Middle East War Will Slow Global Economic Growth, I.M.F. Warns
The IMF now expects global growth of 3.1% in 2026, down from 3.3% forecast in January. The IMF also cut its expectations for China's economic growth this year. The higher energy and commodity costs are partly offset by lower U.S. tariff rates and government stimulus measures.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette saved from closure by Maryland non-profit
“We are determined to ensure that trusted local journalism will live on in western Pennsylvania,” CEO of Venetoulis Institute says. Innamorato says the transition to a nonprofit model represents an opportunity to strengthen independent, community-centered reporting. She says a strong local news source is essential to a healthy democracy, “and that must include supporting the journalists and workers.”
JPMorgan tops estimates on Wall Street results, Dimon flags 'increasingly complex' economic risks
JPMorgan posted a profit of $16.49 billion, up 13% from a year earlier. JPMorgan and Citi also said they had $50 billion and $22 billion in exposure to private credit loans, respectively. Wells Fargo said that it had roughly $36 billion in Exposure to Private Credit.
Iran war will hit UK growth the hardest of any rich economies, IMF says
Four ships, including two linked to China, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the US blockade, according to maritime data. Two of the four ships that sailed today are confirmed to have visited Iran - they include the Liberian-Christianna and the Comoros-flagged Elpis.
State of U.S. Blockade Is Unclear as Some Ships Transit Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would blockade the already impacted strait to retaliate against Iran. Trump said any of Iran’s high-speed attack boats that approach the blockade “will be immediately ELIMINATED” It's unclear if, for instance, a Chinese tanker carrying Iranian oil would be forcibly stopped.
Iran has continued exporting substantial amounts of crude oil and other fuels through the strait. Even the threat of disruption can push up prices and create pressure in countries far beyond the region. The focus is shifting towards economic pressure, cutting off oil flows, tightening control over trade routes and trying to force concessions by raising the cost of resistance.
Meghan Markle met four-year-old Lily at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Lily was born just a day before Meghan's own daughter. Meghan told Lily: 'You look like a model. I love it' She then gave her a hand-drawn sign that said: 'Welcome Harry and Meghan'
Two Iran-Linked Ships Passed Through Strait of Hormuz Ahead of U.S. Blockade
First direct diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1993. Fierce fighting continues between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli military issues warning to northern residents to be prepared for a possible increase of fire from Lebanon. US-Iran standoff deepens as US-Lebanon talks begin in Washington.
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Hospital at centre of child HIV outbreak caught reusing syringes in undercover filming
The practices documented in THQ Taunsa mirror those in previous outbreaks. Almost all of the 65 to 70 children he diagnosed had been treated at the hospital, he says. He says he took "immediate" action after being notified of an HIV-positive case. But he says the hospital was not the cause of the outbreak.
US blockade of Iranian ports explained in two minutes
PM Modi and President Trump held a 40-minute phone conversation, says Sergio Gor, US ambassador to India. US ambassador also said that during the phone call, Trump briefed PM Modi on the situation in West Asia, including the US blockade of Iranian ports. Modi and Trump spoke on the phone on February 2, when the two sides announced progress towards concluding a bilateral trade deal.
Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress after sexual misconduct claims
Politicians Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales are giving up their seats in Congress amid sexual misconduct accusations. Both politicians shared news of their resignations on social media on Monday, April 13. The two men have been accused of misconduct by at least four women, which they have vehemently denied. Gonzales had previously decided not to run for reelection amid criticism over his relationship with a former staffer.
After Chaotic Election Day, Peru Orders 2nd Day of Voting for Some Areas
Peru faces presidential runoff as election count drags on after ballot delays. Keiko Fujimori, daughter of a disgraced former president, leads the count with 16.92% of support. Rafael López Aliaga, the ultra-conservative former mayor of Peru's capital, Lima, earned 12.95%.
What Happens in California Governor’s Race After Eric Swalwell Stepped Down?
Drewes said she did not undergo a rape kit at the time, but told people close to her about the alleged assault and documented the events in a handwritten calendar. "It's all the more important that Republicans get behind the leading Republican in this race, now endorsed by the president," Hilton said.
To Fill Drone Force Ranks, Russia Targets a New Demographic: Students
Magyar’s two‑thirds victory signals not just a change in government but “a change in regime,” Goldberg writes. She notes that under Orbán, Hungary “has vetoed aid to Ukraine and sanctions on both Russia and Israel.” Magyar also “signaled that he would not fully sever ties with Moscow,’ given that Hungary imports more than 80 percent of its natural gas and crude oil from Russia.
The collapse of US-Iran talks is casting doubt on the ceasefire, suggesting it may be a fragile pause rather than a path to diplomacy. “What’s really interesting about this round of negotiations… is the fact that Tehran is viewing the ceasefire as a victory,” Sayeh said.
