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Starmer Admits Error Over Mandelson Appointment but Rejects Calls to Quit

UK-Politics

Starmer Admits Error Over Mandelson Appointment but Rejects Calls to Quit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged making a “wrong judgment” in appointing Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, amid mounting political pressure linked to Mandelson’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Starmer said he would not have approved the appointment had he known Mandelson had failed security vetting. However, he rejected calls from opposition parties for his resignation.
The prime minister said officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had not informed him about the failed checks before Mandelson was given the diplomatic post.
Admission of “wrong judgment”
Starmer told MPs that the decision ultimately rested with him and that he regretted making the appointment.
“At the heart of this, there is also a judgment I made that was wrong,” he said. “I should not have appointed Peter Mandelson.”
He added that, had he been aware of the security concerns, he would have stopped the process. Starmer also apologised to victims of Epstein, saying his decision had failed them.
Mandelson was dismissed in September, nine months after taking up the role, when further details emerged about his relationship with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Opposition criticism
Opposition MPs reacted sceptically to Starmer’s explanation. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party (UK), questioned how the prime minister could have overlooked the vetting issue.
“It doesn’t appear that he asked any questions at all,” she said in parliament, suggesting Starmer had avoided looking too closely at potential problems with the appointment.
The controversy intensified after the prime minister dismissed senior civil servant Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office within hours of the revelations last week. Allies of Robbins argue that the official would not have been permitted to disclose sensitive vetting information to the prime minister.
Robbins is due to appear before the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee to give his account of events.
Pressure inside and outside government
Critics say the episode has highlighted questions about Starmer’s judgment. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats (UK), described the appointment as “a catastrophic error of judgment” and said the prime minister should accept responsibility.
Within government, however, senior ministers defended Starmer. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said that if Starmer had known Mandelson failed the security checks “he would never, ever have appointed him ambassador.”
Nevertheless, some MPs within Starmer’s own Labour Party (UK) have expressed unease, particularly as the party faces poor polling numbers ahead of local and regional elections scheduled for 7 May.
Wider investigation
Questions surrounding Mandelson have also been fuelled by documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year. Emails suggested Mandelson had shared sensitive government information with Epstein in 2009 following the global financial crisis.
British police later opened a criminal investigation and arrested Mandelson in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged. Authorities have said he is not accused of any sexual offences.
Starmer told MPs he has ordered a review into any security implications arising from Mandelson’s access to confidential information while serving as ambassador.
Despite his apology, the prime minister insisted he had not misled parliament about the appointment process, saying he believed procedures had been followed at the time.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

UK Government Plans Legal Ban on Smartphones in Schools in England

UK-Politics

UK Government Plans Legal Ban on Smartphones in Schools in England

The UK government says it will introduce legislation requiring schools in England to restrict the use of smartphones, aiming to formalise policies that many schools already enforce.

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Education minister Jacqui Smith told the House of Lords on Monday that ministers will table an amendment to the proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to establish a “clear legal requirement” for schools regarding mobile phone use.
The Department for Education said the change would give legal backing to existing practices, noting that many schools already limit or ban phones during the school day.
Government guidance earlier issued by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged schools to adopt phone-free policies throughout the day. Under the new plan, that guidance would become statutory, meaning schools would be required to take it into account when setting their rules.
Amendment expected to clarify school responsibilities
Details of the amendment have not yet been published, but ministers say it is intended to strengthen enforcement of school policies rather than impose a strict nationwide ban written directly into law.
Officials argue this differs from proposals previously promoted by the opposition Conservative Party, which advocated an outright legal prohibition.
However, Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the government’s decision.
Writing on social media platform X, Trott said the move would benefit teachers, parents and pupils, adding that she believed it would help improve behaviour and academic performance in classrooms.
Smith told peers that the government had removed a previously suggested option known as “not seen, not heard” — where phones must remain switched off and stored in bags — from official guidance. She added ministers were open to considering whether stricter measures should be introduced.
Some schools already require students to place phones in lockers or use magnetically sealed pouches during the day.
Schools call for funding support
The proposal comes amid broader debate about the impact of smartphones and social media on children.
The government says most schools in England already prohibit mobile phones and that the new amendment would reinforce existing efforts.
A Department for Education spokesperson said the policy would be monitored during inspections by Ofsted from April onward.
Officials also described the wider bill as one of the most significant child safeguarding reforms in decades.
The legislation has been moving between the House of Commons and the House of Lords after peers previously approved a Conservative amendment calling for a ban in February.
Meanwhile, Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the legal change might not significantly alter current practice because many schools already enforce their own restrictions.
He said additional funding would help schools manage phone storage securely, suggesting measures such as lockers or locked pouches.
Di’Iasio also called for stronger regulation of social media platforms and smartphone use outside school hours, where he said many of the related problems occur.
Different rules across the UK
Education policy is devolved across the United Kingdom, meaning approaches to mobile phones in schools vary between regions.
The Scottish Government issued guidance in 2024 allowing headteachers to implement phone bans.
In Wales, headteachers already have the authority to restrict or ban devices within their schools.
Meanwhile, a pilot programme testing phone-free policies in nine schools in Northern Ireland has recently concluded, with findings expected to be published in June.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Radev’s Party Wins Parliamentary Majority in Bulgaria, Raising EU Policy Questions

EU

Radev’s Party Wins Parliamentary Majority in Bulgaria, Raising EU Policy Questions

Former Bulgarian president Rumen Radev’s political movement has secured an outright parliamentary majority, potentially ending years of unstable coalition governments while prompting debate about the country’s future direction within the European Union.

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Final results released on Monday showed the Progressive Bulgaria party winning 44.6% of the vote in Sunday’s election. The result is projected to give the party 131 of the 240 seats in the national assembly.
The outcome marks the first time since 1997 that a single political force has achieved a parliamentary majority in Bulgaria.
First clear mandate after years of political deadlock
The vote follows a prolonged period of political instability. Bulgaria has held eight elections since 2021, when widespread anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of the government led by long-serving pro-European prime minister Boyko Borissov.
Radev’s party finished far ahead of its main rivals. Borissov’s conservative GERB party received 13.4% of the vote, while the pro-European We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) alliance secured 12.6%.
Speaking after the result became clear, Radev said the vote reflected public frustration with entrenched corruption and established political groups.
“This is a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear, and finally, if you will, a victory of morality,” he said.
Balancing relations with the EU and Russia
Although Radev has affirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to its European path, he has been critical of several European Union policies. He previously called for a referendum on the country’s decision to adopt the euro, though the proposal did not proceed.
In a message posted online, European Council president António Costa congratulated Radev and said he looked forward to cooperation on “a prosperous, autonomous and secure Europe”.
Radev has also repeatedly argued for restoring more pragmatic relations with Moscow and resuming the flow of Russian energy supplies to Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia welcomed remarks from European leaders, including Radev, supporting dialogue.
The 62-year-old former fighter pilot stepped down from the largely ceremonial presidency in January to run in the election on an anti-corruption platform. During his campaign he criticised a defence agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine and opposed sending Bulgarian weapons to Kyiv.
However, he has pledged not to block future EU decisions and has consistently rejected accusations that he is aligned with the Kremlin.
Reform prospects and political reactions
Radev’s parliamentary majority does not reach the 160-seat threshold required to pass major constitutional changes, including a comprehensive overhaul of Bulgaria’s judicial system.
Analysts say cooperation with the PP-DB coalition could make such reforms possible, as the alliance has identified judicial reform as a central priority.
Some observers remain cautious about the prospects for meaningful change. Dimitar Keranov of the German Marshall Fund’s European resilience programme said the country’s political system still faces deep structural problems.
“The corrupt system remains,” he said, warning that political stability alone does not guarantee reform.
Mixed reactions among voters
Voter turnout exceeded 50%, significantly higher than in recent elections.
Some voters welcomed the result as an opportunity for political renewal. Martin Todorov, who returned to Bulgaria after more than a decade in the United Kingdom, said he hoped the new government would bring change.
Others expressed concern about the country’s direction. Yana Kuzoff, an actor in Sofia, said she feared the outcome could move Bulgaria closer to Russia.
“Our parents fought many years ago to live a normal modern life like Europeans,” she said.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Kash Patel Files $250M Defamation Lawsuit Against 'The Atlantic'

USA

Kash Patel Files $250M Defamation Lawsuit Against 'The Atlantic'

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article that alleged he alarmed colleagues with heavy drinking and unexplained absences from work.

