articles 17 apr.

  
WORLD  - NATIONAL 1

Iran’s top negotiator threatens to close Strait of Hormuz if US blockade continues
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-april-18-2026/

Ships are turning back: the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed – CNBC 
Despite the loud claims by President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that the Strait of Hormuz is supposedly unblocked and free for passage for all vessels, the reality has proven far more complex. A rift appears to have developed within Iran's leadership, leading to significant divergence in the actions of Tehran and the IRGC command.
https://en.topcor.ru/70498-suda-vozvraschajutsja-obratno-ormuzskij-proliv-fakticheski-zakryt-cnbc.html

Trump says Iran agreed to stop funding Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran denies claims
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/2026-04-17/live-updates-893329

Iran Bats Down 'Baseless' Trump Claim On Handing Over Enriched Uranium To US, As He Declares Hormuz 'Never Again' Closed
by Tyler Durden Friday, Apr 17, 2026 - 05:05 PM
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/three-page-plan-end-war-oil-tumbles-us-reportedly-mulls-20bn-cash-nukes-deal

Fmr CIA Analyst Larry Johnson: IRAN DEMANDS NOT CHANGING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAZdq7X98lA

Trump says will bring Iran uranium 'back home to the USA'
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417223323.3fupr34t.html

Trump: Iran Has 'Agreed to Everything' on Nuclear Deal
https://www.newsmax.com/us/iran-trump-nuclear/2026/04/17/id/1253324/

Trump claims Iran has agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear program
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/live-blog/trump-claims-iran-has-agreed-to-indefinitely-suspend-its-nuclear-program/1217

Iran says its enriched uranium 'not going to be transferred'
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417203547.q8rb1xl0.html

Iran announces opening of Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump says blockade to continue
https://interestingengineering.com/culture/strait-of-hormuz-reopens-us-blockade-remains

U.S. Navy’s Sole Supercarrier Near Iran Endures Severe Food Shortages as Logistics Disrupted 
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/us-navy-supercarrier-food-shortages

Iran Boosts Drone Production 10x for Mass Strike Capability Amid US-Israel Tensions.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/iran-boosts-drone-production-10x-for-mass-strike-capability-amid-us-israel-tensions

U.S. and Allies Position Over 500 Combat Aircraft in Middle East, With Approximately 250 Configured for Close Air Support
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/US-and-Allies-Position-Over-500-Combat-Aircraft-in-Middle-East-With-Approximately-250-Configured-for-Close-Air-Support/

Unlawful attacks on Iran increased security risks in region: President Erdogan
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/unlawful-attacks-on-iran-increased-security-risks-in-region-president-erdogan/3909934



ISRAEL  - US - ME 1

UNICEF says Israeli fire kills two Gaza water truck drivers
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2640314/middle-east

Drone Kills Lebanon Man Minutes After Trump Said Israel Prohibited From Striking
Israeli Strikes Continue Despite Claims Ceasefire ‘Holding’
https://news.antiwar.com/2026/04/17/israeli-strikes-kill-three-wounding-21-in-lebanon-despite-claims-ceasefire-holding/

MARANDI: Renewed murderous aggression from Trump, Netanyahu are high
https://trendsinthenews.substack.com/p/marandi-renewed-murderous-aggression

Israel has 'not yet finished the job' against Hezbollah: Netanyahu
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417142415.5okazks2.html

Israeli forces raised a flag at a military site in the Tel Ahmar area of Syria’s Quneitra province on Friday 
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/vg/video-gallery/israeli-forces-raised-a-flag-at-a-military-site-in-the-tel-ahmar-area-of-syria-s-quneitra-province-on-friday-/147664

UN: Average of 47 Women and Girls Killed Daily During Gaza War
https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5263578-un-average-47-women-and-girls-killed-daily-during-gaza-war

