After eight days of counting votes, Peru has not yet confirmed who will move to the second round of its presidential election. Far-right candidate Keiko Fujimori leads, but the contest for second place between a left-wing and an ultra-conservative candidate is very close amid reports of election problems.
Key Facts
Peru's presidential election vote count has been delayed for over eight days.
Keiko Fujimori, a far-right candidate, is currently in the lead.
There is a tight race for second place between left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez and ultra-conservative Rafael Lopez Aliaga.
The first round of the election faced serious issues, including 13 polling stations not opening.
Boxes of ballot papers were found discarded in a skip after voting.
Election authorities blame a private company contracted by the government for the problems.
Police raided the offices of both the election authority and the private company.
Media describe the situation as a serious failure that may have been intentional.
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Barry Cable, a former Australian football star, was found not guilty of historical child sexual abuse charges by a judge in Perth, despite the judge believing the alleged victim was probably telling the truth. The judge said there was not enough proof beyond a reasonable doubt to convict Cable of the crimes from the late 1960s.
Key Facts
Barry Cable, aged 82, faced a trial without a jury over alleged abuse of a girl around 8 or 9 years old in the late 1960s.
The judge found the victim's story likely true but acquitted Cable because of weak supporting evidence and the delay in reporting.
Prosecutors accused Cable of abusing the girl multiple times when she stayed at his home.
Cable denied all charges and was cleared on seven counts related to abuse.
Three other women testified that Cable had touched them sexually in separate incidents.
In a related civil case, Cable was found responsible for abusing another girl over five years and ordered to pay $818,700 in damages.
Cable declared bankruptcy and has not paid the civil damages.
He lost his Australian Football Hall of Fame honors after the allegations.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will allow federal workers to have more flexible work schedules again. This change comes after DHS had required employees to return to full-time office work under President Donald Trump’s previous executive order.
Key Facts
DHS ended flexible work arrangements in April 2025, requiring most staff to work in the office five days a week.
The department also stopped compressed workweeks, which allowed longer hours over fewer days.
New leadership at DHS reviewed and changed the alternative work schedule policies to be more like other federal agencies.
Flexible work schedules can include varied start and end times instead of the usual 9 to 5 workday.
The change affects about 260,000 DHS employees.
Markwayne Mullin became DHS Secretary in March 2025 after Kristi Noem was fired.
Other government agencies have also shifted to more flexible work options, including accommodations for religious reasons.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January 2025 banning remote work for federal employees.
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A 7.5-magnitude earthquake off northern Japan’s coast caused a tsunami warning with waves up to 10 feet expected. Residents in several towns along the northern coastline, especially in Iwate prefecture, have been advised to evacuate to higher ground.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck near Sanriku, northern Japan, at about 4:53 p.m. local time and was 6 miles below the sea surface.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of tsunami waves reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters).
Warnings cover the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures.
Residents in 11 towns in Iwate prefecture have been asked to move to higher areas.
Smaller tsunami waves of 2.6 feet and 1.3 feet were detected at ports in Iwate.
Tsunami advisories (lower alert) are in place for parts of Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures, advising people to leave coastal areas.
There is no major (highest level) tsunami warning currently in effect.
Authorities recommend immediate evacuation from coastal and riverside areas to stay safe.
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A strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of northern Japan near Iwate prefecture, causing a tsunami warning for waves up to 3 meters high. The earthquake was widely felt, including in Tokyo, and authorities urged people in coastal areas to evacuate immediately to safer places.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck on Monday at 4:53 pm local time (07:53 GMT) near Iwate prefecture on Japan’s Pacific coast.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) along the northern coastline.
People were told to evacuate to high ground or designated evacuation buildings and stay there until the warning was lifted.
The earthquake was strong enough to shake buildings as far south as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers away.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government formed a crisis management team to check for damage and casualties.
Japan is on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to about 1,500 earthquakes each year and nearly 18 percent of the world’s seismic activity.
Many remember the 2011 magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami, which killed about 18,500 people and caused a nuclear disaster.
The JMA has issued rare “megaquake” warnings this year, reflecting ongoing concern about future large quakes.
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French prosecutors have called Elon Musk to Paris for a voluntary interview about serious accusations involving the social media platform X. They are investigating claims about the spread of child abuse images and fake videos called deepfakes on the platform. Other X employees are also scheduled to meet with investigators this week.
Key Facts
Elon Musk was summoned to Paris on Monday for an interview by French prosecutors.
The investigation concerns the social media platform X.
Authorities are looking into allegations of sharing child sexual abuse material on X.
There are also concerns about deepfake content, which means fake videos made using technology.
Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of X, was also called for a voluntary interview.
Additional X employees will be questioned as witnesses during the week.
The investigation is led by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The summoning is related to alleged misconduct involving content on X.
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A federal judge criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for arrest methods that may violate constitutional rights, including making arrests without warrants and using paperwork made after the fact to justify them. The judge ordered the release of a detained person and expressed concern about the Department of Justice defending these practices.
Key Facts
A judge from New York called some ICE arrest tactics similar to “police state” actions.