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The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., accusing the magazine and its journalist of publishing false claims that damaged Patel’s reputation and undermined his ability to lead the bureau.
The Atlantic rejected the accusations, calling the case “meritless” and saying it would defend its reporting.
Allegations at the center of the dispute
The complaint challenges several assertions contained in Fitzpatrick’s article about Patel’s conduct while serving as FBI director.
According to the lawsuit, the article falsely portrayed Patel as a habitual drinker whose behaviour raised concerns among colleagues and posed potential risks to national security. The suit says the report suggested Patel was frequently unreachable during emergencies, had violated Justice Department ethics rules and behaved erratically in ways that compromised his leadership.
Patel’s lawyers argue that the article depicted him as unfit for office and vulnerable to foreign influence, claims they say are entirely untrue.
The lawsuit also states that the story alleged incidents in which breaching equipment had to be used to open locked rooms where Patel was inside, and that alcohol influenced his public statements about criminal investigations.
Attorneys for Patel say these descriptions were part of a narrative portraying the FBI director as irresponsible and unreliable.
Claims of “actual malice”
Because Patel is a public official, the lawsuit must meet the legal standard of “actual malice,” a requirement in US defamation law that demands proof the publication either knew its claims were false or showed reckless disregard for the truth.
Patel’s legal team argues that The Atlantic ignored information that contradicted the article’s central claims. The complaint says reporters failed to take basic steps that could have refuted the allegations and demonstrated what it describes as editorial hostility toward Patel.
The lawsuit also says the magazine contacted the FBI for comment shortly before publication, giving less than two hours to respond and declining a request for additional time.
Magazine defends its reporting
In response, The Atlantic said it stands by the article and intends to contest the lawsuit.
A spokesperson for the publication said the reporting was thorough and based on extensive interviews. Fitzpatrick wrote that she spoke with more than two dozen people, including current and former FBI officials, intelligence and law-enforcement personnel, hospitality workers, political figures and former advisers.
The sources were granted anonymity because they were discussing sensitive matters and private conversations, the article said. According to Fitzpatrick’s reporting, many of them described Patel’s leadership as problematic and his behaviour as potentially creating a national-security vulnerability.
Before the story was published, Patel warned he would take legal action. He was quoted in the article telling the publication: “I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook.”
After publication, Patel repeated the threat on social media, saying he believed meeting the legal standard for defamation would be straightforward.
Legal experts weigh the hurdles
Defamation cases against news organisations are often dismissed before reaching the evidence-gathering phase, known as discovery.
Adam Steinbaugh, a First Amendment lawyer with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, suggested on social media that the complaint faces significant challenges in proving actual malice.
If the case were to proceed beyond early motions, however, both sides could be required to exchange evidence and give sworn testimony.
Veteran media lawyer Lee Levine said that process would allow attorneys for both Patel and The Atlantic to question witnesses and examine evidence related to the disputed claims.
Fitzpatrick has defended her work publicly, stating in a television interview that she stands by every word of the reporting and that the publication has strong legal representation.
CNN said it has not independently verified the incidents described in The Atlantic’s article.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Trump Approval Rating Falls to Lowest Point of Second Term, Poll Shows

Trump

Trump Approval Rating Falls to Lowest Point of Second Term, Poll Shows

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level of his second term, according to a new NBC News survey, as public concern about the economy grows.

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The poll found that 37% of respondents approve of Trump’s overall performance in office. That figure has declined steadily in recent months, falling from 39% in early February and 42% in early December.
The results reflect a broader downward trend in the president’s approval ratings throughout his second term.
Gradual Decline Since 2025
Earlier NBC News polling showed higher levels of support for Trump in 2025. In both April and June of that year, 45% of respondents said they approved of his performance. By late August 2025, that number had slipped slightly to 43%.
The latest survey suggests that support has continued to erode since then.
Much of the drop has come from a decline in the number of people who say they “strongly approve” of the president’s job performance. Only 20% of respondents now say they strongly approve, compared with 26% a year earlier.
The proportion who say they “somewhat approve” has also edged down, from 19% last April to 17% in the most recent survey.
Rising Disapproval
At the same time, strong opposition to the president has increased.
Half of all respondents — 50% — now say they strongly disapprove of Trump’s performance. That figure is up from 42% in April last year.
Another 13% say they somewhat disapprove of the president, unchanged from the April 2025 survey.
Taken together, the findings suggest that negative views of Trump have grown more intense over the past year.
Economic Concerns Weigh on Ratings
The poll was conducted during a period of volatility in financial markets, with the stock market falling to its lowest level of the year while survey responses were being collected.
Markets later rebounded toward record highs amid uncertainty surrounding energy prices and the ongoing war with Iran.
The survey indicates that economic concerns may be affecting public perceptions of the president’s performance.
In earlier polls conducted in April, June and August 2025, around 40% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living.
In the latest survey, however, approval of his management of economic issues dropped sharply to 32%. Only 13% of respondents said they strongly approve of his handling of those issues.
Among the roughly two-thirds of respondents who expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s management of the economy, 52% said they strongly disapprove.
Poll Methodology
The NBC News Decision Desk poll was conducted by SurveyMonkey between March 30 and April 13.
It surveyed 32,433 adults across the United States and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Israel Opens Criminal Probe After Soldier Filmed Striking Jesus Statue in Lebanon

Middle East

Israel Opens Criminal Probe After Soldier Filmed Striking Jesus Statue in Lebanon

The Israeli military has launched a criminal investigation after a soldier was photographed striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon, an incident that has drawn condemnation from Israeli leaders and foreign officials.

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The image, which circulated widely on social media, appears to show an Israeli soldier hitting the head of a fallen statue of the crucified Jesus with a sledgehammer. The statue stands in the village of Debl, a Christian community in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border.
Israeli military officials confirmed the photograph was genuine and said the soldier involved had been identified. The individual has not been publicly named.
Investigation and official response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had begun a criminal investigation into the incident. Military officials also said they were working with residents of the village to restore the statue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, saying he was “stunned and saddened” when he learned about it. He said the soldier responsible would face “harsh disciplinary action”.
Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, also criticised the incident, describing it as a “shameful and disgraceful” act. Writing on social media, he said he expected strict measures to be taken against whoever carried out the damage and apologised to Christians who felt offended by the episode.
A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the soldier had been identified but declined to disclose further details.
International criticism
The incident triggered anger in Lebanon and abroad, including among Christian communities in the United States and Europe.
The Italian government strongly criticised the act. Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, described the incident as “unacceptable and unjustifiable”.
Religious authorities also voiced concern. Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia warned that acts targeting religious symbols reflected a broader cultural problem, saying intolerance and extremism could arise when respect for culture and belief erodes.
Tensions between the Vatican, Italy and the Israeli government have already been strained in recent weeks following disagreements over the broader regional conflict.
Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Israeli authorities after police prevented Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Meloni said that incident represented an affront to believers and religious freedom.
Damage to religious sites
The episode involving the Jesus statue comes amid wider accusations that religious and historical sites in southern Lebanon have been damaged during Israel’s military operations in the area.
Residents of the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil recently reported the destruction of the Grand Mosque of Bint Jbeil, a building with historical roots dating back to the Roman era.
Local groups have also reported damage to the shrine of Saint Peter in the city of Chamaa, a site regarded as sacred by both Shia Muslims and Christians.
Under the Geneva Conventions, intentionally targeting or destroying religious sites and places of worship is considered a violation of international humanitarian law.
Israel has also released footage showing large-scale demolitions of buildings in towns along the Israel–Lebanon border, with the military saying it plans to continue destroying structures in the area.
Conflict in southern Lebanon
Lebanon became directly involved in the wider regional conflict in early March when the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in support of Tehran.
Israel responded with extensive air strikes across Lebanon and a ground incursion into the south. Although a ceasefire between the two countries began last week, Israeli troops have remained deployed in parts of southern Lebanon.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Trump Signals Iran Ceasefire Unlikely to Be Extended Without Deal

Iranian Conflict

Trump Signals Iran Ceasefire Unlikely to Be Extended Without Deal

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the current ceasefire with Iran is unlikely to be prolonged beyond Wednesday evening unless a broader agreement is reached.

