Muhammad Gholam el-Habot cares for rare Islamic manuscripts in Chinguetti, Mauritania, a historic town with ancient libraries. These books are fragile and face damage from climate change, including extreme heat, unpredictable rain, and sand encroachment threatening the area.
Key Facts
El-Habot manages about 1,400 ancient manuscripts in his family library in Chinguetti.
Chinguetti was a key center of Islamic learning from the 13th to 17th centuries.
The town is largely abandoned as many people have moved to bigger cities for work.
Mauritania is mostly Sahara desert and faces desertification, worsened by climate change.
Climate change brings more sand storms, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable rain.
These conditions make it hard to preserve the old manuscripts, which are very fragile.
The mudbrick libraries are not designed to withstand sudden rain and heatwaves.
Younger generations are less interested in guarding the manuscripts, making preservation harder.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two former Israeli prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, announced they are joining their political parties to try to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election expected later this year. They formed a new party called Together, with Bennett as the leader, aiming to change Israel’s current government direction.
Key Facts
Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, former prime ministers and political rivals of Netanyahu, are merging their parties.
Their new party is named Together, led by Bennett.
Their goal is to remove Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government in the next election.
Netanyahu has been Israel’s prime minister for many years and returned to power in 2022 with a very right-wing government.
Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition government from 2021 to 2023 but it lasted less than two years.
Bennett stated he will not partner with Arab parties again and opposes giving land to Palestinians.
Recent polls show Bennett and Lapid’s alliance could win more seats than Netanyahu’s coalition.
Netanyahu posted a message criticizing Bennett and Lapid’s previous short coalition, suggesting they may fail again.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran is increasing diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, with its foreign minister traveling to Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to discuss peace talks. Despite diplomatic moves, the conflict continues, including Israeli attacks in Lebanon that resulted in civilian deaths.
Key Facts
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is visiting Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to push for talks to end the war with the US and Israel.
President Donald Trump said Iran could call to negotiate peace and emphasized that Iran should not have nuclear weapons.
The main issues in the conflict are Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route currently blocked by Iran.
Iranian military forces stated they plan to keep control over the Strait of Hormuz to maintain pressure in the region.
Israeli forces increased attacks on southern Lebanon, killing at least 14 people, including civilians.
Hezbollah defended its attacks on Israeli targets as a response to violations of a temporary ceasefire.
Russian officials called for the US to stop issuing threats to improve negotiation chances with Iran.
Talks may include other Gulf countries to create a broader peace agreement beyond just Iran and the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man was arrested after a fire damaged the Pink Punters LGBTQ+ nightclub near Milton Keynes. No one was hurt, and the club owner said the club plans to reopen despite the building being destroyed.
Key Facts
Police arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The fire happened early Sunday morning at Pink Punters in Fenny Stratford, near Milton Keynes.
Staff and police evacuated many partygoers and nearby residents safely.
The nightclub building was completely destroyed by the fire.
Pink Punters has been operating for over 25 years and is known for its dancefloors, outdoor bar, and karaoke.
Fire crews from Buckinghamshire attended the scene, with 12 crews at the fire’s peak.
Police asked the public not to guess the fire’s cause or possible motives.
The club owner expressed relief that no one was harmed and confirmed plans to reopen.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the United States from April 27 to April 30. Their visit includes meetings with President Donald Trump, a ceremony at the US Congress, and events in New York and Virginia to mark important historical anniversaries.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in the US on April 27 and leave on April 30.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome the royals at the White House.
On April 28, there will be a full ceremonial welcome, including military honors and a 21-gun salute.
King Charles will speak to a joint meeting of the US Congress, the first British monarch to do so since 1991.
A state dinner will be held on April 28 evening at the White House hosted by the President and First Lady.
On April 29, the royals will visit New York to attend a 9/11 memorial ceremony and meet first responders.
