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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New Zealand’s military reported seeing a possible illegal transfer of goods between ships near North Korea. This activity may break United Nations sanctions aimed at stopping North Korea from funding its weapons programs.
Key Facts
A New Zealand P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane spotted the exchange in international waters near North Korea.
The event happened among about 35 ships being monitored for possible UN sanctions violations.
New Zealand did not reveal what goods were transferred during the exchange.
North Korea often uses ships to smuggle refined petroleum and export coal, iron ore, and sand to fund nuclear and missile programs.
The UN has had sanctions on North Korea since 2006, expanding them in 2016 and 2017 to include ship-to-ship transfers.
Despite sanctions, North Korea still trades with countries like China and sells weapons to Iran and Russia for oil or money.
New Zealand has participated in a US-led maritime security group monitoring North Korea’s smuggling since 2018.
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King Charles III will speak to the US Congress to highlight the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. His address aims to promote unity despite recent tensions between the British government and President Donald Trump, covering topics like NATO, the Middle East, and Ukraine.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are on a four-day state visit to the United States.
Charles will deliver only the second speech ever by a British monarch before the US Congress; the first was by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
The speech will focus on shared challenges and the strong alliance between the UK and US.
The visit occurs during political tensions over the US-Israeli conflict on Iran and trade issues such as tariffs and digital taxes.
President Trump has a good personal relationship with King Charles but has disagreed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Charles and Camilla met President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on the first day of the visit.
The visit will include events in New York City to remember those lost in the 9/11 attacks and a conservation meeting in Virginia.
There have been calls for Charles to meet victims of Jeffrey Epstein, but no indication such a meeting will happen.
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Islamic militant groups linked to al-Qaida launched recent attacks in Mali, causing major violence and weakening the military government led by Assimi Goïta. Although the militants may not fully take over the country, they have gained control of key areas and are pushing the government toward negotiation.
Key Facts
In 2021, soldier Assimi Goïta led a coup and seized power in Mali.
Last summer, al-Qaida-affiliated militants attacked military bases and towns in Mali and Burkina Faso.
The militant coalition includes Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists.
JNIM and allies used ambushes, car bombs, drones, and other weapons in coordinated attacks.
Mali’s defense minister and head of military intelligence were killed in recent attacks.
Militants captured the northern town of Kidal after government forces fled or surrendered.
The Sahel region, including Mali, suffers from poverty, instability, and many armed conflicts.
Government failures and harsh military tactics have allowed militants to gain support by providing some protection and enforcing strict Islamic rules.
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Lebanon’s environment minister accuses Israel of causing widespread environmental damage during its military actions from 2023 to 2024. A report shows large-scale harm to forests, farmland, water, and air, leading to serious public health, food security, and economic problems in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
The report covers damage from Israeli military attacks between October 2023 and December 2024.
About 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) of forest were damaged, including pine and broadleaf trees.
Agricultural assets worth $118 million were destroyed, including crops, livestock areas, and fisheries.
Lost agricultural production due to damaged land is valued at $586 million.
Over 2,000 hectares (5,320 acres) of orchards were destroyed, including olive groves, citrus trees, and banana farms.
Soil contamination was found, with high levels of phosphorus in southern Lebanon and Bekaa valley.
The report notes widespread air pollution caused by the attacks, including toxic chemicals and smoke.
The total estimated cost of environmental damage and recovery is around $25 billion.
Lebanon’s environment minister called for international help to address the damage and aid recovery.
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The assisted dying bill for terminally ill adults in England and Wales was blocked in the House of Lords, ending its chance to become law. This follows a similar rejection of assisted dying legislation by Scotland’s parliament. Supporters of the bill expressed disappointment, while some critics raised concerns about the bill’s design and protections for vulnerable people.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill was voted down in the House of Lords after many amendments.
Scotland’s parliament also rejected a similar assisted dying proposal in March.
Assisted dying is legal in countries like Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and most of Australia.
Campaigners said the blocking of the bill was frustrating since it had already passed in the House of Commons.
Opponents felt the bill was poorly made and did not protect vulnerable groups enough.
Both supporters and opponents expressed unhappiness with the outcome.
The bill aimed to allow terminally ill adults to legally end their own lives under certain conditions.
The debate touched on ethical questions about suffering and rights for terminally ill people.
