Two Republican congressmen asked the Trump administration to use the National Guard to help protect against drone threats during the World Cup games in 11 US cities. They want a coordinated federal response to keep the event safe and prevent security problems.
Key Facts
Representatives Michael McCaul and Elijah Crane sent a letter to three top officials: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
They want the National Guard to help monitor and respond to drones during the World Cup.
The lawmakers serve on the House Homeland Security Committee.
They mentioned possible shortages of security staff and unclear authority between event organizers and cities.
Using the National Guard could provide quick and large-scale support for drone defense and coordination.
The request came one day before a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.
The White House said the World Cup matches will still be safe and secure.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle said President Trump is committed to making the event both enjoyable and secure.
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A teacher at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane said she was surrounded by hundreds of male students who threw food at her, causing serious mental harm. She and other female staff say the school allowed a culture of disrespect against women to grow and did not protect or support them properly.
Key Facts
The teacher, Victoria Sparrow, was surrounded by up to 300 male students who threw food and drinks at her on the playground.
Sparrow claims the school has a culture of misogyny, meaning it tolerates unfair treatment of women.
She suffered serious psychiatric injury from the incident.
At least three other female staff members have also complained about their treatment at the school.
The school allegedly failed to keep discipline and did not have proper safety rules for supervising students outside class.
Sparrow filed a workers’ compensation claim and is seeking documents from the school to support her case.
The school denied some complaints and has not shared all requested documents, leading to a dispute in court.
The court case is ongoing, with a judge ordering a review of the documents to be produced by the school.
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President Donald Trump criticized comedian Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump and demanded his firing. The controversy increased Kimmel’s visibility and boosted his show’s audience despite the criticism.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel joked Melania Trump had “a glow like an expectant widow” on his April 23 show.
President Trump called the joke a “despicable call to violence” and said Kimmel should be fired.
The joke coincided with a nearby shooting attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Kimmel said the joke was a light roast about the Trumps’ age difference, not a call for violence.
Late-night TV viewership is mostly flat but declining among younger adults, with social media rising as an audience platform.
Kimmel’s show gained viewers after a separate controversy and suspension in September 2025.
Following the controversy, Kimmel’s show saw a 29% rise in viewers in the fourth quarter of 2025, with millions more watching online.
Disney reported Kimmel’s return episode had over 6 million broadcast viewers and 26 million views on digital platforms.
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There was a shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner that was stopped before anyone was hurt. Many Americans reacted with suspicion, questioning the reality of the event and expressing distrust in information from the government and officials.
Key Facts
A shooter attempted an attack at the White House correspondents’ dinner but was caught and no one was killed.
The suspect is a 31-year-old Californian engineer who sent a manifesto expressing anger at the president and his administration.
Some Americans believed the event might have been staged or used as a distraction from other issues like the war in Iran and the economy.
Discussions on social media included over 300,000 posts using the word “staged” related to the attack.
Many people show deep distrust toward government statements due to repeated exposure to misinformation and cover-ups.
The article reflects concerns about how political violence and shootings have become normalized in the US.
The incident also raised questions about the president’s relationship with the press and his calm reaction to the event.
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Suicide is a major cause of death in the U.S., with one person dying by suicide every 11 minutes. Experts say preventing suicide should go beyond crisis help and therapy to also include programs that improve people's everyday lives, such as food banks, social activities, and housing support.
Key Facts
Someone in the U.S. dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
Suicide often involves many factors, not just mental illness.
Chris Pawelski, a New York farmer, experienced multiple stresses including family illness, financial struggles, and work pressures that affected his mental health.
Suicide prevention has focused mostly on crisis hotlines and medical treatment, which can be expensive and hard to access.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed that changes in the world around people can worsen mental health.
Experts suggest a broader prevention approach that includes social and economic support, like food banks and community programs.
Such prevention programs can reduce suicide and also help lower crime, addiction, and poverty.
The U.S. has been slower than other countries to adopt these broad prevention strategies.
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The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has entered a tense, Cold War-like situation involving financial sanctions and military blockades. President Donald Trump is considering whether to continue economic pressure or launch military strikes as he seeks to stop Iran’s nuclear program.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are in a stalemate with no immediate end, leading to high energy prices and risk of war.
The U.S. has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipping, to pressure Iran.
President Trump is debating whether to use more military force or keep applying financial sanctions.
Some of Trump’s advisers want to increase sanctions and maintain the blockade before considering military action.
Outside advisors and some lawmakers are urging Trump to use military strikes to break the deadlock.
Iran proposed a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade, but Trump is hesitant because this would delay nuclear talks.
President Trump’s main goal is to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The U.S. has seized tankers carrying Iranian oil and materials that could be used for war.
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Many Californians are moving out of the state because housing and living costs are very high. People are leaving for nearby states where it is more affordable to own a home and have a better lifestyle.
Key Facts
More people have left California than moved in for about 20 years.
From 2010 to 2024, nearly 10 million left California, while just over 7 million moved there from other states.
Housing affordability is the main reason people leave California.
Even the cheapest housing in California costs more than in most other states.
Costs for groceries, gas, and utilities in California are much higher than the national average.
