Trump considers a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines and would aim to resell carrier
NEW YORK: President Donald Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop. The president confirmed his continued interest in offering Spirit a financial lifeline after a lawyer t»»»
Meta to lay off 10% of workforce in AI push - UPI.com
A workspace is dedicated to Meta in 2023 in the Internation Media Center in Moscone Center in San Francisco. Meta said Thursday that it will lay off about 10% of its workforce in a move to artificial intelligence. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo April 23 (UPI) -- Meta, the parent co»»»
‘Smoking Gun’? Philippine lawmakers cite AMLC data showing billions in bank flows vs. Sara Duterte’s statement of assets, liabilities
Manila: Bank transactions worth billions of pesos linked to Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear to match the assets she declared annually, lawmakers said, citing records presented during House hearings on impeachment complaints. The disparity could be the “smoking gun” behind allegations of »»»
Trump rules out striking Iran with nuclear weapon
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out striking Iran with a nuclear weapon, after his previous threats to completely destroy Iranian civilization. “No, I wouldn’t use it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Why would I use a nuclear weapon when we’ve, in a very conventio»»»
Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by 3 weeks
U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House on Thursday. Trump said the meeting between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States went "very well." The meeting was t»»»
White House to host Israel, Lebanon talks Thursday - UPI.com
President Donald Trump is expected to briefly take part in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon's ambassadors at the White House on Thursday. File Photo by Graeme Sloan/UPI | License Photo April 23 (UPI) -- Diplomats from Israel and Lebanon were expected to hold talks at the White House on Thurs»»»
Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks
Washington: President Donald Trump says Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks after talks at the White House on Thursday. Trump says the meeting between Israel’s and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the United States went “very well.” The meeting w»»»
Reports: One dead, 10 injured in shooting at Mall of Louisiana - UPI.com
One person is dead and 10 injured after an argument-turned-gunfight Thursday at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, La., officials said. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 23 (UPI) -- An argument turned into a gunfight at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge on Thursday, leaving »»»
Where We Are Going Today: ‘No Moo’
With the fun slogan of “No moos allowed: Plant-based drinks made from your favorite seeds,” and its vibrantly-colored packaging, this emerging Saudi-made brand is making an ethical splash into mugs and cups throughout the Kingdom. Currently available in four flavors, each with its own singular-colo»»»
What the Palantir CEO’s ‘manifesto’ tells us about the changing face of war
A Palantir post citing CEO Alex Karp's book called for mandatory military service and closer ties between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon while criticizing "hollow pluralism" and warning of a new AI arms race. But Palantir is just one of the tech companies blurring the lines between Silicon Valley »»»
French, UK defense chiefs eye ‘real progress’ in Hormuz plan
LONDON: Britain and France Thursday voiced hope that military plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz were coming together and would succeed in restoring trade flows through the vital passage. At a two-day meeting in London, military planners discussed the practicalities of a multinational mission led»»»
Is the Iran conflict sidelining the unresolved Gaza crisis?
LONDON: As the US-Israeli war with Iran consumes diplomatic attention and rattles global markets, many fear Gaza is once again being pushed to the margins. More than six months into a ceasefire that has seen continued violations, hundreds of thousands in Gaza are living in dire conditions, with aid»»»
Trump to attend Israel-Lebanon talks on ceasefire extension: White House
WASHINGTON: Lebanon and Israel were set to begin a second session of direct talks at the White House on Thursday to discuss the possibility of extending a truce between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and plans for future negotiations between the two neighbors with a long history of hostile»»»
Meta plans 10% layoffs as AI spending soars: source
New York: Meta plans to cut a tenth of its workforce, looking for productivity gains from its remaining workers as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence. Meta will lay off about 8,000 employees and leave thousands of other positions unfilled next month, a source told AFP. The move comes as »»»
Snow leopard habitat threatened by China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail project, argues research paper
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway megaproject poses a threat to the habitat of the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan, according to an in-depth report that is causing disquiet in European capitals. The concer»»»
How augmented reality is transforming ancient Arab heritage sites into immersive visitor experiences
DUBAI: Tourists visiting some of the Arab world’s most iconic archeological sites are increasingly seeing things that are no longer there — on purpose. Across some of the region’s most prominent heritage sites — from Petra and AlUla to major museums in Cairo — immersive technologies are beginning t»»»
Over 250 Indians claiming descent from biblical tribe land in Israel
TEL AVIV: More than 250 Indians claiming descent from a biblical tribe landed at Tel Aviv airport on Thursday, as part of a government operation to relocate them to Israel. They are the first “Bnei Menashe” (“Sons of Manasseh“) to arrive in Israel since the government decided in November to fund th»»»
Iraq Ruling Alliance Nears Critical Constitutional Deadline
