In other news

The 2025 Met Gala, themed 'Tailored For You,' raised a record $31 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit. The event celebrated the opening of the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' exhibition, which explores the history and culture of Black dandyism. Guests, including Zendaya, Diana Ross, and Dapper Dan, showcased elaborate and creative outfits, with 15 standout looks highlighted in the article.

The article discusses Baltimore's overdose crisis, highlighting the city's struggles with drug addiction and the efforts being made to address it. Baltimore has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with overdose deaths surging in recent years. The article explores the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and the prevalence of fentanyl in the city's drug supply. It also profiles individuals and organizations working to combat the crisis, including harm reduction advocates, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officials. The article notes that addressing the crisis will require a comprehensive approach that involves not just treating addiction but also addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to it.

Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play 'Purpose', a family drama about an upper-middle-class African-American family. The play, directed by Phylicia Rashad, was first staged by Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago and is now on Broadway. Jacobs-Jenkins, 40, has had a successful career, having been a Pulitzer finalist twice before and winning a Tony Award last year for 'Appropriate'. He discussed his play, the prize, and his career in an interview with The New York Times.

The share of US imports from China has fallen to its lowest point in over 20 years, reaching 11% in the first quarter of the year, down from 22% seven years ago. The decline is attributed to the high tariffs imposed by President Trump on Chinese goods. US imports from China were $102.7 billion in the first three months of the year. While some companies have slowed or halted imports due to tariffs, others are rushing to import products ahead of new tariffs. The US trade deficit rose sharply in March to $140.5 billion.

The article 'How the US Lost Afghanistan' examines the two-decade-long involvement of the United States in Afghanistan, analyzing the decisions and events that led to the current situation. It discusses the challenges faced by the US government, the Taliban's resurgence, and the impact of US policies on the region.

The article discusses how President Trump's decision to close a tariff loophole, known as the de minimis exemption, will negatively impact logistics companies like UPS and FedEx. The loophole allowed cheap goods from China to enter the US without paying tariffs. With the exemption gone, tariffs of up to 145% will be imposed on Chinese goods, potentially reducing the volume of shipments and affecting the revenue of logistics companies and airlines. UPS has already announced a 25% decline in revenue from shipping packages from China to the US and plans to cut 20,000 jobs.

India conducted airstrikes on Pakistan, targeting nine sites, including militant camps, in response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed over two dozen civilians two weeks prior. Pakistan retaliated with claims of downing Indian aircraft and vowed to respond further. The escalation has raised concerns among global leaders, with warnings of potentially dire consequences.

A federal judge in Maryland declined to lift an order requiring the Trump administration to facilitate the return of Cristian, a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant wrongly deported to El Salvador. The administration had argued that Cristian's asylum claim would be denied due to alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, but the judge insisted that the process must be followed in U.S. courts. The case is one of several challenging the administration's aggressive deportation tactics.

California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $7.5 billion federal film tax credit to aid the entertainment industry, in response to President Trump's call for tariffs on movies produced outside the US. Newsom's proposal aims to strengthen domestic production and create jobs, and is supported by industry leaders and lawmakers. The proposal is seen as a more viable solution than Trump's tariffs, which have raised concerns about potential harm to the industry.

The article discusses the portrayal of the rich in American television, focusing on the new Apple TV+ show 'Your Friends & Neighbors' starring Jon Hamm. It analyzes how the show eliminates aspirational identification with its characters, depicting them as unhappy and financially insecure despite their wealth. The author reflects on whether this portrayal is accurate, considering cultural trends that have stripped away elements of fun and aesthetic distinction from upper-class lifestyles. The article also touches on the idea that wealth does not necessarily bring happiness or security, and that the pressures of maintaining a certain lifestyle can be overwhelming.

The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender troops serving in the military while legal challenges to the policy proceed. The ban, implemented through an executive order issued by President Trump, revokes a previous order by President Biden that permitted transgender service members to serve openly. The court's decision was brief and unsigned, with the three liberal justices noting dissents. The ban affects approximately 4,200 current service members, or 0.2% of the military, who are transgender. Lower courts had previously blocked the ban, citing a lack of evidence that it was substantially related to achieving unit cohesion, good order, or discipline.

