A BBC investigation found that some immigration advisers in the UK are helping migrants pretend to be gay to get asylum. They provide fake evidence like letters and medical reports to support false claims of persecution if the migrants return to their home countries.
Key Facts
A BBC reporter posed as a migrant seeking asylum in the UK.
An adviser named Tanisa Khan offered to provide fake proof that the reporter was gay.
Advisers help migrants create false stories and fake documents to support their asylum claims.
Many migrants use this tactic to claim they fear persecution if sent back to countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh.
The UK Home Office said anyone trying to cheat the asylum system will face legal consequences, including removal from the UK.
The investigation highlights a problem with people abusing the asylum process by submitting false claims of being gay.
Migrants whose visas are about to expire often receive this kind of help to stay in the UK.
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A BBC investigation found that some legal advisers in the UK are helping migrants pretend to be gay to get asylum. These advisers charge large fees and teach migrants how to create false evidence, like fake letters and medical reports, to support their claims.
Key Facts
Migrants whose visas are about to expire are being helped to make fake asylum claims based on being gay and fearing harm in their home countries.
Legal advisers and law firms charge thousands of pounds for these services, sometimes up to £7,000.
Evidence includes fake supporting letters, photos, medical reports, and even false personal stories.
Some migrants visit doctors pretending to be depressed or HIV positive to get medical evidence.
One adviser explained how to fake a gay sexual relationship for asylum claims.
About 35% of UK asylum claims come from people whose visas have expired, not those arriving by illegal routes.
The Home Office says anyone caught exploiting the asylum system will face legal consequences, including removal.
At a meeting for gay asylum seekers, many attendees admitted they were not actually gay.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn are in a close Republican runoff race to decide who will run for U.S. Senate in November against Democrat James Talarico. A recent poll shows both candidates nearly tied, with President Donald Trump expected to soon endorse one and influence the race.
Key Facts
Neither Paxton nor Cornyn won a majority in the initial primary, so they face off in a runoff on May 26.
A poll conducted from April 11 to 14 shows Cornyn leading Paxton by one percentage point (44% to 43%) among likely Republican voters.
About 13% of voters in the poll are undecided.
Cornyn leads by 10 points among Hispanic voters (47% vs. 37% for Paxton).
Paxton’s favorability rating is 55%, while Cornyn’s is 47%.
President Trump has not officially endorsed either candidate but said he will announce his endorsement soon and encouraged the other candidate to drop out.
The winner of the runoff will face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election.
The race is seen as important for controlling the U.S. Senate and reflects the Republican Party’s direction in Texas.
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US Vice-President JD Vance criticized Pope Leo, the first American pope, during a Turning Point USA event in Georgia. Vance warned the pope to be careful when speaking about religious matters after the pope spoke out against the war in Iran.
Key Facts
Vice-President JD Vance spoke at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia.
A heckler interrupted Vance during his remarks.
Vance told Pope Leo to be cautious when talking about theology (religious beliefs).
Pope Leo is the first American pope.
Pope Leo has spoken out against the war in Iran, calling the violence "absurd and inhuman."
The pope said he is not afraid to speak against President Trump’s administration.
Pope Leo believes his role is to share the message of the Gospel (Christian teachings).
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The US Department of Justice has asked a federal appeals court to cancel the convictions of 12 people found guilty of planning the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. These individuals, including members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, had their prison sentences shortened by President Trump but still had their convictions on record.
Key Facts
The DOJ wants a court to throw out the convictions of 12 people involved in the Capitol riot.
These people were convicted of seditious conspiracy, meaning they tried to overthrow the government.
President Trump shortened their prison sentences but did not clear their convictions.
If the court agrees, it would remove the convictions from their records.
President Trump issued pardons or sentence reductions for more than 1,500 people involved in the riot.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison but is seeking to clear his record.
The US Court of Appeals has a deadline of April 17 to decide on these requests.
Former Proud Boys leader Henry Tarrio was pardoned after a 22-year prison sentence.
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The US military has carried out four attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean over four days, killing four people in the latest strike. These operations target vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as ordered by President Donald Trump to stop drugs entering the US, but the actions have raised legal and effectiveness concerns.
Key Facts
The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported killing four people in the latest attack on a boat in the eastern Pacific.
This is the fourth deadly strike on vessels in the area over the past four days.
SOUTHCOM called the people killed "narco-terrorists" but did not provide proof.
The attacks are based on intelligence that the boats were on known drug trafficking routes.
Since early September, at least 175 people have died in these US military strikes on vessels.
President Donald Trump ordered the campaign to stop Latin American drug cartels from moving drugs to the US.
International experts say these attacks may be unlawful killings in international waters and might have hit civilian fishing boats.
Critics point out that much of the dangerous fentanyl drug enters the US over land, questioning the impact of these sea strikes.
