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U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity

U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity

Summary

U.K. police are investigating an arson attack on a building in north London that used to house a Jewish charity. The fire was started late at night, but it caused only minor damage and no injuries. Police are treating this as part of several recent attacks targeting Jewish sites in the area.

Key Facts

  • The fire happened in the Hendon neighborhood of north London late Friday night.
  • A man was seen placing a bag with three bottles containing a flammable liquid by the building and lighting it.
  • The bottles did not fully catch fire, and the man ran away.
  • No one was hurt in the attack, which caused minimal damage to a doorway.
  • Police said this incident is not directly linked to other recent attacks but is being investigated by counterterrorism officers because of similarities.
  • Two people were arrested recently for a separate arson attack on a North London synagogue.
  • Four Jewish community ambulances were also set on fire in late March in the same general area.
  • A group linked to Iran has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Jewish and media sites in the U.K. and Europe.
  • The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the U.K. in 2025, marking a very high number.
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‘No regrets’: Venezuela’s Machado defends giving Nobel medal to Trump

‘No regrets’: Venezuela’s Machado defends giving Nobel medal to Trump

Summary

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House meeting soon after he ordered a military attempt to capture Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro. Machado says she has no regrets about the gift and believes the US plays an important role in Venezuela’s future democratic changes.

Key Facts

  • Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela.
  • Machado gave the Nobel medal to President Donald Trump in January at the White House.
  • The gift came two weeks after Trump ordered US forces to try to capture Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
  • Maduro is currently detained in the US and faces drug trafficking charges.
  • The Nobel Committee says the prize cannot be transferred or shared with others.
  • Machado supports US involvement in Venezuela’s democratic transition and is coordinating her return with US officials.
  • President Trump has questioned Machado’s influence in Venezuela and endorses Maduro’s former vice president as interim leader.
  • Machado was banned from running in Venezuela’s 2024 disputed presidential election and has not said if she will run in the future.
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Colombia fights female genital mutilation

Colombia fights female genital mutilation

Summary

In Colombia’s Risaralda region, some Indigenous Embera communities continue the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which can cause serious health problems. For the first time, the Colombian Congress is discussing a law to ban FGM, supported by Indigenous women who want to stop this practice.

Key Facts

  • Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still practiced in some Embera Indigenous communities in Colombia’s Risaralda region.
  • FGM can lead to infections, childbirth complications, and even death.
  • This practice is traditional but poses severe health risks.
  • Colombian Congress is currently debating a bill to legally ban FGM.
  • Indigenous women are actively involved in pushing for the law to end FGM.
  • This is the first time such a law is being considered in Colombia.
  • The effort reflects growing attention to Indigenous rights and women's health in the country.
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Hit TV show "Schmigadoon!" readies for its Broadway debut

Hit TV show "Schmigadoon!" readies for its Broadway debut

Summary

The writer Cinco Paul, known for movies like "Despicable Me," is turning the Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" into a Broadway show. He talked about this new project on "CBS Saturday Morning."

Key Facts

  • Cinco Paul is a screenwriter famous for "Despicable Me" and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"
  • He is adapting the TV show "Schmigadoon!" for a Broadway stage production.
  • "Schmigadoon!" is a popular series on Apple TV+.
  • Cinco Paul discussed this adaptation on the TV program "CBS Saturday Morning."
  • The Broadway show is expected to bring the story of "Schmigadoon!" to a live theater audience.
  • The move connects TV entertainment with live Broadway performances.
  • This project is part of Cinco Paul’s ongoing work in entertainment and storytelling.
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Two more Reform local election candidates accused of offensive posts

Two more Reform local election candidates accused of offensive posts

Summary

Two more candidates running for Reform UK in local elections were found to have posted offensive or racist comments on social media. Separately, Restore Britain, a party formed by an ex-Reform MP, accepted a donation from a supporter who publicly expressed support for Hitler and far-right views.

Key Facts

  • Reform UK is facing criticism for poor checks on its local election candidates after offensive social media posts were revealed.
  • Alan Stay, a Reform candidate on the Isle of Wight, shared racist and sexist posts including use of a racial slur.
  • Caroline Panetta, a Reform candidate in outer London, retweeted anti-Islam messages and called Islam a “religion of rape, incest and paedophilia.”
  • The Labour party chair criticized Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, urging him to remove these candidates from the party.
  • Rupert Lowe left Reform UK last year and formed Restore Britain, a hard-right party calling for mass deportations from the UK.
  • Restore Britain has about 4% support in recent polls and attracts far-right activists.
  • A Restore Britain supporter named Miles Routledge tweeted in favor of Hitler and threatened journalists if he gained power.
  • Both Reform UK and Restore Britain have faced controversy over extremist and racist connections linked to some members.
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Strong winds leave heavy damage in the Midwest

Strong winds leave heavy damage in the Midwest

Summary

Strong winds and tornadoes hit parts of the Midwest, causing heavy damage to homes, power lines, and roads across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Despite the destruction, no deaths were reported, and emergency teams are helping affected communities recover.

