Syria has started its first public trial of former officials from President Bashar al-Assad’s earlier government. Atef Najib, a former security chief, is being tried for his role in the 2011 crackdown in the city of Deraa.
Key Facts
This is the first public trial of officials from the Assad era in Syria.
Atef Najib, a former security chief, is the main person on trial.
Najib is in a courtroom cage during the trial.
The trial focuses on his actions during the 2011 crackdown in Deraa.
The crackdown in 2011 was part of the early conflict in Syria.
The trial is taking place in Damascus, the capital of Syria.
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Thailand police arrested a 33-year-old Indonesian man accused of scamming Americans out of $10 million through romance scams. He was caught on the island of Phuket and will be sent to the United States for trial.
Key Facts
The man is wanted by the U.S. FBI for defrauding Americans of about $10 million.
He was arrested at a luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand.
The arrest happened after the suspect traveled from Dubai to Thailand.
Police sent him to an immigration detention center in Bangkok while awaiting extradition.
The suspect allegedly used dating apps and social media to trick victims from 2022 to 2026.
He reportedly hired models to create fake relationships to convince victims to invest in bogus platforms.
Southeast Asia has become a hotspot for online scam operations using casinos and hotels as bases.
A UN report said Dubai is a growing hub for recruitment linked to cyber fraud scams in the region.
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The British ambassador to the U.S., Sir Christian Turner, said he is very confident that King Charles and Queen Camilla will be well protected during their visit to the White House this week. He assured that they will receive the best security arrangements for the trip.
Key Facts
King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting the White House this week.
The British ambassador to the U.S. is Sir Christian Turner.
Sir Christian Turner spoke on the CBS News program "Face the Nation."
He said he is "very confident" about the security plans for the visit.
The ambassador promised the royal couple will have the "very best security."
The visit involves close cooperation between the U.K. and U.S. security teams.
This visit is a sign of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
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A powerful tornado in northern Texas killed one person and damaged many homes. At the same time, wildfires in southeastern Georgia have destroyed over 120 homes and burned tens of thousands of acres, fueled by drought and human-related causes.
Key Facts
The Texas tornado struck Wise County around 10 p.m. causing major damage and one confirmed death.
Six people were treated for injuries related to the Texas storm, and at least 20 families lost their homes.
Recent severe weather in the central US included more than 30 tornadoes and widespread hail reports.
A tornado in northern Oklahoma injured 10 people and damaged about 40 homes, with no deaths reported.
Forecasters warn of continued storms with risks of tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.
In Georgia, two large wildfires have burned a total of over 52,000 acres and destroyed 120 homes.
The Highway 82 fire in Georgia was caused by a foil balloon hitting power lines and is only 7% contained.
The Pineland Road fire near the Georgia-Florida border started by sparks from welding and is 10% contained.
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Iran is trying to keep food and medicines available for its people during ongoing war-related pressures. The government has reintroduced a cheaper currency exchange rate to import essential goods and is using money from its national fund to buy key food items.
Key Facts
Life in Tehran is returning to normal, but people are buying mostly basic goods due to uncertainty.
The Iranian government restarted a preferential exchange rate for importing essentials like wheat and medicines.
This exchange rate is much cheaper than the regular market rate for US dollars.
The government plans to use up to $3.5 billion from oil and gas revenues to pay for these imports.
Officials say prices of essential goods rose after removing this cheap exchange rate earlier.
Iran is also using up to $1 billion from its National Development Fund to buy key food products like sugar, rice, and meat.
The government is considering increasing monthly handouts and coupons to help with food costs.
Despite US sanctions and attacks, Iran claims it has enough currency and gold reserves to manage imports.
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In 1990, 13 valuable artworks were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, making it the largest art theft in history. Despite years of investigation, the stolen art, valued at over $500 million, has not been recovered, but a former FBI agent has recently shared new details about the suspects and how the art moved through criminal groups.
Key Facts
The theft occurred on March 18, 1990, when two men dressed as police officers entered the museum and stole 13 artworks.
The stolen pieces include famous paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Degas, and Manet.
The stolen art is valued at more than $500 million today.
The museum still displays empty frames where the paintings once hung.
A $10 million reward is offered for information leading to the recovery of the stolen works.
The FBI has said it knows who was responsible but has not named the suspects.
Several people linked to the case have died violently over the years, complicating the investigation.
A former FBI agent wrote a book detailing the investigation and linking the theft to criminal networks in Boston and beyond.
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Loyalists of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas won most seats in recent municipal elections, including some in Gaza for the first time in nearly 20 years. The vote in Gaza was mostly symbolic, showing the area as part of a future Palestinian state, despite low turnout and ongoing violence.
Key Facts
Abbas loyalists (Fatah party) won most seats in West Bank municipal elections.
Elections included a city in Gaza (Deir el-Balah) for the first time since 2006.
Hamas, ruling Gaza since 2007, did not officially participate and boycotted West Bank races.
