Meta paused work with Sama last month after allegations about staff viewing private scenes filmed by smart glasses<\/p>
More than 1,000 low-paid workers in Kenya have been abruptly sacked by an outsourcing company contracted by Meta, in what activists said was a shocking move exposing the precariousness of tech jobs in the global south.<\/p>
Sama, a company based in Nairobi to which Meta outsourced content moderation and AI training work, announced on Thursday that the workers were being laid off after Meta terminated a contract.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Meta","Kenya","Africa","World news","Technology"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:59:04 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/apr\/17\/kenyan-outsourcing-company-for-meta-sacks-workers"},{"title":"Weather tracker: hail covers parts of Tunisia and Algeria like snow","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/apr\/17\/weather-tracker-hail-covers-parts-of-tunisia-and-algeria-like-snow","description":" Accumulations of up to 3cm deep reported as severe thunderstorms also bring heavy downpours to central Italy<\/p> Severe thunderstorms have affected the Mediterranean this week. On Monday, a surface low-pressure system in the Mediterranean in conjunction with an upper air cut-off low, led to thunderstorms over north Africa. Their intensity was aided by the hot precursor conditions.<\/p> Algeria and Tunisia were notably affected by the thunderstorms, with some hail accumulation layers as a result. When so much hail forms, it starts to lay down sheets of hail, covering the ground like snow. Hail accumulations of up to 3cm were reported in Oum Ladjoul and Hammam Sokhna in Algeria, and there were hailstones of up to 3cm in diameter in Makthar, Tunisia. Thunderstorms continued in the region through the following day, with further hail accumulations, notably in Ouled Bousmir, Tunisia, where there was a layer about 2cm deep.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Extreme weather","Environment","Algeria","Tunisia","Italy","Wisconsin","Ohio","Africa","Europe","US news"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:49:38 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/apr\/17\/weather-tracker-hail-covers-parts-of-tunisia-and-algeria-like-snow"},{"title":"South African politician Julius Malema given five-year jail term for gun offence","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/south-africa-julius-malema-jail-term-rifle","description":" Leader of leftwing Economic Freedom Fighters was convicted last year for firing rifle in the air at 2018 rally<\/p> The South African leftwing politician Julius Malema<\/a> has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a political rally in 2018.<\/p> Lawyers for the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, South Africa\u2019s fourth largest political party, immediately appealed, and Malema will remain free while the appeal proceedings are under way. <\/strong><\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Julius Malema","South Africa","Africa","World news"],"pubDate":"Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:37:49 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/south-africa-julius-malema-jail-term-rifle"},{"title":"More than \u00a31bn pledged for Sudan as humanitarian crisis deepens","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global-development\/2026\/apr\/15\/more-than-1bn-pledged-for-sudan-as-humanitarian-crisis-deepens","description":" Donors exceed funding target at Berlin conference but prospects for ceasefire remain distant<\/p> More than \u00a31bn (\u20ac1.15bn) has been pledged for war-ravaged Sudan at a conference in Berlin, eclipsing the funding target organisers had set to help mitigate the world\u2019s largest humanitarian crisis.<\/p> The financial commitments made on Wednesday will also help offset a chronic humanitarian funding shortfall in a country devastated<\/a> by three years of conflict, where two-thirds of its population \u2013 34m people \u2013 require assistance.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Global development","Sudan","Aid","Humanitarian response","United Nations","Africa","World news","Middle East and north Africa"],"pubDate":"Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:49:04 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global-development\/2026\/apr\/15\/more-than-1bn-pledged-for-sudan-as-humanitarian-crisis-deepens"},{"title":"Suspicion surrounds death of US influencer Ashly Robinson in Zanzibar","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/15\/ashly-robinson-death-influencer-zanzibar","description":" Lifestyle influencer died while on vacation with boyfriend, who local officials say has since had his passport \u2018withheld\u2019<\/p> Ashly Robinson, a US lifestyle influencer, died last week while on vacation in the Tanzanian islands of Zanzibar with her boyfriend, Joe McCann. Robinson\u2019s death on 9 April, just days after her birthday<\/a> and a marriage proposal<\/a> from McCann, has sparked suspicion on social media, with users doubtful of the current narrative surrounding her death.<\/p> No arrests have been made, and police previously said that McCann was not suspected of wrongdoing. But officials in Zanzibar released a statement on Tuesday saying that McCann\u2019s passport has been \u201cwithheld<\/a>\u201d.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Tanzania","Africa","US news"],"pubDate":"Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:14:13 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/15\/ashly-robinson-death-influencer-zanzibar"},{"title":"Canadian astronaut\u2019s bon mots help heal wounds from French language row","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/artemis-astronaut-jeremy-hansen-french-canada","description":" Jeremy Hansen praised for speaking French in space after Air Canada chief\u2019s linguistic snub exposed tensions and drew rebuke from PM<\/p> Few people foresaw humanity\u2019s quest for the moon as accurately as the 19th-century French author Jules Verne, whose two works \u2013From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon \u2013 anticipated many of the features of modern lunar exploration.<\/p> But Verne\u2019s language had never been spoken in deep space until the Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen uttered four words during Nasa\u2019s recent Artemis II mission.