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The conflict between Israel and Lebanon has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with at least 2,196 people killed and over one million displaced in Lebanon. The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, aims to facilitate negotiations for a more permanent security and peace agreement.The truce came into effect at 21:00 GMT and includes Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran. However, ceasefire violations have been reported by Lebanese forces, with several Israeli attacks recorded and intermittent shelling targeting villages.The terms of the ceasefire agreement allow Israel to preserve its right to self-defense while not carrying out offensive military operations. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement does not preclude Israel's demand for the disarmament of Hezbollah.The ceasefire has been met with skepticism by some, with former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas expressing doubts about Netanyahu's commitment to the agreement. Hezbollah has also urged caution, with Ali Fayyad stating that the group will approach the ceasefire with vigilance.The conflict has significant implications for the region, with US-Iran negotiations potentially influencing the situation. Trump's announcement of the ceasefire coincided with his statement that a deal to end the war on Iran was 'very close'.

A World Athletics Nationality Review Panel has rejected eleven requests from athletes seeking to transfer their sporting allegiance to Turkiye. The panel described the applications as part of a coordinated recruitment strategy orchestrated by the Turkish government through a state‑financed club offering lucrative contracts. The denied petitions originated from five Kenyan runners—including former women’s marathon world‑record holder Brigid Kosgei—four Jamaican throwers, notably Olympic discus champion Roje Stona and shot‑put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell. The remaining two athletes were Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili and Russian heptathlete Sophia Yakushina. World Athletics explained that approving the transfers would compromise its eligibility and allegiance regulations, which are designed to ensure a genuine connection between athletes and the nations they represent and to safeguard the sport’s integrity worldwide. “The applications formed part of a coordinated recruitment strategy led by the Turkiye government acting through a wholly‑owned and financed government club, to attract overseas athletes through lucrative contracts,” the governing body said in a statement. The panel warned that such moves aim to boost Turkiye’s representation at future events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. These rules were tightened in 2019 after World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe likened some athlete switches to human trafficking. The current framework requires demonstrable ties—such as residency, heritage, or long‑term commitment—to the new country. Turkiye has a history of naturalising foreign talent; its squad at the 2016 European Championships featured athletes from Kenya, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Cuba, Ukraine, South Africa and Azerbaijan. Notable success stories include Ramil Guliyev, who switched from Azerbaijan and won the 200 m world title in 2017. Other nations, like Qatar, have similarly used financial incentives to attract athletes, exemplified by Egyptian‑born weightlifter Fares Ibrahim Hassouna**, who secured Qatar’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021. Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi also switched from Kenya at age 15 and later claimed Olympic and world titles in the steeplechase. World Athletics clarified that the refusal does not bar the eleven athletes from competing in individual meets, road races, or training in Turkiye; it merely blocks official national representation under the Turkish flag.

The International Cricket Council’s Integrity Unit has announced a formal investigation into Cricket Canada after a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary raised serious corruption concerns surrounding the nation’s performance at the T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Canada’s group‑stage match in Chennai, in which they were defeated by New Zealand by eight wickets (173/4 to 176/2), is now under scrutiny. The focus is on the fifth over bowled by Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, which began with a no‑ball, included a wide, and ultimately yielded 15 runs—a pivotal moment that swung the match in the Kiwis’ favor. Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, confirmed that the anti‑corruption unit is aware of the CBC programme and is acting in line with the ICC’s constitutional processes. “Governance matters in relation to ICC members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction,” he said. In addition to the on‑field incident, the ICC is probing a recorded phone call involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. In the call, Chohan alleges that senior board members exerted pressure on him to select specific players, suggesting possible governance failures within Cricket Canada. Cricket Canada responded that it is treating the allegations with “utmost importance” and emphasized its commitment to reviewing any concerns responsibly. The organization’s website noted that recent promotional material alludes to “allegations related to organised crime and match‑fixing,” which it takes “extremely seriously.” Should the investigation substantiate the claims, the repercussions could extend beyond sporting sanctions, potentially affecting sponsorships, player morale, and the broader credibility of cricket administration in Canada.

