Israel to host ‘biggest ever’ Middle East LGBT festival
Israel is promoting a new Dead Sea festival, Pride Land, as the “biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever in the Middle East,” with the event billed as a four-day gathering focused on performances, parties, exhibitions, and queer culture. The official Israel account on X claimed on Monday that the festival wou»»»
How long can Iran’s war-devastated economy defy the Hormuz blockade?
LONDON: Even before the outbreak of the latest war, Iran was in deep economic trouble. In the immediate aftermath of the 12-Day War in June and July last year, during which the US and Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities, an analysis by independent nonprofit Iran Focus laid bare the reality of »»»
Louisiana community is struggling to understand after man killed 8 children
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana: A stunned Louisiana city struggled to come to grips Monday with the massacre of eight children carried out by a father who was separating from his wife and used an assault-style weapon despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction. The violence reverberated across Shreveport a da»»»
Argentina's Milei cements Israel alliance as self-declared world's most Zionist president
Argentine President Javier Milei signed a sweeping bilateral framework agreement with Israel and declared his unequivocal support for the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran during a three-day state visit to Jerusalem, as he received the country's highest civilian honour and planned to overse»»»
Israel's atrocities in Southern Lebanon and Gaza mount as it seeks a buffer zone
↵ Israel blew up civilian homes in Ainata, a centuries-old village in South Lebanon »»»
Israel's atrocities in Southern Lebanon and Gaza mount as it seeks a buffer zone
↵ Israel blew up civilian homes in Ainata, a centuries-old village in South Lebanon »»»
Argentina's Milei cements Israel alliance as self-declared world's most Zionist president
Argentine President Javier Milei signed a sweeping bilateral framework agreement with Israel and declared his unequivocal support for the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran during a three-day state visit to Jerusalem, as he received the country's highest civilian honour and planned to overse»»»
Peter Magyar unveils cabinet line-up, demands Orban-era officials resign by May
Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, named seven ministers and a further nine ministries in his incoming government in a two-hour press conference in Budapest on April 20, after the first meeting of the party's parliamentary group at Hungexpo, the country's largest conference hall. »»»
National economy on positive trajectory in 2025 — JBA
AMMAN — Chairman of Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) Ayman Alawneh, said on Monday that the national economy was on a "positive" trajectory in 2025, characterised by resilience and the capacity to withstand regional challenges.He told the JBA's annual general meeting, which he chaired Sunday»»»
Royal Jordanian achieves JD 21.5m net profit for 2025
— Highest load factor in the company’s history at 81%— 4.4m passengers carried and 11% growth in operating revenue— Enhancing operational efficiency was key priority, directly reflected in performance— 2025 performance indicators confirm success of modernization, expansion strategyAMMAN — The Gener»»»
Shooter at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramid site kills Canadian tourist, wounds six others
A Canadian woman was killed and four other people were injured Monday at the archaeological site of the Teotihuacan pyramids, a major tourist attraction north of Mexico City. The gunman killed himself after opening fire, Mexico state's security secretary said. An armed man standing atop one of the »»»
US tariff refund system launches for companies to claim billions in import taxes
The US Customs and Border Protection announced Monday that its refund portal for Trump's import tariffs – struck down by the US Supreme Court in mid-February – is now open to applications from businesses. The agency said in court filings that more than 330,000 importers paid a total »»»
Strong 7.5 earthquake hits off Japan, tsunami warning issued
A 7.5 magnitide earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday triggering tsunami warnings in the region, Japan's Meteorological Agency said. The tremor was strong enough to shake large buildings as far as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan Monday,»»»
Bulgaria's Kremlin-friendly former president Radev wins parliamentary election
Bulgaria's former president and pro-Russian candidate Rumen Radev on Monday won a parliamentary majority in the country's elections according to near-complete results. Radev – an EU critic who has called for renewing ties with Russia – hailed a "victory of hope". Bulgarian ex-preside»»»
FBI Director Kash Patel sues the Atlantic claiming false reporting about drinking, absences
FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of an article on Friday alleging the director had a drinking problem that could pose a threat to national security. The magazine’s story, initially titled “Kash Pate»»»
Victor Wembanyama unanimously named NBA Defensive Player of the Year
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been around since 1983, and in that time, no player has ever received 100 percent of the first-place votes for the award. Victor Wembanyama is now the first. The San Antonio Spurs superstar center received 100 first-place votes out of a possible 100 »»»
EU proposes full resumption of Syria cooperation accord
BRUSSELS, Belgium: Brussels on Monday proposed EU states fully restart the bloc’s cooperation agreement with Syria, in the latest step to help bolster the country after the ouster of Bashar Assad. The deal — which abolishes customs duties on imports of most industrial products from Syria — was part»»»
Afghan charged in deadly bombing at Kabul airport gave false confession, his attorney tells jurors
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia: US authorities “got the wrong man” when they charged an alleged Daesh militant in a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul airport during the American military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a defense attorney said Monday at the start of the man’s trial in Virginia.»»»
