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WATCH:  Flooding sends ice chunks into Michigan homes

WATCH: Flooding sends ice chunks into Michigan homes

Summary

Flooding in Michigan caused rivers and creeks to overflow. This led to large chunks of ice being pushed into some homes.

Key Facts

  • Heavy flooding is happening in Michigan.
  • Rivers and creeks have risen above their banks.
  • The floodwaters are carrying chunks of ice.
  • Some homes in Michigan were hit by these ice chunks.
  • Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee is tracking the situation.
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Iran seizes ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Iran seizes ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Summary

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz shortly after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely. The ceasefire will last until Iran agrees to negotiate a new deal, but tensions rose after the attacks.

Key Facts

  • The IRGC attacked multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz on a Wednesday.
  • President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely.
  • The ceasefire extension depends on Iran agreeing to negotiate a new deal.
  • The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations reported an IRGC gunboat firing on a container ship.
  • The attacks happened less than a day after the ceasefire was extended.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway used for international shipping.
  • The events highlight ongoing tensions between Iran and other countries in the region.
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UK bans a generation of children from smoking: How it works

UK bans a generation of children from smoking: How it works

Summary

The United Kingdom has passed a new law banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008, aiming to create a smoke-free generation. The law raises the smoking age every year starting in 2027 and restricts vaping in certain public spaces to protect children’s health.

Key Facts

  • The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was approved by both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
  • People born after January 1, 2009, will never be legally allowed to buy tobacco products.
  • The legal smoking age will increase by one year every year starting in 2027.
  • The law targets sellers of tobacco products; buyers will not be punished.
  • Vaping is banned in playgrounds, outside schools, hospitals, and cars with children, but allowed in some outdoor areas like pub gardens.
  • The government expects up to 1.7 million fewer smokers by 2075 because of this law.
  • Tobacco and vaping products can no longer be advertised or packaged to appeal to children.
  • A 2024 public poll showed strong UK support, with 78% backing the smoke-free generation idea.
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EU gives preliminary approval to unblock 90-bn-euro Ukraine loan

EU gives preliminary approval to unblock 90-bn-euro Ukraine loan

Summary

European Union (EU) member countries have given preliminary approval to release a 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine. The final approval depends on Hungary confirming the decision within 24 hours, following a dispute over oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.

Key Facts

  • The EU agreed to unlock a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine on April 22, 2026.
  • Hungary had delayed the loan approval due to issues related to oil delivery via the Druzhba pipeline.
  • Ukraine repaired the Druzhba pipeline after a months-long conflict over oil supplies.
  • Hungary now has 24 hours to give final approval for the loan release.
  • Cyprus, holding the EU presidency, announced the start of a written process for final loan approval.
  • The 27 EU member states have all agreed on the preliminary decision.
  • The loan aims to support Ukraine’s financial needs amid ongoing challenges.
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Iranian economy: Layoffs, inflation add to sanctions pain amid war

Iranian economy: Layoffs, inflation add to sanctions pain amid war

Summary

The conflict involving the US and Israel has caused serious economic problems in Iran. The country faces rising prices, job losses, and internet blackouts, leading to uncertainty for workers.

Key Facts

  • Iran is experiencing a deep economic crisis linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel.
  • Inflation in Iran is rising, making goods and services more expensive.
  • Many people in Iran are losing their jobs amid economic troubles.
  • The Iranian government has imposed internet blackouts, affecting communication.
  • Workers in Iran feel uncertain about their economic future due to these challenges.
  • The situation is connected to international sanctions against Iran.
  • The news report was issued on April 22, 2026.
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In south Lebanon village, Hezbollah buries fighters killed in war with Israel

In south Lebanon village, Hezbollah buries fighters killed in war with Israel

Summary

Hezbollah held a funeral in a village in southern Lebanon for more than a dozen fighters who died in fighting with Israel. This event happened after a 10-day ceasefire began, announced by President Donald Trump, following several weeks of conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • The funeral was held in Kfar Sir, a village in southern Lebanon.
  • More than a dozen Hezbollah fighters who died in the recent war were buried.
  • The conflict lasted for over six weeks between Hezbollah (backed by Iran) and Israel.
  • Israel launched large air strikes and carried out a ground invasion in Lebanon last month.
  • Hezbollah has not released the total number of fighters killed in the fighting.
  • A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon started last Friday.
  • The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump.
  • Iran supports Hezbollah in this conflict.
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Ukraine to restart oil flows via Druzhba pipeline, potentially unblocking EU's loan

