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**Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Confirms Passing After Stroke**

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and TIME’s 2013 Person of the Year, passed away at 88 on April 21, just a day after his Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square. Known for his humility and advocacy for peace during crises like COVID-19 and Gaza, his death marks the end of a transformative papacy.

**How the Next Pope Will Be Chosen: Inside the Vatican’s Secretive Election Process**

The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will involve 120 cardinals under 80, voting in secrecy at the Sistine Chapel until a two-thirds majority is reached. White smoke signals a new Pope, while black smoke means another round—a tradition rooted in centuries of Vatican history.

**Top Contenders for the Papacy: Who Could Be the Next Pope?**

From progressive voices like Jean-Marc Aveline and Joseph Tobin to conservative figures like Péter Erdő, the race for the papacy is wide open. With Francis appointing 80% of voting cardinals, his legacy of inclusivity may shape the Church’s future leadership.

**Thousands of student-loan borrowers in default face federal benefit cuts starting this summer.** The Trump administration has restarted involuntary collections, putting 195,000 borrowers at risk of losing tax refunds and Social Security checks. **Defaulted borrowers will receive 30-day notices before benefits are withheld**, with wage garnishments following later this summer. The Education Department urges borrowers to contact the Default Resolution Group to explore repayment options.

**Over 5 million defaulted student-loan borrowers could soon face wage garnishment as collections resume.** After a five-year pandemic pause, the Treasury Offset Program is now seizing federal benefits like tax refunds. **Borrowers in default must act fast—loan rehabilitation requires nine consecutive payments to escape penalties.** Experts warn that while consequences may not be immediate, the financial strain could be severe for those already struggling.

**Student-loan borrowers in default say they can’t afford the sudden payment restart.** With some facing monthly bills as high as $1,500, many fear wage garnishment will push them deeper into financial distress. **The Education Department is urging universities to help students avoid default**, calling for reforms to fix a „broken higher education finance system.” Borrowers are advised to seek repayment plans before penalties escalate.

**The return of student-loan collections could hit vulnerable borrowers hardest.** Defaulted borrowers risk losing federal benefits and facing wage garnishment as the government ramps up enforcement. **While some may avoid immediate penalties, experts warn long-term consequences are inevitable.** The Education Department emphasizes loan rehabilitation as the best path to financial relief for struggling borrowers.

**Trump Claims Trade Talks Ongoing—China Calls It „Fake News”**
The U.S. and China clash over whether trade negotiations have even begun, as Trump insists discussions are „active” while Beijing denies any talks. With tariffs at record highs, experts warn the standoff risks further economic fallout. Here’s the latest on the escalating trade war.

**U.S.-China Trade War Deepens as Both Sides Dispute Talks**
Trump says trade negotiations are underway, but China dismisses the claim as „fake news,” leaving markets uncertain. As tariffs hit 145% on some goods, economists warn the stalemate could push the global economy toward recession.

**”Fake News” or Real Talks? U.S. and China Clash Over Trade Status**
Trump insists trade discussions with China are happening—Beijing denies it. With both sides imposing massive tariffs, experts call it a high-stakes „game of chicken” that could reshape the global economy. Here’s what we know.

**Trade War Escalates as Trump and China Disagree on Talks**
Trump claims trade negotiations are active, but China calls it „fake news,” deepening uncertainty in global markets. With tariffs at historic highs, analysts warn the standoff could trigger a recession. Will either side back down?

**Federal jobs once built a thriving Black middle class—now Trump’s cuts threaten that stability**

For decades, federal employment offered Black workers stable careers, benefits, and upward mobility—but Trump’s hiring freezes and DEI program cuts are dismantling this crucial pathway.

Shirley Hopkins, a retired NIH recruiter, helped countless Black students secure federal jobs—now those opportunities are vanishing under the administration’s workforce reductions.

Black workers, who make up nearly 19% of federal employees, face disproportionate layoffs—jeopardizing decades of economic progress for Black families and communities.

Experts warn these cuts could shrink the Black middle class, reversing decades of hard-won financial stability for generations of federal workers.

**Hollywood Faces Moral Dilemma Over Filming in Hungary Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

As Hungary tightens anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Hollywood faces pressure to reconsider filming in the country—home to major productions like *Dune: Part Two* and *The Brutalist*. Despite recent constitutional amendments banning LGBTQ+ gatherings, studios remain silent, with no immediate plans to halt ongoing shoots. Will financial incentives outweigh ethical concerns, or will Hollywood follow its North Carolina playbook?

**Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Put Hollywood in a Tight Spot**

With Hungary enforcing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix continue filming blockbusters like *Dune 3* and *3 Body Problem* in Budapest. Despite protests, Hungary’s 30% tax credit keeps productions anchored—raising questions about Hollywood’s stance on human rights versus financial gain.

