For nearly 60 days, Gaza has received no food, fuel, or medicine due to an Israeli blockade, leaving aid groups depleted and markets nearly empty. Families, like Mariam al-Najjar’s, struggle to feed their children, relying on canned vegetables and rice. Traditional Friday meals have been replaced by meager offerings, highlighting the dire situation. The 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza now mainly survive on canned goods, rice, pasta, and lentils, with meat, dairy, and fruit largely unavailable, and bread and eggs scarce. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 5:30 pm
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, is preparing for his first papal conclave, describing the task as “intimidating” and expecting a reflective atmosphere among cardinals. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2014, Nichols is part of the most diverse College of Cardinals. He emphasizes the importance of listening to global perspectives, including those from Rwanda and Myanmar, and stresses the need to hear survivors of church sexual abuse, advocating for external assistance to address their pain. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 5:30 pm
Former Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed cautious optimism after a meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Rome. Sullivan noted this meeting gave him “the first sliver of hope” regarding the U.S. administration’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He criticized Trump’s past concessions to Putin, such as recognizing Crimea and promising Ukraine won’t join NATO. However, Zelenskyy’s positive remarks about the meeting suggest Trump might be reconsidering his stance. The leaders met privately before attending Pope Francis’s funeral, marking their first encounter since a previous heated exchange. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 5:30 pm
Griots, West African storytellers, are gaining attention as their oral histories inspire new discoveries. The film “Sinners,” set in 1930s Mississippi, highlights griots’ dual role in healing and attracting evil. Their stories have led archaeologists to uncover the lost kingdom of Kaabu, which thrived from the 1500s to 1800s in modern-day Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Despite no European visits, griots preserved Kaabu’s history, now validated by archaeological findings. Griot Nino Galissa, a descendant of Kaabu’s first griots, emphasizes their role as “guardians of history.” Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 2:00 pm
Roman Catholic faithful visited Pope Francis’s tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica, a day after his farewell. A white rose adorned the tomb marked “Franciscus.” Visitors, urged to keep moving, formed long lines. Elias Caravalhal, unable to pay respects earlier, visited to thank Francis. The tomb opened on the second day of mourning, with a conclave to follow. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a potential papal contender, celebrated a special Mass, honoring Francis’s legacy. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 2:00 pm
The U.S. proposed a cease-fire plan for Ukraine, granting Russia control over seized territories and recognizing Crimea as Russian. Ukraine’s President Zelensky rejected this, citing constitutional violations, and proposed a counterplan demanding reparations from Russia. The Vatican meeting between Zelensky and Trump, marked by mutual distrust, occurred as Trump urged direct talks between Zelensky and Putin. The White House did not comment on the meeting specifics. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 2:00 pm
A massive explosion and fire at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei port, linked to a chemical used in missile propellant, killed 18 and injured around 800. The incident coincided with Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman. While no attack was suggested, Iran’s security services remain on high alert. The explosion reportedly resulted from mishandling solid fuel for ballistic missiles. A shipment of ammonium perchlorate from China was involved, intended to replenish Iran’s missile stocks. Iran hasn’t confirmed receiving the shipment, and the cause of the fire remains unclear. Ava Sinclair 27/04/2025 10:30 am
Hostage negotiations in Gaza are faltering as the IDF plans a major operation. Trump pressures Netanyahu to aid Gaza. Be’er Sheva was disturbed by Houthi activity, and a chemical explosion occurred in Iran, unrelated to Israel. In Gaza, 59 hostages remain, 35 confirmed murdered, and 147 rescued. Israel mourns 1,830 deaths, including 415 soldiers in Gaza. Over 30,000 projectiles have been fired at Israel, displacing 10,000 people. The Jewish nation remains united in prayer and charity. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 10:30 am
Former national security adviser John Bolton described the meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky in Rome as a “significant” step towards improved communication. Despite past tensions, both leaders found the meeting productive, breaking the negative image from their February Oval Office encounter. Zelensky emphasized the importance of their discussion, focusing on peace and a ceasefire, and expressed hope for meaningful outcomes. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 10:30 am
A driver drove into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing and injuring several people. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. A 30-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene. The Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section is investigating and seeking public information. Videos from the event showed cultural performances and food stalls, with many families attending. Ava Sinclair 27/04/2025 10:30 am
