Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Trump signs order to speed research on psychedelics for mental health

 

at 4/18/26 10:09am

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Saturday to accelerate research for some psychedelic drugs to treat mental health disorders.

— Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz, fires on commercial ships

 

at 4/18/26 8:32am

A day after the Strait of Hormuz was declared open, Iran has blocked it again, citing a U.S. "breach of promise," and has fired on ships.

— Judge blocks Trump administration's pre-emptive lawsuit against Hawaii

 

at 4/18/26 7:09am

A federal judge on Friday blocked a suit against the state of Hawaii that was filed by the federal government to prevent it from suing oil companies.

— On This Day, April 18: Patriot Paul Revere begins midnight ride

 

at 4/18/26 1:00am

On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The British are coming!" to rally the minutemen.

— Supreme Court rules for Chevron in Louisiana wetlands damage case

 

at 4/17/26 6:51pm

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Chevron in a case related to damage to wetlands in Louisiana that dates to World War II.

— Dubai police arrest alleged Irish organized crime boss

 

at 4/17/26 5:50pm

An Irish man accused of laundering money and trafficking drugs and firearms was caught in Dubai after police tracked him around the world.

— Kang Chang-il calls for efforts to improve inter-Korean ties

 

at 4/17/26 5:06pm

Kang Chang-il, new senior vice chairman of S. Korea's Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, called for joint efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.

— South Korea to aid war-hit businesses with emergency funds

 

at 4/17/26 5:00pm

S. Korea will provide 462.2 billion won ($308 million) in emergency support for small businesses and exporters affected by the Middle East war.

— Corporate loan delinquencies rise faster than household debt

 

at 4/17/26 4:53pm

Corporate loan delinquency rates in S. Korea are rising three times faster than household debt, increasing pressure on banks as lending expands.

— Japan to create control system for defense exports

 

at 4/17/26 4:45pm

Japan is moving to strengthen a government-wide system to boost defense exports, including creating a centralized control structure.

— South Korea opposition leader delays return from U.S.

 

at 4/17/26 4:27pm

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of S. Korea's main opposition People Power Party, has delayed his return from a U.S. visit at the request of U.S. officials.

— Naver showcases AI robots across ‘lab-like’ headquarters

 

at 4/17/26 4:11pm

S. Korean tech company Naver is expanding its AI capabilities with robots operating throughout its headquarters, as the firm ramps up investment.

— China posts 5.0% Q1 growth, defying war concerns

 

at 4/17/26 4:02pm

China's economy grew 5.0% in 1Q, exceeding expectations despite concerns over the impact of the Iran conflict, official data showed Thursday.

— Nearly one-third of U.S. may see aurora borealis overnight

 

at 4/17/26 3:24pm

Nearly one-third of the U.S. could be among areas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said could see the aurora borealis in the sky.

— British foreign office official fired for not disclosing ambassador failed security check

 

at 4/17/26 2:58pm

The most senior civil servant in Britain's Foreign Office has been fired former ambassador Peter Mandelson's security vetting not being disclosed.

— Carnival Cruises ordered to pay $300,000 for overserving woman

 

at 4/17/26 2:07pm

Carnival Cruise Line must pay a California woman $300,000 in a lawsuit over serving her 14 shots of tequila before she fell down a stairwell.

— Analysis: Lebanon set for complex post-truce negotiations with Israel

 

at 4/17/26 2:00pm

The Israel-Hezbollah war, temporarily halted by a 10-day cease-fire, has now opened a complex diplomatic process that seeks to end the conflict.

— French widow, 85, released from ICE custody and returned home

 

at 4/17/26 1:00pm

An 85-year-old woman from France whose late husband was a U.S. veteran returned to France Friday after being detained by ICE for 16 days.

— Judge blocks Trump administration's pre-emptive lawsuit against Hawaii

 

at 4/17/26 12:54pm

A federal judge on Friday blocked a suit against the state of Hawaii that was filed by the federal government to prevent it from suing oil companies.

— Venezuela enacts mining law, thanks Trump for openness

 

at 4/17/26 12:39pm

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, signed a mining law and thanked President Donald Trump for his advancing bilateral cooperation,

— South Korea to receive 27 million barrels of crude oil in June

 

at 4/17/26 12:07pm

S. Korea will begin receiving 27 million barrels of alternative crude oil in June, part of a broader effort to stabilize energy supplies and diversify.

As of 4/18/26 10:59am. Last new 4/18/26 10:59am.