The article tells the story of Sana, a woman living in Tehran during a war between Israel and Iran that started in February 2025. Sana decided to stay in the city despite the bombings, refusing to leave as she did during a previous conflict. She and her roommate, Fatemeh, adjusted to life under frequent airstrikes by relying on deliveries and limited internet access.
Key Facts
Sana is a 27-year-old economics student and risk control analyst living in Tehran.
The war between Israel and Iran began in late February 2025.
On February 28, Tehran experienced its first missile strikes.
Despite pressure from family and friends, Sana chose to stay in the city.
Her roommate's office was near one of the explosions.
The city experienced regular bombings at certain times of the day.
Internet access was very limited, affecting communication and daily life.
Sana and her roommate lived under a constant threat, using supermarket deliveries to avoid going outside.
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A major election result in Hungary has replaced long-time Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with Péter Magyar and his Tisza party. The election result is significant for Europe due to Orbán's close ties with Russian President Putin and impacts on EU politics. President Zelensky of Ukraine welcomed Magyar's victory, signaling potential changes in Hungary's stance on EU and Ukraine matters.
Key Facts
Viktor Orbán, Hungary's Prime Minister for 16 years, lost the election.
Péter Magyar and the Tisza party won, with supporters feeling they regained their country.
Voter turnout for the election was at a record high.
Orbán was known for his close relationship with Russian President Putin.
President Zelensky of Ukraine congratulated Magyar and expressed readiness for cooperation.
Orbán had been delaying EU sanctions against Russia and blocking a large EU loan to Ukraine.
Orbán's exit is seen as a positive change by many European leaders.
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Australia has named Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the first female chief of the army in its 125-year history. She will take over in July, marking a significant step as the military seeks to increase female leadership amid allegations of harassment and discrimination. This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle in the Australian Defence Force leadership.
Key Facts
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become Australia's first female chief of army in July.
She currently serves as the chief of joint capabilities.
Coyle has nearly 40 years of military experience, including roles in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Her appointment aims to encourage more women to join the Australian Defence Force.
Women make up about 21% of the Australian Defence Forces and 18.5% of senior leadership roles.
The ADF has a goal for women to reach 25% of overall participation by 2030.
Allegations of systemic sexual harassment and discrimination within the ADF have been raised.
The government announced other leadership changes, including appointing Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as the new head of the ADF.
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Oil prices have significantly risen following the US-Israel war on Iran and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has caused a large disruption in global oil supply, leading to higher prices and a noticeable difference between spot prices and futures prices.
Key Facts
Oil prices jumped after the US and Israel began military action against Iran.
President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade on Iran, pushing prices over $103 a barrel.
The physical market and futures market for oil have shown different pricing trends.
Dated Brent is the benchmark for spot prices, while Brent futures reflect longer-term expectations.
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted oil supply, with a daily shortfall of about 8 million barrels.
The gap between spot and futures oil prices has widened since the conflict started.
The Strait of Hormuz normally handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Alternative routes have been increased by countries like Saudi Arabia, but challenges remain.
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Britney Spears has voluntarily entered a rehab facility after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Her court appearance for this charge is scheduled for next month in California. Her family and friends are working on a plan to support her recovery and well-being.
Key Facts
Britney Spears entered rehab after an arrest related to driving under the influence.
She will appear in court in California next month for this charge.
Spears was reportedly driving her BMW erratically and at high speed.
She underwent field sobriety tests after being pulled over.
Her representatives expressed that the incident was unacceptable and emphasized the need for positive changes in her life.
Spears' family and friends are creating a plan to support her recovery.
Britney Spears was under a conservatorship from 2008 to 2021.
This legal arrangement allowed her father to manage her life and finances.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party in Canada is aiming for a slim majority in the House of Commons through three by-elections. These elections are crucial for gaining more control without needing opposition support. Carney's strategy includes attracting members from other parties to strengthen his position.
Key Facts
The Liberals need one more seat to reach a majority in Canada's House of Commons.
Three important by-elections are happening, two in Toronto and one near Montreal.
The Liberal Party expects to win the two Toronto seats.
In Terrebonne, a Montreal suburb, the race is close between the Liberals and the Bloc Quebecois.
The Liberals already gained support from five legislators who switched parties.
Mark Carney became Prime Minister a year ago and has shifted some policies to attract more conservative politicians.
The Conservative Party accuses the Liberals of making deals to gain more seats, calling it undemocratic.
Opinion polls show Carney and the Liberals leading the Conservatives by 10 to 15 points.
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The National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snow in five U.S. states, with up to 20 inches expected. This snowstorm may make travel very difficult or impossible from Monday or Tuesday. The affected states include parts of Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and California.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has issued heavy snow warnings for parts of Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and California.
Some areas could see up to 20 inches of snow, creating potentially impassable travel conditions.
Alaska's Upper Tanana Valley may experience 6 to 12 inches of snow with strong winds along the Alaska Highway.
