The first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela in seven years took off from Miami to Caracas. This happened after the U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January and renewed diplomatic relations in early March.
Key Facts
Direct flights between the U.S. and Venezuela had been suspended for seven years.
A flight from Miami to Caracas took place on Thursday, marking the resumption of direct travel.
The resumption follows the U.S. capturing former President Nicolas Maduro in January.
Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela were restored in early March.
The flight represents a significant step in improving ties between the two countries.
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Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said the United States has been defeated in its conflict with Iran and claimed the US only belongs "at the bottom of" the Persian Gulf waters. He emphasized Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and vowed to protect the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities despite US efforts to limit them.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader on March 9, 2026.
Khamenei’s statement was made on Iran’s national "Persian Gulf" day and was read on state television.
He declared that the US is defeated in its military efforts against Iran and stated the US belongs only underwater in the Persian Gulf.
Iran claims new control and legal management over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
The US, led by President Donald Trump, has imposed a naval blockade on Iran to stop its oil exports.
Oil prices rose to $126 per barrel due to tensions and restricted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is considering new diplomatic plans with allies to keep the strait open while continuing the blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran denies that its nuclear program is for weapons and pushed to delay related negotiations.
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The Metropolitan police chief criticized Green party leader Zack Polanski for sharing a post that questioned how officers arrested a suspect involved in a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London. The police say the arrest was necessary to protect the community and warn that public criticism could discourage officers from doing their jobs.
Key Facts
Two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green, a neighborhood in north-west London.
Police arrested a 45-year-old man and used a stun gun to control him.
The attack is being treated as terrorism, and the Crown Prosecution Service is involved.
Zack Polanski shared a post accusing police of using excessive force on the suspect.
Met Police Chief Mark Rowley said the post was inaccurate and praised officers for their actions.
Rowley warned that criticizing police publicly could discourage them and harm community safety.
The Jewish community in London has faced multiple targeted attacks recently and feels scared.
The Green party expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and said more information about the police response is needed.
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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Israel for capturing three journalists on a Gaza aid flotilla while it was in international waters. The Israeli military stopped the flotilla, detained 211 people, and held the journalists, raising concerns about their safety and international law violations.
Key Facts
Three journalists on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.
The journalists are Hafed Mribah and Mahmut Yavuz from Al Jazeera, and Alex Colston from US media outlet Zeteo.
RSF and Al Jazeera held Israel responsible for the journalists' safety.
The flotilla was intercepted off Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula, far from Gaza’s coast.
Israel detained 211 people from 22 out of 58 vessels on the flotilla and plans to transport them to Greece.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel of breaking international law and suggested the EU freeze ties with Israel.
Past reports and testimonies describe harsh treatment and abuse of detained Palestinian journalists by Israeli authorities.
Israel denies allegations of mistreatment, calling them “fake news.”
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Keir Starmer, the current Labour Party leader in the UK, faces uncertainty about his leadership ahead of the May elections. While some MPs question his future, many believe removing him now could cause instability during ongoing challenges like the cost of living crisis. Other potential leaders like Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham remain under consideration, but face their own obstacles.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer’s public approval is low, but most Labour MPs want to avoid a messy leadership change.
Many MPs worry about a lack of a strong alternative leader within the party.
Angela Rayner left the cabinet due to tax issues but might return if given a significant role.
Rayner wants to avoid triggering a leadership contest and is still under investigation for underpaid stamp duty.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is popular with the public and MPs but is still outside Westminster politics.
Some Labour MPs think a leadership change during a cost of living crisis would look selfish to voters.
Starmer’s supporters say he has time to improve the party’s standing before the next general election in 2029.
There is ongoing debate about who could realistically succeed Starmer if he steps down.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup and will play matches in the United States. He emphasized that football helps bring people together despite political conflicts.
Key Facts
Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Iran’s games will be held in the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about unity through football.
Iran had previously said it would not join the event amid tensions involving the US and Israel.
A ceasefire has been in place since April 7 regarding the conflict.
The event is seen as a chance to unite people from different countries.
The announcement was made during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
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The government has warned that the war in Iran could cause financial problems across the country. The Bank of England said energy prices might rise a lot this year, which could lead to higher interest rates and more economic uncertainty.
Key Facts
The war in Iran is expected to have a financial impact on the country.
The Bank of England warned about a possible "energy price shock."
Rising energy prices may cause interest rates to increase this year.
Economic uncertainty could continue because of these issues.
There is concern this uncertainty might affect political stability in the Labour Party.
The discussion was part of a BBC Newscast episode with political experts.
Listeners can access Newscast on smart speakers and online platforms.
