Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has had over 8,000 applications to become air traffic controllers in just 13 hours, many from video gamers. However, experts and social media users warn that becoming a certified air traffic controller is a long and difficult process that can take years, and most applicants do not complete it.
Key Facts
Secretary Duffy claimed the FAA’s effort to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers is very successful.
Over 8,000 people applied for air traffic controller jobs in 13 hours; about 7,250 moved forward in the process.
The FAA is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers in the United States.
A government report showed the number of controllers dropped by 6% in the past decade while flights increased by 10%.
Becoming a certified air traffic controller takes passing tests, security checks, medical exams, and 4–6 months of training plus on-the-job experience.
Only about 2% of applicants complete all training and get certified.
Many people on social media question whether the high number of applications means many new controllers will actually be hired quickly.
The FAA and government say hiring controllers takes time due to the job's difficulty and safety importance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
A man named Shamar Elkins killed eight children, including seven of his own, during a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. The event began as a domestic argument, and two women were also injured. Police shot and killed Elkins during a gunfight.
Key Facts
The shooting happened early on a Sunday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Shamar Elkins killed eight children in the incident.
Seven of the children were Elkins’ own kids.
Two women were shot but survived.
The shooting started as a domestic dispute, meaning it involved family or household members.
Police responded and exchanged gunfire with Elkins.
Elkins was killed by the police during this exchange.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
The U.S. plans to hold new peace talks with Iran in Pakistan, led by Vice President JD Vance. However, Iran says it is not ready for new talks because it disagrees with the U.S. demands. A fragile ceasefire between the two countries is about to end this week.
Key Facts
The Trump administration announced new peace talks with Iran.
The talks will happen in Pakistan.
Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation.
Iran has stated it is not ready to join new talks.
Iran criticizes the U.S. for making too many demands.
A fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire soon.
The future of peace talks is uncertain because of these disagreements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Iraq’s largest Shia political group, the Coordination Framework, is struggling to pick a new prime minister five months after elections. The choice is between the current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and a candidate supported by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, while both the US and Iran watch closely because of their influence in Iraq.
Key Facts
Iraq’s Coordination Framework holds about 185 of 329 parliamentary seats and must choose a prime minister by April 26.
Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term but faces opposition from a bloc led by Nouri al-Maliki.
The US opposes Maliki’s candidacy due to his strong ties to Iran.
Iran maintains significant influence over Iraqi politics through Shia groups and recently sent Ismail Qaani, head of its Quds Force, to Baghdad.
Qaani’s visit aimed to help resolve the leadership deadlock, reportedly supporting al-Sudani over Maliki’s ally Bassem al-Badri.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a coalition of mainly Shia armed groups allied with Iran, also play a role in the political process.
Iraq’s political system assigns top jobs by ethno-sectarian lines: the president is a Kurd, the speaker is a Sunni Arab, and the prime minister is a Shia Arab.
On April 11, Nizar Amedi, a Kurdish politician, was appointed president, starting the 15-day deadline for the Coordination Framework to name the prime minister candidate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Traders made large bets just before President Donald Trump announced important news about the Iran war during his second term. Analysis of trading data suggests some people may have had inside information before these announcements.
Key Facts
Traders placed big bets shortly before President Trump’s announcements about the Iran conflict.
The BBC examined trade volumes that changed before market-moving statements by President Trump.
The focus is on insider trading related to the Iran war during President Trump’s second term.
The Iran war has caused high tensions and impacted oil prices and the global economy.
President Trump has made several public statements about Iran, including warnings and ceasefire announcements.
The article mentions related topics like the US blockade of Iranian ports and search efforts after a US plane was shot down.
The BBC’s analysis raises questions about possible insider trading benefiting from knowledge of these events.
The situation involves complex international and economic factors, including conflicts and energy markets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Keir Starmer will admit he accidentally gave wrong information to members of parliament about Peter Mandelson’s security checks. Starmer says he did not know the correct details before speaking and will explain this in parliament.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is expected to acknowledge he misled parliament by mistake.
The incorrect information was about Peter Mandelson’s security clearance before becoming US ambassador.
Starmer had previously said full security checks were done.
The Guardian reported Mandelson did not pass full security vetting.
Opposition leaders said Starmer should correct the record.
Starmer’s spokesperson said the prime minister was also misled and did not have the correct details.
Starmer will speak publicly about this issue in parliament on Monday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
A new warning has been issued about certain cars that have been recalled because they might catch fire. Consumers are advised to check if their car model is affected to ensure safety.
Key Facts
Some car models have been recalled due to a risk of fire.
The recall warning was shared by consumer expert Louise Minchin.
Car owners should verify if their vehicle is on the recall list.
The issue presents a safety concern linked to these recalled cars.