ICE officers arrested someone on Long Island without a judicial warrant.
After the arrest, ICE used paperwork created later to support the detention.
The judge said this violates constitutional rules and due process rights.
The Department of Justice defended ICE’s actions in court.
The judge warned that government lawyers’ arguments could harm their credibility.
ICE uses administrative warrants (I-205 forms) to enforce deportations without judge approval.
ICE officers can enter homes with these warrants and use reasonable force if denied entry, but some argue this conflicts with Supreme Court rules.
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Iran has not yet decided whether it will join the next round of talks with the United States. These planned talks come as a fragile ceasefire nears its end and fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has increased.
Key Facts
Pakistan is preparing for new talks between the U.S. and Iran.
The ceasefire between the two countries is fragile and about to expire soon.
Recent conflict around the Strait of Hormuz raises doubts about the talks happening.
Iran has not made a final decision on attending the upcoming meeting.
The U.S. Navy recently seized an Iranian ship, adding tension to the situation.
The talks aim to ease tensions and address ongoing conflicts between the U.S. and Iran.
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Ukraine and Russia exchanged attacks overnight, with Ukrainian drones hitting Russian warships and radar in Crimea, and Russia striking several areas in Ukraine including Kyiv. Both sides reported damage and casualties from these attacks.
Key Facts
Ukraine's military intelligence says Ukrainian drones damaged two Russian landing ships and destroyed radar equipment in Crimea.
The Russian ships hit in Crimea are valued at around $150 million each.
Ukrainian drones also attacked the port of Tuapse in Russia, causing casualties and damaging transport facilities.
Russia claims its air defenses shot down 112 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russia launched attacks on multiple regions in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy, and Zaporizhia.
Russian strikes injured civilians and damaged homes and infrastructure in Ukrainian regions.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has lasted over four years, resulting in more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths.
Recent peace talks mediated by the United States have stalled, especially due to disagreements over territorial control.
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More than 60 countries gathered in Brussels with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to discuss stability, security, and peace in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. The European Union, a major donor to the Palestinians, emphasized the importance of a two-state solution despite ongoing conflicts and challenges.
Key Facts
Over 60 nations took part in a meeting in Brussels focused on peace and security in the Middle East.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa attended the conference to discuss these issues.
The European Union is the largest donor to the Palestinian Authority.
Belgium and the EU consider the two-state solution the most realistic way to achieve lasting peace in the region.
There are ongoing attacks in the West Bank and severe damage in Gaza, complicating peace efforts.
EU leaders have criticized Israel’s war actions and discussed possible stronger measures like sanctions on Israeli settlers.
The EU prefers working through the United Nations and international law rather than joining U.S.-led peace boards.
Mustafa called for unified security coordination under one government in Palestinian territories to improve stability.
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The US Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship, which has caused uncertainty about upcoming peace talks between the US and Iran planned in Pakistan. President Donald Trump announced that US negotiators will meet Iran soon to discuss extending a ceasefire, but Iran has not confirmed its participation.
Key Facts
The US Navy took control of a ship flying the Iranian flag.
This seizure happened just before planned US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan.
President Donald Trump said US negotiators would meet Iran on Monday.
The talks aim to extend a ceasefire currently set to end on Wednesday.
Iran has not confirmed if it will attend the new round of talks.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is fragile and may end soon.
The situation has created doubt about the success of the upcoming negotiations.
The news was reported by France 24 on April 20, 2026.
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Temperatures in Spain and Brazil are rising well above their usual late April levels, with Spain experiencing heat from warm air coming from north Africa and Brazil seeing high temperatures in several states. Other regions, including parts of southern Africa and North America, are also experiencing notable weather changes such as severe storms and an unusual warm spell.
Key Facts
Madrid, Spain, may reach about 30°C, which is 10°C higher than normal for late April.
Seville, Spain, could see temperatures around 34°C, about 9°C above its typical late April average.
Warm air from north Africa is moving to Spain due to a low-pressure area over the Atlantic.
A dust plume from the Sahara is expected to cover the skies over Iberia and southwestern France, causing orange or red skies.
In Brazil, states like São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina may face temperatures in the high 30s Celsius, 5-10°C above normal.
Botswana and South Africa may have severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, and hail, risking local floods.
Northwestern US states including Montana and Nebraska will see temperatures rise above 30°C, about 15°C higher than normal.
The warm spell in the US is spreading eastward to the Midwest and Northeast regions by the end of the week.
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Rumen Radev, Bulgaria’s former president who supports closer ties with Russia and criticizes the European Union, won a clear majority in recent parliamentary elections. This victory may end years of political instability in Bulgaria, which has had multiple elections since 2021.
Key Facts
Rumen Radev is a former president of Bulgaria.
He is known for criticizing the European Union and favors renewing relations with Russia.
Radev’s coalition won an absolute majority in the recent parliamentary elections.
Bulgaria has faced political instability, holding eight votes since 2021.
The previous government was led by Boyko Borissov, who supported close ties with Europe.
Anti-corruption protests helped bring down Borissov’s conservative administration.
Bulgaria is the poorest member of the European Union.
