UK, France agree on three-year deal to curb Channel migrant crossings
Britain and France agreed a three-year plan to curb irregular Channel crossings, a French interior ministry roadmap showed on Wednesday. France will boost coastal policing by over 50% to 1,400 officers by 2029, while Britain will provide up to 766 million euros in funding, partly conditional on res»»»
Middle East war updates: Iran blames US for stalled talks and Israel kills Lebanese journalist – Ya Libnan
Share: The late Amal Khalil, a Lebanese journalist working for the pro-Hezbollah daily Al Akhbar newspaper, reports near a destroyed bridge in Qasmiyeh, Lebanon, on March 22, 2026 [Mohammed Zaatari/AP Photo] Senior Iranian officials have blamed Washington for stalled peace negotiations due to the U»»»
ICC rejects appeal to release former Philippines president
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has refused to release former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, ruling that it has jurisdiction over his case despite his country’s withdrawal from the tribunal. The 81‑year‑old will remain in custody in The Hague. Duterte was arrested at Manila airport i»»»
Hormuz reopening 'impossible' due to ceasefire violations: Iran's Ghalibaf
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil and gas shipping route — is “impossible” amid what Tehran calls “flagrant violations” of the current ceasefire by the United States and Israel. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download»»»
Entrepreneur Justin Sun sues Trump family crypto venture
Entrepreneur Justin Sun filed a lawsuit on Wednesday accusing a Trump family-backed cryptocurrency platform of fraud and alleging he was blocked from withdrawing his assets. In a San Francisco federal court filing reviewed by AFP, the Chinese-born crypto billionaire and former Trump ally claims to »»»
Venezuela presses IMF to unfreeze $5bn in assets as Chavista ranks show strain
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez has formally asked the International Monetary Fund to release nearly $5bn in frozen assets, testing the limits of a diplomatic rapprochement that has forced the country's ruling Chavista movement to abandon decades of ideological hostility towards the Wa»»»
Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 concludes
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival (ADGEF) 2026 concluded after three days, bringing together government entities, investors and entrepreneurs, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for innovation. The event featured over 300 speakers, workshops and high-level se»»»
RFK Jr.'s budget cuts would boost inequity, healthcare advocates warn - UPI.com
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services' proposed fiscal year 2027 budget in the Dirksen Senate Office Building near the U.S. Capitol in Washing»»»
California governor candidates to debate Wednesday night - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Xavier Beccera, right, then U.S. Secretary of health and human services, greets Rep. Cori Bush D-Mo. in 2023 as he arrives at a school for a roundtable discussion. Beccera is one of the candidates for California governor who will take part in a televised debate Wednesday. File Photo by Bil»»»
GCC statistics highlight women’s key role in health, education, tourism
MUSCAT: The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) affirmed on Wednesday that Gulf women continue to strengthen their presence in the development journey of GCC countries, supported by a young population base and growing participation in the lab»»»
UK, France agree 3-year deal to stop migrant crossings
Britain and France have agreed a new three-year deal to stop undocumented migrants making the risky journey across the English Channel, according to a French interior ministry roadmap seen by AFP Wednesday. Under the deal, France pledged to increase law enforcement on the coast by more than half to»»»
The US ends its military presence in Syria: why now and what next?
On 15 and 16 April, the US evacuated its last remaining base in Syria, bringing to a close more than a decade of American military presence in the country. The withdrawal from the Qasrak base in Hasakah province amounts to a declaration by Washington and Damascus that relations between the two coun»»»
Brazil revokes US official's credentials in latest diplomatic spat
Brazil revoked the credentials of an American police attache on Wednesday after a Brazilian official was forced to leave the United States -- the latest twist in troubled bilateral ties. The Trump administration on Monday asked Marcelo Ivo, a liaison officer in Miami for Brazil's federal police, to»»»
Navy secretary Phelan out, Pentagon says - UPI.com
Former U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan, far right, listens to Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, second from right, in South Korea. Phelan is out as Navy Secretary effective immediately, the Pentagon said Wednesday. File Photo courtesy of Hanwha Ocean April 22 (UPI) -- John Phelan is out as »»»
Florida probes ChatGPT and OpenAI over mass shooting
Florida has launched a criminal probe into OpenAI and ChatGPT over a shooting spree at Florida State University, which the perpetrator planned with the help of the AI chatbot. The incident occurred in April 2025, when the suspect allegedly killed two and injured six people. He was subsequently inju»»»
More than 150 million Americans exposed to dangerous air pollution, American Lung Association report says - UPI.com
1 of 2 | A layer of smog covers downtown and the nearby areas in 2019 in Los Angeles. California has some of the worst rankings in air pollution in the United States, the 2026 State of the Air report from the American Lung Association said Wednesday. File photo by Etienne Laurent April 22 (UPI) -- »»»
Pentagon says Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving 'immediately', in latest departure of a top defence leader
WASHINGTON: The Pentagon announced Wednesday that the Navy’s top civilian official, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, is leaving his job. In a statement posted to social media, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Phelan was “departing the administration, effective immediately.” Navy Undersecretar»»»