Ukraine to restart oil flows via Druzhba pipeline, potentially unblocking EU's loan

Summary

Ukraine will restart oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline on Wednesday after completing repairs following a Russian attack. President Zelenskiy has urged the European Union to release a 90-billion-euro loan that is currently frozen due to disagreements over the pipeline.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine stopped oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline after a Russian attack damaged a pumping station in January.
  • The pipeline supplies oil to European countries, including Hungary and Slovakia.
  • These countries depend on Russian oil delivered through Druzhba and were unhappy about the suspension.
  • Repairs to the pipeline were completed and oil flows will resume this Wednesday.
  • President Zelenskiy has called on the EU to unblock a large loan worth 90 billion euros.
  • The loan is on hold because of disputes linked to the pipeline issue.
  • Restarting the oil flow aims to ease tensions and support energy supplies in Europe.
  • The situation is significant for European energy security and financial negotiations.
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Devastated Gaza will need over $70 billion to rebuild, international report warns

Devastated Gaza will need over $70 billion to rebuild, international report warns

Summary

A report from the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank says Gaza will need more than $70 billion over the next ten years to rebuild after the damage caused by over two years of fighting. The conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to war in the Gaza area.

Key Facts

  • Gaza has suffered serious destruction from fighting that lasted more than two years.
  • The report was issued by the UN, the EU, and the World Bank.
  • They estimate the rebuilding cost will be over $70 billion.
  • The conflict started after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
  • The war took place in the Palestinian territory known as Gaza.
  • The rebuilding effort will likely take about ten years.
  • The report highlights the need for major international support to restore Gaza.
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Peru's electoral commission chief resigns over chaotic vote

Peru's electoral commission chief resigns over chaotic vote

Summary

The head of Peru’s electoral commission resigned after problems during the presidential election on April 12. Many voters in the capital city could not vote on time because of logistical issues, causing delays and confusion.

Key Facts

  • Peru held a presidential election on April 12, 2026.
  • The election was marked by voter frustration with corruption in politics.
  • There were major problems organizing the vote in Lima, Peru’s capital.
  • Tens of thousands of voters could not cast their ballots on election day.
  • Voting continued into the next day to complete the process.
  • The electoral commission chief resigned on April 22, 2026.
  • He stepped down hours before being questioned by prosecutors about the problems.
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Supreme Court rejects bid to revoke adoption of sisters

Supreme Court rejects bid to revoke adoption of sisters

Summary

The UK Supreme Court rejected a woman’s request to cancel her adoption of two sisters, ruling that adoption is meant to be permanent. The children, now adults, chose to live with their birth mother, but the court said undoing adoption could harm the adoption system.

Key Facts

  • A woman asked the UK Supreme Court to cancel her adoption of two sisters now aged 18 and 19.
  • The children had resumed contact and moved back to live with their birth mother.
  • The adoptive mother supported the request based on the children's wishes, not because she rejected them.
  • The court said adoption should be permanent and only reversed in rare cases of mistakes.
  • Experts warned canceling adoptions could make it harder to find adoptive parents and create uncertainty.
  • UK law supports adoption permanence to protect children and ensure safety.
  • The local authority and Department for Education opposed revoking the adoption except in extreme situations.
  • The court allowed the sisters to change their surnames back to their birth mother’s.
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Israeli settlers set Palestinian home on fire in occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers set Palestinian home on fire in occupied West Bank

Summary

A group of Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home in the West Bank during the night. Eight people, including a one-year-old child, were hurt, and the settlers stopped the family from escaping the burning house.

Key Facts

  • The fire happened in the occupied West Bank.
  • Israeli settlers carried out the attack.
  • A Palestinian family’s home was set on fire overnight.
  • The family was stopped from escaping the fire.
  • Eight people were injured in the attack.
  • One of the injured is a one-year-old child.
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Venezuela: 'Repressive apparatus remains in place,' says Amnesty International

Venezuela: 'Repressive apparatus remains in place,' says Amnesty International

Summary

Amnesty International says that Venezuela’s government still uses strong control and repression after President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power. Human rights groups warn that the state’s system to control and punish people continues to operate.

