Wednesday, April 23, 2025

China expresses condolences after death of Pope Francis

INTRO: Beijing has expressed condolences over the death of Pope Francis and reiterated its willingness to continue improving relations with the Vatican.

Under Pope Francis, Beijing and the Holy See achieved a historic breakthrough in 2018 after decades of strained relations, signing a provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops in China. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong.

POPE FRANCIS TO LIE IN STATE

The body of Pope Francis will lie in state in St Peter's Basilica from Wednesday.

Thousands of mourners have been heading to the Vatican to pay their respects.

He died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, and his funeral will take place on Saturday.

Peter Carpenter, from the Young Catholic Network, believes Pope Francis has left his mark on the Catholic Church.

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Atleast 26 civilians killed by armed gunmen in Kashmir

Intro:

At Least 26 people have died in an armed attack in India administered Kashmir. 

Hundreds were visiting a popular tourist site in the Himalayan province when gunmen opened fire - killing some at point blank range. 

World Leaders including US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin have expressed their solidarity with India. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who's been on a foreign trip is cutting his schedule short to be on home soil, as Ishan Garg tells us from New Delhi. 

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Pope Francis funeral to take place on Saturday

The Vatican has announced the funeral for Pope Francis will be held
this Saturday.

Members of the public will be able to view the Pope's body, lying in
state, at St Peter's Basilica from Wednesday to Friday.

John Bevir reports from the Vatican.

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[ALT] John Bevir reports from the Vatican.

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IMF slashes growth forecasts amid tariffs fallout

The International Monetary Fund has slashed the United States' growth
forecast for this year, warning that tariffs are creating a "major
negative shock" worldwide.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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WFP forced to cut humanitarian aid to Ethiopia

The United Nations has been forced to cut humanitarian assistance to
Ethiopia due to funding.
According to the world body's Food Programme more than six hundred
thousand people needing life saving support will be affected
immediately.
Jody Jacobs reports from the UN in New York.

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HARVARD SUES US GOVERNMENT - SETTING STAGE FOR MAJOR COURT BATTLE

Harvard University is suing the Trump Administration, setting the stage for a major court battle between America's oldest university and the White House.

The lawsuit follows the government's decision to freeze billions of dollars in funding, after Harvard refused to comply with a list of demands.

Mitch McCann reports:

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Vance bats for stronger India-US defence partnership

Intro:

US Vice President JD Vance says India is key to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific as he praised efforts by both nations to boost defence corporations. 

Vance who is on a four day visit to India was speaking at an event in the North Indian City of Jaipur. 

While his trip has so far focused mainly on bilateral trade Vance says defence is another key pillar of Delhi Washington ties. 

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ISRAELI SECURITY CABINET TO MEET TO ASSESS IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS

Israel's Security Cabinet is expected to meet later Tuesday to discuss ongoing nuclear talks which have been taking place between the United States and Iran. 

From Tel Aviv, Trent Murray has more. 

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Emmanuel Macron on five-day tour of Indian Ocean nations and territories

The French President is on a multi-stop tour of the western Indian Ocean.

Emmanuel Macron is visiting Madagascar and Mauritius as well as French territories in the region, including Mayotte (My-ott), which was devastated by a cyclone last year.

Ross Cullen reports.



RADIO: DRC PAYS TRIBUTE TO Pope Francis

INTRO:

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has paid tribute to Pope Francis who died on Monday at the age of 88. President Felix Tshisekedi has described the Pope as a great servant of God whose life was a testimony of faith, humility and an unwavering commitment to peace and justice. Chris Ocamringa has more from Kinshasa....

TAKE AS-LIVE

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Gold's rally continues amid economic uncertainty

Gold prices extended their rally on Monday to hit a fresh record high following US President Donald Trump's criticism of the Federal Reserve chief's stance on interest rates.

Spot gold was up 1.7 per cent at $3,482 an ounce in early trade.

Rebecca Bundhun has more.

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India-US agree on rules of bilateral trade agreement during Vance's India trip

Intro:

India and the US have finalised the terms of reference of a bilateral trade agreement during Vice President JD Vance's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vance's four day trip to India comes as 26% tariffs on Indian imports have cast shadows over ties.

Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

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CARDINALS MEET TO PLAN POPE FUNERAL

Cardinals meet in Rome on Tuesday to begin confirming details for the funeral of Pope Francis.

The Vatican says the 88 year-old died from a stroke and subsequent heart failure on Monday.

A conclave - the process to select a new pope - will be held in the coming weeks.

Papal historian Michael Walsh says the Catholic Church's cardinals will already be preparing for the election.

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Philippines, US launch joint combat drills in 'full battle test'

INTRO: More than 14,000 Filipino and American soldiers kicked off annual military exercises between the two allies in the face of regional security concerns, including tensions in the South China Sea.

Beijing and Manila have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, and tensions have escalated over run-ins between their coast guards in the disputed waters. Laura Westbrook reports.


Monday, April 21, 2025

DOJ calls for strong measures to counter Google's search monopoly

The future of one of the world's most valuable tech companies could be determined at a landmark trial which kicked off Monday.


In their opening statement, lawyers for the US Department of Justice called for strong measures to be imposed on Google to prevent the company from using artificial intelligence to extend its illegal monopoly in online search.


Ira Spitzer reports.


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​Four more Dems in El Salvador to demand release of wrongfully deported man

Four Democratic lawmakers are in El Salvador demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia be returned to the US. Garica was wrongly deported to a notorious prison in the country last month - something the White House admitted was an "administrative error." Toni Waterman has more.

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Catholics mourn Pope Francis' death

More than a billion Catholics worldwide are mourning the death of Pope
Francis, who has passed away at the age of 88.

World leaders have paid tribute to the Pontiff as nine days of
mourning have been declared by the Vatican.

From where John Bevir reports.

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[ALT] John Bevir reports from the Vatican.

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Trump stands behind Hegseth over second Signal chat (wrap)

The White House says US President Donald Trump "absolutely has confidence" in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It comes after the New York Times reported that he shared sensitive information ahead of air strikes on Yemen in a group chat that included members of his family. 

Kate Fisher reports from Washington


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WEINSTEIN TRIAL RESUMES - JURY SELECTION ALMOST COMPLETE

A New York judge has ruled that disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein will be allowed to remain in prison when he is not required to be in court during his latest trial for sex crimes.

Jury selection is nearly complete in what is a retrial of his 2020 conviction, in which Weinstein was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Mitch McCann reports:

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