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Speaking in a phone interview with Bloomberg on Monday, Trump said he was “highly unlikely” to extend the truce if negotiations fail to produce a deal before the deadline. The ceasefire, announced on 7 April, is set to expire on Wednesday evening Washington time.
The truce was declared after Trump warned he could authorise strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure and cautioned that a conflict could lead to the destruction of “a whole civilization” in Iran.
Talks planned in Pakistan
The remarks come as US officials prepare for a second round of diplomatic talks with Iran scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Sunday that Vice-President JD Vance would head the American delegation. He is expected to be joined by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a senior adviser.
The White House has not yet confirmed when Vance will depart Washington for the talks. The meeting in Islamabad follows earlier discussions aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Trump rejects pressure claims
Trump said he was not facing pressure to secure a quick agreement with Iran and insisted he would not rush negotiations.
Writing on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the president said he was under “no pressure whatsoever,” adding that the United States had ample time to resolve longstanding tensions with Tehran.
He also argued that previous administrations had failed to address the issue effectively over the past decades. During the Bloomberg interview, Trump reiterated that he would not be “rushed into making a bad deal” with Iran.
The president has repeatedly demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear programme as part of any settlement.
Strait of Hormuz blockade continues
Trump also confirmed that a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until an agreement is signed.
The blockade began on 13 April. US Central Command (Centcom) said on Sunday that American naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to bypass the restrictions after what it described as multiple warnings.
Centcom added that since the start of the blockade, US forces had ordered 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.
Iran has criticised the move. Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, told reporters on Monday that the interception of the cargo vessel violated the ceasefire. He also said Tehran currently has “no plans” for another round of negotiations with Washington.
Despite the tensions, Trump signalled that the US was prepared to maintain pressure in the waterway, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas.
“If I have to,” he told Bloomberg, referring to enforcement of the blockade, “I’ll take five other ships today.”
The ceasefire deadline and the upcoming talks in Pakistan now appear central to determining whether the fragile pause in hostilities will hold or whether tensions between the United States and Iran will escalate again.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

Strong Offshore Earthquake Prompts Tsunami Warnings in Northeastern Japan

Strong Offshore Earthquake Prompts Tsunami Warnings in Northeastern Japan

A powerful earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting evacuations along parts of the Pacific shoreline.
Quake hits Sanriku coast
The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.5, occurred off the Sanriku coast at a relatively shallow depth of around 10 kilometres. Shallow quakes are typically more likely to cause stronger ground shaking at the surface.
Tremors were felt across a wide area, including parts of northern Honshu and Hokkaido. Authorities moved quickly to assess the situation as emergency protocols were activated.
Tsunami alerts and evacuations
Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for coastal regions. Initial waves of around 80 centimetres were recorded in some locations, with officials warning that larger waves of up to three metres could follow.
Residents in vulnerable coastal zones were ordered to evacuate to higher ground. Local authorities urged people to stay away from the shoreline and river mouths, where tsunami surges can travel inland.
Transport services were also affected. Some bullet train operations were suspended as a precaution while safety checks were carried out.
Early reports show limited damage
Initial reports did not indicate major damage or confirmed casualties. Officials cautioned that assessments were ongoing and that the situation could change as more information becomes available.
There were no immediate reports of issues at nuclear facilities in the affected region, a key concern in the aftermath of strong earthquakes in Japan.
Ongoing risks and response
The government established an emergency response task force to coordinate actions and monitor developments. Authorities warned that aftershocks are likely in the coming days and could pose additional risks.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, and its infrastructure is designed to withstand seismic activity. Even so, officials continue to stress caution following significant offshore quakes due to the potential for tsunamis and secondary hazards.
Residents have been advised to follow official guidance, remain alert for updates, and avoid returning to coastal areas until warnings are lifted.
Situation still developing
While early indications suggest the impact may be limited, the situation remains fluid. Authorities continue to monitor sea levels and seismic activity closely, with further updates expected as assessments continue.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source20 April 2026

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April 20Apr 20

HiPP Baby Food Pulled From Austrian Stores After Rat Poison Found

EU

HiPP Baby Food Pulled From Austrian Stores After Rat Poison Found

Austrian police have urged the public to remain alert after a jar of HiPP baby food was discovered to contain rat poison, prompting a nationwide recall of the brand’s jarred purées sold through Spar supermarkets.

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Authorities in the eastern Austrian region of Burgenland said the contaminated jar of carrot and potato purée was reported by a customer. The customer’s baby had not eaten the product, police said.
Investigators believe the jar had been deliberately tampered with after leaving the factory.
Possible additional contaminated jars
Police warned that at least one more poisoned jar could still be in circulation. Officials have issued guidance to help consumers identify products that may have been interfered with.
According to authorities, signs of tampering may include damaged or opened lids, a missing safety seal, an unusual or spoiled smell, or a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom of the glass jar.
The warning was issued following information from German investigators. Authorities said tampered HiPP baby food jars have also been seized in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Police have not confirmed whether the incident is linked to an attempted extortion scheme.
Company says products left factory in “perfect condition”
HiPP, a German-based baby food manufacturer, said it had recalled all its jarred purées sold through Spar supermarkets in Austria after authorities detected the contamination.
The company said the recall was precautionary and stressed that the problem was not related to the manufacturing process.
“The recall is not due to a product or quality defect on our part,” the company said in a statement on its website. It added that the jars had left the factory “in perfect condition”.
HiPP said authorities investigating the case had confirmed that several seized jars contained rat poison and described the incident as a criminal act currently under investigation.
Retailers remove products as precaution
Spar has removed HiPP baby food jars from sale in Austria and also taken the products off shelves in other countries as a precaution.
Retailers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia have likewise withdrawn the brand’s baby food jars from sale while investigations continue.
Customers who purchased HiPP jars at Eurospar, Interspar and Maximarkt stores in Austria have been advised not to consume the products and to return them to shops for a refund.
Austria has more than 1,500 Spar stores.
Authorities emphasised that baby food sold in other retail chains in the country has not been affected by the recall. HiPP baby formula products are also not involved.
Health advice for parents
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety has urged parents to seek medical advice if their child consumed the affected food and shows symptoms such as bleeding, unusual weakness or paleness.
The discovery comes only months after other baby food safety concerns prompted global recalls.
Earlier this year, Nestlé and Danone withdrew certain batches of infant formula in more than 60 countries after contamination with the toxin cereulide was detected.
The toxin can cause nausea and vomiting and is not destroyed by cooking or when preparing baby milk.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency said at least 36 infants in Britain had suffered food poisoning linked to contaminated baby formula, though none of the cases were considered life-threatening.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

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April 19Apr 19

Arson Attacks on Jewish Sites ‘Gathering Momentum’, UK Chief Rabbi Warns

UK

Arson Attacks on Jewish Sites ‘Gathering Momentum’, UK Chief Rabbi Warns

A series of suspected arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in north-west London is raising concern among community leaders and authorities, with the UK’s Chief Rabbi warning that violence against the Jewish community is intensifying.