TRUMP SAYS “ENOUGH”—BUT ISRAEL PUSHES ON IN LEBANON WAR LATEST 
https://scheerpost.com/2026/04/17/trump-says-enough-but-israel-pushes-on-in-lebanon-war-latest/

Number of Palestinian Prisoners Rises By 83% Since October 2023
https://israelpalestinenews.org/number-of-palestinian-prisoners-rises-by-83-since-october-2023/

With multiple “ceasefires” in place, Israel keeps on killing in Gaza and Lebanon – Daily Update
https://israelpalestinenews.org/with-multiple-ceasefires-in-place-israel-keeps-on-killing-in-gaza-and-lebanon-daily-update/

TCN: America Enables Israel’s Crimes
https://israelpalestinenews.org/tcn-america-enables-israels-crimes/

Under IOF protection, settlers burn vehicle and attack West Bank villages
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2026/04/18/361499/

Palestinian Prisoners’ Day marked by surge in detentions, torture, and deaths in custody
https://english.palinfo.com/news/2026/04/17/361479/

Colonists burn agricultural room northeast of Ramallah
https://english-wafa-ps.translate.goog/Pages/Details/169535?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

In violation of ceasefire: Citizen killed in Israeli shelling of motorcycle in southern Lebanon
https://english-wafa-ps.translate.goog/Pages/Details/169529?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Colonists attack displaced Bedouin community near Jericho
https://english-wafa-ps.translate.goog/Pages/Details/169522?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Ukraine Urges Israel to Arrest ‘Stolen Grain’ Shipment Unloaded in Haifa
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/74175



UKRAINE  - US WAR ON RUSSIA

Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against over 120 Russian commanders and religious propagandists
https://unn.ua/en/news/zelenskyy-imposed-sanctions-against-over-120-russian-commanders-and-religious-propagandists

A series of powerful explosions rocked occupied Sevastopol and Novofedorivka. Russian air defense conducted intense fire near the thermal power plant and military airfields.
https://unn.ua/en/news/massive-attack-and-explosions-reported-in-sevastopol-russian-air-defense-active

Fire at Tuapse oil refinery continues for over two days, residents urged to wear respirators
https://unn.ua/en/news/fire-at-tuapse-oil-refinery-continues-for-over-two-days-residents-urged-to-wear-respirators

Border guards did not allow a Ukrainian woman into Poland due to a "radioactive" 100-dollar bill
https://unn.ua/en/news/border-guards-did-not-allow-a-ukrainian-woman-into-poland-due-to-a-radioactive-100-dollar-bill

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass
https://tass.com/politics/2118689

Russia’s Largest Fighter Factory Delivers New Su-35 Fighters For Frontline Service 
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/russia-largest-fighter-factory-su35

Russia Launches 24 Iskander Missiles at Key Ukrainian Targets: Local Defences Increasingly Ineffective 
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/russia-launches-24-iskander-ukrainian-targets

Sweden Prepares for Potential Russian Baltic Sea Island Seizure to Test NATO Respons
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Sweden-Prepares-for-Potential-Russian-Baltic-Sea-Island-Seizure-to-Test-NATO-Respons/

Only 7 of 18 Russia’s Tu-160M Strategic Bombers Currently Used for Strikes Against Ukraine
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Only-7-of-18-Russias-Tu-160M-Strategic-Bombers-Currently-Used-for-Strikes-Against-Ukraine/

Ukraine’s long-range strikes prompt new Russian threat against Europe
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/4/17/ukraines-long-range-strikes-prompt-new-russian-threat-against-europe

Will Russia attack Ukraine’s European drone suppliers? 
https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/will-russia-attack-ukraines-european-drone-suppliers/

Bloomberg: (Russia's) Novorossiysk Port Partially Resumes Operations Following Drone Attacks 
https://en.topwar.ru/281214-bloomberg-port-novorossijska-chastichno-vosstanovil-rabotu-posle-atak-bpla.html