The imposition of tariffs by the United States on Bangladesh's exports, particularly garments, has raised concerns among workers and economists in Bangladesh. The country's economy, heavily reliant on garment exports, faces potential devastation from the tariffs, which could lead to reduced orders and negatively impact the livelihoods of millions of workers. Bangladesh's garment industry has been a significant driver of the country's economic growth since the 1980s, with nearly 85% of its exports being garments, mostly bound for the United States. The industry has made significant improvements in working conditions and environmental sustainability since the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse. Economists and industry leaders are worried about the impact of tariffs on the industry's growth and the country's economy, with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund already lowering their expectations for Bangladesh's growth.

The article discusses the significant influence siblings have on each other's lives, often more so than parents. It explores how siblings shape each other's choices, life trajectories, and personalities through competition, collaboration, and differentiation. The author shares a personal anecdote about how her older brother encouraged her to start a high school newspaper, which became a defining experience. The article also references research on twin studies, which suggests that the shared environment, including parenting, has limited impact on shaping siblings' personalities. Experts like Lisa Damour and Alison Gopnik are quoted, highlighting the importance of sibling relationships in child development. The article concludes by examining the dynamics of successful families, such as the Groff family, where siblings have achieved high levels of success in different fields.

China's largest trade fair, the Canton Fair, has achieved a record high in overseas attendance and seen a 3% year-on-year increase in transaction volume to $25.44 billion despite the absence of most American buyers due to the US-China trade war. The fair's strong performance has boosted export sector confidence and reinforced the public's belief in China's ability to cope with a prolonged trade war.

China is leveraging a circular economy to recycle critical materials from dying EV batteries and solar cells, driving profits and enhancing resource security amidst global trade tensions. Companies like Ma Long's are capitalizing on the business potential of new-energy waste by developing recycling technologies.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, is leading a delegation to Qatar and Kuwait on Saturday, marking his second official trip to the Middle East. The delegation includes representatives from both Hong Kong and mainland China, aiming to drive business and people-to-people ties. The visit will explore new development opportunities in finance, trade, and technology.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated as India conducted 'precision strikes' on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least 26 people. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed retaliation, calling the attack 'cowardly' and 'treacherous'. The US urged both nations to avoid escalation.

The South China Morning Post's premium service, SCMP Plus, has won the top award at the Digital Media Awards Worldwide for best digital subscription/reader revenue project. SCMP Plus was introduced in May 2024 and provides curated news, context, and analysis on China for global decision-makers and business leaders. The award was collected by Post CEO Catherine So in Krakow, Poland.

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant stories from Asia, including the challenges faced by Singapore's opposition, a Filipino cardinal's potential ascension to pope, and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

South Korea's presidential race is becoming increasingly chaotic due to infighting within the conservative camp and legal troubles facing the progressive front-runner. The conservative People Power Party (PPP) has nominated Kim Moon-soo as its candidate, despite internal conflicts and disagreements over a potential run-off to select a unified conservative candidate.

A study led by Peking University found that climate-driven pest invasions from Southeast Asia are threatening China's food security. During El Niño years, warm and humid weather creates favorable breeding conditions for pests, which then migrate to southern China, causing rice yield losses. The researchers stress the need for international collaboration to minimize crop loss and ensure food security in the region as global warming continues.

Taiwan's first locally built submarine, Hai Kun, is facing delays in its delivery to the navy due to issues with its piping system and testing, casting doubt on its November delivery target.

The US House of Representatives has passed several bills targeting China's industrial espionage, export controls, national security threats, and human rights abuses, while also strengthening US ties with Taiwan and protecting Falun Gong practitioners. The bills, passed by voice vote, aim to counter China's growing technological dominance and address US-China tensions over tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The legislation includes the Economic Espionage Prevention Act, which authorizes sanctions on foreign entities involved in trade secret thefts and sensitive technology transfers.

