Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signaling that the College of Cardinals has yet to reach an agreement on a new pope following Pope Francis’ death.

The 133 voting cardinals, who began their secret deliberations Wednesday evening, remain locked inside the historic chapel as they work to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis passed away on April 21 from a stroke and heart failure.

After nearly three hours of voting, black smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney—an unmistakable sign to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and viewers around the world that no candidate had secured the necessary votes.

In the conclave, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority—equivalent to 89 votes—to be elected pope. Until that threshold is met, the ballots are burned with a special chemical that produces dark smoke to indicate an inconclusive result. Once a pope is elected, a different chemical is used to create white smoke, marking the successful selection of the pontiff.

“Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel after nearly 3 hours of voting,” observers noted, as eyes turned skyward to watch the dark plume rise above Vatican City.

While the world waits, the centuries-old ritual continues behind closed doors. Once the cardinals come to a decision, the new pope will don the traditional white vestments and make his first appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the faithful and revealing the name he has chosen for his papacy.

Crowds packed St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, scanning the chimney for signs of smoke and praying for guidance as the Church embarks on a new chapter. Photos captured worshippers gazing upward in anticipation of the next signal.

The voting process often takes multiple rounds before a consensus is achieved. Historically, however, conclaves have moved relatively swiftly in modern times. Pope Francis was elected in just two days in 2013, and the past 10 conclaves have averaged about 3.2 days before a new pontiff was named.

As speculation swirls over who will succeed Francis, faithful Catholics and curious onlookers alike continue to wait patiently beneath the Vatican’s skies, looking for that long-awaited white smoke to declare the election of the next pope.

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CNN is facing backlash after airing a bizarre and widely mocked interview with a member of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel, in which the network seemingly sought to elicit criticism of former President Donald Trump’s crackdown on cartel violence—only to be met with unexpected resistance to attack the president.

The segment, which aired Saturday, featured CNN’s Isobel Yeung speaking to a cartel gangster whose identity was concealed with a mask, sunglasses, and latex gloves. The interview took place in what the reporter described as a secret location in Mexico, just days after Trump reiterated his commitment to cracking down on cartels and labeling them terrorists due to their role in trafficking deadly drugs like fentanyl into the United States.

“According to the Trump Administration, you are a terrorist … what do you make of that?” Yeung asked pointedly.

Instead of lashing out at Trump, the cartel member gave a surprisingly measured response: “Well, the situation is ugly, but we have to eat.”

Yeung pressed further, asking what message he would deliver directly to Trump. The gangster’s answer caught many off guard: “My respect. According to him, he’s looking out for his people.” He went on to note, “The problem is the consumers are in the United States. If there weren’t any consumers, we would stop.”

The interview rapidly went viral online, drawing fierce criticism of CNN’s approach. Social media erupted with users accusing the network of desperately fishing for an anti-Trump soundbite—and failing spectacularly.

“CNN is in full meltdown mode. All their usual smear tactics have failed—again. So what’s their next brilliant move? Interviewing the freaking Sinaloa Cartel,” one user mocked on X (formerly Twitter). “They were clearly hoping for a ‘Trump is evil’ quote. Instead? Total backfire.”

Another chimed in, “Not the answer the Communist News Network wanted.”

Critics also blasted CNN for what they perceived as an attempt to humanize or even sympathize with violent criminals. “So CNN is worried about hurting the cartel’s feelings? This isn’t the flex they think it is—it’s insulting to Americans,” one viewer tweeted. Another added, “Unbelievably, CNN gives a cartel member a platform to throw a pity party, but he ends up acknowledging Trump is just looking out for his people.”

The interview comes as Trump’s administration and the U.S. Coast Guard continue high-profile operations to combat cartel activities. Earlier this year, authorities seized over $500 million worth of drugs in the Eastern Pacific, underscoring the severity of the cartel crisis.

Rather than damaging Trump’s image, CNN’s segment appears to have inadvertently bolstered his tough-on-crime stance—while further eroding trust in the network’s journalistic judgment.

