Wednesday Night #2302

Press Freedom Week
An excellent introduction from Heather Cox Richardson
Letters from an American April 25, 2026

AP to host Press Freedom Week highlighting importance of independent journalism
Beginning Monday, April 27, The Associated Press convenes reporters, editors and leaders from AP and across the news industry for a series of online conversations about the essential role of a free and independent press.
Press Freedom Week will take audiences behind the scenes of how independent journalism works, from securing access and reporting on the ground to holding powerful institutions accountable.
World Press Freedom Canada‘s mission is to champion press freedom in Canada and around the world.
[David] Frum to speak at press freedom luncheon on Courage of Conviction
What does it mean to speak truth to power when power has never been more hostile to the truth?
That question sits at the heart of this year’s World Press Freedom Canada Awards luncheon, and it is precisely the question that has defined the career of  keynote speaker, David Frum.
International Intrigue notes that Poland’s foreign ministry and broadcaster have launched a Georgian-language news service aimed at countering Russian disinformation, adding to Warsaw’s new channels for Moldova (February) and Armenia (March). Adding the Comment: “We wrote yesterday about the growing role of influencers, but this is a timely reminder that traditional channels in local languages still pack a punch. It’s also a reminder how the Polish miracle (~18% growth since 2019 vs ~1% in the UK) seems set to reshape Eastern Europe.”
World Press Freedom Day 3 May
According to UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development Report 2022–2025, press freedom has experienced its steepest decline since 2012. This decline is comparable to that seen during the most unstable periods of the 20th century – the two world wars and the Cold War.
Information manipulation, including the use of AI by malicious actors, is weakening trust and national security. At the same time, independent media face growing economic fragility.
Self-censorship has grown by more than 60%, driven by fear of reprisals, online harassment, judicial intimidation, and economic pressure.

The State visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the U.S. gives an enjoyable respite from news of the world. It was no secret that HRH was on a mission to shore up the traditional alliance between the US and Britain which has been shattered by insults hurled by Trump at the British government and NATO. And so Beneath King Charles’s Jokes and Decorum, Some Subtle Rebuttals to Trump – King Charles III gently pushed back against President Trump’s attacks on Britain and NATO, and he spoke of the importance of checks and balances. International Intrigue applauds King Charles (and speechwriter) for some good lines in the Speech to Congress: (See Long reads for text)
“We have really everything in common with America nowadays… except, of course, language” (the Oscar Wilde classic)
“250 years ago — or, as we say in the United Kingdom, just the other day”, and
“If it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French.”
What the Royal State Dinner Guest List Says About Trump’s America There were at least 10 American billionaires, six Fox News hosts, assorted presidential pals, no Democratic politicians and not so many British.

Gulf War III – US v. Iran
The U.S. has rejected Iran’s offer to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on the country and an end to the war, while proposing that discussions on the larger question of its nuclear program would come in a later phase. President Trump offer, which was passed to the Americans by Pakistan and would leave unresolved the disagreements that led the US and Israel to go to war on Feb. 28.
Nicholas Kristoff sums up the current situation in his most recent column Two Cocky Authoritarians Blocking Hormuz: What Could Go Wrong?
While International Intrigue  addresses Why the Emiratis just ditched OPEC

Global Shipping Crisis: From UN Pirate Accusations to the Record $4M Panama Toll
Peter Frise sends along the latest from What’s Going on with Shipping – a special episode of the top five stories in global shipping this week, noting: “Host Sal Mercogliano calls these episodes “What the Ship” in a clever play on words that come perilously close to something I might say….”
In this episode of “What the Ship,” we dive into the top five maritime stories as of April 28, 2026. While the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz remains a central focus, the ripples are being felt across every sector of the global shipping industry—from skyrocketing bunker fuel prices to heated debates at the United Nations.

Alternative (clean) energy/renewables
As debate continues as to how, when, and if the Strait of Hormuz will be un-barricaded, some 50 nations, plus scientists, communities, and organizations from around the world, gathered at the Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, not to debate whether to get the world off oil, gas, and coal, but how.