Iraq’s Coordination Framework is set to meet on Friday, the final day of the constitutional deadline to name a prime minister-designate, as disputes persist among Shiite factions over both the selection mechanism and the final nominee, threatening to push the country into a new constitutional crisi»»»
DOJ Inspector General to audit release of Jeffrey Epstein files - UPI.com
Todd Blanche is the acting U.S. attorney general since the firing of Pam Bondi. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General will do an audit of the Justice Department's release of the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 23 »»»
At least 17 Somali migrants die after boat capsizes off Algeria
MOGADISHU: A boat capsized in waters between Algeria and Spain, leaving at least 17 Somali migrants dead, Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria said Thursday. Ambassador Yusuf Ahmed Hassan told Somali state media that he was contacted by distressed parents searching for information about their missing re»»»
Renewed Israel-Hezbollah war raises human, material toll on Lebanon - UPI.com
People walk on Tuesday past the rubble of a building damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Jibchit village, southern Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day cease-fire, which went into effect April 16. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 23 (UPI) -- A temporary, 10-day cease-fi»»»
Colombia, U.S. bust crypto laundering network tied to Mexican cartel - UPI.com
April 23 (UPI) -- Authorities in Colombia and the United States dismantled a money laundering network linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel that allegedly moved more than $190 million since 2023 through cryptocurrencies, shell companies and couriers. The joint operation resulted in five arres»»»
USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Mideast region: US military
WASHINGTON: The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, the US military said Thursday, bringing the number of the massive American warships operating in the region to three. The Bush was sailing “in the Indian Ocean in the US Central Command area of responsibility, Apr»»»
Will Syria’s Parliament Meet on Sharaa’s Timeline?
Holding the first session of Syria’s parliament, the People’s Assembly, on the timeline set by Ahmed al-Sharaa in Antalya will require faster efforts to select representatives from Hasaka, as the Supreme Elections Committee moves to resolve key issues delaying the launch. Al-Sharaa said at the Anta»»»
19 injured in head-on train crash in Denmark - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Two trains collided between Hilleroed and Kagerup at Isteroedvejen, Denmark, Thursday morning. At least 19 are injured. Photo by Steven Knap/EPA April 23 (UPI) -- Two passenger trains crashed head-on in Denmark on Thursday leaving 18 injured, five of them critically, law enforcement offici»»»
Snow leopard habitat threatened by China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail project, argues research paper
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway megaproject poses a threat to the habitat of the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan, according to an in-depth report that is causing disquiet in European capitals. The concer»»»
Palestinian women speak out on sexual abuse by Hamas
Testimonies emerging from Gaza have documented a pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation carried out by Hamas militants and affiliated organisations against women. With the US-led Gaza Board of Peace having submitted a di»»»
Iran says first Hormuz toll revenue deposited at central bank
Iran's first revenue from Strait of Hormuz tolls has been deposited at the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Parliament Vice Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei admitted during a public gathering outside of Tehran, Donya-e-Eqtesad newspaper reported on April 23. »»»
Italian UNIFIL troops replace statue of Jesus destroyed by Israeli soldier in Lebanon
Italian troops serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have replaced a statue of Jesus destroyed by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said, ANSA reported on April 23. »»»
Italian UNIFIL troops replace statue of Jesus destroyed by Israeli soldier in Lebanon
Italian troops serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have replaced a statue of Jesus destroyed by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said, ANSA reported on April 23. »»»
Italian UNIFIL troops replace statue of Jesus destroyed by Israeli soldier in Lebanon
Italian troops serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have replaced a statue of Jesus destroyed by an Israeli soldier in a southern Lebanese village, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said, ANSA reported on April 23. »»»
Iran says first Hormuz toll revenue deposited at central bank
Iran's first revenue from Strait of Hormuz tolls has been deposited at the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Parliament Vice Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babaei admitted during a public gathering outside of Tehran, Donya-e-Eqtesad newspaper reported on April 23. »»»
Snow leopard habitat threatened by China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail project, argues research paper
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway megaproject poses a threat to the habitat of the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan, according to an in-depth report that is causing disquiet in European capitals. The concer»»»
Snow leopard habitat threatened by China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail project, argues research paper
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway megaproject poses a threat to the habitat of the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan, according to an in-depth report that is causing disquiet in European capitals. The concer»»»
Snow leopard habitat threatened by China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail project, argues research paper
The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway megaproject poses a threat to the habitat of the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan, according to an in-depth report that is causing disquiet in European capitals. The concer»»»
From South Asia to MENA: Can Pakistan Now Become the Gulf's Back Office?