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Canada","Artemis II","Space","World news","Science","Americas"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:00:41 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/artemis-astronaut-jeremy-hansen-french-canada"},{"title":"Venezuela\u2019s Machado to hold Madrid rally as opposition frozen out after Maduro capture","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/venezuelas-machado-to-hold-madrid-rally-as-opposition-frozen-out-after-maduro-capture","description":" Exiled leader to revive push for change amid US backing of Delcy Rodr\u00edguez and delays to democratic transition<\/p> Venezuela\u2019s opposition leader, Mar\u00eda Corina Machado, will seek to revive her push for political change with a rally in Madrid on Saturday, having found herself sidelined by Donald Trump<\/a> after the abduction of the president Nicol\u00e1s Maduro.<\/p> \u201cVenezuela will be free,\u201d the Nobel peace prize winner insisted in an interview on the eve of this weekend\u2019s demonstration in the Puerta del Sol square, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Mar\u00eda Corina Machado","Venezuela","Delcy Rodr\u00edguez","US attack on Venezuela","US foreign policy","World news","Americas","Spain","Europe"],"pubDate":"Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:00:08 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/venezuelas-machado-to-hold-madrid-rally-as-opposition-frozen-out-after-maduro-capture"},{"title":"Air Canada temporarily suspends some flights to New York and other locations","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/air-canada-suspending-flights-fuel-prices","description":" Separately, Spirit Airlines reportedly seeks emergency US government funds as Iran war keeps aviation fuel costs high<\/p> Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Air Canada has announced a temporary suspension of flights from Toronto<\/a> and Montreal to New York<\/a>\u2019s John F Kennedy airport, citing rising fuel prices.<\/p> The move comes amid growing concerns that airlines worldwide may scale back services as aviation fuel costs climb in the wake of the US and Israel\u2019s ongoing war with Iran, which entered a fragile ceasefire earlier in April. Although Iran announced<\/a> on Friday that the strait of Hormuz had reopened, helping ease oil prices, fuel costs remain significantly elevated after weeks of disruption.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Canada","Air transport","Business","US-Israel war on Iran","New York","Toronto","Airline industry","US news","Americas","World news"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:57:11 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/air-canada-suspending-flights-fuel-prices"},{"title":"Pedro Pascal v Pedro Piscal: actor in legal battle with Chilean spirit brand","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/pedro-pascal-pedro-piscal-actor-spirit-brand-legal-battle-chile","description":" Pedro Piscal pisco is latest Chilean brand to resemble a Hollywood name \u2013 and others have fought off the lawsuits<\/p> The actor Pedro Pascal<\/a> is waging a legal battle against a Chilean pisco merchant who has chosen a cheeky name for his brand of the country\u2019s national spirit: Pedro Piscal.<\/p> David Herrera registered the brand name with a Chilean commercial regulator in 2023 and began selling his pisco in off-licences and restaurants.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Chile","Pedro Pascal","Intellectual property","Spirits","Food & drink industry","Americas","World news","Film","Culture","Business","Law"],"pubDate":"Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:33:33 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/pedro-pascal-pedro-piscal-actor-spirit-brand-legal-battle-chile"},{"title":"US launches fifth strike on alleged Pacific drug boat in a week, killing three","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/16\/us-launches-fifth-strike-on-alleged-pacific-drug-boat-in-a-week-killing-three","description":" Wednesday\u2019s strike brings the total of those killed in US military strikes on alleged drug boats to at least 177<\/p> Three people were killed in a US strike on another alleged drug-trafficking boat, the fifth such deadly attack in as many days, military officials have announced.<\/p> US southern command said it conducted \u201ca lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations\u201d in the eastern Pacific, without naming the alleged group, in an X post.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US military","Trump administration","US politics","Americas"],"pubDate":"Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:56:32 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/16\/us-launches-fifth-strike-on-alleged-pacific-drug-boat-in-a-week-killing-three"},{"title":"Humanoid robots show rapid advances as they race past humans in Beijing half marathon","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/apr\/19\/humanoid-robots-race-beijing-half-marathon","description":" Winning robot runs faster time than Jacob Kiplimo\u2019s world record<\/p><\/li> More than 100 robots run in parallel tracks to avoid collisions with humans<\/p><\/li><\/ul> They can already carry the shopping, cook and clean. Now they can run and win half marathons.<\/p> In perhaps the most unusual spectacle ever seen at the end of the 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, robots flew over the finish line ahead of the humans for the first time in Beijing on Sunday. And there wasn\u2019t a bead of sweat in sight.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Marathon","Athletics","Sport","China","Asia Pacific"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:14:48 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/apr\/19\/humanoid-robots-race-beijing-half-marathon"},{"title":"Inside smoky shelters, a fast-paced, illegal card game has taken off in Solomon Islands","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/inside-smoky-shelters-a-fast-paced-card-game-has-taken-off-in-solomon-islands","description":" Growing numbers in the capital Honiara are playing the street card game Pass for a chance of a big payout, while risking big losses<\/p> As the school day ends in Honiara, *Irene, a 43-year-old teacher in a floral dress with a yellow daisy in her bun, steps on to a minibus.<\/p> After 10 minutes, Irene gets off the bus, walks down an alley, and enters a damp, smoky shelter. Plastic tables fill the space and playing cards are scattered on the floor. Irene has stopped by a hidden gambling table in a western suburb of Honiara to play Pass, a street card game gaining popularity in the Solomon Islands capital.