Latest News and Breaking Stories

live Trump says Hormuz under 'total control', closed until Iran agrees to deal - Thursday, 23 April

The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”

Three Iranian oil tankers intercepted by U.S. in Asian waters, Iran seizes two container ships

07:55

Middle East conflict

Three Iranian oil tankers intercepted by U.S. in Asian waters, Iran seizes two container ships

The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in ‌Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.

Iran and U.S. remain divided on ceasefire, blockade, nuclear issues and control of strait

08:36

Middle East conflict

Iran and U.S. remain divided on ceasefire, blockade, nuclear issues and control of strait

The status of a two-week-old ceasefire, due to expire earlier this week, remained unclear. In a sharp turn around hours after threatening renewed violence, President Donald Trump made what appeared to be a unilateral announcement on Tuesday that the U.S. would extend the Iran war ceasefire

Iran slams Israel-U.S. bombing of its communications infrastructure and space facilities

11:51

View from Iran

Iran slams Israel-U.S. bombing of its communications infrastructure and space facilities

Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York strongly protested against U.S. and Israel targeting multiple civilian infrastructure related to communications and space centre facilities, and also urged regional countries to prevent their territory being used for "military aggression".

EU leaders debate mutual assistance clause amid Trump NATO concerns

21:00

Security concerns

EU leaders debate mutual assistance clause amid Trump NATO concerns

European Union leaders were set to discuss the bloc’s mutual assistance clause at a summit in southern Cyprus on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of traditional allies raises concerns over his commitment to NATO.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Israeli strike kills journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon

10:15

Israel-Lebanon

Israeli strike kills journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon

A Lebanese journalist has been killed and another wounded following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese officials and local media.

Israeli strike kills five in Gaza as fragile ceasefire faces mounting strain

15:15

Middle East conflict

Israeli strike kills five in Gaza as fragile ceasefire faces mounting strain

An Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinians, including three children, near a mosque in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday (22 February), health officials said.

Central Asian leaders warn water shortages threaten regional stability

16:40

View from Kazakhstan

Central Asian leaders warn water shortages threaten regional stability

Central Asian leaders have warned that worsening water shortages now pose a direct threat to regional stability, urging coordinated action and stronger international engagement.

Latvian president’s Azerbaijan visit highlights growing cooperation

19:19

Diplomacy

Latvian president’s Azerbaijan visit highlights growing cooperation

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ visit to Azerbaijan on 22 April highlighted expanding cooperation in energy, trade and transport, as Europe faces supply chain pressures and the South Caucasus gains renewed geopolitical importance.

Trump says Hormuz under 'total control', closed until Iran agrees to deal - Thursday, 23 April

1h ago

Middle East conflict

live Trump says Hormuz under 'total control', closed until Iran agrees to deal - Thursday, 23 April

The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian w...

EU adopts 20th Russia sanctions package targeting energy, banks and military supply chains

2h ago

EU Sanctions

EU adopts 20th Russia sanctions package targeting energy, banks and military supply chains

The European Union adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday (23 April), introducing sweeping new restrictions aimed at weak...

3h ago

Security concerns

EU leaders debate mutual assistance clause amid Trump NATO concerns

European Union leaders were set to discuss the bloc’s mutual assistance clause at a summit in southern Cyprus on Thursday, as U.S. President ...

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders back Paramount merger, creating Hollywood mega studio

3h ago

Hollywood Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders back Paramount merger, creating Hollywood mega studio

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of the media group, advancing a deal valued at rough...

Cyber agencies warn of covert networks used by China-linked hackers

5h ago

Cybersecurity

Cyber agencies warn of covert networks used by China-linked hackers

International cyber agencies on Thursday (23 April) urged organisations to strengthen defences against covert networks used by China-linked hackers...

EU considers deeper cooperation with Azerbaijan on energy, trade and Garabagh demining

15:27

Diplomacy

EU considers deeper cooperation with Azerbaijan on energy, trade and Garabagh demining

The European Union is considering deeper cooperation with Azerbaijan, including expanded ties in energy, trade and potential support for demining efforts in Garabagh, its foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said.

World

World News

18:39

Cybersecurity

Cyber agencies warn of covert networks used by China-linked hackers

International cyber agencies on Thursday (23 April) urged organisations to strengthen defences against covert networks used by China-linked hackers to conceal malicious activity, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said.

15:53

China

China hints at nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in navy anniversary video

China has released a military propaganda video hinting at a possible fourth aircraft carrier - its first to be nuclear-powered.

14:06

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV winds up Africa tour urging young people to lead with 'dignity'

Pope Leo urged young people and families to embrace reconciliation and lead with dignity as he spoke at Bata Stadium in Equatorial Guinea on the final day of his Africa tour.

