Iraq's parliament has elected Nizar Amedi as the new president, ending a political stalemate. He was nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and won against his competitor, Muthanna Amin Nader. Amedi now has the task of working with Iraq's government branches to overcome challenges facing the country.
Key Facts
Nizar Amedi has been elected as Iraq's new president.
He received 227 votes, while his opponent, Muthanna Amin Nader, got 15 votes.
Amedi was nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
He is Iraq's sixth president since Saddam Hussein's removal in 2003.
Amedi has 15 days to task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc to form a cabinet.
Under Iraq's sectarian power-sharing, the prime minister must be a Shia Muslim.
The Coordination Framework, a group of Iran-aligned parties, plans to nominate Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister.
President Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support if al-Maliki forms a government.
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The United States and Iran are having direct talks in Islamabad for the first time since 1979. The discussions might be influenced by Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and the outcome of separate talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Key Facts
The US and Iran are holding direct talks in Islamabad.
These are the first direct talks between the US and Iran since 1979.
The discussions may be affected by Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil shipments.
The outcome of talks between Israel and Lebanon may also impact these discussions.
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Protesters in Northern Ireland joined a slow convoy to protest rising fuel costs, in solidarity with protesters in the Republic of Ireland where fuel shortages have occurred due to similar protests. The convoy included various vehicles and aimed to raise awareness about how increasing fuel and living costs are affecting ordinary people.
Key Facts
A slow-moving convoy protested rising fuel costs in Northern Ireland.
The protest showed support for similar protests in the Republic of Ireland, where fuel shortages have been reported.
The convoy included different vehicles such as vans, lorries, tractors, and a limousine.
Protesters expressed frustration with high fuel costs and the overall cost of living.
Michael McLaughlin, one of the organizers, emphasized the financial struggle faced by everyday workers.
Paddy McLaughlin, a local business owner, stated his fuel costs rose by over £5,000 in the past month.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland monitored the protest to ensure public safety.
Signs at the protest called for reductions in fuel bills.
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After Russia announced a ceasefire for the Orthodox Easter holiday, Ukraine reported that Russian drone attacks continued, raising doubts about the truce's effectiveness. Ukrainian officials mentioned ongoing drone strikes despite the pause announced by Russia, while both countries participated in a prisoner exchange.
Key Facts
Russia declared a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter starting Saturday.
Ukraine reported continued Russian drone strikes despite the ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy agreed to the ceasefire but warned of retaliation if violated.
Russia and Ukraine completed a prisoner exchange, with 175 Russian soldiers and several Ukrainian captives returning home.
Before the ceasefire began, Russian drone strikes in Odesa killed two people.
Russia claims to have shot down 99 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Previous ceasefires have often seen violations from both sides.
The ceasefire was described by the Kremlin as a humanitarian gesture, although no permanent peace agreement has been reached.
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A temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine started to align with Orthodox Easter celebrations. The ceasefire is intended to last 32 hours, but skepticism exists due to previous violations during past truces. Despite ongoing tensions, both countries exchanged prisoners of war during the ceasefire period.
Key Facts
The ceasefire is set from 4:00 pm Saturday to midnight Sunday, local time.
President Putin ordered the ceasefire to coincide with Orthodox Easter.
President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would honor the ceasefire if Russia does too.
There were drone attacks before the truce, causing casualties in Ukraine.
Ukrainian army is on alert to respond if the ceasefire is violated.
Previous Easter ceasefires have seen accusations of violations by both sides.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged 175 prisoners of war each during the ceasefire.
The United Arab Emirates assisted in the POW exchange process.
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A woman running on a path in Superior, Colorado, was struck by lightning and is in critical condition. Authorities identified her after two days with the help of public tips, since she had no identification with her. Colorado frequently experiences dangerous thunderstorms, contributing to higher lightning-related fatalities.
Key Facts
A woman was struck by lightning in Superior, Colorado, while running on a path.
She was found with no initial pulse and not breathing; bystanders began CPR.
First responders resuscitated her, reviving her breathing and pulse.
She is currently in critical condition at a Denver-area hospital.
Authorities sought public help to identify her due to lack of ID and damaged cellphone.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office posted a public appeal, leading to her identification.
About 60 lightning strikes occurred in Boulder County around the incident.
Colorado often has higher lightning fatality rates compared to many other states.
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The US and Iran have started direct peace talks in Pakistan, with discussions focusing on improving relations. Additionally, NASA's Artemis II crew has returned to Earth after their mission.
Key Facts
The US and Iran are holding direct peace talks in Pakistan.
The talks involve three countries: the US, Iran, and Pakistan.