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Oil prices rose despite Iran offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if nuclear talks with the U.S. are postponed. The strait, important for global fuel transport, has seen fewer ships due to Iran’s blockade, causing concerns over oil supply.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price rose over 1 percent, reaching $109.42 per barrel.
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying nuclear negotiations with the U.S.
The U.S. has not publicly responded to Iran’s offer.
The blockade has reduced ship traffic in the strait from an average of 129 vessels per day to just 8 on one recent day.
Iran’s actions have lowered global oil production by about 14.5 million barrels per day.
Shipping experts say it could take months to restore normal energy flows due to damage, backlogs, and mines in the water.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for moving oil and natural gas worldwide.
The conflict and blockade started after the U.S. and Israel began military actions against Iran in late February.
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Six political party leaders in Wales are preparing for a live debate ahead of a closely contested Senedd election. The debate will cover key issues like health, education, cost of living, and immigration, and will be broadcast on BBC One Wales and the BBC website.
Key Facts
The debate will last about an hour and a half and is hosted by Bethan Rhys Roberts.
It will be shown live on BBC One Wales and available on the BBC website.
Six party leaders will participate, aiming to persuade undecided voters.
This election is unusual due to a new voting system and more politicians being elected.
Labour's 27-year control of the Senedd is seriously challenged by Plaid Cymru and Reform parties.
Key topics include health, education, cost of living, and immigration policy.
Immigration policy is controlled by the UK government, but is debated by Welsh politicians.
Parties may need to form agreements after the election because no single party is expected to win a majority.
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President Donald Trump is unhappy with Iran's latest peace proposal to end the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The proposal suggests delaying talks about Iran's nuclear program until the war ends, but the US insists nuclear issues must be addressed immediately.
Key Facts
Iran proposes to pause nuclear discussions until the war with the US and Israel ends.
The US demands that nuclear issues be part of any peace talks from the start.
The conflict centers around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas trade.
Trump met with security advisors to discuss Iran’s proposal, expressing dissatisfaction.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with several countries fell apart after Trump withdrew the US in his first term.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the proposal is somewhat better than expected but questioned its sincerity.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for stalled peace talks due to "excessive demands."
Russia supports Iran diplomatically and offered to mediate and store Iran’s enriched uranium, proposals rejected by the US.
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A report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe shows that journalists across the EU face more harassment, threats, and violence. Media outlets are owned by fewer people, public trust in the news has dropped, and public media are losing independence due to political interference and budget cuts.
Key Facts
Journalists in the EU are experiencing increased harassment, threats, and physical violence, including bomb attacks.
Media ownership is becoming more concentrated, with fewer people controlling many outlets in countries like Hungary, France, and Slovakia.
Public trust in media has fallen sharply across Europe.
Political interference and budget cuts are harming public TV and radio services, limiting their independence.
In Italy, 118 attacks on journalists were recorded last year, including physical violence, with many journalists under police protection.
Online harassment of journalists reached a record high, with 377 serious attacks including death threats in 2025.
Some politicians have started campaigns that label independent news outlets as “foreign propaganda” or “forces of darkness.”
Lawsuits intended to silence journalists (called SLAPPs) are still widely used despite EU rules meant to stop them.
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Welsh Labour, which has won every election in Wales for about 100 years, is likely to lose power in the upcoming May Senedd election. This could lead to a new government including the pro-independence party Plaid Cymru, marking a major political change in Wales and raising questions about the party's future.
Key Facts
Welsh Labour has won every general election in Wales since 1922 and every devolved election since 1999.
The upcoming Senedd election may end Labour’s 27-year control in Wales.
Polls show Plaid Cymru and the Reform UK party are tied, but it is unlikely Reform UK can form a government.
If Plaid Cymru joins government, it would be the first time the pro-independence party is a senior partner.
Welsh Labour’s long rule faces criticism over poor NHS waiting times and low school performance compared to other UK nations.
Poverty rates in Wales have increased, with nearly half the population in severe poverty as of 2023.
Labour’s recent leadership scandals and perceived unpopularity of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer have hurt the party in Wales.
The election’s result could lead to significant debates within Welsh Labour about the party’s direction and policies.
