The Sudanese army broke the paramilitary RSF's siege on its key Khartoum-area base, a major military victory. The RSF had surrounded key military sites, including the army headquarters. This advance allows the army to link its forces across Khartoum and secure Omdurman from artillery attacks. The ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The US has sanctioned both Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo.
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A cyclist in Regent's Park was attacked by men wielding a hammer, who stole his £4,200 bike in the early morning hours. This incident is part of a growing trend of violent bike robberies. Cyclists are calling for increased police presence as many feel unsafe due to the rising number of attacks.
The Vatican has recognized 167 Sri Lankan Catholics killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings as witnesses of faith, honoring their sacrifice motivated by hatred of the faith. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith announced the inclusion in the Vatican's catalogue during a vigil commemorating the victims. The church continues to seek further investigation into the attacks, alleging a possible political conspiracy.
Jessica Aber, former US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, was found dead at her Alexandria home on Saturday morning. Investigations into her sudden death are ongoing, with the Virginia medical examiner's office determining the cause. Aber, a Biden appointee, resigned from her position in January.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed agreements including a USD 1.2 billion deferred payment for oil imports and a USD 41 million water supply project. This deal aims to bolster Pakistan's economy by ensuring a steady petroleum supply while easing immediate fiscal pressures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi dignitaries witnessed the signing.
Pope Francis emphasised the dangers of bullying in schools, stating that it prepares students for war instead of peace. Addressing educators at the Vatican, he urged a collective commitment to combat bullying both in educational settings and at home. He also highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue within families to foster growth and understanding.
A viral post highlighted that searching 'trans' on the US State Department's website suggested 'trains,' sparking humor and reactions online. Elon Musk engaged with the post, which drew mixed comments about government priorities. This comes amid directives from the Trump administration to remove gender-related references from government sites, affecting passport applications, email signatures, and other content.
Social media users were shocked at California Guv Gavin Newsom's decision to sit for a podcast during this time of crisis. "Wait, Newsom did a podcast today? He couldn't find a better way to use his time?" one user wrote. "Going on a podcast while the fires are still burning? Guys this is embarrassing," another wrote.
President Trump dismissed claims of targeting related to special counsel Jack Smith, citing his own history of investigations. Trump ordered the suspension of security clearances for lawyers at Covington & Burling, who represented Smith. This is part of Trump's broader campaign against figures involved in previous criminal cases against him, emphasising the 'weaponization of the judicial process.'
France's new government announcement, expected Sunday evening, is postponed until Monday evening due to a national day of mourning for victims of the Mayotte cyclone disaster. Prime Minister Bayrou aims to form a diverse government by Christmas to ensure survival of a no-confidence vote and passage of the next year's budget. Potential members include figures from across the political spectrum.
Luigi Mangione, heir to a Maryland resort fortune, has been arrested in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Apprehended in Pennsylvania, Mangione possessed a "ghost gun," silencer, and a manifesto railing against healthcare industry profits. The investigation into Thompson's December 4th shooting continues.