Christoph Trebesch of the Kiel Institute found that the EU could readily replace potential US aid cuts to Ukraine by increasing its contribution by a mere 0.21% of its GDP, raising aid from €44 billion to €82 billion. This increase would primarily involve greater contributions from larger EU nations like Germany, France, and Spain, who currently contribute less than Scandinavian countries. While military aid replacement presents a greater challenge, particularly concerning high-tech weaponry, Europe’s financial capacity to replace US aid is demonstrably feasible. Ukraine’s current financial situation remains stable, however, future funding remains dependent on the continuation of Western support and the war’s trajectory.
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On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis, recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia, surprised onlookers by appearing in St. Peter’s Square. He delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing and toured the piazza in his popemobile, interacting with the crowd of over 35,000. Although Cardinal Comastri presided over the Easter Mass, Francis’ appearance, lasting approximately 50 minutes, showcased his improved health. Despite still requiring recovery, his public display offered a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
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A U.S. proposal to end the war in Ukraine, involving potentially recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from NATO, has been presented to Ukrainian officials. These proposals, confirmed by Western officials, were discussed in Paris and await Ukrainian feedback at a London meeting. The plan also suggests a neutral zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, possibly under U.S. control, but stops short of demanding Russian troop withdrawals from occupied Ukrainian territories. While the U.S. maintains options for military aid, no concrete security guarantees are offered, contrasting with Russia’s demands for a halt to all military support to Ukraine.
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Following a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Pope Francis delivered his annual Easter address. The speech strongly condemned the use of fear to oppress marginalized groups, including immigrants and refugees, urging political leaders to prioritize compassion and aid for those in need. Despite Vance’s past criticisms, the Pope offered Easter greetings. The Vatican and the Vice President’s office released differing accounts of their discussions, highlighting existing disagreements over immigration policy. The Pope’s message emphasized the importance of human dignity and rejected violence against civilians.
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A Cessna C180G plane crashed in Trilla, Illinois on Saturday, killing all four occupants. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident, which occurred shortly after departure from Menomonie, Wisconsin. This incident follows a recent spate of fatal plane crashes across the country, including a Nebraska crash on Friday and several others earlier this month. The string of fatal aviation accidents this year has raised concerns. Governor Pritzker offered condolences and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement at the crash site.
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Pete Hegseth, a Pentagon official, is under investigation for using a private Signal chat to discuss sensitive military operations, including upcoming Yemen strikes, with his wife, brother, lawyer, and other aides. This involved sharing detailed information, such as flight schedules, prior to the March 15th airstrikes. This is the second such incident involving Hegseth and Signal, following a previous leak to The Atlantic’s editor. The Pentagon denies any classified information was shared, while Hegseth’s former staff members allege a cover-up and widespread dysfunction within the department.
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Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away at age 88. His papacy, marked by a humble style and focus on the poor, contrasted with his criticism of capitalism and climate change, alienating some conservatives. Despite health challenges, including a recent hospitalization, he remained active until shortly before his death. His legacy includes progressive social stances, significant Vatican reforms, and a controversial but ultimately impactful approach to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. He will be remembered for his emphasis on mercy and inclusion, though his progressive stances sparked conflict with traditionalist factions within the Church.
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Pope Francis has died, the Vatican announced in a video statement, a fact that has sparked a wave of reactions ranging from grief and reflection to darkly humorous speculation. The news, delivered with the solemnity expected from such an announcement, immediately brought the world’s attention to the passing of a significant religious figure. The timing, on Easter Monday, has added a layer of poignancy to the event, with many commenting on the almost symbolic nature of his death falling on such a significant religious holiday.
The sheer unexpectedness of the announcement, despite the Pope’s recent health struggles, is a clear factor in the outpouring of both sadness and disbelief.… Continue reading
El Salvador’s President Bukele proposed a prisoner exchange with Venezuela: 252 Venezuelan deportees held in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center would be repatriated in exchange for the release of an equal number of Venezuelan political prisoners. This offer, made via social media, includes nearly 50 prisoners of other nationalities. The proposal follows recent mass deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members from the US to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a move condemned by Maduro as human rights abuse. Venezuela’s chief prosecutor criticized the offer, questioning the legal processes afforded the deportees.
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Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani, recently deleted a pro-Hamas tweet expressing solidarity with the group. This followed previous statements by Al Thani, including claims of Israeli control over the US and advocating for increased Qatari influence on American decision-makers. These actions, along with past photos depicting Al Thani with Hamas leaders and public displays of support from other Qatari officials, reveal a pattern of pro-Hamas sentiment within the Qatari leadership, contradicting Qatar’s purported role as a neutral mediator. Such actions cast doubt on Qatar’s neutrality in Middle Eastern affairs.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood