Dr. Ittai Gradel, an antiquities dealer who exposed the theft of hundreds of items from the British Museum, has died at age 61. He alerted the museum and police after buying stolen artefacts online and was honored by the museum shortly before his death from cancer. A police investigation into the thefts is still ongoing.
Key Facts
Dr. Ittai Gradel exposed thefts of around 2,000 items, including classical gems and ancient gold jewelry, from the British Museum.
He bought dozens of stolen artefacts on eBay over several years and reported them to the museum and police.
The British Museum initially ignored Gradel’s warnings and wrongly told him all items were accounted for.
A senior curator, Peter Higgs, was suspected of stealing but denies wrongdoing and was later fired.
The museum’s director resigned after the theft scandal became public, admitting the museum’s poor response.
Gradel returned more than 360 items he had bought online back to the museum.
He received a rare medal from the British Museum days before dying of renal cancer.
The museum plans to digitize its collection to help prevent future thefts.
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After a ceasefire, daily life in Tehran, Iran, has mostly returned to normal. Iranian society is going through significant changes, a process that started months ago and has grown stronger during the recent conflict and peace talks stall.
Key Facts
The ceasefire in the region has brought calm to life in Tehran.
Peace talks between Washington and Tehran are not making progress.
Society in Iran is changing deeply and quickly.
These social changes began several months before the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict influenced the speed and nature of these changes.
The report includes rare footage filmed by a correspondent in Tehran.
The situation reflects broader issues like women’s rights and social freedoms.
President Donald Trump said he is no longer sending envoys to Pakistan for Iran negotiations.
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Germany has increased its ammunition production and now makes more than the United States, according to Rheinmetall, a major German defense company. European countries are boosting their military supplies as they reduce dependence on the U.S., following warnings from President Donald Trump about NATO spending and shifting U.S. focus to other global areas.
Key Facts
German company Rheinmetall quadrupled its yearly production of medium-caliber ammunition.
Germany increased artillery shell output from 70,000 to 1.1 million rounds annually.
Europe aims to rebuild military stockpiles after President Trump urged NATO members to spend more on defense.
The U.S. is focusing more on the Indo-Pacific region and less on European military support.
European countries have been sending ammunition and military equipment to Ukraine in recent years.
Germany plans to have the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2039.
German political leaders are pushing for increased defense spending and less reliance on the U.S.
Ammunition demand is high due to ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
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Police in London are investigating a suspected arson attack on a memorial wall in a neighborhood with a large Jewish community. The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, but the incident is not considered a terrorist attack, and no one has been arrested yet.
Key Facts
The suspected arson happened at a memorial wall in north London.
The area, Golders Green, has a large Jewish population.
London’s Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation.
Counter-terrorism police are handling the case but do not label it as terrorism.
No damage was found on the memorial wall.
Residents in Golders Green have experienced multiple attacks recently.
Over the past month, more than 24 people were arrested in connection with attacks on Jewish-linked sites.
These attacks include setting fire to ambulances used by the Jewish emergency group Hatzola.
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Iran has ways to keep its oil flowing despite U.S. efforts to block its exports, using extra storage and some tanker deliveries. This ability may help Iran resist pressure from President Trump's blockade for a while longer, though there are concerns about how long this can last.
Key Facts
Iran’s oil exports are important for its economy and are targeted by President Trump’s blockade.
Iran has extra storage space for oil, including large tanker ships used as floating storage.
Analysts say Iran can keep producing oil for about two months without major damage.
Some oil tankers still reportedly get through the blockade to carry Iranian oil.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has other ways to make money, such as smuggling oil by land and small ships.
U.S. Treasury officials say the blockade has already forced some oil production to stop.
Iran’s storage plans may only delay production cuts by days to weeks, not longer.
The blockade affects other Persian Gulf countries, which have cut back on their oil production.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making the first official visit to the United States by a British king or queen in almost 20 years. This visit happens during a time of political tensions between the UK and the U.S., and leaders see it as a way to strengthen diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting the United States on a state visit.