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The latest incident occurred overnight at Kenton United Synagogue, where police said a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window, causing smoke damage inside the building. No injuries were reported.
Counter-terrorism officers from Metropolitan Police Service are investigating the attack alongside several similar incidents that have taken place across north-west London in recent weeks.
Community leaders and politicians have condemned the attacks, while police say those responsible could face prosecution under national security legislation.
Investigation into linked attacks
Authorities said the synagogue incident forms part of a wider investigation into multiple arson attacks targeting Jewish-linked locations.
Among the other incidents under examination are fires at Finchley Reform Synagogue and at a building used by a Jewish charity in Hendon. Ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were also set alight in Golders Green last month.
Police are also examining an arson attack at a Persian-language media organisation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said investigators were considering whether the incidents were connected and noted that attacks had been claimed online by a group calling itself Ashab al-Yamin.
She said reports suggesting the group may have links to Iran were being assessed as part of the investigation.
Evans added that authorities were exploring whether criminal proxies had been recruited to carry out attacks in exchange for payment.
“This is recruiting violence as a service,” she said, warning that suspects identified could face severe penalties under the National Security Act.
Leaders condemn synagogue attack
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the Kenton incident as a “cowardly arson attack” and said recent events signalled a growing campaign of intimidation against Britain’s Jewish community.
Writing on social media, he said attacks on the community’s ability to worship safely represented a broader threat to the values of British society.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the attack and pledged stronger security measures.
“Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” he said, adding that visible policing would be increased and those responsible would be brought to justice.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the incidents, saying there could be no justification for targeting Jewish residents or institutions.
Community response
The synagogue’s rabbi, Yehuda Black, said the incendiary object had been thrown into the building’s medical room.
He said the attack was distressing for the congregation, describing the synagogue as an important place of worship and community life.
The building has been temporarily closed following the incident but is expected to reopen within a few days.
Security organisation Community Security Trust said it was working closely with police while supporting those affected.
Meanwhile, Campaign Against Antisemitism warned that the incidents appeared to be forming a worrying pattern of repeated attacks.
Police have increased patrols across north-west London, deploying additional officers along with armed and counter-terrorism units in an effort to deter further incidents and reassure local communities.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

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April 19Apr 19

U.S. Navy Disables and Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship in Gulf of Oman, Trump Says

Middle East

U.S. Navy Disables and Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship in Gulf of Oman, Trump Says

A U.S. Navy destroyer fired on and disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman before American Marines boarded and took control of the vessel, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday.

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In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the cargo ship, named Touska, and ordered it to stop.
According to the president, the crew refused repeated warnings from the U.S. Navy. The destroyer then opened fire, striking the vessel’s engine room and disabling it.
“Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel,” Trump wrote.
Naval interception in the Gulf of Oman
The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, a key maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the wider Indian Ocean. The nearby Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and other goods.
Trump said the Touska had previously been placed under sanctions by the United States Department of the Treasury due to what he described as a history of illegal activities.
Later on Sunday, the United States Central Command released video footage showing a crew member aboard the Spruance issuing a radio warning to the ship. In the transmission, the sailor tells the vessel that U.S. forces were prepared to carry out disabling fire if it failed to comply.
Central Command said the Touska ignored repeated instructions over a six-hour period. The destroyer then fired several rounds from its five-inch deck gun into the vessel’s engine room after warning the crew to evacuate that section of the ship.
Escalation amid naval blockade
The seizure comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The United States has been enforcing a naval blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports since last week.
According to U.S. officials, the operation followed reports that Iranian forces had fired on commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz earlier on Sunday.
The blockade and the latest interception mark a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the two countries.
Diplomatic talks uncertain
Despite the rising tensions, U.S. officials had been preparing for another round of diplomatic discussions. American envoys led by Vice President JD Vance were expected to travel to Islamabad in Pakistan on Monday for talks with Iranian counterparts.
However, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had rejected the planned meeting. Iranian officials cited the U.S. naval blockade as a violation of a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
In his post, Trump warned that the United States would escalate further if Iran did not accept Washington’s terms to end the conflict.
The United States Department of Defense referred questions about the operation to the White House. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

• Iranian Conflict

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April 19Apr 19

Turkey Warns US Withdrawal from Europe’s Security Could Be ‘Destructive’

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Turkey Warns US Withdrawal from Europe’s Security Could Be ‘Destructive’

Turkey’s foreign minister has cautioned that even a limited reduction in the United States’ role in Europe’s security system could have serious consequences if not carefully managed.

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Speaking at a diplomacy forum in Antalya, Hakan Fidan said discussions were ongoing among allies on how to respond to a potential shift in Washington’s commitments. He did not provide details but stressed that an uncoordinated move could destabilise existing arrangements.
“We are discussing how to manage or mitigate a possible withdrawal of the U.S. from the European security architecture,” he said. “Even a partial withdrawal would be very destructive for Europe if it is not handled in a coordinated way.”
Rising tensions within NATO
The remarks come amid growing strains within NATO, following signals from Donald Trump that the United States could scale back its involvement in the alliance.
Trump has previously threatened to withdraw from NATO altogether, particularly after disagreements with European allies over their response to tensions in the Middle East. Some member states declined to deploy naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of a U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, deepening divisions within the bloc.
Relations had already been strained by other disputes, including Trump’s stated interest in acquiring Greenland, which further unsettled European partners.
According to a senior White House official cited by Reuters, the U.S. administration has also considered reducing troop deployments across Europe as part of its broader reassessment of NATO commitments.
Turkey’s concerns over EU influence
Fidan also criticised what he described as a growing tendency for European Union members within NATO to act independently of the alliance.
Turkey, while a NATO member, is not part of the EU. Fidan said some EU countries were effectively forming a “separate club” inside NATO, making decisions that could conflict with the alliance’s collective position.
“You want to be a separate EU organisation within NATO?” he said, suggesting that such dynamics could contribute to Washington distancing itself from European partners.
His comments highlight longstanding tensions between Ankara and certain EU states, particularly over defence coordination and strategic priorities within NATO.
Calls for coordination ahead of summit
Fidan urged allies to use an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July to rebuild relations with Washington and prepare for any changes in U.S. involvement.
He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to avoid undermining Europe’s security structure, which has long relied heavily on American military support.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Washington’s frustrations but noted that most European members had supported U.S. efforts in the conflict with Iran.
Despite those assurances, uncertainty over the future of U.S. engagement continues to raise concerns among allies about the stability of transatlantic defence arrangements.
Uncertain future for European security
Fidan’s warning underscores broader anxieties about the durability of Europe’s security framework at a time of geopolitical tension.
While no formal decision has been announced by Washington, the possibility of a reduced U.S. role has prompted discussions among NATO members about contingency planning and burden-sharing.
For Turkey and others, the key issue remains how to ensure that any transition—partial or otherwise—does not weaken collective defence or create gaps in security.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

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April 19Apr 19

Trump’s Sculpture Garden May Open Without Statues

USA

Trump’s Sculpture Garden May Open Without Statues

Plans for a large sculpture garden proposed by Donald Trump to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary are unlikely to produce any statues in time for the July 4 celebrations next year, according to sources familiar with the project.

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The National Garden of American Heroes was intended to feature 250 statues honoring prominent figures from US history and culture. However, with the 2026 deadline approaching, artists and foundries who applied to create the sculptures say they have yet to receive confirmation from the administration.
Sources say the project has also not yet been submitted for review by key federal planning bodies whose approval is required before construction can begin.
Planning approvals still pending
The sculpture garden has not been formally reviewed by either the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts or the National Capital Planning Commission, agencies responsible for evaluating major design and development projects in Washington.
A person familiar with the approval process said it would be extremely difficult for the project to move through the necessary reviews and be built before July 2026.
Despite the lack of formal submissions, some preliminary planning has taken place. Officials have reportedly identified West Potomac Park as a possible location for the garden. The park, which runs along the Potomac River, is a well-known site for viewing Washington’s annual cherry blossom displays.
The administration has also brought in architect Michael Franck, based in Washington, to advise on the project. The White House has not formally announced the proposed location and declined to comment on the status of the garden.
A broader reshaping of Washington
The sculpture park forms part of a wider set of initiatives by Trump aimed at reshaping the architecture and symbolism of the US capital.
Other proposals include constructing a large ballroom at the White House that would replace the East Wing, as well as building a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Some veterans’ organizations have voiced opposition to the arch proposal.
Critics of the sculpture garden have also expressed concern that the project could bypass traditional oversight processes. One source involved in federal construction approvals said there were fears it might be pushed forward without congressional authorization or formal review.
The proposal was not discussed at a recent meeting of the Commission of Fine Arts, and officials at the National Capital Planning Commission say the project does not appear on the agenda for upcoming meetings.
A project years in the making
Trump first introduced the idea for the National Garden of American Heroes in 2020 during a speech at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. He described the planned park as a tribute to “the greatest Americans to ever live.”
Soon afterward, the White House issued an executive order directing that the garden open before July 4, 2026, to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
The project has faced several interruptions since then. The original executive order was rescinded in 2021 by Joe Biden before being reinstated shortly after Trump returned to office.
Funding has been drawn from several federal cultural agencies, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. Internal documents indicate the two agencies together set aside $34 million for the garden.
In addition, the Department of the Interior received $40 million under legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to help establish and maintain the site.
Artists still waiting for confirmation
In April 2025, the National Endowment for the Humanities began inviting artists to apply to create the statues. The timeline suggested selected sculptors would be notified by September that year and complete their work by June 2026.
However, multiple artists and foundries contacted about the project said they had not been informed whether they were chosen, and it remains unclear whether any sculptures have begun production.
The statues are intended to follow a classical style and be made from materials such as marble, granite, bronze, copper or brass. Each would stand between six and eight feet tall and be scaled slightly larger than the historical figure depicted.
While Washington is now seen as the leading location, other potential sites were also considered, including areas near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and locations in Philadelphia.
South Dakota officials had proposed a 40-acre site within view of Mount Rushmore, and a local family offered to donate land for the project. But earlier this year Trump said the garden would most likely be built along the Potomac River in Washington, describing it as “a beautiful complex.”