Key Facts

  • Tornadoes and strong winds struck rural areas in the Upper Midwest on Friday and Saturday.
  • Severe damage included roofs torn off homes, downed power lines, and blocked roads.
  • No deaths or serious injuries were reported after the storms.
  • In Wisconsin, towns like Kronenwetter and Ringle suffered heavy damage, with some residents trapped in basements.
  • Minnesota officials reported damage to at least 30 homes in Marion Township.
  • Local crews went door-to-door checking on people’s safety.
  • The National Weather Service will survey the damaged areas to confirm tornado activity.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker confirmed that state emergency agencies are assisting with the response.
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Ukrainian police shoot dead gunman who killed at least 5 and took hostages in a supermarket

Ukrainian police shoot dead gunman who killed at least 5 and took hostages in a supermarket

Summary

A gunman killed at least five people in Kyiv, Ukraine, before taking hostages in a supermarket. Police stormed the store, killed the attacker, and rescued the hostages.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv.
  • At least five people died, and 10 were taken to the hospital.
  • The gunman barricaded himself inside a supermarket after the initial shootings.
  • Police tried to negotiate with the attacker but failed.
  • Special police units entered the store and shot the gunman while he resisted arrest.
  • Bystanders near the scene were safely moved away.
  • The head of Ukraine’s Interior Ministry gave the update about the police operation.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties and hospitalizations.
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The youngest man to walk on the moon reflects on U.S. space exploration

The youngest man to walk on the moon reflects on U.S. space exploration

Summary

Charles Duke, the youngest man to walk on the moon during the 1972 Apollo 16 mission, shared his thoughts on the history and future of U.S. space exploration. He spoke about these topics in an interview on CBS Saturday Morning, amid the recent Artemis II moon mission.

Key Facts

  • Charles Duke walked on the moon in 1972 as part of the Apollo 16 mission.
  • He was the youngest person to set foot on the moon.
  • Duke is a former NASA astronaut and Air Force officer.
  • He gave an interview discussing U.S. space exploration history and progress.
  • The interview took place during the time of the Artemis II moon mission.
  • Artemis II is a recent NASA mission aiming to return humans to the moon.
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CBS takes a rare look inside the Strait of Hormuz

CBS takes a rare look inside the Strait of Hormuz

Summary

CBS News recently showed a rare report from inside the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow and important waterway. The U.S. is continuing its blockade of Iranian ports in this area, which is a key point for shipping and international trade.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
  • It is a very important route for oil and other goods transported by ships.
  • The United States is currently enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports located near the strait.
  • CBS News aired a rare inside look at the strait during this blockade.
  • The blockade affects shipping and trade in the region.
  • The news report appeared on "CBS Saturday Morning."
  • The Strait of Hormuz is often a focus of international political and military attention because of its strategic importance.
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WATCH:  'Oldchellas' spread cheer

WATCH: 'Oldchellas' spread cheer

Summary

A group of seniors called the “Oldchellas” attended the Coachella music festival, where they shared advice and held up inspiring signs to encourage festival visitors. Their presence brought a positive and uplifting vibe to the event.

Key Facts

  • A group of seniors calls themselves the “Oldchellas.”
  • They attended the Coachella music festival.
  • The seniors shared advice with festivalgoers.
  • They held signs with inspirational messages.
  • Their goal was to spread cheer and positivity at the festival.
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At least two dead as gunman opens fire and takes hostages in Kyiv

At least two dead as gunman opens fire and takes hostages in Kyiv

Summary

A gunman opened fire in Kyiv, Ukraine, killing at least two people and injuring several others. The attacker took hostages in a supermarket before being killed by police.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv.
  • At least two people died in the attack.
  • Several others were injured, including a child.
  • About 10 people were taken to the hospital.
  • The gunman took hostages inside a supermarket.
  • The attacker shot at police officers before police killed him.
  • The information came from Kyiv’s mayor and Ukraine’s Interior Minister.
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“Lords of war.” Brazil’s president condemns UN Security Council

“Lords of war.” Brazil’s president condemns UN Security Council

Summary

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. He called them “Lords of War” and urged them to stop behaving like rulers and fighting against poorer countries.

Key Facts

  • Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke about the UN Security Council.
  • He called the five permanent members “Lords of War.”
  • The five permanent members include countries with special status in the UN Security Council.
  • Lula da Silva said these countries act like “emperors.”
  • He accused them of waging war on poorer nations.
  • The statement reflects criticism of how some powerful countries use their position in the UN.
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Replay : Donald Trump holds briefing amid Hormuz tension

Replay : Donald Trump holds briefing amid Hormuz tension

Summary

President Donald Trump held a live briefing on April 18, 2026, regarding rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced it would close the strait again while the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports.

