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President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at 5 p.m. ET Thursday, following conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 10-day ceasefire has prompted celebrations in Lebanon, though the Lebanese military has reported some violations. Trump has also indicated that negotiations with Iran are progressing, with claims that Iran has pledged to give up nuclear weapons for 20 years.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump following conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire began amid celebrations in Beirut, with residents firing gunshots into the air. Pakistani officials are simultaneously engaged in diplomatic efforts involving Iran, with Pakistan's army chief meeting Iranian officials in Tehran as part of broader Middle East diplomatic initiatives.

President Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to give up nuclear materials, with one report specifying this includes highly enriched uranium or 'nuclear dust'. Iran has not confirmed these claims according to available reporting. Trump also announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and suggested he would travel to Islamabad if an Iran deal appeared viable.

An ongoing war involving Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, particularly affecting oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The energy crisis is prompting some Asian and African nations to accelerate nuclear power development plans. France and the U.K. are leading international efforts to restore shipping security in the vital oil route, while excluding the U.S. from their coalition.

The Artemis II crew has completed their mission around the moon and returned to Earth. The astronauts are conducting their first interviews since returning from the historic lunar mission. The crew is scheduled to take questions publicly for the first time since their return on Thursday.

A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has taken effect, bringing a fragile calm to parts of Lebanon. Thousands of displaced Lebanese families are beginning to return to their villages and homes following the truce. The ceasefire is described as lasting 10 days, though Lebanese officials have warned against early returns.

France and the UK are leading an international coalition to address security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil transport. The initiative comes amid regional tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran that have affected the waterway. Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial shipping during a ceasefire period, leading to a significant drop in oil prices.

A global fuel crisis has emerged due to an Iran conflict that has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, blocking oil supplies and creating shortages of jet fuel in Europe and Asia. The International Energy Agency warns that Europe has approximately six weeks of jet fuel remaining, with potential flight cancellations and higher airfares if oil doesn't resume flowing soon. The crisis is affecting multiple regions, with various countries including the UK and Australia preparing for potential supply disruptions and maintaining sanctions on Iran despite the global scramble for oil supplies.

President Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to hand over highly enriched uranium, though Iran has not confirmed this claim. Vice President JD Vance has been tasked with leading Iran peace negotiations. The US House voted down a resolution that would have limited Trump's power to wage war against Iran, with the vote falling largely along party lines.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brokered by the United States has taken effect in Lebanon. Thousands of displaced Lebanese families are returning to their homes in southern Lebanon despite official warnings against early return. The truce comes after fighting that resulted in over 2,000 deaths according to reported casualty figures.

Pakistan's army chief is scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran. The meeting is aimed at facilitating talks to extend a ceasefire. The ceasefire has paused nearly seven weeks of war.

A US Senate vote was held regarding arms sales to Israel, specifically involving military bulldozers. 40 out of 47 Democratic senators voted to block the sale of military bulldozers to Israel. Rights advocates described the vote as representing a shift in congressional support.

At least 48 people have died in ICE detention facilities since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, according to USA Today's tracking. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Thursday. The deaths represent a record high number for the agency.

President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former Coast Guard officer and Deputy Surgeon General, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RFK Jr., serving as Health Secretary, faced questioning from House Democrats regarding his vaccine policies during congressional hearings. The Trump administration is reportedly considering changes to FDA regulations around peptide treatments, with discussions expected at a July meeting.

France and the U.K. are leading an international summit to develop efforts to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. The coalition initiative is being organized separately from U.S. military operations in the region. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is participating in the virtual meeting of world leaders.

A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire next week, prompting diplomatic efforts to extend the pause in hostilities. Pakistan's army chief is meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran to facilitate continued talks. The ongoing situation is affecting global markets, with Asian stocks declining and oil prices falling on Friday amid hopes for ceasefire extension.

The provided sources appear to reference Artemis II crew interviews, but contain insufficient factual content to verify. Artemis II is NASA's planned crewed mission around the Moon currently scheduled for late 2025. The mission has not yet launched or been completed.

The Artemis II crew is scheduled to discuss their mission in interviews and public appearances following their return. The mission involved a journey around the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. The astronauts are conducting their first interviews since completing the mission.

President Donald Trump engaged in public criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's stance regarding war with Iran and nuclear weapons policy. CNN reported that Trump made false claims about the Pope's position on Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Pope's brother's home was targeted with a false bomb threat, though no explosives were found and no injuries occurred.

