Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in the state of Nayarit without firing a shot. Flores was considered a potential successor to the cartel’s recent head, El Mencho, who was killed earlier this year.
Key Facts
Audias Flores, also called “El Jardinero,” controlled large areas of CJNG territory on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Flores was surrounded by about 30 pickup trucks and 60 gunmen during his arrest near Puerto Vallarta.
The operation involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters, and several planes, and was based on 19 months of surveillance.
The arrest used intelligence from both Mexican forces and US authorities, such as aerial surveillance.
Flores is wanted in the US on drug trafficking charges, and there was a $5 million reward for his capture.
Mexican authorities also arrested César Alejandro “El Güero Conta,” accused of laundering money for Flores.
Flores managed drug labs, smuggling routes, and drug distribution networks in the US for the cartel.
The arrest is seen as a major step in fighting drug trafficking and violence linked to the CJNG, which had pressured security efforts in Mexico and from the US government.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States for a state visit. They were warmly welcomed by President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other officials, including events at the White House and the British embassy.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla landed at Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC.
They received a greeting from US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed them at the White House.
The king and queen met children of British military families based in the US.
They attended a garden party at the British embassy with US and British officials.
President Trump hosted an afternoon tea for the royal visitors at the White House.
Camilla spoke with the chief executive of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Several photos show interactions between the royals, the Trumps, and embassy staff during the visit.
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Adelaide Writers’ Week was canceled in 2026 to protect the larger Adelaide Festival, which greatly benefits South Australia’s economy. The cancellation followed controversy over removing Palestinian Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, which led many artists and companies to threaten withdrawing from the festival.
Key Facts
Adelaide Writers’ Week is part of the Adelaide Festival, an event contributing over $60 million yearly to South Australia’s economy.
The festival board removed Randa Abdel-Fattah from the Writers’ Week program, sparking protests and artist withdrawals.
Three board members resigned, and the chairperson stepped down amid the controversy.
Many Australian theater and dance companies considered pulling out of the festival after the boycotts began.
The festival feared a global wave of cancellations due to allegations of censorship and government interference.
Internal documents recommended canceling Writers’ Week quickly to prevent further withdrawals and protect the overall festival’s reputation.
Adelaide Writers’ Week director Louise Adler urged a public apology to Abdel-Fattah and cancellation of the 2026 event before resigning.
Premier Peter Malinauskas denied pressuring the festival, but documents suggest his letter sparked the crisis.
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Despite ceasefire agreements between Israel and groups in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, violence and military actions have continued, with Israeli forces pushing further into Palestinian areas. Palestinians held municipal elections in the West Bank and Gaza for the first time since 2006, but many doubt these votes will lead to significant changes amid ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Israel agreed to ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, but fighting and military operations increased.
Israeli forces and settlers have moved deeper into Palestinian-controlled parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Heavy airstrikes hit Gaza, killing civilians and police officers, including children and pregnant women.
Since the ceasefire started on October 11, 2023, over 800 Palestinians in Gaza have died, with more than 2,200 injured.
Small municipal elections were held in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah for the first time since 2006, with low voter turnout around 23%.
Violence by settlers in the West Bank led to deaths, including shootings near schools and other attacks on Palestinians.
Israeli forces sometimes attacked mourners at funerals and were involved in incidents causing Palestinian deaths.
Aid to Gaza has slightly increased since a border crossing was reopened, but it is still not enough to meet urgent needs.
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Hezbollah is still a powerful group despite recent conflicts with Israel. After a ceasefire in November 2024, Hezbollah avoided fighting but returned to battle in southern Lebanon following attacks linked to Iran’s leadership. Ongoing peace talks between Lebanon and Israel, with U.S. involvement, will affect Hezbollah’s future role.
Key Facts
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in November 2024 after heavy fighting and Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s senior leaders were weakened by the war, but the group remains strong and active.
Israel continued low-level attacks on Lebanon after the ceasefire, killing hundreds.
Hezbollah resumed fighting in March 2026 after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by US-Israeli forces.
Lebanon’s government banned Hezbollah’s military activities the same day Hezbollah reengaged.
Heavy fighting continues in southern Lebanon despite temporary ceasefires brokered by President Donald Trump.
Hezbollah announced it will resume suicide attacks on Israeli targets in Lebanon, a tactic from past conflicts.