They will also travel to Virginia for events celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The visit highlights the shared history and strong relations between the UK and the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pirates have recently seized several vessels near the coast of Somalia, raising concerns about maritime safety. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has increased the threat level to "substantial" due to these hijackings, advising ships to be cautious when passing through the area.
Key Facts
A cargo ship was seized off the Somali coast and redirected to Somalia’s territorial waters.
At least four vessels, including a fishing boat and an oil tanker, have been targeted by suspected pirates in the last week.
Piracy had nearly stopped in this area three years ago but has now returned.
The UKMTO warned about pirate activity and noted that weather conditions help pirates use small boats.
One hijacking happened six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia, with no further details released.
Pirates captured an oil tanker named Honour 25 with 17 crew members from various countries in late April.
The oil tanker was anchored near Somali fishing towns Xaafun and Bander Beyla under pirate control.
Some pirates tried to board a cargo ship on Thursday but were scared off by warning shots from the ship’s crew.
Between 2005 and 2012, Somali pirates earned hundreds of millions of dollars by holding ships and crews for ransom.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov opened a memorial in Pyongyang to honor North Korean soldiers who died while fighting in the Ukraine war. South Korean intelligence estimates that around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia, with about 2,000 killed so far, but neither North Korea nor Russia has confirmed these numbers.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov unveiled a statue and opened a memorial museum in Pyongyang.
Military jets flew overhead and white balloons were released during the ceremony.
South Korea estimates about 15,000 North Korean soldiers are fighting in Ukraine, mainly in the western Kursk region.
Around 2,000 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have died in the conflict.
North Korea is believed to have received food, money, and technical aid from Russia in exchange for its soldiers.
The memorial opening marked the first anniversary of Russia regaining control of parts of Kursk.
Kim promised ongoing support for Russia’s war efforts and called it a "sacred war."
Russia and North Korea agreed in June 2024 to help each other if either faces aggression.
North Korea also agreed to send thousands of workers to help rebuild Kursk.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A French teenager in Singapore is charged with mischief and public nuisance after posting a video where he licked a straw from a vending machine and put it back. The incident led the vending machine company to replace 500 straws, and the teen faces possible jail time and fines.
Key Facts
The teen's name is Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, aged 18.
He posted a video on Instagram showing him licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine.
The video sparked public disgust and was widely shared online.
The vending machine company, iJooz, replaced all 500 straws in the machine afterward.
The incident happened on March 12 at a shopping center in Singapore.
Maximilien faces charges of mischief and being a public nuisance, with possible jail time over two years and fines.
He studies at the Singapore campus of Essec Business School, which is investigating the incident.
His next court hearing is scheduled for May 22.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Five European activists are on trial in Germany for damaging an Israeli weapons factory owned by Elbit Systems. The activists say their actions were peaceful protest against Israel’s military actions, but prosecutors accuse them of property damage and link the attack to anti-Semitic motives.
Key Facts
The trial starts in Germany for five activists accused of attacking an Elbit Systems factory in Ulm.
Elbit Systems is Israel’s largest private defense company and supplies most combat drones and land equipment used by the Israeli army.
The activists filmed themselves damaging office equipment during the raid on September 8, 2025.
Similar attacks on Elbit facilities have happened in other European countries like the UK and Czech Republic.
Prosecutors charge the activists with property damage and being part of a criminal organization, citing alleged anti-Semitic motives.
The accused describe the attack as civil disobedience aimed at ending violations of international law.
All five are held in high-security detention and have been in isolation for about seven months.
Lawyers say the detention conditions are harsh, with strict monitoring, limited visits, and some restrictions overturned by court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in London arrested a 37-year-old man near Barnstaple, Devon, on suspicion of planning terrorist acts. The arrest is connected to an investigation into several attacks on places linked to the Jewish community and a media group in London.
Key Facts
A 37-year-old man was arrested on Sunday near Barnstaple, Devon.
The arrest relates to attacks on the Jewish community in northwest London.
