A Syrian court started the first trial of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and some top members of his government. Assad and his brother fled Syria and are being tried without being present, while former security official Atif Najib appeared in court in handcuffs.
Key Facts
The trial began on April 26, 2026, in Damascus, Syria.
Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher fled Syria after Islamist forces advanced on Damascus in December 2024.
Assad and Maher are being tried in absentia (not physically present in court).
Atif Najib, a former security official, appeared in court in handcuffs; he was arrested in January 2025.
Najib is accused of leading a repression campaign in Daraa, where Syria's 2011 uprising started.
The trial is the first of its kind under Syria’s new authorities aiming for transitional justice after years of civil war.
The judge announced a second hearing set for May 10, 2026.
Other relatives and officials, including Wassim al-Assad and former grand mufti Ahmed Badreddin Hassoun, may also face trial.
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A bombing on a highway in Colombia's Cauca province killed 20 people and injured 36 others, including children. The attack is blamed on rebel groups linked to breakaway factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc).
Key Facts
The bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway in southern Cauca, causing widespread vehicle damage and a large crater.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the attackers terrorists and urged soldiers to confront them.
The bombing killed 15 women and 5 men and left a crater about 200 meters wide.
The attack is one of the deadliest against civilians in decades, according to the local governor.
Smaller violent incidents, including one targeting a military base, have also occurred recently in the region.
Some dissident Farc groups refuse to disarm and are involved in drug trafficking.
President Petro’s government has tried, but failed, to negotiate peace with these armed groups.
Colombia will hold a presidential election on May 31, with candidates offering different approaches to handling the rebels.
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The UK government wants to delay new rules that would limit children’s access to social media for up to three years. Many members of the House of Lords and campaigners want faster action to raise the minimum age to 16 within a year, citing concerns about children’s safety online.
Key Facts
The government proposed an amendment to delay social media restrictions for children by up to three years.
Critics say this delay could reduce the impact of earlier promises to act quickly.
Tory peer Lord John Nash has proposed an amendment to raise the minimum social media age to 16 within 12 months.
The House of Lords has supported Nash’s amendment three times so far.
The government blocked Nash’s amendment in the House of Commons.
The next vote in the House of Lords is seen as a last chance to force faster action before Parliament ends its current session.
Campaigners and families of children harmed online urge quicker action, fearing more children will be affected by social media harm if delayed.
The government says it needs more time to study the evidence and to manage global social media enforcement challenges.
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King Charles III will continue with his planned visit to the United States despite a shooting that occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Buckingham Palace said they confirmed the visit after talking with U.S. officials and following government advice.
Key Facts
King Charles III is scheduled to visit the United States soon.
A shooting took place at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on a Saturday.
Buckingham Palace announced that the visit will still happen as planned.
The decision came after discussions between British and U.S. officials.
The government advised that the visit should go ahead.
The trip is referred to as a State Visit, meaning it is an official visit between countries.
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Roman Dubowski, a retired IT analyst from Greater Manchester, won the £1 million jackpot on the TV quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. He correctly answered the final question about a trademarked logo featured in a famous painting and novel, becoming the show's seventh jackpot winner.
Key Facts
Roman Dubowski won £1 million on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.
He is from Stockport and worked as an IT analyst before retiring.
The final question was about a trademarked logo described in the novel Ulysses and depicted in a Manet painting.
He correctly chose Bass Ale after using a lifeline that removed two incorrect answers.
Dubowski plans to buy a new house and travel with his prize money.
He had tried to get on the show twice before, without success.
Other previous jackpot winners include Judith Keppel and Pat Gibson.
Dubowski said he celebrated quietly and told his sister first about his win.
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Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, traveled from Pakistan to Russia for talks aimed at keeping discussions between Iran and the United States alive. Although indirect messages were exchanged via Pakistan, no direct talks have resumed, and U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned diplomatic visit to Pakistan.
Key Facts
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, left Islamabad for Moscow after visiting Oman and Pakistan.
Iran sent written messages to the U.S. through Pakistan, mentioning nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, but these were not formal negotiations.
President Donald Trump extended an indefinite ceasefire agreed on April 7, which paused fighting that began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Despite the ceasefire, a permanent peace agreement has not been reached, and the conflict is disrupting global oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies.
Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for shipping oil and gas, increasing global prices.
The U.S. has responded with a blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump canceled a trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan, saying there was no point in talks without progress.
Araghchi met Pakistani leaders and was expected to meet senior officials in Moscow, but no direct talks with the U.S. were confirmed.
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An Israeli settler threw rocks and tried to break into the home of Palestinian activist Issa Amro while an Israeli soldier watched. The settler was arrested for a short time but then released.
Key Facts
The incident involved an Israeli settler attacking Issa Amro’s home.
Rocks were thrown at the home, and there was an attempt to break in.