Rada deputy: Mobilization in Ukraine will continue for a long time 
https://en.topwar.ru/281207-deputat-rady-mobilizacija-na-ukraine-budet-prodolzhatsja-esche-dolgo.html

Moscow publishes list of sites in Europe and UK it could attack for helping Kyiv
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates-putin-zelensky-attack-b2959549.html

Robert Fico said the policy of pressuring Russia is ineffective.
https://avia-pro.net/news/robert-fico-zayavil-o-neeffektivnosti-politiki-davleniya-na-rossiyu

A Ukrainian militant shot his commander to death in order to surrender to the Russian Armed Forces. 
https://en.topcor.ru/70470-boevik-vsu-zastrelil-komandira-chtoby-sdatsja-v-plen-vs-rf.html

25 UAVs were shot down over three Russian regions in seven hours.
https://www-kommersant-ru.translate.goog/doc/8603716?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Air defense forces shot down 62 UAVs overnight over Russia
https://www-kommersant-ru.translate.goog/doc/8591072?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp



NATIONAL  2

Mysterious Death of an Epstein Whistleblower
https://michaelwalshwriter.com/2026/04/17/mysterious-death-of-an-epstein-whistleblower/

Senate again fails to block weapons to Israel
https://israelpalestinenews.org/senate-again-fails-to-block-weapons-to-israel/

Think the Iran war is a disaster? Blame these DC think tanks first.
https://israelpalestinenews.org/think-the-iran-war-is-a-disaster-blame-these-dc-think-tanks-first/

Mearsheimer: Israel Owns Trump
https://israelpalestinenews.org/mearsheimer-israel-owns-trump/

Mark Levin and Jonathan Pollard Push for Nuking Iran
https://israelpalestinenews.org/mark-levin-and-jonathan-pollard-push-for-nuking-iran/

‘Financial Pawn of the Saudi Monarchy’: House Judiciary Opens Probe Into Jared Kushner 
https://scheerpost.com/2026/04/17/financial-pawn-of-the-saudi-monarchy-house-judiciary-opens-probe-into-jared-kushner/

(Black) Worthless Racist Chicago Thug Who Livestreamed Brutal Torture of Disabled White Teen on Facebook Arrested for Beating and Mugging White Cyclist After Being Released from Prison
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/04/worthless-racist-chicago-thug-who-livestreamed-brutal-torture/

11th person added to list of missing or dead govt. scientists and officials
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/11th-person-added-to-list-of-missing-or-dead-govt-scientists-and-officials/

Trump Directs FBI to Investigate Disappearance of Key NASA and Nuclear Scientists.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2026/04/17/trump-directs-fbi-to-investigate-disappearance-of-key-nasa-and-nuclear-scientists/

Donald Trump Approves Automatic Military Draft Registration In US Explained | WION Podcast
(There is no active draft. Any future draft would require Congressional and Presidential approval.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1fvXHbNEQw

Secret Service Caught Erika Kirk In ANOTHER Lie...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Gh9MCMpGHXQ

Rep. Angie Craig's Campaign Is Quietly Distancing the Minnesota Senate Hopeful From AIPAC
After several AIPAC network fundraisers translating to almost $200,000 for Craig's Senate campaign, staffers are saying the pro-Israel lobby group "hasn't spent a dime."
https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/angie-craig-minnesota-senate-aipac

Former Congressman Blows The Whistle On Blackmail And Honeypots In Congress
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/former-congressman-blows-whistle-blackmail-and-honeypots-congress

You Owe $18 Million to Cover for Congressional Sexual Harrassment.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2026/04/17/you-owe-18-million-to-cover-for-congressional-sexual-harrassment/

Trump’s former top lawyer said president’s mental health decline has ‘accelerated’: ‘This is somebody who just is lost’
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-mental-decline-ty-cobb-b2959984.html

Trump claims Epstein victims ‘refused to go under oath’ after Melania pushes Congress to swear them in
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-epstein-victims-testify-melania-b2959923.html