This is the first visit by a British monarch to the U.S. in nearly two decades.
The visit occurs during a period of political tension between the UK and the U.S.
The visit aims to improve diplomatic relationships between the two countries.
State visits are official trips by heads of state to another country for diplomatic purposes.
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Amnesty International has asked for an investigation into a U.S. air strike on a migrant detention center in Yemen that killed at least 68 people. The group considers the attack a possible war crime and says survivors are still suffering with little support.
Key Facts
The U.S. air strike occurred on April 28, 2025, hitting a detention center in Saada, Yemen.
At least 68 detainees were killed and 47 were injured in the attack.
The center was a prison facility visited by international groups, who found no military use there.
Survivors, mostly Ethiopian men, report ongoing physical and mental health problems and lack of medical care.
Amnesty International says the U.S. government has not released any investigation results or taken responsibility.
The attack is one of the deadliest civilian incidents involving U.S. strikes documented by Amnesty in recent years.
Amnesty calls for transparent and independent investigations and reparations for victims.
The group also mentioned a deadly U.S. strike on a school in Minab, Iran, which killed 156 people in March 2025.
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The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is weakening the impact of US sanctions on Iran. Iran is increasingly using alternatives like cryptocurrency, China’s renminbi currency, and informal trade systems to bypass US dollar-based sanctions and maintain its trade and financial activities.
Key Facts
US sanctions rely on the dominance of the US dollar in global trade to restrict Iran’s economic activities.
Iran has greatly increased its use of cryptocurrencies for financial transactions, with values reaching $154 billion in 2025.
Half of the cryptocurrency value in late 2025 was received by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iran converts cryptocurrency into China’s renminbi to buy Russian goods and trade in Asian markets.
Iran charges transit fees in Bitcoin or renminbi for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
Bitcoin’s decentralization means payments cannot be frozen by any authority, unlike some digital currencies linked to institutions.
The use of renminbi is growing globally; in 2024, 30% of China’s trade was conducted in its own currency.
Informal financial systems like hawala and barter trade are increasingly important for Iran and its partners to avoid US sanctions.
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Israel has carried out a military campaign in southern Lebanon, destroying over 1,500 buildings, including a 400-year-old mosque in Bint Jbeil. Satellite images and videos show this campaign targets civilian areas to create a buffer zone near the border that makes it hard for residents to return.
Key Facts
The Great Mosque in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon, was destroyed along with more than 1,500 buildings.
Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon are described as a systematic effort to damage homes and infrastructure.
Satellite imagery and open-source data confirm widespread destruction mostly in the Nabatieh governorate region.
Around 70% of Bint Jbeil has been fully destroyed, and another 20% partially damaged, affecting over 3,000 homes.
These attacks have continued even after a ceasefire was announced.
The goal claimed by Israel is to create a buffer zone to stop attacks from Hezbollah near the border.
Legal experts and local officials warn this campaign may be aimed at emptying the area of its population permanently.
Most damage is focused in historic and commercial parts of Bint Jbeil, including its oldest neighborhoods.
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The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iran since February following US-Israel strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader. The United States has imposed a naval blockade and is working to clear mines believed to be placed by Iran, while shipping remains heavily disrupted, affecting global oil and gas supply.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas pass in normal times.
Iran closed the strait after strikes killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February 2026.
Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has taken control since his father’s death.
US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and the strait in mid-April to pressure Iran.
About 2,000 ships are stranded, waiting for passage through the Gulf.
The US military started mine-clearing operations in the strait using two guided-missile destroyers.
Maritime insurers canceled war risk insurance for tankers in the area due to high risk from mines and conflict.
Even if reopened, heavy risks and increased insurance costs for ships will remain until the mines are fully cleared.
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A recent study shows that Neanderthal brain sizes are similar to the range seen in modern humans. The study suggests that brain size is not a good way to measure intelligence, meaning Neanderthals may have been as smart as modern humans.
Key Facts
Neanderthal skulls look different from modern human skulls, but their brain sizes overlap with ours.
