King Charles honored his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 100th birthday. In a video message, he praised her dedication to the people and said the day should celebrate her life rather than her absence.
Key Facts
Queen Elizabeth II would have turned 100 on April 21, 2024.
King Charles described her as constant, steadfast, and devoted to her people.
He said current global problems would have troubled her but emphasized her belief in goodness and a better future.
The message was filmed in Balmoral Castle’s library in early April.
The queen ruled for 70 years and died peacefully at 96 in September 2022.
The royal family held events, including a Buckingham Palace reception with charities connected to the late queen.
A reception was held at the British Museum to present a scale model of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial, designed by architect Norman Foster.
King Charles did not specify the current troubles but mentioned global conflicts and issues.
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The United States and Iran are exchanging strong warnings as a two-week ceasefire nears its end without a clear peace deal. Iran says it is ready for new military actions, while President Donald Trump warns of serious consequences if negotiations fail.
Key Facts
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Iran may take new military steps if the ceasefire ends without agreement.
President Donald Trump threatened Iran with unprecedented problems if talks fail.
A second round of US-Iran peace talks planned in Pakistan is uncertain after the US seized an Iranian ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
The ship seizure increased global oil prices.
Iran has not officially confirmed if it will attend the talks in Islamabad.
Iran wants negotiations without threats or pressure from the US.
Both countries have many difficult issues to resolve, including sanctions, missile programs, and regional relations.
President Trump insists Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, warning it would threaten global safety.
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A family in Dallas shared a video of them singing "Happy Birthday" to their Great Dane, Duke, just hours before taking him to the vet for the last time. Duke passed away a few days before his eighth birthday, and the family wanted to celebrate him one final time.
Key Facts
The video shows Duke sitting calmly while the family sings and cries around him.
Duke was nearly eight years old when he passed away.
The family got Duke as a puppy after seeing him on a Facebook Great Dane page.
Duke was described as loving, stubborn, loyal, and protective of his family.
The family has since shared many memories and photos of Duke on social media.
Duke sensed the pregnancy of a new family member before anyone else.
The video has more than 1.5 million views and received many emotional responses online.
The family encourages others to consider Great Danes despite their shorter lives.
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EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss issues involving Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East. Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland have requested a discussion on suspending the EU’s association treaty with Israel due to concerns about human rights and ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland want to discuss suspending EU trade agreements with Israel.
This request aims to uphold the EU’s credibility on human rights and international law.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may lift his veto on a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine if Russian oil through a key pipeline starts flowing again.
The Druzbha pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, may soon become operational after long disputes.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam joined the meeting to update on security in the Middle East.
Hungary, a strong ally of Israel, currently opposes suspending the association treaty with Israel.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new Hungarian government might take a different approach to Israel.
The ministers will likely revisit the issue at future meetings depending on Hungary’s government stance.
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Lebanon is negotiating with Israel to achieve peace and improve the lives of its people. Lebanon’s Minister of Culture, Ghassan Salamé, says these talks are necessary to secure control over their land and resources while respecting international law.
Key Facts
Lebanon is currently negotiating with Israel to promote stability and prosperity.
Ghassan Salamé is Lebanon’s Minister of Culture and spoke about these negotiations.
Lebanon wants full control over its land, people, and water as part of the talks.
Salamé said negotiations happen because Israel is seen as an adversary, not a friend.
Lebanon aims to prioritize the country's interests over everything else during negotiations.
The military balance of power currently favors Israel, according to Salamé.
The negotiations are seen as the only practical way to ensure the well-being of Lebanese citizens.
Respect for international law is a key demand from Lebanon in these discussions.
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In Old Delhi, India, a small group of people continue the ancient tradition of training pigeons, called kabootarbaazi, which dates back to the Mughal era. They raise and train pigeons to fly long distances and perform in formations, keeping the old practice alive amid the busy city.
Key Facts
Kabootarbaazi means pigeon keeping and training in Hindi/Urdu.
This tradition started during the Mughal rulers in India, who used pigeons as messengers.
Pigeon trainers in Old Delhi release over 120 birds daily from their terraces.
Training pigeons takes about four months and includes making loud noises to encourage them to fly far.
The practice involves teaching birds to fly in precise formations and against the wind.
Many participants see kabootarbaazi as a peaceful and calming activity.
The rooftop meetings where they gather are as important as the training itself for social and emotional support.
The skill and knowledge are passed down from older generations and teachers called ustads.
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Japan has changed its long-standing rules to allow more arms exports, permitting weapon sales to 17 countries with defense agreements, including the US and UK. This move marks a shift from Japan’s post-World War II pacifism amid rising regional security concerns.
Key Facts
Japan lifted restrictions limiting arms exports to only rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping equipment.
Now Japan can sell lethal weapons to countries it has defense agreements with, totaling 17 nations.
Sales to countries involved in conflicts remain banned, but exceptions may be made in special cases.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan will continue to follow peaceful principles while adapting to new security challenges.
Japan’s pacifist constitution, adopted in 1947, renounces war and maintaining war potential.
