Scientists studied fossil jaws that suggest giant octopuses lived 100 million years ago and may have grown up to 19 metres long, making them the largest known invertebrates. These ancient octopuses likely hunted large marine animals and showed signs of advanced brain function.
Key Facts
The fossils come from octopuses that lived 100 million years ago, during the time of dinosaurs.
Fossil jaws indicate these octopuses could reach a total length of about 7 to 19 metres including their arms.
These octopuses had strong arms and jaws capable of crushing shells and bones of large prey.
The uneven wear on the jaws suggests they preferred using one side of their body when feeding, hinting at advanced brain skills.
Modern octopuses are intelligent and use complex hunting methods; their largest species today has an arm span of about 5.5 metres.
Scientists believe these ancient giants were top predators, possibly eating ammonites and other marine animals.
Exact details about their body shape, swimming speed, and diet remain unknown since no stomach fossils have been found.
The research was conducted by scientists from Hokkaido University and published in the journal Science.
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Police in Surrey say no rape happened outside Epsom Methodist Church after investigating a report from a woman in her 20s. The woman had an accidental head injury from a night out and gave a confused report, and the police have now closed the case.
Key Facts
A woman in her 20s reported being raped outside Epsom Methodist Church on April 11.
Surrey Police conducted a detailed investigation into the report.
Police found no evidence of any sexual offense related to the claim.
The woman actually had an accidental head injury from a night out.
The confused report led to public protests and unrest in Epsom.
The woman agreed to share the police’s findings publicly.
Police say the woman is receiving support from appropriate services.
The investigation into the alleged attack is now closed.
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Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted again early Thursday morning, continuing a series of eruptions that started in December 2024. The lava fountains reached up to 1,000 feet high, and volcanic gases and ash created air quality concerns for nearby communities.
Key Facts
Kilauea volcano erupted around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday.
This is the 45th eruption episode in the last 18 months.
Lava fountains reached heights up to 1,000 feet early in the eruption.
The volcanic plume including lava, gas, steam, and ash rose at least 16,500 feet.
Eruptions have stayed inside the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, so no homes or buildings are threatened.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued an orange aviation alert indicating limited hazards.
Volcanic gases create "vog," a type of air pollution that can harm breathing.
Falling volcanic ash and rocks (called tephra) can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs.
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More than 6 million people in Somalia are facing hunger due to drought, conflict, and a lack of rain. Many families have lost their livestock, which they depend on for food and income, and millions—including many children—are suffering from malnutrition and are forced to move to crowded camps for help.
Key Facts
Around 6.5 million Somalis skip meals daily because of food shortages.
Drought and repeated failed rainy seasons have destroyed many farms and livestock.
Over 2 million people are in critical conditions close to famine levels.
Approximately 1.8 million children under five are at risk of severe malnutrition.
More than 3.8 million people, about 22% of Somalia’s population, have been displaced.
Displaced people often move multiple times seeking food, water, and shelter.
Aid resources are limited and struggling to meet the high demand in camps.
Armed conflict, including areas controlled by al-Shabab, contributes to displacement and insecurity.
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A 15-year-old Palestinian teenager was shot by Israeli forces during a raid in Nablus, in the occupied West Bank, and later died in hospital. The Israeli military said they responded to stone-throwing during their operation and acknowledged a Palestinian was killed.
Key Facts
The teenager was hit by live ammunition in the shoulder during an Israeli raid in Nablus.
He was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Israeli forces said they faced stone-throwing and used force as part of suspect arrest procedures.
Six Israeli army vehicles were involved in the raid that day.
There is increased violence in the West Bank following the war in Gaza that began in October 2023.
Israeli settlers have also been involved in attacks against Palestinians, including fatal shootings.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least 16 people have been killed in settler attacks this year.
Victims of settler violence range in age from 13 to 60 years old.
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Broadcasters in Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland will not show the Eurovision song contest this year as a protest against Israel’s participation. Slovenia will air a series of Palestinian films instead. The event will take place in Vienna from May 12 to 16 with 35 countries competing.
Key Facts
Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV confirmed it will not air Eurovision and will show Palestinian documentaries and films instead.
Spain’s public TV station RTVE also decided not to broadcast Eurovision for the first time since 1961.
Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ announced it would not participate or broadcast the contest this year.
The Netherlands and Iceland withdrew their entries but will still air the contest on national TV.
The European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to compete despite criticisms over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Slovenia’s prime minister opposes Israel’s policies and banned imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank starting August 2025.
Eurovision’s 70th contest is scheduled for May 12-16 in Vienna and features 35 countries.