Oregon's eastern and southern Cascades could receive up to 15 inches of snow with winds up to 45 mph.
Washington's Cascades in specified counties could get up to 20 inches of snow and gusts reaching 35 mph.
Utah's central and southern mountains might receive 8 to 12 inches of snow.
California's mountainous regions are expected to see up to 6 inches of "wet snow" and winds up to 40 mph.
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Viktor Orbán, Hungary's leader, lost the election to a pro-EU challenger. President Donald Trump's plan in Europe had relied on Orbán, so this result impacts Trump's strategy. Orbán's defeat shows the limits of Trump's political influence in Europe.
Key Facts
Viktor Orbán, Hungary's leader for 16 years, lost the election to a center-right, pro-EU challenger.
President Trump viewed Orbán as a key part of his strategy to build alliances with nationalist leaders in Europe.
Orbán's loss signals challenges for Trump's "MAGA-style" nationalism beyond the U.S.
Trump endorsed Orbán in the election, but this did not help Orbán win.
With Orbán out, the EU may find it easier to make decisions, especially about Ukraine and sanctions.
Trump loses an ally in Europe who could previously block or slow EU actions.
The result may affect Trump's idea of building strong bilateral relationships in Europe.
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President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo for opposing U.S. immigration policy and the war in Iran. In a social media post, Trump called the Pope "weak on crime" and criticized his stance on foreign policy. Pope Leo, who has been vocal about reducing conflict in the Middle East, urged a peaceful approach to the situation in Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump attacked Pope Leo on Truth Social over his views on U.S. immigration and the Iran war.
Trump described the Pope as "weak on crime" and criticized his foreign policy views.
Pope Leo criticized Trump's threat to Iran and called for ending the conflict peacefully.
Pope Leo questioned if Trump's immigration policy matched the Catholic Church's pro-life stance.
Trump's comments came as Pope Leo was starting an 11-day trip to Africa.
Trump suggested the Pope was only elected because he is American.
Trump's remarks drew criticism from Catholics, comparing them to historical conflicts with the Papacy.
Pope Leo has consistently called for de-escalation in the Middle East.
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People in Budapest celebrated after Peter Magyar won the election against Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had been in power for 16 years. This marks a significant change in Hungary's political leadership.
Key Facts
Peter Magyar won the election in Hungary.
Viktor Orban had been the Prime Minister for 16 years.
Magyar's party gained a strong lead in the election.
There were celebrations in Budapest following the election results.
People sang on trains and celebrated in the streets.
The election marks a major shift in Hungary's political scene.
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Pope Leo XIV begins an 11-day tour across four African countries, focusing on fostering relationships between Christians and Muslims and addressing various social issues. The tour includes visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, where he will deliver 25 speeches. Africa has a significant Catholic population, and the pope's visit aims to build better interfaith connections and discuss important topics affecting the region.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV starts an 11-day visit to four African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
The pope will travel 18,000km (11,185 miles) on this tour, covering 18 flights and visiting 11 cities and towns.
Africa is home to over 20% of the world's Catholics, with high Catholic populations in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Algeria, predominantly Muslim, hosts a pope for the first time, with around 10,000 Catholics in its 48 million population.
Pope Leo will give 25 speeches, touching on topics like natural resource exploitation, Catholic-Muslim dialogue, and political corruption.
The pope plans to visit the Great Mosque of Algiers and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algeria.
The biggest event is expected in Douala, Cameroon, with an anticipated mass attendance of 600,000 people.
The tour highlights Africa’s growing role in Catholicism, with significant new members and contributions to clergy and religious orders.
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The U.S. military plans to start blocking Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump's announcement. This follows failed peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad. The move has pushed oil prices higher and increased tensions between the countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. will start a blockade of all Iranian ports at 14:00 GMT on Monday.
President Trump announced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supply.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without a peace deal.
Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel after the announcement.
The Iranian military warned it would handle any military vessel threatening the strait harshly.
The U.S. military stated it would only stop ships heading to or from Iran in the strait.
President Trump stated the U.S. forces would intercept vessels paying Iran for passage.
Iran claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz and criticized Trump's decision.
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Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, had a historic phone call with the Lebanese ambassador, marking a break from tradition since Israel and Lebanon don't have formal ties. They discussed starting official peace talks, with meetings planned for next week, despite ongoing conflicts involving Hezbollah.
Key Facts
Yechiel Leiter is Israel's ambassador to the U.S. and had a first-ever call with his Lebanese counterpart, Nada Hamadeh Moawad.
Israel and Lebanon do not have formal diplomatic relations.
Global pressure is on Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon, which has resulted in over 2,000 deaths and more than one million displaced people.
Leiter has a background in Israeli politics and has been involved in controversial matters due to his far-right affiliations.
Official peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to begin next Tuesday, as confirmed by Leiter.
Israel refuses to negotiate a ceasefire with Hezbollah, blaming it for ongoing conflicts.
