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Gottheimer and Lawler File Resolution, Encouraging Platforms to Censor Online Commentators

By Cindy Harper | Reclaim The Net | May 4, 2026

Two members of Congress have introduced a resolution pressuring social media and streaming platforms to deplatform two specific online commentators by name.

Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) filed H.Res.123, calling on tech companies to take “appropriate steps to enforce their policies against hate speech and prevent the spread of antisemitic content.”

The two people the resolution singles out are Hasan Piker, a popular Twitch streamer, and Candace Owens, a popular political podcaster.

The resolution arrives wrapped in language about combating antisemitism but it is nevertheless, a direct governmental push to deplatform commentary. […]

Gottheimer offered the moral framing. “Hatred is hatred, period,” he said. “We must stand up and speak out. I get that speaking up is not easy, but our constituents didn’t elect us to always take the easy path. That’s what principled leadership is all about.”

Last year, Senate Democrats introduced their own resolution condemning Nick Fuentes and Tucker Carlson after Carlson interviewed Fuentes on his podcast.

Every round picks new names but the idea stays the same. Congress identifies disfavored speakers, frames their speech as a category of harm that platforms have a duty to address, and lets corporate moderation do the work the First Amendment forbids the government from doing directly.

The resolution itself is non-binding. Its purpose is to send a signal to platforms about which voices Congress would prefer to see disappear, with the implicit understanding that the lawmakers asking now will be the same ones writing rules later if the platforms don’t oblige. – Full article

Palantir touts record expansion and ‘battlefield’ AI value

RT | May 4, 2026

Palantir Technologies reported a blowout first quarter, saying revenue rose 85% year on year to $1.63 billion as its US business more than doubled, driven by rapid growth across both commercial and government customers.

The company said in its Q1 report, published Monday, that US revenue jumped 104% to $1.28 billion, with commercial revenue up 133% to $595 million and government revenue up 84% to $687 million. The results beat Wall Street estimates, and the company also raised its full-year guidance, saying it now expects 2026 revenue of up to $7.66 billion, implying annual growth of about 71%. … continue

Israeli telecom networks used for mass surveillance across countries

Al Mayadeen | May 4, 2026

A probe by the digital research group Citizen Lab has uncovered that telecommunications infrastructure owned by Israeli companies has been weaponized to track citizens in more than 10 countries over the past three years, exploiting decades-old network protocols and modern 5G systems to transform them into sophisticated tracking devices.

According to a report published by the Israeli news outlet Haaretz, the investigation revealed that infrastructure ranging from legacy networks built in the 1970s to the latest 5G systems has been repurposed into surveillance tools using advanced spyware programs. Since November 2022, over 15,700 attempts to pinpoint phone locations have been detected across numerous countries, including Thailand, South Africa, Norway, Bangladesh and Malaysia, all routed through the networks of “Israel”-based telecommunications firms. … continue

Israel Army Demolishes A Palestinian Home Near Hebron

IMEMC | May 4, 2026

Israeli occupation forces demolished a 2-storey Palestinian home on Monday in the village of ad‑Deerat, east of Yatta in the southern West Bank district of Hebron, in the latest incident in a growing pattern of demolitions targeting Palestinian communities in the area.

Local anti‑colonization activist Osama Makhmara stated that Israeli forces invaded the village and demolished the two‑story home of Radi Al‑Jabarin and his son Monir. The structure, which measured roughly 300 square meters, housed about 15 family members. … Full article

Israeli Colonizers Steal Equipment, Attack International Volunteers

IMEMC | May 4, 2026

Illegal paramilitary Israeli colonizers on Monday stormed Khirbet al‑Tawil, east of Aqraba near Nablus in the occupied West Bank’s northern part, and stole equipment belonging to Palestinian electricity technicians working in the community.

Local sources reported that a group of colonizers invaded the area, surrounded the technicians’ vehicle, and stole several pieces of equipment.

They added that the colonizers then assaulted international volunteers who were present to support residents facing escalating attacks and violations.

Two days earlier, another group of colonizers had sabotaged the main electricity lines, causing a full power outage in the community as part of ongoing assaults targeting Palestinian infrastructure and civilian presence.

Also Monday, an Israeli colonizer attempted to ram a Palestinian woman in the village of Al‑Maniya, southeast of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, as she was crossing the main road in the village. … Full article

Israeli attacks on Gaza kill several as ceasefire violations continue

Al Mayadeen | May 4, 2026

Israeli attacks on the central and northern areas of the Gaza Strip have resulted in multiple Palestinian casualties, as violations of the so-called ceasefire continue.

According to local sources, at least three Palestinians were martyred and several others injured in separate incidents on Monday, amid ongoing Israeli military operations across the besieged enclave.

An Israeli drone targeted a group of civilians in the Al-Bureij refugee camp, killing Anas Hamad and wounding several others.

The attack forms part of a broader pattern of aerial strikes reported across central Gaza, where densely populated areas continue to face repeated bombardment.

In southern Gaza City, 22-year-old Yahya Mousa al-Araj was killed in an Israeli strike on Street 10 in the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood.

Separately, Israeli occupation forces opened fire in the al-Atatra area in northern Gaza, killing 42-year-old Mousa Salem Fathi al-Abyad. … Full article

Israeli attacks on Lebanon kill six civilians

Palestinian Information Center – May 4, 2026

BEIRUT – At least six people were martyred and others were injured in Israeli strikes on towns in southern Lebanon on Monday.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that four people were killed in two Israeli airstrikes on the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif in the south of the country.

Two other citizens were also killed in an Israeli aerial attack on the town of Shehour in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district, amid a series of strikes across the area.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli strikes also targeted the towns of Debaal and Qana in the same district following prior military warnings ordering residents to leave several towns in southern Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes struck Zawtar al-Sharqiya in the Nabatieh district, while another airstrike hit Baraachit in the Bint Jbeil district. The town of Mansouri in Tyre district also came under artillery fire.

In response, Hezbollah announced that its fighters had carried out several attacks targeting gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military sites in southern Lebanon, involving direct shelling and anti-tank missiles.

The resistance group said its operations were in retaliation for Israeli attacks and ceasefire violations.

US claim of sinking Iranian boats ‘a lie’, senior military official tells IRIB

Press TV – May 4, 2026

A senior Iranian military official has rejected a claim by the United States military that it has sunk several Iranian boats as part of an attempt to open the Strait of Hormuz, the IRIB News reports.