Organizers have introduced new rules to prevent political influence and protests, including limiting political flag displays.
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The Pentagon announced that John Phelan is no longer the Navy secretary. This change happened during tensions involving Iran and a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
John Phelan has been removed from his position as Navy secretary.
The announcement came from the Pentagon on a Wednesday night.
The firing happened amid a conflict involving Iran.
There is a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
The news was reported by CBS News and correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
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After the arrest of cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024, violence and disappearances increased sharply in Mexico's Sinaloa region. The strategy of targeting cartel leaders, known as the "kingpin strategy," has led to more power struggles and violence, causing harm to local communities.
Key Facts
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, cofounder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in Texas in July 2024.
After his arrest, reports of murders, femicides, and disappearances rose significantly in Sinaloa.
Homicides increased from 44 in August 2024 to 142 in September 2024.
In 2025, 1,657 people were killed in the region.
The group Sabuesos Guerreras estimates over 5,800 people disappeared after July 2024, likely more.
The "kingpin strategy" focuses on arresting or killing cartel leaders to weaken criminal groups.
Critics say this strategy causes cartels to split into smaller violent factions and does not stop crime or corruption.
Mexico has used this strategy for 20 years in its ongoing "war on drugs" without fully dismantling cartels.
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Pope Leo completed a 10-day visit to four African countries, ending in Equatorial Guinea. During his trip, he spoke out against poor global leadership, harsh dictatorships, and war, and criticized actions taken by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Pope Leo’s tour lasted 10 days and involved four African countries.
The final stop of the trip was Equatorial Guinea.
He spoke publicly against bad leadership worldwide.
He criticized dictatorships and wars during his visit.
Pope Leo specifically condemned some actions by President Donald Trump.
After the tour, he returned to Rome.
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President Donald Trump has extended the US naval blockade of Iran indefinitely amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The US is increasing its military presence with extra forces, but seizing key Iranian oil terminals may not change the situation because Iran’s government remains strong and is unwilling to surrender.
Key Facts
President Trump extended the naval blockade of Iran without setting an end date.
A third US aircraft carrier group and additional marines are arriving in the Middle East soon.
The US may attempt to capture Iran’s Kharg Island, where most of Iran’s oil is exported.
Holding Kharg Island would be difficult, even if capturing it is militarily possible.
Iran has survived extensive US and Israeli bombing, with many missiles and drones still operational.
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has been killed, but the regime remains intact and defiant.
Threats by the US to target Iran’s infrastructure have been widely condemned and have not changed the political situation.
Iran is focused on outlasting the US military pressure rather than making concessions.
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President Donald Trump said the US has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade. However, Iranian forces recently seized two container ships in the strait, and the US military warns that sea mines present there could take up to six months to clear, affecting safe passage.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed the US navy controls the Strait of Hormuz and no ships enter or leave without US approval.
Iranian commandos seized two container ships in the strait.
US special forces boarded an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean suspected of carrying Iranian crude oil.
Both Iran and the US have imposed blockades on the strait, keeping oil prices near $100 per barrel.
The Pentagon reported about 20 sea mines are in the strait, placed by boats and remote methods, making them hard to find and remove.
It could take up to six months to clear these mines from the shipping lanes.
Iran refused to attend peace talks in Pakistan, citing breaches of a ceasefire by the US, including the naval blockade.
Trump said Iranian leadership is divided between hardliners and moderates, affecting their negotiating position.
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The ACLU, Amnesty International, and over 120 rights groups have issued a travel advisory for visitors attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. They warn of human rights concerns related to U.S. immigration policies and call on FIFA and U.S. officials to ensure safety for fans, players, and visitors.
Key Facts
The travel advisory warns about the worsening human rights situation in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Over 5 to 10 million visitors are expected to travel to the U.S. for the event, which is hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Concerns focus on strict immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, including possible denial of entry, detention, or deportation of non-U.S. nationals.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has wide authority to admit or deny entry, including searching social media accounts.
At least 39 countries face U.S. travel bans or restrictions, including Iran and Haiti, whose national teams will participate in the World Cup.
Some countries must pay a $15,000 visa bond before traveling to the U.S. under the "Visa Bond Program."
FIFA and host cities have not publicly announced concrete plans to protect visitors from these risks, leading to calls for stronger commitments.
The White House spokesman said the event will be safe and welcoming, criticizing the advisory as scare tactics by activist groups.
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A Jewish man named Moshe was verbally abused and threatened in an antisemitic attack while working in Slough, England. Police arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of hate crimes related to the incident.
Key Facts
Moshe was called a "baby killer" and other abusive names because he is Jewish.