The investigation also involves an attack on a Persian-language media organization.
Jars containing a non-dangerous substance were found in Kensington Gardens.
Since March 23, after an attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, 26 people have been arrested.
The police are treating these incidents as part of counter-terrorism efforts.
The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be released later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South-east Australia is expected to have hotter and drier weather from May to July due to a possible El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts below-average rainfall for much of eastern Australia, especially in Queensland and New South Wales, while higher temperatures are likely across most of the country.
Key Facts
An El Niño event happens when ocean waters in the tropical Pacific become warmer than usual, affecting weather patterns.
El Niño often causes drier and hotter conditions in eastern Australia.
The World Meteorological Organization sees an increasing chance of El Niño forming later this year.
Rainfall is forecasted to be below average in Queensland, New South Wales, parts of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia from May to July.
Most of Australia is expected to have higher than average maximum temperatures during this period.
Weather models show some disagreement, but many suggest sea surface temperatures consistent with El Niño could appear by July.
Scientists warn that the exact strength and impact of El Niño can vary, depending on where the warmest waters settle.
Climate change is making temperature increases more noticeable in long-term forecasts for Australia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has confirmed his country's support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, calling it a "sacred war." North Korea has sent weapons, troops, and other support to Russia, while Russia provides financial aid, technology, and supplies to North Korea.
Key Facts
Kim Jong-un reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea has sent missiles, ammunition, and thousands of soldiers to help Russia.
Russia gives financial aid, military technology, food, and energy to North Korea in return.
High-level Russian officials have recently visited North Korea to discuss military cooperation.
North Korea and Russia signed a military treaty in 2024 to assist each other if attacked.
A memorial was opened to honor North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine.
About 2,000 North Korean troops are estimated to have died fighting in Ukraine.
North Korean soldiers reportedly have orders to commit suicide to avoid capture; only two have been captured alive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un confirmed his country’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a "sacred war" and promising to help Russia win. North Korea has sent weapons and troops to fight alongside Russia, while Russia provides North Korea with financial aid, military technology, food, and energy.
Key Facts
Kim Jong-un reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea has sent missiles, munitions, and about 2,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine.
Russia is providing North Korea with financial aid, military technology, food, and energy.
Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov met Kim Jong-un recently to discuss military cooperation.
North Korea and Russia signed a military treaty in 2024 to support each other if attacked.
A memorial was opened in North Korea honoring North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine.
The memorial event included a ceremony, concert, fireworks, and an air force flyover.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the bravery of North Korean troops in a letter to Kim.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bears in north-east Japan have been seen near towns and cities more often this year, causing concern after a possible fatal attack was reported. The number of bear sightings is higher than last year, which was already a record for attacks, and officials are warning people to be careful during upcoming holidays.
Key Facts
Bears have been emerging from hibernation hungry and coming close to human areas in north-east Japan.
In 2026, a woman’s body was found after a possible bear attack in Iwate prefecture.
Police were injured in a bear attack near the same area.
Bears have been seen near homes, warehouses, and train stations.
Local authorities in Aomori, Iwate, and Fukushima prefectures warned residents after multiple bear sightings.
In the past year, Japan had 238 bear attacks, causing 13 deaths, mostly in the Tohoku region.
Poor beechnut harvests in the past made bears search for food near people; a good crop this year might reduce these encounters.
Experts warn bears may now associate humans with food and feel less threatened, increasing the chance of visits to populated places.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large crocodile was seen climbing into a hotel kitchen near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe during the early morning. The incident was captured on camera and shared publicly.
Key Facts
The event happened near Victoria Falls, a well-known location in Zimbabwe.
A crocodile entered the kitchen of a hotel.
The crocodile climbed inside during the early hours of the morning.
The incident was recorded on video.
Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination.
Crocodiles are native animals in the region.
