Dua Lipa and British actor Callum Turner might get married in Palermo, Italy, possibly in June. The couple has a strong connection to the city, and local venues are preparing for a potential wedding event.
Key Facts
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner got engaged before their July holiday in Palermo.
They shared photos showing their enjoyment of the city’s streets, cathedral, and local food.
Rumors say the couple might marry in Palermo this summer, likely in June.
A wedding planner was reportedly hired, and rooms were booked at Villa Igiea hotel for wedding guests.
The wedding ceremony itself may not be at Villa Igiea, with other venues like GAM gallery or Santa Maria dello Spasimo church suggested.
Palermo locals and businesses, including the bar where Dua Lipa visited, feel proud and excited about the possible wedding.
Dua Lipa first connected with Palermo in 2023 through a promotional campaign wearing the city’s football club shirt.
Callum Turner is an actor considered a strong candidate to play the next James Bond.
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Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a very important waterway through which much of the world's oil passes. This control gives Iran strong influence in the region and makes it difficult for other countries, like the United States and Israel, to challenge its power there.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through this strait every day.
Iran has displayed messages asserting its ability to close the strait if needed.
This control is a major source of leverage for Iran in conflicts with countries like the U.S. and Israel.
Closing or threatening to close the strait can impact global oil prices and shipping.
The strait’s geography makes it hard for other countries to break Iran’s control.
Regional tensions in the Persian Gulf often involve disputes over this strategic waterway.
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Pakistan has become an important participant in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. During President Donald Trump’s second term, Pakistan’s top general has shifted from being widely criticized to playing a major role in diplomacy.
Key Facts
Pakistan is now a key player in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.
This change reflects a significant shift in Pakistan’s global standing.
The top Pakistani general has gained influence in international diplomacy.
President Donald Trump is currently serving his second term.
Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran.
The ceasefire aims to reduce tensions and promote peace between the U.S. and Iran.
Pakistan’s increased involvement shows growing trust from both sides in the conflict.
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Two British RAF Typhoon jets flew from Romania to check on Russian drones near NATO airspace but did not shoot them down or enter Ukrainian airspace. The jets acted to watch and protect NATO countries from possible drone threats linked to the Ukraine conflict without escalating the situation.
Key Facts
Two RAF Typhoons took off from Romania early Saturday to respond to Russian drone activity near NATO airspace.
The jets did not fire or shoot down any drones during the mission.
The Typhoons remained inside Romanian airspace and did not enter Ukraine.
Pilots were allowed to engage drones only if they entered Romanian airspace, which did not happen.
The jets’ mission was surveillance, deterrence, and readiness, not active combat.
This operation was part of a NATO mission to protect eastern Europe from Russian drone incursions.
Reports of drones being shot down inside Ukraine by RAF jets were denied by British defense sources.
Romanian radar tracked drones approaching near the Ukraine border, but contact was lost after explosions were reported.
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Armed groups have carried out several coordinated attacks in different parts of Mali, including near the capital, Bamako. The military says fighting is still happening as its forces try to stop the attackers.
Key Facts
The attacks occurred early Saturday near a major military base outside Bamako and in other cities like Gao and Sevare.
Soldiers have blocked roads near the affected areas to control movement.
Flights into Bamako were canceled early Saturday, but it is unclear if the airport was directly targeted.
The army has not confirmed who is responsible for the attacks.
Mali is ruled by a military government led by General Assimi Goïta, who took power in a 2020 coup.
The military government has promised to restore security and fight armed groups and jihadist militants.
UN and French peacekeeping forces left Mali after the coup, and the military government hired Russian mercenaries.
Despite these efforts, jihadist violence continues, and large parts of northern and eastern Mali remain outside government control.
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More than 800,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in the Tigray region of Ethiopia due to conflict and violence. Some residents from Western Tigray say they have been unfairly detained and treated as less important by authorities.
Key Facts
Over 800,000 people are internally displaced in Ethiopia's Tigray region.
People from Western Tigray reported arbitrary detention by authorities.
Those detained say they were treated as second-class citizens.
The crisis is described as a serious humanitarian situation.
Conflict in Tigray has caused widespread suffering and displacement.
Human Rights Watch has documented these human rights issues.
The situation has drawn attention from international media and aid groups.
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Palestinians are voting in Gaza’s first local elections in 21 years. About 70,000 people are registered to vote as they work to rebuild local government despite ongoing Israeli attacks.
Key Facts
Gaza is holding municipal (local) elections for the first time in 21 years.
Around 70,000 people are registered to vote in these elections.
The election uses a list system, where groups of candidates run together.
The system requires female candidates to be included on every list.
The elections aim to restore local government in Gaza.
The voting is taking place amid continued Israeli attacks on Gaza.