The attack happened in Hebron, a city with frequent tensions.
An Israeli soldier was present and did not stop the settler.
The settler was arrested but released soon after.
Issa Amro is known as a Palestinian activist.
The event highlights ongoing conflict between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
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In Mali, different armed groups, including one linked to al-Qaeda, have joined together to attack military targets. The Mali defense minister was killed, and Russian mercenaries supporting the government have also been attacked. This violence shows rising unrest and challenges for the Mali government and its allies.
Key Facts
Various armed groups in Mali, even former enemies, are cooperating to attack military forces.
One of these groups is connected to al-Qaeda, a well-known global terrorist network.
The Mali defense minister was killed during this wave of attacks.
Russian mercenaries working with the Mali government are also under attack.
These attacks highlight growing instability in Mali and surrounding regions.
The situation involves complex local and international players, including Russia.
Experts from security and regional organizations are analyzing the conflict.
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A bomb exploded on a highway in southwestern Colombia, killing 19 people and injuring at least 38. The attack happened amid rising violence in the region and just over a month before Colombia's presidential election.
Key Facts
The bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca department, southwestern Colombia.
The blast killed 19 people and injured at least 38, damaging buses, vans, and cars.
Attackers stopped traffic by blocking the road with a bus and another vehicle before detonating the bomb.
The Colombian president blamed the bombing on Ivan Mordisco, a known criminal compared to Pablo Escobar.
The attack follows a recent bomb assault on a military base in Cali, injuring two people.
Over two days, 26 attacks were reported in Cauca and Valle del Cauca departments.
Authorities increased military and police presence in affected areas.
Security is a major concern ahead of the May 31 presidential election, with candidates facing threats and campaigning under protection.
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Two former Israeli prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, have joined their political parties to challenge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election. They formed a new party called "Together" to unite the opposition and try to change the current government.
Key Facts
Naftali Bennett leads the new party "Together," which merges his party Bennett 2026 with Lapid’s There is a Future.
Bennett is right-wing, Lapid is centrist, but both oppose Netanyahu.
They aim to end divisions within the opposition and focus on winning the elections expected later this year.
Bennett wants to create a national inquiry into failures ahead of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which Netanyahu’s government rejects.
Bennett and Lapid have previously worked together to end Netanyahu’s 12-year run as prime minister in 2021.
Netanyahu returned to power after winning the 2022 election and formed Israel’s most right-wing government.
Polls show Netanyahu currently leading but suggest he may lose in the upcoming election.
Lapid says he represents Israel’s secular middle class concerned about tax and military service fairness.
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Palestinian authorities said local elections held recently in a Gaza community and the West Bank went well and could lead to future presidential elections. These were the first elections in parts of Gaza in over 20 years and had moderate voter turnout amid challenging conditions.
Key Facts
Local elections took place in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, and parts of the West Bank.
Deir al-Balah election turnout was 23%, affected by displacement and outdated voter records.
West Bank turnout was higher, at 56%, with over half a million people voting.
Hamas, controlling much of Gaza, did not participate or block the elections.
The elections focused on local councils managing services like water, roads, and electricity.
Voting reforms now let people choose individuals instead of party lists.
No presidential elections have been held since 2005, and the political situation remains difficult.
Palestinian Authority leaders hope these elections lead to national unity and future presidential votes.
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A professor of international affairs says the United States must focus on diplomacy with Iran instead of military action. He explains that Iran has shown it will not easily surrender, so both sides need to reach an agreement through negotiation.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel have attempted military pressure on Iran.
Iran has resisted these military efforts and has not surrendered.
Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran have happened on and off.
A professor from Johns Hopkins University says the U.S. must seek a diplomatic solution.
Military force alone has limits in dealing with Iran.
Iran wants to show that war with them will be difficult.
Successful negotiation requires both sides to make deals, not demands.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled between Oman, Pakistan, and Russia for talks amid ongoing efforts to restart diplomacy with the United States. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump canceled a planned U.S. envoy trip to Pakistan but said Iran and the U.S. could communicate by phone if they wanted.
Key Facts
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Oman, Pakistan, and then traveled to Russia for diplomatic talks.
Araghchi was scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
President Trump canceled a planned trip by U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
Trump said the U.S. would not continue talks he saw as unproductive but offered phone communication with Iran.
Indirect diplomatic efforts continued, with Iran sending written messages to the U.S. through Pakistan.
The U.S.-Iran conflict escalated tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route.
Iran and the U.S. have maintained a fragile ceasefire since a war between the U.S. and Iran began on April 8, 2026.
Trump denied that a recent security incident at the White House was linked to Iran and said it would not affect his approach.
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A bombing on a bus in southwest Colombia has killed 20 people and injured 36 others. The attack took place in a region troubled by illegal armed groups involved in drug trafficking and violence.