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Pacific islands","Solomon Islands","Asia Pacific","World news","Gambling","Society"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:00:01 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/inside-smoky-shelters-a-fast-paced-card-game-has-taken-off-in-solomon-islands"},{"title":"South Koreans breathe sighs of relief as escaped wolf is returned to zoo safely","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/south-korea-escaped-wolf-captured-returned-zoo-safely","description":" Nine-day search for two-year-old Neukgu gripped nation and sparked safety concerns for animal and public<\/p> The internet in South Korea erupted in celebration as a two-year-old wolf that escaped from a zoo was captured safely after a nine-day search that had gripped the nation and made the animal a national celebrity.<\/p> The male wolf, named Neukgu, burrowed out of his enclosure at the O-World zoo in Daejeon on 8 April. Animal rights activists questioned whether the wolf could survive outside the zoo and also worried he might be killed during capture, something that happened to a puma that escaped from the same zoo in 2018.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["South Korea","Wildlife","Zoos","Asia Pacific","World news","Environment"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:49:38 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/south-korea-escaped-wolf-captured-returned-zoo-safely"},{"title":"\u2018How do I end a call?\u2019: the elderly Japanese people determined to master smartphones","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/apr\/17\/japanese-over-70s-mobile-master-smartphones","description":" Elderly people take advantage of courses on how to navigate mobile devices and avoid \u2018analogue isolation\u2019<\/p> It\u2019s not only young people whose gaze is fixed on tiny screens. But for these users in Tokyo, clicking and scrolling is anything but second nature.<\/p> \u201cI can\u2019t deal with all of the apps that jump out at me,\u201d says one. \u201cHow do I know if I\u2019ve definitely ended a call?\u201d asks another.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Smartphones","Japan","Older people","Technology","World news","Asia Pacific","Mobile phones","Telecoms"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:20 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/apr\/17\/japanese-over-70s-mobile-master-smartphones"},{"title":"How South Korea plans to use the Iran crisis to spur a renewables revolution","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/south-korea-solar-power-renewables-revolution","description":" Energy crisis unfolding in Middle East has added political urgency, and more funding, to transform South Korea\u2019s solar industry<\/p> In Guyang-ri, a farming village of 70 households about 90 minutes south-east of Seoul, people gather for communal free lunches six days a week. The meals are funded by the village\u2019s one-megawatt solar installation, which generates roughly 10m won ($6,800) in net profit each month.<\/p> \u201cResidents eat lunch together every day, so we see each other\u2019s faces, talk together,\u201d says Jeon Joo-young, the village chief. \u201cBonds and solidarity between residents become much stronger. Life becomes more enjoyable.\u201d<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["South Korea","Renewable energy","Solar power","US-Israel war on Iran","Energy","Asia Pacific","Environment","World news"],"pubDate":"Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:09:28 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/16\/south-korea-solar-power-renewables-revolution"},{"title":"Labor accused of ignoring anti-racism plan as documents reveal repeated pleas to take action","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/labor-accused-ignoring-anti-racism-plan-documents-reveal-repeated-pleas-take-action-ntwnfb","description":" The government has defended its response, citing the upcoming royal commission and work done by the Islamophobia and antisemitism special envoys<\/p> Get our breaking news email<\/a>, free app<\/a> or daily news podcast<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Federal Labor has been accused of dragging its feet on a plan to combat systemic racism in Australia, nearly 18 months after it received recommendations from the human rights commission.<\/p> New documents released to the Senate show no progress on the national strategy delivered to the government and published in November 2024 \u2013 despite the race discrimination commissioner imploring the government to take action in five letters <\/strong>and at least two meetings.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Australia news","Race","Antisemitism","Islamophobia","Australian Greens","Labor party"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:00:45 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/labor-accused-ignoring-anti-racism-plan-documents-reveal-repeated-pleas-take-action-ntwnfb"},{"title":"Ben Roberts-Smith denies war crimes allegations \u2013 As it happened","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/apr\/19\/australia-news-live-free-public-transport-in-victoria-extended-man-charged-with-in-nsw-ntwnfb","description":" This blog is now closed<\/p> Get our <\/strong>breaking news email<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>free app<\/strong><\/a> or <\/strong>daily news podcast<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Defence Minister Richard Marles<\/strong> says the success of Australia\u2019s alliance with the United States should not be measured against a single president or federal government in Canberra, insisting the longstanding ties will endure.<\/p> US President Donald Trump<\/strong> has repeatedly criticised Australia for not assisting with the war in Iran, while federal Labor, including Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese<\/strong>, say the White House has not made any specific request for assistance.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Australia news","Australian politics","Australian economy","Business","Health","Australian education","Australian immigration and asylum","Australian foreign policy"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:39:52 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/apr\/19\/australia-news-live-free-public-transport-in-victoria-extended-man-charged-with-in-nsw-ntwnfb"},{"title":"Australia\u2019s coalmine emissions are increasing. Is this how a major policy to cut climate pollution is meant to work?","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/apr\/19\/australia-emissions-increasing-coalmines-climate-policy-analysis","description":" The Albanese government overhauled policy and promised significant pollution cuts \u2013 but carbon offsets are still being used as an excuse<\/p> Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton\u2019s free Clear Air newsletter here<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Is this how a national scheme to cut climate pollution is supposed to work?