A choir in Margate, Kent, created a song using underwater recordings of whale sounds made by a conservationist researching whales in Iceland. The song, called "Wash Over Me," will be performed in May and released online in June to celebrate the ocean.
Key Facts
Rebecca Douglas, a photographer and conservationist, recorded whale sounds in a remote fjord in Iceland.
She is president of Whale Wise, a marine charity studying humpback whales in the area.
The Social Singing Choir in Margate, with 140 members, used these whale sounds to make a song.
The song, "Wash Over Me," was composed by Hughie Gavin, who included lyrics inspired by the sea.
The whale recordings were captured using underwater microphones over a year.
The choir plans to perform the song on 22 May and release it online on 8 June for World Ocean Day.
The song aims to raise awareness of whales and ocean conservation.
There is a proposed port development near the whale research area, making the study important for protecting the animals.
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The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed for six months due to ongoing conflict between the two countries. This closure is causing serious problems for many residents, especially in Afghanistan, which faces a humanitarian crisis and limited trade options because of war in neighboring Iran.
Key Facts
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has been fully closed for half a year.
The closure stems from a conflict between Kabul (Afghanistan's capital) and Islamabad (Pakistan's capital).
Attempts at talks and mediation between the two countries have not succeeded.
The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people and caused many deaths.
Afghanistan is landlocked and relies on its borders for trade and supplies.
War in Iran blocks Afghanistan’s other main trade routes and reduces flights.
Many people who depend on cross-border trade have lost their jobs or face uncertainty.
The situation is worsening Afghanistan’s already serious humanitarian crisis.
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A video showed an Israeli soldier in Lebanon destroying a statue of Jesus, which many Christians found offensive. The article says this act is part of a wider problem involving hostility and violence in the region, especially against Palestinians, and calls for focusing outrage on the human suffering caused by violence and war crimes, not just symbolic acts.
Key Facts
An Israeli soldier destroyed a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, upsetting many Christians.
Israeli officials said this was an isolated incident.
The article links this event to a broader culture of hostility and religious supremacy in parts of Israeli society.
There have been repeated reports of harassment and violence against Palestinians and Christian clergy.
The Israeli military is often described as "the most moral army," but many Palestinians experience mistreatment and violence.
Serious abuses reported include home raids, property destruction, abuse of prisoners, and killing of civilians without accountability.
The article emphasizes that the main concern should be the large-scale harm to civilian lives during conflicts.
Faith leaders are called on to demand accountability for war crimes and focus on protecting human life.
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Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport. They seized two of the ships, making efforts to restart talks between the United States and Iran more difficult.
Key Facts
Iran attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The Revolutionary Guard carried out the attacks and captured two ships.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global energy supplies.
Iran’s actions increase tensions and complicate peace talks with the U.S.
President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would extend a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely.
The ceasefire was originally set to expire on the same day as the attacks.
Iran’s leaders seem to be taking a tougher approach in negotiations with the U.S.
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Two Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed in a shooting near a school in the West Bank village of al-Mughayyir, reportedly by Israeli settlers. The Israeli military said soldiers were sent after attacks on an Israeli vehicle, and a reservist is under investigation for opening fire during the incident.
Key Facts
Aws al-Naasan, a 14-year-old Palestinian schoolboy, and Jihad Abu Naim, a 32-year-old parent, were killed near a school in al-Mughayyir village.
Israeli settlers reportedly entered the village and opened fire near the school, injuring three others.
Video footage shows a settler firing rounds in the direction of the school.
The Israeli military sent troops after reports of stones thrown at an Israeli vehicle; a reservist fired at what the military called suspects and is now under investigation.
Palestinians in the West Bank frequently face attacks by Israeli settlers, according to local witnesses.
Separate incidents include settlers demolishing a school with a bulldozer and blocking children’s routes to school with razor wire.
The Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu has expanded settlements in the West Bank, where about 700,000 settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians.
Since October 7, 2023, over 1,150 Palestinians, including 239 children, have been killed in the West Bank, with no Israeli citizen prosecuted for these killings.
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Iran captured two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. This happened while peace talks between Iran and the United States are stalled. President Trump extended a U.S. ceasefire indefinitely, despite earlier saying he did not want to.
Key Facts
Iran seized at least two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway important for global shipping.
Peace talks between Iran and the United States are currently stalled or on hold.
President Donald Trump extended the U.S. ceasefire indefinitely on Tuesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump said he did not want to extend the ceasefire.
The reason for Iran's seizure of the ships has not been clearly explained.
The incident increases tensions in an already sensitive region.
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Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked at least two ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This happened shortly after President Trump extended the U.S. ceasefire indefinitely in the region.