Radev’s win could bring more stability and change Bulgaria’s foreign relations direction.
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Bulgaria's former President Rumen Radev's political party is leading the country's recent parliamentary election with about 44.6% of the votes counted so far. Radev, known for his pro-Russian views and opposition to military support for Ukraine, resigned from the presidency in January to run in this election after protests ousted the previous government.
Key Facts
Rumen Radev is Bulgaria's former President and a former fighter pilot.
His political party, Progressive Bulgaria, supports pro-Russian policies.
The party received 44.59% of the vote as 32% of ballots were counted.
Radev is eurosceptic, meaning he questions the benefits of the European Union.
He opposes Bulgaria giving military help to Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.
Radev stepped down from the presidency in January 2026.
The election followed mass protests that removed the former government in December 2025.
The election results could give Radev's coalition an absolute majority in parliament.
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The conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran has lasted eight weeks, with a fragile ceasefire that may end soon unless a nuclear deal is reached. President Donald Trump has made strong threats against Iran and plans to send negotiators to Pakistan to try to reach an agreement, while both sides accuse each other of breaking the ceasefire.
Key Facts
The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has continued for eight weeks.
A two-week ceasefire is near expiration and might be extended if a nuclear deal is made.
President Trump’s negotiating team will meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, to try to negotiate peace.
Iran has blocked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Both countries accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, including attacks on commercial vessels.
President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not agree to the deal.
U.S. officials say targeting Iran’s infrastructure is lawful because it has military uses.
The U.S. Navy recently seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, increasing tensions further.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will answer questions from members of parliament about a scandal involving Peter Mandelson, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was appointed as Britain’s ambassador to the United States in late 2024 despite not passing security checks, leading to calls for Starmer to resign.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Starmer faces criticism over a scandal involving Peter Mandelson.
Mandelson is known for his past connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson was made Britain’s ambassador to the US in late 2024.
Mandelson failed the needed security checks for this role.
The scandal has caused anger among the public and members of Starmer’s party.
Some people are asking Prime Minister Starmer to quit because of this issue.
Starmer will face questions from lawmakers in parliament on Monday to address the matter.
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China warned that joint military drills involving the United States, the Philippines, and Japan could harm trust among countries in the region. The Chinese foreign ministry said military cooperation should not damage mutual understanding between neighboring nations.
Key Facts
The United States, the Philippines, and Japan plan to hold annual joint military exercises.
These drills are hosted by the Philippines and the United States.
China expressed concern that these exercises might reduce trust in the region.
The Chinese foreign ministry made the statement on a Monday.
China emphasized that military cooperation should support regional understanding, not harm it.
The news was reported by France 24 from Beijing.
These exercises include forces from three countries working together on military training.
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Sudan’s health system is struggling due to a three-year war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital in Omdurman remains the only working hospital for infectious diseases but faces severe shortages of medicine and damage to its facilities.
Key Facts
Omar Othman, a gold miner, was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in Khartoum amid worsening health conditions in Sudan.
Sudan’s three-year war began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, causing widespread damage.
Around 37% of Sudan’s health facilities do not work because of the conflict.
The World Health Organization confirmed over 217 attacks on health buildings, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths of healthcare workers.
About 40% of Sudan’s population of 52 million urgently needs medical care.
The Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital shut down nearly two years ago but has partially reopened with limited services.
The hospital faces big challenges like lack of funds, damaged wards, and medicine shortages.
The hospital relies heavily on support from health and humanitarian groups to operate.
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The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, defended an anti-protest law that was ruled unconstitutional by the state’s highest court. The law, created after a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach, had allowed police to restrict protests, but the court found this law went beyond constitutional limits.
Key Facts
The New South Wales court of appeal declared the anti-protest law unconstitutional.
The law gave police powers to limit marches to protect “social cohesion.”
The court said protecting social cohesion was not a valid reason under the constitution.
The law was introduced after the 2022 Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people.
Premier Minns called the law “rational and proportionate” despite the court ruling.
Protesters affected by the law have criticized Minns for attacking the judiciary.
Police are reviewing charges against protesters in light of the court decision.
The Greens and legal experts oppose the law, saying it violated free speech and protest rights.
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The UK Prime Minister faces difficult questions after it emerged that a senior civil servant, Sir Olly Robbins, did not share important information about Lord Mandelson’s security vetting. The dispute involves the interpretation of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and whether civil servants should inform ministers about security concerns.
Key Facts
Sir Olly Robbins was the permanent under-secretary at the UK Foreign Office.
Robbins reportedly had politically sensitive information about Lord Mandelson’s vetting but did not inform the prime minister.
The prime minister had limited curiosity or follow-up on this vetting issue.
The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 is central to the debate; it says the foreign secretary manages the diplomatic service but excludes national security vetting.
The government claims civil servants can “sensibly flag” security vetting recommendations to ministers.
Civil Service Code requires civil servants not to mislead ministers or Parliament.
Labour’s leader Sir Keir Starmer says he was not told about the information and denies lying.
The controversy distracts from other issues like the Iran war and the cost of living.
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