<\/p> Australian government data released this week<\/a> shows emissions from Australian coalmines increased last financial year. About 80% of the coalmines pumped more into the atmosphere than their government-imposed limit.<\/p> Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton\u2019s Clear Air column as a free newsletter<\/a><\/strong><\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Greenhouse gas emissions","Australia news","Australian politics","Climate crisis","Carbon offsetting","Fossil fuels","Mining","Coal","Environment","Energy"],"pubDate":"Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:22 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2026\/apr\/19\/australia-emissions-increasing-coalmines-climate-policy-analysis"},{"title":"\u2018Independent\u2019 group Energy for Australians that ran anti-Labor ads received more than $1m from coal lobby","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/energy-for-australians-accepted-1m-coal-australia-independent-claims","description":" Coal Australia denies its donations to the \u2018community-driven association\u2019 amount to astroturfing, but critics accuse the group of misleading the public<\/p> Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates<\/a><\/p><\/li> Get our breaking news email<\/a>, free app<\/a> or daily news podcast<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> An \u201cindependent, community-driven association\u201d that ran anti-Labor adverts during the last federal election was entirely funded by a coal industry lobby group, the Guardian can reveal.<\/p> Energy for Australians accepted more than $1m from Coal Australia \u2013 a group advocating for coal whose members include major miners Yancoal, Peabody, New Hope and Whitehaven.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Energy","Australian politics","Australian political donations","Labor party","Australia news"],"pubDate":"Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:22 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/energy-for-australians-accepted-1m-coal-australia-independent-claims"},{"title":"NSW should think twice before banning \u2018globalise the intifada\u2019 after court struck down anti-protest law, legal expert says","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/18\/nsw-should-think-twice-before-banning-globalise-the-intifada-after-court-struck-down-anti-protest-law-legal-expert-says-ntwnfb","description":" Another lawyer says ruling \u2018puts brakes on the Minns government\u2019s ability to use executive power to minimise people\u2019s rights to protest\u2019<\/p> Get our breaking news email<\/a>, free app<\/a> or daily news podcast<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> The Minns government should think twice before imposing an outright ban on the phrase \u201cglobalise the intifada\u201d<\/a> in the wake of a landmark finding that could limit attempts to control speech and protests, a leading constitutional expert has said.<\/p> New South Wales\u2019 highest court ruled in favour of the Palestine Action Group and Blak Caucus on Thursday, striking down an anti-protest law introduced after the Bondi beach terror attack<\/a> that gave police the power to restrict marches, including the anti-Herzog rally in February<\/a>.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["New South Wales","Protest","Australia news","Chris Minns","Sydney","Israel","Palestine","Australian police and policing"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:49 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/2026\/apr\/18\/nsw-should-think-twice-before-banning-globalise-the-intifada-after-court-struck-down-anti-protest-law-legal-expert-says-ntwnfb"},{"title":"Party of Bulgaria\u2019s pro-Russian former president ahead in exit polls","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/bulgaria-election-rumen-radev-boyko-borissov","description":" Rumen Radev\u2019s centre-left Progressive Bulgaria group ran on anti-corruption platform in country\u2019s eighth election in five years<\/p> The party of Bulgaria\u2019s pro-Russian former president Rumen Radev has come first in the country\u2019s eighth parliamentary elections in five years, according to exit polls, but without securing a majority.<\/p> Radev, who resigned as president in January, ran on a pledge to fight corruption after an anti-graft movement triggered a long political crisis.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Bulgaria","Europe","European Union"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:41:07 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/bulgaria-election-rumen-radev-boyko-borissov"},{"title":"Italian lawyers could win \u2018wild west-style bounties\u2019 if immigration clients go home","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/italian-lawyers-giorgia-meloni-wild-west-bounties-immigration","description":" Giorgia Meloni\u2019s far-right government to ask MPs to back controversial voluntary repatriation scheme<\/p> Italian lawyers will be paid bonuses if they successfully convince their immigrant clients to return home under a government plan that has been compared to a \u201cwild west-style bounty\u201d.<\/p> The incentive is in the latest security bill from Giorgia Meloni\u2019s far-right government and goes to the lower house of parliament for final approval this week. It was passed by the upper house after fiery debate.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Italy","Migration","Europe","Giorgia Meloni"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:23:12 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/italian-lawyers-giorgia-meloni-wild-west-bounties-immigration"},{"title":"Nathalie Baye, prolific star of French and Hollywood cinema, dies aged 77","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/film\/2026\/apr\/19\/nathalie-baye-star-french-hollywood-cinema-catch-me-if-you-can-dies-aged-77","description":" Actor who worked with the great French auteurs in the 1970s and 80s and starred in Spielberg\u2019s Catch Me if You Can died of Lewy body dementia, says family<\/p> The French film star Nathalie Baye, who starred in a string of highly regarded French films as well as Steven Spielberg\u2019s Catch Me If You Can, has died at the age of 77, her family said on Saturday.