In other news

Churchill, Manitoba, known as the polar bear capital of the world, is facing a crisis as the warming arctic melts the ice that polar bears rely on, causing their population to decline and threatening the town's ecosystem, which depends on tourism and scientific investments. The polar bears, the most studied and photographed in the world, are being pushed ashore as the ice forms later and melts earlier, forcing them to stay on land longer and closer to humans. Scientists warn that the polar bear population in the western Hudson Bay has declined to around 618, half of what it was in the 1980s, and that the current pace of change is too fast for the bears to adapt. The town is looking for solutions, including developing a port and rail line, growing microgreens, and using polar bear-resistant trash containers, to build a sustainable future for both the community and the wildlife.

The Vatican has declared Antoni Gaudi, the Spanish architect behind Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia basilica, "venerable" in a step towards potential sainthood. Gaudi, known as "God's architect," was recognized by Pope Francis for his "heroic virtues." The declaration is a precursor to beatification, which requires proof of a miracle after his death, and potentially, sainthood. Gaudi, a devout Catholic, died in 1926, and the Catholic Church began vetting him for sainthood in 2003. His distinctive architectural style and faith are credited to his life's work, including the Sagrada Familia, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

Spanish police arrested a couple on the island of Majorca for selling exotic cats online, including protected species like white tigers and pumas. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 19 felines and the seizure of over 40 animal passports from Russia, Belarus, and China. The suspects, identified as Russian nationals, were part of a larger international trafficking operation involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians. The animals were smuggled into the European Union via Poland from Belarus and sold with false documentation. The couple offered various exotic species for sale, including a clouded leopard for 60,000 euros, and had created hybrid species by crossing wild cats with domestic cats.

The US and Iran will hold further negotiations next week regarding Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, according to Iranian state TV. The first round of talks, held in Oman, lasted over two hours and were described as "very positive and constructive" by the White House. US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefly spoke directly in the presence of the Omani foreign minister, marking a rare interaction between the two nations. The talks aimed to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy, with the US offering sanctions relief in exchange for Iran's concessions on its nuclear program. The stakes are high, with President Trump threatening airstrikes if a deal isn't reached, and Iranian officials warning they could pursue a nuclear weapon if negotiations fail.

An Israeli airstrike hit the Al-Ahili hospital in Gaza City, forcing patients to evacuate after a 20-minute warning. The strike damaged several buildings, including the pharmacy and emergency departments. One patient died during the evacuation due to lack of urgent care, and over 100 patients and dozens of medical staff were impacted. Israel claimed it targeted a Hamas command center at the hospital, while the hospital's operator, the Diocese of Jerusalem, condemned the attack and called for international intervention to protect medical institutions. The strike came as Israel expanded its military activity in Gaza, and followed a pattern of Israeli attacks on hospitals in the territory, which has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began in October 2023.

Kim Kardashian will testify in a trial related to the 2016 armed robbery of her jewelry in Paris, where she was held at gunpoint and robbed of millions of dollars worth of jewelry, including a $4 million diamond ring given to her by Kanye West. The trial, set to begin on April 28 and run until May 23, will focus on six suspects facing charges including armed robbery and kidnapping, with Kardashian expected to appear on May 13.

Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, a Nobel literature laureate, has died at the age of 89. He was a prolific author and essayist known for novels such as "The Time of the Hero" and "Feast of the Goat." Vargas Llosa was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010 "for his cartography of structures of power and his trenchant images of the individual's resistance, revolt, and defeat." He was a key figure in the Latin American literary "Boom" of the 1960s and 1970s. Vargas Llosa's life and work were marked by his complicated relationship with Peru, his homeland, and his shifting political views, from early communism to later free-market conservatism. He ran for president of Peru in 1990 but lost to Alberto Fujimori. Vargas Llosa continued to write until the end of his life, publishing his last novel, "Harsh Times," in 2019.

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, greeting over 20,000 faithful and wishing them a "Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week." The 88-year-old pontiff, who is recovering from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia, was brought to the main altar in a wheelchair and did not wear nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen. Francis has been convalescing for four weeks and has been advised to avoid crowds, but he has been making gradual public appearances, including a private meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. In his traditional Sunday blessing, Francis thanked the faithful for their prayers and prayed for those suffering in various conflicts around the world.