The episode focused on the connection between the Iran war and the UK's economic challenges.
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Israeli military strikes killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire that began two weeks ago. Fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah, and both sides report attacks and violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
At least nine people, including two children, were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
The strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, according to Israel.
Hezbollah attacked Israeli forces, including using a drone in the Bint Jbeil district.
The ceasefire started on April 16 after talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized ongoing Israeli attacks and called for pressure on Israel to respect international law.
Israel issued evacuation warnings for 15 villages in southern Lebanon, some outside the designated "Yellow Line."
Hezbollah did not sign the ceasefire but agreed to respect it if Israel did.
Since early March, more than 2,500 people have died in Lebanon due to the conflict, including many civilians.
Israeli military reports 17 troop deaths since the fighting began in March.
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The Trump administration is asking other countries to join a new coalition called the "Maritime Freedom Construct" aimed at reopening and securing the Strait of Hormuz. This group would help share information and coordinate diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage of ships through this important waterway near Iran.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global energy supplies.
The Trump administration sent a cable asking diplomats worldwide to recruit partners for the new coalition by Friday.
The coalition will coordinate diplomatic actions, sanctions, and information sharing for safe transit.
The coalition will provide real-time information and safety guidance for ships passing through the strait.
The U.K. and France are leading a separate multilateral effort with over 30 countries to secure the strait.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the European effort as ineffective and called for more direct action.
Iran’s navy commander labeled the U.S. blockade as "piracy" and U.S. forces as "maritime terrorists."
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the ongoing conflict and disruptions could lead to a global recession, especially harming developing countries.
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Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick appeared on Survivor 50, bringing nearly 20 years of shared reality TV history with fellow contestant Cirie Fields. In a key moment of the game, Cirie influenced the group to vote Stephenie out, ending her run at episode 10 of 13 despite plans that originally targeted another player.
Key Facts
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick and Cirie Fields have competed together on multiple reality shows for nearly two decades.
Survivor 50 is an all-stars season where players have long histories with each other, affecting game dynamics.
The prize for Survivor 50 was raised to $2 million after MrBeast appeared on the show.
Stephenie was part of a plan to vote out Ozzy Lusth but clarified that idea was not hers.
Cirie Fields convinced the group to vote Stephenie out at Tribal Council.
Stephenie reached episode 10 out of 13 before being eliminated.
Stephenie said she is not upset and accepts the outcome, aiming originally just to make the jury.
The competition is tough with only one winner from nine final players competing for the cash prize.
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A court in Uganda has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for killing four young children at a nursery school in Kampala. The man planned the attack, posed as a parent to enter the school, and stabbed the children, who were aged one to three, before being caught by security.
Key Facts
The killings happened on April 2 at a nursery school in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Christopher Okello Onyum was found guilty of stabbing four children to death.
The children were between one and three years old.
Onyum pretended to be a parent to enter the school and locked the gate during the attack.
Police said he researched “schools near me” and “ISIS beheadings” before the attack.
The court said the attack was planned and rejected Onyum’s claim of insanity.
Onyum did not apologize, showing no regret according to the judge.
Uganda allows the death penalty but has not executed anyone in over 20 years.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla ended their four-day state visit to the United States with a visit to Front Royal, a small town in Virginia. They attended a community party and parade, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, and interacted with the public for the first time on this trip.
Key Facts
The King and Queen finished their US visit in Front Royal, Virginia, a small town with about 15,000 people.
The visit included a community party, parade, bluegrass music, and Appalachian clog dancing.
This was the first time during the visit that the royal couple met the US public directly and walked among the crowds.
Before going to Front Royal, they said goodbye to President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.
They also paid respects at Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and receiving a gun salute.
The visit aimed to strengthen UK-US relations, with the King’s speech to Congress receiving applause.
Front Royal’s event was a relaxed, small-town celebration contrasting the formal events in Washington DC and New York.
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A man was stabbed in a Golders Green attack in London, leaving two victims in hospital. A volunteer from a community safety group chased and helped hold the suspect until police arrived, after which the suspect was arrested.
Key Facts
Two men, aged 34 and 76, were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, and are now in stable condition.
A 45-year-old man named Essa Suleiman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Isaac, a volunteer with the Shomrim community security group, saw the suspect with a knife and followed him for about 100 yards.
Police used a Taser to stop the suspect, who still held a knife.
Isaac and another volunteer restrained the suspect by holding his ankle to prevent movement until police could remove the knife.
The suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health issues.
The suspect had previously been referred to the UK government's Prevent programme in 2020, but the case was closed that year.