The information was recently published and is current.
Viewers can find more details on the BBC iPlayer Morning Live program from April 20, 2026.
The warning aims to prevent fire hazards by alerting car owners promptly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Two U.S. officials and two Mexican officials working against drug cartels died in a car accident in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Mexican officials were involved in a mission to destroy illegal drug labs when the accident happened.
Key Facts
Four officials died: two from the U.S. and two from Mexico.
The Mexican officials were Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, director of the state investigation agency, and officer Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes.
They were conducting an operation to destroy hidden drug labs in Morelos, Chihuahua.
The U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of continuing their security work.
Chihuahua’s attorney general and governor publicly honored the officials who died.
No further details about the U.S. officials or the accident were immediately available.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by officials fighting drug cartels in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Experts say that using military force or bombing by the United States will not successfully bring Iran to negotiate seriously. Progress in talks with Iran depends on careful mediation, building trust step-by-step, and maintaining temporary ceasefires.
Key Facts
US-Iran negotiations involve tactical moves where each side tries to improve its position before formal talks.
Military actions and escalation are seen as risky and unlikely to lead to real negotiation.
Meaningful progress needs mediation by neutral parties to help both sides communicate.
Trust between the US and Iran is fragile and must be built gradually.
Ceasefires, or temporary stops to fighting, are important but can be unstable.
The discussion was shared by Jim Townsend, a security expert and former US defense official.
President Donald Trump is involved in sending a US delegation to engage in talks with Iran.
The situation relates to broader regional issues including Lebanon and the Middle East peace process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Charlize Theron criticized actor Timothée Chalamet for comments that seemed to disrespect ballet and opera performers. She shared her experience as a former ballet dancer and highlighted the hard work and pain involved in ballet. Theron also spoke about her difficult childhood in South Africa, including her mother shooting her father in self-defense.
Key Facts
Charlize Theron, a former ballet dancer, responded to Timothée Chalamet’s comments that seemed dismissive of ballet and opera.
Theron said ballet and opera are art forms that need constant support and praised live performance over AI.
She described the physical challenges of ballet, including injuries and no days off.
Chalamet said he didn’t want to work in ballet or opera because they try to survive despite low public interest.
Several celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Misty Copeland, also criticized Chalamet’s remarks.
Theron revealed her father was a violent alcoholic who was shot by her mother in self-defense during a break-in.
Her mother was not charged because the shooting was ruled self-defense.
Theron’s mother sent her to boarding school shortly after the incident to help her escape the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
French prosecutors have summoned Elon Musk for a voluntary interview as part of an ongoing investigation into his social media platform X. The investigation focuses on content on X, including concerns that its chatbot Grok may have been used to create non-consensual sexual deepfake images.
Key Facts
Elon Musk was called to a voluntary interview by French authorities on Monday related to the probe of his platform X.
The Paris prosecutor’s cyber-crime unit raided X’s offices in February over possible criminal offenses.
The investigation began in January 2025 and expanded to include the chatbot Grok’s potential role in creating sexual deepfake images without consent.
French prosecutors are looking into allegations such as possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material and misuse of image rights through deepfakes.
The US Justice Department told French authorities it would not assist with the investigation and accused them of misusing the US legal system.
Elon Musk called the probe a “political attack” and has a history of not attending some legal proceedings.
Linda Yaccarino, X’s former CEO, was also summoned for an interview in relation to the case.
X and its parent company xAI deny wrongdoing and say the investigation threatens free speech and distorts French law.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
The US has started the process for businesses to apply for refunds on tariffs after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his power in imposing those tariffs. This decision allows companies to recover money paid under those tariffs.
Key Facts
The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump went beyond his authority when setting certain tariffs.
Because of this ruling, US businesses can now apply for refunds on those tariffs.
The refund process involves billions of dollars in tariff repayments.
The tariffs in question were part of trade measures taken during President Trump’s earlier term.
The ruling impacts many industries affected by these tariffs.
The refund program is now officially open and accepting applications from qualified businesses.
This development follows a legal challenge to the government’s tariff actions.
The refund process aims to correct the financial impact on companies that paid the tariffs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
The US government is starting a refund system for businesses that paid tariffs later ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Importers can apply for refunds through an online system, and the process may eventually benefit consumers as well.
Key Facts
The Trump administration imposed tariffs that the Supreme Court later ruled exceeded constitutional authority.
About $166 billion in tariffs were collected from over 330,000 importers on more than 53 million shipments.
The refund system opens at 8 a.m. ET, allowing importers and brokers to claim money back through an online portal run by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
If CBP approves a refund claim, businesses can expect to receive refunds within 60 to 90 days.
Over 3,000 businesses, including FedEx and Costco, have sued to get tariff refunds.