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Armed attackers killed at least 29 people in Guyaku village, Adamawa State, Nigeria, in a several-hour attack that also destroyed property. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, and security forces said they will continue efforts to stop such violence. On the same day, gunmen kidnapped 23 children from an orphanage in another part of Nigeria; 15 were rescued and searches continue for the rest.
Key Facts
At least 29 people were killed in an attack on Guyaku village in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
The attack lasted several hours and caused property damage.
The Islamic State (ISIL) group claimed responsibility through a post on Telegram.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the community and promised to support military and vigilante groups.
On the same day, 23 children were kidnapped from a Nigerian orphanage; 15 were rescued.
The government said it is working to safely recover the remaining kidnapped children.
There has been an increase in kidnappings for ransom in parts of Nigeria.
US forces conducted airstrikes against ISIL fighters in Nigeria and deployed troops to train local forces.
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The Victorian Society has named 10 important buildings in England and Wales that are in danger because they are neglected or falling apart. These buildings, including Teesside’s Transporter Bridge and a disinfecting station in London, are protected by law but need urgent repairs and care.
Key Facts
The Victorian Society published its annual list of the top 10 endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.
The Teesside Transporter Bridge, built in 1911, has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns and needs £60 million in repairs.
The list includes a disinfecting station in Hackney, London, unused for decades.
Other sites include a former men’s club in Barrow, a neglected mausoleum in north Wales, and a Victorian house with rare paintings in Essex.
Most buildings on the list already have legal protection (Grade II or Grade II* listed) but still face decay or neglect.
The Victorian Society is asking for national support to protect these buildings and find new uses for them.
The overall goal is to preserve these historic sites because they show the rich heritage and civic pride of the past.
Without action, these buildings risk further damage from vandalism, decay, or even fire.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s political relationship with President Donald Trump is strained after she refused to support U.S. attacks on Iran and distanced herself from some of Trump’s actions. This conflict highlights the limits of relying on Trump for Italy’s international standing, especially as geopolitical tensions and domestic issues make her position more difficult.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup, which Italian officials denied.
President Trump criticized Meloni for not joining the U.S. in attacking Iran, calling her courage into question.
Meloni’s relationship with Trump is based on shared politics, ideology, and geopolitical interests rather than concrete policy gains.
She tries to balance being close to Trump with maintaining good relations with European Union leaders.
Both Meloni and Trump share a vision of the West based on common history, religion, and culture.
Italy has gained little from its closeness to Trump, aside from some trade adjustments like pasta imports.
The war with Iran has caused economic problems in Italy, including higher fuel costs.
Meloni condemned some of Trump’s personal attacks, especially those against the pope, showing limits in their alliance.
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Senior progressive rabbis in the UK say Israel’s current politics may clash with Jewish values and could threaten Judaism itself. They believe criticizing Israel’s government is a duty for Jews and have launched a book with essays discussing Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel.
Key Facts
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy lead Progressive Judaism, representing about one-third of UK synagogues.
They warned Israel’s current direction might threaten Judaism, not just the country’s future.
Criticism of Israel’s government is seen as a Jewish obligation, not disloyalty.
They co-edited a book with 40 essays on Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel from various viewpoints.
Progressive Judaism supports a Jewish, pluralist, and democratic state in Israel but welcomes diverse political opinions.
The book and movement aim to promote dialogue and show that differing views can make the Jewish community stronger.
The rabbis identify as religious Zionists but reject far-right Israeli politics and support Palestinian self-determination.
They emphasize no fixed political or theological position is required to join their community.
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A US investigation found that leaders and family members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia involved in a deadly conflict, have bought luxury properties worth £17.7 million in Dubai. The RSF reportedly funds its activities partly by smuggling gold from Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a base for their wealth and operations.
Key Facts
The RSF is a Sudanese militia led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
The RSF and Sudanese armed forces are in conflict causing a large humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Hemedti’s family and people linked to him own over 20 luxury properties in Dubai, valued at £17.7 million.
Much of their wealth is believed to come from gold smuggled out of Sudan, with Dubai as a key trading hub.
The UAE supports the RSF with weapons and mercenaries, though it denies these claims.
Some of the properties were bought by companies registered in the UAE and linked to the gold trade.
Sanctioned individuals connected to the RSF also own high-value apartments in Dubai.
The Dagalo family claims the properties were bought legally and denies wrongdoing.
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