The US Air Force has initiated ground tests for its new AI-driven combat drones, the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, as part of its collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programme. This development is part of a technological rivalry with China to create unmanned weapons systems that can operate alongside crewed aircraft. The drones were developed by General Atomics and Anduril, and the tests mark a significant milestone in the programme, paving the way for a successful first flight and eventual deployment.

Thirteen security guards kidnapped from a Peruvian gold mine were found dead, according to the mining company, La Poderosa. The guards were abducted by informal miners allegedly linked to criminal gangs on April 26. The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks on the mine, with 39 workers killed since 1980. The Peruvian government has deployed special police forces to capture those responsible.

A small plane carrying five people, including a 6-year-old boy, crashed into an alligator-infested swamp in Bolivia's Amazonian region. The survivors spent 36 hours clinging to the wreckage before being rescued. They survived on ground cassava flour and were eventually rescued by fishermen who spotted them and alerted the authorities.

Brazilian police arrested two individuals connected to a plot to detonate a bomb at Lady Gaga's free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, attended by approximately 2 million fans. The concert was part of an effort by the city to revitalize its economy and was deemed a success despite the foiled plot.

A massive stash of 147 kilos of cocaine was discovered hidden in a shipment of bananas at a Norwegian fruit distributor, with a street value of $16.4 million. This is the largest seizure in Norway since 2023, when 2.3 tons were found. The cocaine was smuggled from South America via sea and then through Sweden, likely intended for the Antwerp port. This incident is part of a larger trend of cocaine being concealed in banana shipments globally, with recent large seizures reported in the Dominican Republic, Greece, Ecuador, Bulgaria, the UK, the Netherlands, and Italy.

The mayor of Teuchitlán, Mexico, José Murguía Santiago, has been arrested in connection with a suspected drug cartel training camp where human bones and clothing were discovered. The Jalisco New Generation cartel allegedly used the Izaguirre Ranch to train new recruits, and the site has been described as an 'extermination center' by a local group searching for missing relatives. The arrest is part of a larger investigation into the cartel's activities, with over a dozen others already detained, including a police chief and two officers. The case highlights Mexico's ongoing struggle with drug trafficking and the high number of missing persons, with Jalisco state having over 15,000 cases.

The British royal family, including King Charles, Prince William, and his family, attended a military procession and flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, celebrating the end of WWII in Europe. The event was part of a four-day commemoration and included about 1,300 participants and two dozen military aircraft.

Poachers have killed over 100 rhinos in South Africa in the first three months of this year, mostly in national parks, continuing a relentless threat to the endangered species. South Africa is home to the world's largest rhino population, with an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 animals. The demand for rhino horn, particularly in Asia, drives the poaching, with organized criminal syndicates behind much of the activity. Authorities have made efforts to combat poaching, including a notable conviction of a Mozambican 'kingpin' last year.

British counterterrorism police arrested seven Iranian men in a major operation, with five suspected of plotting a terrorist attack on an unspecified target and three others suspected of a national security offense. The government described the operations as the biggest 'counter-state threat and counterterrorism' in years. The arrests were made in various locations across England, including London, Manchester, and Swindon.

A World War II-era Philippine navy ship, BRP Miguel Malvar, sank while being towed to a location for a live-fire drill as part of joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises, prompting the cancellation of the ship-sinking exercise. The drill was part of the annual Balikatan exercises, which focus on defending Philippine sovereignty against China's growing aggression in the South China Sea. Despite the cancellation, other live-fire maneuvers continued as planned.

The article discusses the accuracy of the 2024 Oscar-winning film 'Conclave' in relation to the real-life process of the Catholic Church's conclave to elect a new pope, with CNN's Vatican Correspondent Christopher Lamb providing his insights.

Japan's former Emperor Akihito is to be hospitalized for heart tests due to signs of myocardial ischemia found during a recent checkup. Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 citing health reasons, will undergo tests at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Rihanna reveals her third pregnancy on the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala, wearing a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble. The event, co-chaired by her partner A$AP Rocky, celebrated 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have two sons together, and this pregnancy announcement follows her previous reveals during her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance.

