Latest News
- Iraqi Interior Ministry confirms kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson
- No Meeting Scheduled for King and Queen with Epstein Victims During US Trip
- EU urges coordinated action on oil and gas consumption amid crisis
- Israel passes bill enabling death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism
- Trump Shares Opulent Image of Gold-Decorated Presidential Library
- Strait of Hormuz closure drives up energy prices and raises supply concerns
- Dispute arises over ‘excessive’ plan to convert Victorian toilet block into war memorial
- Barbie Event Offers Refunds Following Infamous Glasgow Convention Comparison
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Iraqi Interior Ministry confirms kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson
8:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Iraqi Interior Ministry confirms kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday evening after being confronted by armed men. The Iraqi Interior Ministry has confirmed that a ‘foreign journalist was kidnapped by unknown individuals’ in the country’s capital.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry confirmed that a ‘foreign journalist was kidnapped by unknown individuals’ in Baghdad, asserting that ‘efforts are ongoing to track down others involved and free the abducted person.’ Al Monitor expressed deep alarm over the kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson, calling for her safe and immediate release.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down those involved in the kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson and to secure her release, amid fears that the perpetrators may be part of a pro-Iranian militia. The State Department is also involved and is working with the Iraqi government regarding Kittleson’s situation.
Moment journalist is kidnapped by armed men off the streets of Baghdad | News World
This is the shocking moment an award-winning American journalist is grabbed on the streets of Baghdad and kidnapped.
The search is on for American journalist Shelly Kittleson was last seen being confronted by armed men before being bundled into a car on Tuesday evening.
During a chase, one of the vehicles used in the kidnap flipped over and was crushed.
One suspected kidnapper was arrested but Ms Kittleson, who has worked for the BBC World Service, has not yet been found.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry has confirmed that a ‘foreign journalist was kidnapped by unknown individuals’ in the country’s capital.
But insists ‘efforts are ongoing to track down others involved and free the abducted person’ amid fears they are a pro-Iranian militia.
Shelly Kittleson is known for her on-the-ground reporting of war zones in Syria and Afghanistan, but has been based in Iraq recently.
She has filed reports on women’s rights in Iraq and the rise of militias and how the country was affected by the Iran war.
Shelly Kittleson has been abducted off the streets of Baghdad
Footage shows the moment American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad.
Trump administration sources confirmed to Al-Monitor that they were aware of the threat against her and had advised against travel to Iraq.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official said the State Department is aware of Kittleson’s kidnapping and working with the Iraqi government to secure her release.
Kittleson’s kidnapping is similar to the plight of Russian Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was snatched from a Baghdad cafe in March 2023.
She was held hostage by the pro-Iranian militia, Kataib Hezbollah, for 903 days before she was freed under a deal brokered by the United States.
Kittleson’s current employer Al Monitor said in a statement: ‘We are deeply alarmed by the kidnapping of Al-Monitor contributor Shelly Kittleson in Iraq on Tuesday.
‘We call for her safe and immediate release.
‘We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work.’
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No Meeting Scheduled for King and Queen with Epstein Victims During US Trip
7:00 pm
No Meeting Scheduled for King and Queen with Epstein Victims During US Trip
State Visit Confirmed
The King and Queen will proceed with their state visit to the US from April 27-30, despite calls for cancellation amid ongoing issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Political Backlash
The Liberal Democrats urged Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit, criticizing the Prime Minister’s response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Liberal Democrats urged Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit, criticizing the Prime Minister’s response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Upcoming dates
Donald Trump has confirmed the King and Queen’s state visit to the US will take place from April 27 to 30, 2024, with a White House banquet dinner scheduled for April 28.
Donald Trump has confirmed the King and Queen’s state visit to the US will take place from April 27 to 30, 2024, with a White House banquet dinner scheduled for April 28.
Briefing summary
There are no plans for the King and Queen to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein during their upcoming state visit to the US due to ongoing investigations in the UK.
Donald Trump confirmed the state visit will occur from April 27 to 30, highlighting an evening banquet at the White House on April 28, which he called “momentous.”
