May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end in Europe. Before the war ended, Allied troops liberated Nazi concentration camps. Eighty years ago, American troops began liberating Dachau, finding nearly 70,000 prisoners, mostly Jews evacuated from other camps. Elly Gotz, a Lithuanian Jew, was among them. In 1941, at age 13, Gotz’s family was forced into a crowded ghetto in Kaunas, Lithuania, before being sent to Dachau after three years. Penelope Kingsley 30/04/2025 1:30 am
BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint communique, highlighting internal differences. Brazil issued a statement condemning trade protectionism and expressing concern over a fragmented global economy. The U.S. was not named, but its protectionist policies under Trump were implied. The expanded BRICS group, including new members like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, faces challenges from U.S. trade actions. Disagreements, particularly over UN reform, prevented a unified statement, though consensus on protectionism was noted. China sought a harsher tone due to U.S. trade levies. Ava Sinclair 30/04/2025 1:30 am
Life in Spain and Portugal is returning to normal after a massive power outage affected the Iberian Peninsula. The cause remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to prevent future incidents and hold operators accountable. Red ElĂ©ctrica ruled out cyberattacks and human error, citing two disconnection events in Extremadura. The Spanish government seeks an independent report from the European Commission. Power is restored, but rail issues persist. The blackout highlights Europe’s grid vulnerability, emphasizing the need for stronger resilience and coordination. Ava Sinclair 30/04/2025 1:30 am
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed Islamabad had “credible intelligence” of an imminent Indian military strike within 24-36 hours, using the recent Pahalgam attack as a pretext. He expressed Pakistan’s willingness for an independent investigation into the attack. Indian PM Modi reportedly authorized military chiefs to decide on a response to the attack, which India blames on Pakistan. Islamabad denies involvement, calling for an independent probe. Cross-border fire between the two nations continued amid these tensions. Penelope Kingsley 30/04/2025 1:30 am
The 80th anniversary of Dachau’s liberation is marked by a plaque dedication honoring the U.S. Army’s 45th Infantry Division, which found over 30,000 prisoners alive on April 29, 1945. The Dachau memorial site will host remembrance events, including religious services for various communities. Established in 1933, Dachau was the longest-operating concentration camp, where over 40,000 died. U.S. soldier Don Greenbaum recalled the camp’s horrors, including SS positions, gas chambers, and crematoriums, emphasizing the unforgettable impact of his experience. Noah Prescott 29/04/2025 10:00 pm
In 2013, Cardinal Pietro Parolin became the youngest Vatican secretary of state since 1930. Initially seen as a loyal aide to Pope Francis, Parolin’s appeal grew among traditionalists due to his cautious statements on church teachings. During the 2023 synod, he emphasized maintaining traditional moral teachings, interpreted as opposing a more inclusive church for LGBTQ individuals and expanded women’s roles. His muted response to Pope Francis’ blessing of same-sex unions further fueled speculation about his conservative leanings, raising questions about his potential candidacy for pope. Penelope Kingsley 29/04/2025 10:00 pm
In February, on a forest road, teams in hazmat suits prepared the remains of 757 Ukrainian military casualties returned by Russia. Among them was a mystery entry labeled “NM SPAS 757,” later identified as journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna. Captured in 2023 near Zaporizhzhia, she was the only Ukrainian journalist crossing frontlines to report. Roshchyna died at 27 after a year in detention, held without charge or legal access. Her death’s circumstances remain unclear. Noah Prescott 29/04/2025 10:00 pm
The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the Red Sea while it was being towed on the hangar deck. The jet slipped overboard, but crew members safely evacuated before it fell. One sailor sustained a minor injury, and all personnel are accounted for. An investigation is underway. The jet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136, costs about $60 million. The Truman, deployed in the Middle East, has been involved in operations against Yemen-based Houthi rebels. Noah Prescott 29/04/2025 10:00 pm
The Spanish grid operator, Red ElĂ©ctrica, ruled out a cyber attack as the cause of a massive power cut affecting Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. Preliminary findings showed no interference in control systems. The exact cause remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez stated 15GW of power was lost suddenly, and experts suggest multiple failures might be responsible. Two disconnection events occurred in southwest Spain, a region with significant solar power. However, Sánchez clarified it wasn’t due to excessive renewables. Penelope Kingsley 29/04/2025 6:30 pm
Europe’s highest court invalidated Malta’s “golden passport” program, which allowed citizenship in exchange for investment, citing it as a violation of EU law. The European Commission had challenged the scheme, arguing it commercialized citizenship and undermined trust among EU nations. Malta agreed to comply with the ruling and adjust its laws, though past recipients remain unaffected. The decision was welcomed by the European Commission and NGOs, with calls to abolish similar programs across the EU. Cyprus and Bulgaria have already halted their schemes. Ava Sinclair 29/04/2025 6:30 pm