Jury Awards $300,000 to Woman Who Drank 14 Tequila Shots on Carnival Cruise Ship
https://www.conservativenewsdaily.net/breaking-news/jury-awards-300000-to-woman-who-drank-14-tequila-shots-on-carnival-cruise-ship/

ICE Arrests Another Slew Of Criminal Aliens, Including Gang Member And Convicted Kidnapper
https://thefederalist.com/2026/04/17/exclusive-ice-arrests-another-slew-of-criminal-aliens-including-gang-member-and-convicted-kidnapper/

More Young Men Than Young Women Now Say Religion Is 'Very Important' To Them, Gallup Finds
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/more-young-men-young-women-now-say-religion-very-important-them-gallup-finds

Former Green Beret and Special Forces Operator, Jeff McKellop, Targeted for Telling the Truth About Jan 6
https://joehoft.com/former-green-beret-special-forces-operator-jeff-mckellop/

Sheriff Makes Major, Tone-Deaf Fumble Amid Search for Nancy Guthrie
https://www.vigilantfox.com/p/sheriff-makes-major-tone-deaf-fumble

In Dead of Night, Johnson Tries—But Fails—to Ram Through Domestic Spying Bill for Trump 
https://scheerpost.com/2026/04/17/in-dead-of-night-johnson-tries-but-fails-to-ram-through-domestic-spying-bill-for-trump/

In Empire We Trust – Who Gains and Who Loses in Trump’s America
Imperialism does massive and fatal damage abroad. The wars in Gaza and Iran are the latest bloodbaths for all to see. Less visible are the wages of imperialism at home -Plans to plunder the planet of its land, labor, and vital resources are afoot.
https://portside.org/2026-04-16/empire-we-trust-who-gains-and-who-loses-trumps-america



COVID BIOWEAPONS  - HEALTH

How a tiny circle of repeat offenders poisoned 100s of gold-standard medical trials for over a decade
...just 6 superretractors were co-authors on 22% of all retracted clinical trials studied, 5 were based in Japan, and 1 was from Germany. Also, a group of 18 top-cited scientists were involved in 25% of all retracted trials. 
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-tiny-circle-poisoned-100s-gold.html

More than 50,000 toys pulled from shelves over batteries that pose 'death' risk to children
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/more-than-50000-toys-pulled-shelves-batteries-pose-death-risk-children

The Disturbing History of Vaccine “Hot Lots”
https://www.vigilantfox.com/p/the-disturbing-history-of-vaccine

AMERICA’S SILENT POISON: KIDS EXPOSED TO LEAD — AND MANY ARE NEVER EVEN TESTED 
https://scheerpost.com/2026/04/17/americas-silent-poison-kids-exposed-to-lead-and-many-are-never-even-tested/

New COVID-19 Study Links RAAS to Respiratory Decline - Thailand Medical News
(RAAS stands for the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System. It is a crucial hormone system in the body that regulates long-term blood pressure, blood volume, and sodium balance.)
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-covid-19-study-links-raas-to-respiratory-decline

Thailand Medical Researchers Unveil Breakthrough Skin Cancer Patch - Thailand Medical News
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-researchers-unveil-breakthrough-skin-cancer-patch

Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Compilation
https://www.2ndsmartestguyintheworld.com/p/pancreatic-cancer-treatment-compilation

How Male and Female Brain Cells Differ in Gene Activity
Variations in gene expression could help to explain why brain-disease risks differ according to sex. 
https://portside.org/2026-04-17/revealed-how-male-and-female-brain-cells-differ-gene-activity

Natural Health vs. Big Pharma Profiteering
https://michaelwalshwriter.com/2026/04/17/natural-health-vs-big-pharma-profiteering/



AI - BIG TECH - INTERNET - MEDIA

Solid-state EV batteries are coming sooner than expected after another breakthrough
https://electrek.co/2026/04/15/solid-state-ev-batteries-coming-sooner-than-expected/

Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving’ crashed through railroad gate seconds before train
https://electrek.co/2026/04/15/tesla-fsd-railroad-gate-oncoming-train-texas-owner/

Here’s how AI is accelerating materials discovery
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/heres-how-ai-is-accelerating-materials-discovery

Netflix to l
ch TikTok-style video feed, expand AI across its global platform
https://interestingengineering.com/ai-robotics/netflix-vertical-video-feed-ai-expansion

AI boom’s real profits are being made in Asia 
https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/ai-booms-real-profits-are-being-made-in-asia/

New AI models could be used for financial fraud 
https://en.topwar.ru/281189-novye-iimodeli-mogut-ispolzovatsja-dlja-finansovogo-moshennichestva.html

Largest US renewable project begins generating electricity
https://www.eenews.net/articles/largest-us-renewable-project-begins-generating-electricity/

Elon Musk wants the government to pay you when his robots take your job 
https://san.com/cc/elon-musk-wants-the-government-to-pay-you-when-his-robots-take-your-job/



SPACE - UFOs - SCIENCE - PARANORMAL - HISTORY

Something Changed: Why 2026 Has Record-Breaking Meteorite Reports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6UOePmYasc

Chinese scientists hit record 63 K in nickel superconductors without extreme pressure
https://interestingengineering.com/science/china-nickel-superconductor-63-k

Chinese scientists’ diamond-based coating to boost data center cooling efficiency by 80%
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/china-increase-data-center-cooling-efficiency

Quasi-solid-state battery hits 99.98% efficiency, stops dendrites, and boosts cycle life
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/single-crystalline-cof-solid-state-lithium-battery-breakthrough

Transparent cooling film cuts car cabin temperature by 6.1°C without electricity
https://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-transparent-cooling-car-cabin-temperature.html

White House Wants a Nuclear Reactor Orbiting the Moon by 2028
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/White-House-Wants-a-Nuclear-Reactor-Orbiting-the-Moon-by-2028.html

Reincarnation. The boy who died in an airship disaster
https://michaelwalshwriter.com/2026/04/17/reincarnation-the-boy-who-died-in-an-airship-disaster/

Astronomer explained the appearance of a "space jellyfish" in the sky over St. Petersburg
https://ria.ru/20260417/kosmos-2087616124.html

Is there a second sphinx? –Why a satellite expert suddenly goes viral
https://www.bluewin.ch/de/leben/lifestyle/gibt-es-eine-zweite-sphinx-warum-ein-satelliten-experte-ploetzlich-viral-geht-3182318.html



MILITARY - AVIATION

Pilot Mental Health Bill Officially Clears Senate Committee
https://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=C939F10C-96D5-4993-8590-5084A09E6EBB

Critical shortage of jet fuel, European airline market has 6 weeks of supply remaining
https://rmx.news/article/critical-shortage-of-jet-fuel-european-airline-market-has-6-weeks-of-supply-remaining/

FAA Opens ATC Hiring Window, Receives 6,000 Applications In 7 Hours
https://simpleflying.com/faa-opens-atc-hiring-window-6000-applications-7-hours/

Cabin Odor Forces RedEye JetBlue Flight To Divert To Chicago
https://simpleflying.com/cabin-odor-redeye-jetblue-flight-divert-chicago/

UPS jet has near-miss with plane at same Kentucky airport where 14 were killed in crash as controller shouts, ‘What are you doing?’ 
https://nypost.com/2026/04/17/us-news/ups-jet-has-near-miss-with-plane-at-same-kentucky-airport-where-14-were-killed-in-crash-as-atc-shouts-what-are-you-doing/

Split-Second Call At Louisville: UPS Pilot Aborts Landing As Runway Safety Violated
https://simpleflying.com/ups-aborted-landing-louisville-runway-incursion/