The change follows earlier steps: in 2014, Japan allowed joint arms development, and in 2023, it permitted exports of finished lethal weapons.
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are participating as combatants for the first time in joint military exercises with the US and the Philippines.
China opposes the exercises and is concerned about Japan’s closer military ties and stance on Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.
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Dubai-based company DP World held talks with a group linked to President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” about helping manage supply chains and rebuilding projects in Gaza. The discussions included ideas for handling humanitarian aid, building ports, and creating free-trade zones to support Gaza’s recovery.
Key Facts
DP World is a large port company owned by the Dubai government.
Talks involved managing logistics for aid and goods entering Gaza, including warehousing and cargo tracking.
Proposals included building a new port in Gaza or nearby Egypt and establishing a free-trade zone.
The plans aim to privatize many services and infrastructure in Gaza as part of a “new Gaza” vision.
Critics say these plans could sideline Palestinians and international groups like the UN.
Gaza remains under significant Israeli occupation with limited aid access despite a ceasefire last October.
Gaza needs about $71.4 billion for reconstruction over the next 10 years, with $23 billion urgent in the next 18 months.
DP World denied awareness of the discussions, and the UAE Ministry did not comment on the talks.
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Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the music group The Osmonds, died at the age of 76. He had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the nervous system, in 1987.
Key Facts
Alan Osmond was 76 years old when he died.
He was the oldest member of The Osmonds, a famous music group.
His wife Suzanne and their eight sons were with him at the time of his death.
In 1987, Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a long-term disease that affects the nervous system.
Multiple sclerosis can cause problems with muscle control and movement.
Alan had previously described a moment on stage when he could not raise his right hand due to the disease.
He expressed faith and strength in facing his illness.
The news was reported by KSL and is a developing story.
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Diplomatic talks to end the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran are uncertain, as Iran refuses to negotiate while feeling threatened. The US maintains a blockade on Iranian ports until a deal is reached, while clashes and military actions continue in the region, including in Lebanon and Gaza.
Key Facts
Iran refuses to negotiate while feeling pressured by the US blockade and military threats.
President Donald Trump says the port blockade of Iran will stay until Iran agrees to a peace deal.
Iran has reopened airports after weeks of closure caused by the conflict.
Iran denies making nuclear weapons, claiming its nuclear program is only for research.
Talks are planned between the US, Israel, and Lebanon; a ceasefire recently expired.
Israeli forces continue strikes in southern Lebanon, causing casualties and destruction.
The US seized an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Global oil prices rose due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the conflict.
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South Korean police want to arrest Bang Si-Hyuk, the founder and chair of the company behind K-pop group BTS, for allegedly making over $100 million through fraud involving investors. Bang’s team says they have cooperated with the investigation and will keep working with the legal process.
Key Facts
Bang Si-Hyuk is chair of HYBE, the agency that manages BTS and other K-pop groups.
Police asked prosecutors to seek a court warrant to arrest Bang.
He faces charges related to misleading investors in 2019 about the company’s plans to go public.
The allegation says Bang told investors HYBE would not go public, prompting them to sell shares cheaply.
After that, HYBE went public and a private fund reportedly paid Bang about $136 million in a secret deal.
Bang founded HYBE in 2005, formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment.
This investigation is a significant issue for HYBE as BTS is currently on a global tour following their military service hiatus.
BTS recently held major concerts in Seoul, Goyang, Tokyo, and will perform in the U.S. and the UK soon.
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Iran has not yet decided whether to take part in a second round of talks with the United States. These talks are important because the current ceasefire agreement between the two countries is about to end, while a US official, Vance, travels to Islamabad amid this uncertainty.
Key Facts
Iran remains undecided about joining a second round of negotiations with the US.
The current ceasefire deal between Iran and the US is close to expiring.
US official Vance is traveling to Islamabad during this period of uncertainty.
Talks between Iran and the US are considered important for peace and stability in the region.
Previous diplomatic efforts have not yet resolved tensions between the two countries.
Other Middle East countries like Israel and Lebanon are also involved in related peace discussions.
Iran’s latest statement said they have made "no decision" about new talks with the US.
Expert opinions suggest uncertainty about the future of these negotiations under President Trump’s administration.
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Two ultra-Orthodox Jewish men were caught on video taking down Israeli flags from street poles in the city of Beit Shemesh. Israeli police arrested both men after the incident.
Key Facts
The event happened in Beit Shemesh, a city in Israel.
Two ultra-Orthodox Jewish men removed Israeli flags from streetlight poles.
Passersby protested against the men while they took down the flags.
Israeli media reported the incident and the arrests.
Israeli police arrested the two men for taking down the flags.
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Pope Leo XIV is visiting Equatorial Guinea, the last stop on his four-nation trip to Africa. The country is led by President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled since 1979 and faces accusations of corruption and authoritarianism, despite the country's wealth from oil.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is concluding an 11-day trip to Africa by visiting Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea is led by President Teodoro Obiang, in power since 1979.