The statement by the unidentified commander was cited in a Monday report by the IRIB News, where the official reacted to comments by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) about an alleged confrontation between Iranian and US naval forces in regional waters earlier in the day.

“The US claim regarding the sinking of a number of Iranian combat boats is a lie,” said the commander. … continue

New KC-46 Supertankers Promise Israel Conventional Samson Option Strike Сapability

Sputnik – 04.05.2026

The first of six customized, Boeing KC-46 ‘Gideon’ tankers has completed its maiden flight in the US, and will be delivered to Israel in about a month’s time, the Israeli Defense Ministry has announced.

The twin-engined ‘next-gen stealth tanker’ aircraft feature:

  • standard 767 airframe married to new tech
  • remote vision
  • fly-by-wire refueling boom
  • anti-jamming and secure datalinks
  • the ability to refuel multiple jets (including F-35Is) simultaneously
  • one tanker can support up to a dozen combat aircraft.

KC-46s can also be customized for refueler, cargo or passenger roles, and have a standard range of 11.8 k km and a 29.5k kg cargo or 96.3k kg fuel payload. They can also tap into their own fuel cargo, effectively giving them a global range.

Jpost says the planes will be a “game-changer in providing Israel much greater independence” to target Iran, Yemen, “and any other potential distant adversaries in the future, even if some later US administration may oppose such a strike.”

The planes could also provide Israel with something equivalent to a conventional Samson Option – a non-nuclear variant of a scary scenario where the IDF lashes out at enemies and allies alike if its home defenses are overrun.

Separately this week, Israel approved the purchase of additional F-35s and F-15s to double existing stockpiles from 50-100 and 25-50, respectively.

No, New York Times, We Don’t Need to Dam the Bering Strait

By Anthony Watts | Climate Realism | April 29, 2026

The New York Times (NYT) reports in “A New Idea to Save the Climate? Dam the Bering Strait.” that scientists have proposed building a 50-mile-long dam between Alaska and Russia to stabilize the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in order to prevent climate catastrophe. This is a seriously risky idea. The proposal is not an engineering plan grounded in observational need, but rather is computer-model thought experiment based on speculative tipping-point scenarios not justified by data concerning the AMOC or an understanding of what the possible future consequences might be for humans, the oceans, and sea life.

The author describes an article published in Science Advances where the idea of a cross continental dam across the Bering Strait is proposed as a “proof of concept,” noting that the dam could, under certain modeled conditions, prevent an AMOC collapse. It further explains that the findings come from a computer model of Earth’s climate, not from direct evidence that the AMOC is about to fail. That distinction is critical. … continue

Gates-Funded ‘Big Catch-Up’ Delivers 100 Million Vaccine Doses — Including High-Risk DTP Vaccine Not Used in US

By Brenda Baletti, Ph.D. | The Defender | April 27, 2026

More than 18 million children in 36 countries across Africa and Asia were vaccinated as part of “The Big Catch-Up,” a global initiative launched in April 2023 and concluded last month. … continue

1977 Influenza Pandemic Sequence Shows Signs of Laboratory Creation: Journal ‘Cell’

NIH/NIAID-funded, peer-reviewed analysis finds defining sequence carries patterns consistent with controlled handling—meaning it looks man-made.

By Jon Fleetwood | April 19, 2026

A newly published study in Cell reports that the genetic sequence associated with the 1977 influenza pandemic carries clear, measurable patterns consistent with laboratory handling.

Meaning it appears man-made.

The analysis was led by scientists at UC San Diego, UCLA, Temple University, Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and The Scripps Research Institute. … continue

Government Kills the Spirit

By Ron Paul | May 4, 2026

One of the industries hardest hit by the spike in fuel prices caused by the Iran War is airlines. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the war. Airlines have reacted to the fuel price increase by raising fares and baggage fees, as well as by cutting routes.

Raising prices is not a good option for “budget” airlines since their main appeal to consumers is their low prices. Increasing prices could cause these carriers to lose business.

The financial strain from the increased fuel costs led discount airline Spirit to ask the Trump administration for a bailout. President Trump said a bailout would be conditioned on Spirit giving the government an ownership stake in the company. Spirit was unable to reach a deal with the government, so Spirit went out of business on Saturday. However, several other budget airlines are seeking a government bailout. … continue

Ukrainian strike kills two civilians in Russia – governor

RT | May 4, 2026

Two civilians were killed and four injured in Ukrainian drone strikes in Belgorod Region, Russia on Sunday, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

A drone struck a car carrying a married couple and their son in the village of Nechyaevka, the governor said on Telegram. The father and son were killed at the scene; the man’s wife was hospitalized.

A young man and a teenage girl were injured in an attack on a commercial building in the city of Gubkin. Both were sitting in a car parked outside. The girl was hospitalized with a brain injury and remains in critical condition. Another woman was injured in a separate strike in the regional capital, Belgorod. According to the governor, nearly a dozen residential buildings were damaged. … Full article

Russia warns of escalating NATO military activity in Baltic region

Al Mayadeen | May 4, 2026

Russia has accused NATO of significantly expanding its military operations in the Baltic Sea, particularly near the Kaliningrad region, warning that the alliance’s growing presence poses risks to regional stability and international navigation.

Artem Bulatov, special envoy at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that NATO is intensifying efforts to enhance its combat capabilities and infrastructure in areas adjacent to Kaliningrad, pointing to a sustained military buildup under various operational frameworks.

According to Bulatov, NATO launched its Baltic Sentry mission in January 2025 under the stated aim of protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, while continuing extensive air patrols and expanding the scope of its exercises. … continue

No commercial ship or oil tanker transited Strait of Hormuz in past hours: IRGC

Press TV – May 4, 2026

No commercial vessels or oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past several hours, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said Monday, dismissing recent US claims as “baseless and outright false.”

In a statement issued by the IRGC’s Public Relations Office, the elite force stressed that maritime movements in breach of its declared naval regulations will face serious risks, and that any violating vessel will be stopped forcefully.

“No commercial or tanker vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past several hours,” the statement read. “US officials’ claims are baseless and outright false.”

The US military said earlier that two US Navy guided-missile destroyers had entered the Persian Gulf and that two American ships had transited the Strait of Hormuz, after the Iranian Navy said it repelled a US warship approaching the strategic waterway, which has remained under Iranian control since the early days of the war. … continue

Iran Navy confirms it fired missiles, drones to warn US warships approaching Hormuz Strait

Press TV – May 4, 2026

The Iranian Navy has fired missiles and drones to warn US warships approaching the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to challenge Iran’s control over the key waterway in the Persian Gulf.