Peace talks between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing in Washington, but Hezbollah rejects these direct negotiations.
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Gunmen attacked a football match in Adamawa state, northeastern Nigeria, killing at least 29 people and burning homes and places of worship. The attack is part of ongoing violence involving jihadist groups and local criminal gangs in the region.
Key Facts
The attack took place on Sunday in Guyaku community, Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa state.
At least 29 people, including young people and women watching a football game, were killed.
Attackers also burned a church, houses, and motorcycles during the hours-long assault.
The Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility, saying they targeted Christians.
The state governor blamed Boko Haram militants, another jihadist group active in the area.
Since 2009, jihadist violence in northeastern Nigeria has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Nigeria seeks help from the United States for training and technical support to fight jihadists.
Another violent incident occurred nearby involving communal clashes over farmland disputes.
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A team carefully removed a 15-tonne iron foremast from HMS Victory, a historic British warship, as part of a £42 million project to conserve the ship. This is the first time in over 130 years that the ship has been without all its masts, and the restoration work is expected to continue until 2033.
Key Facts
HMS Victory’s 15-tonne wrought iron foremast was lifted off slowly and carefully by a team of about 30 people.
A large 750-tonne crane was used to remove the 23-meter mast without damaging the ship.
Two more masts, the mizzen and bowsprit, will be removed soon for conservation.
The ship’s original wooden masts were replaced in the 1890s with wrought iron ones recycled from the decommissioned HMS Shah.
This is the first time the ship has had no masts since the iron masts were installed over 130 years ago.
The entire conservation, called the Big Repair, began with the main mast’s removal in 2021 and will last until 2033.
The team included shipwrights, riggers, archaeologists, engineers, and conservators working carefully to protect the historic vessel.
HMS Victory and the nearby Historic Dockyard will stay open to visitors throughout the conservation work.
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New Zealand has canceled plans to build a statue in Auckland honoring women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two. The decision came after protests from the Japanese embassy, concerns about community support, and worries about causing divisions in New Zealand’s multicultural society.
Key Facts
The proposed statue was to represent "comfort women," women and girls forced into sexual slavery by Japan in WWII.
More than 200,000 women, mostly Korean, but also from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan, were affected.
The statue was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, a non-government group.
The Japanese embassy warned that the statue could harm diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan.
Auckland Council staff recommended rejecting the statue due to lack of community support in public consultations.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board voted against the statue’s installation in a public garden.
Japan’s Ambassador said Japan acknowledges the issue but prefers diplomatic talks with Korea over public monuments.
Local New Zealand groups supporting the statue said its rejection was a loss for healing and honoring survivors.
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A feminist Arabic comedy series called Smatouha Minni uses humor to critique rising sexist ideas in the Middle East. The show parodies male influencers who promote strict gender roles and mistreatment of women, aiming to open conversations about women’s rights that are often considered taboo.
Key Facts
Smatouha Minni is a feminist TV series filmed in Beirut, Lebanon.
The show’s creator, Amanda Abou Abdallah, says patriarchal attitudes are becoming stronger in the region.
It mocks "red pill" ideology, which claims men are victims of women's dominance and encourages male power over women.
Some male influencers in the region have large followings and promote harmful advice, like avoiding domestic chores or marrying multiple wives.
The series started in 2020 due to a lack of feminist content in Arabic that relates to local cultural realities.
Topics like women's health, harassment, and marriage pressures are usually hidden or avoided in Arab media.
Western feminist ideas don't always fit Arab societies because of their focus on family and community instead of individualism.
The project is supported by Khateera media house and the NGO Womanity, which works to reduce gender inequality through media.
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President Donald Trump and his national security team are reviewing an Iranian proposal that aims to stop joint fighting with Israel, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and delay talks about Iran’s nuclear program until after the conflict ends. While Iran shows openness to diplomacy and regional talks are ongoing, there is tension over shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for global oil and gas supplies.
Key Facts
President Trump met with his national security advisers to discuss Iran’s proposal.
The Iranian plan suggests pausing nuclear negotiations until after the current conflict ends.
President Trump wants to address the nuclear issue at the start of any talks.
Iran refuses to negotiate while the US keeps restrictions on Iranian ports.
A temporary ceasefire began on April 8 after fighting linked to joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister met with Russia’s President Putin, showing close cooperation and openness to diplomacy.