Key Facts

  • The briefing took place at the White House on April 18, 2026.
  • Iran declared it would close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
  • The U.S. has a port blockade against Iran.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international oil shipments.
  • Tensions have increased between the U.S. and Iran over control of this region.
  • This situation affects global trade and Middle East security.
  • The report was provided by France 24 journalist Andrew Hilliar.
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'Several dead' as gunman opens fire in Kyiv, mayor says

'Several dead' as gunman opens fire in Kyiv, mayor says

Summary

A man opened fire in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, Ukraine, killing two people and injuring five. The gunman then locked himself inside a supermarket, where police are conducting an operation to capture him.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened on Saturday in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv.
  • Two people died and five others were injured.
  • The shooter is currently inside a supermarket.
  • Police are carrying out a special operation to catch the gunman.
  • Mayor Vitaly Klitschko provided the information via Telegram.
  • The shooting inside the supermarket was still ongoing at the time of the report.
  • The incident adds to recent violent events in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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French soldier serving with UNIFIL killed in Lebanon attack

French soldier serving with UNIFIL killed in Lebanon attack

Summary

A French soldier working with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon was killed, and three others were wounded in an attack likely carried out by Hezbollah. The incident happened in southern Lebanon shortly after a ceasefire with Israel began, and investigations into the attack are ongoing.

Key Facts

  • The French soldier was killed by gunfire during a mission to reach an isolated UN post in southern Lebanon.
  • Three other UN peacekeepers were wounded, two seriously.
  • The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is called UNIFIL and has been active since 1978.
  • UNIFIL and French officials suspect Hezbollah, an armed group in Lebanon, was responsible for the attack.
  • Hezbollah denied involvement and urged caution before conclusions are made.
  • Lebanese leaders condemned the attack and launched investigations.
  • The attack happened days after a 10-day ceasefire began between Israel and Lebanon.
  • Violence in Lebanon is linked to the larger conflict involving the US, Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.
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Pope Leo urges Cameroon to reject violence

Pope Leo urges Cameroon to reject violence

Summary

Pope Leo XIV visited Cameroon during his 11-day trip to Africa. At a large Mass with over 100,000 people, he asked the crowd to reject violence.

Key Facts

  • Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day trip across Africa.
  • He stopped in Cameroon as part of this visit.
  • More than 100,000 people attended the Mass he led.
  • During the Mass, he called on people to say no to violence.
  • The visit was covered by CBS News.
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UNIFIL sheds light on southern Lebanon attack that killed French soldier

UNIFIL sheds light on southern Lebanon attack that killed French soldier

Summary

A French soldier was killed on April 18, 2026, while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL is investigating the attack and working to find out who is responsible.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened in southern Lebanon on April 18, 2026.
  • The victim was a French soldier serving with UNIFIL.
  • UNIFIL is a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
  • The soldier was killed during an attack.
  • UNIFIL’s deputy spokesperson, Tilak Pokharel, provided information about the event.
  • The investigation is ongoing to identify those behind the attack.
  • The attack took place in a region where UNIFIL monitors peace and security between Lebanon and Israel.
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Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices

Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices

Summary

A large part of the United States is experiencing a severe drought, the worst recorded for this time of year. This dry condition may lead to more wildfires, water shortages, and higher food prices, especially in the western and southeastern regions.

Key Facts

  • Over 61% of the Lower 48 U.S. states face moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
  • This is the highest drought level for March since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000.
  • The Palmer Drought Severity Index shows March 2024 as the third-driest month ever recorded.
  • The western U.S. has very low snow levels, which normally supply water during summer.
  • States like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah are dealing with record-low mountain snowpack.
  • A separate drought affects the southern states from Texas to the East Coast due to shifts in the jet stream.
  • Experts warn that heat and drought increase wildfire risks, with fire activity rising faster as the climate warms.
  • Water shortages could soon become widespread, impacting reservoirs and the Colorado River water supply.
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No signs of regime collapse as Iran weathers weeks of war

No signs of regime collapse as Iran weathers weeks of war

Summary

After weeks of strikes by the United States and Israel, Iran's government shows no signs of falling. Despite economic problems and internal tensions, Iran's leaders remain in power while talks about a possible ceasefire continue.

Key Facts

  • The US and Israel have conducted strikes in Iran for several weeks.
  • There are calls from other countries asking for the Iranian government to change.
  • Analysts say Iran’s leadership is still strong and in control.
  • Economic problems, internal repression, and damage from the conflict have increased tensions in Iran.
  • Talks about a ceasefire and possible negotiations are ongoing but uncertain.
  • The conflict involves concerns over Iran’s actions in the Middle East, including control of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Related events include violence in southern Lebanon and disruption at the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The situation in the Middle East remains unstable, with multiple regional issues connected to Iran.
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Eye Opener: Violent tornadoes slam the Midwest

Eye Opener: Violent tornadoes slam the Midwest

Summary

Violent tornadoes hit the Midwest overnight, causing damage and likely affecting many people. At the same time, there are ongoing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in global trade.

Key Facts

  • Strong tornadoes struck the Midwest region during the night.
  • The tornadoes caused damage in affected areas.
  • The Strait of Hormuz remains an area of concern.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is important for international shipping and oil transport.
  • The situation in the Midwest and the Strait of Hormuz are both current news topics.
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