Key Facts
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked two or more vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
These attacks occurred after President Trump extended a U.S. ceasefire in the area without a set end date.
The British military reported the attacks.
Experts are concerned about Iran's nuclear program amid these tensions.
The situation highlights ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving Iran and international powers.
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Sam Vinograd, a national security expert and former government official, discussed the current relationship between the United States and Iran. He explained the key issues and tensions that exist between the two countries.
Key Facts
Sam Vinograd is a national security contributor for CBS News.
He previously worked as an assistant secretary for counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Vinograd talked about the current state of U.S.-Iran relations.
The discussion covered important problems and concerns between the two nations.
The conversation was featured on CBS News and its app.
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The European Commission announced plans to lower electricity taxes and encourage the use of clean energy to help people deal with high energy costs caused by the Iran war. The plan will make electricity cheaper compared to oil and gas, and give countries new tools to support consumers and businesses during the crisis.
Key Facts
The EU will reduce electricity taxes to lower energy bills and promote clean energy use.
New rules will make electricity cheaper than oil and gas to encourage switching from polluting fuels.
Temporary state aid rules will allow EU countries to help people and companies affected by high energy prices.
The Commission will not introduce a windfall tax on energy companies or cap gas prices at this time.
An electrification target will be set before summer to push for more use of clean electricity.
The EU plans better coordination for gas storage and jet fuel supply to avoid shortages in winter.
Incentives for electric cars, heat pumps, and batteries will be promoted through social leasing and financial support.
Changes to tax rules require approval from all EU countries and may take time to implement fully.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that discussions happened about offering a diplomatic job to his aide Matthew Doyle, but nothing was finalized. The issue is part of a wider controversy involving diplomatic appointments and security clearances, including the sacking of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer admitted Downing Street discussed a diplomatic role for Matthew Doyle, a senior aide.
Matthew Doyle was made a Labour peer after leaving Downing Street in March 2025, but was suspended from the party in February over links to a convicted sex offender.
Doyle denies seeking a diplomatic position or knowing about any contact with the Foreign Office regarding such a role.
The controversy ties into the appointment and security clearance of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US, who was later sacked over connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Olly Robbins was sacked after raising concerns about Lord Mandelson’s appointment and gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the discussions about Doyle’s job as cronyism and called for Sir Keir’s resignation.
Sir Keir defended the appointment process of Lord Mandelson and rejected claims of dishonesty or bypassing due process.
Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street chief of staff, will give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee soon about the Mandelson appointment.
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A risk analyst says that no side wants to return to war in the Middle East, especially as a ceasefire is holding. The analyst explains that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and the ceasefire stays, the ongoing economic problems will continue without further military conflict.
Key Facts
A ceasefire is currently holding in the Middle East conflict involving Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for global oil shipments, is effectively closed.
Paymon Azmoudeh, a senior risk analyst, says that restarting war is not in anyone’s interest.
The economic problems resulting from the conflict and blockade will persist if the situation remains the same.
The analysis was shared during a discussion on FRANCE 24 news.
The risk analyst works at Forward Global, focusing on risk and compliance.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently extended the ceasefire to allow more time to negotiate with Iran.
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Two people were killed when Israeli settlers opened fire on a school in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank. One of the victims was a 14-year-old boy who was shot in the head. This attack is part of a recent increase in violence involving settlers and Israeli forces against Palestinians.
Key Facts
The attack occurred at a school in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlers fired shots that resulted in two deaths.
One victim was a 14-year-old boy hit in the head.
The violence is linked to a rise in attacks by settlers and Israeli forces.
Ramallah is a Palestinian city under Israeli occupation.
The incident reflects ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.
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The US captured an Iranian tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran responded by seizing two foreign commercial ships. Iran claims it controls maritime traffic in the area and accused the US of piracy, while the US enforces a naval blockade to stop ships connected to Iran from passing.
Key Facts
The US Navy seized the Iranian tanker Touska near the Strait of Hormuz after the ship ignored US warnings to leave the area.
Iran called the US action “piracy” and responded by capturing two foreign commercial vessels.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must have Iranian permission.
The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, aiming to stop Iran’s maritime trade.
The US military boarded and took control of the Touska after firing warning shots.
The Pentagon also detained another Iranian-sanctioned oil tanker in the Bay of Bengal.
Washington says it will enforce global maritime laws to stop ships supporting Iran from operating anywhere.
The ongoing tension follows US and Israeli air strikes on Iran earlier this year and other naval conflicts.
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President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran after Iran did not attend peace talks in Pakistan. Iran wants the blockade on its ports lifted before it returns to talks, but it is unclear how long the ceasefire will last.