Researchers used MRI scans of 400 modern people’s brains to compare with Neanderthal skull casts.
Differences in brain size among modern humans are often bigger than differences between Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens.
Brain size alone does not predict intelligence or cognitive ability well.
Neanderthals could have had similar thinking and behavior skills as modern humans.
This study supports ideas that Neanderthals and modern humans may not be very different species.
Previous studies used small samples and did not account for modern human brain variation.
The findings align with archaeological evidence showing Neanderthals lived similarly to early humans.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. under President Trump for lacking a clear plan in the conflict with Iran, saying Iran has gained strength and the U.S. is losing face. He also warned that the war could become a difficult, costly situation, similar to past conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Key Facts
Chancellor Merz said Iran’s leadership is humiliating the U.S. administration.
Merz called the U.S. strategy in the Iran conflict unconvincing and lacking direction.
Germany faces economic problems from the conflict, including higher energy costs.
The European Union has spent about 25 billion euros more on oil and gas since the war started.
Germany rejected NATO involvement but may help secure the Strait of Hormuz after the war using minesweepers.
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear talks to end the war.
The U.S. wants freedom of navigation through the strait and reduction of Iran’s enriched uranium.
Iran’s leadership appears divided on how to respond to U.S. demands and the proposal.
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A young male walrus named Magnus has been traveling along the Scottish coast, attracting many visitors. Experts say he is exploring and appears healthy, resting on floating pontoons and eating local shellfish.
Key Facts
Magnus was first seen on the Orkney island of Stronsay and later visited several coastal towns including Lossiemouth, Macduff, Fraserburgh, and Findochty.
The walrus is about 8 feet (2.5 meters) long and shows no serious injuries.
Walruses are rare visitors to UK shores, with sightings increasing possibly due to loss of Arctic sea ice.
Magnus has been resting on floating pontoons, which may feel similar to icebergs.
People have been watching Magnus quietly and respectfully, allowing him to rest.
Walruses eat clams, mussels, and crustaceans common along the Scottish coast.
Social media helps spread news quickly, drawing larger crowds than in the past.
It is normal for young walruses to explore beyond their usual range.
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The conflict in the Middle East has caused higher oil and gas prices, potentially costing the global economy up to $1 trillion. While ordinary people face higher fuel and food costs, big oil companies are making large profits from the situation, leading to calls for taxes on these extra earnings to support clean energy and social aid.
Key Facts
The Middle East oil crisis could add up to $1 trillion in costs to the world economy.
The International Monetary Fund reports a $600 billion cost if oil supply routes reopen soon, with higher costs if disruption continues.
Oil companies like BP have seen profits more than double due to higher fuel prices linked to the conflict.
Rising energy costs lead to increased prices for food and fertilizer, worsening poverty and hunger worldwide.
Climate group 350.org urges a tax on oil companies’ extra profits to fund social programs and clean energy investments.
Over 50 countries and many organizations are working together to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Indigenous and environmental activists protested against fossil fuel use, calling for a shift to renewable energy.
Some nations, like the Marshall Islands and Malawi, face energy shortages and worsening poverty because of the fuel crisis.
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This article features a discussion about whether current wars are linked to long-standing colonialism and economic systems that help rich countries the most. The experts talk about economic ideas like “degrowth,” which means using fewer resources in wealthy countries to protect the environment and improve life.
Key Facts
The article is based on a conversation from a program called Reframe.
Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla is the general coordinator of Progressive International.
Jason Hickel is an economic anthropologist and professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
Hickel studies how economies work and writes about changing them to be more fair and sustainable.
He wrote books called Less is More and The Divide.
Degrowth means intentionally reducing how much rich countries use resources and energy.
The discussion links current conflicts to colonial history and economic policies favoring powerful nations.
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The Trump administration is discussing an Iranian offer to remove restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, but talks about Iran’s nuclear program are delayed. Oil prices are rising as fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with no clear end to the conflict yet.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran may mutually lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz as part of a proposal.