<\/p> Baye, a stalwart of France\u2019s domestic cinema, starred in about 80 films and took home the best actress C\u00e9sar, France\u2019s equivalent of the Oscars, four times, including three years running from 1981 to 1983. She died on Friday evening at her home in Paris from Lewy body dementia, her family told AFP.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Film","France","World cinema","Catch Me If You Can","Downton Abbey","Television","Culture","Europe","Television & radio","World news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:06:11 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/film\/2026\/apr\/19\/nathalie-baye-star-french-hollywood-cinema-catch-me-if-you-can-dies-aged-77"},{"title":"Rat poison found in baby food jar in Austria after product recall","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/rat-poison-baby-food-jar-hipp-austria-product-recall","description":" Police say poison detected in jar of HiPP carrots and potatoes as maker says items may have been tampered with<\/p> Rat poison has been found in a jar of HiPP baby food, police in Austria have said, after a recall of the product from more than 1,000 Spar supermarkets in the country over safety fears.<\/p> Police in Burgenland said in a statement that a sample from one of the 190g (7oz) jars of carrots and potatoes baby food reported by a customer had tested positive for rat poison.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Austria","Product recalls","Europe","World news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:59 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/rat-poison-baby-food-jar-hipp-austria-product-recall"},{"title":"More Britons opt to holiday in UK this summer amid uncertainty over flights","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2026\/apr\/19\/britons-holiday-uk-summer-flights-iran-war","description":" Holiday park firms say such bookings are on the rise because of impact of Iran war on aviation<\/p> Holiday companies have predicted a surge in bookings for UK summer breaks after a jump in interest from Britons fearful of flight cancellations linked to the Iran war.<\/p> Summer bookings are expected to rise in the coming weeks amid warnings of possible jet fuel shortages and resulting cancellations by airlines across Europe.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Travel & leisure","Business","Airline industry","US-Israel war on Iran","Travel","UK news","Europe","World news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:00:36 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2026\/apr\/19\/britons-holiday-uk-summer-flights-iran-war"},{"title":"Middle East crisis live: Iran reportedly rejects US peace talks as Trump threatens to \u2018knock out\u2019 all Iranian power plants","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/live\/2026\/apr\/19\/middle-east-crisis-live-iran-us-strait-of-hormuz-trump-lebanon-israel","description":" The US president said negotiators would head to Pakistan as Iran pledged to keep the strait of Hormuz closed until the US naval blockade is lifted<\/p> Full report: Iran closes strait of Hormuz again \u2018until US lifts blockade\u2019<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> UN secretary-general Ant\u00f3nio Guterres has strongly condemned the killing of a French peacekeeper and the wounding of three others in an attack in southern Lebanon<\/strong>, spokesman St\u00e9phane Dujarric said in a statement to the Associated Press.<\/p> The UN peacekeeping force came under attack with small-arms fire on Saturday morning, with two of the injured hurt seriously, France\u2019s president and the force known as UNIFIL said.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Iran","Strait of Hormuz","Lebanon","Trump administration","Israel","Donald Trump","Hezbollah","Middle East and north Africa"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:50:40 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/live\/2026\/apr\/19\/middle-east-crisis-live-iran-us-strait-of-hormuz-trump-lebanon-israel"},{"title":"Intemperate Trump brings chaos and confusion to Iran talks","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/intemperate-trump-brings-chaos-and-confusion-to-iran-talks","description":" US president\u2019s unreliable style sows diplomatic confusion but leaves Tehran clear on strategic value of strait of Hormuz<\/p> Donald Trump\u2019s decision to send US officials to Islamabad<\/a> for further talks on Monday with Iran just 24 hours after Iran once again closed the strait of Hormuz<\/a> will signal to Tehran that the strategic waterway remains a bargaining asset beyond parallel.<\/p> It will also confirm in Iran\u2019s eyes that the US president\u2019s chaotic approach to diplomacy doubles the need for Tehran to act calmly and strategically \u2013 two competencies it believes he totally lacks.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Iran","US foreign policy","Donald Trump","US news","Middle East and north Africa","World news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:54:09 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/intemperate-trump-brings-chaos-and-confusion-to-iran-talks"},{"title":"Trump sends delegation to Pakistan for possible new round of Iran war talks","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/trumps-sends-delegation-to-pakistan-for-possible-new-round-of-iran-war-talks","description":" Tehran reportedly \u2018yet to decide\u2019 if it will enter discussions as US president repeats threat to raze Iran\u2019s infrastructure<\/p> Middle East crisis \u2013 live updates<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Donald Trump\u2019s representatives will return to Pakistan on Monday for another possible round of talks aimed at ending the US-Israeli war in Iran, after the US president repeated his threats to Iranian infrastructure unless Iran agrees to a deal.<\/p> The return of a US delegation to Islamabad, led by vice-president JD Vance, along with Trump\u2019s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, comes after Iran on Saturday reimposed tight restrictions<\/a> on the transit of commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz, reversing an agreement made hours before to reopen the strategic waterway, over the US\u2019s refusal to lift its naval blockade.