The United Nations refugee agency has revealed that nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported dead or missing in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in 2025. This was the deadliest year on record for maritime movements in South and South East Asia.Thousands of people continue to make the dangerous journeys in 2026, with the UNHCR describing the area as an “unmarked graveyard for thousands of desperate Rohingya refugees”. Over the last decade, some 5,000 Rohingya are thought to have drowned at sea.Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees began fleeing Myanmar in 2017 amid an ethnic cleansing campaign. They largely settled in refugee camps in Bangladesh, which continues to give refuge to those fleeing today. However, humanitarian aid in the country has been reduced due to funding shortfalls, and there is limited access to education and opportunities in the camps, prompting people to attempt the dangerous sea crossings.More than 2,800 Rohingya have made the sea journeys this year, with the majority leaving from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh or Rakhine State in Myanmar in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia. The UNHCR hopes that highlighting the record death toll will make people aware of “what the Rohingyas are going through inside Myanmar and in the refugee camps and in the wider region” and prompt solutions to avoid another record toll in 2026.

Amid a wave of Israeli air strikes that have killed hundreds and displaced roughly 20 % of Lebanon’s population from the south, Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui attracted fierce criticism after being publicly praised for his pro‑Israel activities. Sehnaoui, who chairs Societe Generale de Banque au Liban (SGBL), attended an event at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – a venue he has financially supported. The commendation came from Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Middle‑East envoy who, according to reports, is also Sehnaoui’s romantic partner. Ortagus framed support for Israel as a matter of "moral clarity", even when it entails personal risk. She highlighted Sehnaoui’s funding of a U.S.–Israeli opera project, noting that such transactions are technically illegal in Lebanon under the country’s ban on dealings with Israeli entities. Describing the banker’s lineage, Ortagus said he hails from generations of "committed Lebanese Christian Zionists" and that his family has been "trained to support the State of Israel and the Jewish people." She also referenced his father, Nabil Sehnaoui, a principal backer of the Lebanese Forces militia, which allied with Israel during the 1982 invasion and was implicated in the Sabra‑Shatila massacres. The timing of the endorsement proved especially contentious. Since mid‑March, Israel has been accused of employing a “quadruple‑tap” bombing technique designed to maximise civilian casualties, and more than a million southerners have fled their homes, deepening sectarian tensions. Lebanese social‑media users reacted with outrage, calling for Sehnaoui’s imprisonment, accusing him of betraying his nation, and even alleging he had converted to Judaism. One commentator, academic Makram Rabah, argued that while a museum visit should not be controversial, the overt support for Israel amid a fragile ceasefire is. Ortagus’s own record – marked by staunch opposition to Hezbollah and open advocacy for Israel since her appointment in April 2025 – has already drawn scrutiny over her suitability as a neutral broker in the region. Beyond the political backlash, Sehnaoui faces serious legal challenges. Lebanese prosecutors have filed money‑laundering charges against him and SGBL, alleging illicit currency‑trading activities that exacerbated the country’s financial crisis that began in 2019. The bank denies any wrongdoing. In the United States, a 2020 civil lawsuit filed by families of Hezbollah‑linked attack victims accuses SGBL of providing material support to the militant group – a claim the bank also rejects. Lebanese MP Paula Yacoubian warned that Sehnaoui’s recent maneuvers appear designed to secure personal immunity in exchange for facilitating Israel‑Lebanon normalisation, rather than delivering tangible benefits such as the safe return of displaced residents. While the controversy rages, a tenuous ceasefire has allowed tens of thousands of residents to return to the devastated south, many seeking the remains of loved ones or assessing the damage to their homes.