The Navy said in a Monday statement that it was forced to fire cruise missiles, combat drones, and rockets near US warships that had ignored its warnings not to approach the Strait.

The statement said the warships had turned off their transponders and attempted to approach the Strait in “dark mode” before reactivating their radars.

The Navy said its forces had warned the ships that any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz would be a violation of the ceasefire announced in early April, which had allowed a halt to the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

“At this stage, after the US-Zionist destroyers ignored the initial warning, the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran fired warning shots with cruise missiles, rockets, and combat drones near the aggressors’ vessels,” it said. … Full article

How ‘Israel’s’ Iran regime change plot failed – again

Al Mayadeen | May 4, 2026

Kit Klarenberg details how the US-Israeli regime change plan against Iran, built on covert operations, assassination, and insurgency, collapsed amid miscalculation and overconfidence, exposing deep strategic delusions in Washington and Tel Aviv. … Read article

Iran rejects Trump’s ‘Project Freedom,’ warns US over Hormuz role

Al Mayadeen | May 4, 2026

Iran has strongly rejected United States President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval initiative dubbed “Project Freedom,” warning that any American involvement in the management of the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the existing ceasefire framework.

Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian Parliament, Ebrahim Azizi, issued a sharp warning to Washington,  saying that any US interference in the emerging maritime arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz would breach ceasefire understandings. … continue

The US Sanctions Empire Runs Into China’s Great Wall

By Freddie Ponton | 21st Century Wire | May 4, 2026

… Beijing’s legal response does not end with telling firms to ignore Washington. Under China’s anti-sanctions and anti-extraterritorial framework, companies harmed by compliance with U.S. measures can seek relief in Chinese courts, while firms that help enforce those measures can face compensation claims, entity-list penalties, or wider trade restrictions. The point is not simply to protest American pressure, but to make obedience to that pressure more legally and commercially costly inside China itself. If Beijing follows this route through, it will be testing whether U.S. sanctions can still function as a near-automatic language of global commerce, or whether they now collide with a rival legal order prepared to punish compliance

Beijing’s challenge does not stop at Chinese law. It is also building a broader legal case that U.S. secondary sanctions and pressure on third parties violate basic norms of international law by extending American domestic measures beyond U.S. jurisdiction. That argument can be pushed through several channels at once, from Chinese courts and counter-sanctions rules at home to World Trade Organization disputes over trade-distorting measures and broader appeals to the United Nations, where unilateral coercive measures have repeatedly been challenged as incompatible with the UN Charter and human rights law. The point is not that these forums will suddenly stop Washington, but that China is assembling a legal and diplomatic record to show that punishing third countries for refusing U.S. dictates is not a rules-based order.

What Washington presents as sanctions enforcement, Beijing is increasingly preparing to cast as unlawful coercion against third countries in a world no longer willing to treat U.S. jurisdiction as global destiny. … Full article

China issues first prohibition order to safeguard international trade order under rule of law

People’s Daily | May 3, 2026

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Saturday issued a prohibition order in accordance with Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures (the 2021 Blocking Rules), which explicitly stated that China shall not recognize, enforce, or give effect to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the US, which listed five Chinese petrochemical enterprises on the Specially Designated Nationals List and imposed asset freezes and transaction bans on grounds of alleged oil transactions with Iran.

This move marks a crucial step for China’s foreign-related legal tools to move from institutional framework to practical enforcement. Leveraging the power of the rule of law, China has delivered a targeted response to US long-arm jurisdiction. The move defends the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises while heeding the international community’s widespread call to oppose hegemony, injecting justice into efforts to safeguard the international economic order. … continue

Ukrainian drone hits skyscraper in Moscow

RT | May 3, 2026

A Ukrainian drone has struck a residential skyscraper not far from Moscow’s business district, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said.

The UAV struck the 52-story residential building known as the House on Mosfilmovskaya Street, a modernist landmark built in the early 2010s.

The impact reportedly occurred around the 36th floor. Sobyanin said there were no casualties.

Photos and videos from the scene show damage to the facade and debris scattered on the street. … Full article

“STAGED”: Conspiracy Theories Are Everywhere!

We can’t imagine why…

By Kevin Barrett | May 3, 2026

On April 23, the 410th death anniversary of William “All the World’s a Stage” Shakespeare (and his trusty Hispanic sidekick Cervantes) CNN published a thought piece entitled “How Would an Assassination Attempt Be Staged?” Two days later, on April 25, somebody staged yet another Trump assassination attempt, this time at the White House Correspondents Dinner at the Washington, DC Hilton. … continue

Gaza aid flotilla activists tortured in Israeli custody after being kidnapped in international waters: testimony

Press TV – May 3, 2026

New testimony has disclosed that two international activists abducted by Israeli forces after the humanitarian Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted in international waters earlier this week have suffered torture, beatings, and medical neglect.

According to a statement by the Global Sumud Flotilla, Israeli forces abducted the pro-Palestinian campaigners near Crete, and then transferred them to Shikma Prison in the city of Ashkelon in the southern part of the occupied territories.

The abductees, identified as Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, remain in custody without charges.

The Brazilian embassy said in a statement that Ávila showed visible injuries during a monitored visit. Diplomats said he described torture, beatings, and severe pain, especially in his shoulder.

The activist could not speak freely during the visit, as Israeli prison officials separated him from embassy staff by glass. … Full article

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir boasts noose-decorated cake on his birthday

Press TV – May 3, 2026

Israel’s so-called security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has celebrated his 50th birthday with a cake depicting a hanging noose and a Hebrew phrase reading “Dreams sometimes come true,” in reference to the passage of a controversial death penalty for Palestinian abductees.

Ben-Gvir, who oversees the police, celebrated his birthday at a venue in the agricultural community of Emunim, near Ashdod in the southern flank of the Israeli-occupied territories, on Saturday night. On the guest list were fellow senior politicians, far-right activists, and members of the police’s General Command Staff.