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A doctor on TikTok explained that babies watch how their parents react in new or stressful situations to learn how to respond. Research shows that calm and caring behavior from parents helps infants feel safe and cry less, while visible stress or panic can make babies more upset.
Key Facts
Babies use "social referencing" by watching caregivers' facial expressions to decide if something is safe or scary.
A video showing a baby looking at a mother washing dishes highlights how children pick up emotional signals before age one.
Studies found that the quality of how parents care for babies, not just stress itself, reduces infant crying and stress hormones.
Prolonged stress in early childhood can affect brain development and body systems.
If a parent reacts calmly when a toddler falls, the child may feel less upset; panic can increase distress.
Infants as young as six months may sense parental stress even without seeing the cause.
The TikTok video received over 170,000 reactions and sparked many discussions about parenting styles.
Experts stress that consistent calm and responsive care over time shapes how children handle stress.
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Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, did not attend an event at the University of Georgia due to serious threats against her safety. Vice President JD Vance spoke at the event and mentioned that the threats nearly led to its cancellation, and he consulted the Secret Service before proceeding.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk is the CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of Charlie Kirk.
She missed a University of Georgia event with Vice President JD Vance because of serious security threats.
TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said the threats came from unexpected sources.
Kirk thanked the Georgia chapter of TPUSA and emphasized following her security team's advice.
Vance expressed support for Kirk and revealed he was concerned about canceling the event.
The Secret Service was involved in evaluating the safety of the event.
Kolvet hosted the event in Kirk’s place.
The story is ongoing and may be updated with new information.
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A video shows a principal at an Oklahoma high school stopping a gunman who was a former student and had fired several shots, injuring the principal in the leg. The principal’s quick action helped control the situation at the school.
Key Facts
The incident took place at a high school in Oklahoma.
The gunman was a former student of the school.
The suspect fired multiple rounds during the event.
The principal was shot in the leg.
The principal was able to stop the gunman.
Video footage captured the moment of the principal taking down the gunman.
The event involved a school shooting scenario.
The principal’s response is described as decisive and immediate.
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A man named Daniel Moreno-Gama is accused of attacking OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home with a Molotov cocktail and threatening the company's offices. His lawyer says he was having a mental health crisis and was charged too harshly, but prosecutors say the attack was planned and serious.
Key Facts
Daniel Moreno-Gama threw a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's home in San Francisco last Friday.
He then went to OpenAI's headquarters and threatened to burn down the building.
Moreno-Gama is 20 years old, autistic, and came from Texas to San Francisco.
No one was hurt in the attacks.
He faces state charges of attempted murder and arson, which could lead to 19 years to life in prison.
Federal charges include possession of an unregistered firearm and property damage by explosives.
Moreno-Gama wrote that he hates artificial intelligence and warned of human extinction caused by it.
Authorities labeled the attack as domestic terrorism and plan to prosecute strongly.
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In the 2025 fiscal year, the U.S. immigration agency ICE deported 442,637 people. This is the first official deportation data released under President Donald Trump’s current administration and shows an increase from the previous year but is below Trump's goal of deporting one million people annually.
Key Facts
ICE deported 442,637 people from October 2024 to September 2025.
This number is about 171,000 more than the previous fiscal year.
The deportation goal for the next year is to remove 1 million people.
ICE requested a smaller budget for 2027 than for 2026, including cuts to detention and transportation funding.
Nearly 167,000 deported people had criminal records, making up about 38% of total removals.
The reported data covers the end of President Biden’s term and most of President Trump’s first year back in office.
ICE has not provided updated data on "self deportations," which it claims amount to over two million people.
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The UK government has updated its women's health strategy after criticism that many women feel ignored by the healthcare system. The new plan aims to improve treatment, reduce waiting times for gynecological care, and include a "patient power payment" system to gather feedback and improve services.
Key Facts
Zoe Trafford, who has severe endometriosis, says she is still not being listened to despite major surgery.
The previous women's health strategy was published in 2022 by the Conservative government; it promised big improvements.
The Labour government is now updating that strategy four years later.
Waiting lists for gynecological procedures in England have doubled to over 565,000 since 2020.
A new payment scheme will allow women to give feedback, and funding may be cut for providers with poor reviews.
The updated plan includes faster referrals to specialists and better pain relief standards.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the system has failed many women.
Experts support the strategy but say waiting times and care quality remain serious problems.
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President Donald Trump has proposed a 2027 budget that increases defense spending to $1.5 trillion, the highest request in many years. The budget also plans to cut spending on non-defense programs by 10%. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought testified about this budget before the House Budget Committee.
Key Facts
The proposed defense budget for 2027 is $1.5 trillion.
This amount is about 44% higher than the previous defense spending.
The increase reflects President Trump's focus on military investment over domestic programs.
Non-defense spending would be reduced by 10% under this proposal.
Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, testified on April 15 before the House Budget Committee.
The budget proposal represents the administration’s priorities but does not have the force of law.
Congress has the authority to accept, modify, or reject the president’s budget plan.
The budget increase was planned before the U.S.-led conflict with Iran.
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President Joe Biden jokingly called a Black university official "Barack" during a portrait unveiling at Syracuse University. Some conservative activists and social media users criticized the comment, saying it was inappropriate and showed racial insensitivity.
Key Facts
The event was the unveiling of President Biden’s official portrait at Syracuse University’s law school.
Biden referred to Jeffrey Scruggs, chairman of Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees, as “Barack” in a joking manner.
The comment quickly spread online and drew criticism, especially from conservative voices.
Some conservatives compared the reaction to what they believe would happen if President Trump made a similar comment.
The broader speech focused on Biden’s education, public service, and views on democracy.
The criticism centered on the idea that Biden’s joke suggested he saw all Black people as the same.
The story is ongoing, with possible updates expected.
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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said the 2026 midterm elections will be difficult for Republicans. He pointed to recent Democratic wins in his state and stressed the need for GOP candidates to focus on voters' key concerns.
Key Facts
Governor Brian Kemp warned Republicans about a tough 2026 midterm election cycle.
Recent Democratic gains in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District signal challenges for the GOP.
Kemp noted Democrats have been performing better than expected in special elections.
He said a midterm with a Republican president is already challenging for his party.
Kemp emphasized the importance of focusing on issues that matter to voters.
He supports Republican Derek Dooley for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia.
Kemp mentioned the 2018 election as an example when Democrats had strong momentum.
Georgia’s primary election will take place on May 19.
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The U.S. Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to cancel the seditious conspiracy convictions related to the January 6 attack. Other news includes a strong typhoon hitting U.S. Pacific islands, deadly Israeli strikes in Gaza, and Hampshire College closing because of money and student enrollment issues.
Key Facts
The Justice Department wants to overturn the January 6 seditious conspiracy convictions involving Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused damage to U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Health officials in Gaza report that Israeli strikes killed at least six people.
Hampshire College is shutting down due to financial difficulties and fewer students enrolling.
The January 6 case involves claims of groups trying to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
The typhoon is a powerful storm that can cause heavy rain, winds, and flooding.
The situation in Gaza remains tense with ongoing violence.
The college’s closure adds to concerns about financial challenges faced by small private schools.
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Two members of the U.S. Congress are resigning after sexual misconduct issues. Democrat Eric Swalwell denies several sexual assault claims, while Republican Tony Gonzales is stepping down after admitting he had a relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide.
Key Facts
Two Congress members are resigning because of sexual misconduct matters.
Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, faces multiple sexual assault accusations.
Swalwell denies all the allegations against him.
Tony Gonzales, a Republican, admitted to having a relationship with a staffer.
The staffer involved with Gonzales later died by suicide.
The reports about these events were provided by Lisa Desjardins.
These cases have raised concerns about ethics in Congress.
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A study by the Cato Institute found that during President Trump’s administration, legal immigration to the U.S. decreased more sharply than illegal border crossings. The research shows that about 132,000 fewer people were allowed into the country each month through legal channels.
Key Facts
The study was conducted by the Cato Institute, a public policy research organization.
David Bier, director of immigration studies at Cato, authored the analysis.
Legal immigration dropped by 132,000 people per month during President Trump’s term.
The decrease in legal immigration was larger than the reduction in illegal border crossings.
President Trump highlighted the drop in illegal immigration as an achievement.
Legal immigration includes all people entering the U.S. through official government approval processes.
The numbers show a more significant decline in legal arrivals than in unauthorized entries.
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The Kennedy Center’s new leader, Matt Floca, is showing members of Congress that the building needs major repairs. He is leading tours that highlight damage to the structure and problems with its water, air systems, and other facilities.
Key Facts
Matt Floca is the Kennedy Center’s new executive director and chief operating officer.
He is holding tours for Congress members and staff to show the center’s needed repairs.
The building has water damage and issues with expansion joints, marble, and exterior paving stones.
The tours include areas like water and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, parking garages, and loading docks.
Tours involved staff from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including top Democratic leaders Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.
A representative for Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also joined the tours.
The tours began while Congress was in recess this month.
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President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are highlighting recent tax cuts and higher deductions passed last year. However, many Americans say they do not feel much benefit because of rising costs like the war and higher gas prices.
Key Facts
New tax cuts and increased deductions were approved last year under President Trump’s administration.
President Trump and Republican leaders want the public to notice these tax changes by Tax Day.
Many Americans face higher living costs, such as gas prices and costs related to the war.
Polls show that many people feel they are not gaining much from the new tax laws.
Stephanie Sy and Andrew Duehren from The New York Times discuss these changes and their impact.
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