People moving away often come from higher-income neighborhoods, not just low- or middle-income areas.
Those leaving California typically have lower credit scores and more debt compared to neighbors who stay.
Many leave to find a lifestyle they want but cannot afford in California.
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A 92-year-old man named Laurence Billam has been charged with the murder of 87-year-old Shirley Billam, who was found dead at a house in Exeter, Devon. The police responded to a welfare concern on April 19 and are supporting the family involved.
Key Facts
Shirley Billam, aged 87, was found dead at a house on Millbrook Lane in Exeter, Devon.
The police were called on April 19 after a welfare concern was reported.
Laurence Billam, 92, has been charged with murder in connection to her death.
Laurence Billam is scheduled to appear at Exeter Magistrates' Court.
Devon and Cornwall Police are providing support to the family with specialist officers.
The incident is under investigation by local police authorities.
The location of the event is in the United Kingdom, specifically Devon.
No further details about the cause of death or relationship between the individuals have been released.
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Australian actress Rebel Wilson appeared in a Sydney court to respond to defamation claims made by fellow Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes. MacInnes alleges Wilson made damaging statements about her in Instagram posts during 2024 and 2025.
Key Facts
Rebel Wilson is being sued by Charlotte MacInnes for defamation.
The case is happening in Sydney, Australia.
The dispute involves Instagram posts from 2024 and 2025.
Charlotte MacInnes acted in Wilson’s first directed movie, The Deb.
Wilson appeared in court to give her evidence.
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A mother, Laura Ramírez-González, was held by U.S. immigration authorities after her daughter died in a hit-and-run crash in Tennessee. While in custody, she missed her daughter’s funeral, which took place in Colombia two years after the accident.
Key Facts
Laura Ramírez-González and her 10-year-old daughter were hit by a car in Nashville in October 2024; the driver fled the scene.
Emily Sánchez-Ramírez, the daughter, died from her injuries in a hospital.
The suspected driver fled to Mexico, and an accomplice was arrested for helping him leave the U.S.
Ramírez-González was detained by ICE in January 2026 during a routine immigration appointment while applying for a U visa.
A U visa offers immigration protection to certain crime victims who help law enforcement.
ICE changed its policy in January 2026 to allow more detentions of immigrants with humanitarian protections.
Emily’s funeral was held in Colombia in 2026, and Ramírez-González watched it by video call from detention.
The Department of Homeland Security said she would receive due process while in custody.
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The UK government plans to restrict social media use for children under 16 but has not yet decided exactly how these limits will work. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said they are consulting the public to find the best way to protect children online while making sure any new rules are effective and lasting.
Key Facts
The UK government will introduce age or functionality restrictions on social media for children under 16.
There is concern about the harmful content children see and the amount of time they spend on screens.
A consultation is underway to gather views on how to set these social media limits.
Possible measures include restrictions not only for social media but also gaming sites and AI chat services.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey said the government is required by law to act after the consultation.
The House of Lords pushed strongly for a complete ban on under-16s’ social media use, which the government has not fully accepted.
Campaigners, including Esther Ghey whose daughter was killed by teenagers, support a ban on children’s social media use.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer has urged top social media companies to make urgent changes for child safety.
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump criticized TV host Jimmy Kimmel after he made a joke about Melania during a comedy show. President Trump called for Kimmel to be fired by ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney, while Kimmel said his joke was misunderstood.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel joked on his show that Melania Trump had “a glow like an expectant widow.”
The joke came during an alternative White House correspondents’ dinner segment.
Melania Trump publicly asked ABC to take action against Kimmel on social media.
President Trump said Kimmel’s joke was a “despicable call to violence” and called for his firing.
The controversy happened shortly after a shooting near the event where the Trumps were present.
ABC and Disney have not publicly responded to the calls for Kimmel to be fired.
Kimmel said his joke was meant as a light roast and was not a call for violence.
The Trumps and Kimmel have had a tense relationship for years, with Kimmel often criticizing the president on his show.
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More than half of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, the highest level in 25 years, according to a recent Gallup poll. Rising costs, especially for living expenses and energy, are the main concerns for many people.
Key Facts
55% of Americans reported their finances are getting worse in a Gallup poll from April 1-15, 2024.
This is higher than the 53% reported last year and 47% earlier in 2024.
The current level is the highest since 2001, including during past recessions.
For five years in a row, more Americans feel their money situation is getting worse rather than better.
31% of people said the cost of living is their top financial problem.
13% said energy costs are their biggest issue, up 10 points from last year and the highest since 2008.
Inflation remains above past levels during President Donald Trump’s previous term but is lower than its peak in 2022.
Gas prices rose sharply after the Iran war began on February 28, 2024, pushing the average price to $4.11 per gallon from under $3 earlier that year.
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Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, will face a vote in Parliament about his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. The vote follows claims that Starmer lied to Parliament about the appointment, but many believe the real issue is the decision to appoint Mandelson and the handling of security vetting for the role.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer faces a vote on a motion to refer him to the privileges committee over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
The motion was introduced by Kemi Badenoch and supported by several opposition parties and independent MPs.
Labour MPs are strongly instructed to vote against the motion, with their chief whip confident of winning.