EU gives preliminary approval to unblock €90 billion Ukraine loan
EU member states on Wednesday gave a preliminary approval to unlock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The decision comes after delays linked to an oil dispute with Hungary over the Druzhba pipeline. EU countries on Wednesday gave a preliminary green light to unblocking a €90 billion loan for Uk»»»
UK, France agree three-year deal to stop migrant crossings
PARIS: Britain and France have agreed a new three-year deal to stop undocumented migrants making the risky journey across the English Channel, according to a French interior ministry roadmap seen by AFP Wednesday. Under the deal, France pledged to increase law enforcement on the coast by more than »»»
Sinner’s mastery mindset makes him the man to beat
BENGALURU: Jannik Sinner was once viewed as an explosive talent custom-built for hardcourt tennis but the four-times Grand Slam champion’s assiduous work on his patience and control has made him the man to beat on clay heading into the French Open. It had long been assumed that in his era-defining »»»
Truth or Fake - ‘Hungry all the time’: US Navy deny food shortages after grim photos emerge
The US Navy has fiercely denied claims that its warships in the Middle East are running low on food and leaving its sailors “hungry all the time,” as Washington’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues. Photos showing dismal, mostly-empty trays of food circulated online, with the claims that sh»»»
MoPH announces vaccination requirements for Hajj 2026
Tribune News Network Doha The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the vaccination requirements for Hajj 1447H/2026, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. These measures aim to allow pilgrims t»»»
‘Qatar’s diplomacy helps contain escalation, ensures int’l stability’
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In the midst of one of the most volatile regional crises in recent years, Qatar has emerged as a central diplomatic actor, deploying coordinated political, strategic, and economic efforts aimed at de-escalation, preserving the ceasefire, and ensuring the continued flow of glo»»»
QWSC and YoC launch 2026 winter sports development program
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC), in collaboration with Years of Culture (YoC), is set to launch a year-round programme of winter sports development initiatives as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture partnership. This marks a major step in expa»»»
Embassy of Japan in Qatar invites entries for 20th Int’l Manga Award
Tribune NewsNetwork DOHA The Embassy of Japan in Qatar has announced the call for entries for the 20th Japan International Manga Award, inviting artists from around the world to showcase their creativity and storytelling. Established in 2007, the award recognises and honours manga artists who have »»»
Msheireb Properties honoured at Green World Awards
Tribune News Network Doha Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable developer, has won a Green World Award 2026 for its flagship city, Msheireb Downtown Doha. Recognised in the Building & Construction sector within the Sustainability category, the award celebrates the district’s exceptional »»»
Eye on Africa - EU resumes aid to Ethiopia following suspension over Tigray war
In tonight's edition: The European Union is set to resume budgetary aid to Ethiopia, which was suspended when a brutal civil war broke out in 2020. Also, Nigeria's jet fuel shortage is being driven by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz that have curtailed global supplies. Plus it's the final »»»
Pope Leo condemns inmate conditions on tour of infamous Equatorial Guinea prison
Pope Leo XIV visited a notorious prison in Bata on the last leg of his Africa tour Wednesday, delivering a rare public critique of inmate conditions in Equatorial Guinea. In his address, the pontiff urged respect for human dignity, highlighting concerns about overcrowding and justice in a country l»»»
Pezeshkian rebukes Trump: Breach of commitments, blockade, threats 'main obstacles' to genuine talks
US President Donald Trump has said Iran’s leadership is “seriously fractured”. Trump made this declaration in announcing another extension of the ceasefire and signaled that US pressure on Tehran will continue. He said the truce would be kept in place to give negotiations "more time", while the US »»»
Sheikh Joaan attends Asian Beach Games opening ceremony
Tribune News Network Sanya HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026, held at Yasha Park on Wednesday evening, in a vibrant celebratory atmosphere ref»»»
Cabinet commends Amir’s efforts to de-escalate regional tensions
QNA Doha The Cabinet has commended the efforts of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in working to de-escalate tensions, promote peace, and prioritize diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes. During its weekly meeting, chaired by Pr»»»
AUTOBOT AUTOWORKS SECURES K-MAN AGENCY FOR QATAR, TO OPEN REGION’S LARGEST SERVICE CENTRE
In a landmark move that cements its standing as the premier destination for off-road and adventure enthusiasts in the region, AUTOBOT AUTOWORKS WLL has announced a new Agency Agreement with K-MAN, a globally recognised leader in advanced suspension technology. The agreement was officially signed du»»»
Vodafone augments employee wellbeing with health sessions and new preventive initiatives
Tribune News Network Doha Vodafone Qatar has reinforced its commitment to employee care, safety and resilience through a series of wellbeing sessions and a growing calendar of practical health initiatives. Earlier this year, the company delivered two focused sessions that brought together over 320 »»»
Business - Iran's workers face waves of layoffs as war batters domestic economy