10:33

Morning Brief

AnewZ Morning Brief - 23 April, 2026

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 23rd of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Business

Business Economy Markets

Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years

07:53

Technology

Apple CEO Tim Cook to step down after 15 years

Tim Cook, the tech boss who led Apple to become a $4 trillion company in its post-Steve Jobs era, is stepping down after 15 years in the top job. John Ternus, an Apple veteran of 25 years, who is currently the U.S. company’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will take over from September.

Chinese automakers take aim at Europe's premium brands at Beijing car show

12:17

Business

Chinese automakers take aim at Europe's premium brands at Beijing car show

China's domestic automakers have a message for the boardrooms of premium German brands such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW: We are coming for your customers, and we are armed with superior technology at a fraction of the cost.

Netflix shares slide as co-founder Reed Hastings steps down as chairman

16:21

Netflix shares slump

Netflix shares slide as co-founder Reed Hastings steps down as chairman

Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.

China's trade slows as Middle East conflict drives up global costs

11:41

Energy

China's trade slows as Middle East conflict drives up global costs

China’s export growth slowed sharply in March, as the fallout from the Middle East conflict pushed up energy and shipping costs, weakening global demand and exposing risks in Beijing’s reliance on manufacturing to drive growth.

11:37

View from China

French fashion brand Maison Margiela bets on China with global debut in Shanghai

A French fashion label is placing China at the heart of its global ambitions, choosing Shanghai for its worldwide debut in a move that shows growing confidence in the country’s consumer market and cultural influence.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

20:23

Hollywood Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders back Paramount merger, creating Hollywood mega studio

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of the media group, advancing a deal valued at roughly $110 billion including debt in a move that could reshape Hollywood and the global entertainment industry.

Netherlands hands ancient Coțofenești helmet back to Romania

15:33

Artefacts

Netherlands hands ancient Coțofenești helmet back to Romania

The 2,500-year-old Golden Helmet of Coțofenești and two ancient gold bracelets have been returned to Romanian authorities after being stolen from a Dutch museum in January last year.

K-pop mogul Bang Si-hyuk faces arrest over HYBE stock allegations

12:35

South Korea

K-pop mogul Bang Si-hyuk faces arrest over HYBE stock allegations

The architect of the modern K-pop boom, Bang Si-hyuk, is facing arrest by South Korean police over claims he illegally gained millions in an investor fraud scheme.

Singer D4vd charged with murder of missing teen girl found in abandoned Tesla

22:48

Murder Case

Singer D4vd charged with murder of missing teen girl found in abandoned Tesla

Musician D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder over the death of a teenage girl whose dismembered remains were found inside a car linked to him, prosecutors in Los Angeles County have said.

Most viewed

Iran targets three vessels, seizes two over maritime violations as U.S. ceasefire holds – Wednesday, 22 April

22:55

Middle East conflict

Iran targets three vessels, seizes two over maritime violations as U.S. ceasefire holds – Wednesday, 22 April

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted three vessels, seizing two of them for alleged maritime violations and transferring them to Iranian shores, as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is extending its ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a proposal.

Two trains collide in Denmark, injuring 17 people, five critically

14:27

Train crash

Two trains collide in Denmark, injuring 17 people, five critically

Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.

07:55

Middle East conflict

Three Iranian oil tankers intercepted by U.S. in Asian waters, Iran seizes two container ships

22:42

Middle East conflict

live Trump says Hormuz under 'total control', closed until Iran agrees to deal - Thursday, 23 April

08:43

Sanctions

Explainer: What is inside the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia?

The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Health

Health news Healthcare

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

Police warn one poisoned HiPP baby food jar could still be in circulation in Austria

13:06

Health

Police warn one poisoned HiPP baby food jar could still be in circulation in Austria

Jars of baby food deliberately tampered with rat poison and discovered in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were part of an attempted extortion plot targeting manufacturer HiPP, German police said on Monday.

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

10:54

View from China

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

A Chinese biotechnology company is stepping up efforts to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced genetic testing in a bid to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), while also tapping into growing demand for fertility services.

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

11:54

Europe tech rules

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

Austria’s government on Friday approved plans to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, alongside reforms to upper secondary school curricula aimed at boosting media literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education from the 2027/28 academic year.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

15:45

Historic Reopening

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

16:20

Middle East Conflict

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

09:45

Climate

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.

16:15

Climate risks

Central Asia steps up action on rapid glacier melt and climate risks

Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

09:13

European Aviation

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

Europe's aviation sector hit - and may well have surpassed - a 2% mandate for green jet fuel use in 2025, a regulatory official and a source told Reuters, bolstering airlines' green credentials as the region seeks to cut reliance on hydrocarbons.

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

22:16

Climate Change

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the Earth’s climate system is becoming increasingly unstable, with new evidence showing a growing imbalance in how the planet absorbs and releases energy.

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

18:51

China Floods and Drought

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

China is preparing for a year of extreme weather in 2026, with authorities warning the country could face both severe flooding and widespread drought, underscoring mounting climate pressures.

Browse today's tags

News Politics Iran war Israel Strait of Hormuz Iran Pakistan Middle East conflict