A photo posted on Instagram by the far-right minister showed that he had been presented with a large three-tier cake, topped with a golden noose — a reference to the controversial law mandating the death penalty for Palestinian abductees, which has long been championed by Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party and which was passed by the Knesset in March. … Full article

Fresh Israeli attacks in occupied West Bank kill 1 Palestinian, injure several others

MEMO | May 3, 2026

One Palestinian was killed and five others, including a child, were injured on Sunday in Israeli attacks in Nablus, a city in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem, the Health Ministry said, Anadolu reports.

“26-year-old Nayef Firas Ziyad Samaro was killed, and four others were injured by live ammunition, during an Israeli military raid on the city of Nablus,” the ministry said. […]

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, Israeli forces stormed the city, raided and searched several shops amid heavy military deployment, with no arrests reported.

In East Jerusalem, the governorate said a 13-year-old child was injured after being beaten by Israeli forces in the northern part of the city. … Full article

Jewish settlers bulldoze 1,000 olive trees in West Bank town

Palestinian Information Center – May 3, 2026

RAMALLAH – A group of extremist Jewish settlers uprooted and destroyed at least 1,000 olive trees in the town of Turmus Ayya, northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday morning.

Abdullah Awad, a member of the Turmus Ayya municipal council, said settlers accompanied by a bulldozer from the illegal Shilo settlement stormed the al‑Sahel area at dawn, leveling farmland and uprooting long‑standing, fruit‑bearing olive trees across roughly 50 dunums of land owned by Palestinian families from the town.

For nearly three years, settler groups have been attacking the al-Sahel area of the town, blocking farmers from reaching their lands and repeatedly destroying olive groves, according to Awad. … Full article

US, Israel Reject Hamas Proposal to Disarm in Exchange for Palestinian Statehood

By Kyle Anzalone | The Libertarian Institute | May 3, 2026

The US and Israel have rejected a peace proposal from Hamas that would see the Palestinian group disarm in the process of the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

A senior Palestinian source speaking with Middle East Eye said that Hamas and other Palestinian factions sent the US and Israel the framework of an agreement to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal includes the disarmament of Palestinian factions in Gaza in exchange for the granting of political rights for the Palestinian people “within the national framework.”

The senior Palestinian official said that the offer was rejected by the US and Israel. Washington and Tel Aviv are demanding that Hamas disarm before a new government is established in Gaza.

In October, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. While Hamas has upheld its commitments under the deal, including the return of all Israeli captives, Israel has refused to end attacks on Gaza or allow sufficient aid to enter the Strip.

Under that agreement, Hamas said it would be willing to disarm as part of the creation of an independent Palestinian state. However, Israel and the US have changed the demand to require Hamas to give up its arms before the IDF ends the occupation of Gaza.

Since the start of the ceasefire in October, Israel has killed over 700 Palestinians.

Israeli Army Kills Two Palestinians, Including a Child, in Gaza

IMEMC | May 3, 2026

The Israeli army continued its violations of the ceasefire agreement for the 206th consecutive day, killing two Palestinians on Sunday, including a child in Khan Younis, as Israeli forces carried out additional assaults across the Gaza Strip.

Medical sources reported that Riyad Naji Nimir Abu Nimir, 15, was killed when an Israeli drone dropped an explosive device toward a group of civilians in the Qizan Abu Rashwan area south of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

He sustained fatal shrapnel injuries before reaching the hospital, while others were wounded in the same attack.

Also in Khan Younis, a Palestinian man was killed after Israeli soldiers shot him near the Bani Suheila town junction east of the city. Medical teams transported his body to a local hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead.

Israeli forces also carried out a demolition attack at dawn east of Khan Younis, using explosives to destroy structures in the area.

Tanks also opened heavy fire toward eastern Khan Younis, while artillery units shelled the eastern edges of Gaza City, including the Tuffah neighborhood.

In northern Gaza, Israeli soldiers fired live rounds at displaced Palestinians in Jabalia refugee camp, injuring two, including a child.

On Saturday evening, Israeli occupation aircraft killed one Palestinian in the vicinity of the Al‑Qastal Towers east of Deir Al‑Balah in the central Gaza Strip. … Full article

Israeli Uri Tzafon group promoting settlement in southern Lebanon

Al Mayadeen | May 3, 2026

A report broadcast by the Israeli channel Kan revealed the reemergence of the Uri Tzafon settler group, which is openly advocating for Israeli settlement in Lebanon. The movement includes academics and pundits seeking to establish Jewish settlements inside Lebanese territory with backing from ministers in the Israeli occupation government.

The Uri Tzafon movement has moved beyond theoretical proposals into field activity. According to the report, activists and their families, including Dr. Amos Azaria, conducted tours inside Lebanese territory accompanied by their children.

During one field visit, an activist stated, “We are here inside Lebanon, we can see the border from the inside, and this land will be populated by Jews as soon as possible”.

The movement’s founder, Israeli biologist Anna Slutskin, argued that “Israel’s victory in wars is measured by the occupation of land”, adding that the initiative was partly inspired by her brother, an Israeli soldier killed in Gaza, whose dream was to settle on Lebanese lands.

Professor Azaria said the settlement project in Lebanon is no different from settlement expansion in the occupied Syrian Golan or the West Bank, emphasizing that activists are willing to challenge existing laws by creating unauthorized settlement outposts. … Full article

Israeli Army Withdraws Bulldozers from Southern Lebanon after Hezbollah Drone Attacks

Al-Manar | May 3, 2026

Israeli media outlets, citing the Hebrew daily Israel Hayom, reported that the Israeli occupation army has, over the past two days, withdrawn most of the bulldozers previously used to demolish infrastructure in southern Lebanese villages.

According to the report, the decision followed a series of drone attacks by Hezbollah Lebanese resistance, which exposed the vulnerability of these vehicles and effectively disrupted their ability to continue operating in the field.

The move comes amid growing debate within the Zionist entity over the mounting challenges of conducting operations near the frontier, particularly in light of what Israeli media describe as an escalating drone threat by Hezbollah.

In the latest weeks, Hezbollah has increasingly deployed drones as part of its tactical response to the ongoing Israeli aggression, targeting Israeli military targets and attempting to limit Israeli operational freedom.

Israel launches over 14 airstrikes across southern Lebanon

Al Mayadeen | May 3, 2026

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that the Israeli occupation carried out a wide-scale aggression over the past hours, launching a series of intense airstrikes targeting several areas in southern Lebanon. The total number of raids recorded in recent hours has exceeded 15, targeting multiple towns.

The aerial aggression focused on the Tyre district, where the occupation targeted the town of Srifa with four consecutive airstrikes.