Isaac said he acted instinctively to protect the community and helped prevent further harm.
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Belgium’s government plans to buy its nuclear power plants from the French company Engie to secure the country’s energy supply. This deal will keep the seven nuclear reactors running longer and stop previous plans to shut down and dismantle them.
Key Facts
Belgium wants to take full ownership of its seven nuclear reactors from Engie.
The reactors are old, and two are currently operating with licenses extended until 2035.
Five reactors were shut down between 2022 and 2025 but will no longer be dismantled as planned.
The government aims to keep nuclear energy as a safe and affordable source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This plan reverses a law from the early 2000s that aimed to phase out nuclear power in Belgium.
Belgium also wants to develop new nuclear power capacity for the future.
The government and Engie hope to finalize the takeover deal by 1 October.
Other European countries are also reconsidering their nuclear energy policies after years of moving away from it.
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Germany said it is ready if the United States reduces the number of its troops stationed in Germany. President Donald Trump has threatened to move some US troops out amid disagreements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war in Iran.
Key Facts
Germany has many US troops stationed on its soil.
President Trump is considering moving some US troops out of Germany.
The possible troop reduction is related to a dispute about the war in Iran.
German officials said they are prepared for this possible change.
President Trump has criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz in this context.
The issue has caused tension between Germany and the United States.
The topic relates to larger concerns involving NATO and security in Europe.
This news was reported on April 30, 2026.
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The international jury of the Venice Biennale art fair resigned just days before the event started. No official reason was given, but this happened after Italy’s government opposed Russia’s participation in the fair.
Key Facts
The Venice Biennale is the world’s oldest and most important contemporary art fair.
The entire international jury of the Biennale resigned on Thursday.
The resignations occurred shortly before the fair was set to open.
Italy’s government expressed opposition to Russia taking part in the event.
No public explanation was provided for the jury’s decision to resign.
The news was reported by France 24 from Rome.
The article includes information about related cultural events and news elsewhere.
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The U.K. raised its national terrorism threat level to "severe" after a stabbing attack in London injured two Jewish men. Officials said the threat from Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism has been increasing for some time.
Key Facts
The threat level rose from "substantial" to "severe," meaning a terrorist attack is highly likely.
The stabbing happened in Golders Green, northwest London, injuring two Jewish men.
A 47-year-old man was arrested and is in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
The government called the attack a terrorist incident and condemned it as an act of terrorism.
The rise in threat was not only because of this attack but reflects a general increase in terrorism threats in the U.K.
London’s mayor and the prime minister expressed support for the Jewish community and visited the area.
A month earlier, an arson attack targeted emergency vehicles for the Jewish community in the same neighborhood.
The U.K. government is increasing security efforts and funding to fight antisemitism.
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Israel intercepted a group of activists on a boat carrying aid to Gaza in international waters near the Greek island of Crete. The activists will be taken to Greece, where they will leave the boat.
Key Facts
The activists were part of a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.
The Israeli military stopped the flotilla in international waters near Crete.
Dozens of activists were on board the boat.
Israel announced the activists will be brought to the Greek shore.
The activists will disembark in Greece, not in Israel.
The event happened on April 30, 2026.
The situation relates to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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A Flood Watch has been issued for much of South-Central Texas, including Austin, due to heavy rains expected from Thursday evening to Friday evening. Officials warn that rapid rain could cause dangerous flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Watch for South-Central Texas from Thursday evening through Friday evening.
Heavy rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase late Thursday and continue into early Friday.
Flash flooding could be life-threatening in some areas.
Flooding may affect creeks, streams, urban locations, and places with poor drainage.
Nighttime flooding is particularly dangerous because it is harder to see flooded roads.
Residents are advised to stay alert to weather updates and enable emergency alerts on their phones.
People should be ready to respond quickly if Flash Flood Warnings are announced.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned the United States' accusations that Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha is linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel, saying US claims need real evidence. US prosecutors charged Rocha and nine others with working with the cartel to move drugs into the US and interfere in elections.
Key Facts
US prosecutors charged Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha and nine others with ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel.
They allege Rocha and others helped the cartel move drugs into the US and supported it through bribes and political favors.
The charges claim cartel members interfered in the 2021 Sinaloa governor election by stealing ballots and intimidating opponents.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the US claims lack clear evidence and should be proven under Mexican law.
Rocha denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and promised to challenge them.
The US is also cracking down on top cartel figures, including the sons of cartel cofounder Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Recent arrests include key cartel leaders like Ovidio Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, now in US custody.
Experts say Mexican government actions in the coming days will be important to watch regarding these charges.
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