Virginia Giuffre, a prominent survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, died by suicide at 41 in Neergabby, Australia. Known for her advocacy, Giuffre was instrumental in calling for charges against Epstein and his enablers, providing key information that aided investigations, including Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction. Her family described her as a “fierce warrior” against sexual abuse, but noted the toll of her experiences became unbearable. Raised in Florida, Giuffre faced early abuse and homelessness before encountering Epstein’s associate, Maxwell. Ava Sinclair 26/04/2025 3:00 am
An extraordinary array of invitees, including global leaders, refugees, and marginalized groups, will attend Pope Francis’s funeral at St Peter’s Square. Francis, who died at 88, was a liberal pontiff who led the Catholic Church for 12 years. The funeral, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, involves complex security with 130 foreign delegations and 200,000 pilgrims. Notable attendees include Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The service reflects Francis’s values, inviting NGOs aiding refugees and migrants. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 3:00 am
In a TIME interview, Trump discussed various topics, including tariffs, Ukraine-Russia peace efforts, and the Iran nuclear deal. He expressed interest in Canada becoming a U.S. state and supported a ban on Congress members trading stocks. Trump denied expanding presidential powers, claiming he uses the office as intended. He reiterated unproven claims of election cheating and praised tariffs. Trump mentioned making “200 deals” on trade, though none were announced, and considered 50% tariffs a “total victory.” He claimed ongoing talks with China, despite Chinese denials, and said President Xi Jinping had called him. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 3:00 am
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has exhausted its food stocks in Gaza due to a seven-week Israeli blockade, which began on March 2. The blockade followed the collapse of a ceasefire, with Israel aiming to pressure Hamas. The WFP warns that food kitchens will soon run out, exacerbating already fragile markets and skyrocketing food prices by up to 1,400%. Vulnerable populations face severe nutrition concerns. The WFP urges immediate aid access, highlighting that over 116,000 tonnes of food are ready for delivery once borders reopen. Israel claims compliance with international law, denying an aid shortage. Penelope Kingsley 25/04/2025 11:30 pm
Iran views its missile program as a bigger obstacle than uranium enrichment in nuclear talks with the U.S. Despite agreeing to draft a framework to resolve the nuclear standoff, Iran insists on maintaining its missile capabilities, which remains a sticking point. The U.S. demands Iran stop uranium enrichment, but Iran refuses to end its program or surrender enriched uranium. Iran’s official criticized the U.S. stance as unhelpful, emphasizing that missile capabilities are non-negotiable beyond the 2015 agreement. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 11:30 pm
On the eve of Pope Francis’ funeral Mass, his coffin was solemnly sealed after lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Around 250,000 mourners visited over three days. The ceremony, led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, included reading a document highlighting Francis’ life and achievements. Archbishop Diego Ravelli covered the Pope’s face with a white silk cloth, and a bag of coins and medals was placed in the coffin. The zinc coffin was sealed with various seals, and the wooden coffin was also sealed, bearing a cross and Francis’ coat of arms. Penelope Kingsley 25/04/2025 11:30 pm
Sudanese people are resorting to eating leaves and charcoal after fleeing an attack on a displaced persons camp near el-Fasher, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Many are dying from thirst and exhaustion during the 40km journey to Tawila. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacked Zamzam camp, displacing tens of thousands. The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the army has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with reduced UN food aid due to funding issues. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned the situation as potential ethnic cleansing. Penelope Kingsley 25/04/2025 11:30 pm
Russia accused Ukraine of orchestrating a car bombing that killed General Yaroslav Moskalik in Moscow, marking another assassination linked to the military offensive. Kyiv hasn’t commented, but Russia’s foreign ministry suspects Ukrainian involvement, calling it “barbaric” and accusing Kyiv of escalating attacks. The blast coincided with US envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow. Russia opened a murder probe, while Kyiv criticized Russia’s commitment to peace amid ongoing missile attacks. The incident resembles past attacks on figures associated with Russia’s offensive. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 11:30 pm
The US and Iran are entering a challenging phase of nuclear talks, focusing on technical details. The US, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, opposes Iran enriching its own uranium, preferring it imports nuclear fuel. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium. Previous talks were positive despite Trump’s military threats. The 2015 JCPOA deal, abandoned by Trump in 2018, limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Trump seeks a stronger deal, but US demands remain unclear, especially regarding Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Ava Sinclair 25/04/2025 8:00 pm
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later Pope Francis, frequently visited Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, even sneaking out to pray there after becoming pope in 2013. Despite a close encounter with a pickpocket, he cherished the basilica, visiting over 100 times during his papacy. After his death at 88, Francis chose a simple burial there, eschewing the traditional pomp of St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting his desire for a modest, pastor-like farewell. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 8:00 pm
