Author: Anna Reynolds

The world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The 88-year-old Argentinian pontiff passed away after a severe case of double pneumonia that required weeks of hospitalization. Just a day before his passing, he made his final public appearance, blessing thousands of Easter worshippers from the Popemobile in St. Peter’s Square. As the 266th pope in history, Francis leaves behind a legacy marked by humility, reform, and a global message of inclusion and solidarity. His papacy was noted for breaking with tradition, often stepping beyond the boundaries of…

Google is now at the center of the most consequential antitrust showdown in the U.S. in decades. In a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., the Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking to dismantle what it claims is an illegal monopoly built around the tech giant’s search engine. The hearings, scheduled over three weeks, will not only determine the penalties for Google’s past conduct but could shape the future of online competition, including in the fast-developing field of artificial intelligence. The Justice Department is urging the court to impose sweeping measures to reduce Google’s influence. Proposed remedies include banning the company…

As spring break kicks off and summer approaches, U.S. national parks are bracing for a turbulent season marked by understaffing, delayed hiring, and the lingering effects of policy changes. What was once a welcome time for families and outdoor enthusiasts may now become a logistical and safety challenge across the National Park Service (NPS) system. Following a January 2025 federal hiring freeze and the February termination of over 1,000 park personnel—including early retirement and buyout offers—parks across the country are struggling to fill essential seasonal roles. Though a federal judge later ruled the firings unlawful and ordered reinstatement, the damage…

As Real Madrid plan significant changes ahead of the 2025–26 season, the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains the central question. With increasing speculation about the Italian’s departure and strong interest from the Brazilian national team, attention has shifted to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as the prime candidate to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu. In response to mounting rumors, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has publicly addressed the situation. Speaking to media this week, Carro confirmed the existence of a gentlemen’s agreement with Alonso, allowing for negotiations should one of the clubs he previously played for inquire…

Germany has decided not to invite the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus to its upcoming national commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Bundestag ceremony, held in Berlin’s federal parliament, will proceed without representatives from Moscow and Minsk, reflecting growing concerns that their participation could be misused to promote anti-Ukraine narratives amid ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The German government based its decision on internal assessments and formal guidance from the foreign ministry. These guidelines advised excluding Russian and Belarusian figures from all official events commemorating the end of the war. Authorities emphasized the…

Japan has reported a global trade deficit of 5.2 trillion yen (approximately $37 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Japan has run a trade deficit, signaling continued strain on its external balance. The deficit has been largely driven by a rise in import costs, especially for fuel, food, and industrial raw materials, made more expensive by the depreciation of the Japanese yen. While overall trade showed a net loss, Japan maintained a sizable surplus in its trade relationship with the United States.…

Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid before the end of the season, with his final match expected to be the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. The news, first reported by Sky Sports, comes in the wake of Real Madrid’s painful elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal. The quarterfinal defeat marked a breaking point for the club, which had invested heavily this season to return to European glory. After a 3-0 first-leg loss in London, Los Blancos failed to mount a comeback at home…

China has appointed a new chief trade negotiator as tensions escalate in its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States. Li Chenggang has been named as the replacement for Wang Shouwen, who played a prominent role in negotiating the 2020 U.S.-China trade agreement. The move comes as both countries continue to raise tariffs on each other’s exports, risking further disruption to global trade flows. The Chinese government has not officially provided a reason for the leadership change. However, it coincides with renewed pressure on Beijing to manage intensifying economic headwinds and complex diplomatic relations. With over 145% tariffs now imposed…

Lionel Xu stands amid stacks of unsold mosquito repellent kits—once bestsellers at Walmart—now collecting dust in a warehouse. His company, Sorbo Technology, which employs 400 workers in Zhejiang province, is one of many Chinese manufacturers feeling the pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. “Trump is crazy,” says Xu. “This is very hard for us.” Half of Sorbo’s products were bound for the U.S., but those exports have ground to a halt. With the tariffs still in effect, the once-steady stream of orders has dried up. “We’re worried,” he adds. “If Trump doesn’t change his mind,…

With just two weeks remaining before the federal election, the Liberal Party continues to lead the race—though with a slimmer margin than before. Recent polling shows that 43% of Canadians would currently vote for the Liberals, while 38% support the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. This 5-point lead has narrowed from a previous gap of 7 points, indicating that momentum may be shifting as election day approaches. Despite the tighter competition, the Liberal campaign appears to retain a solid core of support. At the same time, the Conservative base is showing stronger commitment, with 76% of its voters saying…