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Joy Reid, a rabid Donald Trump critic, broke her silence on her dismissal from MSNBC during a raw 10‐minute Zoom interview on the “Win With Black Women” podcast. Reflecting on her contentious career, Reid defended her hard-hitting style, declaring, “I’m not sorry. I am not sorry that I stood up for those those things,” and candidly admitted, “I’ve been through every emotion from, you know anger, rage, disappointment….guilt..that I let my team lose their jobs.”

Reid, whose forthright commentary has often sparked controversy—including remarks about “white tears” and the claim that white women “did not show up” to vote for former Vice President Kamala Harris—has long been a lightning rod for criticism. Her provocative style even earned a barb from President Trump, who dismissed her as a “mentally obnoxious racist” following her exit.

Her firing from MSNBC also signaled the end of her five-year run on “The ReidOut.” The abrupt decision is part of a larger shakeup at the network, which has also seen the cancellation of shows by other prominent anchors such as Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart. New MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, recently appointed after shedding her interim status, is now steering the network in a new direction following the departure of Rashida Jones.

In the midst of the upheaval, exclusive photos captured Reid in a fur-like coat and green baseball cap as she left her $1 million Maryland home—a visual reminder of both her distinctive style and the personal cost of her uncompromising approach. Despite the turmoil, Reid expressed gratitude for the impact of her work, emphasizing that her show had genuine value and resonated with her audience.

Her unapologetic tone and emotional openness continue to fuel debate over the network’s future direction and the broader implications of a media environment increasingly divided over its political and cultural stances.

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Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed during a visit to Iran, which the group claims was the result of an “airstrike” targeting his room. This incident has escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising the possibility of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, along with their respective allies and proxies. The assassination has also halted the ongoing Gaza hostage negotiations.

Haniyeh, who had been a central figure in Hamas, was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president when the alleged airstrike occurred. According to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the attack was carried out by Israel. Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official involved in ceasefire talks, stated that Haniyeh was directly hit by a rocket in his room, as reported by Iranian media.

Despite the severity of the situation, Israel has not officially commented on the incident. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the possibility of broader regional conflict, stating, “We don’t want war, but we are preparing for all possibilities.” This uncertainty has sparked fears of a larger-scale conflict involving Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In the wake of Haniyeh’s death, Iran commemorated him with a large banner in Palestine Square. The incident has also provoked strong reactions from Hamas supporters, including protests and acts of defiance. Demonstrators in the West Bank burned the Israeli flag and set fire to car tires.

The attack occurred shortly after Israel reportedly targeted a senior Hezbollah commander involved in an earlier attack in the Golan Heights. This series of events has led to concerns that Iran might retaliate, potentially escalating the conflict. Colin Clarke, a counter-terrorism expert at the Soufan Group, suggested that the strike “has all the hallmarks of a [Israeli] attack,” noting, “No one else has the motives and means to carry out this kind of attack.”

The ramifications of Haniyeh’s assassination could be significant, potentially undermining months of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who has been mediating these talks, expressed concern that the killing might derail efforts to reach a peaceful resolution, asking, “How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?”

As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, with countries like the United Arab Emirates expressing concern about regional stability. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and conflict.

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Donald Sutherland, the esteemed Canadian actor, passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by his son Kiefer Sutherland in a heartfelt announcement.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my father, Donald Sutherland’s passing. I believe he was one of the most significant actors in the history of film. He never shied away from any role, whether good, bad, or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one could never ask for more than that. A life well lived,” Kiefer wrote in his statement.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1935 to Dorothy Isobel Sutherland and Frederick McLea Sutherland, Donald Sutherland’s career spanned over 200 shows and films. 

He was renowned for his memorable roles in Robert Altman’s “M.A.S.H.,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “The Hunger Games,” and Jules Feiffer’s “Little Murders,” among many others.

Despite never receiving an Oscar nomination during his career, Sutherland was honored with an honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2017.

His death follows a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era for cinema and leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

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At New York University, a demonstration against Israel’s actions in Gaza escalated into a significant confrontation between protesters and police. On Monday evening, as tensions mounted, anti-Israel protesters formed a human chain, which led to the intervention of the NYPD. Officers warned the gathered crowd through a loudspeaker, as captured by Fox News Digital, stating, “You have been warned by New York University to leave the area.”