The attacks also struck Siddiqine and al-Shehabiyeh. This coincided with hostile artillery shelling targeting the outskirts of al-Mansouri, al-Qlayleh, and the hills of Majdal Zoun.

An Israeli drone also targeted a motorcycle in the town of Jwayya in the Tyre district, resulting in two injuries. The wounded were transferred to the hospital.

In the Nabatieh district, Israeli warplanes struck the town of Arabsalim, destroying a residential and commercial building, while two separate airstrikes hit and demolished a house in Jibchit. … Full article

Ukrainian drone strikes Europe’s largest nuclear power plant – operator

RT | May 3, 2026

The Ukrainian military has targeted an external radiation control laboratory at Russia’s Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the facility’s press service has said in a statement on Telegram.

Ukrainian forces have repeatedly attacked Europe’s largest nuclear facility since it came under Russian control in 2022, soon after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. The power plant is located in Zaporozhye Region, which officially voted to join Russia in a fall 2022 referendum.

The laboratory targeted in the Sunday attack facilitates the round-the-clock monitoring of the radiological environment at the plant and is vital for planning any emergency response operations, the press service said.

“Such actions pose a threat not only for the nuclear security but also the for the radiological environment control system,” it added, warning that any damage to the laboratory could affect the timely assessment of the situation and response in case of emergency. … Full article

NATO courts screenwriters to embed alliance messaging in film, TV

Al-Mayadeen | May 3, 2026

NATO has been quietly holding closed-door meetings with film and television writers, directors, and producers across Europe and the United States, in what critics are denouncing as a coordinated effort to embed the military alliance’s messaging into mainstream entertainment.

According to The Guardian, the initiative has already spanned sessions in Los Angeles, Brussels, and Paris, with a fourth meeting planned for London next month, where NATO officials are set to meet with members of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB).

The meetings, held under Chatham House rules, meaning participants may use information discussed but are not permitted to identify other attendees, focus on what organizers describe as the “evolving security situation in Europe and beyond.”

A WGGB email reviewed by The Guardian indicated that three separate projects are already in development that were “inspired, at least in part,” by those conversations. … continue

Iran says it is reviewing US response to 14-point plan delivered via Pakistani intermediary

Press TV – May 3, 2026

Iran confirmed on Sunday that the United States has delivered its response to Tehran’s proposed 14-point plan through Pakistani mediators, and that the Islamic Republic is currently reviewing the document.

“The Americans have given their answer to Iran’s 14-point plan to the Pakistani side, and we are currently reviewing it,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a televised interview.

He clarified that the Iranian proposal is exclusively focused on ending the US-Israeli aggression against Iran and hostilities in the region and contains no provisions related to the country’s nuclear program.

“The plan we have presented is centered on ending the war. There are absolutely no details regarding the country’s nuclear issues in this proposal,” Baghaei said.

He dismissed recent reports, including a piece by Al Jazeera, which claimed the 14-point plan included a 15-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear activities and potential US-Iran cooperation on mine-sweeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

“These are among the things that I believe are fabricated by the imagination of some media outlets. No such thing exists in the plan,” the spokesman said. … Full article

A few observations on Iran’s latest proposal to Trump

By Trita Parsi | May 3, 2026

A few observations on what has been reported as Iran’s three-phase proposal to the United States. I have been able to confirm some elements, though not all. … continue

‘I urged that our objective be regime change… so did Netanyahu’ – ex-Trump adviser on Iran

RT | May 3, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged President Donald Trump to carry out a regime change operation in Iran for many years, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has told Afshin Rattansi, host of ‘New World’.

West Jerusalem wanted Trump to launch an attack on Tehran already during his first presidential term and continued lobbying for it during his second one, Bolton said, who served between 2018 and 2019.

“I urged that our objective be regime change, so did Netanyahu,” he told Rattansi, explaining that “There is no change in what Trump has been hearing from” the Israeli prime minister over the years. He nevertheless denied that Trump’s decision to launch the attack in late February was influenced by Israel.

Bolton criticized the president for what he called the lack of a clear goal in his campaign against the Islamic Republic and said Trump had failed to “make the case to the American people” about “why the regime change in Iran is necessary” – despite it supposedly being a “very compelling one.”

Known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Bolton maintained that the US should continue to pursue regime change in Iran and claimed that the government in Tehran is “crumbling” from within. However, the former White House official came up short on any specific strategy the US could use to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping remains severely disrupted by the Iran conflict.

Watch the full interview here.

Iran replaces UAE ports with Pakistan corridor to break US blockade

Al Mayadeen | May 3, 2026

Pakistan has officially authorised the transit of goods into Iran through its territory and ports, positioning Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar as key logistical gateways for Iranian trade while Washington’s maritime blockade attempts to strangle the Islamic Republic’s access to global commerce, Tasnim News Agency reported.

Islamabad’s Ministry of Commerce issued the Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026 on April 25, bringing it into immediate effect. The order, which activates a bilateral road transport agreement signed with Tehran in 2008 but never previously used, opens six overland routes linking Pakistan’s three main ports to two Iranian border crossings, Gabd and Taftan, through Balochistan.

The announcement coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Islamabad for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Gwadar-Gabd corridor, the shortest of the designated routes, reduces travel time to the Iranian border to between two and three hours and is projected to cut transport costs by 45 to 55 percent compared with routing cargo through Karachi, according to Pakistani officials. … continue

Gas prices hit new high in US amid Trump’s threats to continue war against Iran

Press TV – May 3, 2026

Gas prices in the US reached a new record again, as President Donald Trump threatens to continue the war of aggression against Iran.

The average price of regular gas in the US hit $4.30 a gallon on Thursday, up 27 cents from a week prior, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), which sets a new high since the US-Israeli aggression against Iran began.

With its average gas prices surpassing $6 a gallon as of Thursday, California stood out from the rest of the US on AAA’s map outlining the country’s fuel prices. … Full article

Iran sets one-month deadline for end to US-Israeli war, blockade: Report

The Cradle | May 3, 2026

The Islamic Republic has set a one-month deadline for an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and a full end to the wars on both Iran and Lebanon, sources told US media outlet Axios on 3 May.

Iran “set a one-month deadline for negotiations on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the US naval blockade and permanently end the war in Iran and in Lebanon,” the sources said. “Per the Iranian proposal, only after such a deal is reached, another month of negotiations would be launched to try and reach a deal on the nuclear program,” they added.