Guardian’s weekly pick showcases seven standout series available to stream from 21 April to 24 April 2026, ranging from gritty dramas on BBC iPlayer to a nature documentary on Disney+.Half Man – Richard Gadd’s first television drama since Baby Reindeer lands on BBC iPlayer on Friday 24 April. The two‑timeline story follows brothers Ruben (Jamie Bell) and Niall (Gadd) as they navigate a volatile, tender relationship in a hostile school environment. Young Niall is portrayed by Mitchell Robertson, while Stuart Campbell plays an aggressive Ruben, delivering a raw look at adolescent trauma.Unchosen – Netflix releases this unsettling thriller on Tuesday 21 April. Molly Windsor stars as Rosie, a woman trapped in a cult‑like household run by Christopher Eccleston’s domineering Mr Phillips. When the enigmatic Sam (Fra Fee) arrives, Rosie’s instincts clash with the patriarchal control, while her husband Adam (Asa Butterfield) adds further tension.Ramy Youssef: In Love – The third HBO Max special drops on Saturday 18 April. Youssef blends sharp cultural commentary with humor, tackling topics from Saudi‑Arabia comedy festivals to AI‑generated porn and modern masculinity, all while maintaining his signature wit.Criminal Record – Returning to Apple TV on Wednesday 22 April, the thriller reunites detectives June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) and Daniel Hegarty (Peter Capaldi). The duo confronts a far‑right threat at an Islamist rally, with Lenker’s investigation colliding with internal police resistance.Orangutan – Disney+ streams this Borneo‑and‑Sumatra documentary on Wednesday 22 April. Narrated by Josh Gad, the film follows young primate Indah through dense jungle hazards, offering intimate wildlife footage that challenges the high bar set by David Attenborough.Running Point – (Details omitted due to truncation) continues the week’s eclectic mix of streaming options, rounding out a diverse slate that caters to drama lovers, comedy fans, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Ten years after Prince’s death, friends and collaborators such as George Clinton, Apollonia Kotero and drummer Charles “Chazz” Smith share personal memories that illuminate his musical brilliance and private life.George Clinton, the legendary leader of Parliament‑Funkadelic, remembers meeting the 19‑year‑old Prince in 1977 and immediately recognizing a talent “a new version of Sly Stone.” Clinton praised Prince’s ability to master guitar, keyboards, bass and drums, noting his “arranging genius” inherited from his pianist father and his dance flair “like James Brown.” Clinton also recalled how Prince later signed him to Paisley Park Records and inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing a friendship that survived countless late‑night studio sessions.Apollonia Kotero, actress and singer who starred alongside Prince in the 1984 film Purple Rain, describes a bond that spanned 33 years. She recounts the grueling shoot—jumping into a freezing lake, suffering hypothermia, and Prince’s frantic plea, “Please don’t die, Apple. I love you.” Their relationship, she says, was “family, not romance,” and Prince’s protective nature shone when he cared for her during illness. Kotero also recalls a surreal moment when Prince hummed the opening melody of “When Doves Cry” into her answerphone, urging her “Don’t erase this!” as a reminder of his creative process.Beyond the studio, Kotero notes Prince’s voracious appetite for literature and politics, his 3 a.m. visits that turned into midnight drives across Hollywood, and his habit of showing her walls plastered with fan mail—a testament to his deep connection with his audience.Charles “Chazz” Smith, Prince’s cousin and original drummer in the early band Grand Central, paints a picture of Prince’s childhood obsession with music. After a spontaneous Sly and the Family Stone concert in Minneapolis, Prince declared, “We’re gonna form a band, and you’re gonna be the drummer.” Within weeks, a newly gifted guitar allowed him to replicate Santana’s “Black Magic Woman” note for note, signalling the start of an insatiable drive to master every genre—from rock to funk to ballads.In the final months of his life, Prince’s friends observed a shift. He reclaimed the rights to his catalog in 2014, began repaying debts, and expressed grief over the death of Vanity, his longtime muse. Smith recalls a poignant encounter six weeks before Prince’s passing: after a brief hug, they exchanged the words “I love you,” marking the last conversation they ever shared.These testimonies collectively reveal a portrait of Prince that goes beyond his public persona: a relentless virtuoso, a compassionate confidant, and an artist whose influence continues to reverberate a decade after his untimely death.