The U.S. House of Representatives is moving to renew a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. intelligence agencies. House Republican leadership is rushing the renewal process, which includes substantial changes to the program. The leadership has called lawmakers back for votes after days of negotiations with Republican holdouts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the Army's top officer earlier this month. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised the fired Army chief during his first public testimony since the dismissal. Driscoll acknowledged that civilian leadership has the authority to choose military leaders.

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and his wife were found dead at their northern Virginia home in what police are calling an apparent murder-suicide. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed that Fairfax killed his wife and then himself after the couple's teenage son called authorities. Fairfax served as Virginia's lieutenant governor after being elected in 2017.

The Chinese government has advised travelers to avoid entering the United States through Seattle. Chinese officials cite harassment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel as the reason for the advisory. The warning references recent incidents involving approximately 20 Chinese scholars with valid visas who were reportedly subjected to extended inspections.

The UK is pursuing closer ties with European neighbours through what its EU minister describes as a "ruthlessly pragmatic" approach. Meanwhile, top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins is leaving his post following controversy over Peter Mandelson's appointment. The controversy arose after it emerged that Mandelson failed security vetting but was still allowed to take up his position by the Foreign Office.

Australia is planning record defense spending of $425 billion over the next decade, as revealed by the Defence Department. Meanwhile, India's Army is exploring procurement of 350 light tanks suitable for mountainous terrain and air transport. Both nations are increasing military capabilities amid regional security considerations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the Army's top officer earlier this month. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised the dismissed general during his first public testimony since the firing. Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth on April 15, accusing him of starting an unauthorized war in Iran.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Thursday. Lyons will resign at the end of May after serving as a key figure in President Trump's deportation operations. Federal officials announced the resignation, which comes approximately one year into Trump's mass deportation campaign.

Lord Mandelson failed security vetting but was still allowed to take up his post at the Foreign Office. Top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins is leaving his position following the vetting controversy. Prime Minister Starmer is reportedly furious over the handling of the Mandelson vetting process.

RFK Jr. faced questioning from House Democrats regarding his positions on vaccine policies. This occurred amid concerns about rising measles cases. RFK Jr. is also advocating for making peptide treatments more accessible, with the FDA reportedly planning to discuss easing peptide restrictions at a July meeting.

The House Republican leadership worked to renew a surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies after negotiations with Republican holdouts. Leadership made substantial changes to the program and called lawmakers back for voting. The House also voted on a measure related to blocking strikes on Iran.

The killing of an Iranian activist in Canada has highlighted divisions within the Iranian diaspora regarding the ongoing Iran conflict. Several Iranian activists have reported receiving threats that prompted them to contact police and alter their daily routines. The incident has brought attention to tensions within Iranian communities abroad over how to respond to the current situation.

Acting ICE chief Todd Lyons has stepped down from his position one year into the Trump administration's deportation campaign. During his tenure, ICE underwent rapid expansion and saw a dramatic increase in immigration arrests. Separately, Republicans in Congress are supporting Army secretary Dan Driscoll amid tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who forced out the Army's top officer.

Asian stock markets declined while oil prices fell on Friday amid reports of potential ceasefire developments and possible U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks. Wall Street had previously set another record before the Asian market movements. The developments come as a ceasefire agreement is set to expire next week.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced calls to resign following revelations about Lord Mandelson's security vetting status. Starmer stated he was not informed that Lord Mandelson had failed security checks. The Prime Minister described it as 'staggering' that he was not told about the vetting outcome.

President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trump described Schwartz as "incredibly talented" in announcing the nomination through social media. The nomination represents new leadership at the CDC amid ongoing health policy discussions.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian soldier, has been granted bail after being in custody for a week. He is accused of war crime murder offences related to alleged killings in Afghanistan. Roberts-Smith faces charges for allegedly murdering five people during his military service in Afghanistan.

A controversy has emerged over prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi regarding Iran-related betting. On April 3, bets were placed on Polymarket concerning when a U.S. airman would be rescued from Iran. After Representative Seth Moulton criticized this betting, Polymarket halted the market.

Democrat Analilia Mejia won a special election in New Jersey's 11th District, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway. The victory narrows the Republican majority in the US House of Representatives. The race was held to fill a vacant House seat.

Paul Quinn, 52, has been found guilty of a 2003 rape. Andrew Malkinson was wrongly imprisoned for this same crime, serving 17 years in jail. Quinn's conviction establishes that Malkinson was wrongfully convicted for the offense.