Some Gaza candidates were linked to Hamas but won few seats.
Voter turnout was 56% in the West Bank and only 23% in Gaza.
Israeli restrictions limited some election materials entering Gaza.
Gaza’s low turnout was partly due to war devastation, displacement, and outdated voter lists.
Elections were held despite ongoing Israeli strikes and a recent ceasefire declared in October 2023.
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A large humpback whale named Timmy has been stuck in shallow waters off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast for nearly a month. A privately funded effort plans to tow the whale about 400 km to the North Sea in hopes of returning it to the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Facts
Timmy is a 12-tonne humpback whale stranded near the island of Poel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
The whale has been there for over three weeks in water with too little salt for its survival.
A rescue plan called Operation Cushion involves lifting Timmy on air cushions in a large steel pontoon.
The pontoon will be towed by a tugboat to deeper waters in the North Sea, aiming to return Timmy to the Atlantic.
Local officials and rescue workers have been caring for the whale, keeping it hydrated and treating skin wounds.
Some marine experts believe the whale is too weak and that rescue attempts might cause more harm.
The rescue is funded by two millionaires and supported by some local politicians despite mixed opinions from scientists.
Hundreds of people have visited the site to watch the whale and the rescue efforts.
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Viktor Orbán's long rule in Hungary has ended after a recent election loss. People close to Orbán are quickly moving their money and assets out of Hungary to other countries, fearing legal trouble under the new government.
Key Facts
Viktor Orbán lost power after 16 years as Hungary’s leader.
Associates of Orbán reportedly moved large amounts of wealth abroad after the election.
Destinations for moved assets include Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Australia, Singapore, the US, and Uruguay.
Opposition leader Péter Magyar accused Orbán’s allies of trying to avoid accountability.
Magyar called on Hungarian authorities to stop these individuals from escaping the law.
Some oligarch families have reportedly withdrawn their children from school and arranged security for leaving Hungary.
Journalists reported efforts to safeguard assets before the new government takes control in May.
The incoming government plans to fight corruption and recover stolen public wealth.
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President Donald Trump stated that U.S. officials will not travel to Pakistan for talks about peace related to the Iran war. He said that if other parties want to negotiate, they should either come to the U.S. or call by phone.
Key Facts
President Trump announced that no U.S. officials will go to Pakistan for peace talks.
The talks are about the conflict involving Iran.
Trump said the U.S. holds all the advantages or control ("all the cards").
He suggested that others interested in negotiating should come to the U.S. or use the phone to communicate.
The statement was made during a public appearance where Trump called in remotely.
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Sir Christian Turner, the U.K. ambassador to the U.S., spoke about recent security concerns and the upcoming visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to the United States. Despite recent tensions, he expressed confidence in the safety of the visit and emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
Key Facts
Ambassador Turner has experience with security training in unstable countries.
He praised the Secret Service and journalists for their response to a recent security incident in Washington, D.C.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit the U.S., including meetings with Congress and the White House.
Security plans are continuously reviewed to ensure the royal visit is safe.
The visit marks the 250th anniversary of U.K.-U.S. relations.
There have been recent political tensions between the U.S. and U.K., including disagreements between President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The King, as head of state, remains above politics and has never given an interview, which can help in diplomatic efforts.
The Ambassador highlighted the shared value between both countries against political violence and the need for peaceful resolution of differences.
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The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative has helped save millions of lives by fighting malaria. However, malaria is changing and becoming harder to control, so new efforts and American innovations are needed to continue making progress.
Key Facts
The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative aims to reduce malaria worldwide.
It has saved millions of lives and prevented billions of malaria cases.
Progress in fighting malaria is slowing down.
The malaria parasite is evolving, making it harder to control.
Renewed focus and innovation from the U.S. are needed to fight malaria effectively.
Malaria remains a serious health problem in many countries.
The initiative represents a key part of America's global health efforts.
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A bus exploded on a major highway in Colombia, killing at least 13 people. The country's president said that breakaway members of the FARC group caused the bombing.
Key Facts
The bombing happened on the Pan-American Highway in Colombia.
At least 13 people died in the explosion.
The bus had a bomb inside it.
Dashcam video captured the exact moment of the explosion.
Colombia’s president blamed dissidents from the FARC movement.
FARC is a former rebel group in Colombia with some members now acting independently.
The incident is under investigation by Colombian authorities.
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Israel has increased its military attacks in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 25 Palestinians in the past week and controlling about 60% of the area. The escalation happens amid a weak ceasefire agreement and the sidelining of a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee meant to manage Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
Key Facts
At least 25 Palestinians were killed in Gaza in the past week during increased Israeli attacks.
Since the ceasefire in October, over 800 Palestinians have died in Gaza.
Israel has expanded the area it controls within Gaza by about 37 km, now holding roughly 60% of the territory.
Israeli forces are targeting Palestinian police officers, claiming some planned attacks, but no proof was provided.