Many countries and the UN have called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz urgently to restore shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies, so its closure risks a global crisis.
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Iran says it needs reliable promises that it will not be attacked again before the Gulf region can be stable. Meanwhile, Israel has continued military strikes in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, and tensions remain high between the US, Iran, and regional countries.
Key Facts
Iran’s UN ambassador said lasting peace in the Gulf requires guarantees against new attacks on Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister blamed the US for causing recent peace talks to fail due to high demands.
President Donald Trump said on Fox News that Iran can call the US if it wants to talk.
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Hezbollah’s use of rockets and drones in Lebanon is a serious threat.
Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in deaths.
Iran proposed stopping its closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade and ends hostilities, postponing nuclear discussions.
Iraq nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate after US opposition to a candidate close to Iran.
The US criticized Iran’s selection to a key role in a nuclear treaty review conference, calling it an insult.
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The UK government will appeal a High Court decision that ruled its ban on the activist group Palestine Action was illegal. The group, which targets companies tied to the Israeli military, was labeled a terrorist organization by the UK, but judges found this action excessive.
Key Facts
The UK banned Palestine Action last summer, labeling it a terrorist group.
The High Court ruled this ban was illegal and called the ban "disproportionate."
The government is appealing the High Court ruling at the Court of Appeal in London.
Thousands of people have protested in support of Palestine Action, with over 2,700 arrested under terror laws.
Supporters include public figures like author Sally Rooney and activist Greta Thunberg.
Palestine Action was founded in 2020 by Huda Ammori and Richard Barnard.
Human rights groups criticize the UK for using terror laws against peaceful protests.
The government has not lifted the ban during the appeals and continues to arrest supporters.
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Ukraine has called in the Israeli ambassador to protest the arrival of grain shipments in Israel that Ukraine says were taken from areas of Ukraine occupied by Russia. The Israeli foreign minister responded by saying complaints should be handled diplomatically and not through social media. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil facilities as part of its effort to reduce Russia’s oil income during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine summoned the Israeli ambassador over shipments of grain taken from Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine arriving in Israel.
Ukrainian officials describe these grain shipments as “stolen goods.”
Israel’s foreign minister criticized Ukraine for public accusations on social media and emphasized handling diplomatic issues privately.
Russia occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
Ukraine is conducting drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and export terminals to cut Russia’s oil revenue.
A recent drone attack caused a large fire and evacuation at the Rosneft-owned Tuapse oil refinery in Russia’s Black Sea region.
Ukraine’s attacks have affected multiple Russian oil facilities, blocking up to 40% of Russian oil export revenue.
The conflict and related sanctions have led to significant shifts in global oil markets.
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Lauren Ashley Mastrosa was found guilty of creating and sharing child abuse material through a novel she wrote. The court sentenced her to 18 months of community corrections instead of jail time.
Key Facts
Mastrosa, 34, wrote a novel called Daddy’s Little Toy under a fake name.
The book depicted an adult woman role-playing as a toddler with an older man in a sexual way.
She was convicted of producing, possessing, and distributing child abuse material in Sydney, Australia.
The judge ruled the book sexually objectified children and described illegal activities.
Mastrosa received an 18-month community corrections order, meaning supervised community service.
Her lawyer said she did not intend to create illegal content, and the book was fiction.
Mastrosa faced health and personal struggles, including cancer and miscarriages.
She lost her job and received threats after the case became public.
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President Donald Trump announced major military actions against Iran in February 2026, followed by a ceasefire and ongoing talks that have yet to produce a peace deal. Senator Marco Rubio rejected Iran’s peace proposal, stressing that the nuclear issue remains central and that the U.S. will not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz or charge tolls on ships passing through.
Key Facts
In February 2026, President Trump launched large U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure.
A two-week ceasefire was announced but extended indefinitely while talks continue.
Early peace talks in Pakistan failed to reach an agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran proposed easing control of the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, delaying nuclear discussions.
Senator Marco Rubio said the nuclear issue is the main reason for the conflict and remains unresolved.
Rubio stated the U.S. will not allow Iran to control or charge fees for using the Strait of Hormuz, which is an international waterway.