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In Sidon, Lebanon, many families displaced by fighting remain doubtful about the recent extension of a fragile truce between Lebanon and Israel. Despite President Trump expressing hope for peace, ongoing attacks and mistrust make people hesitant to return home or believe in lasting calm.
Key Facts
The city of Sidon in Lebanon hosts many families displaced by recent conflict.
A fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a possible peaceful resolution.
Fighting involved Hezbollah, a political and militant group based in Lebanon.
Many displaced civilians feel uncertain and do not trust the situation will remain stable.
Ongoing strikes continue despite the truce extension.
Displaced people are hesitant to return to their homes due to the risks and instability.
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US envoys will visit Pakistan to try to continue ceasefire talks with Iran, even though Iran has refused to negotiate directly with US officials. The ceasefire has paused much fighting, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is still causing problems for global oil shipments.
Key Facts
US envoys are traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan, for ceasefire talks with Iran.
Iran’s top diplomat has also arrived in Islamabad.
Iran refuses to hold direct talks with US representatives.
An indefinite ceasefire has paused most fighting between the US and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, remains closed.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting about 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Economic problems continue as a result of the shipping disruptions.
This visit aims to salvage peace talks and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
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Mali's army reported that armed groups attacked military bases in the capital Bamako and other towns on April 25, 2026. Fighting is still happening, and gunfire was heard near the international airport and several towns.
Key Facts
The attacks began early on April 25, 2026, targeting military positions across Mali.
Gunfire was heard near Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako, with helicopters seen overhead.
The army described the attackers as unidentified armed "terrorist" groups.
The Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg rebel alliance, claimed to control multiple locations in the northern towns of Kidal and Gao.
Four security sources said the regional al Qaeda affiliate group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) took part in the attacks.
JNIM has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Fighting occurred in Bamako and towns including Kati, Gao, and Sevare.
Soldiers blocked roads around the airport and deployed in response to the attacks.
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Police in Peru searched the homes of the former chief of elections and five other officials. This is part of a growing investigation into problems like a shortage of ballots during the first round of the presidential election on April 12.
Key Facts
The investigation focuses on ballot shortages and other issues in the April 12 presidential election.
Piero Corvetto, the elections chief, resigned on Tuesday despite saying he did nothing wrong.
Police conducted raids on the homes of Corvetto and five other officials on Friday.
The probe is expanding as authorities look into election irregularities.
The election problems occurred during the first round of voting.
Corvetto resigned to take responsibility for these election problems.
The case involves Peru’s national electoral agency.
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Mali’s army reported that armed groups have attacked several military sites in the capital city and other parts of the country. Fighting is still happening, and gunfire was heard near the main airport and military camp in Bamako.
Key Facts
Armed groups, called "terrorist" by Mali’s army, attacked military positions.
The attacks happened in Bamako, the capital, and in other regions inside Mali.
Gunfire and explosions were reported near the main airport in Bamako.
Fighting is ongoing according to the army’s statement.
Witnesses and journalists confirmed hearing gunfire near the main military camp.
Mali is currently ruled by the military.
No information on casualties or the identity of the armed groups has been given yet.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declined to respond to reports that the U.S. Pentagon is considering punishing NATO members who do not support American military actions in the Iran war. Spain is one of the countries affected because it has denied the use of its bases or airspace for U.S. forces involved in the war, citing concerns about international law.
Key Facts
The Pentagon may punish NATO members not supporting U.S. operations against Iran.
Spain has refused to allow U.S. forces to use its military bases or airspace for the Iran conflict.
Spain believes U.S. and Israeli actions in the Iran war break international law.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declined to engage publicly in this dispute with the U.S.
The issue arose during ongoing Middle East tensions involving Iran and U.S. military actions.
The U.S. Defense Secretary recently commented publicly on related military and geopolitical matters.
The dispute highlights differing NATO member responses to the Iran war.
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The U.S. Embassy in London has warned Americans in the UK to be more careful due to recent arson attacks and threats against Jewish and American places. British police have arrested several suspects linked to these attacks, and the British government is planning new laws to improve security.
Key Facts
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on April 24, asking Americans to stay alert around Jewish and American sites in the UK.
Since late March, there have been firebombings and arson attempts on synagogues, Jewish charities, and community facilities in London and other areas.
Seven people were arrested on suspicion of planning another arson attack on a Jewish venue.
A 17-year-old boy admitted to starting a fire at a synagogue in Harrow.
Videos of some attacks were shared online by a group believed to be connected to Iran.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said some hostile countries use others to carry out attacks and plans to ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Metropolitan Police called the attacks threatening and said all hate crimes should be condemned.
Americans in the UK are advised to review safety plans, stay alert, and sign up for U.S. government travel alerts.