Some companies plan to pass refunds to consumers in lower prices for products.
Business groups emphasize that quick refunds will help small businesses recover, support economic growth, and benefit workers and customers.
President Donald Trump is in Washington for meetings and signing executive orders, but details have not been publicly released.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Iran’s military said it will respond after the United States took control of one of its cargo ships in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. has set up a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said American soldiers will board ships connected to Iran to put more pressure on its economy.
Key Facts
The U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s military warned it would retaliate for the seizure.
The U.S. declared a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil transport.
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. troops will board ships linked to Iran.
The goal of these actions is to increase economic pressure on Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is important for global oil shipments.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have risen due to these recent moves.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Virginia voters will decide on April 21 whether to approve a new congressional map drawn by Democrats that would change the number of seats Democrats hold from 6 to 10 out of 11. This new map bypasses a bipartisan redistricting commission that voters approved in 2020 and has raised legal challenges and debate about fairness.
Key Facts
Virginia voters approved a bipartisan redistricting commission in 2020 with over 65% support.
Democrats propose a new map giving them 10 out of 11 congressional seats, up from 6.
The new map removes four Republican-held districts.
The proposed change would affect elections in 2026, 2028, and 2030.
Courts ruled the proposed amendment unlawful twice due to procedural and legal issues.
The Virginia Supreme Court allows the referendum on the ballot while the legal case continues.
Democrats argue the change is temporary and fair; opponents say it is gerrymandering (drawing district lines to favor a party).
The change would give map-drawing power to the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly instead of the bipartisan commission.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Social Security payments in May 2026 will be issued on different dates depending on recipients’ birth dates or benefit types. Over 70 million Americans receive Social Security, which includes retirement, disability, survivor, and supplemental income benefits.
Key Facts
Social Security payments are staggered across the month to manage the large number of recipients.
Payment dates for May 2026 are: May 1 for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients; May 13 for people born between the 1st and 10th; May 20 for those born between the 11th and 20th; and May 27 for those born between the 21st and 31st.
People who started benefits before May 1997 and those receiving both Social Security and SSI have different payment schedules.
Social Security provides various benefits, including retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor, and supplemental income (SSI).
Retirement benefits depend on lifetime earnings, age when benefits start, and when the person begins to claim them.
The average monthly retirement payment in February 2026 was about $2,022.
Claiming benefits at age 62 results in lower monthly payments compared to waiting until full retirement age or age 70.
Survivor benefits are paid to family members of deceased workers who qualified for Social Security.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
The article discusses President Donald Trump’s time in office, suggesting that his actions show the impact of having more power than personal character to handle it. It calls for the country to recognize this and focus on moving forward.
Key Facts
The article focuses on President Donald Trump’s presidency.
It describes his time in office as a lesson about power and character.
The article implies that his actions reveal problems related to his leadership.
It suggests that America should learn from this experience.
It encourages the country to move on from the issues related to his presidency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
The US military seized an Iranian-flagged container ship trying to pass a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran called the seizure an act of piracy and said it would respond soon, casting doubt on planned peace talks with the US.
Key Facts
The US began blocking Iranian ports last week and intercepted an Iranian ship trying to pass the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s military called the US action piracy and a violation of the current truce that started on April 8.
Planned negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan are now uncertain because Iran said it is not planning to participate.
The ceasefire is set to end on Wednesday.
Public opinion polls show that about two-thirds of US adults disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the war with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, making this event significant for international trade.
The seizure marks the first such interception since the US started its blockade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, said that if Republicans lose the November midterm elections, it could be because they talked less about lowering living costs. He also asked President Trump and Vice President Vance to stop focusing on conflicts with the pope.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy represents Louisiana and is a member of the Republican Party.
Kennedy believes lowering the cost of living should be a key topic for Republicans in the upcoming elections.
He mentioned this during an interview on Fox News’s show called “The Big Weekend Show.”
Kennedy criticized what he called a “holy war” between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the pope.
He urged them to stop this dispute to focus on more important issues like the economy.
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2024.
President Donald Trump is currently the U.S. President, serving his second term.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
In India, stunt performers race cars and motorbikes inside tall, vertical circular tracks called "wells of death," where drivers stick to the walls as if defying gravity. These dangerous shows have become very popular with young people and have gained a lot of attention on social media.
Key Facts
The stunt shows are called "wells of death."
Drivers race cars and motorbikes inside tall, circular arenas.
The arena walls are steep and vertical, creating a gravity-defying effect.
These events attract large crowds, mainly young people.
The performances are popular on social media platforms.
The stunts are dangerous and require skill and courage.
The shows take place in India and have been covered by international media.
The reports highlight the growing social media fame of these stuntmen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.