The attack happened on Elliman Avenue in Slough while Moshe was wearing a black kippa, a Jewish head covering.
Moshe filmed the attack, showing the attacker threatening to break his jaw and trying to take his phone.
Thames Valley Police arrested a 48-year-old man from Slough connected to the assault.
The police described the incident as a serious concern for the Jewish community and hate crime in general.
A local Jewish volunteer group called Shomrim condemned the attack as hateful and unprovoked.
Moshe said the incident made him feel unsafe in some parts of the country.
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The article explains that current policies to prevent and control wildfires have not improved enough. It says that efforts are still based on old approaches, which may not be effective against future large wildfires.
Key Facts
Wildfire prevention and control methods have not changed much over time.
Current strategies may not be enough to stop future large, damaging wildfires.
The article suggests a need for updated policies to better handle wildfires.
Wildfires continue to cause significant damage to land and communities.
Advances in understanding wildfires exist but are not fully applied in policy.
Improving prevention could reduce the risk and impact of wildfires.
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The United States seized an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that is connected to Iran. This action occurred while Iran claimed to have taken control of ships in the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The U.S. took control of an oil tanker operating in the Indian Ocean.
The seized ship has links to Iran.
Iran announced it had taken control of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway nearby.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global oil shipments.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran involving maritime activities.
CBS News reported on the incident with correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
The event highlights security concerns in international shipping lanes near Iran.
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A large, unstable block of ice called a serac is blocking the climbing route on Mount Everest just below Camp 1 during the peak spring season. The teams fixing the ropes, known as "icefall doctors," cannot clear or bypass it safely and must wait for it to melt, causing delays and concerns about crowding on the mountain.
Key Facts
A 30-meter-high block of glacier ice is blocking the Everest route near Camp 1.
Icefall doctors have been unable to find a safe way around the ice and must wait for it to melt naturally.
This delay has put the spring climbing preparations weeks behind schedule.
Climbers are worried this will cause traffic jams or crowding during the limited good weather window.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism is considering airlifting teams to Camp 2 to work above the blockage.
The icefall doctors normally fix ropes from Base Camp up to Camp 3 by this time in April, but they are stuck below Camp 1.
Climbers like Purnima Shrestha are currently acclimating at Base Camp while waiting for the route to open.
The good weather window for climbing Everest usually lasts until the end of May.
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Russia has deployed anti-satellite weapons that can approach and potentially attack important US government satellites in low-Earth orbit. US Space Command says these Russian satellites, likely part of a program called Nivelir, carry smaller vehicles that can move close to US spy satellites and test firing projectiles.
Key Facts
Russia launched several satellites called Nivelir, which follow US spy satellites in space.
These Nivelir satellites carry smaller ships that have tested firing objects at high speed.
US officials call these satellites a "nesting doll" system because the bigger satellite hides smaller ones inside.
The first Nivelir mission was in 2013; by 2019 these satellites began approaching US satellites closely.
The latest Nivelir satellite was launched in May 2023 from northern Russia.
The timing and orbit of these launches allow Russian satellites to get close to key US spy satellites with little warning.
US Space Command believes Russia has moved from testing to operating these anti-satellite weapons.
US surveillance uses ground and space sensors to track these Russian objects constantly.
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This article offers a weekly quiz about recent news events, including topics like Lord Mandelson being removed as the UK’s ambassador to the US, Prince Louis turning eight years old, and the stars of The Devil Wears Prada 2 attending a red carpet event. It also mentions a question about what Madonna lost at the Coachella music festival.
Key Facts
Lord Mandelson was removed from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the United States.
Prince Louis celebrated his eighth birthday.
The cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2 appeared at a red carpet event.
The article includes a quiz about current events from the past week.
One quiz question asks what Madonna lost at Coachella.
The quiz is compiled by Ben Fell.
Readers are encouraged to try quizzes from last week or earlier archives.
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Maoz Inon, an Israeli who lost his parents in attacks on October 7, 2023, and Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian who lost his brother during the first intifada, have formed a strong friendship. They share hope for peace in the Middle East, a story they tell in their new book, "The Future is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land."
Key Facts
On October 7, 2023, attacks affected many Israelis and Palestinians.
Maoz Inon lost his parents during these attacks.
Aziz Abu Sarah lost a brother during the first intifada, a Palestinian uprising.
Despite the conflict, Maoz and Aziz became close friends like brothers.
They promote peace and brotherhood between Israelis and Palestinians.
Their experiences are shared in a book called "The Future is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land."
Their story highlights hope for a peaceful future in a region often marked by division.
The story was featured in an interview with FRANCE 24.
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