Critics claim Starmer lied to Parliament, but this is seen as weak compared to the issue of Mandelson’s vetting process.
Mandelson’s security vetting was initially recommended to be denied by UK Security Vetting.
Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant who approved Mandelson’s vetting, was recently sacked, which many view as unfair.
Two key witnesses, Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney, will give evidence about Mandelson’s appointment to the Commons foreign affairs committee.
Despite likely winning the vote, the evidence presented may affect MPs’ view of Starmer’s leadership.
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Northern Ireland will be the first area in the UK to offer free sign language classes to deaf children and their families following a new law. This law also officially recognizes British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as equal languages in Northern Ireland.
Key Facts
The Sign Language Bill (Northern Ireland) 2025 requires free sign language classes for deaf people under 25 and their families.
The law gives official equal status to BSL and ISL in Northern Ireland.
Public bodies must make information and services accessible to deaf people by law.
About 5,000 people in Northern Ireland use BSL or ISL to communicate.
Providing more sign language services will cost around £3 million each year.
There are currently around 44 registered sign language interpreters in Northern Ireland.
The bill was introduced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in February last year.
Deaf campaigners say the law marks a positive change in recognition and respect for sign language and deaf culture.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has asked a judge to allow construction of a new White House ballroom to continue, citing recent security concerns after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. A judge had previously paused the work until Congress approved it, but the government says the ballroom is necessary for the president’s safety during large events.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked above-ground construction of a White House ballroom pending congressional approval.
Acting AG Todd Blanche filed a request to overturn this block, saying the ballroom is needed for President Trump’s security.
The request came after a shooting took place at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The ballroom project is privately financed and expected to cost $400 million.
The lawsuit against construction was filed by the Trust for Historic Preservation, arguing the project breaks the law.
A federal appeals court temporarily allowed construction to continue and will hear the case in early June.
Secret Service deputy director Matthew Quinn stated that the new ballroom would improve security because the White House is a controlled environment.
Senator Rand Paul plans to introduce a bill to approve construction of the ballroom.
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President Donald Trump’s administration has fired all 22 members of the National Science Board, which guides the National Science Foundation’s policies. The board members were dismissed without explanation, raising concerns about the future direction of government-funded scientific research.
Key Facts
All 22 members of the National Science Board were fired by President Trump’s administration.
The National Science Board advises the National Science Foundation (NSF), a major funder of US scientific research and education.
Board members received brief termination emails without reasons for dismissal.
Roger Beachy, a dismissed board member, worries about the independence and future research priorities of the NSF.
Democrats criticized the firings, fearing political loyalty might replace independent oversight.
The NSF had already experienced significant funding cuts under Trump’s administration, including canceled grants worth nearly $1 billion.
The NSF is a key agency that spent over $8 billion in 2025 on scientific research and education.
Past NSF support has been bipartisan, which some hope will continue despite these changes.
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President Donald Trump is planning new import taxes to replace tariffs that the Supreme Court ruled were illegal. His administration will hold hearings to investigate whether certain countries use forced labor or produce too many goods, which could lead to new tariffs.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous broad tariffs in February.
Temporary import taxes were put in place but will expire in less than three months.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office will hold hearings on two cases about unfair trade practices.
One case looks at 60 countries for using forced labor in making products.
Another case examines 16 countries for overproducing goods and lowering prices.
These investigations could lead to new tariffs aimed at protecting U.S. industries.
The cases are based on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs against unfair trade.
There is skepticism from importers and foreign countries about the fairness of the process.
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The UK government plans to set age or feature limits on social media use for children under 16. Education Minister Olivia Bailey said they will act after a consultation on a possible social media ban similar to one in Australia, aiming to have rules in place by the end of the year.
Key Facts
The government will impose some type of restrictions on social media for users under 16 years old.
This comes after the House of Lords voted in favor of a social media ban for under-16s multiple times.
The government is currently consulting on the best way to introduce these rules.
Restrictions considered include age limits, feature limits, and possible curfews.
A report on progress will be published three months after the law is finalized.
The government hopes to implement regulations before the end of the year, with a possible six-month extension.
MPs voted 272 to 64 in favor of the government's motion supporting these measures.
The government’s goal is to protect children from addictive features and harmful content online.
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump asked ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel after he made a joke about the first lady on his show. Kimmel responded by explaining the joke was about their age difference and said he opposes violence and hateful speech.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel joked that Melania Trump had "the glow of an expectant widow" during a comedy routine before the White House Correspondents’ dinner.
The dinner was cut short due to a security incident involving a man with weapons trying to enter the venue.
Melania Trump said Kimmel spreads hate on TV and called for ABC to take action.
President Trump called Kimmel’s joke a "despicable call to violence" and demanded his firing by ABC and Disney.
Kimmel said the joke was a light roast about the Trumps' age difference and denied it was encouraging violence.
Kimmel expressed sympathy for the Trumps over the security scare and emphasized the importance of rejecting hateful speech.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Kimmel’s joke, calling it part of a wider problem with political rhetoric.
The National Religious Broadcasters association asked the Federal Elections Commission to investigate ABC over the joke.
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