Judge Orrick blocked the government from withholding federal funds based on a presidential order, as he did eight years ago. The order faced legal challenges from 16 city and county governments, arguing it violated the Constitution’s spending clause. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld Orrick’s 2017 ruling, setting a precedent. The Trump administration’s approach to terminating or withholding federal programs has led to legal vulnerabilities. Orrick noted the move could harm local governance and residents, causing budgetary uncertainty and constitutional rights deprivation. The ruling applies only to the 16 involved cities and counties. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 11:00 pm
A North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile killed at least eight in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a Russian aerial attack, according to a Ukrainian military source. The missile hit a residential area, leaving around 10 missing. Russia claims to target military sites, denying illegal arms transfers with North Korea. Ukraine alleges North Korea supplied Russia with artillery, troops, and missiles. By 2025, North Korea reportedly provided Russia with 148 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles. The attack has raised concerns in Europe and Asia about North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 11:00 pm
Sign up for the Slatest for daily insightful analysis. Recently, Trump urged Kyiv to surrender to Russia on the same day Russia launched a deadly attack on Ukrainian civilians. The next day, Trump asked Putin to stop the violence, posting on Truth Social. Despite his calls, Trump’s peace plan, seen by European sources, suggests a ceasefire with Russia retaining control over 20% of Ukraine, including key provinces. This plan implies Russia can continue its aggression without consequence. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 11:00 pm
As cardinals gather for the papal conclave, there’s a push for a more traditional successor to Pope Francis, who was seen as too improvisational by some Vatican leaders. Francis, known for his provocative views on capitalism, divorcees, and gay acceptance, often sparked controversy. Many cardinals seek a less disruptive, more moderate leader. Potential candidates include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, and Cardinal Robert Sarah. The focus is on finding a pope who can teach and embody Catholic faith compellingly, rather than strictly adhering to “liberal” or “conservative” labels. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 11:00 pm
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a militant attack in India-administered Kashmir killed 26 people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to track and punish those responsible, blaming Pakistan. The attack was claimed by Kashmir Resistance, which India links to Pakistan-backed militants. Pakistan denied involvement, demanding proof. In response, India expelled diplomats, closed a border crossing, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan retaliated by banning Indian aircraft from its airspace. Both nations have a history of conflict over the disputed Kashmir region. Noah Prescott 24/04/2025 11:00 pm
President Donald Trump criticized Vladimir Putin for Russian attacks on Kyiv, urging him to “STOP” after a deadly assault killed at least nine and injured over 70. Trump expressed frustration over stalled U.S.-led peace efforts and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not surrendering Crimea to Russia. Zelenskyy maintains that recognizing occupied territories as Russian is unacceptable for Ukraine. Noah Prescott 24/04/2025 7:30 pm
The Trump administration has appointed Michael Anton, a senior State Department official, to lead the U.S. technical team in nuclear negotiations with Iran. Anton, the State Department’s policy planning director, will oversee a team of career officials to negotiate constraints on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. He will lead initial expert talks with Iran before further meetings in Rome. Anton, a low-profile yet influential figure, has not publicly stated his stance on the issue. The administration remains divided on whether to pursue diplomacy or military action against Iran. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 4:00 pm
Following a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated. Pakistan responded by suspending visas for Indian nationals, expelling diplomats, and closing its airspace to Indian flights. India named suspects linked to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, but Pakistan denies involvement. Both countries have taken diplomatic measures, with India closing the Attari-Wagah border. Indian Prime Minister Modi vowed to pursue and punish those responsible for the attack. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 4:00 pm
China’s Shenzhou 20 mission launched on April 24, carrying commander Chen Dong and rookie astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie to the Tiangong space station. The crew will dock approximately 6.5 hours post-launch and take over from the Shenzhou 19 team, led by Cai Xuzhe, for a six-month mission. The Shenzhou 19 crew will return to Earth on April 29. Chen Dong, on his third spaceflight, previously led the Shenzhou 14 mission, completing Tiangong’s three-module setup. Ava Sinclair 24/04/2025 4:00 pm
President Trump indicated a shift in tone regarding tariffs, suggesting a fair deal with China amid a trade war marked by high tariffs on both sides. This change aims to prevent a halt in U.S.-China trade and address economic uncertainty affecting the stock market. While Trump initially accepted potential short-term economic pain, it’s unclear if policy changes will follow this new stance. Penelope Kingsley 24/04/2025 4:00 pm