On 17 April 2026 the Guardian released its weekly sports quiz, testing readers on recent European football semi‑finalists, Tottenham’s relegation history, the first female head coach in Europe’s top five leagues, and a range of other sporting milestones. The quiz, published on the Guardian’s website, aims to engage fans by linking current events with historic trivia. European Cup tally: The quiz asks how many times Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Atlético Madrid have collectively won the competition. The correct answer is seven – Bayern’s six titles, PSG’s inaugural win last season, while Arsenal and Atlético have yet to lift the trophy. Tottenham’s relegation: After a 14‑match winless streak, Spurs fell into the relegation zone. The quiz asks when they were last demoted; the answer is 1977, a year also marked by Elvis Presley’s death, Pelé’s final professional match, the debut of Star Wars and Manchester United’s sacking of Tommy Docherty. Breaking the glass ceiling: Marie‑Louise Eta became the first woman to manage a club in Europe’s top five leagues when she was appointed interim boss of Union Berlin. Her tenure is expected to be brief as she will move to the women’s side next season. Golf history: Rory McIlroy’s sixth major win prompts the question of which European golfer has more majors. The answer is Harry Vardon, who captured seven majors (six Opens and one U.S. Open) and is celebrated as golf’s first international star. Masters oddities: Shane Lowry made Masters history by becoming the first player to record two holes‑in‑one at Augusta, the 35th hole‑in‑one overall at the tournament. Women’s Six Nations: Wales suffered a 24‑19 defeat to Scotland in the opening round, continuing a recent run of wooden‑spoon finishes. World Cup coaching: Carlos Queiroz was appointed Ghana’s manager, giving him the chance to coach at a sixth World Cup after previous stints with South Africa, Portugal and Iran. Grand National legacy: I Am Maximus joins the post‑war elite of multiple Grand National winners, following Tiger Roll, who claimed back‑to‑back victories in 2018 and 2019. Managerial debut: Former England midfielder Jack Wilshere secured his first trophy as a manager, guiding Luton Town to an EFL Trophy win at Wembley. County Championship rule change: The quiz highlights that Tom Westley, Jonny Bairstow and others have all been substituted this season under new regulations allowing injury or personal‑circumstance replacements. NBA consistency: The Boston Celtics have reached the playoffs for a 12th consecutive season, though they have captured only one championship in that span (2024). Combat sports crossover: Oleksandr Usyk will face kick‑boxing legend Rico Verhoeven, who held the heavyweight kick‑boxing world title for 12 years, in a bout billed as “Glory in Giza” at the Egyptian pyramids. Snooker prodigy: Fourteen‑year‑old Stan Moody qualified for the World Snooker Championship after playing a decisive match while recovering from tonsillitis, underscoring his remarkable determination. Overall, the quiz blends current headlines with historic facts, offering readers a chance to test their knowledge while reflecting on the broader narratives shaping sport today.

Chris Evans’ attempt to resurrect the 1990s chatshow juggernaut TFI Friday began quietly on Virgin Radio’s YouTube channel earlier this year. The lo‑fi series, titled TFI: Unplugged, featured a handful of high‑profile guests – Danny Dyer, Chris Hemsworth, Bono and Noah Wyle – and quickly attracted enough viewers for Channel 4 to commission six late‑night episodes. While the media spotlight has been on Claudia Winkleman’s foray into celebrity interviewing, Evans’ revival arrives with far less fanfare and pressure. The new format is deliberately stripped back: a cramped studio, casually dressed staff, and a budget that Evans himself jokes is “only 1% of the original”. Channel 4 commissioning editor Cimran Shah pitched the show as “personality‑led, stripped‑back chat”, positioning it as a precursor to today’s visual podcasts. In practice, the production feels more like a video‑recorded audio interview than a full‑blown TV spectacle. The episode lineup mixes legacy and fresh talent. Vintage performances from Sleeper, The Cure and Garbage provide a nostalgic soundtrack, while contemporary guests such as Jack Savoretti – who Evans repeatedly hails for a recent chart‑topping album – and Indian star Shreya Ghoshal, who covers Coldplay’s “Fix You”, aim to broaden appeal. A promised appearance by Gemma Arterton and Peter Capaldi never materialised; instead, singer‑songwriter Sam Ryder appeared despite having lost his voice. One of the few moments that truly harkens back to the original is a splice of Evans’ 1999 interview with David Bowie, in which the legendary musician bizarrely claims to have contracted gastroenteritis from eating monkey meat. The clip underscores Evans’ desire to remind viewers of the show’s storied past, even if the anecdote feels more odd than iconic. Critics note that the new Unplugged version lacks the “laddish, often cruel humour” that defined the 1990s TFI Friday, including infamous segments like the “Fat Lookalikes”. The original’s chaotic energy and Britpop‑fuelled vibe have been replaced by a more restrained, if still frenetic, studio atmosphere. In terms of relevance, the series appears out of step with current trends. Unlike interview podcasts that create an intimate, off‑camera feel, Evans’ format retains the sweaty, over‑the‑top live‑TV aesthetic without delivering the depth or novelty that modern audiences expect. Overall, TFI Friday Unplugged may not reshape the UK chatshow landscape or outshine Winkleman’s high‑profile debut, but it does carve out a modest niche for nostalgia‑driven viewers. Its inexpensive production model proves sustainable, even if the show remains a modest footnote in the broader revival of British talk‑show culture.