High winds and the threat of sandstorms prompted Beijing to cancel 693 flights and close public parks, including Universal Studios and historic sites like the Forbidden City. The strong winds, reaching up to 92 mph, felled hundreds of trees, damaging cars and homes. Similar disruptions occurred in other parts of China, with some areas recording their most powerful winds in over 75 years. The sandstorms, generated in China's dry north, have been a longstanding issue for Beijing, reducing visibility and causing discomfort.

Hundreds of people in Ghana, mostly older women, are at risk of human rights abuses, including murder, due to witchcraft accusations. Amnesty International is calling on the government to criminalize accusations and ritual attacks, and to provide protection for victims. The accusations often stem from tragic events, such as illness or death, and are frequently based on superstition. Victims are often banished from their homes and forced to seek refuge in camps, where they lack access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. A bill to criminalize witchcraft accusations was passed by parliament in 2023 but has yet to be signed into law.

Children's mattresses release toxic chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters into the air while kids sleep, according to a new study. These chemicals have been linked to developmental disorders, reproductive issues, and intellectual disability. Researchers found high levels of the chemicals near children's beds and discovered that the warmth and weight of a sleeping child can increase the off-gassing of toxicants from mattresses. Some mattresses contained banned or carcinogenic flame retardants, even with certification labels. Experts recommend using neutral-colored bedding and washing it frequently to reduce chemical exposure. The study's findings suggest that parents can't necessarily avoid the problem by buying more expensive or supposedly safer mattresses, as the toxic chemicals were found in various types of mattresses regardless of price or materials.

Joe Biden has reemerged on the public stage with a speech in Chicago, focusing on protecting Social Security amid fears of cuts by President Donald Trump. This marks his first major public appearance since leaving office three months ago. Biden has largely kept a low profile since January 20, staying mostly at home in Delaware and limiting public appearances. He has been reconnecting with family and friends, and has been putting together thoughts for a potential book. Democrats have mixed feelings about Biden's post-presidency, with some wanting him to remain quiet and others hoping he will take on a senior statesman role. Biden's speech on Social Security is seen as a start to speaking out against Trump's policies.

Florence Pugh convinced Marvel to let her perform a daring stunt for "Thunderbolts*" where her character Yelena Belova jumps off the second-tallest building in the world, Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after producers initially deemed it too risky, and she successfully completed the stunt, describing the mental control required as "its own superpower."

Hermès has overtaken LVMH to become the world's most valuable luxury company due to investor pessimism after LVMH's disappointing first-quarter revenue. LVMH's shares dropped 7% after missing sales expectations, largely due to weak sales in the US and China, bringing its market capitalization down to €246 billion, just below Hermès' €247 billion. Hermès' success is attributed to its strategy of restricting supply, with a 6-7% annual increase in production, and its wealthier client base, which has allowed it to weather the industry downturn better than LVMH.

In 2024, the US saw over 1 million abortions for the second consecutive year, according to the Guttmacher Institute, despite varying state laws. After the Dobbs decision revoked the federal right to abortion in 2022, over a dozen states enacted bans or restrictions. Abortions increased or remained steady in 25 states but decreased in 11, with significant changes in states like Florida, where a six-week ban led to a 14% decrease, and Virginia, where abortions increased by 5,500, mostly for out-of-state patients. About 155,100 people crossed state lines for an abortion, representing 15% of abortions in states without total bans. Telehealth also played a growing role, with 14% of abortions provided by online-only clinics, up from 10% in 2023. Medication abortion remained the most common option, representing nearly two-thirds of all US abortions.

Records show that Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman's wife, researched symptoms of illness, including flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques, in the days leading up to her death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in February. The investigation report revealed that she had searched online for information related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between February 8 and 12, and had also contacted a concierge medical service in Santa Fe. The couple's partially mummified remains were found in their Santa Fe home on February 26, with Gene Hackman believed to have died about a week after his wife due to heart disease with complications from Alzheimer's disease. The investigation also found rodent feces in outbuildings on the property, which is believed to be the source of Arakawa's hantavirus infection.

Lenny Kravitz has given Architectural Digest a tour of his luxurious Parisian mansion, located in the 16th arrondissement. The musician, known for his eclectic style, has owned the grand townhouse for two decades and has transformed it into a reflection of his personality and creative energy. The home features airy interiors, works by blue-chip artists, traditional African art, and furniture designed by Kravitz's own studio. Notable features include a wine room, a red-lit subterranean party space called "The Chaufferie," and an enormous Baccarat chandelier in the primary suite. Kravitz describes his aesthetic as "soulful elegance," a blend of African, European, and Afrofuturist influences with midcentury pieces. The home is filled with meaningful artworks and artifacts, including a portrait of Kravitz's late grandfather, Albert Roker.