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Iran","Donald Trump","Pakistan","US news","JD Vance","Lebanon","Middle East and north Africa","Israel"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:33:01 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/trumps-sends-delegation-to-pakistan-for-possible-new-round-of-iran-war-talks"},{"title":"Iran closes strait of Hormuz again \u2018until US lifts blockade\u2019","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-again-until-us-lifts-blockade","description":" IRGC reportedly fires on tanker as it tries to pass through strait during brief window when shipping lane had reopened<\/p> Analysis: Trump and Tehran\u2019s series of mismanaged posts stall progress towards peace<\/a> <\/p><\/li><\/ul> Iranian officials say they have reversed the reopening of the strait of Hormuz and reimposed restrictions on the vital shipping lane after the US said it would not end its blockade of Iranian ports.<\/p> A UK maritime agency reported that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ships had fired at a tanker as it attempted to pass through the strait on Saturday. Reuters reported an Indian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil had also been attacked while in the waterway.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Iran","US-Israel war on Iran","US foreign policy","US military","Middle East and north Africa","US news","World news","Strait of Hormuz","Israel","Lebanon","Donald Trump"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:29:09 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/18\/iran-closes-strait-of-hormuz-again-until-us-lifts-blockade"},{"title":"More than 3,400 Iranians killed in war - as it happened","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/live\/2026\/apr\/18\/middle-east-crisis-live-iran-warns-it-will-close-strait-of-hormuz-if-us-blockade-continues","description":" This blog is now closed. Our latest main story on the Middle East crisis is <\/strong>here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p> Separate to the Pakistani army chief\u2019s trip to Iran (see post at 07:53<\/a>), the Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif,<\/strong> and foreign minister Ishaq Dar<\/strong> also concluded a trip to the Middle East after visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey <\/strong>for talks.<\/p> \u201cWe have just concluded the last leg of our engagements following productive and fruitful visits \u2026 where we held meaningful bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas,\u201d Dar said on X.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Iran","Strait of Hormuz","Lebanon","Trump administration","Israel","Donald Trump","Hezbollah","Middle East and north Africa"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:15:15 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/live\/2026\/apr\/18\/middle-east-crisis-live-iran-warns-it-will-close-strait-of-hormuz-if-us-blockade-continues"},{"title":"India fails to pass bill to boost women\u2019s representation after delimitation row","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/india-narendra-modi-women-representation-delimitationl","description":" Opposition accuses Narendra Modi government of using quotas as cover for redrawing electoral map<\/p> The Indian government has failed to pass a bill to increase female representation in parliament after being accused of using the plan as a guise to redraw the country\u2019s electoral map.<\/p> It was the first time in 12 years in power that a constitutional amendment proposed by Narendra Modi\u2019s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) government was not passed by parliament.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["India","Narendra Modi","Politics","World news","South and central Asia"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:28:51 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/17\/india-narendra-modi-women-representation-delimitationl"},{"title":"About 250 missing after boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsizes in Andaman Sea","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/14\/rohingya-refugees-missing-boat-capsizes-andaman-sea","description":" Trawler set off from Bangladesh and reportedly capsized due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding<\/p> About 250 people are missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, according to the UN\u2019s refugee and migration agencies.<\/p> The agencies said the trawler carrying more than 250 men, women and children reportedly sank due to harsh weather and overcrowding. It had departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was bound for Malaysia.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Rohingya","Refugees","Bangladesh","Myanmar","Malaysia","Asia Pacific","South and central Asia","World news"],"pubDate":"Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:31:32 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/14\/rohingya-refugees-missing-boat-capsizes-andaman-sea"},{"title":"Indian music legend Asha Bhosle dies aged 92","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/music\/2026\/apr\/12\/indian-singer-asha-bhosle-dies-aged-92","description":" Two-time Grammy nominee was one of Bollywood\u2019s most versatile and celebrated voices<\/p> The Indian singer Asha Bhosle, whose voice defined Bollywood cinema and whose career spanned almost eight decades, has died in Mumbai at the age of 92.<\/p> Bhosle, who recorded more than 12,000 songs, became her country\u2019s pre-eminent exponent of playback singing \u2013 recording tracks that were then lip-synced on film by actors. She also boldly embraced cabaret and western-influenced melodies to forge a distinctive musical identity.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Asha Bhosle","India","Bollywood","Music","Film","South and central Asia","World news","Culture"],"pubDate":"Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:40:31 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/music\/2026\/apr\/12\/indian-singer-asha-bhosle-dies-aged-92"},{"title":"Islamabad prepares to host historic negotiations between Iran and the US","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/10\/islamabad-pakistan-negotiations-iran-us","description":" In Pakistan\u2019s capital, the army has been deployed, a public holiday has been declared and the streets are eerily empty<\/p> Middle East crisis \u2013 live updates<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> The streets of Islamabad were on strict lockdown as Pakistan\u2019s capital prepared to play host to historic negotiations between Iran and the US that have dangled the promise of an end to war that has devastated the Middle East.