The focus of the talks is to improve relations between the US and Iran.
NASA's Artemis II mission crew has returned from space.
Artemis II is part of NASA's efforts to explore space further.
Tim Peake, a British astronaut, discussed the experience of returning from space.
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The United States and Iran have started direct talks in Pakistan following a fragile ceasefire in a war affecting several Middle Eastern countries. The discussions aim to address ongoing tensions and disagreements, with Vice President JD Vance leading the U.S. delegation and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf leading the Iranian side. The talks are part of efforts to stabilize the region and involve other countries like Pakistan, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are engaged in direct talks in Pakistan after a fragile two-week ceasefire was established.
Vice President JD Vance leads the U.S. delegation, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf leads the Iranian delegation.
The war has resulted in over 3,000 deaths in Iran and significant casualties in Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf Arab states.
Iran has set "red lines" in the talks, including seeking compensation for damage from strikes.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has impacted global oil and gas exports.
Other countries, including Pakistan, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, are involved in facilitating the talks.
Iran has expressed a desire for the release of its frozen assets as part of the negotiation process.
Ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon pose a threat to the ceasefire and regional stability.
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The United States and Iran began face-to-face talks in Pakistan amid a fragile ceasefire in an ongoing war. The negotiations, led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, address issues like the ceasefire stability and regional military actions. The war has caused significant casualties and disrupted global energy markets.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran started direct talks in Pakistan as a ceasefire temporarily halted in a contentious war.
The two-week ceasefire follows weeks of conflict resulting in thousands of deaths.
The U.S. military moved two warships through the Strait of Hormuz for mine-clearing operations.
Iran's negotiators want compensation for damage from U.S. and Israeli strikes and the release of frozen assets.
The war has disrupted Persian Gulf oil exports, leading to higher energy prices.
Talks are also mediated by officials from China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
President Trump stated efforts are underway to open the Strait of Hormuz for international passage.
Previous direct U.S.-Iran contacts were limited, with the last high-level discussions on nuclear issues in 2013.
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The United States and Iran are holding important talks in Pakistan to discuss a ceasefire in a war affecting multiple countries in the Middle East. These discussions, led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, are taking place as the war has caused thousands of deaths and economic challenges. The U.S. has also started clearing the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of ships.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are negotiating face-to-face in Pakistan amid a two-week ceasefire.
Talks are complicated by disagreements and ongoing military actions involving Israel and Hezbollah.
The negotiations are led by JD Vance for the U.S. and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf for Iran.
Iran has set conditions, like compensation for damages and reduced Israeli attacks, before continuing talks.
The war has killed over 5,000 people and disrupted oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf.
The U.S. is working on clearing the Strait of Hormuz to allow for the safe transit of ships.
Other countries like China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are indirectly helping with the talks.
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The United States and Iran held talks in Islamabad to discuss a ceasefire and nuclear issues but ended without an agreement. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, stressed that Iran must commit to not developing nuclear weapons. Pakistani mediators are hopeful a new dialogue will begin soon.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran held face-to-face talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, but did not reach an agreement.
Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. team and emphasized the need for Iran to commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons.
The discussions lasted 21 hours and were part of efforts to maintain a fragile two-week ceasefire.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar encouraged both sides to keep the ceasefire and offered to help continue talks.
President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials were consulted during the negotiations.
The U.S. military moved two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz during the talks.
The ceasefire was challenged by ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This round of negotiations was one of the most direct contacts between the U.S. and Iran since 1979.
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The Coachella music festival started with a headlining performance by Sabrina Carpenter, which included surprise appearances from several actors. The festival, held in California, faced weather challenges with strong winds and dust warnings. Justin Bieber and Karol G are set to headline the following days.
Key Facts
Coachella festival began with Sabrina Carpenter's performance featuring surprise guests like Susan Sarandon, Will Ferrell, and Sam Elliott.
The festival takes place in Indio, California, drawing over 100,000 attendees daily.
Weather services warned of strong winds up to 25 miles per hour and windblown dust in the Coachella Valley.
DJ Anyma's performance was canceled due to unsafe wind conditions.
An air quality advisory is in effect due to windblown dust, posing health risks for sensitive individuals.
Justin Bieber and Karol G are headlining on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The festival runs for two weekends and has been held annually since 2002.
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Peru is holding a presidential election amid a decade of political uncertainty and corruption. Many candidates, including 80-year-old Ricardo Belmont, are promising to tackle the corruption that has seen frequent leadership changes. The election will likely result in a runoff in June due to the large number of candidates.
Key Facts
Peru is holding a presidential election with 35 candidates running.
Ricardo Belmont, 80, is one of the oldest candidates and was a former mayor of Lima.