Two US college students were detained for two weeks in Denmark after an alleged altercation with an Uber driver on March 31. The students, one of whom is Owen Ray, a Miami University in Ohio student, claimed they canceled the ride and paid the fare via the app, but the driver allegedly began threatening them. The incident was captured on the driver's dash cam. The students were arrested at the airport as they attempted to leave the country and were held in pre-trial detention for 10 days before being released without charges on April 14, but their passports were confiscated. They are required to report daily to police until their court hearing on April 24 on charges of common assault. The students' families maintain they were victims of an unprovoked assault by the Uber driver.

Former FTC chair explains how to prove if a company is a monopoly, using Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's testimony as an example, as his company faces accusations of creating an illegal social network monopoly.

Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, prompting France's foreign minister to urge Algeria to "abandon" the expulsions. The move is linked to the indictment of three Algerians in France, including a consular official, on charges related to the abduction of Algerian critic Amir Boukhors. The incident has strained relations between the two countries, which had shown signs of improving after a phone call between their presidents in March. France is prepared to "respond immediately" if the expulsions go ahead.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has described conditions at hospitals in Gaza as "beyond description" after an Israeli air strike put a major facility out of service. Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City was hit on Sunday, destroying its laboratory and damaging its emergency room. The WHO reported that medical supplies were critically low due to Israel's blockade of the territory, and that hospitals were under repeated attack. The strike on al-Ahli hospital, which was run by the Church of England, forced the evacuation of 50 patients, but 40 critically ill patients could not be moved. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a "command-and-control centre" used by Hamas, while the Church of England's bishops expressed "grief, sorrow and outrage" and called for an independent investigation.

Spanish authorities have arrested a couple on the island of Majorca for breeding and selling exotic cats online, including protected species such as white tigers, pumas, and clouded leopards. The couple's activities were linked to a global wildlife trafficking organisation, with animals being smuggled into the EU from countries like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. A total of 19 felines were rescued from the couple's property and have been temporarily housed at a local zoo. The authorities believe the high demand for exotic cats, fuelled by social media, is driving the illicit trade.

Hungary's parliament has voted to limit the rights of dual nationals and LGBTQ+ people through constitutional amendments. The amendments, backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party, will allow the government to ban public LGBTQ+ gatherings and temporarily suspend the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a threat to the country's security. The move has been criticized by rights campaigners as a shift towards illiberal governance, with hundreds protesting outside parliament. The amendments follow a recent law banning LGBTQ+ pride marches, and are seen as an attempt to reshape Hungary's identity along Christian-conservative lines.

A severe sandstorm swept across central and southern Iraq, leaving over 1,800 people with breathing problems and prompting hospitalizations. The storm reduced visibility to less than one kilometer and caused power cuts and flight suspensions. Health officials reported at least 700 cases of suffocation in Muthanna province, with additional cases in Najaf, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Basra provinces. The storm is expected to clear by Tuesday morning, but Iraq's environment ministry warns of more "dust days" due to climate change.

South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as its special envoy to the US to ease tensions between the two countries, which have worsened since Donald Trump's return as president. Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, was previously known for making corruption allegations against a wealthy family linked to former President Jacob Zuma. The appointment comes after the US expelled South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, over remarks he made about the Trump administration. Jonas will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships, and engage with US government officials to promote South Africa's interests.

US Vice-President JD Vance dropped the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy at the White House during a ceremony for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the 2025 College Football champions, who were invited by President Donald Trump to celebrate their title-winning season.

Five years after the death of celebrated Chinese scientist Nongjian Tao in the US, questions remain unanswered. Tao, a renowned biomedical nanoscientist, was found dead outside a parking garage on Arizona State University's campus in March 2020. Initially, colleagues were told he had slipped while exercising, but a police report later concluded that Tao died by suicide due to "significant work-related stress". Tao was a highly cited and award-winning academic who had made significant contributions to the field of nanoscience, and his death has been met with tributes from colleagues who described him as an inspiring and generous mentor.

Kenshin Kamimura, a 25-year-old former member of Japanese boy band ONE N’ ONLY, has pleaded not guilty to indecent assault against a female interpreter at a Hong Kong court. The alleged incident occurred at a restaurant in Mong Kok on March 2, and Kamimura was subsequently kicked out of the group. During the hearing, Kamimura became emotional, breaking down in tears and shaking uncontrollably as he denied the allegations.