Global economy
Global Economy in the Shadow of War (See Long reads)
The global economy faces renewed tests as the war in the Middle East threatens to disrupt growth and disinflation.
Downside risks dominate the outlook. A longer or broader conflict, worsening geopolitical fragmentation, a reassessment of expectations surrounding artificial‑intelligence‑driven productivity, or renewed trade tensions could significantly weaken growth and destabilize financial markets. Elevated public debt and eroding institutional credibility further heighten vulnerabilities. At the same time, activity could be lifted if productivity gains from AI materialize more rapidly or trade tensions ease on a sustained basis.
The Forces of Scarcity Hitting Asia May Soon Spread Across the World (See Long reads)
The Asia-Pacific was hit hard and quick by the war in Iran and its energy bottlenecks. Scenes of crisis there indicate that problems are multiplying and spreading.
Even if there is a peace deal soon, the future of this industrious region that has driven global economic growth for decades will likely include months of canceled flights, surging food prices, factory pauses, delayed shipments and empty shelves for products long considered quick and easy to buy worldwide: plastic bags, instant noodles, vaccines, syringes, lipstick, microchips and sportswear.
A Pillar of the Economics Establishment Admits That It Was Wrong (See Long reads)
In a new report, the World Bank thinks better of its old free-market absolutism.
For decades, the economics establishment generally agreed on a simple answer: Embrace free markets and avoid “industrial policy”—state-led efforts to shape what an economy produces—at all costs. … But now industrial policy is back, and it has a surprising new champion: the World Bank. A report issued last month argues that the bank’s previous stance had things backward: Government intervention, when done right, can actually be an essential ingredient of economic success.

Canada
Breaking news: Canada selected to host new multinational defence bank, sources say
Canada has been selected as the host nation of a new multinational defence bank as negotiations among the founding countries ended in Montreal on Wednesday, according to two sources.
The decision was made after the final of three rounds of negotiations hosted by Canada and involving the 19 founding countries of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. …
Critics of the bank have questioned whether the institution is necessary, when other defence financing initiatives such as the Security Action for Europe program already exist.
Once established, the bank could include as many as 40 countries, all NATO members and their allies, and will provide long-term, low-cost financing for defence projects undertaken by participating countries.

The Spring Economic Update 2026  “is the next step in our plan to build a stronger, more independent, and resilient Canada for
all. It advances our progress of building more affordable homes and the major infrastructure that transforms and connects our
economy, while bringing down costs to help you get ahead. We are providing a clear and transparent account of how Canada’s economy is performing in an increasingly uncertain world. This transparency is critical to lift the fog of uncertainty, help businesses seize new opportunities, and give families the
confidence to plan for their future.”
Liberals on better-than-expected ground, plan to spend billions on skilled trades in economic update
From CPP to the disability tax credit, 3 ways the spring economic update affects your wallet
In a spring economic update that was expected to focus on big-picture plans to strengthen investment and economic growth, Ottawa also included several measures that will give a little boost to Canadians’ pocketbooks.
The federal government had already unveiled the most costly of those initiatives, including an $11.7-billion temporary increase of the GST credit for lower-income Canadians and a $2.4-billion short-term gas tax holiday to soften the impact of high oil prices linked to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.
But the fiscal update, which was released Tuesday, also contained some proposals that Ottawa hadn’t previously announced.

Carney Evokes War Bonds by Inviting Citizens Into Sovereign Fund
Canada will create its first sovereign wealth fund to provide financing for large infrastructure projects and domestic companies, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, pledging to offer Canadian investors the opportunity to buy in.
The new vehicle, dubbed the Canada Strong Fund, will be seeded with C$25 billion ($18.4 billion) from the federal government

Canada and Europe: What’s at Stake in the New Partnership? Le Canada et l’Europe: quels sont les enjeux du nouveau partenariat?
Wednesday, May 13
5-7 pm
Room 1041, 680 Sherbrooke Street West
Chris Neal calls our attention to the invitation from the Canadian International Council to participate in a conversation with the Honourable Stéphane Dion – Canada’s former ambassador to France, Germany and the European Union who will exchange with CIC Montreal board member Paule Robitaille, journalist, lawyer and former Member of Quebec’s National Assembly.
Mr. Dion will discuss, among other topics, the impact of Canada’s free-trade agreement and strategic partnership with the EU, and the prospects for expanding our ties consistent with Prime Minister Carney’s strategy.

Review of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
Cleo Paskal testified last week before the Canadian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. She writes:
“During the hearings Members of Parliament – including Michael Chong, Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Lianne R. and others – asked focused, informed questions, took stands in defense of Taiwan, wanted details on Chinese political warfare operations/transnational repression/use of forced labo(u)r, updates on the situation in Solomon Islands and practical recommendations for how Canada can be useful in the region.”
Watch Cleo’s testimony here.