Key Facts

  • Amnesty International released a warning about Venezuela’s government repression on April 22, 2026.
  • Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has been overthrown recently.
  • Despite Maduro’s removal, the government’s control and punishment system remains intact.
  • The warning highlights ongoing issues with human rights in Venezuela.
  • The report was covered in a video by Mandi Heshmati.
  • The situation reflects concerns over political freedom and safety in Venezuela.
  • Amnesty International is tracking similar human rights issues globally.
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First Thing: Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’

First Thing: Trump announces extension of Iran ceasefire until ‘discussion concluded’

Summary

President Donald Trump announced he will extend a two-week ceasefire with Iran until Iran submits a peace proposal. Iran’s lead negotiator dismissed the extension as a delay tactic, and there is disagreement within Iran about how to respond to US pressure.

Key Facts

  • President Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran until Tehran offers a peace proposal.
  • Trump previously made strong statements suggesting military action but shifted to extending the truce.
  • Iran’s parliamentary speaker and lead negotiator called the ceasefire extension a tactic to prepare for a surprise attack.
  • Analysts say Iranian leaders are divided on how to deal with Washington and the risks of further conflict.
  • The ceasefire extension comes amid complicated diplomatic efforts to restart peace talks.
  • Separately, Virginia voters approved new congressional maps that favor Democrats.
  • The Trump administration is considering relocating about 1,100 Afghans who helped US forces to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • El Salvador has begun mass trials of alleged gang members amid a government crackdown on gangs.
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Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Branded 'Sad Embarrassment'

Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Branded 'Sad Embarrassment'

Summary

A new statue to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday has caused mixed reactions on social media. The statue shows the Queen standing in robes symbolizing her official role, replacing an earlier design where she was on horseback.

Key Facts

  • Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, and around 28 million people watched her funeral on TV in the UK.
  • The statue is part of a memorial to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday.
  • Multiple designs were proposed; the final choice shows the Queen standing in the robes of the Order of the Garter.
  • An earlier design depicted her riding a horse, which was dropped because it focused more on her hobby than her public duties.
  • The new statue is inspired by a famous 1955 portrait of the Queen by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni.
  • The monument will be over 7 meters tall and located near Buckingham Palace in St James’s Park.
  • Some people expressed disappointment online, calling the memorial less impressive than others across the Commonwealth.
  • The sculptor aimed to emphasize the Queen’s role as Head of State in a traditional royal style.
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Rabbi who bulldozed Palestinian homes selected for Israel's national celebration

Rabbi who bulldozed Palestinian homes selected for Israel's national celebration

Summary

An extremist Israeli rabbi known for destroying Palestinian homes has been chosen to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day celebration. Human rights groups say this choice supports ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

Key Facts

  • The Rabbi bulldozed Palestinian homes and documented his actions in Gaza.
  • He is one of 14 people selected for their "extraordinary contribution to society and the state" in Israel.
  • Human rights campaigners criticize the choice as endorsing ethnic cleansing.
  • Two Israeli soldiers were jailed for damaging a statue of Jesus in Lebanon, showing growing hostility toward Christians.
  • Europe's Court of Justice ruled Hungary violated EU law by banning children from LGBTQ content.
  • Russia is investigating its largest book publisher’s CEO over LGBTQ content in a book about a gay relationship in Soviet times.
  • Temperature sensors at Paris's airport showed unusual spikes, raising suspicions of market manipulation linked to betting on weather outcomes.
  • A study found women receive poorer investment advice than men and are funneled into higher-fee funds by financial advisers.
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Kyrie Irving changes Instagram photo to show solidarity with Palestine

Kyrie Irving changes Instagram photo to show solidarity with Palestine

Summary

Basketball player Kyrie Irving changed his Instagram picture to show support for Palestinian children blocked from school by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. The image shows a young boy sitting near a barbed wire fence with Israeli soldiers behind it, highlighting the conflict surrounding Palestinian access to education.

Key Facts

  • Kyrie Irving updated his Instagram profile to feature a Palestinian child blocked from school by Israeli soldiers.
  • The photo shows a boy sitting with a book near a barbed wire fence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
  • In Umm al-Khair, a barbed wire fence set up by settlers blocks children’s route to school.
  • Israeli soldiers have refused to remove the fence, despite it being unauthorized and Palestinians facing demolition orders for lacking building permits.
  • Children trying to bypass the fence have been met with tear gas and sound grenades from soldiers.
  • Palestinian children sat near the fence doing schoolwork they had been denied for over 50 days.
  • Kyrie Irving has previously shown support for Palestinians through clothing and appearances at NBA events.
  • Since October 2025, Israel has repeatedly violated a ceasefire in Gaza, continuing attacks and restricting humanitarian aid.
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1 of 6 missing crew found dead after typhoon flipped U.S.-flagged ship

1 of 6 missing crew found dead after typhoon flipped U.S.-flagged ship

Summary

One of six missing crew members from a U.S.-flagged cargo ship was found dead after the ship overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands during a typhoon. Search teams from the U.S., Japan, Guam, and New Zealand continue to look for the remaining five crew members.