The country’s economy changed after discovering offshore oil in the 1990s.
Oil makes up nearly half of Equatorial Guinea’s GDP and over 90% of its exports.
More than half of the population, about 2 million people, live in poverty.
Human rights groups say oil money benefits the ruling family instead of the people.
The Catholic Church has a strong influence in Equatorial Guinea’s politics and society.
Pope Leo XIV has spoken against corruption and social inequality during his trip.
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Iran has given its commanders more independence to control militias in Iraq, allowing them to act without Tehran’s direct approval. These Iran-backed militias, some funded by Iraq’s government, have increased attacks on U.S. forces, and the Iraqi government has struggled to control them amid ongoing regional tensions.
Key Facts
Iran has decentralized control, letting militia commanders operate independently in Iraq.
Many militias receive funding from Iraq’s state budget and are part of Iraq’s security forces.
The United States and other countries criticize Iraq for not controlling these militias effectively.
Hard-line militia groups work under Iranian advisers using a loose command system.
The war in the Middle East has weakened Iraq’s institutions, limiting their power to restrain militias.
These militias have increased attacks on U.S. assets in Iraq, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in April 2026.
The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on seven commanders from four Iran-backed Iraqi militias.
Experts expect the U.S. to continue military and political actions against these militias.
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South Korean police are seeking to arrest Bang Si-Hyuk, chairman of the music company HYBE, over allegations he illegally made more than $100 million through misleading investors. Bang is accused of hiding plans for the company's public stock sale in 2019, causing investors to sell their shares under false information.
Key Facts
Bang Si-Hyuk is the chairman and founder of HYBE, the company behind K-pop group BTS.
Police have asked prosecutors to seek a court warrant to arrest Bang.
He is under investigation for allegedly tricking investors by saying HYBE would not go public in 2019.
The alleged fraud involves a secret deal where Bang received about 200 billion won ($136 million).
Bang’s lawyers said they regret the arrest request but are cooperating with the investigation.
Bang is a major figure in K-pop, managing artists like BTS, Seventeen, and Le Sserafim.
The case is a public relations challenge for HYBE as BTS resumes global tours after military service breaks.
BTS recently held concerts in South Korea and Japan and plans a U.S. tour starting in Tampa, Florida.
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Japan has ended its long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons, changing its post-World War II pacifist policy. The new rules allow Japan to sell weapons like fighter jets and missiles to certain allied countries, aiming to strengthen its defense industry amid regional security concerns.
Key Facts
Japan's government approved a new guideline that lifts the ban on exporting lethal weapons.
This policy change is the first major shift since World War II, which focused on pacifism.
Allowed exports include fighter jets, missiles, combat drones, and destroyers.
Exports are limited to 17 countries with defense agreements and need government approval.
Japan will monitor how exported weapons are managed to ensure safety.
China criticized the change, but countries like Australia support it.
Japan still will not export lethal weapons to countries currently at war.
The policy aims to strengthen Japan’s defense industry and regional security amid threats from China and North Korea.
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A study by the University of Bristol found that two children under 17 die each month in England from knife stabbings, with most victims around 14 years old. The research shows children from Black or Black British backgrounds face a much higher risk, and many victims had difficult childhood experiences including exposure to violence.
Key Facts
Between 2019 and 2024, 145 children died from knife stabbings in England.
The average age of victims was 14 years old.
Children from Black or Black British ethnic groups were about 13 times more likely to die from knife injuries.
Many affected children experienced multiple forms of violence at home, school, or in their communities.
Most victims were known to support workers but often did not receive targeted help for issues like domestic abuse.
Knife-related deaths of children under 17 rose from 21 in 2019-20 to 36 in 2023-24.
More than 50,000 knife crimes were recorded in 2023-24, a 4% increase from the previous year.
The government released a Knife Crime strategy aiming to reduce knife offenses and invest in deprived areas.
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The European Union is planning to review its trade agreement with Israel because some member countries are worried about human rights issues in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. Last year, the EU considered reducing trade or sanctioning some Israeli officials due to civilian deaths in Gaza but did not get enough support.
Key Facts
The EU will discuss its trade deal with Israel amid concerns over human rights violations.
The concerns focus on the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank.
Last year, the EU proposed cutting trade ties or sanctioning Israeli government ministers.
The proposal was linked to the high number of civilian deaths in Gaza.
The earlier proposal did not receive enough support from EU member countries to move forward.
Discussions reflect ongoing tensions and the EU’s role in addressing human rights issues.
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A gunman attacked tourists at the Pyramid of the Moon in Mexico's Teotihuacan archaeological site. A Canadian visitor died and several others were injured in the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at the Pyramid of the Moon, a popular historical site in central Mexico.
A Canadian tourist was killed during the attack.
Several other visitors were wounded.
Authorities confirmed the identities and details of the incident.
Teotihuacan is known for its pre-Aztecan pyramids and attracts many tourists.
The event raised concerns about safety at popular tourist locations in Mexico.
No information was provided about the gunman’s motive or if they were captured.
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