Hundreds of Thousands of Flight Cancellations Loom Amid Jet Fuel Crisis.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2026/04/17/hundreds-of-thousands-of-flight-cancellations-loom-amid-jet-fuel-crisis/

Air Canada temporarily cancels flights to JFK due to soaring fuel prices
https://unn.ua/en/news/air-canada-temporarily-cancels-flights-to-jfk-due-to-sharp-rise-in-fuel-prices

Uncrewed underwater vehicle enters service in Australia, can boost autonomous warfare power
https://interestingengineering.com/military/uncrewed-underwater-vehicle-australia-service

France Pairing Rafales with Stealth Drones to Compensate For Lack of Next Generation Fighters 
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/france-rafales-stealth-drones-lack-next-gen

Starlink Outage Disrupts U.S. Navy Autonomous Vessel Tests, Raising Questions on Single-Provider Dependence
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Starlink-Outage-Disrupts-US-Navy-Autonomous-Vessel-Tests-Raising-Questions-on-Single-Provider-Dependence/

Iran’s low-cost drones democratizing precision warfare
https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/irans-low-cost-drones-democratizing-precision-warfare/

AI shrinking the margin for nuclear error in South Asia 
https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/ai-shrinking-the-margin-for-nuclear-error-in-south-asia/

The (Russian) Ministry of Defense continues to expand its satellite constellation 
https://en.topwar.ru/281169-minoborony-prodolzhaet-naraschivat-sputnikovuju-gruppirovku.html



ENVIRONMENT - WEATHER - FOOD

Stranded whale in Germany shows movement for first time since March 31 — media 
https://tass.com/society/2118623

US dumping ground that stores hundreds of drums with nuclear waste set to be cleaned up
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-dumping-ground-radioactive-nuclear-waste

A "Bulging Lobe" Of Polar Vortex Madness Headed For U.S. East 
https://www.zerohedge.com/weather/bulging-lobe-polar-vortex-madness-headed-us-east

Indonesia's fire crisis comes into focus as high-resolution satellite maps expose 5.62 million hectares affected
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-indonesia-crisis-focus-high-resolution.html

Mosquitoes reach Iceland for the first time as the Arctic heats up
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-mosquitoes-iceland-arctic.html

Parrots are not just mimicking words—they use proper names like humans to identify individuals
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-parrots-mimicking-words-proper-humans.html

Machine learning detects more than 60,000 earthquakes during 2025 Santorini sequence
https://phys.org/news/2026-04-machine-earthquakes-santorini-sequence.html

Justices give oil giants federal channel around coastline pollution dispute 
Oil companies argue they should not be liable for pollution resulting from wartime production, but several parishes say dumping billions of gallons of contaminated water was not part of the broader war effort.

Le Monde: World famine is now a distinct possibility 
https://en.topcor.ru/70466-le-monde-mirovoj-golod-teper-vpolne-vozmozhen.html

Shepherd discovers dinosaur giant in Patagonia
https://www.bluewin.ch/de/news/wissen-technik/dino-riese-in-patagonien-entdeckt-3193552.html



ECONOMY

Brazil Quietly Shifts Away from the Dollar to Gold 
https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/markets-by-sector/precious-metals/gold/brazil-quietly-shifts-away-from-the-dollar-to-gold/

First South Korean tanker transits alternative Red Sea route
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417070543.qrr605me.html

Iran declares Hormuz open as Lebanon ceasefire begins
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417162224.oqyrfu3p.html

Hormuz passage 'completely open' to commercial ships during ceasefire: Iran FM
https://www.spacewar.com/afp/260417144037.oh6mhtwp.html

China Shock 2.0 jolts global economy as Trump does Xi’s work
From EVs to AI, China’s surge is sending shockwaves through boardrooms worldwide while US cowers behind tariffs 
https://asiatimes.com/2026/04/china-shock-2-0-jolts-global-economy-as-trump-does-xis-work/