House Republicans Step Up Scrutiny of ActBlue Over Foreign Donations
Republicans threaten ActBlue CEO with contempt of Congress in fraud probe. "There is considerable reason to believe that ActBlue may have deliberately withheld" some documents "to impede our investigation," the heads of three House committees wrote in a letter Tuesday to ActBlueCEO Regina Wallace-Jones. House Republicans subpoenaed ActBlue for documents and communications after a previous report on an exodus of staff.
Olivia Troye, Ex-Pence Aide, Runs for the House as a Democrat
Virginia is the latest state to push a partisan redistricting plan before the 2026 midterms. The current map that elected a congressional delegation with six Democrats and five Republicans. Voters are deciding in an April 21 statewide ballot measure vote in Virginia if the Democratic-controlled legislature should be allowed to implement it.
Will Viktor Orban’s Legacy Live On in Brussels, Even Without Him?
Viktor Orbán was the dominant force in Hungary's political life for two decades. The 61-year-old Szilágyi is frequently seen in the front row of Orbán's rallies and marches. Many of his followers still see him as one of the greatest leaders in Hungarian history.
Canada Special Elections 2026 Results: Carney’s Liberal Party Gains Majority
Virginia is the latest state to push a partisan redistricting plan before the 2026 midterms. Democrats are looking to gain the House majority and the power it would give them to stymie Trump’s agenda. About a half-dozen Democrats have announced plans to run in the district if voters approve the new boundaries.
Israelis Don’t Feel Much Like Victors in War With Iran
Péter Magyar unseated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán Sunday. He said Orbán diverted Hungarian taxpayer funds toward financing the American Republican conference. He called the payments a "crime" and said his government would stop the funds. Orbán's Fidesz won just 55 seats in Hungary’s 199-seat National Assembly.
Iran Has Been Consistent in War. Will It Be Consistent in Peace Talks?
The U.S. is struggling to define victory in a war it started without clear objectives. The war has produced a cascade of intangible losses that may prove far more consequential. It’s yet another indication that the world is losing its way in an era of constant conflict. Thucydides had a warning 2,400 years ago.
Italy Suspends Defense Pact With Israel, Further Straining Ties
The U.S. military claims that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports. At least one ship with apparent ties to Tehran has transited the Strait of Hormuz. Some tankers approaching the strait on Monday did turn around shortly after the blockade took effect.
What the U.S. Blockade of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz Might Look Like
"Despite all of the bluster, both sides would like to go down the escalation ladder," analyst says. The U.S. asked Iran during the marathon talks for a 20-year suspension of uranium enrichment, a second person says. "We must have the enriched material out of Iran," Trump says.
The largest shift, Gardiner predicted, will come in foreign policy. “I don’t expect you’re going to see the new government shifting away from Orbán’s hard-line approach,” he said. Gardiner noted that the EU “invested a great deal of time and effort in trying to get Magyar elected and Orbán out”
Iran Blockade Sets Up a Test of Which Side Can Endure More Pain
Talks between the U.S. and Iran have failed to reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The two sides have been locked in a standoff over the issue for more than a year. The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution on the issue on Tuesday.
U.S. Is Negotiating an Iran Deal That Would Buy Time, Again
US eyes potential second round of in-person talks with Iran as blockade takes hold. Many of the “red lines” the US has set for Iran are terms Tehran has previously rejected. The remaining truce time must be used in Washington to fundamentally reassess its own approach, he says.
UK woman fears being stranded in Spain over new Home Office border rules
Natasha Cochrane de la Rosa, 26, was born in the UK to a British father and a Spanish mother. She was not entitled automatically to British citizenship because her parents were not married. Before the new rules, she could enter and leave the country on her Spanish passport. She has been left stranded in Spain after being refused entry to the UK.
New accuser says Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2018
The price of oil has ricocheted throughout the war on Iran, peaking at $119 per barrel at the end of March. The average gas price is now more than $4 per gallon, up from about $3 a year ago. “The country is crying out for a new energy policy,” said California congressman Ro Khanna.
French woman, 86, held by ICE after moving to US to marry 1950s sweetheart
Marie-Thérèse moved from Brittany to Anniston, Alabama, last year to pursue a romance with a former U.S. serviceman. She had met and fallen in love with in the 1950s at a NATO military base in the port of Saint-Nazaire on the west coast of France.
Ex-Student Wounds 16 in High School Shooting in Turkey
Dabis sat down with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz to talk about the difficult production, Sundance acclaim and the deeply personal real-world stories behind the film. Ben Hania and actor Saja Kilani spoke with Associated Press entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz about the task of blending reality with narrative.
Police officers among seven arrested over deadly Haiti stampede
Haiti's national police say they have arrested seven people suspected of involvement in a deadly stampede. The stampede left 25 people dead over the weekend at a former military citadel in the north of the country. The authorities have also confirmed that five police officers are among seven people arrested.
