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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Announcements by President Trump and Iran’s officials caused confusion and stopped progress toward peace between the two countries. Iran declared it would block shipping through the strategic Hormuz Strait and would not export its enriched uranium, ending hopes for negotiations.
Key Facts
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that commercial ships could pass through the Hormuz Strait during a ceasefire.
His post was unclear and led to backlash within Iran, with some calling for his impeachment.
Iranian news agencies linked to the Revolutionary Guard said the post was incomplete and caused confusion.
President Trump thanked Iran publicly, incorrectly saying Iran agreed to open the strait and export uranium.
Hardliners in Iran rejected Araghchi’s statements and insisted the strait remained controlled by the Revolutionary Guard.
Iran said it would not resume talks with the US due to excessive US demands.
President Trump threatened to restart bombing after the ceasefire expires.
Iran’s foreign policy is strongly influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which opposed concessions to the US.
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The Lone Bellow is a music group that started over 10 years ago with a folk style from Brooklyn. They recently released a new album called "What a Time to Be Alive" and performed their song "You Were Leaving" on CBS News Saturday Sessions.
Key Facts
The Lone Bellow is a band known for a folk-inspired sound.
The group started playing music more than 10 years ago.
They come from Brooklyn, New York.
Their latest album is titled "What a Time to Be Alive."
They performed the song "You Were Leaving" on CBS News Saturday Sessions.
The performance is available to watch on the CBS News app.
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The Lone Bellow, a band known for their folk-style music from Brooklyn, performed their song "No Getting Over You" on CBS News Saturday Sessions. They have been making music for over 10 years and recently released a new album called "What a Time to Be Alive."
Key Facts
The Lone Bellow is a music band that started more than 10 years ago.
Their music style combines folk and sounds inspired by Brooklyn.
They recently released an album titled "What a Time to Be Alive."
The song "No Getting Over You" is featured in this new album.
The band performed this song on CBS News Saturday Sessions.
The performance was available to watch on the CBS News app and website.
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The Lone Bellow, a band known for their folk music with a Brooklyn style, performed the song "I Did It For Love." The band has been playing for over 10 years and recently released a new album called "What a Time to Be Alive."
Key Facts
The Lone Bellow is a music band with a folksy sound influenced by Brooklyn.
They have been playing music for more than 10 years.
Their latest album is titled "What a Time to Be Alive."
They performed the song "I Did It For Love."
The performance was featured in CBS News Saturday Sessions.
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A French peacekeeper was killed and three others were injured in southern Lebanon after a UN patrol came under gunfire. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) said the attack was deliberate, while French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Hezbollah, which denied any involvement.
Key Facts
One French peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded in southern Lebanon during a UN patrol mission.
The attack happened while they were clearing explosives to reopen a UN position cut off by recent fighting.
French President Macron blamed Hezbollah for the attack, but Hezbollah denied any connection.
The incident took place shortly after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon began on April 16.
The Lebanese Armed Forces are investigating and working closely with Unifil to respond to the situation.
Unifil condemned the attack and called deliberate attacks on peacekeepers violations of international law that could be war crimes.
The peacekeeping mission in Lebanon started in 1978 to monitor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese government.
Over 330 peacekeepers have been killed since the start of the mission.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola as part of his tour in Africa to share messages about peace, hope, and human dignity. He plans to speak against corruption and exploitation while meeting government leaders in a country with a history of war and poverty despite its rich natural resources.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Angola after visiting Cameroon on his African tour.
He spoke to large crowds and emphasized peace, human dignity, and helping those in need.
Angola has a history of a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002 causing over 500,000 deaths.
Angola is rich in oil, diamonds, gold, and critical minerals but many people still live in poverty.
The Pope criticized corruption and exploitation in African countries during his visit.
Angola’s government has promised to fight corruption after billions were allegedly stolen by the previous president’s family.
The country was a major center of the trans-Atlantic slave trade during its time as a Portuguese colony.
Pope Leo is meeting Angola’s President Joao Lourenco and will address government authorities.
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Iran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, a key global shipping route, citing a U.S. blockade of its ports in the area. However, President Donald Trump stated that the waterway remains fully open.
Key Facts
Iran claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz again.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global oil shipments.
Iran says the closure is because the U.S. has blocked its ports in the region.
President Donald Trump said on the previous day that the Strait of Hormuz is still completely open.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.
The closure could affect international shipping and global oil markets.
The U.S. uses a naval presence to enforce its blockade near Iran.
Both sides have conflicting statements about the status of the waterway.
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Pope Leo XIV said he is not interested in debating President Donald Trump. He made the remark while traveling to Angola and explained that some recent comments were written before Trump had responded to him.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV spoke on a plane en route to Angola.
He addressed recent remarks related to President Donald Trump.
The pope clarified that his comments were prepared two weeks before Trump’s statements.
Pope Leo said he is not trying to debate President Trump.
The comments caused some people to think the pope was responding to Trump, which he denies.
The pope is currently on an 11-day trip to Africa.
The news report was published on April 18, 2026.
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Pope Leo XIV said he does not want to debate U.S. President Donald Trump about the war involving Iran, but he will continue to promote peace based on the Gospel message. The Pope spoke to reporters on a flight during his visit to Africa and emphasized his comments are about all wars, not just the Iran conflict.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day pastoral visit to Africa.
He declined to debate President Trump about the Iran war.
The Pope focuses on preaching peace and dialogue in all global conflicts.
President Trump criticized the Pope’s peace message on his social media platform.
Trump accused the Pope of being soft on crime and politically left-leaning.
The Pope called Trump’s threat against Iran “truly unacceptable.”
The Vatican says the Pope’s calls for peace cover all wars, not only the Iran conflict.
The Pope condemned using religion to justify war, referencing conflicts like Ukraine and Iran.
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UNICEF said it is very upset after Israeli forces killed two drivers delivering clean water in Gaza. The attack happened at a water filling station in northern Gaza, and two more people were hurt.
Key Facts
The killed drivers were working for UNICEF to bring clean water to families in Gaza.
The attack happened on a Friday morning at Mansoura water filling point near Gaza City.
Two other people were wounded in the same attack.
UNICEF stopped its activities at the site and asked Israeli authorities to investigate the incident.
UNICEF emphasized that workers providing help and important services, like water, should not be targeted.
Over 750 Palestinians have died since a ceasefire started last October, according to Palestinian health authorities.
More than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since fighting began in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces recently killed a Palestinian man and reported killing someone carrying a knife in a settlement.
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Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Both countries are using pressure tactics related to port blockades while they continue talks in Islamabad, making quick progress unlikely.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway vital for global oil shipments.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to a U.S. blockade of its ports.
The United States is maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports as part of its pressure strategy.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing in Islamabad.
Both sides use these maritime actions to gain leverage in talks.
Experts view these moves as mutual pressure tactics rather than direct conflict.
No quick resolution is expected because of the ongoing standoff and complex issues involved.
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