Key Facts

  • The ship named Mariana lost its starboard engine during Super Typhoon Sinlaku and overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • The missing crew members number six; one body was recovered using an underwater drone.
  • Search efforts involve U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Guam, and New Zealand covering over 99,000 square miles.
  • The ship sent a distress signal on April 15, and contact was lost the following day.
  • The overturned ship was found about 40 miles northeast of Pagan Island and had drifted 26 nautical miles from the initial location.
  • Debris, including an empty life raft, was spotted about 110 miles from the ship.
  • Super Typhoon Sinlaku brought winds up to 175 mph, causing damage to the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Cleanup was underway on Saipan amid continuing bad weather conditions after the storm.
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Ghosts, nudes and lesbian pageant queens: highlights from NYC’s Photography Show – in pictures

Ghosts, nudes and lesbian pageant queens: highlights from NYC’s Photography Show – in pictures

Summary

The article highlights various photographers and their works displayed at New York City’s Photography Show. It features a wide range of styles and themes, including body imagery, cultural motifs, psychological portraits, and social activism from artists around the world.

Key Facts

  • Bill Brandt was a photographer who worked in Vienna and later captured female nudes and wartime conditions.
  • Spanish artists Anna Cabrera and Angel Albarrán use Japanese paper and gold leaf in their work.
  • Mexican photographer Tania Franco Klein explores daily online life anxieties in her art.
  • Ruth Thorne-Thomsen creates images inspired by mythology and human psychology.
  • Joan Lyons uses feminist perspectives to challenge traditional photography.
  • Andy Mattern discovers “ghost” images formed by old photo layers pressed together.
  • Rania Matar focuses on female adolescence and womanhood, drawing from her Lebanese-American background.
  • Zanele Muholi documents the lives of lesbian women as a visual activist.
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Stern warning: one man’s mission to clear the rotting boats poisoning Cornwall’s creeks

Stern warning: one man’s mission to clear the rotting boats poisoning Cornwall’s creeks

Summary

Steve Green, a boat engineer in Cornwall, is working to remove 166 abandoned fibreglass yachts from Cornwall’s creeks because they leak plastic and toxins into the water. These old boats are difficult and costly to dispose of properly, leading many owners to abandon them, which harms marine life and the environment.

Key Facts

  • Steve Green uses an old campervan, named Cecil, with a crane to remove abandoned yachts.
  • There are 166 abandoned fibreglass yachts leaking harmful substances into the Helford and Fal rivers in Cornwall.
  • Fibreglass shards found in sea creatures near the wrecks have been compared to asbestos in terms of harmful effects.
  • Many yachts from the 1960s and 1970s are reaching the end of their lifespan without plans for safe disposal.
  • Disposal costs range from £1,200 to £3,000 per boat, which discourages owners from removing them properly.
  • Green’s organisation, Clean Ocean Sailing, relies on volunteers, small grants, and crowdfunding.
  • Boats can be abandoned easily because owners do not need a license for coastal waters and are often untraceable.
  • The task is expensive and time-consuming, forcing Green to spend personal money and balance his family life with environmental efforts.
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Nuclear Dust—What Is It and Can Trump Actually Get It Out Of Iran?

Nuclear Dust—What Is It and Can Trump Actually Get It Out Of Iran?

Summary

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. might send forces into Iran to retrieve highly enriched uranium, which he calls "nuclear dust." This uranium can be used to make nuclear weapons, and its control is a major issue in U.S.-Iran relations.

Key Facts

  • "Nuclear dust" refers to highly enriched uranium stored deep underground in Iran.
  • Iran’s uranium is enriched up to 60%, close to the 90% needed for nuclear bombs.
  • The 2015 Iran nuclear deal limited enrichment to 3.67%, but Iran left the deal after Trump withdrew the U.S. in his first term.
  • The U.S. and Israel carried out bomb strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 to damage these facilities.
  • Despite strikes, Iran’s highly enriched uranium remains unaccounted for and is believed to be at the Isfahan site.
  • Experts say taking uranium from Iran without its cooperation would be very difficult.
  • The U.N. nuclear watchdog found no clear proof Iran was building nuclear weapons but confirmed an active nuclear program.
  • "Nuclear dust" may also mean uranium hexafluoride gas used in uranium enrichment centrifuges.
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