International and National news written by Maisie Strader

Vatican Sets Date for Papal Conclave Amid Global Anticipation

The Vatican has announced that the conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. This delay allows cardinals to engage in informal discussions to foster consensus before the secretive voting process begins

Of the 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his emphasis on social justice and inclusivity. However, some conservative cardinals advocate for a return to traditional doctrines. 

A significant point of contention is whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted of financial misconduct, will be permitted to vote, as his status remains unresolved

AP News says, “A big uncertainty is whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once one of the most powerful cardinals in the Vatican, will be allowed in the Sistine Chapel. Francis in 2020 forced Becciu to resign as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office and renounce his rights as a cardinal because of allegations of embezzlement and financial fraud. Becciu denied any wrongdoing but was put on trial in the Vatican criminal court and convicted of finance-related charges in December, 2023.”

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, considered a contender to be the next pope and told reporters he is ‘holding his breath

However no clear front runner has emerged

Trump’s Bold Claim on Ending the Ukraine War Faces Skepticism

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that, if re-elected, he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours. He envisions a swift negotiation involving both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As of Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II.

AP News says, “The Kremlin said the truce, ordered on “humanitarian grounds,” will run from the start of May 8 and last through the end of May 10 to mark Moscow’s defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 — Russia’s biggest secular holiday. That timing translates to start at 2100 GMT, or 5 p.m. EDT, on May 7, lasting until 2100 GMT, or 5 p.m. EDT on May 10.” 

However Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait for May 8? If we can cease fire now from any date and for 30 days — so that it is real, and not just for a parade”

Up until now, Putin had refused to accept a complete unconditional ceasefire.

Political News with Dan Quagliana

Election day in Canada

Today is election day in Canada, and it’s expected to be a very close race. Mark Carney, the new leader of the Liberal Party, is looking to maintain his party’s hold on Parliament against the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Prior to a few months ago, the Conservatives were expected to walk away with the election due to issues like the rising cost of living across the country and then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unpopularity. That changed when Donald Trump became president of the United States. Poilievre was initially seen as too soft on Trump, especially as he began calls to annex Canada and make it the 51st state. After Trudeau’s resignation from office and the election of Mark Carney as leader of the Liberal Party, the Liberals sharply rose in the polls, and they’ve maintained a close but consistent lead over the Conservatives since early March. Carney is a former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, and he is looking to use that experience in dealing with the United States as Prime Minister. He said recently, “There is no going back. We in Canada will have to build a new relationship with the United States.”

Pritzker blasts Democrats at fundraiser

Yesterday in New Hampshire, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker blasted fellow Democrats for not doing enough to counter President Donald Trump. According to AP News, this drew a clear divide between himself and other high-profile Democrats seen as future presidential contenders. Pritzker gave his speech at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner. He called out Democrats who are “flocking to podcasts and cable news shows to admonish fellow Democrats for not caring enough about the struggles of working families.” He also said, “Those same do-nothing Democrats want to blame our losses on our defense of Black people, of trans kids, of immigrants, instead of their own lack of guts and gumption.” 2024 vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was last year’s speaker at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, which is a significant event for Democratic fundraising.

Trump’s approval rating falls to 41 percent

President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to around 41 percent in a recent CNN poll, just as he hits 100 days in office. This is the lowest approval rating at that point in time for any president in the last 80 years. According to The Hill, 41 percent of respondents say they approve of the job Trump is doing as president, while 59 percent disapprove. That’s down 4 points from March, when 45 percent approved and 54 percent disapproved. In late February, Trump had a 48 percent approval rating with 52 percent disapproving. This poll is consistent with other polls showing Trump’s declining popularity, in particular about the economy.