U.S. officials believe Iran’s leadership is politically divided, complicating negotiations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran’s oil production is collapsing due to the U.S. blockade, leading to fuel shortages inside Iran.
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Dr. Ittai Gradel, a former academic and antiquities dealer, exposed the theft of about 2,000 artefacts from the British Museum. He pushed the museum to report the thefts, which led to a police investigation and the resignation of the museum's director. Dr. Gradel died of cancer at age 61 before the investigation concluded.
Key Facts
Dr. Ittai Gradel was an academic turned antiquities dealer.
He discovered many artefacts from the British Museum were stolen and sold online, sometimes cheaply on eBay.
Gradel alerted the museum in 2021, but his warnings were initially ignored.
In 2023, the museum confirmed 2,000 items were stolen, missing, or damaged.
The British Museum’s director resigned, admitting the museum did not respond well to early warnings.
A police investigation into the thefts has been ongoing for more than three years.
Dr. Gradel received a rare medal from the museum shortly before his death.
He was worried the case might not be resolved while he was alive and had given statements to police.
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Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that Israeli authorities are purposefully cutting off access to clean water in Gaza. The report says this is part of a wider campaign harming the health and survival of Palestinians in the area.
Key Facts
MSF accuses Israel of systematically destroying water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza.
Nearly 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation systems have been damaged or destroyed.
Desalination plants, pipelines, boreholes, and sewage systems are inoperable or unreachable.
MSF documented attacks on its water trucks and boreholes, with Palestinians injured or killed while trying to get water.
MSF provides over 5 million liters of water daily for about 20% of Gaza’s population but faces restrictions from the Israeli military.
About one-third of MSF’s requests for water and sanitation supplies have been denied or ignored.
The lack of water worsens already difficult conditions including overcrowding and a collapsing health system.
MSF warns these actions cause harmful living conditions described as “collective punishment.”
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King Charles will give a rare speech to the US Congress highlighting the strong relationship between the UK and US despite recent disagreements. He will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasize the importance of their shared values, trade, and security ties.
Key Facts
King Charles will address both houses of the US Congress during a four-day state visit.
This is only the second time a British monarch has spoken to a joint session of Congress; the first was Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The speech will note challenges but emphasize how the UK and US have repeatedly come together over 250 years.
President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on the UK and criticized its leaders amid tensions over trade and foreign policy on Iran.
King Charles will highlight the importance of trade and technology cooperation between the two countries.
The visit coincides with the 250th anniversary of US independence from the UK.
Charles will briefly mention the recent assassination attempt on President Trump and express friendship from the British people to Americans.
The king will speak on shared democratic values, security cooperation, protecting nature, and promoting peace and understanding.
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President Donald Trump’s security team is reviewing an Iranian peace proposal to stop the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister met with Russian President Putin to discuss possible negotiations, and many countries are calling for the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway where one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through.
Iran proposes that its armed forces control the Strait of Hormuz under a new national law.
Iran blames the United States for the failure of direct peace talks and calls US seizure of Iranian-linked oil tankers “piracy.”
Russia’s President Putin told Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi that Russia will try to stop the war.
Critics say President Trump’s negotiators lack experience with Iran’s nuclear program, which may hinder talks.
Gulf countries seem to support Iran’s peace plan focusing on reopening the Strait before discussing a new nuclear deal.
Dozens of nations, led by Bahrain, urge the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to avoid major global supply disruptions.
President Trump will meet his top security advisers to discuss the Iran conflict and may agree to Iran’s proposal to ease economic pressures by reopening the Strait first.
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A bomb exploded on a highway in southwestern Colombia, killing at least 20 people and injuring 36 others. The attack is blamed on a dissident rebel group linked to the former FARC guerrillas and occurred shortly before national elections.
Key Facts
At least 20 people died in the highway bombing, including 15 women and 5 men.
36 people were injured; 3 remain in intensive care, and 5 injured minors are out of danger.
The explosion happened near a tunnel on the Pan-American Highway in the Cauca region.
A dozen victims were from a village near Cajibio, where people held a vigil for the victims.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro blamed a "narco-terrorist group" led by Nestor Vera, a former FARC member.
The FARC group signed a peace deal with the government in 2016 but some members have dissented.
The attack is one of the deadliest since the 2003 Bogota nightclub bombing by FARC.
It happened about a month before Colombia’s presidential elections, where security is a key issue.
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