Meta To Unleash First Wave Of Mass Layoffs May 20 As It Eliminates 10% Of Its Workers
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/meta-unleash-first-wave-mass-layoffs-may-20-it-eliminates-10-its-workers

Charles Schwab To Launch Spot Bitcoin Trading For Retail Clients
https://www.zerohedge.com/crypto/charles-schwab-launch-spot-bitcoin-trading-retail-clients

Record Share Of Home Sellers Cut Listing Prices In February: Report
https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/record-share-home-sellers-cut-listing-prices-february-report

Trump Admin To Stop Taxpayer Funding Of Worthless College Degrees
https://thefederalist.com/2026/04/17/trump-admin-to-stop-taxpayer-funding-of-worthless-college-degrees/

The 10 challenges facing the shipping community today
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/the-10-challenges-facing-the-shipping-community-today?ref=top-stories

The US Treasury Department announced the renewal of the license to sell Russian oil.
https://ria.ru/20260418/neft-2087660014.html

The United States has allowed the sale of Russian oil loaded on tankers until April 17
https://www.vesti.ru/ns/ssha-razreshili-prodazhu-rossijskoj-nefti-pogruzhennoj-na-tankery-do-17-aprelya



EU - UK - CANADA

Slovakia Takes Delivery of First Israeli Barak MX System Under €560 Million Deal Signed in 2024
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Slovakia-Takes-Delivery-of-First-Israeli-Barak-MX-System-Under-560-Million-Deal-Signed-in-2024/

Germany Moves to Equip Corps Artillery with 200–300 km Loitering Munitions
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Germany-Moves-to-Equip-Corps-Artillery-with-200300-km-Loitering-Munitions/

Strait of Hormuz crisis could result in Europe running out of jet fuel in six weeks
https://interestingengineering.com/culture/europe-could-face-jet-fuel-shortage

Lukashenko called the US a dictatorship and called on others to "learn from us" about democracy. 
https://en.topwar.ru/281206-lukashenko-nazval-ssha-diktaturoj-i-prizval-uchitsja-u-nas-demokratii.html

The Belgian General Staff announced that Europe is preparing for war with Russia without US assistance.
https://avia-pro.net/news/v-genshtabe-belgii-zayavili-o-podgotovke-evropy-k-voyne-s-rossiey-bez-pomoshchi-ssha

Italy: 7 suspects, all with African and Asian foreign backgrounds, arrested for gang raping 23-year-old woman in Cesena
Police recovered hours of recordings of the gang rape from the suspects' phones, which are being examined by police
https://rmx.news/article/italy-7-suspects-all-with-african-and-asian-foreign-backgrounds-arrested-for-gang-raping-23-year-old-woman-in-cesena/

Macron shocked Meloni with indecent behavior
https://ria.ru/20260418/frantsiya-2087658213.html

The United States will send military equipment to Germany in the amount of about $ 12 billion
https://www.vesti.ru/ns/ssha-napravyat-voennuyu-tekhniku-germanii-na-summu-okolo-12-mlrd



CHINA - ASIA

China slams transiting of Japanese warship via Taiwan Straits, calls it ‘deliberate provocation’
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202604/1359187.shtml

Japan Deploys 1,400 Troops and Naval Assets to Philippines for Balikatan 2026 in First Combat Role
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/Japan-Deploys-1400-Troops-and-Naval-Assets-to-Philippines-for-Balikatan-2026-in-First-Combat-Role/

PLA resolute to crush "Taiwan Independence" secession delusions: spokesperson
http://eng.mod.gov.cn/2025xb/P/16454191.html



MEXICO - LATIN AMERICA

U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton Drone Conducts More Than 12-Hour Reconnaissance Flight Off Cuba
https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/US-Navy-MQ-4C-Triton-Drone-Conducts-More-Than-12-Hour-Reconnaissance-Flight-Off-Cuba/