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Armed groups attacked military positions across Mali on Saturday, including the capital Bamako and other cities. The Malian army reported ongoing fighting as gunfire was heard near the international airport and in several regions.
Key Facts
Armed groups described as "terrorists" attacked military sites in Mali’s capital and interior regions.
Gunfire was heard at Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako and other locations like Kati, Gao, and Sevare.
The military government took power through coups in 2020 and 2021 amidst long-running jihadist conflicts.
Mali has faced attacks from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State since 2012.
The junta ended partnerships with France and some Western countries, instead aligning more with Russia.
Russia’s Wagner Group, which fought alongside Malian forces, ended its mission in mid-2025 and became a Russian defense ministry entity.
In July 2025, the military ruler General Assimi Goïta was given a five-year presidential term without an election.
Since September, jihadists have attacked fuel convoys, causing fuel shortages in the capital at times.
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Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Supreme Leader of Iran after his father’s death, has stayed out of public view. Reports say he is living in hiding and fears for his safety, taking part in decisions by sending hand-written notes.
Key Facts
Mojtaba Khamenei became Supreme Leader of Iran after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a strike.
He has not appeared in public since the appointment.
Some reports say he was seriously injured in the same strike.
Mojtaba is reportedly living in hiding because he fears for his life.
He communicates his decisions through hand-written notes.
The information comes from a New York Times report.
The situation raises questions about Iran’s leadership stability.
The article was published by France 24 on April 25, 2026.
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A study of climate protesters in the UK found that punishing peaceful activists with arrests and fines can backfire by making them more determined to take part in disruptive protests. The research suggests that harsh punishments may push some activists toward secretive actions like sabotage instead of public demonstrations.
Key Facts
The study surveyed 1,300 climate activists who take part in direct action protests in the UK.
Arrests, fines, and prison sentences may increase activists' willingness to protest rather than stop them.
Protesters who experienced repression felt less afraid and more ready to protest again.
Activists who had not been repressed either became more motivated or more fearful, affecting their future actions.
About 17% of climate protests in the UK from 2019 to 2024 led to arrests, higher than the global average of 6.3%.
Experts say criminalising protests can alienate people from the government and lead to more radical or covert actions.
The UK government says it supports peaceful protest but must prevent serious disruption or disorder.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Climate Change and involved Extinction Rebellion members.
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Researchers discovered a new type of bacteria linked to noma, a deadly childhood disease that destroys the mouth and face. This finding may help doctors detect and treat noma earlier, potentially saving many children from death or severe disfigurement.
Key Facts
Noma is a deadly disease affecting mainly poor, malnourished children, destroying facial tissues and killing 90% of untreated cases.
It starts as a sore on the gums and progresses rapidly if untreated.
The disease mostly occurs in the Sahel region of Africa but also appears elsewhere.
Scientists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine studied bacteria in the mouths of 19 Nigerian children with noma.
They found a new species called Treponema A, which was present in most noma cases studied.
Researchers do not yet know if Treponema A causes noma or grows because of the disease environment.
Future tests detecting Treponema A in children with gum disease could allow early treatment to prevent noma development.
Current treatment uses broad antibiotics, which may lead to drug resistance; targeted treatments could reduce this risk.
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The family of James Bulger, a toddler murdered in 1993, have recovered items that were stolen from his grave after it was vandalized twice earlier this year. A 78-year-old man was arrested in connection to the theft and damage.
Key Facts
James Bulger was a two-year-old boy who was abducted and killed in 1993.
His grave is located in Kirkdale Cemetery.
The grave was vandalized twice within six weeks, in February and again recently.
Two cherub statues near the grave were damaged during the vandalism.
Over £23,000 was raised through a fundraiser to repair the headstone.
A 78-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage.
The family found the two stolen cherub heads and other items, including the original sleeping cherub statue.
Police have seized items taken from other graves and plan to return them to the families affected.
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Israel has been conducting a military campaign in southern Lebanon for nearly two months, targeting Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. The conflict has caused significant destruction and civilian suffering, raising fears among Lebanese people that the situation might become similar to Gaza, which has experienced heavy bombardment before.
Key Facts
Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon is aimed at weakening Hezbollah.
Israeli officials have said they intend to use tactics similar to those used in Gaza.
Heavy bombing has damaged homes, infrastructure, and caused many civilian deaths in Lebanon.
Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel following clashes involving Iran and the U.S.
The war has revived fears in Lebanon, recalling past conflicts and the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
Thousands of Hezbollah pager devices exploded in a prior Israeli attack in 2024, causing injuries and deaths.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire began on April 16, but fighting has continued since then.
Israel and Lebanon do not have formal diplomatic ties, and Hezbollah was not involved in recent peace talks.
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