Such wildlife encounters with humans can happen in areas close to nature.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine is using long-range drones to attack Russian military targets and oil facilities deep inside Russia. The commander of Ukraine's drone forces said these attacks are increasing and are causing significant damage to Russia's military and energy sectors.
Key Facts
Ukraine's drone commander, Robert Brovdi, leads the country's military drone units.
Ukrainian drones are striking deep into Russian territory, up to 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers away.
These drones target Russian oil export facilities and military personnel to slow down Russia's advance.
Ukrainian-produced drones are improving, flying farther and costing less.
President Volodymyr Zelensky says these attacks are causing big losses to Russia's energy sector worth tens of billions of dollars.
Drone forces make up about 2% of Ukraine's military but destroy about one-third of all enemy targets.
The drone units have a low casualty rate of less than 1% per year.
Russian refinery areas have reported toxic rain after drone strikes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study shows that people living in the richest areas of the UK can expect to live about 20 more years in good health than those in the poorest areas. The average number of healthy years has dropped by about two years over the last decade, and the UK ranks poorly among wealthy countries in healthy life expectancy.
Key Facts
People in wealthy areas of England have around 69 healthy years, while those in poor areas have about 49-50 healthy years.
The gap in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor areas has grown wider since 2013-2015.
Average healthy life expectancy in the UK has fallen roughly two years from 2012-14 to 2022-24.
The UK has the second-lowest healthy life expectancy among 21 rich countries, just above the United States.
The decline is linked to factors such as obesity, poor housing, mental health issues, poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthy life expectancy measures how many years people live in good health, considering physical and mental wellbeing.
Poor health causes economic problems by pushing people out of work and limiting education and training opportunities.
Experts call for better prevention, community care, and tackling the root causes of health inequality.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
King Charles is visiting the United States from April 27 to 30 to strengthen the relationship between the UK and the US during a challenging time. His visit comes amid security concerns following a shooting at a recent event and under the leadership of President Donald Trump, described as unpredictable.
Key Facts
King Charles’ visit is meant to renew the close ties between the UK and the US.
The visit is considered very difficult due to complex political and security issues.
President Donald Trump’s unpredictable behavior adds to the challenges of the visit.
Security for King Charles is a top priority, especially after a shooting incident at a White House event.
Discussions about the king’s security are ongoing with both UK and US officials.
The king will give an important speech to the US Congress during his visit.
The visit marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Past UK-US relations have had tense moments, but this visit is especially sensitive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed workers who help provide clean water, worsening shortages in the area. Limited supplies of soap and cleaning products have made it harder for people to stay healthy amid crowded living conditions.
Key Facts
Israeli forces killed a water engineer and two water-truck drivers in Gaza in mid-April.
These deaths have worsened shortages of clean water, increasing disease risk.
Israeli attacks have destroyed much of Gaza’s water and sewage systems over 2.5 years.
Israel restricts shipments of soap, detergent, and hygiene products to Gaza.
The average person in Gaza receives only 7 liters of drinking water daily, far below the recommended 50-100 liters.
Prices of soap and cleaning supplies have doubled recently due to scarcity.
Lack of water and hygiene causes infections, especially for women and babies.
Humanitarian groups warn these conditions cause both physical and mental health problems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Five pro-Palestinian activists from different countries are on trial in Germany for attacking an Israeli arms factory. They caused damage to the factory, surrendered to police, and face charges including trespassing and participation in a criminal group, with possible prison sentences up to five years.
Key Facts
The activists are British, Irish, German, and Spanish citizens.
They attacked the Israeli company Elbit Systems in Ulm, Germany, on September 8.
The group caused damage estimated between €200,000 and €1 million.
They voluntarily called police and waited to be arrested after the attack.
Charges include trespass, property destruction, and involvement in a criminal organization.
Germany’s law allows denying bail if suspects are seen as a threat under section 129.
Defense argues the attack was justified to prevent harm, citing emergency assistance laws.
Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Israel and the trial may have political importance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
