Trump-branded AI data center megaproject stalls, CEO departs Fermi America is emerging as a high-profile test of ambitious AI data center projects. Axios · Apr 19
'Who is he to deprive a nation?' Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian hits out at Donald Trump over nuclear rights claim Iran president Masoud Pezeshkian, on Sunday, questioned the United States’ authority to limit Iran’s nuclear programme, asking what legal basis Washington had for such demands. The Times of India · Apr 19
'No force can reopen it': Houthis threaten Bab al-Mandeb closure after Iran shuts Hormuz Yemen's Houthi administration has warned that the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait could be shut if US President Donald Trump and what it called the "complicit world" do not end "all practices and policies that obstruct peace," as tensions escalate around multiple maritime chokepoints. The Times of India · Apr 19
The most politically charged World Cup ever puts the U.S. and Iran on a collision course while America co-hosts with neighbors it has tariffed "We're in pretty unique territory," said one historian. Fortune · Apr 19
Obama and Mamdani sing Wheels on the Bus together to preschoolers Former President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time Saturday (April 18) at a New York child care center leading preschoolers in a singalong to “Wheels on the Bus”. The Independent UK · Apr 19
Trump signs order to fast-track research on psychedelic drugs Trump signed an executive order Saturday to ease research restrictions on psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD, aiming to accelerate studies into their potential for treating mental health conditions. Euronews · Apr 19
JD Vance could yet save his political skin. But it will mean turning on Trump – and soon The vice-president has endured his most humiliating – and damaging – week as his boss’s fall guy. How much more can Maga’s great hope take? asks Guardian foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall The Guardian - UK · Apr 19
'K Pop Demon Hunters' and 'Wheels on the Bus': Obama meets Mamdani for first time in Bronx - Watch Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met for the first time on Saturday, reading to children and leading a sing-along of "Wheels on the Bus" at a Bronx pre-K center. The Times of India · Apr 19
Republicans Done With Trump? NRA Convention in Houston Exposes Deep Fracture Within His Base Footage from NRA convention in Houston shows Trump voters expressing frustration with the president, indicating a shift in Republican support. Trump's absence from the event adds to the discontent. International Business Times · Apr 19
Iran says deal still 'far off' as Hormuz Strait remains shut Amid stalled US-Iran negotiations, Iranian officials warning the crucial shipping lane will remain shut until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. Euronews · Apr 19
IDF map shows its advance into southern Lebanon – as it happened This blog is now closed. The Guardian - AU · Apr 19
Kamala Harris says Donald Trump was ‘pulled into’ Iran war by Netanyahu, calls it distraction over ‘Epstein files’ Kamala Harris launched a strong critique of Donald Trump, alleging he was drawn into the Iran conflict by Benjamin Netanyahu to divert from domestic issues like the 'Epstein files'. She labelled the current US leadership as "most corrupt, callous and incompetent" and accused Trump of undermining alliances and international norms,… The Times of India · Apr 19
An energy blockade on Cuba pulls the plug on Havana’s legendary nightlife President Donald Trump’s oil embargo on Cuba has exacerbated a crisis that has turned Havana’s nightlife dark and quiet The Independent UK · Apr 19
The Independent UK · Apr 19 The Latest: Standoff escalates after Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over US blockade Iran has reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and has warned that it would continue to block transit through the strait as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect
The Independent UK · Apr 19 Trump believed coming across as ‘unstable and insulting’ in controversial posts could ‘bring the Iranians to the table,’ report says The president reportedly thought appearing off-kilter and dangerous would make Iranians hasten to end the war, a new report says
The Independent UK · Apr 19 The US backs a South Africa project to extract rare earths despite a diplomatic clash A U.S.-backed project in South Africa aims to extract rare earth minerals from industrial waste as part of a Trump administration priority to reduce reliance on China
The Times of India · Apr 19 'Whether people like Israel or not ... ': Trump hails 'great ally' of US for 'knowing how to win' US President Donald Trump lauded Israel as a "great ally," highlighting its courage and loyalty amidst escalating Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, Iran's parliamentary speaker indicated ongoing, yet incomplete, negotiations with the US. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with clashes persisting despite a fragile truce and concerns over the…
The Times of India · Apr 19 'Reality is often much more complicated': Vance plays down Trump-Pope tensions Vice President JD Vance expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV on Friday, saying the "reality is often much more complicated" than media portrayals of a feud between the pontiff and President Donald Trump.
The Guardian - AU · Apr 19 Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crimes allegations – As it happened All the day’s news as it unfolded
The Times of India · Apr 19 'Red flag': US intel flags Pakistan army chief Asim Munir as risk for Trump admin, says report US intelligence reportedly views Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir as a potential liability for the Trump administration due to his alleged ties to Iran's military. Despite Trump's praise, officials warn Munir's mediation role between Iran and the US amid Middle East tensions could compromise American interests, citing Pakistan's history as…
AAP · Apr 19 Break in economic data keeps Middle East in focus Traders will be hoping US President Donald Trump strikes a permanent deal with Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as the clock ticks on a fragile ceasefire.
The Guardian - US · Apr 19 Trump news at a glance: president struggles to reopen strait as Iran rejects US blockade Donald Trump’s earlier tone of triumph with the reopening of key waterway falls flat – key US politics stories from 18 April at a glance
The Times of India · Apr 19 'Find lasting solution': Amid Trump pressure, Brazil, Mexico, Spain release joint statement backing Cuba Mexico, Spain, and Brazil expressed deep concern over Cuba's "dramatic situation" and humanitarian crisis, calling for respectful dialogue and for the Cuban people to decide their future. This comes amid repeated threats from US President Donald Trump to "take Cuba" and increased US economic pressure, including oil shipment blockades, severely…
The Independent UK · Apr 19 Longtime NPR listener, big-time savior: Meet Connie Ballmer, wife of Microsoft billionaire, who took on Trump’s cuts NPR also received an anonymous $33 million donation in April