On the same day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization said in a social media post: “Iran sets Pentagon a blockade deadline. China, Russia, Europe shift tone against Washington. Trump’s passive letter to Congress. Acceptance of Iran’s negotiating terms. There is only one way to read this: Trump must choose between ‘an impossible military operation or a bad deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran.’ The room for US decision-making has narrowed.” … continue

At the edge of the Strait: A superpower in a narrow sea

Al Mayadeen | May 3, 2026

Mahmood Rehman, drawing on his maritime experience, argues that US naval dominance in Hormuz does not translate into control in confined waters. Washington is strategically trapped, facing Iran’s asymmetric strengths in a narrow and high-stakes maritime environment. … Read article

Leader’s advisor warns US carriers, says graveyard ready for ‘pirates’

Press TV – May 3, 2026

A senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei says the United States is the “only pirate in the world that possesses aircraft carriers,” warning that such carriers will face destruction if tensions escalate.

Mohsen Rezaei, a former chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), said in an X post on Sunday that Iran’s ability to confront “pirates” is no less than its ability to “sink warships.”

“Prepare to face a graveyard of your carriers and forces, just as the wreckage of your aircraft was left behind in Isfahan,” he wrote. … Full article

Iran unveils new control measures over Strait of Hormuz transit

Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

Senior Iranian lawmakers have unveiled a proposed plan to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, introducing new restrictions on certain vessels and a licensing system that would require ships to obtain authorization from Tehran.

Ali Nikzad, Deputy Speaker of Iran’s parliament, detailed that the initiative includes a 12-point framework aimed at managing transit through one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Under the proposal, vessels linked to “Israel” would be barred from passing through the Strait at all times, while ships from “hostile countries” would be denied transit unless they pay unspecified war reparations.

Nikzad added that all other vessels would be required to operate under a newly established legal framework, obtaining official licenses and authorization from Iranian authorities before entering the waterway. He emphasized that the plan would be implemented “in accordance with international law” and with consideration for the rights of neighboring states, while asserting that Iran would not relinquish what it views as its sovereign rights. … continue

In Kentucky primary, it’s ‘America First’ vs. ‘Israel First’ as Trump backs Massie’s pro-war rival

By José Niño | Press TV | May 2, 2026

The opening bell has rung in what may be the most consequential Republican primary of 2026, and the combatants could not be more different.

In one corner stands Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), the libertarian engineer and eight-term congressman who has made a career of defying party leadership and voting his conscience regardless of political cost.

In the other corner stands Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL captain backed by President Donald Trump and armed with over $5.7 million from the pro-Israel lobby, according to Track AIPAC. […]

Should Massie prevail … it will signal not only the limits of Trump’s power within his own party but the viability of future candidates running on unapologetic “America First” platforms to challenge the pro-Israel consensus.

The May 19 primary will determine whether billions in lobbying money can override the emerging will of Republican voters, or whether the structural shift in American political culture has finally reached the point where candidates can defy the Israel lobby and survive. – Full article

Global Sumud activists ‘survived 40 hrs of calculated cruelty’ by IOF

Al Mayadeen | May 1, 2026

The Global Sumud Flotilla once again detailed the extensive abuse its activists were subjected to after they were detained in international waters while sailing to break the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza.

In a statement shared on Telegram, the group said, “Global Sumud Flotilla participants have just survived 40 hours of calculated cruelty aboard an iOF navy vessel in Greek waters.” The detained activists were denied adequate food and water and forced to sleep on floors that were deliberately and repeatedly flooded.

The flotilla added that participants were beaten, kicked, and dragged across the deck with their hands tied behind their backs. Many reportedly “suffered broken noses, cracked ribs and bloody beatings,” according to its statement. … Full article

‘They treated us like animals’: Activist recounts detention after Gaza-bound flotilla intercepted

MEMO | May 2, 2026

… According to British activist Katy Davidson, detainees were held in a makeshift prison constructed from shipping containers surrounded by barbed razor wire, with armed guards patrolling walkways. She reported overcrowded conditions, with more than 60 people held in 40-foot shipping containers, and said the total number of detainees reached 181.

“We were on foam mattresses that were soaking up water. At night, sometimes they would spray water for it to soak into the people’s mattresses,” she said, adding that detainees were given only bread and water and that guards were “violent, aggressive, and manipulative.” … Full article

IOA demolishes 26 structures and arrests 250 Palestinians in Jerusalem during April

Palestinian Information Center – May 2, 2026

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM – Wadi Hilweh Information Center reported that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) demolished 26 structures and arrested 250 Palestinians in Jerusalem during the month of April.

The center explained in a report monitoring occupation violations in Jerusalem during April, that most of the houses demolished by the IOA during the past month were inhabited and had been standing for years.

It indicated that the demolition operations were mainly concentrated in the town of Silwan, especially in al-Bustan neighborhood, along with demolitions in Jabal al-Mukabbir, as-Suwwana, and the Old City. … Full article

Palestinians injured in West Bank attacks by Israeli forces, settlers

Palestinian Information Center – May 2, 2026

WEST BANK – Palestinian citizens were injured and agricultural property was damaged on Saturday in attacks by Israeli forces and extremist settler groups in different areas of the occupied West Bank.

The Red Crescent said its crews in al-Khalil provided first aid for three wounded citizens, including a 71‑year‑old woman in Jabel Jales, before transporting them to the hospital.

Settlers also attacked farmlands in al-Khalil, destroying property and uprooting dozens of trees.

In southern al-Khalil, a settler opened fire at Palestinian citizens in the village of al‑Tabaqa. … Full article

Ceasefire no longer viable after 200 days of Israeli violations: Hamas

Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

One Palestinian was killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting the vicinity of al-Qastal Towers, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported on Saturday.

In a separate development, Israeli forces carried out a large-scale demolition operation east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the same correspondent.

In light of the continued Israeli violations, Basem Naim, a member of the political bureau of Hamas, said that after 200 days, it is no longer possible to speak of a ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that the situation is a continuation of a “war of extermination,” despite the Resistance’s adherence to the agreement.

Speaking to Al Mayadeen on Saturday evening, Naim stressed that the future of the Gaza Strip and the broader Palestinian cause remains a solely internal Palestinian matter. He added that the Resistance has fulfilled all obligations requested of it, as confirmed by mediators, while Israeli attacks have continued.