<\/p> Even as the US-Iran ceasefire looked increasingly precarious<\/a>, amid Israel\u2019s continued bombardment of Lebanon and disputes over the terms of the talks, Pakistani officials insisted that the make-or-break peace negotiations would be going ahead over the weekend as planned.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Pakistan","World news","South and central Asia"],"pubDate":"Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:00:07 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/10\/islamabad-pakistan-negotiations-iran-us"},{"title":"Netanyahu says there is no ceasefire in Lebanon as Israel launches fresh strikes","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/09\/israel-bombing-lebanon-us-iran-ceasefire-condemnation","description":" Israeli PM says he will continue to attack Hezbollah \u2018with full force\u2019 after attacks that killed more than 300 people<\/p> Middle East crisis \u2013 live updates<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Benjamin Netanyahu has said there is \u201cno ceasefire in Lebanon\u201d and Israel would continue \u201cto strike Hezbollah with full force\u201d as the country\u2019s military launched fresh strikes. Later on Friday, a US state department official said Israel and Lebanon will hold talks in Washington next week. The announcement came as Netanyahu ordered his ministers to seek direct talks with Lebanon focused on disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US-Israel war on Iran","Israel","Lebanon","Iran","Hezbollah","Middle East and north Africa","World news","US foreign policy","Benjamin Netanyahu","Pakistan","US news","Trump administration","US politics","South and central Asia"],"pubDate":"Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:28:53 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/09\/israel-bombing-lebanon-us-iran-ceasefire-condemnation"},{"title":"Starmer is facing his judgment day over Mandelson missteps","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/apr\/19\/starmer-is-facing-his-judgment-day-over-mandelson-missteps","description":" Ahead of a showdown with MPs, prime minister looks like a man who is not really in control in his own government<\/p> Keir Starmer has spent much of the last 24 hours working on a plan for what senior government figures are already describing as his \u201cjudgment day\u201d: his showdown with MPs on Monday over the latest Peter Mandelson revelations<\/a>.<\/p> That the prime minister was apparently not told of Mandelson\u2019s vetting failure has provoked incredulity across Westminster and accusations he sacked a senior civil servant<\/a> to save his premiership.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Keir Starmer","Labour","Politics","UK news","Peter Mandelson"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:08:42 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/apr\/19\/starmer-is-facing-his-judgment-day-over-mandelson-missteps"},{"title":"Civil resistance activists detained in Manchester over alleged plan to raid high-end stores","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/civil-resistance-activists-detained-in-manchester-over-alleged-plan-to-raid-high-end-stores","description":" Take Back Power, which targets the super-rich, says seven members were arrested at a training session<\/p> Seven people from an activist group calling for higher taxes on the super-rich have been arrested by police on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.<\/p> Police confirmed that six women and one man were detained in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Sunday over what they said was a coordinated plan to steal from high-end stores.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Protest","UK news","Manchester","Police","Greater Manchester"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:00:44 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/apr\/19\/civil-resistance-activists-detained-in-manchester-over-alleged-plan-to-raid-high-end-stores"},{"title":"Ministers urged to share Mandelson vetting files with intelligence committee","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/apr\/19\/ministers-urged-to-share-mandelson-vetting-files-with-intelligence-committee","description":" Whitehall officials are weighing up \u2018unprecedented\u2019 disclosure of documents in security clearance scandal<\/p> Starmer did not gamble with national security over Mandelson, says minister<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> Ministers are under growing pressure to share the documents from Peter Mandelson\u2019s vetting process with the parliamentary committee tasked with deciding if they should be made public.<\/p> In February, MPs passed a binding parliamentary motion, known as a humble address, requiring the government to publish \u201call papers\u201d relating to Mandelson\u2019s appointment as ambassador to the US.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Peter Mandelson","Politics","Labour","Jeffrey Epstein","UK news","Keir Starmer"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:23:43 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/apr\/19\/ministers-urged-to-share-mandelson-vetting-files-with-intelligence-committee"},{"title":"Jesy Nelson issues plea over stolen car containing twins\u2019 medical equipment","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/music\/2026\/apr\/19\/jesy-nelson-issues-plea-over-stolen-car-containing-twins-medical-equipment","description":" Former Little Mix singer offers \u00a310,000 reward for information about Land Rover taken from Essex driveway<\/p> The musician Jesy Nelson, a former member of the band Little Mix, has pleaded for help after her car, which contained essential medical equipment for her children, was stolen from her driveway in Essex.<\/p> The black Land Rover is believed to have been taken at about 3am on Sunday in Brentwood.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Music","Little Mix","UK news","Crime"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:49:33 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/music\/2026\/apr\/19\/jesy-nelson-issues-plea-over-stolen-car-containing-twins-medical-equipment"},{"title":"Reform UK\u2019s Richard Tice allegedly failed to pay \u00a3100,000 in corporation tax","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/reform-uk-richard-tice-corporation-tax","description":" Deputy leader ran shell companies that reportedly did not pay tax on profits from 2020 to 2022, during which time his firm donated \u00a31.1m to party<\/p> Richard Tice allegedly failed to pay almost \u00a3100,000 in corporation tax to the benefit of his investment company, which in turn made donations to Reform UK, it has been reported.