The World Bank has quietly reclassified Pakistan from being part of South Asia to being part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. What seems like a bureaucratic tweak actually opens the door to regional financing and investment mandates.Pakistani start-ups and IT companies gain formal»»»
Gradual Escalation in South Lebanon Complicates Diplomatic Efforts
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in southern Lebanon are running up against a gradual escalation on the ground, as fighting expands beyond the border area following four days of Israeli violations, with Hezbollah beginning limited attacks on Israeli forces deeper inside Lebanon and along th»»»
Kuwait reopens airspace starting this evening
Kuwait: Director of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced Thursday, April 23, 2026, the reopening of airspace at Kuwait International Airport starting this evening. He told KUNA that in coordination with relevant inte»»»
USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Mideast region
The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, the U.S. military said Thursday, bringing the number of the massive American warships operating in the region to three. The Bush was sailing "in the Indian Ocean in the US Central Command area of responsibility, April 23," th»»»
Pentagon removes top Navy official amid military shake-up
US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has left his post with immediate effect, the Pentagon said Wednesday, without providing an explanation. His departure comes amid a broader clear-out of senior military figures under President Donald Trump, as the United States remains locked in an unresolved con»»»
Washington uses Iraq's own oil money to bend Baghdad to its will
The Trump administration has blocked a shipment of nearly $500 million in cash to Iraq, pressing Baghdad to dismantle powerful Iranian-backed armed groups. Analysts say the blockage risks destabilising an already fragile economy. The US government blocked a cargo plane delivery of nearly »»»
Perspective - War in Lebanon: Most people 'are severely traumatised', CARE country director says
Lebanon's country director for the charity CARE has told FRANCE 24 that life for the Lebanese is a perpetual challenge that people have to overcome. Michael Adams says the ceasefire there is very fragile, and the constant infractions mean people don't have confidence in it. He told us about how man»»»
'The future is peace': A story of brotherhood across a divided land
While the events of October 7, 2023, may have pushed some Israelis and Palestinians apart, Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah say they've become like brothers. When Maoz lost his parents in the attacks, Aziz, who himself lost a brother during the first intifada, reached out in a gesture of friendship. Th»»»
Shadow of failed 1983 agreement haunts new Israeli-Lebanon talks
As Lebanon prepares to resume direct discussions with Israel, the ghost of the May 17 Agreement of 1983 – a deal that was signed but never implemented – is haunting the new round of negotiations. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are facing a smear c»»»
Middle East Matters - 'The future is peace': A story of brotherhood across a divided land
While the events of October 7, 2023, may have pushed some Israelis and Palestinians apart, Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah say they've become like brothers. When Maoz lost his parents in the attacks, Aziz, who himself lost a brother during the first intifada, reached out in a gesture of friendship. Th»»»
US accuses China of 'intimidation campaign' to block Taiwan president’s Africa trip
The United States on Wednesday accused China of pressuring African nations to block a planned visit by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, after several countries revoked overflight permits. Beijing denied the claims while expressing "high appreciation" for the states in question as tensions over»»»
Reports: Riyadh presses for stability, Taif Accord as Berri says no peace with Israel before KSA
Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan met again Thursday evening with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, without media coverage, to discuss the details of implementing the Taif Agreement in its entirety, without any procrastination, LBCI television reported. Berri meanwhioe affirmed to Bin Farhan in their f»»»
Former police officer arrested for alleged mass shooting plot in New Orleans - UPI.com
Christopher Gillum faces charges of making terroristic threats. Photo courtesy the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office April 23 (UPI) -- Law enforcement in Louisiana announced Thursday that they arrested a former police officer from North Carolina on allegations he planned to carry out a mass shooting»»»
Radio outage cripples police operations
Police units across Attica have been coordinating operations through mobile phones in recent days after the encrypted Tetra Sepura communication system at the Athens Police Operations Center went offline. Multiple sources confirmed that officers responsible for directing units are often forced to r»»»
Iran media report blasts over Tehran, air defense systems activated
Air defense systems were activated in parts of Tehran on Thursday evening amid reports of hostile aerial activity, Iranian state media said in the first such reports since a ceasefire began. The IRNA state news agency said the "sound of air defense firing" was heard in western Tehran, while the Meh»»»