Cardinals from 70 countries have commenced the secretive conclave in Vatican City to elect Pope Francis's successor. The diverse group, including many appointed by Francis from previously marginalized nations, faces the challenge of choosing a leader who can unite a polarized church. The election's outcome remains uncertain, with continuity of Francis's progressive legacy a key consideration.
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The Senate advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary with 51 Republican votes despite opposition from GOP senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Murkowski cited concerns over Hegseth's leadership preparedness and past misconduct. The final confirmation vote could occur soon. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer questioned Hegseth's reliability in crises.
Senator Bernie Sanders cut short an interview when asked if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for the Senate, showing visible irritation and a desire to avoid 'inside-the-beltway' topics. Sanders emphasized his commitment to serving Vermont and praised Ocasio-Cortez's congressional work, but avoided discussing her future ambitions. He underscored his satisfaction with his current role and his focus on progressive causes.
As TikTok faces a shutdown in the US, millions of users are hopeful that Donald Trump, upon his inauguration, will reverse the ban temporarily enacted. Trump previously opposed TikTok citing security risks, but his stance has recently shifted due to his own success on the platform. The final decision depends heavily on ongoing discussions and potential negotiations.
The head of the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces admitted in a speech to fighters on Sunday that the group had withdrawn from the capital Khartoum which rival army forces have retaken. The comment from RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo came three days after the group said there would be "no retreat and no surrender" and that its forces had "repositioned", despite the army's declaration on Thursday that the capital was "free" of the paramilitaries after nearly two years of war.
The White House's sharing of a Ghibli-style image of convicted fentanyl trafficker Virginia Basora-Gonzalez ignited online debate. Basora-Gonzalez, arrested in March by ICE, was criticized and defended by different users, highlighting mixed sentiments towards the arrest and social media portrayal.
Following US air strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels and demands to stop supporting the group, Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief warned of a decisive response to any attack. The strikes, announced by Trump, aimed to protect Red Sea shipping and resulted in 31 deaths. Iran's officials condemned the strikes, emphasizing their stance against US influence.
During a press conference, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was surprised by a bizarre question about stepping on ants and folk sayings related to rainfall. She laughed off the question while addressing other significant topics, including concerns over former US President Trump's controversial international proposals.
Her refusal to accept clemency is a bold statement of her disapproval of Trump and his role in the events of January 6. In an interview, Hemphill expressed that accepting the pardon would be an affront to the Capitol Police and the rule of law. “It’s an insult to the Capitol Police, to the rule of law, and to the nation,†she said. “If I accept a pardon, I’m continuing their propaganda, their gaslighting, and all their falsehoods about Jan. 6.â€
French healthcare workers are taking legal action. They allege deadly conditions in public hospitals. The complaint targets two ministers- health minister Catherine Vautrin and higher education Minister Elisabeth Borne . It cites workplace harassment and suicides. Nineteen plaintiffs accuse the ministers of negligence. They claim the ministers allowed illegal working conditions. The complaint highlights dire situations in several hospitals. It describes excessive overtime and threats.
A German court heard a couple's confession to killing two Ukrainian refugees to take a baby, motivated by their inability to have children. They planned the crime, drugged the victims, and killed them before taking the newborn. The couple is charged with double murder and child abduction.