Pope Leo visits Algeria in sign of Africa’s growing importance to Catholic church
"Faith unites people according to perfect justice, which calls everyone to charity," Leo says. The visit was the centerpiece of his two days in Algeria. Leo, the first Augustinian pope, wanted to pay homage to his predecessor, Augustine. He has made unity a central tenet of his 11-month pontificate.
Trump’s Explanation for an Image of Himself as Jesus: ‘I Thought It Was Me as a Doctor’
President Donald Trump responded to questions about his controversial AI-generated photo depicting him as Jesus. Trump said he thought the picture depicted him not as one of Christianity’s revered leaders, but as a physician. The president admits he posted the image himself, but says "fake news" is reframing the narrative.
Kevin Warsh, Trump’s Pick for Fed Chair, Discloses Vast Wealth Ahead of Confirmation Hearing
Warsh’s 69-page financial document shows that his assets may be valued between $131 million and $209 million. The largest holdings in Warsh's disclosure are two in "Juggernaut Fund," worth more than $50 million each. Warsh has $100 million parked in a single investment fund, for instance.
What Happened After Denmark Adopted a Ruined City in Ukraine
Denmark has directed 60% of all its Ukraine reconstruction aid to this one city. It is using it as a test bed for assistance policies that could be applied across the country. The Danish project is a traditional country-to-country aid program. It contrasts with a Trump administration plan that would focus on for-profit ventures.
Severe storms damage the Plains and midwest as forecasts warn of tornadoes
Severe storms accompanied by tornadoes damage communities from the Plains to the Midwest. This all comes after severe storms on Monday dropped damaging tornadoes and hail across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas. Three people were left with minor injuries in rural Franklin County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City.
Bahamas police again question US man over disappearance of wife at sea
Lynette Hooker, 55, fell overboard the night of April 4 as they were traveling in an 8-foot (2.4-meter) motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay. Brian Hooker alerted someone about his wife’s disappearance early the following day, according to authorities. The couple has had a history of contention, withBrian Hooker accusing his wife of assault in 2015.
Weather tracker: Super Typhoon Sinlaku threatens Mariana Islands
Super Typhoon Sinlaku pounds remote U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean with ferocious winds. Residents forced to seek shelter from flying tree limbs and collapsed buildings. Center of the Super TyphoonSinlaku pounded the Northern Mariana Islands early Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves north.
Iran War Live Updates: Israel and Lebanon Conclude Direct Talks as Strikes Go On
Israel and Lebanon begin their highest-level direct talks in more than 40 years in Washington on Tuesday. The status of Hezbollah is at the heart of the negotiations. A senior Hezbollah political official told The Associated Press on Monday that the militant group will not abide by any agreement made in those negotiations. Lebanon would seek a ceasefire as a precondition for broader talks, an official said.
Islamabad prepares to host historic negotiations between Iran and the US
Senior Iranian officials arrive in Islamabad for talks with U.S., as ceasefire terms remain in dispute. Pakistani officials will attempt to mediate a deal to end the war. Pakistan is actively mediating between the US and Iran, striving to host a second round of crucial negotiations in Islamabad to de-escalate tensions and foster regional peace.
Suspect in attack at Sam Altman's house aimed to kill OpenAI CEO, warned of humanity's extinction from AI
Daniel Moreno-Gama is charged in California state court with two counts of attempted murder. He also threatened to burn down OpenAI’s headquarters, authorities say. The federal court documents do not list an attorney for him, and he has not yet had his first court appearance. Online state court records do not yet show whether he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
Israel and Lebanon Seek Way Forward in Rare Direct Talks
The first direct diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1993 are set to begin in Washington. A senior Hezbollah political official told The Associated Press on Monday that the militant group will not abide by any agreement made in those negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a ‘historic opportunity’ but made clear no breakthrough agreement was immediately expected.
The U.S. military says it is blocking Iranian ports and stopping vessels that paid tolls to Iran. China has called the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz a "dangerous and irresponsible act" that will further enflame tensions in the region. As the three vessels transiting the strait were not heading to Iranian ports, they are not covered by the blockade.
UK Will Not Join U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Starmer Says
US begins blockade of Iranian ports as Trump threatens to 'eliminate' vessels. Move caused oil prices to once again rise to more than $100 a barrel. President Donald Trump told reporters: "I don't care" if Iran returns to negotiations. Iran's parliament speaker says Tehran will not "render" to "threats"
How Would a Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Work? Here Are Some Possibilities.
President Donald Trump is giving the U.S. Navy one of its most difficult jobs of the conflict. It is blockading Iran’s ports and clearing the strategic Strait of Hormuz of any Iranian mines. Among those Iran could deploy in the strait are:Spiked contact mines like those seen in World War II movies.
