A World War II-era Philippine navy ship, the BRP Miguel Malvar, sank accidentally before a planned combat exercise with U.S. and Philippine forces. The ship, decommissioned in 2021, took on water while being towed in rough seas near the disputed South China Sea, about 30 nautical miles off Zambales. No one was onboard. Despite the incident, other live-fire drills proceeded. The ship was originally a U.S. Navy patrol vessel, later transferred to Vietnam, and then acquired by the Philippines. The exercise was near the contested Scarborough Shoal, claimed by both the Philippines and China. Penelope Kingsley 05/05/2025 2:30 pm
George Simion, a nationalist and Trump supporter, won Romania’s first-round presidential election redo, leveraging anti-establishment sentiment. As leader of the hard-right AUR party, he will face a pro-Western reformist in a May 18 runoff. Simion, born in 1986, has a background in business and civic activism, including opposing a gold mining project and advocating for Moldova’s reunification. He founded AUR in 2019, which opposes same-sex marriage and aligns with the Romanian Orthodox Church, becoming Romania’s second-largest party. Penelope Kingsley 05/05/2025 2:30 pm
Prince Louis, 7, was photographed tidying Prince William’s military uniform during Victory in Europe Day at Buckingham Palace. Seated beside his dad, Louis also tugged at the yellow cord on William’s jacket. Known for his playful antics, Louis was seen sticking out his tongue and showing his missing front teeth. His siblings, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10, were also present, with mom Kate Middleton stunning in magenta. Charlotte has previously scolded Louis for his antics, and both recently celebrated birthdays. Ava Sinclair 05/05/2025 2:30 pm
India and Pakistan have enhanced their military capabilities since their 2019 clash, raising escalation risks even in limited conflicts, experts warn. Tensions have risen after India accused Pakistan of a deadly attack in Kashmir, with both sides exchanging threats. Despite past wars and nuclear capabilities, experts believe nuclear weapons are unlikely unless severely provoked. However, new military hardware and increased risk appetite could lead to inadvertent escalation. Both nations are closely matched in military strength, though India’s resources could prevail over time. Ava Sinclair 05/05/2025 11:00 am
Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, aiming to capture Gaza and hold the territory. Tens of thousands of reservists are being called up to increase pressure, aiming to free Israeli hostages and defeat Hamas. The plan includes expanding the buffer zone and resuming humanitarian aid deliveries. Implementation awaits after US President Trump’s visit. Critics argue the strategy prioritizes territory over hostages, with no hostages freed since the offensive resumed. The plan aims to leverage negotiations for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal. Ava Sinclair 05/05/2025 11:00 am
Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a “comprehensive” aerial blockade on Israel, targeting its airports in response to Israeli operations in Gaza. They claimed responsibility for a missile strike near Ben Gurion Airport, acting in solidarity with Palestinians. Most attacks have been intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. The Houthis warned international airlines to avoid Israeli airports. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, while Israel’s security cabinet approved expanded operations in Gaza, amid stalled efforts to end fighting and secure hostage releases. Ava Sinclair 05/05/2025 11:00 am
A missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen briefly halted flights at Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, causing panic and lightly wounding four people. The attack occurred before a Cabinet vote on intensifying Gaza operations. It was the first missile strike on the airport since the Gaza war began, attributed to a technical issue with the interceptor. Multiple airlines canceled or postponed flights. The Houthis claimed responsibility, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Israel vowed to respond, while calling up reserves amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Noah Prescott 05/05/2025 7:30 am
Eurosceptic George Simion won the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun, securing 40% of the vote, ahead of Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan’s 21%. They will face off in a runoff on May 18. Simion’s victory could isolate Romania, destabilize NATO’s eastern flank, and expand eurosceptic leadership in the EU. Simion opposes military aid to Ukraine and aligns with Trump’s movement. Dan, an independent anti-corruption candidate, gained significant support from Romanians abroad. The election follows a canceled attempt due to alleged Russian interference. Noah Prescott 05/05/2025 4:00 am
A historic conclave will see 133 cardinals from 71 countries gather in the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect a new pope, following Pope Francis’s death. This diverse assembly reflects Francis’s efforts to make the Catholic Church more universal. The increased heterogeneity makes predicting the outcome challenging, according to historian Jörg Ernesti. Speculation and betting on the next pope are rampant, though French daily “La Croix” refrains from discussing candidates, noting that all cardinals are eligible and media speculation is fueled by “Vaticanisti.” Ava Sinclair 05/05/2025 4:00 am
Pope Francis’ legacy of peace endures as his popemobile is transformed into a mobile health unit for Gaza’s children, fulfilling his final wish. Entrusted to Caritas Jerusalem, the initiative addresses Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, providing essential medical care amid war and infrastructure collapse. The repurposed vehicle, equipped for diagnosis and treatment, will reach isolated children once access is restored. Caritas Sweden’s Peter Brune highlights its life-saving impact, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare in Gaza. This act embodies Pope Francis’ belief that “children are not numbers” but sacred individuals. Penelope Kingsley 05/05/2025 4:00 am