Shah Rukh Khan, a renowned Bollywood actor, made his Met Gala debut in a custom black wool coat designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Khan, known for being shy and avoiding red carpets, opted for a look that stuck to his style staples. The event celebrated Black designers and the legacy of Black dandyism, with Mukherjee stating that representation was key. Another Indian cinema star, Diljit Dosanjh, also attended the Met Gala for the first time, wearing a maharaja-inspired ensemble by Prabal Gurung.

The first cargo ships carrying Chinese goods subject to 145% tariffs are arriving in Los Angeles, leading to a significant drop in imports from China. Shipments have been cut in half, and many importers have canceled orders due to the steep tariffs. As a result, consumers can expect higher prices and shortages of certain items in the coming weeks. The National Retail Federation expects imports to fall at least 20% year over year in the second half of 2025, with JP Morgan predicting a 75% to 80% drop in imports from China.

The article discusses the growing threat of fungal superbugs, specifically the genus Coccidioides, which can cause life-threatening infections in humans. Two individuals, Torrence Irvin and Rob Purdie, share their experiences with the infection, highlighting the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. The World Health Organization has listed 19 fungal species as critical, high, or medium priority for new drug development due to emerging microbial resistance. Experts warn that fungal infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, and there is a need for new antifungal drugs.

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow for the second consecutive night ahead of the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which will be attended by world leaders including China's Xi Jinping. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that at least 19 drones were destroyed, with debris falling on a major highway and flights suspended at four airports. The attack comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host international leaders, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that Kyiv "cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation."

India launched missile strikes into Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming to have targeted 'terrorist infrastructure.' Pakistan disputes this, stating that civilians and mosques were hit, resulting in eight deaths, including children.

Zhao Xintong, a 28-year-old Chinese snooker player, made history by becoming the first Chinese world snooker champion after defeating Mark Williams 18-12 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Zhao overcame a 20-month ban due to a match-fixing scandal and qualified for the tournament as an amateur. He dominated the final, taking an 11-6 lead and eventually securing the win despite a late comeback by Williams. Zhao's victory marked a significant milestone for Chinese snooker and earned him £500,000.

The article reports on the trial of Erin Patterson, who is accused of murdering three people and attempting to murder another after serving them a beef wellington lunch containing toxic mushrooms. The sole survivor, Ian Wilkinson, testified in court, describing the events surrounding the lunch and his subsequent hospitalization. Wilkinson stated that he and his wife were 'happy to be invited' to the lunch and that Erin Patterson had plated the food, including the beef wellington, which contained death cap mushrooms. The defense claims that Patterson 'panicked' after unintentionally serving poison to her loved ones, while the prosecution argues that she intended to kill or cause serious harm.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has apologized to Liverpool fans for wrongly blaming them for the 2022 Champions League final chaos at the Stade de France. He admitted that security arrangements were inadequate and that his initial remarks were a mistake. The incident involved police using tear gas on fans, and some being ambushed and mugged by French youths. An independent report later debunked the claim that Liverpool fans with fake tickets caused the chaos.

Air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport lost contact with planes under their control on April 28, resulting in hundreds of delayed or diverted flights and multiple employees going on trauma leave. The incident highlighted the frailty of the US air traffic control system, which has been grappling with staff shortages. The US Department of Transportation has unveiled a package to boost the numbers of FAA air traffic controllers and plans to seek billions of dollars from Congress to reform infrastructure and staffing.

Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky revealed they are expecting their third child while attending the 2025 Met Gala in New York. The couple, who already have two sons, RZA and Riot, confirmed the news on the red carpet. Rihanna, 37, cradled her bump and smiled for cameras, while A$AP Rocky thanked reporters for their congratulations, stating they were happy to share the news.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has resigned and his Social Democrat party is leaving the government after a right-wing nationalist candidate, George Simion, won the first round of the presidential election. Simion, a eurosceptic who has promised to put Romania first, is expected to win the run-off vote on May 18. Ciolacu's resignation has plunged Romania into further political turmoil, with the country facing up to 45 days of instability.

