After five weeks in the hospital battling pneumonia, Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican to recover. The 88-year-old pontiff faced a severe health crisis, but early signs suggest he intends to continue leading the Catholic Church. His recovery will take place at Casa Santa Marta, where he has lived since the 2013 papal election. Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that Francis came close to death, but the medical team successfully saved him. Upon discharge, Francis appeared cheerful, signaling his determination to persevere. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 3:30 pm
The Sudanese army is encircling Khartoum airport to oust the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from their last foothold in the capital. The army recently seized the presidential palace and Tiba al-Hassanab camp, marking significant advances in the ongoing conflict. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has consolidated control in western Sudan, threatening a de facto partition. The war, which began during Sudan’s democratic transition, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing 12.5 million people. The army and RSF were once allies, having staged a coup in 2021. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 3:30 pm
European efforts to secure Ukraine are moving away from deploying troops due to political, logistical, and opposition challenges from Russia and the U.S. France and Britain, initially planning to send troops, are reconsidering. A “coalition of the willing” is exploring alternative security arrangements. Ukraine demands firm Western security guarantees against future Russian attacks. France and Britain have proposed troop contributions but seek U.S. support. Moscow opposes NATO troop deployment in Ukraine. Former President Trump initially supported the troop proposals, believing Russia might agree. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 3:30 pm
During a peaceful anti-government protest in Belgrade, Serbia, a mysterious sound caused panic among demonstrators. Ivana Ilic Sunderic described it as a “whiz” that prompted people to seek safety. Many believe it was an acoustic weapon, illegal in Serbia, used by authorities under President Aleksandar Vucic to disperse the crowd. The incident adds pressure on Vucic amid ongoing anti-corruption protests. Vucic denies the use of such a device, calling the accusations Western fabrications to undermine his leadership. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 12:00 pm
South Korea redeployed firefighting helicopters after a crash killed a pilot, temporarily grounding efforts to combat wildfires in the southeast. The fires have killed at least 24 people, injured 26, and destroyed the 1,300-year-old Gounsa temple. Over 10,000 personnel are battling the blazes, which have burned nearly 43,000 acres. Authorities evacuated residents as fires threatened historic sites like Hahoe Folk Village. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called the fires the worst in recent years, urging focus on extinguishing them. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 12:00 pm
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces pressure from Western powers to address Islamist jihadi violence and establish an inclusive government. European envoys emphasized the need to crack down on jihadi fighters and warned that international support could wane without decisive action. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine highlighted the importance of accountability for recent abuses. Both European and U.S. officials stress the need for security and accountability to prevent further violence and ensure stability in Syria. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 12:00 pm
Excerpts from a Signal chat published by The Atlantic reveal private discussions among top Trump administration officials about U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The chat, created by national security adviser Michael Waltz, included Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, among others. President Trump downplayed the accidental inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, in the chat, but Goldberg reported that sensitive military information was shared. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 12:00 pm
A report from Al-Ain media in the UAE states that intensified US airstrikes in Yemen’s Saada Governorate have inflicted heavy losses on Iranian-backed Houthis. The strikes targeted militia bases, command centers, and possible ballistic missile sites. Over March 24-25, the Houthis faced some of the heaviest airstrikes since the operation began on March 15, with more than 15 raids in Saada. This escalation follows the Houthis’ ninth attack on the US aircraft carrier Truman in the Red Sea. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 12:00 pm
Two military jets from the Patrouille de France collided midair during a stunt rehearsal near Saint-Dizier, France. The collision led to three pilots and one passenger ejecting safely. The jets crashed and exploded, but no casualties were reported. Emergency services responded promptly, and the slightly injured crew received care. One jet crashed into a silo, the other in a marshy area. The incident was confirmed by France’s Armed Forces Minister, Sébastien Lecornu. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 8:30 am
Israeli authorities released Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal, detained after being attacked by settlers in the West Bank. Ballal, who recently won an Oscar for “No Other Land,” was beaten while filming the assault. He and two others were released with injuries and taken to a hospital. Ballal reported harsh conditions during detention, including being blindfolded and exposed to freezing temperatures. Attorney Lea Tsemel stated they received minimal care and were accused of stone-throwing, which they deny. The attack occurred in Susiya during Ramadan. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 8:30 am