US Air Force says key Iran warplane, the A-10 Warthog, will live on to 2030
WASHINGTON: The US Air Force secretary extended the life of the A-10 “Warthog” attack plane until 2030, sparing the aging but beloved close air support aircraft that has played an important role in Iran from an earlier retirement deadline of 2026. “We will EXTEND the A-10 ‘Warthog’ platform to 203»»»
Supreme Court to hear Catholic school bid to reject LGBTQ parents' children - UPI.com
Denver-area organizations say the stance, which makes them ineligible for state universal pre-K funding, is unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court said on Monday that it will hear a case brought by the Archdiocese of Denver and other Catholic preschools that object to the state refusing to fund t»»»
Illinois leads nation in tornado, hail and wind reports so far in 2026 - UPI.com
Walls sit on crushed vehicles at the Amazon Hub in Edwardsville, Ill., on December 11, 2021. Data indicates Illinois has had more tornadoes so far in 2026 than any other state. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo The state of Illinois is the new severe weather champion of the nation, »»»
Iran does not accept negotiations with the US under threats, top negotiator says
TEHRAN: Iran's top negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Monday that Tehran does not accept negotiations with the U.S. under threats. He said in a post on X that U.S. President Donald Trump was seeking to turn the negotiating table into a "table of surren»»»
QIB organises blood donation driveto support national health efforts
Tribune NewsNetwork Doha Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar’s leading digital bank, has organised a blood donation drive at its head office, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting Qatar’s healthcare sector and broader community well-bein»»»
A top paramilitary commander defects to Sudan’s military as war enters 4th year
CAIRO: A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has changed sides and joined the country’s army in a move welcomed by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan shortly after the war entered its fourth year. Burhan on Sunday welcomed Maj. Gen. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected earlier this month from»»»
A top paramilitary commander defects to Sudan’s military as war enters 4th year
CAIRO: A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has changed sides and joined the country’s army in a move welcomed by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan shortly after the war entered its fourth year. Burhan on Sunday welcomed Maj. Gen. Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected earlier this month from»»»
Drone attack kills 3 Colombian soldiers as rebel groups develop new lethal capabilities
BOGOTA: Colombian rebels on Monday launched drone strikes that killed three soldiers and injured two others, authorities said, as the use of these weapons becomes increasingly common in the South American country. Colombia’s army said that the attack took place in Ipiales, a municipality in the sou»»»
Paris Saint-Germain named ‘World Team of the Year’ at the Laureus World Sports Awards
On Monday 20 April 2026 in Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain was crowned ‘World Team of the Year’ at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. The award recognises the capital club’s historic 2024–2025 season, praised for its team spirit and high-quality performances. This trophy, which is awarded a»»»
Turkiye sentences 8 people to prison terms in deadly 2024 cable car accident
ISTANBUL: A court in southern Turkiye sentenced eight people on Monday to prison terms over a 2024 cable car accident in the coastal resort of Antalya that killed one passenger and injured seven. Four of the defendants were convicted of causing death and injury through negligence and were sentenced»»»
Drone attack kills 3 Colombian soldiers as rebel groups develop new lethal capabilities
BOGOTA: Colombian rebels on Monday launched drone strikes that killed three soldiers and injured two others, authorities said, as the use of these weapons becomes increasingly common in the South American country. Colombia’s army said that the attack took place in Ipiales, a municipality in the sou»»»
Oil shock 2.0? Houthis threaten Bab Al- Mandab shutdown as Hormuz drama reignites, crude prices rebound
As tensions in the Middle East surged again over the weekend, the Iran-backed Houthis threatened to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial oil shipping lane that still serves crude flows from the Middle East through Red Sea ports. A Houthis statement gives a hint of the risks to global shipping.»»»