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the visit would reinforce the special relationship between the United States and the UK, despite recent strains and calls for cancellation from the Liberal Democrats.
Full reading: No plans for King and Queen to meet Epstein victims during US visit despite congressman’s plea | UK News
There are no plans for the King and Queen to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their state visit to the US, despite calls for them to do so.
The couple are not able to do so while there are ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein, it is understood.
Ro Khanna, a US congressman, wrote to the King on Monday asking him to meet survivors privately during the state visit in late April.
Buckingham Palace earlier announced that the state visit to the US would go ahead, despite calls for the historic royal trip to be scrapped or delayed because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month, following the release of the Epstein files.
He was taken into police custody and later released under investigation on suspicion that he shared sensitive information with Epstein when he was the UK trade envoy.
The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Donald Trump posted his support for the trip, suggesting it would take place between 27 – 30 April and include a White House banquet dinner.
“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!” he wrote on Truth Social.
The Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Keir Starmer to cancel the state visit, not because of Epstein, but over the war in Iran.
The party’s leader Ed Davey accused the prime minister of “showing a staggering lack of backbone” while Mr Trump “treats our country with contempt” after he “dismissed our Royal Navy as ‘toys'”.
The confirmation of the state visit comes as Mr Trump continues his attacks on the UK government’s reaction to his war on Iran.
But Defence Secretary John Healey said he is “not concerned” about the prospect of the US president “embarrassing” the King.
Speaking to reporters during a trip to the Middle East, he also said the state visit would “help reinforce the uniquely close relationship” between the two nations – a so-called special relationship which has been under strain in recent months.
“The King is a unique leader, a unique diplomat, and a great asset for Britain,” Mr Healey added.
As Prince of Wales, Charles visited the US a total of 19 times, but this will be his first state visit as the monarch.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a historic state visit from 27-30 April, which will include a beautiful banquet dinner at the White House on the evening of 28 April.
“This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our great country.”
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EU urges coordinated action on oil and gas consumption amid crisis
6:00 pm
EU urges coordinated action on oil and gas consumption amid crisis
Coordinated Action
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen urged EU countries to take aligned action to curb oil and gas consumption and optimise storage reserves amid rising prices.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen urged EU countries to take aligned action to curb oil and gas consumption and optimise storage reserves amid rising prices.
Coordinated measures
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasised the necessity for EU countries to align strategies, as oil and gas prices have surged by 70% and 50%, respectively.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasised the necessity for EU countries to align strategies, as oil and gas prices have surged by 70% and 50%, respectively.
Urgent Coordination
“We need to avoid fragmented national responses and disruptive signals to the market to avoid worsening supply and demand conditions,” stated Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen.
“We need to avoid fragmented national responses and disruptive signals to the market to avoid worsening supply and demand conditions,” stated Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen.
Key developments
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen urged EU countries to implement coordinated actions to curb oil and gas consumption, warning that the crisis will not be resolved quickly.
The European Commission is in discussions with alternative suppliers, including the United States and Canada, amid concerns over limited options and insufficient refining capacity within the bloc.
Jørgensen urges cohesive national responses to avoid energy market disruptions
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Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen urged EU countries on Tuesday to take aligned, coordinated action to curb oil and gas consumption and optimise storage reserves, warning that the crisis’s impact will not be short-lived.
“We need to avoid fragmented national responses and disruptive signals to the market to avoid worsening supply and demand conditions,” Jørgensen told reporters.
The ministers were urged to take coordinated measures to curb soaring oil and natural gas prices, as the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threaten prolonged price increases and possible supply disruptions.
the EU executive has expressed concern due to the limited number of alternative suppliers and the bloc’s insufficient refining capacity. However, Jørgensen said the Commission is in contact with other suppliers like the United States, Canada, and others.
EU countries may consider fuel rationing, remote work, and even “car-free Sundays”— a measure from the 1970s energy crisis — to curb oil and gas demand, as prices have surged 70% and 50%, respectively.
However, Jørgensen noted the “different circumstances” among EU countries, signalling that each member state will decide on the best strategy to address the “severe situation”.