A survey of 30 countries by Ipsos found Japan to be the least content and optimistic, with only 13% of respondents satisfied with their quality of life and 15% expecting it to improve. The survey of nearly 24,000 people revealed deepening disillusionment among young Japanese due to rising living costs, demographic strain, and political inertia, with Japan ranking 27th in happiness, behind many developing nations.

A survey found that 62% of Filipinos believe former President Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for killings linked to his war on drugs, marking a significant shift in public opinion. The poll, conducted among nearly 2,000 respondents, also showed that over half agreed Duterte should be held accountable for the deaths, and 61% believed the trial would help uncover the truth.

A team of Chinese scientists has discovered that breast cancer cells use the amino acid arginine to evade the immune system and multiply. The researchers found that the metabolic interaction between cancer cells and macrophages, a type of white blood cell, plays a key role in this process. Their findings could lead to a new approach for precision therapy by starving tumors of arginine, and potentially treating the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women.

Adobe's venture capital arm has invested an undisclosed amount in Synthesia, a British AI startup that creates lifelike avatars for video production, as part of a "strategic" partnership. Synthesia, which serves over 70% of the Fortune 100, has reached $100 million in annual recurring revenue and was last valued at $2.1 billion. The startup remains lossmaking, with a pre-tax loss of £25.2 million in 2023, but its CEO says profitability is "not an immediate focus."

Dutch digital bank Bunq has applied for a broker-dealer license in the US as part of its expansion efforts, which will allow it to offer most of its services except savings deposits. Bunq reported a 65% year-over-year jump in profit to $97.2 million, driven by a 55% increase in net interest income. The bank is also planning to re-enter the UK market, having previously withdrawn due to Brexit. Bunq's CEO is confident that the bank's diversified revenue mix will help offset potential declines in interest income as interest rates fall.

LinkedIn's 2025 Top Companies in Singapore list ranks the best workplaces for career growth, with DBS Bank topping the list for the third year. The technology, banking, and consulting industries dominate the list, while biotech, healthcare, and life science companies also feature prominently. Roche, Novartis, and MSD made their debut in the top 15, reflecting Singapore's growing biomedical ecosystem. The list includes 15 companies, including Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, and ByteDance, with skills in demand including commercial banking, mobile application development, and artificial intelligence. Experts advise job seekers to develop transferable skills, stay adaptable, and have a growth mindset to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.

BP is seen as a potential takeover target, with Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron being touted as possible suitors. BP's recent strategic reset, which includes slashing renewable spending and boosting oil and gas expenditure, has attracted interest in its non-core assets. Analysts say that while a takeover is possible, it would likely face antitrust concerns and may not address the growth concerns of the acquiring company. BP's underperformance and depressed share price have reignited speculation of a merger with Shell, while Chevron is also seen as a potential buyer, particularly if its acquisition of Hess falls through. U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management has built a nearly 5% stake in BP, and activist investor Follow This has pushed for investors to vote against the reappointment of BP's chair, Helge Lund, who is set to step down in 2026.

American missionary Robert Vieira was released on Sunday after being detained in Tunisia for over 13 months on suspected espionage charges. U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler worked closely with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti to secure Vieira's release. Vieira was reunited with his family and flew back to the U.S. Boehler credited his collaboration with Nafti for securing the detainee's release and expressed appreciation to the Tunisian government for resolving the case.

A penguin in a cardboard box caused a helicopter crash in South Africa in January when the box slid onto the pilot's control lever, causing the helicopter to roll to the right and crash about 50 feet below. The penguin was being transported from Bird Island after a specialist on board requested it be taken back. The investigation found that the penguin was not properly secured, and the lack of a proper crate led to the incident. Fortunately, no one, including the penguin, was harmed.

Pope Francis greeted the faithful at the Vatican on Palm Sunday, wishing them a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week" as he recovered from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pope, who was discharged from hospital three weeks prior, appeared at the window of the Vatican's St. Peter's Square and greeted the crowds from his wheelchair for about 10 minutes, stopping to talk with some of the faithful, including a group of nuns. Approximately 40,000 people gathered in the square for the Palm Sunday celebration, which marked the beginning of Holy Week.

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran must abandon its concept of having a nuclear weapon ahead of a second round of talks scheduled for next Saturday in Italy. Trump made the comments while meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, reiterating that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The US and Iran held their first talks in Oman last weekend, which were described as "very positive and constructive" by the White House, although "complicated" issues remain unresolved. Trump has not provided a specific timeline for the diplomatic process, but has threatened military action if Iran does not comply.