Naim also stated that the Rafah crossing has not been opened in accordance with the agreement, noting that the number of people allowed to pass remains limited. He said mediators had been informed of the need to review the implementation of the first phase of the agreement before moving on to the second. … continue

Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon, casualties reported

 Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

The Israeli occupation has intensified its attacks on villages and towns in southern Lebanon, with fresh airstrikes and artillery shelling reported across several districts, according to field reports from the south.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in southern Lebanon reported that three people were killed after an Israeli raid struck a house in the town of al-Louaizeh in the Jezzine district at dawn on Friday, with the escalation extending beyond the area as Israeli airstrikes also hit the towns of Harouf and Shoukin, as well as the al-Tuffah heights region.

The National News Agency reported that an earlier strike on Shoukin resulted in the killing of civilians and the injury of several others, including the town’s mayor, Hussein Ali Ahmad.

Further raids targeted multiple towns in the Nabatieh district, including Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, A’dshit, Mayfadoun, Kfar Joz, and Ebba. An additional strike hit a vehicle on the Kfar Dajjal road in the same district.

Southern Lebanon also came under intensified attacks across a wider area, with strikes hitting Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district and Burj Qalaway in the Bint Jbeil district. … continue

Left in Disbelief: Israel in Panic over Hezbollah FPV Drone Nightmare

By Robert Inlakesh | The Palestine Chronicle | May 1, 2026

Left in disbelief, an already drained Israeli military is left without any viable solutions to the ever-growing threat of first-person view (FPV) drones, now used by Hezbollah to overwhelm their newly assumed positions in southern Lebanon.

On April 16, Tel Aviv and Beirut agreed to a temporary ceasefire imposed by US President Donald Trump. Within the first hour of the ceasefire’s imposition, Israel had already violated the agreement 10 times, including an attack on an ambulance. What they sought to achieve was a return to the pre-war status quo, whereby the Israeli military attacked Lebanon at will, without any return fire.

It soon became clear that the 15-month ceasefire period, following November 27, 2024, during which the Israeli military violated the agreement 15,400 times according to UNIFIL, was not going to be replicated. The first wave of retaliation against Israeli violations began with Hezbollah detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and destroying convoys of Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs), after carrying out reconnaissance and anticipating the movement of armed convoys. … continue

US has been in clear NPT non-compliance for 56 years: Iran UN mission

Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

Iran’s mission to the United Nations has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the United States of failing to meet its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In a post shared on social media on Saturday, the mission described the US record as “extremely shameful,” arguing that Washington, as a state possessing thousands of nuclear warheads and the leading proliferator of nuclear weapons, has been in “clear non-compliance” with Articles I and VI of the treaty for 56 years.

Iran says uranium enrichment permitted under IAEA supervision

The statement further criticized the United States for its “outrageous and hypocritical behaviour,” rejecting any justification for Washington’s nuclear policy in light of its international commitments on disarmament and non-proliferation.

It also defended Iran’s nuclear program, stating that uranium enrichment is not restricted so long as it remains under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The mission added that this principle had been observed in Iran’s previous nuclear activities under international monitoring.

Iran’s strategic patience, resilience outplay US war machine as Trump’s desperation deepens

Press TV – May 2, 2026

… Cornered leaders do not become more rational. They become more desperate. And desperation, when combined with unlimited military power, is a recipe for catastrophe.

If the current naval blockade fails to break Iranian resistance – and all evidence suggests it will fail – Trump may well resort to military aggression again. Not because it is wise. Not because it is justified. But because he will have no other move left. It is plain desperation.

Consider the White House’s current calculation. American strategists are betting that the naval blockade will cripple Iran’s economy, spark domestic unrest, trigger riots and chaos, weaken the government, and eventually force Tehran to surrender to American terms. They are betting that economic hardship will do what bombs could not.

This is a miscalculation of staggering proportions.

It ignores Iran’s remarkable resilience. It ignores the 8,000 kilometers of land borders Iran shares with multiple neighbors, offering countless routes to bypass any naval blockade.

It ignores Iran’s asymmetric warfare capabilities, which remain largely hidden and unused. And most critically, it ignores the unprecedented national unity that American aggression has forged inside Iran. The people will not leave the scene. […]

The options Iran has not yet used

If Trump miscalculates and resumes full-scale military aggression against the Islamic Republic, he will discover that Iran has been holding back.

There are numerous options that Iran and the Resistance Front have not yet deployed.

These options remain unannounced, their timing and method unspecified. This ambiguity is itself a weapon – a powerful weapon. The enemy does not know what is coming and when it is coming. The enemy cannot prepare. The enemy can only wait in fear.

American officials have already expressed open concern about certain potential Iranian responses – including, notably, the fiber optic communication lines beneath the Strait of Hormuz. These and other capabilities could dramatically shift the balance of power in ways Washington has not anticipated.

If the naval blockade continues and the economic war intensifies, Iran will have no choice but to respond asymmetrically. And when Iran responds, all of Trump’s carefully laid plans will collapse. The endurance battle will then turn decisively in Iran’s favor.

At that point, it will be Washington – not Tehran – that must choose between two grim options: escalate to full-scale war, or accept Iran’s terms for a ceasefire.

Neither option is attractive nor feasible from the American point of view.

What we are witnessing is something far larger than a single military confrontation. We are witnessing the unraveling of American unipolarity. … Full article

Trump Taps Israel Lobbyist From Mossad Cutout FDD To Join Iran Negotiations

The Dissident | May 1, 2026

Journalist Alex Marquardt reported recently that , “Amid stalled talks with Iran, President Donald Trump’s negotiators are adding a new member to the team from an outside Washington lobbying group” adding, “Nick Stewart, the Managing Director of Advocacy at FDD Action, the lobbying side of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, has joined the office of Steve Witkoff, the Special Envoy for Peace Missions”.

This means- as I will demonstrate- that a literal Israel lobbyist is now joining the team negotiating with Iran on behalf of the Trump administration.

The think tank, initially founded by the journalist Clifford May, was initially called “EMET,” the Hebrew word for truth, and was established in order to “provide education to enhance Israel’s image in North America”. … continue

Trump’s Blockade Snatches Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

By Trita Parsi | May 1, 2026

It appears Donald Trump once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by heeding the hawkish counsel of the warmongers at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

As I have argued before, the fragile ceasefire disproportionately favored the United States over Iran: Trump secured his central objective — a swift exit from a costly war — while Iran forfeited its primary source of leverage, namely the inflationary pressure of elevated oil prices. Tehran, by contrast, remained unable to achieve its core objective — meaningful sanctions relief — without entering a difficult diplomatic process with Washington.