The Commission will soon present a toolbox of measures to support EU countries in shielding families and businesses, the Danish Commissioner added.
Cypriot Minister Michael Damianos, on behalf of the Cypriot Presidency, told reporter on Tuesday after the emergency meeting: “We need to coordinate ourselves and strengthen our security, protect our competitiveness and safeguard our economic future”.
Israel passes bill enabling death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Israel passes bill enabling death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism
Israel has approved a bill that enables the execution of Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of terrorism charges. The legislation, introduced by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, designates the death penalty as the default punishment for such convictions in military courts.
Israel has approved a bill that mandates the death penalty for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of terrorism charges, a measure that has drawn condemnation from various entities, including the European Union. According to EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni, this legislation represents “a clear step backwards” due to its discriminatory nature.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the parliamentary session to support the newly approved bill, which establishes the death penalty as the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of terrorism charges by military courts. Protests against the legislation are ongoing in Ramallah, where activists and civil society groups are condemning the law as discriminatory.
Israel passes death sentence law – but it only applies to Palestinians | News World
Israel has approved a bill which would allow for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of terrorism charges to be executed.
The legislation makes the death penalty a default punishment for Palestinians who are found guilty of ‘intentionally’ carrying out attacks which are classed as terrorism by a military court.
The move has been condemned by the European Union as well as France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
It’s been classed as discrimination as it does not apply to Jewish citizens of Israel and does not comply with International Humanitarian Law.
‘The death penalty bill in Israel is very concerning to us in the EU. This is a clear step backwards – the introduction of the death penalty, together with the discriminatory nature of the law,’ EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni told journalists in Brussels.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is seen speaking in the Israeli Parliament after the bill passed. He later celebrated it with a bottle of champagne (Picture: REUTERS)
As Palestinians living in the Israel-occupied territory are automatically tried in Israeli military courts, the measure effectively creates harsher and stricter sentences for the people living there.
It was tabled by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who was later seen celebrating it being passed with a champagne toast in the nation’s Parliamentary corridors.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had attended the chamber to support the bill, could also be seen congratulating lawmakers on it passing.
In Ramallah, dozens of activists, political factions and civil society groups gathered to protest the law.
Some held placards depicting a blindfolded prisoner flanked by two hanging nooses – a stark image of what they fear lies ahead.
‘Stop the execution of prisoners law before it’s too late,’ read the placards, held alongside portraits of imprisoned Palestinians.
Smoke and flames rise following an Israeli military strike on a target in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Abdullah al-Zaghari, director of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, condemned what he described was an openly discriminatory law.
‘This fascist and racist legislation reflects the reality of the occupation,’ he said. ‘It applies to Palestinians – not to Israeli Jews who carry out daily violence against Palestinian civilians.’
Haitham, a 28-year-old employee of an international humanitarian organisation, said the law was ‘horrible’.
‘But we expected it… What can you expect from a government with people like Netanyahu?’ he told AFP, declining to give his last name.
It’s been classed as discrimination as it does not apply to Jewish citizens of Israel and does not comply with International Humanitarian Law. Pictured are Palestinians attending a funeral of two brothers killed in an Israeli drone strike (Photo by Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The legislation is ‘primitive and very stupid’, said Meyir Lahav, a physician from Tel Aviv, adding that such measures were ‘deplorable and unacceptable in our society’.
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‘We should be ashamed.’
‘What I don’t like is that it doesn’t apply to everyone,’ said Tom, a software engineer, who gave only his first name.
‘If someone commits murder, it should apply to all – Jews, Arabs, Muslims alike.’
Yves, a French resident of Israel, also opposed the measure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was later seen congratulating members of Parliament after the bill was passed (Picture: EPA)
‘To decide that, once a person has been captured, they should be put to death – regardless of what they have done – and to entrust another with carrying out that act, is something I reject on principle,’ he said.
But others, like businessman Noah Levi, firmly backed the law.
‘The death penalty is a very good thing; we should have implemented it a long time ago,’ Levi said.