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

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April 19Apr 19

Greece Waives EU Biometric Entry Checks for British Travellers at Airports

EU

Greece Waives EU Biometric Entry Checks for British Travellers at Airports

Greece has announced that British travellers will not be required to undergo new biometric checks under the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES), in a move aimed at preventing long queues and congestion at airports during the busy holiday season.

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The decision means visitors from the UK arriving at or departing from Greek airports will continue to follow the previous passport control procedures rather than registering fingerprints or facial biometrics under the EU scheme.
Greek tourism officials say the measure is intended to ensure smoother travel at a time when many European airports are struggling to implement the new border technology.
Move to ease airport congestion
The EU’s Entry-Exit System came into effect on 10 April and is designed to digitally track visitors from non-EU countries entering the Schengen area. Under the system, travellers are required to register biometric data — including fingerprints and facial scans — when entering the bloc for the first time, with facial verification used on subsequent visits.
The rules apply to so-called “third-country nationals”, including travellers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other non-EU states.
However, UK travellers represent one of the largest groups visiting Europe, particularly during the summer months. Greek authorities were concerned that applying the biometric system at smaller island airports could create significant delays.
Some airports serving popular tourist destinations such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes can process thousands of British arrivals and departures in a single day during peak season.
Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, confirmed that British passport holders would be exempt from biometric registration at Greek border points.
She said the decision was taken to ensure “a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece” and to reduce waiting times at airports.
Previous passport procedures remain
Instead of biometric checks, British travellers will be processed using the system that existed before the EES rollout.
In practice, this means passports will continue to be inspected and stamped by border officers rather than scanned through biometric registration kiosks.
Officials believe this will significantly shorten processing times compared with the new EU procedures, which can take considerably longer during initial registration.
The issue of delays has already been highlighted elsewhere in Europe. Long queues linked to the new system were reported at several airports, including an incident at Milan’s Linate Airport where outbound passport control delays disrupted a flight to Manchester.
EU rollout faces challenges
Although the EES is intended to modernise border controls and replace manual passport stamping, its rollout has encountered technical and logistical difficulties in some locations.
At several border points connected to the UK — including Dover, the Channel Tunnel terminal at Folkestone and London St Pancras station — the required biometric kiosks have not yet been fully integrated with French border police systems.
EU officials have acknowledged that not all border crossings were ready for the full implementation of the system when it launched earlier this month.
Against that backdrop, Greece’s decision reflects concerns about maintaining efficient airport operations while protecting a key part of the country’s tourism industry.
British visitors form one of the largest groups of tourists travelling to Greek destinations each year, and authorities appear keen to avoid disruptions that could discourage travel.
No timeline has been announced for when Greece might begin applying the biometric system to UK travellers.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

• Travel

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April 19Apr 19

Explosion of WWII Bomb Forces Evacuation of Thousands in Paris Suburb

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Explosion of WWII Bomb Forces Evacuation of Thousands in Paris Suburb

Thousands of residents were temporarily evacuated from a suburb north of Paris on Sunday after authorities carried out a controlled explosion to neutralise a World War Two bomb discovered during construction work.

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Police ordered people living within a 450-metre radius of the device in Colombes to leave their homes by 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) as bomb disposal teams prepared to deal with the unexploded munition.
The operation was completed later in the afternoon, and officials confirmed that residents were able to return home by early evening.
Large-scale evacuation
The bomb was originally discovered on 10 April on Rue des Champarons during construction work. Authorities quickly secured the area and covered the device with sand while planning how to safely remove it.
On Sunday morning, emergency alerts were sent to residents instructing them to leave the evacuation zone. Police warned that people would not be allowed back until the disposal operation had been completed.
Nearly 800 police officers were deployed to enforce the restrictions around the site.
A 900-metre-wide security perimeter was established around the bomb’s location. Within this zone, residents had to evacuate entirely. A wider zone extending about one kilometre from the site allowed people to remain inside their homes but limited outdoor movement.
Reception centres were opened to assist displaced residents, including facilities for those requiring medical support.
Controlled detonation
An initial attempt by bomb disposal experts to remove the detonator reportedly failed, according to French media reports.
Authorities then decided to destroy the historic device where it had been found through a controlled explosion.
Police said the detonation took place at 15:20 local time on Sunday. The evacuation order was lifted shortly after 16:00 once officials confirmed the area was safe.
In a statement, the Préfet des Hauts-de-Seine said the operation had been carried out successfully.
Local official Alexandre Brugère had earlier warned that the procedure involved significant risks and required extensive preparation.
Residents were instructed to close their windows and shutters before leaving their homes. One resident, Alida, told the newspaper Le Parisien that she left without taking belongings.
“The authorities told us to close our windows and shutters when we left the house, but we didn’t take anything – we left everything as it was,” she said.
Legacy of wartime explosives
Unexploded bombs from World War Two continue to be discovered across Europe decades after the conflict ended, often during construction or infrastructure work.
Devices uncovered in densely populated urban areas can present particular challenges due to the risk to nearby residents.
Paris has seen several similar incidents in recent years. Last year, a 500-kilogram bomb was found near the Gare du Nord railway station while workers were installing a new bridge above the tracks.
Elsewhere in Europe, wartime explosives are regularly discovered in major cities, including London, where bomb finds have led to evacuations of tourist areas and temporary closures of London City Airport.
Authorities say such operations require careful planning to ensure public safety while bomb disposal experts deal with the historic munitions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

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April 19Apr 19

Gunman Kills Eight Children in Louisiana Mass Shooting

Mass Shooting

Gunman Kills Eight Children in Louisiana Mass Shooting

Eight children aged between one and 14 have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, in what police say began as a domestic-related incident.