A British father, 46, and son, 17, drowned off the coast of Seventeen Seventy in Queensland, Australia, while swimming. They were pulled from the water by a rescue helicopter and declared dead at the scene. An Australian man who tried to rescue them was hospitalized with head injuries. The incident occurred during a high tide with a big swell, and authorities are urging people to seek local knowledge and swim between the flags when on holiday. The UK Foreign Office is supporting the family of the deceased.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has pleaded not guilty to additional charges of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. The new allegations bring the total number of criminal charges against him to five, including racketeering conspiracy. Combs' lawyers have denied all allegations, stating that the relationships were consensual. The rapper's trial is set to begin on May 5, but his lawyers may request a two-week adjournment if they do not receive certain evidence from prosecutors. Combs has been jailed in Brooklyn since the charges were announced in September and also faces dozens of civil lawsuits.

Europe experienced a record-breaking number of "tropical nights" in 2024, with southern European summer destinations sweltering through 23 nights when temperatures didn't dip below 20C, nearly three times the average. The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that this was far above the previous record of 16 in 2012. The heat takes a toll on health, with increased risk of heat stress, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and poor mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The economic consequences are also significant, with impacts on farmers, wine harvests, and tourism, leading some holiday companies to adapt their itineraries to avoid extreme heat. Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, and scientists are confident in the trend, emphasizing the need to cut emissions and adapt cities to protect public health.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed concern over a report that Russia requested access to an Indonesian air force base in Papua to store military aircraft, saying Australia does not want to see Russian influence in the region. The report, citing a defence news website, stated that Russia's request was made during a meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in February. Indonesian officials have not responded to the request, and analysts say it is unlikely to be granted due to geopolitical risks. Australian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, are seeking further information on the matter. The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, also expressed opposition to a potential Russian military presence in the region.

A Peruvian court has sentenced former president Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, to 15 years in prison for laundering funds received from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to finance Humala's 2006 and 2011 presidential campaigns. Humala is the third former Peruvian president to be imprisoned for corruption in the past 20 years, joining Alejandro Toledo and Alberto Fujimori. The trial began in 2022 and eight others were also convicted alongside Humala and Heredia.

France has expelled 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic officials and recalled its ambassador in Algiers in response to Algeria's expulsion of 12 French diplomatic staff. The move follows the arrest of an Algerian consular agent suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of Algerian opposition activist Amir Boukhors, a critic of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune who has been granted asylum in France. Algeria has denied any involvement in the kidnapping and issued international arrest warrants against Boukhors on accusations of fraud and terrorism, which France has refused to act on. The incident has escalated tensions between the two countries, complicated by existing disputes over the Western Sahara region and the imprisonment of writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria.

Jean Marsh, a British actress and creator of the historical drama "Upstairs, Downstairs," died on April 13 at 90 due to complications from dementia. She starred as Rose Buck in the series, which explored social class and political upheaval in the Edwardian era and was known for its portrayal of historical events like the sinking of the Titanic.

Jordan has foiled an Islamist plot to manufacture and launch rockets, arresting 16 citizens with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. The arrests were the result of a years-long surveillance operation, highlighting the risks faced by Arab governments that maintain relations with Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza war.

Pope Francis has declared Antoni Gaudí "venerable," a step towards sainthood, recognizing his "heroic virtues." Gaudí, a practicing Catholic, spent over 40 years building the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona. To become a saint, two miracles must be attributed to him and verified by the Vatican. Gaudí is known for his modernist architecture and his work on the Sagrada Familia, Güell Palace and Park, and Casa Mila. He died in 1926 after being hit by a tram. The Sagrada Familia is expected to be largely completed by 2026, marking 100 years since Gaudí's death.

Muan International Airport in South Korea had received warnings about bird strikes for years before a deadly crash on December 29, which killed 179 people. A meeting just 10 days prior to the crash discussed the issue, with officials noting that the airport lacked sufficient personnel and equipment to prevent bird strikes. Despite previous warnings and environmental assessments highlighting the risk, the airport had not implemented necessary safety measures, including thermal imaging cameras and bird detection radar. On the night of the crash, only one bird patroller was on duty, instead of the required minimum of two, and was working a 15-hour shift. The crash led to a government pledge of $170 million to improve bird-strike prevention measures at airports across South Korea.