Singer D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teen's remains were found in the singer's car in September 2025. D4vd was arrested months after the discovery of the body.

Justin Fairfax, who served as Virginia's lieutenant governor after being elected in 2017, saw his political career end following sexual assault allegations. Fairfax and his wife Cerina were going through a divorce process. Court documents indicate there was mounting tension in their marriage before a murder-suicide occurred.

Prediction markets including Polymarket and Kalshi are facing regulatory scrutiny from Washington over betting activities related to Iran conflict scenarios. On April 3, bets were placed on Polymarket regarding when a U.S. airman would be rescued from Iran. Following criticism from Rep. Seth Moulton, Polymarket halted the betting on this topic.

House Republican leadership is working to renew a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies. The leadership has made substantial changes to the program after days of negotiations with Republican holdouts. Leaders have called lawmakers back for the renewal process.

A federal judge has halted construction of President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project while allowing below-ground national security facilities to proceed at the site. Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch on federal land in Virginia has received initial design approval from the Commission of Fine Arts despite overwhelmingly negative public feedback. Both construction projects have faced legal challenges and public opposition from preservationist groups.

A federal judge has blocked construction of President Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom project, though underground bunker portions may be allowed to proceed. The judge rejected Trump's argument that the entire project was needed for national security reasons. Trump has defended the ballroom as necessary and has also proposed a separate triumphal arch project that received negative public feedback.

Australia's Productivity Commissioner Danielle Wood has warned that the country will not meet the federal government's target of building 1.2 million new homes due to falling residential construction rates. Housing affordability issues are expected to persist for decades according to the commissioner. The housing crisis is affecting families across the country, with some experiencing homelessness in both urban and regional areas.

Daniel Kinahan, a man in his 40s, was arrested in Dubai based on an arrest warrant issued by Irish courts. The arrest relates to serious organised crime charges. The arrest was carried out in Dubai where Kinahan was located.

Harry and Meghan are currently visiting Australia and have met with survivors of the Bondi attack. The visit marks their return to Australia since their time as working members of the royal family. During their trip, they paid tribute to the victims of the Bondi incident.

President Donald Trump is embracing more of the ceremonial aspects and luxury associated with the presidency in his second term. Political opponents have drawn comparisons between Trump's approach and French Queen Marie Antoinette. Trump has publicly celebrated plans for a $400 million White House ballroom renovation.

Democrat Analilia Mejia won a special election in New Jersey's 11th District to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill, who became the state's governor. Mejia defeated Republican candidate Joe Hathaway in the race. The victory further narrows the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Democrat Analilia Mejía won a special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District to fill the House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill, who became governor. Mejía defeated Republican challenger Joe Hathaway in the election. The victory allows Democrats to further narrow the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A UK nursery worker has been jailed in connection with the death of toddler Noah Sibanda, who died as a result of being restrained during sleep time at a Dudley nursery. The case involves what authorities have determined to be inappropriate restraint practices that led to the child's death. Noah's mother has spoken publicly about her son's death, describing his final moments as being alone, scared and in pain.

Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, has been arrested in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teen's body was found in the singer's Tesla vehicle. Police are holding Burke without bail as they prepare to present the case to prosecutors.

Netflix cofounder and chairman Reed Hastings will step down from the streaming service's board of directors in June when his term expires. The company announced this change on Thursday. Hastings will be leaving his position as chairman of the board after helping to build Netflix into a major streaming platform.

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and his wife Cerina Fairfax were found dead in their home in what police are calling a murder-suicide. Police say Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before taking his own life. Fairfax served as Virginia's lieutenant governor after being elected in 2017, but his political career was derailed by sexual assault allegations.

Recent congressional fundraising reports reveal significant cash advantages for several incumbents and established candidates across multiple competitive races. Democratic candidates like Sherrod Brown ($10.1 million raised), Roy Cooper ($14 million raised), and Jon Ossoff show substantial fundraising leads over their Republican challengers. Some races show mixed patterns, with candidates like Mary Peltola out-raising opponents while having less cash on hand than their competitors.

Democrat Analilia Mejía won a special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District U.S. House seat. She defeated Republican candidate Joe Hathaway in the race. The seat was previously held by Mikie Sherrill, who vacated it after being elected as New Jersey's Democratic governor.

Actor Finnian Garbutt, known for his role in BBC police drama Hope Street, has died aged 28 at home. Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw has died aged 66. Kershaw was known for his eclectic musical taste and for championing world music on the radio station.