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The US and Israel are engaged in a 20-day war with Iran that has involved attacks on major energy infrastructure, including Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gas field and Iran's retaliatory attacks on Qatar's energy facilities. The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in additional funding for the conflict, while Iran's attacks have damaged 17% of Qatar's LNG capacity for potentially up to five years. Energy prices are soaring globally, with oil analysts no longer considering $200 per barrel far-fetched, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.

Israel struck Iran's South Pars natural gas field, with the US being informed of the plans but not participating in the attack according to an AP source. Iran retaliated by attacking energy infrastructure in Gulf Arab nations including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with strikes setting Qatari liquefied natural gas facilities ablaze. The escalating attacks on energy infrastructure have caused stock markets to decline and raised concerns about global energy supplies.

Israeli bombardment of Lebanon has continued, with the death toll surpassing 1,000 casualties. At least 40 medical workers have been reported among those killed in the strikes. Rights groups have called for an end to attacks on Lebanese health facilities.

Joe Kent resigned from President Donald Trump's counterterrorism team amid disagreements over Iran war policy. The ongoing conflict has strained State Department resources, with officials citing staff cuts and vacant leadership positions in the Middle East bureau. U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Iran's regime remains intact but has been significantly degraded by the war.

The UK COVID inquiry has released findings regarding the NHS's response during the pandemic. The inquiry examined various aspects including the impact of stay-at-home advice and hospital visiting rules. The report details challenges faced by the healthcare system during the crisis period.

The U.S. national debt has reached a record $39 trillion, according to government figures released this week. The milestone comes amid ongoing global conflicts including U.S.-Israeli military operations in Iran. The Government Accountability Office notes that rising debt levels can impact borrowing costs for consumer loans including mortgages and automotive financing.

A drone attack originating from Sudan killed 17 people in Chad near the border between the two countries. The casualties reportedly included mourners attending a funeral and children who were playing in the area. The incident represents an escalation of cross-border violence as Sudan's internal conflict affects neighboring Chad.

US intelligence agencies have assessed that China is unlikely to invade Taiwan by 2027. The assessment indicates that Chinese leadership still prefers to pursue unification with Taiwan through non-military means. This represents the current view of American spy agencies regarding the timeline and likelihood of a potential Chinese military action against Taiwan.

Two Iranian nationals have been charged in the UK under the National Security Act as part of a counter-terrorism investigation. Security concerns have been raised regarding drone activity over US military bases. Russia has been sharing satellite imagery and drone technology with Iran according to reports.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard provided an assessment to the Senate Intelligence Committee regarding Iran's military capabilities. According to the Washington Post, Gabbard characterized the Iranian regime as degraded but still intact. The briefing included discussion of Iran's nuclear program status.

The Trump administration is facing challenges related to oversight by inspectors general, who serve as internal watchdogs for federal agencies. These independent oversight officials are experiencing increased pressures from political figures and the White House. The traditional separation between inspectors general and the agencies they investigate is being affected.

President Trump has made efforts to influence or potentially remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from his position. Powell has stated he intends to remain in his role as Fed chair and continue serving on the board. Trump's attempts to reshape Federal Reserve leadership have encountered legal and political obstacles.

The Senate committee voted 8-7 to advance Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination to become President Trump's Homeland Security Secretary. During his confirmation process, Mullin stated he does not plan to eliminate FEMA and indicated he would take a more moderate approach to disaster relief. The Oklahoma Republican senator was nominated to replace Kristi Noem in the position.

Senator Rand Paul engaged in a contentious confrontation with Senator Markwayne Mullin during Mullin's confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security. The exchange between the two Republican senators was described as bitter and harsh, with disagreements over Mullin's past criticism of Paul. Mullin is President Trump's nominee to replace Kristi Noem at DHS.

Gaza residents are facing border closures and rising prices that make traditional Eid baking difficult. Despite these economic and logistical challenges, families in Gaza are continuing to maintain their Eid baking traditions. The ongoing situation has created shortages that complicate traditional holiday preparations.

A meningitis outbreak has occurred in Kent, England, with 20 cases reported since the weekend in a concentrated geographical area. Health authorities have issued urgent public health alerts and are administering vaccinations to thousands of people. Health workers across England have been advised to monitor for signs of infection.

Sexual abuse allegations have emerged against César Chavez, the prominent Latino labor rights activist and farm worker movement leader. The allegations claim Chavez sexually abused girls and women within the movement he led. Political leaders and advocates across the United States are now grappling with how to address his legacy in light of these claims.

The Western United States is experiencing an extreme heat wave with record-breaking temperatures. Approximately 800 high temperature records are forecast to be neared, tied, or broken across 165 locations in Western and Central states over the next week. Some areas may see April temperature records broken.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has characterized the UK's two military bases on Cyprus as a "colonial consequence" on the island. The president has called for a frank discussion regarding these British military installations. The bases represent a significant ongoing British military presence in Cyprus.

Several UK newspapers are leading with stories questioning whether the Labour government is delaying implementation of its migration reform plans. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for Labour to pledge to rejoin the European Union. Downing Street has reiterated that the government will not rejoin the EU's single market or customs union.

Meta is offering creators $3,000 to post content on Facebook as part of an effort to compete with TikTok and YouTube. The company is specifically targeting creators from other platforms to encourage them to post reels on Facebook. This represents Meta's attempt to attract content creators away from rival social media platforms.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is making the first UK state visit by a Nigerian head of state in 37 years. The King greeted President Tinubu as part of the official ceremonies. The visit includes a state banquet where both leaders will deliver speeches to an audience of political leaders and celebrities.

The UK has opened what is being called the world's longest coastal path to the public. The path, named the King Charles coastal path, provides walkers with right of access to the entire English coast. This marks the first time such comprehensive coastal access has been available to the public.

England has opened the King Charles coastal path to the public. The path is being described as the world's longest coastal walking path. This represents the first time walkers have had right of access to England's entire coastline.