<\/p> In response to the report in the Sunday Times<\/a>, the deputy leader of Reform UK posted a lengthy statement on X, in which he said: \u201cA long career with multiple businesses is bound to feature some errors. Naturally I am always happy to put things right and if numbers need rechecking, of course I will pay what is owed \u2013 be that more or less.\u201d<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Richard Tice","Reform UK","Business","UK news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:19:13 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/uk-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/reform-uk-richard-tice-corporation-tax"},{"title":"Republican senator criticizes Trump\u2019s \u2018holy war\u2019 with Pope Leo","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/republican-senator-criticizes-trump-pope-feud","description":" Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a long supporter of Trump, says president\u2019s feud with the pope is a \u2018distraction\u2019<\/p> A Republican lawmaker has condemned what he refers to as Donald Trump\u2019s \u201choly war\u201d against Pope Leo XIV.<\/p> Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a long supporter of Trump and the ultraconservative Maga movement, condemned the president\u2019s attacks on the pope during a Fox News interview <\/em>on Saturday.<\/em><\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US politics","US news","Donald Trump","JD Vance","Pope Leo XIV","The papacy","Republicans","Catholicism","US-Israel war on Iran"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:55:58 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/republican-senator-criticizes-trump-pope-feud"},{"title":"Mass shooting rampage in Louisiana leaves eight children dead and others wounded","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/shreveport-louisiana-mass-shooting","description":" Suspect was fatally shot, according to Shreveport police, who say victims included children ranging from 18 months to 14 years<\/p> Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox<\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul> At least eight people are dead and others are wounded after a mass murder reported in the Louisiana<\/a> city of Shreveport, according to local police<\/a>.<\/p> Police said that among the victims were children ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years. Two other women were reportedly shot in the head but survived \u2013 and a third person, described as a young boy, was injured while jumping from a roof.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Louisiana","US crime","US news","Gun crime","Iowa"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:59:09 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/shreveport-louisiana-mass-shooting"},{"title":"Obama and Mamdani read and sing with New York preschoolers in first meeting","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/obama-mamdani-first-meeting-new-york-childcare","description":" Former US president and New York mayor read to a group of children and led a sing-along at a Bronx childcare center<\/p> Barack Obama<\/a> met with Zohran Mamdani<\/a> for the first time on Saturday at a childcare center where the former Democratic US president and mayor of New York City<\/a> read to preschoolers and led a sing-along.<\/p> The meeting comes as Mamdani, a democratic socialist who marked his 100th day in office just over a week earlier, is also trying to build a working relationship with Donald Trump<\/a> \u2013 Obama\u2019s Republican presidential successor.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Barack Obama","Zohran Mamdani","New York","US politics","US news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:10:59 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/obama-mamdani-first-meeting-new-york-childcare"},{"title":"Trump energy secretary says gas prices might not drop back under $3 a gallon until 2027","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/trump-energy-secretary-chris-wright-gas-prices","description":" Chris Wright says \u2018I don\u2019t know\u2019 when asked about lower cost of gas as average price soars to $4 a gallon in US<\/p> Chris Wright, the Trump administration<\/a>\u2019s energy secretary, acknowledged Sunday that it might not be until 2027 before US gas prices come back under $3 a gallon.<\/p> Asked<\/a> by Jake Tapper, the CNN State of the Union host, when he thought \u201cit\u2019s realistic for Americans to expect the gas will go back to under $3 a gallon\u201d, Wright replied: \u201cI don\u2019t know. That could happen later this year. That might not happen until next year.\u201d<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["Trump administration","US politics","US news","Energy industry","Gas","Oil","Commodities","Business","US-Israel war on Iran"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:54:19 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/apr\/19\/trump-energy-secretary-chris-wright-gas-prices"},{"title":"Independent bookstores make quiet comeback as big chains dominate retail","link":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2026\/apr\/19\/independent-bookstores-comeback","description":" About 422 indie bookshops opened in 2025, up 31%, defying predictions of retail consolidation<\/p> For years now, we have heard that Amazon<\/a> and the big chains are crushing small businesses, but independent bookstores are suddenly making<\/a> a comeback.<\/p> About 422 new indie bookshops opened in 2025, according to the American Booksellers Association, a 31% rise from 2024. Countless independent restaurants, coffee shops, fitness centers, movie theaters, clothing stores and other small businesses also continue to thrive even in this era of ever-bigger retailers, fast-casual restaurants and massive e-commerce platforms.<\/p> Continue reading...<\/a>","category":["US small business","Business","Books","US news"],"pubDate":"Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:00:44 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2026\/apr\/19\/independent-bookstores-comeback"}]}}
\n The Israeli prime minister\u2019s remarks and latest attacks on what the IDF called \u201cHezbollah launch sites\u201d came shortly after Donald Trump said he had asked Netanyahu to be more \u201clow-key\u201d in Lebanon.<\/p>