**Will Hollywood Boycott Hungary Over LGBTQ+ Crackdown?**

Hungary’s new constitutional amendment banning LGBTQ+ gatherings has sparked outrage, but Hollywood studios—including Apple and HBO—are staying put for now. As productions like *Dune: Prophecy* and *PONIES* film in Budapest, the industry faces growing scrutiny over its silence on Hungary’s discriminatory policies.

**Studios Stay Silent as Hungary Escalates Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

Despite Hungary’s latest anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown, Hollywood remains quiet, with major films and shows like *Billion Dollar Spy* and *12 12 12* still shooting in Budapest. Will financial perks outweigh ethical concerns, or will pressure from talent force studios to reconsider?

**Pure Street Photography Announces 2025 Grant Winners, Showcasing Global Talent**
Pure Street Photography (PSP) has revealed the winners and finalists of its 2025 Grant, highlighting 30 extraordinary photographers from around the world. Founded by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamar Kumaar Rao, PSP champions diverse, thought-provoking street photography. This year’s grant amplifies emerging voices, offering exposure and growth opportunities for creators.

**Ayanava Sil Wins Grand Prize with Stunning Diwali Moment**
Indian photographer Ayanava Sil claimed the top honor for his dynamic shot of a child running under fireworks during Diwali. Judges praised the image’s perfect timing and emotional depth, calling it a „masterclass in awareness.” Sil’s photo captures the magic of celebration, blending light, joy, and spontaneity in a single frame.

**Global Stories Unfold in Winning Photos from Casablanca to Jakarta**
First place went to Parvathi Kumar for a striking olive market scene in Casablanca, while Amy Horowitz and Sebastian Piatek secured second and third with their compelling street narratives. From a snake encounter to Jakarta’s candid childhood moments, the winners reflect the raw beauty of everyday life. Explore the full gallery on PSP’s website.

**Want to shop directly from China? DHgate’s app is surging in popularity—here’s why.**

As Trump’s tariffs drive up prices, savvy shoppers are turning to DHgate—a Chinese e-commerce platform skyrocketing in downloads thanks to TikTok influencers.

**Can DHgate help you avoid tariffs?** Unfortunately, no—Trump’s new policies are closing loopholes, so experts say buy now before prices climb even higher.

**Why is DHgate trending?** The app offers cheap brand-name dupes straight from Chinese factories, but its tariff workaround may soon disappear.

**Medicaid Work Rules Gain Traction, But Job Assistance Programs Remain Scarce**

Republican-led states are pushing Medicaid work requirements, yet few programs actually help enrollees find employment. While supporters argue work mandates encourage self-sufficiency, critics warn they could strip coverage from vulnerable populations without improving job prospects.

**Medicaid Job Programs Show Limited Success Despite GOP Push**

Despite Republican efforts to impose work requirements, most Medicaid recipients already work—just without employer health benefits. Existing job assistance initiatives, like Ohio’s CareSource program, have seen modest success but remain rare, leaving many struggling to find stable employment.

**Work Requirements vs. Job Training: The Medicaid Debate Heats Up**

States like Arkansas and Georgia have implemented Medicaid work mandates, but studies show no significant increase in employment. Meanwhile, programs offering job training and coaching, such as UPMC’s Pathways to Work, demonstrate better outcomes—highlighting the debate over punitive policies versus supportive solutions.

**Could Medicaid Job Programs Reduce Public Assistance Dependency?**

Some Medicaid health plans, like CareSource, connect enrollees with life coaching and job placement, helping individuals like Eric Wunderlin transition to stable careers. Yet with most states lacking robust job assistance, critics argue work requirements risk harming low-income families rather than lifting them up.

**NYC lawyers declare „five-alarm fire” over Trump’s attacks on judiciary**

Over 350 attorneys packed the NYC Bar Association meeting to strategize against Trump’s executive orders and threats to judicial independence—calling it a „five-alarm fire” for democracy.

**”Lawyers serve the law, not the executive”**

NYC Bar Association President Muhammad Faridi urged legal professionals to resist Trump’s targeting of judges and Big Law firms, warning: „What we’re witnessing is not normal—and must not be normalized.”

**Big Law divided as firms fight—or fold—under Trump’s pressure**

While Paul Weiss and others struck deals with the administration, firms like Jenner & Block are leading resistance efforts—sparking heated debate over ethics, protests, and lawsuits to defend the rule of law.

**Judges face pizza delivery death threats as legal fear grows**

Retired Judge Shira Scheindlin revealed chilling intimidation tactics, including threats mimicking the murder of a judge’s son, as lawyers grapple with fears of FBI raids and job loss for speaking out.

World leaders and royals gathered at Pope Francis’ funeral, with front-row seats revealing tense diplomatic dynamics. Volodymyr Zelensky sat just 10 seats from Donald Trump, while Prince William joined German Chancellor Olaf Scholz further back. The VIP section placed Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s leaders closest to the altar, highlighting the Vatican’s global connections.