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Authorities said a single gunman shot 10 people early in the morning before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle. Police later pursued the suspect and fatally shot him.
The attack, which unfolded across several locations in the same neighbourhood, has been described by city officials as one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history.
Early morning shooting
Police said the incident began at around 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT).
Officers responding to reports of gunfire found multiple crime scenes, including two homes on the same block on West 79th Street and another residence on nearby Harrison Street.
Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon said officers arrived at one home shortly before 06:00 and discovered several victims.
“All of the deceased in this case are juveniles,” Bordelon told reporters.
Investigators believe the shooting was domestic in nature. Some of the children killed were related to the suspected gunman, according to police.
Officials said one person who had been shot at the original residence managed to flee to a nearby home, creating an additional crime scene.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims or the suspect while family members are being notified.
Suspect killed after pursuit
Police said the suspected gunman fled the area after the shootings and carjacked a vehicle to escape.
Officers pursued the vehicle into another neighbourhood, where they confronted the suspect. During the encounter, police fired at the man, who died at the scene.
Further details about the circumstances of the confrontation have not yet been released.
Investigators from Shreveport Police are working with Louisiana State Police and several other agencies as they seek to determine what led to the shooting.
Police Chief Wayne Smith said authorities would continue investigating until they had answers.
“We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place,” he said.
Community mourning
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said the incident had deeply affected the city.
“We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel,” he said. “This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”
He described the event as possibly the most tragic incident the city has experienced.
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had in Shreveport,” he said, urging people to keep the families and the city in their prayers.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were “heartbroken over this horrific situation” and offered prayers for those affected.
He also thanked emergency responders working at the scene.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s Fourth District, also expressed condolences, calling the shooting a “heartbreaking tragedy”.
He said his thoughts were with the victims, their families and the wider Shreveport community.
Deadliest US mass shooting in over a year
According to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit organisation that tracks gun violence across the United States, the incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the country since January 2024.
In that case, eight people were killed in Joliet, Illinois.
The organisation defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are shot, excluding the suspected attacker.
Investigators say they are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they try to establish the full sequence of events that led to the killings.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 April 2026

• USA

• 70 comments
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April 19Apr 19

Dubai Arrests Alleged Irish Crime Boss Daniel Kinahan

Report

Dubai Arrests Alleged Irish Crime Boss Daniel Kinahan

An Irish man believed to be leading a major international criminal network has been arrested in Dubai, according to reports from Irish media. Authorities in Ireland said an Irish national in his late 40s was detained on Wednesday under a warrant issued by Irish courts in connection with alleged serious organised crime offences.

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The arrest was confirmed by the country’s police force, Garda Síochána, which said it remains committed to pursuing those suspected of involvement in organised criminal activity regardless of where they are located.
Dubai Police also confirmed the detention of what they described as an “Irish fugitive” suspected of playing a role in an international organised crime network. Officials in the United Arab Emirates did not name the individual.
However, Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, reported that the man arrested was Daniel Kinahan.
Longstanding Organised Crime Allegations
Kinahan has long been identified by Irish authorities as a central figure in organised crime. The High Court of Ireland previously described him as a senior member of a criminal gang believed to be involved in international drug trafficking and firearms offences.
He has lived for several years in the United Arab Emirates, after earlier relocating to Spain.
Irish authorities have linked the group associated with Kinahan to extensive criminal activity operating across several countries. Officials have repeatedly stated their intention to target those suspected of directing such networks from abroad.
Violent Feud in Ireland
Kinahan has also been connected to a violent feud between the so-called Kinahan cartel and the rival Hutch gang. The conflict has been linked to at least 18 killings in Ireland since 2015.
One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in 2016, when David Byrne was shot dead during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel. Byrne was believed to be associated with the Kinahan organisation, and investigators said Kinahan himself may have been the intended target of the attack.
The shooting shocked Ireland’s sporting and boxing communities and intensified scrutiny of the alleged criminal network.
Links to Professional Boxing
Kinahan also became known within the boxing world through his involvement with management company MTK Global, which he helped establish.
During that time he was photographed with prominent fighters, including former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Kinahan also attempted to help arrange major bouts for Fury, including a proposed all-British heavyweight fight with Anthony Joshua that ultimately did not take place.
His links to boxing drew widespread attention and criticism as law enforcement agencies increased pressure on the organisation he was alleged to lead.
U.S. Reward Offer
In 2022, the United States Department of State announced a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the “financial destruction” of the Kinahan organised crime group or to the arrest and conviction of its leadership.
The reward was part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to target transnational criminal organisations believed to be involved in drug trafficking and other serious offences.
It was not immediately clear what legal process would follow Kinahan’s arrest or whether he could face extradition proceedings.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Kash Patel Threatens Legal Action Over Report Alleging Excessive Drinking and Erratic Conduct

USA

Kash Patel Threatens Legal Action Over Report Alleging Excessive Drinking and Erratic Conduct

FBI Director Kash Patel has threatened to sue a journalist and a magazine after a profile alleged that he frequently drinks heavily and has shown erratic behaviour while leading the United States’ top law-enforcement agency.

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Patel dismissed the claims as “false reporting” and said he intends to pursue legal action against the author of the article and the publication that carried it. The report, published by The Atlantic, described several incidents that unnamed officials said had raised concern within the FBI and across Washington.
The FBI director strongly denied the allegations and accused the publication of spreading defamatory claims.
Allegations in magazine profile
The article described a series of alleged incidents involving Patel’s conduct during his tenure. According to the report, some officials privately expressed worry about how the FBI would respond in a national emergency if leadership issues emerged.
One unnamed official quoted in the article said the situation was troubling enough to keep them awake at night.
Among the incidents cited was an episode on 10 April in which Patel allegedly reacted with alarm to a technical problem with a computer system. The magazine reported that Patel believed the issue signalled he was about to be dismissed and began urgently contacting aides and political allies.
According to the report, word of the incident spread quickly in Washington and prompted questions within the White House about who was directing the agency.
The most serious allegations involved Patel’s reported alcohol consumption. The article claimed he was known to drink heavily at social venues in Washington and Las Vegas, his home city. It also alleged that meetings had sometimes been scheduled later in the day because of late-night drinking.
The report further claimed that on several occasions members of Patel’s security detail struggled to wake him, believing he was intoxicated. At one point, according to the article, a request was made for emergency breaching equipment normally used in tactical situations.
Strong denials and legal threat
Patel and the FBI rejected the report in its entirety. In a post on social media, Patel vowed to take legal action against both the reporter and the magazine.
“See you and your entire entourage of false reporting in court,” Patel wrote, adding that he believed the claims met the legal threshold for defamation.
An email from FBI communications official Benjamin Williamson to the reporter, which Patel later shared online, described the article as “completely false at a nearly 100 percent clip” and said the agency had been given only about two hours to respond to the allegations before publication.
Patel’s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, also criticised the story, calling it “categorically false and defamatory”. In a letter sent before the article was published, Binnall said the reporting relied on vague and unattributed sources and argued that the magazine had not allowed sufficient time for the FBI to provide information rebutting the claims.
The letter also questioned the report’s assertion that breaching equipment had been requested, suggesting the allegation lacked corroborating evidence.
Reporter stands by story
Sarah Fitzpatrick, the journalist who wrote the article, defended the reporting and said she stood by the account.
Speaking on television after the story appeared, she said the report was based on more than two dozen interviews with current and former FBI officials. She added that sources spoke despite fears of retaliation because Patel has aggressively pursued internal leaks.
Fitzpatrick said the scale of concern expressed by officials suggested genuine alarm within the agency about its leadership.
“These are not the types of people who are willing to speak out outside of the FBI, especially right now,” she said.
Political response
The White House defended Patel’s leadership following publication of the article. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration considered him an important figure in its law-enforcement agenda.
She said that under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Patel, crime levels had fallen sharply and several high-profile criminals had been prosecuted.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions within the FBI, where Patel has pushed to remove agents he considers disloyal and expanded the use of polygraph tests to identify potential leakers.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Titanic Survivor’s Life Jacket Sells for Over $900,000 at UK Auction

UK

Titanic Survivor’s Life Jacket Sells for Over $900,000 at UK Auction

A life jacket worn by a survivor of the RMS Titanic has sold for more than $900,000 at auction, highlighting the continued global fascination with artefacts linked to the historic maritime disaster.

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The flotation device, worn by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli during her escape from the sinking ship, fetched $906,000 at a sale held on Saturday by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, western England. The item was purchased by an unidentified bidder participating by telephone.
The final price far exceeded the auction house’s pre-sale estimate of between £250,000 and £350,000.
Rare relic from the disaster
The cream-coloured life jacket, constructed from canvas and fitted with cork-filled flotation panels, bears signatures from Francatelli and several other survivors who shared the same lifeboat during the disaster.
According to auctioneer Andrew Aldridge, only a small number of life jackets worn by Titanic survivors remain today.
He noted that most known examples are held in museum collections and are rarely made available for private sale.
The jacket has previously been displayed in museums in both the United States and Europe, adding to its historical significance.


Other items attract strong bids
Another notable item in the auction — a seat cushion from one of the Titanic’s lifeboats — sold for $527,000. The piece was acquired by the owners of Titanic museums located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri.
Both sale prices included the auction house’s buyer’s premium, a standard fee added to winning bids.
Aldridge said the high prices reflected enduring public interest in the ship’s history and the stories of the passengers and crew connected to surviving artefacts.
Story behind the survivor
Francatelli had been travelling aboard the Titanic with her employer, fashion designer Lucy Duff Gordon, and Gordon’s husband, Cosmo Duff Gordon.
All three survived the sinking in lifeboat No. 1. The boat left the ship carrying just 12 people despite having space for around 40, a decision that later became controversial because the vessel did not return to rescue people struggling in the freezing water.
Those who escaped in the lifeboat were later rescued by the passenger ship RMS Carpathia.
Continuing fascination with Titanic
The Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg during its maiden voyage from England to New York. Around 1,500 of the roughly 2,200 passengers and crew on board died in the disaster.
At the time, the vessel had been promoted as the world’s most luxurious ocean liner and widely described as “practically unsinkable”.
Interest in the tragedy continues to fuel strong demand for associated artefacts. In 2025, a collector paid more than $2 million for an 18-carat gold pocket watch linked to American businessman Isidor Straus, a first-class passenger and co-owner of Macy's.
Straus and his wife, Ida Straus, were offered places in a lifeboat but reportedly gave them up so younger passengers could escape.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Pope Leo Says He Has No Interest in Public Dispute With Donald Trump

Report

Pope Leo Says He Has No Interest in Public Dispute With Donald Trump

Pope Leo XIV has said he does not want to engage in a public debate with U.S. President Donald Trump, after recent comments about war and peace led to reports of an escalating exchange between the two leaders.

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Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane on Saturday, the Chicago-born pontiff said suggestions that he was trying to challenge Trump directly were mistaken.
“It looked like I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The remarks come during the pope’s 11-day tour of Africa, which has partly been overshadowed by political tensions following comments from Trump criticizing the pontiff.
Remarks During Africa Visit
The controversy began after a prayer gathering in Cameroon on Thursday, where Leo warned that the world was being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” and criticized leaders who spend vast sums on warfare.
Some observers interpreted the comments as a veiled criticism of Trump, particularly after the U.S. president publicly rebuked the pope earlier in the week over his calls for peace with Iran.
Leo, however, rejected the idea that his remarks were directed at the American president. He said the speech had been prepared weeks earlier, before Trump made comments about him.
“The words were prepared weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace I am promoting,” the pope told journalists.
Trump’s Criticism
The tension between the two leaders escalated after Trump criticized Leo during remarks to NBC News at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland last Sunday.
Trump said he believed the pope was “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” adding: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job.”
The comments came as Leo had been speaking publicly about the importance of pursuing peace, including in relation to tensions involving Iran.
In response earlier this week, the pope said he had “no fear of the Trump administration” and emphasized that his views are rooted in Christian teachings rather than political strategy.
“We are not politicians,” Leo said. “We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”
Vice President Weighs In
The dispute has also drawn in U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019.
Speaking at an event hosted by Turning Point USA on Tuesday, Vance said the pope should exercise caution when discussing issues related to war and international policy. He referenced the Catholic concept known as the “just war theory,” which addresses the moral justification for warfare.
“In the same way it’s important for the vice president of the United States to be careful when I talk about matters of public policy, I think it’s very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology,” Vance said.
Focus on Pastoral Mission
Despite the controversy, Leo insisted that his African tour is focused primarily on meeting and encouraging Catholic communities across the continent.
He said media coverage of the dispute had created a narrative that was “not accurate in all of its aspects,” suggesting that political tensions had overshadowed the purpose of the visit.
“My trip is to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage and accompany all of the Catholics throughout Africa,” the pope said.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

• Trump

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April 18Apr 18

Obama Meets New York Mayor Mamdani at Childcare Event in Rare Face-to-Face Visit

USA

Obama Meets New York Mayor Mamdani at Childcare Event in Rare Face-to-Face Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared alongside former US president Barack Obama at an early childhood education centre in New York on Saturday, where the pair greeted children and families and briefly discussed the mayor’s plans for the city.

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The visit marked a rare face-to-face meeting between Mamdani and the former president, according to reports first highlighted by Politico. The event focused on childcare and early learning, with the two leaders spending time interacting with children and parents.
“In between singing ‘Wheels on the Bus’, the two leaders discussed the mayor’s vision for the city,” Mamdani’s press secretary Joe Calvello wrote in a message on social media platform X.
Early conversations before the election
Saturday’s meeting follows a private conversation between Mamdani and Obama that took place before Election Day in November, according to several people familiar with the exchange.
During that call, Obama reportedly told Mamdani that many observers would closely watch how a democratic socialist manages the United States’ largest city. He also warned that critics would be ready to respond quickly if his administration struggled.
The former president did not endorse Mamdani during the 2025 election cycle. However, people familiar with the discussion said Obama advised him to prioritise building a strong administration by appointing capable officials.
Sources said the conversation helped Mamdani better understand the transition from campaigning to governing, highlighting the practical challenges of leading a major city.
Interactions with Trump
Mamdani has also met twice with current US president Donald Trump since taking office. The two held meetings in the Oval Office last year and again earlier this year, encounters described as cordial at the time.
However, tensions appeared to surface this week after Trump criticised one of the mayor’s proposed policies on social media. In a message written in capital letters, the president accused Mamdani of “destroying” New York through a planned tax targeting high-value second homes.
The proposal, known as a pied-à-terre tax, would impose a surcharge on properties valued above $5m that are not the owner’s primary residence.
Policy debate continues
Mamdani said he was not surprised that Trump opposed the policy, though he declined to say whether the two had spoken since the online criticism.
The tax plan is part of a broader effort by the mayor’s administration to raise revenue from luxury real estate while addressing inequality and funding city services.
While political disagreements remain, Mamdani’s appearance with Obama at the childcare event highlighted ongoing engagement between the mayor and prominent national figures as his administration continues to take shape.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Kyiv Gunman Kills Six After Opening Fire and Taking Supermarket Hostages

Report

Kyiv Gunman Kills Six After Opening Fire and Taking Supermarket Hostages

A gunman killed at least six people and wounded several others in Kyiv on Saturday before being shot dead by police after taking hostages inside a supermarket, Ukrainian authorities said.

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The attack unfolded in the southern Holosiivskyi district of the capital, where the suspect first opened fire on people in the street before entering a nearby store and holding several individuals captive.
Officials said the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Shooting on the Street
Ukraine’s interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, said the attacker began shooting randomly at people outdoors, killing four victims in the street.
President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that at least 14 people were injured in the incident, including a 12-year-old boy. A woman believed to be about 30 years old later died in hospital from her injuries, bringing the death toll higher.
Authorities also said the gunman killed one of the hostages after entering the supermarket.
Investigators have identified the suspect as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, according to Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko. Officials said he used an automatic weapon that had been legally registered.
Hostage Negotiations
Police negotiators attempted to resolve the situation peacefully after the gunman barricaded himself inside the supermarket with several people.
Klymenko said officers spent about 40 minutes speaking with the man, describing his behaviour as erratic and unpredictable.
“We tried to persuade him, realising that there was an injured person there,” the minister said.
Police offered to deliver medical supplies, including tourniquets, to treat the wounded inside the store. However, officials said the gunman did not respond to the proposals.
The situation escalated when the attacker killed one of the hostages, prompting authorities to order police to storm the premises. The suspect was killed during a shoot-out with officers inside the supermarket.
Four hostages were subsequently freed, officials said.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities are investigating both the circumstances of the attack and how the suspect obtained a permit for the weapon used in the shooting.
Zelensky said the gunman had lived for a long period in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine. Large parts of the region have been under Russian occupation and were already the focus of a separatist conflict before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The president also said the suspect had set fire to his apartment shortly before carrying out the attack.
Rare Incident in Wartime Kyiv
Although Kyiv has frequently faced missile and drone strikes during the ongoing war with Russia, mass shootings are uncommon in the city.
Officials have not yet provided further details about the suspect’s background or any possible motive for the attack.
Authorities say the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.



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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Trump to Read Bible Passage Days After Social Media Post Angers Christians

USA

Trump to Read Bible Passage Days After Social Media Post Angers Christians

US President Donald Trump will take part in a public Bible reading event in Washington next week, days after criticism from some Christian groups over a social media post that appeared to portray him as Jesus.

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Organisers said a recording of the president reading a passage from the Old Testament will be broadcast as part of a multi-day presentation of scripture at the Museum of the Bible.
The reading has already been recorded and is scheduled to air on Tuesday during an 84-hour event that will feature hundreds of participants reciting the Bible from beginning to end.
Scripture Marathon at Museum of the Bible
The event will involve nearly 500 readers taking turns delivering passages from the Bible, moving sequentially from the Book of Genesis through to the Book of Revelation over an eight-day period.
Trump’s contribution, lasting about two and a half minutes, will feature a reading from the Old Testament book of Second Chronicles. The selected verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, calls on believers to humble themselves, pray, seek God and turn away from wrongdoing.
The passage is frequently cited in American religious and political contexts and is often invoked during discussions about national reflection or moral renewal.
Organisers said the reading forms part of a wider celebration marking what they describe as the Bible’s enduring role in shaping the United States.
Reaction After Recent Dispute
The president’s participation comes shortly after controversy surrounding a social media image that critics said depicted him as Jesus. The post drew criticism from some Christians who viewed it as inappropriate.
Trump has also recently been involved in a public disagreement with Pope Leo over issues connected to the war with Iran.
Bunni Pounds, founder of the organisation Christians Engaged and one of the event’s organisers, welcomed the president’s involvement in the scripture reading.
While declining to comment directly on the recent disputes, she noted that the chosen passage deals with repentance and humility.
“It’s a scripture about repentance,” Pounds said. “None of us are perfect.”
She described the initiative as an attempt to bring together public officials and citizens in a shared moment of reflection.
Pounds also said it was notable for a sitting US president to take part in an extended reading of scripture without additional commentary.
Political and Religious Figures Taking Part
Several senior members of the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are also expected to participate in the reading.
Those scheduled to take part include Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Other participants listed by organisers include Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The White House said the initiative reflects the role the Bible has played throughout American history. In a statement released on Friday, officials said the project highlights what they called the Bible’s “indelible” influence on the nation’s development.
The statement referenced historical figures including John Winthrop and Abraham Lincoln while linking the event to broader commemorations of the Bible’s influence in the United States over the past 250 years.
Commemoration of Biblical Influence
Organisers say the continuous reading aims to highlight the historical and cultural impact of scripture in American public life.
Participants will read passages sequentially across the eight days, creating a complete public presentation of the Bible.
The president’s recorded reading is expected to form a short but prominent segment within the longer programme.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again as US Blockade Standoff Escalates

Iranian Conflict

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again as US Blockade Standoff Escalates

Iran has again restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening of the key maritime route after the United States said its blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place.

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Iranian officials announced on Saturday that the waterway had been returned to its earlier status of strict military control. The move comes amid continued tensions following the US decision to maintain pressure on Tehran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, carrying roughly one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Military control reinstated
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command said the strait was now under “strict management and control” by the country’s armed forces.
Officials stated that the restrictions would remain unless Washington guaranteed freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh repeated that position during remarks to reporters at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey. He said the United States could not impose what he described as a siege on Iran while Tehran was attempting to allow safe passage through the waterway.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy issued a similar warning in a statement posted on social media, saying the strait’s status would remain unchanged as long as ships travelling to and from Iran faced threats. It added that any breach of commitments by the United States would prompt a response.
Tanker incident reported
A British maritime monitoring agency said an oil tanker reported being fired upon while travelling through the strait on Saturday.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said the vessel’s captain reported that two boats believed to belong to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached the tanker roughly 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman before opening fire. No radio warning was issued before the incident, according to the report.
The agency said the tanker and its crew were safe, and that authorities were investigating the episode.
Separately, Reuters reported that an Indian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil was also attacked while navigating the waterway.
Reversal after brief reopening
Iran had originally closed the strait on 4 March following US-Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory. The government announced on Friday that shipping lanes would reopen after a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was reached as part of wider efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Maritime tracking data indicated that at least eight oil and gas tankers were able to pass through the strait during the short period when the route was open early on Saturday.
However, the reopening was quickly reversed after US President Donald Trump said the American blockade of Iranian ports would continue “in full force” until a permanent agreement with Tehran was reached.
Trump also suggested that the temporary ceasefire with Iran, brokered by Pakistan and set to expire on Wednesday, might not be extended.
Despite the renewed restrictions, diplomatic activity continues. US and Iranian representatives are expected to hold another round of talks, although no date has been announced.
Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said there was hope that an agreement could be reached soon.
“Not only us in the region, but the whole world is suffering from the continuation of this war,” he said, expressing optimism that progress could be made in the coming days.
The repeated disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has already pushed energy prices higher, underlining the strategic importance of the passage to global markets.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026

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April 18Apr 18

Alec Baldwin to Stand Trial in Civil Lawsuit Over Fatal ‘Rust’ Set Shooting

USA

Alec Baldwin to Stand Trial in Civil Lawsuit Over Fatal ‘Rust’ Set Shooting

A judge in California has ruled that actor Alec Baldwin must face a civil trial over claims that he acted negligently during the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust.

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The lawsuit was brought by Serge Svetnoy, a gaffer who worked on the production in New Mexico. He claims the 2021 shooting caused him significant emotional distress and that Baldwin’s actions on set were negligent.
On Friday, Maurice Leiter of the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that two of Svetnoy’s claims—negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress—could proceed to trial.
Judge Allows Key Claims to Proceed
In his ruling, Judge Leiter wrote that a jury could reasonably conclude that Baldwin acted recklessly by pointing a firearm toward people on set with his finger on the trigger.
“A reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the probability that pointing a gun in the direction of someone, with his finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress,” the judge said in his summary judgment.
Leiter also determined that although other crew members had responsibility for firearm safety on the set, that did not remove Baldwin’s own obligation to exercise care toward colleagues working nearby.
Svetnoy has argued that the bullet that killed Hutchins narrowly missed him, adding to his emotional trauma.
However, the judge dismissed a separate assault claim brought by Svetnoy. Leiter said there was no evidence that Baldwin intended to harm him or anyone else during the incident.
Background of the Fatal Shooting
Hutchins died on 21 October 2021 when she was shot during a rehearsal involving a Colt .45 revolver that Baldwin believed contained dummy rounds. The weapon instead discharged a live bullet.
The shot also injured director Joel Souza, who recovered from his wounds.
Baldwin has consistently denied pulling the trigger.
Several lawsuits were filed after the incident by crew members and by Hutchins’ husband. Many of those cases were later settled without admission of wrongdoing.
Criminal Case and Related Proceedings
The shooting also led to criminal proceedings. The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2024. Prosecutors argued she introduced the live round to the set and failed to follow required safety procedures when handling firearms.
She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, the maximum penalty for the offence, and has since been released.
Baldwin himself was charged with involuntary manslaughter but pleaded not guilty. The case was dismissed during his 2024 trial by Mary Marlowe Sommer.
Judge Sommer ruled that prosecutors had violated discovery rules by failing to disclose a supplemental report related to ammunition evidence in a timely manner. She said the lapse caused unnecessary delays and was highly prejudicial to the defence.
The dismissal was issued with prejudice, meaning Baldwin cannot be retried on that charge.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
Following the collapse of the criminal case, Baldwin filed a lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution against those involved in bringing the charge.
The defendants in that case are seeking to have the suit dismissed, arguing in court filings that they are protected by prosecutorial immunity and that Baldwin has not established a valid legal claim.
Meanwhile, the civil case filed by Svetnoy will now move forward, where a jury will decide whether Baldwin bears legal responsibility for the emotional harm alleged in connection with the fatal shooting.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 April 2026

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April 17Apr 17