Key Facts
The bombing happened on a bus traveling on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibio, Colombia.
Among the 20 dead, there are 15 women and 5 men.
Thirty-six people were injured, including five minors; three of the injured are in intensive care.
Authorities are using specialists like dentists and forensic doctors to identify the victims.
The area has seen over two dozen violent incidents in the last three days.
Illegal armed groups there fight over coca leaf farming and drug trafficking routes.
Colombia’s military commander called the bombing a "terrorist act" linked to dissident groups from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the attacks and urged justice for the victims.
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President Donald Trump said he helped save eight Iranian women from being executed. Iran denied that these women were ever facing the death penalty and called the reports false. The situation remains unclear, with media restrictions affecting information from Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed he stopped the execution of eight Iranian women.
Iran said the women Trump mentioned were never sentenced to death.
Iran accused President Trump of spreading false information.
BBC correspondent Lyse Doucet reported on this issue from Tehran under strict rules.
These rules limit what international media can report from Iran, including the BBC.
The story is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The exact fate of the women remains uncertain due to conflicting statements.
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Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara was killed during a coordinated attack by jihadi and rebel forces. These groups seized towns and military bases, including the northern city of Kidal, where Malian troops and Russian mercenaries withdrew peacefully.
Key Facts
Malian Defense Minister Gen. Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his home.
Jihadi and rebel forces launched coordinated attacks on multiple cities, including the capital Bamako and Kidal.
At least 16 people were wounded in the attacks, including civilians and soldiers.
Separatist fighters seeking independence for northern Mali joined forces with Islamic militants linked to al-Qaida.
Malian troops and Russian mercenaries withdrew peacefully from Kidal after reaching an agreement with separatists.
This is the first time separatists and al-Qaida-linked militants openly cooperated in attacks.
A curfew was imposed in Bamako from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to improve security.
Regional groups, including the Economic Community of West African States, condemned the attacks and called for united efforts against terrorism.
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Israel has ordered people to leave seven towns in southern Lebanon, outside its buffer zone, because of ongoing conflict with the group Hezbollah. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, both sides have continued attacks, and Israel says it will act to protect its security.
Key Facts
Israel issued forced evacuation orders for seven towns north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
These towns lie beyond Israel’s declared buffer zone, about 10 km inside Lebanon near the border.
Israel says Hezbollah is violating the ceasefire and that it will respond to protect its soldiers and communities.
Hezbollah denies breaking the ceasefire and calls its attacks a response to Israel’s violations.
The ceasefire started on April 16 and was extended to mid-May but has not stopped fighting completely.
There have been multiple airstrikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon in recent days.
A 19-year-old Israeli soldier was killed and five others wounded in southern Lebanon during fighting.
At least 2,509 people have died and 7,755 wounded in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since the conflict renewed on March 2.
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The U.S. Coast Guard stopped searching for a crew member who fell overboard from the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship near Cape Cod. The ship was traveling from Bermuda to Boston when the incident happened, and rescue efforts lasted overnight before being paused around noon.
Key Facts
A crew member fell off the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship about 12 miles off Wellfleet, Massachusetts.
The crew member was seen falling overboard on a security camera.
A man overboard alert was announced to passengers, and lifeboats were launched for rescue.
The U.S. Coast Guard and helicopters took part in the search overnight and into Sunday morning.
The search was suspended around noon, waiting for new information.
The ship arrived late at Boston’s Black Falcon Terminal due to the search efforts.
Passengers were informed that boarding would start later than expected because of the delay.
The cause of the crew member falling overboard and their identity have not been announced.
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The CBS News show on April 26, Sunday Morning, covered several topics. These included the difficult relationship between the United States and Cuba, singer Kacey Musgraves, Congressman Jim Clyburn, efforts to bring life back to a Welsh soccer town, people who love trees, artist Jenny Saville, and efforts to save Venus fly traps.
Key Facts
The show was hosted by Jane Pauley.
It discussed the challenging relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.
Singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves was featured.
Congressman Jim Clyburn appeared on the program.
The show highlighted the revival of a soccer town in Wales.
There was coverage about people who are passionate about trees.
Artist Jenny Saville was part of the stories.
The program included efforts to protect Venus fly traps, a type of carnivorous plant.
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King Charles III’s state visit to the United States will continue as planned on Monday. This decision follows a shooting incident at a White House dinner attended by President Donald Trump, with Buckingham Palace confirming the visit after talks with US officials.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a White House dinner.
President Donald Trump was present at the dinner.
Despite the incident, King Charles III’s visit to the US will go ahead as scheduled.
Buckingham Palace and US officials discussed the visit before confirming it would continue.
The state visit is planned for Monday.
The announcement was made on April 26, 2026.
The visit involves official state events between the UK and the US.
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