The proposal does not include immediate talks on Iran’s nuclear program, a key issue for President Trump.
Oil prices have increased, with Brent crude topping $111 a barrel amid conflict tensions.
Fighting between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon continues, with civilian warnings issued.
President Trump has set clear “red lines” and has not agreed to the offer yet.
Planned U.S. envoy talks in Pakistan were canceled after Iran's refusal to meet Washington’s terms.
Iran seeks guarantees that the U.S. and Israel will not attack before offering security assurances.
Israeli intelligence services report successful espionage operations against Iran and Hezbollah.
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A baby named Nour was born in Gaza just before Israeli attacks began in October 2023. She suffered severe health problems after inhaling toxic gases from the bombings, and her hospital was later attacked, killing other infants. Health officials report many children in Gaza now have serious injuries or birth defects due to the conflict and poor medical conditions.
Key Facts
Nour was born three hours before Israeli attacks started on Gaza in October 2023.
She inhaled toxic gases from the bombing, causing paralysis and severe stiffness.
Nour was the only survivor of an Israeli attack on al-Nasr Children's Hospital.
Over 1,200 children in Gaza have spinal cord injuries or paralysis linked to Israeli attacks.
Another child, Misk, was born with severe deformities believed to be caused by toxic exposure during pregnancy.
Cases of birth defects in Gaza doubled in 2025 compared to before the war.
Health officials blame famine, toxic exposure from projectiles, and collapsed prenatal care for the rise in health problems.
The ongoing conflict has caused deep humanitarian and medical crises for children in Gaza.
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At least 15 people died in a train crash in Bekasi, near Jakarta, Indonesia. A stationary passenger train was hit from behind by another train, and most victims were women trapped in the last carriage. About 88 passengers were also injured.
Key Facts
The crash happened on a Monday evening in Bekasi, near the Indonesian capital Jakarta.
A stationary passenger train was struck from behind by a long-distance commuter train on the same track.
The last carriage of the stationary train, reserved for women, was badly damaged.
All confirmed dead victims were women, many trapped inside the crushed carriage.
At least 15 people died in the accident.
Around 88 passengers were injured.
Local officials and rescuers were working at the scene following the crash.
The BBC reported from the location with updates on the rescue efforts.
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The organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics in France are considering moving the ice hockey events away from Nice because the new mayor opposes using the city’s football stadium for the games. They are now looking at other cities like Paris and Lyon to find suitable places to host the hockey matches.
Key Facts
Nice was originally planned to host ice hockey by converting its Allianz Riviera football stadium into a temporary rink.
Eric Ciotti, Nice’s newly elected mayor, opposes this plan because it would disrupt the local football club.
Ciotti is a far-right politician allied with Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party.
Organizers have been exploring alternatives due to technical, scheduling, and financial challenges.
Paris and Lyon, with existing arenas that can seat at least 10,000 people, are now considered for hosting ice hockey.
A decision on the venues will be made by the organizing committee in June after the IOC finalizes the sports list.
Other ice events in Nice, such as skating at the city’s exhibition center, are still planned to continue as scheduled.
The Paris Entertainment Company has offered its arenas, which were used in the 2024 Summer Olympics, as possible sites.
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Mexican military captured Audias Flores Silva, a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in the state of Nayarit. Flores Silva was wanted by the U.S. with a $5 million reward and is seen as a possible successor to the cartel’s killed leader.
Key Facts
Audias Flores Silva, nicknamed "El Jardinero," was arrested near El Mirador, Nayarit, without violence.
Flores Silva was a regional commander responsible for drug trafficking in several Mexican states.
The U.S. had a $5 million bounty on him and has requested his extradition for drug and weapons charges.
He was once imprisoned in the U.S. for drug trafficking and previously arrested in Mexico.
Flores Silva was a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the cartel’s founder killed in February.
Mexican forces used aircraft and over 100 troops in the arrest operation.
Cartel-related violence increased after Oseguera Cervantes' death, causing deaths and property damage.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico praised the arrest as important for fighting fentanyl trafficking and improving security.
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