The asymmetry was stark: Trump could afford strategic patience, whereas Iran risked squandering the most consequential gains the conflict could have yielded if negotiations faltered or collapsed.

In short, this emerging status quo could have constituted a quiet but decisive victory for Trump. Yes, Iran would retain control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — but it does so today as well and would do so in almost any scenario. But the status quo would have seen oil prices drop as the Iranians would allow tankers to transit in order to collect fees. And as long as oil prices came down, Trump’s position at home and vis-à-vis Iran would have strengthened.

FDD argued that blockading the Persian Gulf would swiftly cripple the Iranian economy and coerce Tehran into capitulation, allowing Trump to achieve through economic strangulation what he had failed to secure through military force. In short, it was sold to him as a silver bullet. … continue

Geopolitics and Geoeconomics of the Strait of Hormuz

Sputnik – 02.05.2026

The reckless reliance on a blitzkrieg to eliminate Iran’s political and military leadership has left Israel and the United States in an extremely precarious situation, where Tehran’s key trump card in the conflict turned out to be control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Alexander Yakovenko, deputy director of Sputnik’s parent company Rossiya Segodnya and head of the Committee on Global Issues and International Security of the Russian Security Council’s Scientific-Expert Board, has addressed the standoff around the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts in Israel are already writing of a complete failure, with the prospect of “returning to the issue” sometime in the future. Judging by published reports, everything was planned for June this year, but, as the saying goes, the devil intervened, and Benjamin Netanyahu succumbed to the temptation of a final solution through “regime change.” The scapegoats will be the Mossad division responsible for Iran and the military command responsible for Lebanon.

Donald Trump faces a far more difficult predicament… continue

Spirit Airlines shuts down after 34 years amid financial crisis

Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

Spirit Airlines has announced the immediate shutdown of its operations after 34 years in service, citing severe financial difficulties and an inability to secure funding.

The airline confirmed it had “started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately,” with all flights canceled and customer service suspended. The company, known for its ultra-low-cost model and bright yellow aircraft, had employed approximately 17,000 people and operated hundreds of daily flights.

“We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the airline said in its final statement.

Efforts to prevent the airline’s collapse ultimately failed despite last-minute intervention attempts. US President Donald Trump had indicated that the government was exploring options, including a potential $500 million federal loan.

“We gave them a final proposal,” Trump said, adding that saving jobs had been a priority. However, negotiations with creditors stalled, and no viable agreement was reached.

A creditor involved in discussions stated, “The Trump administration made an extraordinary effort to try and save Spirit, but you can’t breathe life into a corpse,” reflecting the severity of the airline’s financial position.

Spirit’s collapse comes amid mounting pressure on the aviation sector, particularly from rising oil prices due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has significantly increased jet fuel costs.

The main driver of the crisis in the global airline industry is due to the aggressions on Iran, which has led to a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, significantly crippling the transfer of oil through the key waterway. […]

Industry experts warn that Spirit’s exit could reduce competition within the already consolidated US airline market… Full article

Indonesia Announces Imminent Russian Oil Deliveries and Discloses Supply Details

Sputnik – 02.05.2026

Russian oil supplies to Indonesia will begin soon, Indonesia’s Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said.

“The most important thing is that we have all the reserves. And Russian oil will arrive soon,” he told journalists.

According to the minister, this will be part of the plan to purchase 150 million barrels of oil from Russia by the end of 2026. He emphasized that, given the current international situation, this will allow the country to secure all types of fuel – from diesel to various grades of gasoline.

The minister explained that specific issues related to procurement mechanisms and prices will have to be resolved by businesses. Additionally, Indonesia is considering the possibility of importing liquefied petroleum gas from Russia, but this issue is still under discussion.

Mali: a new front in the Western war on multipolarism

Strategic Culture Foundation | May 1, 2026

An audacious coup attempt against the government in the West African state of Mali appears to have been thwarted by the Malian Armed Forces, supported by their Russian allies.

The surprise coup was launched last weekend when an estimated 12,000 fighters attacked at least five cities, including the capital, Bamako. Fighting continued during the past week, with most of the casualties – over 1,000 dead – suffered by the insurgents who came under heavy ground and air fire from state forces backed by Russian auxiliaries belonging to the Africa Corps.

Mali’s leader, Assimi Goïta, made a nationwide televised address appealing for calm and stating that the country’s security situation had been brought under control. He paid tribute to his defense minister, General Sadio Camara, who was killed in action on the first day of the coup attempt on April 25. The leader also acknowledged the actions of his country’s strategic partner, the Russian Federation, for helping to defeat the coup, which he condemned as “foreign-sponsored”. … continue

Special Military Operation Success Will Guarantee Justice for Those Killed in Odessa — Zakharova

Sputnik – May 2, 2026

On May 2, 2014, Ukrainian nationalists set fire to the Trade Unions House in Odessa, trapping inside anti-Maidan activists who protested against the coup in Ukraine, which resulted in 48 people killed and over 250 injured.

“A guarantee of justice for the victims of the monstrous crime in the Odessa Trade Unions House will be the successful achievement of the goals and objectives of the special military operation,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on the anniversary of the tragedy in Odessa.

Ukraine is unwilling to investigate the tragedy in Odessa, despite promising to do so, while Europeans simply ignore this, Zakharova said.

“This has no effect on the financial and moral assistance to Kiev. It is obvious that in modern Europe, encouraging Nazism and financing terrorism has become a tradition,” she stressed.

Purdue Pharma dissolves, reemerges as opioid nonprofit

Al Mayadeen | May 2, 2026

Purdue Pharma announced on Friday that it has formally ceased operations and concluded its bankruptcy proceedings, marking the end of a controversial chapter in the US pharmaceutical industry.

The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019, has now reemerged under a new structure as a nonprofit entity aimed at addressing opioid addiction and its consequences. The transition follows years of legal battles tied to Purdue’s role in the opioid epidemic.

As part of a $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement, Purdue has been reconstituted into Knoa Pharma, an organization tasked with directing its resources toward combating opioid addiction.

The settlement is designed to allocate funds toward public health efforts, with the majority directed to US states and local governments that have borne the financial burden of the crisis. An additional $865 million has been designated for individuals affected by opioid addiction or those who lost family members. … continue