US companies Ford and Mattel warn of the negative impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on their businesses and the wider economy. Mattel will raise prices and reduce imports from China, while Ford expects tariffs to cost it $1.5bn this year. Other companies, including Intel, Adidas, and Procter & Gamble, have also warned about the effects of tariffs.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, sparking concerns in the film industry. Trump claimed the industry was 'dying a very fast death' and wanted to 'Make Hollywood Great Again.' The proposal is unclear, leaving questions about its application to American production companies filming abroad, streaming services, and how tariffs would be calculated. The UK film industry warned of a 'knock-out blow' to freelancers and the global industry, while other countries like Australia and New Zealand vowed to defend their screen industries.

Russia reported a drone attack by Ukraine on Moscow for the second night in a row, resulting in the closure of major airports. Ukraine has not commented on the incident. Meanwhile, there are reports of exchanges of drone strikes and attempts by Ukrainian forces to cross into Russia's Kursk region.

The Peruvian government has suspended gold mining and imposed a 12-hour curfew in Pataz, a region in northern Peru, after 13 miners were kidnapped and killed by criminals linked to illegal mining. The government response has been criticized for being tardy and ineffective. The incident highlights the surge in illegal gold mining and related violence in Peru, which has become a major source of laundered assets and a significant contributor to the country's crime wave.

The Trump administration has been found to have illegally deported a second individual, Daniel Lozano-Camargo, a 20-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, to El Salvador's notorious Cecot prison in March, despite a court order forbidding his deportation while his asylum application was pending. Lozano-Camargo was accused of being a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which he and his family deny. The deportation was part of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, and the case is similar to that of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident who was also deported to El Salvador in March despite having protected status.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has proposed a ban on children under 16 using social media to protect them from harm. The draft bill, modelled on Australian laws, would require social media companies to verify users' ages or face fines of up to $1.2m. The proposal has received support from some, including Opposition Labour leader Chris Hipkins, but may face opposition from big tech companies.

The UK government is cracking down on student visa applicants from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka due to concerns that they are likely to overstay and claim asylum. The Home Office is working with the National Crime Agency to build models to profile applicants who may go on to claim asylum, using bank statements and other data to inform their decisions.

Rwanda's foreign minister confirms that the country is in early-stage talks with the US to host deported migrants, a deal that would be funded by the US and involve integrating migrants into Rwandan society. This potential agreement bears similarities to previously failed policies in the UK and Australia.

Rwanda is in talks with the US to host deported migrants, a move seen as an attempt to expand its geopolitical influence. The discussions, confirmed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, are in the early stages and follow previous failed attempts with the UK, Israel, and Denmark. Rwanda has a history of exploring migration deals, including a 2022 agreement with the UK that was later cancelled by the new Labour government. The latest talks present an opportunity for Rwanda to financially leverage the migrant crisis in the West and potentially secure western investment to support mining in the region.

A 47-year-old American citizen living in Taiwan was impaled on a metal fence at Rome's Colosseum while attempting to climb over it, possibly to get a better view. The incident was witnessed by dozens of people, and the tourist was hospitalized in serious condition after being freed and receiving surgery.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Israeli archaeologists in their work on Judea and Samaria (West Bank) due to a global campaign to whitewash the Jewish people's history in the Land of Israel. A leading archaeology journal, Palestine Exploration Quarterly (PEQ), has effectively barred submissions by Israelis unless they have cooperated with Palestinian authorities. Israeli archaeologists claim that cooperation is impossible as they would be treated as traitors. The Palestinian Authority is accused of renaming historical Jewish sites, destroying evidence, and building over key archaeological sites. Israeli advocates are working to mark and preserve ancient Jewish landmarks.

British counterterrorism officers have arrested several Iranian men in England on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in London. Five men, aged between 29 and 46, were taken into custody on Saturday, with four identified as Iranian citizens. A separate investigation led to the arrest of three other Iranian men in London on suspicion of a national security offense. The suspects are being questioned, and police are searching properties in London, Manchester, and Swindon. The alleged target was a single, undisclosed location in London.

