mexico’s State Investigation Agency. While on the run, Hernandez allegedly killed Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, the leader of Mexico’s “Gringo Hunters” unit, during an April 9 shootout as officers tried to apprehend him. Mexican authorities praised coordinated investigative work leading to his capture and said Hernandez now faces criminal proceedings in Mexico.

American pastor Josh Sullivan, a missionary in South Africa since 2018, thanked God and those who prayed for him after being rescued from a kidnapping in Gqeberha. Abducted from his church on April 10 by armed men, he credited his faith and “personal relationship with Jesus” for sustaining him. Sullivan praised South Africa’s HAWKS, the FBI, DSS, and local police for the operation, which ended in a deadly shootout and his safe recovery on April 15. He expressed gratitude to his wife and requested privacy, saying he will share his story later.

A leaked draft executive order outlines a sweeping reorganization of the State Department under President Trump, including closing all “non-essential” embassies and consulates in Sub-Saharan Africa, sharply reducing operations in Canada, and consolidating regional bureaus into four “regional corps” (Eurasia, Mid-East, Latin America, Indo-Pacific). It would terminate offices focused on climate, women’s issues, democracy, human rights, migration, and criminal justice; scrap the Foreign Service Officer Test in favor of evaluations aligned with the president’s foreign policy; and offer buyouts to staff unwilling to join the new structure. The reorganization aims to “streamline” and align with an “America First” doctrine, with completion targeted by Oct. 1. The White House did not comment; Secretary of State Marco Rubio called reporting on the draft “fake news.”

Stocks enter the week amid heightened volatility after Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned tariffs could lift inflation and slow growth, and former President Trump criticized Powell for not cutting rates faster. The S&P 500 fell 1.5% and Nasdaq 2.6% for the week, with Nvidia sliding on a $5.5 billion China-related inventory charge and continued trade-war fears pressuring mega-caps like Nvidia and Apple. Despite recent declines, the market is no longer oversold per the S&P Short Range Oscillator. With few major economic reports, the focus is earnings. Key watch items: 1) Macro and Fed/tariff overhang: Ongoing concern that tariffs may keep inflation sticky and growth softer, pressuring equity multiples. 2) Mega-cap tech sentiment: Nvidia weakness and trade risks to Apple remain pivotal for broader market tone. 3) Earnings from key sectors: Danaher (life sciences softness but cost cuts could help), Capital One (consumer health and Discover deal integration), Bristol Myers (Cobenfy launch progress, tariff impact, Camzyos setback), Dover (order trends and M&A/buyback optionality). 4) Heavy calendar outside the portfolio: Tesla, Alphabet, P&G, Boeing, defense/aerospace, and health care names set the week’s direction. Club moves: Added Amazon on weakness; trimmed TJX near highs; signaling caution on Nvidia and Apple given China trade risks. Eli Lilly surged on positive obesity-pill data; Goldman Sachs and Abbott rose on solid earnings.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned that Trump’s tariffs are prompting businesses and some consumers to front-load purchases, creating an “artificially high” boost to economic activity in spring that could fade into a summer slowdown as demand is pulled forward. He said inventory stockpiling—especially in tariff-exposed sectors like autos—could last 60–90 days amid uncertainty over rates after a 90-day pause ends July 9. With China-facing tariffs totaling 145%, some importers are delaying shipments to avoid steep price hikes. Despite near-term volatility, Goolsbee noted the broader backdrop entering April was solid, with steady employment and cooling inflation.

President Trump’s tariff pressure is prompting Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to consider financing and contracting long-term purchases from the $40+ billion Alaska LNG project, which includes an 800-mile pipeline, gas processing, and an LNG plant. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the partners could fund the project and take substantial offtake; Taiwan’s CPC has a preliminary deal for 6 million tons annually and may invest directly. Developer Glenfarne aims for a final investment decision within 6–12 months, start LNG plant construction in late 2026, and begin full operations by 2031, targeting 20 million tons per year. The project is pitched as strategically valuable—shorter shipping to Asia than Gulf Coast routes and aligned with U.S. energy dominance—while Japan, Korea, and Taiwan seek tariff relief and energy security. Interest has also emerged from India and Thailand. However, analysts flag high costs, complexity, political risk if U.S. leadership changes, and uncertain commercial viability as major hurdles.

Graeme Derek Winn, 65, and his wife Margaret Elaine “Elaine” Winn, 58, from the UK, were among four people killed when a cable car near Naples crashed after a cable snapped. The other victims were an Israeli woman and the Italian operator; a second Israeli tourist is in stable but critical condition. Nine other passengers were rescued from a separate car left suspended. Elaine Winn worked at Welland Park Academy, which paid tribute to her. The Mount Faito cable car, recently reopened after testing, will remain closed as authorities investigate. Italy’s prime minister offered condolences.

Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died of leukemia in 2006 at 15, is set to become the first millennial saint after being canonized by the Pope on April 27. To become a saint, one must go through four stages: Servant of God, Venerable, Beatification, and Sainthood. Carlo's journey began with his dedication to Catholicism, using his tech skills to spread the faith, and logging Eucharistic miracles on a website. He was named Venerable in 2018, beatified in 2020 after a miracle attributed to him, and will be canonized after a second miracle was confirmed in 2024. Sainthood is rare, but has become more common in recent years, with Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis declaring hundreds of saints during their tenures.

Emmanuel Macron is expected to make his first UK state visit at the end of May, reportedly invited by the King, ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated second state visit in September. Both visits are likely to be held at Windsor Castle due to Buckingham Palace refurbishments. The timing underscores UK efforts to balance closer European ties with US relations; Sir Keir Starmer has engaged both leaders, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves will discuss mitigating Trump’s proposed 10% import tariffs. Macron and Starmer have also been coordinating on defense, including a proposed Anglo-French-led initiative related to Ukraine. Downing Street declined to comment.

A Tunisian court issued prison sentences ranging from 13 to 66 years in a mass trial of 40 politicians, businessmen, and lawyers widely denounced by opponents as politically motivated to entrench President Kais Saied’s rule. Businessman Kamel Ltaif received 66 years; opposition figure Khayam Turki got 48 years; and prominent critics Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawahar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj were each given 18 years. Many defendants have fled abroad; several top opposition leaders are already jailed. Rights groups and defense lawyers say Saied, who consolidated control over the judiciary after dissolving parliament in 2021, is using the courts to silence dissent. Authorities accuse the defendants of plotting to destabilize and overthrow the government, charges the opposition rejects as fabricated.

Jose Hermosillo, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen from New Mexico, was wrongfully detained by Border Patrol in Nogales, Arizona, for nearly 10 days after agents claimed he lacked immigration documents and allegedly admitted to illegal entry. Despite asserting his citizenship, he was held in federal and ICE custody until his family provided his birth certificate and Social Security card; a judge dismissed the case on 17 April and he was released that evening. The incident highlights increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration and ongoing errors detaining U.S. citizens, with past government reports documenting hundreds of such wrongful arrests and some deportations.