The ceasefire agreement required Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza by the end of the first phase, but this has not happened.
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), set up under President Trump’s initiative, is currently inactive and blocked from functioning by Israeli restrictions.
The "Board of Peace," chaired by President Trump and including U.S. officials, was designed to oversee Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction.
Israel’s military pause of the ceasefire is linked to Hamas’ refusal to disarm, according to U.S. analysts supporting Israel’s actions.
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A group of Italian chefs broke the world record for the longest tiramisu in London. The new tiramisu measured 440.6 meters, beating the old record of 273.5 meters from Milan.
Key Facts
The event took place at Chelsea Town Hall in London.
100 Italian chefs worked together to make the tiramisu.
They used 50,000 ladyfinger biscuits and over 3,000 eggs.
The tiramisu was made and assembled live in front of judges.
The previous record was set in Milan at 273.5 meters (897 feet).
The new tiramisu measured 440.6 meters (1,445 feet).
The event honored the King and the Royal Family, with a golden crown on top.
The dessert had to be at least 8 cm high and 15 cm wide to qualify.
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Russian mercenaries hired by Mali’s military agreed to leave the northern city of Kidal after clashes with the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The FLA claims control of Kidal following coordinated attacks by armed groups across Mali, including strikes that killed Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara.
Key Facts
Russian mercenaries and the Malian army fought the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) in Kidal.
The FLA seeks an independent Tuareg state in northern Mali.
The FLA and allied groups launched coordinated attacks in several Malian cities, including the capital Bamako.
Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara reportedly died in a car bomb attack near Bamako.
Fighting also occurred in other cities like Kati, Gao, Sevare, and Mopti.
The FLA said it is escorting Russian mercenaries out of Kidal and claims it now controls the city.
Mali’s government has increased security and imposed curfews in some areas.
The United Nations and West African regional group Ecowas condemned the recent violence.
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A fire started early Sunday on the ship Nord Houston at Newport Docks. The fire, involving 1,000 tonnes of scrap metal, has been contained, but fire crews remain on site to prevent it from starting again.
Key Facts
The fire began around 5:40 a.m. at Newport Docks.
The ship involved is named Nord Houston and was carrying 1,000 tonnes of scrap metal.
Fire crews from several local stations responded to the blaze.
The fire has been controlled, but crews will stay until Monday to watch for flare-ups.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Officials say there is no danger to the public.
Multiple agencies, including fire service, port authorities, environmental groups, police, and local council, are working together.
They are checking for any environmental damage caused by the fire.
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This article shows photos from different parts of the world taken over a weekend. The images include events like voting in Gaza, a shooting incident in Washington, and various cultural and conflict-related scenes in places such as London, Syria, South Africa, and Japan.
Key Facts
People in Gaza voted in municipal elections, the first since a recent war.
A shooting happened at the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington DC, involving President Donald Trump being escorted out.
A forensic investigation took place after a car explosion outside a police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
In Syria, Atef Najib, related to the former leader Bashar al-Assad, is on trial for alleged crimes during past government rule.
South Africa celebrated Pagan Freedom Day during a public holiday weekend marking the end of apartheid.
Wildfires burned near Otsuchi, Japan, forcing thousands to evacuate as firefighters battled the flames.
Israeli military activity continued near Lebanon’s southern border, where strikes caused casualties despite a ceasefire extension.
Ukraine’s soldiers rested on the frontline amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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A woman in her 30s was arrested and then released on police bail after a house fire in Wolverhampton where two young boys died. The fire happened on Mason Street, and emergency services rescued the children but two boys, aged one and three, died at the scene.
Key Facts
The fire occurred at around 8:30 pm on a Friday on Mason Street in Wolverhampton.
Two boys, aged one and three, died in the house fire.
A woman in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the deaths.
The woman has been released on police bail.
Two other children and a woman were outside the house before emergency services arrived and did not need hospital treatment.
Police have set up a cordon around the area, likely to stay for some time.
Detective Chief Inspector Kylie Westlake described the incident as tragic and asked the public for help with the investigation.
Authorities request people not to speculate and to contact police if they have any information.
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US President Donald Trump was evacuated after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, other notable events included the death of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in an Israeli air strike, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to inmates in an Equatorial Guinea prison, and robots competing in a marathon race in Beijing.
Key Facts
Shots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, leading to President Trump’s evacuation.
Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil was killed in an Israeli air strike.
Pope Leo XIV visited prisoners at Bata Prison in Equatorial Guinea.
Members of Neturei Karta protested against Israel in Jerusalem as Israel marked its 78th Independence Day.
Residents in Nairobi experienced home demolitions amid government housing projects.
An anti-US and anti-Israel mural was seen in Tehran during a regional ceasefire.
Robots participated and outran humans in a half marathon in Beijing.
Demonstrations took place in Tokyo to protect Japan’s Article 9, which renounces war.
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