India launched missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least 26 people, including children, and injuring 46. Strikes targeted sites India claimed were “terrorist infrastructure” in response to a previous attack on Hindu tourists. Pakistan condemned the strikes as an “act of war,” claiming to have downed five Indian jets and authorized military responses. Pakistan’s defense minister warned of potential escalation, denying any terrorist links at the targeted sites and accusing India of targeting civilian infrastructure. Penelope Kingsley 07/05/2025 7:00 pm
Donald Trump plans to announce a name change for the Persian Gulf to the “Arabian Gulf” or “Gulf of Arabia” during his Saudi Arabia trip, sparking backlash from Iran. Iran’s foreign minister criticized the move as politically motivated and hostile, emphasizing the historical significance of the name. Arab nations support the change, while Iran maintains its historical ties. The Persian Gulf has been known by this name since the 16th century, though “Arabian Gulf” is used in some Middle Eastern countries. The US military has used “Arabian Gulf” in its communications for years. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 7:00 pm
Following Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, 133 cardinals have entered the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. The conclave began on May 7, 2025, with cardinals swearing an oath of secrecy. Voting could last days to months, with white smoke signaling a decision. The process involves up to four votes daily until a new pope is chosen. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 7:00 pm
Friedrich Merz became Germany’s Chancellor after a historic second vote in the Bundestag, securing 325 votes against 289. This unprecedented event marked the first time a chancellor candidate failed to achieve an absolute majority in the initial round. The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, holding 328 seats, saw 18 members not supporting Merz initially. The February election saw Merz’s CDU/CSU at 28.6%, SPD at a record low of 16.4%, and the AfD gaining 20%, classified as right-wing extremist. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 3:30 pm
A senior Houthi official refuted US President Trump’s claim that the Houthis “capitulated” by agreeing to a ceasefire, asserting that the US “backed down” instead. Chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam stated that the US and Houthis agreed to stop targeting each other after intensified US strikes in response to Houthi attacks on shipping. The deal excludes ending attacks on Israel, which has retaliated against Yemen. The Houthis, controlling north-western Yemen since 2014, support Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict and have targeted vessels in the Red Sea, claiming to target those linked to Israel, the US, or the UK. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 3:30 pm
Heavy fighting between Ukraine and Russia, including drone strikes on Kyiv and Moscow, has resulted in at least two deaths in Kyiv. This occurs ahead of a planned parade in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of World War Two’s end. President Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine rejected, seeking a 30-day truce instead. Moscow’s air defenses destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones, causing no damage, while debris in Kyiv sparked fires and injuries. The Kremlin had previously announced a temporary ceasefire for Victory in Europe Day events. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 3:30 pm
The papal conclave to elect the 267th pope begins Wednesday, with 220 cardinals gathering in Rome after Pope Francis’s death. Of these, 133 cardinals, the most ever, will vote, with 108 appointed by Francis. Eligible cardinals are under 80, with most from Europe. The conclave includes 17 Italian, 10 U.S., and 23 Asian electors. A mass at St. Peter’s Basilica precedes the voting in the Sistine Chapel. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 12:00 pm
An F/A-18 fighter jet landing on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea went overboard, forcing its pilots to eject. The incident, part of ongoing mishaps during the Truman’s deployment, occurred amid a reported ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, not yet acknowledged by them. The pilots were rescued with minor injuries. The arrestment system, crucial for carrier landings, failed, though specifics are unclear. This follows previous incidents, including another F/A-18 lost in April and a mistaken shootdown in December. Penelope Kingsley 07/05/2025 12:00 pm
Britain and India finalized a free trade pact to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040, following three years of negotiations. The deal, spurred by U.S. tariffs under Trump, reduces trade barriers, allowing easier market access for whisky, cars, and food. It enables British firms to compete for Indian contracts and facilitates Indian workers in the UK. This agreement marks a significant step for both economies, with India opening its markets and Britain securing a major trade deal post-Brexit, despite a modest projected economic boost. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 12:00 pm
Russia’s top drone unit used an un-jammable fiber-optic drone to destroy a Ukrainian HIMARS launcher six miles behind the front line in eastern Ukraine. This marks the fourth HIMARS loss to Russian forces, raising concerns about increased vulnerability as Russia deploys more advanced drones. HIMARS, crucial for Ukraine’s strikes, are now more at risk, especially during daytime travel. The Rubicon Center, Russia’s elite drone team, previously disrupted Ukrainian supply lines, showcasing the rapid evolution and effectiveness of drone technology in the conflict. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 8:30 am