Key Facts
President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday.
Iran refused to attend peace talks held in Pakistan.
Iran’s condition for attending talks is lifting the blockade on its ports.
The peace talks are aimed at resolving conflict issues.
The length of the ceasefire extension is not specified.
The blockade affects Iran’s ability to trade through its ports.
The talks involve efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries.
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Monkeys in Gibraltar have started eating soil to help their stomachs cope with junk food they get from tourists. Researchers say the soil may protect their digestive system from the harmful effects of sugary and fatty snacks.
Key Facts
Gibraltar macaques eat junk food like chocolate, crisps, and ice cream, which can upset their stomachs.
To manage this, some monkeys swallow soil, which helps protect their guts from irritation.
This soil-eating behavior seems to be learned and varies among different groups of monkeys.
Soil may provide minerals and bacteria missing in the monkeys’ usual natural diet.
Junk food is high in calories, sugar, salt, and dairy, which can cause digestive problems for macaques.
The soil acts as a barrier in the stomach, reducing absorption of harmful substances from junk food.
Scientists observed about 12 soil-eating events per week among the macaque population.
This behavior developed because the monkeys are often near humans and have access to their food.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced questions in Parliament about his choice to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK’s top diplomat to Washington. Starmer said he was not aware of any security problems in Mandelson’s vetting, despite reports of pressure from Downing Street to approve the appointment.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the UK Prime Minister.
Peter Mandelson was appointed as Britain's top diplomat in Washington.
There were security concerns about Mandelson’s vetting process.
Starmer said he did not know about any security issues related to Mandelson.
Olly Robbins, a former senior civil servant, said there was pressure from Downing Street to approve the appointment.
The opposition party is calling for Starmer to resign over this issue.
The questioning took place during a session in the UK Parliament.
The story was reported by France 24 on April 22, 2026.
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In France, it is a tradition to give lilies of the valley flowers on May 1st, which is International Workers' Day. This year, after a wet winter, these flowers are blooming earlier than usual.
Key Facts
Lilies of the valley are traditionally given to friends and family in France on May 1st.
May 1st is known as International Workers' Day or Labour Day.
The flowers have bloomed earlier than usual because of a rainy winter.
A French TV team showed how these flowers are harvested.
This tradition is well known and celebrated across France.
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Earth Day began in 1970 following a major oil spill in California and has grown to a global event marked in over 190 countries. Environmental activists worldwide work hard to protect the planet, often facing personal risks including harassment and violence. This year, the Goldman Environmental Prize honored six women activists who achieved major wins for their communities and nature.
Key Facts
In 1969, an oil spill off Santa Barbara released over three million gallons of crude oil, causing massive environmental damage.
The first Earth Day in 1970 saw 20 million people in the U.S. protesting for environmental protection.
These protests helped create the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and key laws to clean air and water.
Today, about one billion people participate in Earth Day globally each year.
Environmental activists face many challenges such as long, difficult work, risks, and sometimes violence.
The Goldman Environmental Prize celebrated six women activists this year for their efforts against harmful projects and for court victories.
One winner, Yuvelis Morales Blanco from Colombia, fled her country after threats due to her opposition to fracking projects that damaged her community’s river.
Colombia is the most dangerous country for environmental defenders, with many killed or disappeared over recent years.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer answered questions in Parliament about his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK’s top diplomat to Washington. The appointment raised security concerns and came under scrutiny after a former senior civil servant said there was pressure from Downing Street to approve the job so Mandelson could start when President Donald Trump began his second term.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the UK Prime Minister.
He appointed Peter Mandelson as Britain’s top diplomat to Washington.
Some people had security concerns about Mandelson’s appointment.
A former senior civil servant, Olly Robbins, said there was pressure from Downing Street to approve Mandelson quickly.
The goal was for Mandelson to take the position early in President Donald Trump’s second term.
Opposition members called for Starmer to resign over this issue.
The questioning happened in the UK Parliament.
The article was reported on April 22, 2026.
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The European Union will restart financial aid to Ethiopia, which it had stopped in December 2020. This suspension happened because of a civil war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region that lasted two years and caused about 600,000 deaths.
Key Facts
The EU paused its yearly budget aid to Ethiopia in December 2020.
The pause was due to a civil war between the Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels.
The war began in November 2020 and lasted for two years.
Around 600,000 people died during the conflict.
The EU has now decided to resume this budget support to Ethiopia.
The decision aims to help Ethiopia recover from the conflict’s impact.
The report was covered by France 24 and journalist Tom Canetti in Addis Ababa.
The aid relates to the EU's budget support, which is money given directly to the Ethiopian government to fund services.
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