A car crashed into the entrance of Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines, killing two people, including a young girl, and injuring four others. The driver, who was taken into custody, allegedly hit the gas instead of the brakes after another car passed in front of him.

A massive explosion at Iran's Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas has exposed the country's deep vulnerabilities in its vital sectors, sparking concerns over internal unrest and the regime's ability to manage the crisis. The blast, believed to be caused by hazardous chemicals, killed at least 70 people and injured over 1,200. Iranian authorities have faced accusations of negligence and attempting to cover up the death toll, with some sources estimating it could be as high as 250. The explosion has significant economic and logistical implications, with the port being a crucial hub for Iran's maritime exports and imports, particularly oil-based products.

DoorDash has agreed to acquire Deliveroo, a UK-based food delivery firm, for $3.9 billion. The deal values Deliveroo at £2.9 billion and marks a significant expansion of DoorDash's presence overseas. Deliveroo's board has agreed to the offer, which represents a 44% premium to its closing price on April 4.

Hugo Boss reported a lower-than-expected decline in Q1 2025 sales and maintained its full-year guidance despite uncertainty around U.S. tariffs and consumer confidence. The company's CEO, Daniel Grieder, stated that U.S. consumer confidence had diminished, but the impact of U.S. policies was still unclear. Hugo Boss is taking strategic steps to navigate potential tariff fallout, including redirecting products and optimizing its global sourcing footprint.

SpaceX employees have been elected to lead the new city of Starbase, Texas, after a successful incorporation election. The city includes the SpaceX launch facility and company-owned land, and will be led by Bobby Peden as mayor and two commissioners, Jenna Petrzelka and Jordan Buss, both SpaceX employees. The incorporation was approved with 212 votes in favor and six against.

The article discusses how Temu and Shein, two Chinese e-commerce companies, are facing significant U.S. tariffs due to the closure of the de minimis rule, a policy that previously exempted U.S. imports worth $800 from tariffs. Despite this challenge, experts believe that the companies will remain competitive in the U.S. market due to their agile supply chains, localization strategies, and ability to absorb tariffs. The companies have been accelerating their localization efforts, onboarding American sellers, and shifting their supply chains to countries like Vietnam and Mexico. While prices on Temu and Shein are expected to rise, experts believe that they will still be competitive with American retailers.

The first round of Romania's presidential election re-run has concluded with right-wing Eurosceptic George Simion emerging as the clear winner with 41% of the vote. He will face liberal Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan, who secured 21%, in a runoff vote on May 18. Simion's victory is seen as a test of the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism within the EU, and his win would add to the cohort of Eurosceptic leaders in the EU.

The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs has begun in New York, with jury selection underway. Combs is accused of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy over two decades, charges he has pleaded not guilty to. The trial is expected to last eight weeks, and jury selection is complex due to the high-profile nature of the case and extensive media coverage.

As the papal conclave approaches, speculation and excitement are building in Rome as visitors and locals alike share their hopes for the next pope. The cardinal electors are set to choose a new leader for the Catholic Church, with potential candidates including Cardinals Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Matteo Zuppi, and Pietro Parolin. The conclave is a serious and secretive process, with the cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel and strict measures in place to prevent information leaks. The new pope will have a significant impact on the Church's direction and the lives of its 1.4 billion followers.

A Sudanese man named Munzir, who was separated from his family during the war, has been reunited with his mother after two years. Munzir was wounded by a stray bullet and was living in a displacement camp. A charity called Resilience, led by Mohamed Alfatih, used social media to locate Munzir's family and facilitated their reunion in Khartoum.

The article discusses the potential direction of the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ Catholics under the new pope, following Pope Francis' legacy. Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who has advocated for LGBTQ Catholics, shares his insights on the conclave and the future of the church's stance on LGBTQ issues. Martin highlights Pope Francis' efforts to make the church more inclusive, such as blessing same-sex couples and meeting with LGBTQ individuals. However, he also acknowledges the ongoing challenges and resistance from some parts of the church. Martin emphasizes the need for a balance between unity and standing up for marginalized communities, suggesting that encounter and understanding are key to changing the church's approach.