Varia
Only in Canada?
‘I can’t leave him’: Sask. tow truck driver rescues moose trapped in ice
“Bring some blankets out — I’ve got a moose.”
Clint Gottinger hadn’t envisioned having to say those eight words to his wife after a long day’s work last Saturday. But there he was, pulling up to their family home with a cold, tired moose on the deck of his tow truck.

Federal budget update includes plan to cut back on management consultants
The move would save $450 million in 2027-2028 and $900 million in 2028-2029, according to the outlook released Tuesday by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. He says the reduction will allow existing talent within the public service to be relied on more heavily.
Last year, about $5.1 billion was spent on external consulting services to cover costs for training, information technology services and scientific advice.

With respect to certain remarks about Toyota being “behind the curve”, Peter Frise submits this from Automotive News: Toyota blasted through American tariffs to rack up record global sales of 11.28 million vehicles in its just-ended fiscal year, on highest-ever U.S. deliveries and hybrid volume.
Total retail sales for Toyota Motor Corp. advanced 2.5 percent in the fiscal year ended March 31, including shipments from its Daihatsu minicar and Hino truckmaking subsidiaries. The Lexus premium division also posted all-time high sales worldwide, the company said April 27. …

Very sad to learn that Barney Frank is entering hospice care A liberal icon who served in the House from 1981 to 2013, and was a key architect of the landmark Wall Street regulations Democrats enacted in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. His name is synonymous with Democrats’ last signature achievement in the financial policy space — a sweeping 2010 rewrite of Wall Street oversight known as the Dodd-Frank Act that put new scrutiny on U.S. banks.
He has entered hospice care at his home in Maine. And as one of his last acts, he is preparing to release a book repudiating his party’s left flank.

The Kentucky Derby
Saturday, 2 May at approximately 6:57 p.m.ET
Kentucky Derby favorite Renegade faces uphill battle after drawing unfavorable starting position
Renegade not only won that Arkansas Derby, he was slated as the 4-1 pick in this year’s Kentucky Derby following yesterday’s post position draw.
Except Renegade’s run will not come without complications. The Todd Pletcher-trained horse drew the dreaded No. 1 position, starting on the rail in the 20-horse field, which can be a traffic nightmare as the horses run for the first turn. The last horse to win from the rail was Ferdinand, a full 40 years ago.

For American friends and dual citizens – do NOT renew your passport at the State Department in DC until next year.
US will issue commemorative passports with Trump’s picture for America’s 250th birthday
but only if you apply in D.C. and ask for it. Ha!
The concept for the special passport includes a rendering of President Donald Trump’s face, making him the first living president to be featured in the travel document.

The Ballroom Truthers Have a Theory (see Long reads)
The fake-assassination-attempt conspiracy keeps growing.
First came the shooting. Then, the conspiracy theories.
The shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner has sparked conspiracy theories on the left and the right that it was staged to drum up support for Trump and his ballroom.
National Trust says it won’t drop suit against Trump’s $400M White House ballroom after DOJ request
Preservationists are pressing ahead with their lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom, declining a request by the Department of Justice to withdraw the complaint following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday.
Trump and other conservatives have made a renewed push for the ballroom in the wake of Saturday’s media dinner shooting, arguing it exposed the difficulties in ensuring presidential security at large events outside the White House grounds, and urging the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its lawsuit.

Long reads/viewings
The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington
The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.

Global Economy in the Shadow of War
The global economy faces renewed tests as the war in the Middle East threatens to disrupt growth and disinflation.

The Forces of Scarcity Hitting Asia May Soon Spread Across the World
The Asia-Pacific was hit hard and quick by the war in Iran and its energy bottlenecks. Scenes of crisis there indicate that problems are multiplying and spreading.
Many countries across the Asia-Pacific are experiencing sudden jolts of disruption that they are struggling to manage, with some comparing the crisis’s breakdowns and scope to the Covid pandemic.

A Pillar of the Economics Establishment Admits That It Was Wrong
In a new report, the World Bank thinks better of its old free-market absolutism.

The Ballroom Truthers Have a Theory
The fake-assassination-attempt conspiracy keeps growing.