Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has raised power rates for the third straight month in April, with no guarantee of stable rates in May, attributing the increases to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The number of US service members seeking discharge due to conscientious objection has sharply increased, with many citing the US-Israeli war and an Iran school bombing as turning points.

Iran faces challenges in fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical flashpoint, due to the presence of naval mines and ongoing security risks, complicating mine-clearing efforts.

Iran is reportedly employing memes, artificial intelligence, and fake personas to manipulate online perceptions of an ongoing war, according to a new report. This strategy aims to shape public opinion and control the narrative surrounding the conflict.

Allies, military analysts and skeptics of the U.S. strategy have been asking how Iran was allowed to seize and maintain control of the passage in the first place.

The World Bank chief has cautioned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is expected to reduce economic growth and trigger widespread, cascading impacts globally.

President Trump’s cease-fire with Iran appears at risk as Vice President JD Vance heads to Pakistan for discussions with Iranian officials.

The United States and Iran are reportedly set for peace talks, though uncertainties remain regarding issues such as Lebanon and sanctions, with a revamped Iranian leadership expressing wariness and JD Vance taking on a high-stakes role.

A medication for angina, isosorbide mononitrate, has been listed as experiencing shipping delays due to the conflict in Iran, prompting calls for transparency regarding medicine shortages.

US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sheldon Whitehouse are calling for an investigation into unusual oil trading activity, including significant, well-timed trades, that occurred prior to President Trump's announcements regarding the Iran conflict.

India is reportedly sounding out Australia and Japan about holding an overdue Quad meeting around May 26, ahead of US Senator Marco Rubio's planned visit to Delhi.

International shipping regulations, specifically UNCLOS Articles 38 and 44, grant transit passage to all global shipping. Iran's imposition of a strait toll is being criticized for violating these established laws and nautical customs.

Recent US jury verdicts against tech giants Meta and YouTube have highlighted the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and the protection of children online, prompting discussions on legal commitments and potential lessons for regions like Hong Kong.

Relations between the US and the Vatican are reportedly strained, with the Pentagon denying accusations of berating a papal diplomat, following the Vatican's repeated condemnation of US military actions alongside Israel in Iran.

Japan's long-standing reliance on Middle Eastern oil for its energy security has been severely tested by the ongoing conflict in the region. A recent ceasefire has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief to tanker traffic.

Health officials in Malaysia and pharmaceutical firms in the Philippines have announced that medicine supply and prices are expected to remain stable until at least June, as countries in the region manage potential impacts from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

A US judge has blocked a criminal case in Arizona against Kalshi, an event-based prediction market, following a request from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This ruling impacts the regulatory landscape for such platforms.

An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 13 security personnel, as ceasefire talks are anticipated and the Lebanese death toll in the ongoing conflict approaches 1,900.

An opinion piece criticizes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statements regarding a confrontation with Iran, suggesting they raise concerns about antisemitism and the West's willingness to learn from history.

Chicago teachers are advocating for no school on May Day, posing a challenge to the city's mayor and school leaders. This demand highlights ongoing tensions between educators and city administration.

Over US$68,000 has been wagered on prediction market platforms regarding the potential release of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, raising questions about the legality of such markets in Hong Kong.

As the US vice-president leads peace talks with Iran, he must balance warring factions, a demanding boss and his own political future.

Dr. Chidebelu Ufodike, a Nigerian healthcare leader, recounts his career path from a pharmacist in Nigeria to the chief operating officer of New Jersey Urology in the United States, citing limited opportunities as his reason for leaving Nigeria.

Lebanese Health Ministry says people killed in Israeli attacks since March 2 rises to 1,953 with 6,303 wounded.