Carlo Acutis, a devout Catholic who died at 15 in 2006, is set to be canonized, becoming the first millennial saint. Known for his love of video games like Halo and Pokemon, he limited his gaming to an hour a week. Acutis has a global following, with visitors to his tomb and a stained-glass window in England depicting him with a cell phone. Despite being dubbed “God’s influencer” and “patron saint of the internet,” his strict gaming limits and lack of modern internet engagement raise questions about his relatability to today’s youth. Penelope Kingsley 16/04/2025 1:30 am
China’s President Xi Jinping is promoting free trade during his Southeast Asia tour, emphasizing China as a source of “stability and certainty.” In Vietnam, Xi met with leaders to discuss cooperation and signed agreements on supply chains and a railway project. He also promised greater access for Vietnamese agricultural exports to China. In Malaysia, Xi will discuss a free trade agreement with ASEAN, aiming to reduce tariffs. U.S. President Trump criticized the meeting, suggesting China and Vietnam are undermining the U.S. Noah Prescott 16/04/2025 1:30 am
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, reversed his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, now demanding its total elimination, contradicting his earlier position allowing low-level uranium enrichment for civilian use. This hardline shift complicates US-Iran negotiations and revives the threat of military action. Talks will remain in Oman, not moving to Italy. Witkoff emphasized a “Trump deal” for Middle East stability, requiring Iran to cease nuclear activities. His conflicting positions suggest a distinction between interim and final agreements, possibly due to pressure from Iran hawks opposing a return to Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 10:00 pm
France’s justice minister labeled recent gun and arson attacks on six prisons as terrorism targeting security officials guarding crime kingpins. Visiting Toulon prison, Gerald Darmanin linked the attacks to government crackdowns on drug crime, which has fueled far-right support. Despite record cocaine seizures, gangs thrive, expanding from cities like Marseille to smaller towns. Darmanin plans new high-security prisons to curb gang influence. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office is investigating, with incidents reported in Villepinte, Nanterre, Aix-Luynes, Valence, Nancy, and Marseille. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 10:00 pm
Two metal detectorists discovered millennia-old Dacian treasure in Breaza, MureÈ™ County, Transylvania. The find includes silver artifacts such as fibulae, a bracelet, a neck chain with pendants, a belt of oval plates, and a rectangular silver plate with solar motifs. The Dacians, who settled in present-day Romania in the 1st millennium B.C., were eventually conquered by the Romans. The discovery was announced by Breaza Mures Municipality City Hall. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 10:00 pm
China’s President Xi Jinping urged Vietnam to oppose “unilateral bullying” to support global free trade, without naming the US. Xi’s Southeast Asia trip, including Malaysia and Cambodia, gains importance amid the US-China trade war. Vietnam faced US tariffs, paused for 90 days. Trump criticized Xi’s meeting with Vietnam as a ploy against the US. Xi emphasized strategic resolve and global trade stability. Analyst Stephen Olson noted Xi’s strategic positioning as a trade defender, contrasting Trump’s approach. Trump accused China and Vietnam of plotting against the US. Penelope Kingsley 15/04/2025 6:30 pm
Senior diplomats and aid officials are meeting in London to address Sudan’s civil war, hosted by the UK, Germany, France, the EU, and the African Union. Representatives from 14 countries, including the US and Saudi Arabia, and international institutions are attending, but no Sudanese representatives. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further catastrophe. Germany pledged €125 million and the UK £120 million in aid. Sudanese commentator Dallia Abdelmoneim highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis, urging more efforts to end the conflict. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 6:30 pm
The U.S. deployment of B-2 bombers near Iran signals potential military action if no nuclear deal is reached. Experts suggest such action would only temporarily hinder Iran’s nuclear program, which the West fears aims to produce nuclear weapons. An attack might prompt Iran to expel UN inspectors and accelerate its nuclear ambitions. Military strikes alone are unlikely to stop Iran’s nuclear path without regime change or occupation. The 2015 nuclear deal extended Iran’s breakout time, but it unraveled after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. New negotiations are underway. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 6:30 pm
Singapore will hold a national election on May 3, as announced by the election commission. This will be the first electoral test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 2024. The election occurs amid economic concerns, including U.S. tariffs and a downgraded growth forecast. Despite PAP’s historical dominance, its popular vote share will be scrutinized following a poor performance in 2020. Wong emphasized the need for Singaporeans to choose a leadership team at this critical juncture. Ava Sinclair 15/04/2025 3:00 pm
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed attacks on several French prisons, including Toulon, involving burning vehicles and automatic weapons. Darmanin linked these attacks to anti-drug strategies and vowed to support affected officers. Vehicles were torched, and gates were targeted with heavy guns. In Toulon, a prison gate was hit with a “Kalashnikov-type” weapon. Unions called for a strong government response, highlighting insufficient staff to secure prison perimeters. The attacks are seen as coordinated efforts against anti-drug measures. Noah Prescott 15/04/2025 3:00 pm
