Houthi rebels in Yemen have downed seven U.S. Reaper drones in under six weeks, costing over $200 million. This marks a significant loss for the Pentagon amid its campaign against the Iran-backed militants. Recently, three drones were shot down in a week, indicating improved targeting by the Houthis. The U.S. has intensified its attacks, launching daily strikes since March 15 under President Trump’s directive to use “overwhelming lethal force.” Over 800 Houthi targets have been hit, destroying key facilities and killing numerous fighters and leaders. Drone losses are under investigation. Penelope Kingsley 25/04/2025 9:30 am
Trump stated that the U.S. is having serious meetings with Iran, with military action as a potential option if no agreement is reached. His main concern is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. While discussions continue, there are conflicting views within the U.S. administration about Iran’s enrichment capabilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Iran could use imported low-level enriched uranium for peaceful purposes. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy’s travel plans for further talks remain uncertain. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 9:30 am
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack in Kashmir, with both countries exchanging fire along the border. India blames Pakistan for the attack, which was claimed by a new militant group, while Pakistan denies involvement. Amid rising diplomatic actions, India suspended a water-sharing treaty, closed a land border crossing, and revoked Pakistani visas. The UN urges restraint and peaceful resolution. No casualties were reported in the border skirmish, and Pakistan awaits military confirmation before commenting. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 9:30 am
Houthi rebels in Yemen have downed seven U.S. Reaper drones in under six weeks, costing over $200 million. This marks a significant loss for the Pentagon in its campaign against the Iran-backed militants. Recent improvements in Houthi targeting have led to three drones being shot down in the past week. The U.S. has intensified its attacks on the Houthis, with over 800 targets struck since March 15, following President Trump’s directive for an expanded campaign. Investigations into the drone losses are ongoing, with hostile fire suspected. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 6:00 am
A teenage student at a high school in Nantes, France, stabbed four students, killing one, during a lunch break. The 15 or 16-year-old male assailant was arrested. The attack, with no apparent terrorist motive, is under evaluation by the antiterrorism prosecutor’s office. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau visited the scene. The assailant reportedly sent a message criticizing “systemic violence” and “social alienation.” The attack occurred at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides High School, where police found two knives with the suspect’s belongings. Ava Sinclair 25/04/2025 6:00 am
King Charles III will not attend Pope Francis’s funeral, adhering to royal tradition that the British sovereign does not attend papal funerals. Prince William will represent him. This protocol was also followed by Queen Elizabeth II. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the King’s symbolic role may influence this tradition. Despite not attending, King Charles maintained a respectful relationship with Pope Francis, meeting him recently. Following the Pope’s death, the King expressed deep sorrow and praised the Pope’s legacy of global unity and environmental advocacy. Ava Sinclair 25/04/2025 6:00 am
India and Pakistan are in a strategic standoff after an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 people. India blames Pakistan-linked group TRF and has downgraded ties, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and closing borders. Pakistan retaliated, threatening to suspend bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement. The IWT, crucial for Pakistan’s water supply, has survived past conflicts. India demands Pakistan stop supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan warns any water disruption is an “act of war.” Ava Sinclair 25/04/2025 6:00 am
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled part of his South Africa visit after a Russian attack on Kyiv killed at least nine and injured over 80. Zelensky plans to return to Ukraine immediately after meeting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit marks a diplomatic effort to counter Russia’s influence in Africa, a shift from South Africa’s previous stance. Both Ukraine and South Africa now face strained relations with Washington, prompting Ukraine to seek new international partners, especially in Africa. South Africa claims its non-aligned stance could facilitate a peace deal with Russia. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 2:30 am
Pope Francis’ tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major is crafted from Ligurian stone, honoring his ancestral roots. Located near the Altar of St. Francis, the simple tomb bears the inscription “Franciscus” and a replica of his pectoral cross. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas revealed the Pope’s wish to use Ligurian stone, connecting to his grandparents’ homeland. In Cogorno, a plaque commemorates his great-grandfather, Vincenzo Sivori, who emigrated to Argentina. The Pope’s request surprised locals and family, including cousin Angela Sivori, who cherished it as a “wonderful gift.” Penelope Kingsley 25/04/2025 2:30 am
Pope Francis passed away peacefully at home after suffering a stroke, according to his doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri. Despite being unresponsive, he was breathing with oxygen and had clear lungs. Alfieri, who coordinated Francis’ treatment for double pneumonia, was alerted early Monday and found the pope in a coma. Moving him to the hospital was deemed too risky. Francis died two hours after falling ill. Noah Prescott 25/04/2025 2:30 am