Third edition of Electronic Qatar Stars League kicks off
The third edition of Electronic Qatar Stars League (E-QSL, April 20-22, 2026) kicked off at Mall of Qatar, with 12 teams competing – all clubs from 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League. Group B matches, featuring Al Sadd, Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah, Al Shahania, Umm Salal and Al Ahli, will be played »»»
Israel hindering Gaza aid access despite court ruling, says NGO
PARIS: Foreign aid groups are struggling to work in the occupied Palestinian territories including in war-torn Gaza despite Israel’s top court lifting a ban against them, a director at one of the charities said Monday. Israel in December said it was banning 37 non-governmental organizations unless »»»
Oil and gas prices surge as Iran re-closes Strait of Hormuz
Oil and European natural gas prices surged after Tehran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz and fired on vessels following the US Navy’s seizure of an Iranian ship, halting all shipping traffic through the vital energy corridor. The turbulent weekend escalation saw Tehran re-impose restrictions on the w»»»
Suspension of EU-Israel trade deal is ‘minimum required’ under international law, UN experts say
NEW YORK CITY: A group of UN experts said on Monday that the suspension of an EU-Israel trade deal would be the “minimum required” step required from the EU to comply with its obligations under international law, amid the continuing escalation of human rights violations by Israel. The call came ahe»»»
Cuba confirms recent talks with visiting US delegation
HAVANA: A senior Cuban diplomat on Monday confirmed recent talks in Havana with US officials, as the communist-led island faces a deep crisis over President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign. “I can confirm that a meeting between delegations from Cuba and the United States was recently held here in »»»
Bulgaria’s Kremlin-friendly ex-president wins election in landslide
SOFIA: Pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev has won Bulgaria’s parliamentary election by a landslide, official results showed on Monday, crushing long-dominant political forces and possibly pushing the EU and NATO member state closer to Moscow. The performance, exceeding opinion poll forecasts»»»
Where We Are Going Today: Dave’s Hot Chicken brings the heat to Jeddah
I had the opportunity to try Dave’s Hot Chicken — the brand’s fifth branch in Saudi Arabia and its first in Jeddah, located at the stylish U-Walk in the Al-Zahra district — shortly after its official opening earlier this month. The chain is known for serving chicken with a wide range of spice level»»»
Pope Leo visits Angola’s diamond-rich northeast
LUANDA: Pope Leo XIV heads to Angola’s remote and diamond-rich northeast on Monday in the latest stop on an Africa tour during which he has spoken out against the country’s glaring poverty. On the eighth day of a trip to four African nations, Leo will fly to the town of Saurimo, 800 kilometers east»»»
When it Comes to the War and Negotiations With the US, IRGC is in Charge and Here’s Why
After Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top leaders and commanders were killed on February 28, “it took Iran 10 minutes to retaliate” and start targeting US bases across the Gulf and in Israel, says veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier. “Therefore, the IRGC is the one running the show,” Mag»»»
Superbrands Romania launches the 2026–2027 edition, dedicated to architects of progress in branding
The new Superbrands Honorary Council has also been established, bringing together 30 leaders from the business environment and specialists from the marketing and communication industry, whose mission, as in every edition, is to evaluate the reputational performance of the brands listed in the progr»»»
Northern Fleet re-establishes helicopter regiment
Helicopters are vital for countering drones and protecting shipping, says Andrei Vrublevsky, commander of the Northern Fleet’s new helicopter regiment. According to the lieutenant colonel, a major refurbishment of the regiment’s air base on the Kola Peninsula is due to be completed in 2027. Lieuten»»»
Arson attack targets car of professor linked to Tempe crash report
Authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack on the car of an Athens University professor who co-authored an expert report attributing the fireball that followed the deadly 2023 Tempe train crash to engine oils. The vehicle, belonging to Professor Dimitris Karonis, was set ablaze on the u»»»
ING Bank Romania in 2025: revenue of over RON 4 billion and more than 260,000 new customers
Our performance in 2025 was marked by sustained growth in our loan and deposit portfolio. The gross loan portfolio grew by 12%, bringing our market share to 11%, while deposits reached 72.4 billion lei, up 4% from the previous year, securing a market share of 10.7%. Operating expenses increased by »»»
Erdogan Vows New Measures After Deadly Türkiye School Shootings
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that his government would introduce sweeping measures, including restrictions on gun ownership, after two school shootings last week that shocked Türkiye. Eight students aged 10 and 11 and a teacher were killed Wednesday when a 14-year-old student opene»»»
Brunei showcases diverse tourism experiences
Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei highlighted its rich and diverse tourism offerings at the recent NATAS Travel Fair in neighboring Singapore, according to a press release issued by the Brunei Tourism Development Department on Monday. The showcase featured a wide range of experiences, from rainforest adv»»»
Flat tax from 2004, intending to stimulate economy, created more B2Bs
Poland introduced a flat 19% tax for sole proprietors in 2004 to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth. However, research shows it mainly encouraged tax optimization rather than creating new businesses or jobs. Many high earning professionals shifted from employment contracts to self employmen»»»
Outrage over smashing of Jesus statue by an Israeli soldier in Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: The Israeli military said it viewed the soldier’s actions with “great severity” There has been widespread condemnation after an image of an Israeli soldier apparently hitting a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon went viral. Israel’s prime minister said he was “stunned an»»»
Journalists urge WHCA not to 'normalize' Trump ahead at press dinner - UPI.com
1 of 3 | A coalition of journalists are calling on the White House Correspondents’ Association to push back on President Donald Trump’s attacks on the press ahead of his attendance at Saturday’s correspondents’ dinner. Photo by Graeme Sloan/UPI | License Photo April 20 (UPI) -- A coalition of journ»»»
Fake goods worth Dh1.8m seized in Abu Dhabi crackdown
Abu Dhabi: More than Dh1.8 million worth of counterfeit and non-compliant goods were seized in Abu Dhabi during 2025, according to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) responsible for developing and regulating the business »»»
A Top Paramilitary Commander Defects to Sudan’s Military as War Enters 4th Year
A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has changed sides and joined the country’s army in a move welcomed by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan shortly after the war entered its fourth year. Burhan on Sunday welcomed Maj. Gen. al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected earlier this month from the Ra»»»