The death penalty exists in Israel but it has been applied only twice: in 1948, shortly after the state’s founding, against a military captain accused of high treason, and then in 1962, when the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged.
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Trump Shares Opulent Image of Gold-Decorated Presidential Library
4:00 pm
Trump Shares Opulent Image of Gold-Decorated Presidential Library
Library plans unveiled
Donald Trump showcased an AI-generated vision for his presidential library in Miami, featuring a Trump Tower-like design and inviting donations for its development.
Airport Renaming
Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, reflecting ongoing support in the state.
Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has signed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, reflecting ongoing support in the state.
Upcoming deadlines
Donations for the Trump presidential library, being designed by Bermello Ajamil, are now being solicited through the promotional video shared on his Truth Social page.
Donations for the Trump presidential library, being designed by Bermello Ajamil, are now being solicited through the promotional video shared on his Truth Social page.
Briefing summary
Donald Trump revealed an AI-generated vision for his future presidential library, set to be located in Miami, Florida, featuring designs reminiscent of his real estate ventures.
Additionally, Florida’s state governor, Ron DeSantis, recently approved the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, further cementing Trump’s influence in the state.
Full reading: Trump posts lavish render of gold-laden presidential library | US News
Donald Trump has posted what appears to be an AI-generated video showcasing lavish plans for his future presidential library.
Libraries dedicated to US presidents are set up in their home state when they leave office – with Barack Obama’s the next one due to open, in Chicago, Illinois, this summer.
Mr Trump’s is being planned for Miami, Florida, and – based on footage posted on his Truth Social page – will take inspiration from his real estate portfolio.
Trump’s presidential library looks very Trump Tower. Pic: Truth Social
It shows a Trump Tower-esque skyscraper dominating the skyline, complete with a golden entrance and his surname emblazoned on the outside in – you guessed it – gold lettering.
A peep inside seems to tease replicas of rooms from the White House, including the Oval Office and the controversial ballroom the president commissioned last year.
Read more: How Trump has changed the White House
There’s also a life-size replica of the presidential plane, Air Force One, and even more gold – from chandeliers, escalators, and portrait frames to a statue of Trump raising his fist.
A caption at the end of the footage says the library is being designed by Miami-based architects Bermello Ajamil and invites viewers to donate money.
It’s not the first time an AI-generated vision of the future has been delivered by Mr Trump’s Truth Social account. Previous examples have included a bizarre depiction of what Gaza could become.
The president has also been fooled by fake AI videos in the past.
An Air Force One replica squeezes inside. Pic: Truth Social
Come fly with Trump
It comes after Florida approved plans last year to donate a property in downtown Miami for the site of the library.
The state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, also signed legislation on Monday to rename an airport after Mr Trump.
Palm Beach International Airport will become President Donald J. Trump International Airport, in the latest case of buildings, institutions, and other infrastructure being named after him.
Last week it was announced that all new US paper currency will soon bear his signature – the first time ever for a sitting president.
Strait of Hormuz closure drives up energy prices and raises supply concerns
3:00 pm
Strait of Hormuz closure drives up energy prices and raises supply concerns
Strait Closure
Global markets are affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a significant increase in energy prices.
Global markets are affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a significant increase in energy prices.
Market Impact
Energy prices have surged significantly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential supply shortages in global markets.
Energy prices have surged significantly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over potential supply shortages in global markets.
Market Reaction
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz significantly heightens concerns over energy security and could lead to severe supply shortages,” an industry analyst stated.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz significantly heightens concerns over energy security and could lead to severe supply shortages,” an industry analyst stated.
Key developments
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered significant increases in global energy prices, intensifying concerns over potential supply shortages. This vital shipping route is crucial for oil transport.
Market analysts are now assessing the potential long-term impacts on regional economies, as the disruption threatens major oil-producing nations’ revenue streams. Stakeholder responses are being monitored closely.
Strait of Hormuz shutdown: What implications for Europe, for how long and how high can prices go?
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is rattling global markets, sending energy prices soaring and fuelling fears of supply shortages. EU News explains:
Local insights
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