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Now, let’s get to the news:
India/Pakistan News:
The office of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the military now has the green light to respond to India’s attacks, indicating that tensions are rising.
According to the New York Times, at least two aircraft reportedly crashed—one in India and another in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir—based on statements from three officials, local media, and eyewitnesses. One Indian official confirmed that three aircraft had gone down but said the cause was still unclear. Two additional security officials also acknowledged that Indian aircraft had crashed but did not provide further details.
The Indian Army reports that three civilians were killed due to cross-border artillery shelling by Pakistani forces.
Sources told India’s NDTV that Phase 1 of Operation Sindoor has concluded, but additional Indian airstrikes are expected.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister claims that during last night’s missile exchange and the resulting escalation, five Indian Air Force fighter jets were shot down. According to the statement, all were brought down by Pakistani J-10C jets using PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
During a recent U.N. Security Council briefing on Operation Sindoor, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India will respond to any retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged reports of Indian military strikes inside Pakistan, calling it an ongoing and developing situation. U.S. citizens are reminded of the existing “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the risk of armed conflict. A broader “Reconsider Travel” advisory remains in place for Pakistan as a whole. Officials also noted that airspace closures and widespread flight cancellations have occurred. U.S. citizens are advised to leave conflict zones if it is safe, or otherwise shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy will provide updates as needed, and citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Other News:
According to leaked records reviewed by WIRED, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reused the same weak password across multiple online accounts—including her personal Gmail and Dropbox—for several years, raising security concerns.
Another $70 million F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman has been lost in the Red Sea—marking the second jet from the carrier to go down in just over a week.
The U.S. is increasing its intelligence operations in Greenland, using surveillance assets to back Donald Trump’s push to gain control of the island, according to the Wall Street Journal.
According to the Miami Herald, just weeks after Governor Ron DeSantis' administration redirected $10 million from a legal Medicaid settlement to a charity led by First Lady Casey DeSantis, the Hope Florida Foundation then funneled that same amount to two political organizations aligned with the Governor and his wife.
A federal judge has blocked Donald Trump’s effort to shut down the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency responsible for distributing federal funding to libraries and museums nationwide. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued an injunction, ruling that the move violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he asked Donald Trump to stop referring to Canada as the "51st state."
Another federal judge, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, has ruled that Donald Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans without due process is unlawful, and has issued an order blocking any further deportations under that policy.
The conclave officially begins today, marking the start of the Catholic Church’s closely guarded process to select a new pope following Pope Francis’s death last month.
Mass to start the process: Events opened with the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” Mass—Latin for “for the election of the Roman Pontiff.” Afterward, the 133 voting cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel, which will be sealed off, including blocked cell signals, to ensure secrecy.
When to expect a decision: The first round of voting will take place this afternoon. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, voting will resume Thursday, with up to four ballots held that day.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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