Hezbollah opposes direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Leiter, born in the U.S., has held various roles in the Israeli government and became ambassador to the U.S. in January 2025.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States would start a naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports starting at 10 a.m. ET on Monday. This move follows the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan. The blockade is intended to be enforced without bias against vessels from any nation, although Iran has warned of severe action against military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a naval blockade on Iranian ports starting Monday, 10 a.m. ET.
The blockade comes after peace talks with Iran broke down in Pakistan.
The U.S. Central Command stated the blockade would apply to all countries' vessels impartially.
Free navigation will continue for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that military ships near the strait would face strong action.
The announcement caused oil prices to rise, with U.S. crude oil increasing by 8% and Brent crude by 7%.
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The Prime Minister plans to remove a security service exemption from the Hillsborough Law, which aims to ensure public authorities truthfully cooperate during disaster investigations. The law requires public bodies to have a "duty of candour", meaning they must be open and truthful. Security services will now need to apply to a court for any exemptions instead of having a blanket exemption.
Key Facts
The Hillsborough Law aims to prevent cover-ups by requiring public bodies to be truthful in disaster inquiries.
The Prime Minister will cancel plans for security services to have a blanket exemption from this law.
Security services will need to apply to a court if they want certain evidence to remain confidential for national security reasons.
The law was prompted by the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 football fans died.
Ministers have faced pressure from lawmakers and victims' families about the exemption for security services.
Families affected by the Hillsborough disaster criticized the government for delays in the law's introduction.
The government is working with Hillsborough families to ensure the law is effective.
The Hillsborough Law was initially promised in 2022 by Sir Keir Starmer.
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Brian Hooker, a man from Michigan, explained that a series of mistakes led to his wife's disappearance at sea in the Bahamas. He reported that Lynette Hooker fell overboard during a trip on their dinghy and was carried away by strong currents. Hooker has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Brian Hooker's wife, Lynette, disappeared at sea in the Bahamas.
The incident occurred while they were traveling from Hope Town to Elbow Cay.
Hooker reported to authorities that she fell overboard with the dinghy keys.
Strong currents reportedly carried Lynette away.
Hooker contacted help several hours after the incident by paddling to shore.
In a phone call, Hooker mentioned "a cascade of failures" led to the situation.
He admitted to a mistake in not anchoring the dinghy properly.
Hooker is working with law enforcement and has not been charged with a crime.
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Archbishop Paul S. Coakley criticized President Donald Trump for his comments about Pope Leo XIV, who is the first American pope. President Trump had called Pope Leo "weak on crime" and urged him to focus on being a pope rather than a politician after the pope spoke out against the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran.
Key Facts
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley is the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on his Truth Social platform.
Trump called the pope "weak on crime" and advised him to concentrate on his papal duties.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope.
Pope Leo criticized the "delusion of omnipotence" related to the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran.
The pope urged political leaders to stop fighting and negotiate peace.
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Indian singer Asha Bhosle died at the age of 92 in Mumbai after a heart attack. Many people, including fans, celebrities, and political leaders, have paid tribute to her immense contribution to Indian music. Her funeral will include full state honors in Mumbai.
Key Facts
Asha Bhosle passed away at age 92 in Mumbai.
She was admitted to the hospital following a heart attack.
Her career lasted nearly eight decades with thousands of recordings.
The funeral will take place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai with full state honors.
Tributes came from various figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu.
Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar honored her contributions.
Asha Bhosle was known for her versatility, performing songs across different music styles.
In a tribute, Mumbai Indians cricket team wore black armbands and observed silence during a match.
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President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his comments on foreign policy and crime. Pope Leo recently spoke against President Trump's threat to Iran and his stance on various international issues. Trump responded by saying he disagreed with the Pope's views and suggested that the Pope should focus on religious duties instead of political statements.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for being "weak on crime" and having poor foreign policy.
Trump was responding to Pope Leo's remarks criticizing the US-Israel stance on Iran.
Pope Leo condemned President Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization as unacceptable.
The Pope has urged world leaders to pursue peace and end ongoing conflicts.
Trump said he disagrees with the Pope's opinions on Iran and Venezuela.
Trump claimed influence over the Vatican's decision to select Pope Leo.
Pope Leo is beginning a trip to Africa, starting with Algeria.
Trump has had past disagreements with Pope Francis over immigration policies.
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A school in Telford, UK, saw positive changes after starting a free breakfast club for students. The club, which is funded by the government, offers breakfast and social time, leading to better attendance and learning readiness. Due to these benefits, the program will expand to more schools in the area.
Key Facts
Lawley Primary School in Telford offers a free breakfast club for students.
The program is part of a government-funded scheme that started in April last year.
About 120 children attend the 30-minute daily session.
Teachers noticed that students are more ready to learn after attending the club.
Attendance at the school improved since the club started.
The club provides breakfast items like cereal, toast, and porridge.
Parents appreciate the program for its positive impact on family budgets.
The program will expand to five more primary schools in the area.
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