Iranians are confronting mass layoffs and soaring inflation amid destroyed infrastructure and internet blackouts. We take a closer look. But first: US senators grill Donald Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, and the global condom industry takes a blow from supply chain issues tied to the cl»»»
Man City top of Premier League as Haaland’s winner relegates Burnley
Manchester City completed its ominous, late-season rise to the top of the Premier League by beating Burnley 1-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s early goal on Wednesday, ending Arsenal’s 200-day stay in first place. The result condemned American-owned Burnley to relegation after one season back in the to»»»
Mexico to beef up security at tourist sites after shooting at pyramids in leadup to World Cup
MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s government said it was beefing up security at tourist sites after a man opened fire on tourists at pyramids outside of Mexico City less than two months before the FIFA World Cup. The Monday shooting, carried out by a lone gunman on top of one of the Teotihuacan pyramids — a UN»»»
Manchester City go top of Premier League as Burnley relegated
Burnley, United Kingdom: Manchester City edged ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League as a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor condemned Burnley to relegation on Wednesday. The defeat confirmed the Clarets' third Premier League relegation in five seasons, consigning them to the Championship alongsi»»»
Report says US blocked $500mn cash shipment to Iraq over pro-Iran attacks
BAGHDAD: The United States blocked a plane carrying nearly $500 million in banknotes from delivering the cash to Iraq, US media reported on Tuesday, piling pressure on Baghdad to fight Iran-backed militant groups. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has suspended cash shipments to Iraq»»»
Gulf allies have requested financial support, US Treasury Secretary says
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that a number of allies in the Gulf region and in Asia have requested currency swap lines from the United States to help deal with energy shocks and otherfallout from the Middle East war. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Dr Kristi Diw»»»
'Right now both sides are testing each other', analyst says as Iran truce extended
FRANCE 24's Mark Owen speaks with Negah Angha, Former National Security Advisor under US President Joe Biden, about the ongoing standoff between Iran and the United States, which has choked off all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. She says that "right now both sides are testing each other" add»»»
With ciggies in short supply, Gaza smokers turn to dried jute
GAZA STRIP: Though Gazans normally use molokhia, or jute leaves, for soup, Abu Yahya Helles coats the crumbled, dried leaves in liquid nicotine and rolls them into cigarettes as a tobacco alternative. In war-ravaged Gaza, where shortages are still acute, some are now smoking Helles’ home-made roll-»»»
US crude oil inventories rise, gasoline and distillate stocks decline last week
New York: The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced Wednesday that crude oil inventories in the United States rose, while gasoline and distillate stocks declined last week. The EIA, the statistical arm of the US Department of Energy, explained in its report on Wednesday that crude oi»»»
Team Saudi steps onto the Asian stage at opening ceremony for 6th Asian Beach Games
RIYADH: Team Saudi took part in the official opening ceremony for the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, on Wednesday evening. Jiu jitsu athlete Mohammed bin Huraimel carried the Saudi flag to lead the team in the traditional parade of athletes. The evening also included a program of cultural p»»»
Airlines cancel flights amid Iran conflict
WASHINGTON: Global air travel remains severely disrupted, with many people unable to fly as planned to destinations after the Iran war forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Below is the latest on flights, in alphabetical order: Greece’s largest carri»»»
US running out of key missiles after Iran war – report
The US military has dangerously depleted its stockpiles of critical missiles during the seven‑week war on Iran, creating a “near‑term risk” that could leave it vulnerable in any future conflict, according to a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report, pu»»»
Where We Are Going Today: Loft
I will be honest, when I heard we were heading to a place called Loft, I pictured exposed brick, high ceilings, maybe a view. What I did not expect was a ground-floor restaurant with not a single step in sight. It was my first hint that Loft at U Walk in Riyadh was going to keep me guessing all nig»»»
Noem purse thief sentenced to three years in prison - UPI.com
Kristi Noem, then Secretary of Homeland Security, testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on March in Washington, D.C. Mario Bustamante Leiva, who stole Noem's purse from a Washington, D.C., restaurant in April 2025, was sentenced Wednesday for his part in that theft and oth»»»
Soft toys, lipstick, pajamas ... things you never knew came from oil
NEW YORK: It might be hard to imagine the Iran war weighing on stuffed toys with names like Snuggle Glove, Bizzikins and Wobblies, but even plush playthings are not immune when oil shipments from the Middle East are constrained. Like many soft toys, the creatures developed by a manufacturer in Fort»»»
Iran hangs ex-nuclear employee on spying charges
PARIS: Iran hanged a man on Wednesday convicted of links to Israel’s Mossad spy agency, the judiciary said, with two NGOs based outside the country saying he worked for the Iranian atomic energy organization. The execution of Mehdi Farid was the latest in a number of hangings of high-profile convic»»»
Al Rayyan retains title as EQSL concludes
Doha, Qatar: The third edition of Electronic Qatar Stars League (EQSL) concluded, with Al Rayyan winning the title for the second time in a row, following their victory over Al Gharafa in the final played on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The event was attended by Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of QSL, Hassan »»»