The country has had nine presidents in the last decade, with only one serving a full term.
Many past presidents in Peru faced imprisonment or criminal investigations related to corruption.
Voter turnout is mandatory, but analysts expect high numbers of blank ballots.
The outcome of the election is uncertain, with changing predictions and possible runoff in June.
Political instability and voter apathy are significant issues in this election.
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Orthodox Christians gathered at Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre to celebrate the Holy Fire ceremony. This event followed Israel's decision to ease access restrictions to holy places in East Jerusalem.
Key Facts
Orthodox Christians attended the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem.
The ceremony took place at the Holy Sepulchre, a significant religious site.
Israel had previously placed restrictions on access to this area.
The restrictions were eased, allowing more people to participate in the ceremony.
The Holy Sepulchre is located in East Jerusalem, an area with complex political significance.
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Police in London started arresting people during a large protest against the ban on Palestine Action, which the UK government has classified as a terrorist group. The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, who want the ban lifted and all related charges dropped. A court previously found the government's ban unlawful, but police have continued arrests, leading to criticism.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Trafalgar Square, London, with about 1,500 people attending.
Police arrested individuals protesting the ban on the group Palestine Action.
Palestine Action is a group that engages in direct actions to protest the UK's role in Israel's actions against Palestinians.
The UK banned Palestine Action as a terrorist group in July 2025, making support for it illegal.
The High Court ruled the ban unlawful due to its impact on freedom of expression.
Despite the court ruling, police announced they would continue arrests of those supporting the group.
The UK government plans to appeal the High Court's decision at the end of April.
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A man carrying a large knife, possibly a machete, was shot by police at Grand Central Station in New York City after allegedly stabbing several people on a subway platform. Four people were critically injured and taken to hospitals, and subway services were temporarily disrupted due to the investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened at Grand Central Station in New York City on a Saturday morning.
The suspect allegedly used a machete to stab multiple people on the subway platform.
Four victims were taken to hospitals and were in critical condition.
Police shot the suspect after he did not comply with orders to drop the knife.
The identity of the suspect and the victims has not been released yet.
The incident caused subway service disruptions at Grand Central Station.
An investigation by the police is ongoing.
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Nearly 400 people in Nigeria have been sentenced for having links to militant Islamic groups like Boko Haram. These sentences come after a series of mass trials in response to the ongoing security challenges in the country.
Key Facts
Nearly 400 people were sentenced in Nigeria for connections to militant groups.
The sentences ranged from five years to life imprisonment.
The convicted were linked to Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap).
Nigeria faces security threats from Islamist insurgents, separatists, and kidnapping gangs.
Since 2009, Boko Haram's insurgency has killed tens of thousands and displaced over two million people.
More than 500 suspects were tried, with 386 convicted, two acquitted, and the rest having pending outcomes.
The U.S. advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to security issues.
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A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is in place, and discussions are ongoing to make it permanent. U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the talks, aiming to prevent conflict escalation before upcoming U.S. elections.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are currently in a ceasefire situation.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the negotiation team in Islamabad.
Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff will accompany the U.S. team.
A breakdown in talks could impact global energy markets and lead to military actions.
Iran seeks relief from economic sanctions and access to frozen assets.
The situation involves U.S. midterm elections, impacting political strategies.
Both countries face internal pressures that may influence negotiations.
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A funeral was held in Lebanon for 13 members of the State Security agency who died in an Israeli air strike. The strike hit a government building in Nabatieh, a city in southern Lebanon, also killing 6 other people.
Key Facts
An Israeli air strike hit a government building in Nabatieh, Lebanon.
13 members of Lebanon’s State Security agency died in the strike.
The total number of people killed was 19.
A funeral ceremony was held for the State Security members.
Nabatieh is located in the southern part of Lebanon.
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President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. is prepared to take action if peace talks with Iran are unsuccessful. These talks involve discussions about the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts. U.S. and Iranian officials are engaging in talks separately with Pakistan's prime minister without direct U.S.-Iran meetings announced.
Key Facts
President Trump issued a warning to Iran, saying the U.S. is "ready to go" if peace talks fail.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key point of discussion, as it is a crucial passage for the world's oil trade.
The U.S. and Iranian officials met separately with Pakistan's prime minister; no direct talks between the U.S. and Iran were announced.
Iran has a strategic advantage in controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. has a 15-point proposal involving nuclear program restrictions and reopening the strait.
Iran issued a 10-point proposal including an end to the war and sanctions relief.
Vice President JD Vance stated the U.S. is open to good faith negotiations.
Israel continues its military actions in Lebanon, affecting regional tensions.
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