The university had previously set safety measures at Gould Plaza, declaring no additional protesters were allowed. However, these barriers were breached earlier in the day, prompting NYU’s Global Campus Safety to express concerns over the safety and security of the community. The university issued a statement, saying, “With the breach of the barricades early this afternoon, that requirement was violated, and we witnessed disorderly, disruptive, and antagonizing behavior that has interfered with the safety and security of our community.”

By the evening, the situation intensified, leading to mass arrests around 8:30 p.m. as the demonstration dwindled. The university underscored the gravity of the situation by offering an ultimatum: “We cannot tolerate people getting hurt. You will need to clear the plaza by 4:00 pm. If you leave now, no one will face any consequences for today’s actions—no discipline, no police.”

This incident at NYU is part of a broader wave of campus protests across the United States, with students voicing sharp criticisms of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and calling for academic institutions to divest from companies that supply weapons to Israel. The protests have heightened tensions among students, with pro-Palestinian groups demanding condemnation of Israel, while some Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe due to what they perceive as antisemitic undertones in the criticisms of Israel.

During the protest, chants like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were heard, a slogan that has been controversial and is viewed by many as a call for the elimination of Israel. This, along with actions like stepping on the Israeli flag, has intensified the debates around free speech and the spread of hate on college campuses.

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Numerous emergency response vehicles, including fire engines and personnel in protective hazmat gear, were seen at the residence of Donald Trump Jr. in Jupiter, Florida, this past Monday evening. This response was triggered by the delivery of a letter to Trump Jr. that contained a suspicious white substance, as confirmed by three individuals with knowledge of the incident.

Donald Trump Jr., who is the firstborn son of the 45th President Donald Trump, encountered the substance after opening the letter, which led to the dispersal of the white powder, as stated by one of the informants.

Attempts to reach the Jupiter Police Department for a statement on the incident went unanswered.

A spokesperson for Trump Jr. disclosed that the nature of the white substance is still uncertain, but there is currently no indication that Trump Jr. is at risk.

“Although the exact nature of the substance remains unidentified, initial tests did not indicate it to be harmful. Authorities at the scene are not treating it as a lethal threat,” the spokesperson for Trump Jr. commented.

Known for his vigorous support of his father, Donald Trump Jr. has been a prominent figure alongside the former president throughout various campaign events over the year.

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A 27-year-old mother of three, Canethia Miller, recently admitted to spending a significant portion of a nearly $11,000 grant from a program aimed at aiding low-income families on a lavish five-day vacation to Miami. This program, known as “Strong Families, Stronger Futures,” was introduced in Washington, DC, to assist mothers living near the poverty threshold. Miller was among 132 selected participants last year, as reported by the Washington Post.

Opting for a one-time payment of $10,800 instead of monthly installments of $900, Miller quickly allocated over $6,000 of these funds towards the vacation for herself, her three sons, and their father. She expressed her desire to enjoy the money by saying, “I wanted to blow it. I wanted to have fun.”

During the getaway, Miller ensured her children had fresh outfits each day, purchasing a total of 15 new sets of clothing. She also indulged in a $180 makeover, which included hair and nail services, to rejuvenate her appearance and step away from the everyday stresses of motherhood. “I didn’t have to look like a working, stressed mom,” she reflected on her transformed look for the trip.

The vacation was packed with luxurious experiences, including steak dinners, new toys and gadgets for her children, and a boat tour showcasing Miami’s opulent mansions. Miller viewed this as an opportunity to motivate her children, aspiring to show them what could be attainable through hard work.

Upon returning, Miller allocated the remaining funds towards bills and the purchase of a used vehicle. She acknowledged the financial strain she faced, especially after the birth of her third son, which led her to halt her social work studies to focus on her family. Residing in a subsidized apartment and relying on additional government assistance, she candidly shared the challenges of managing her monthly food stamps.

Despite the lavish spending, Miller has since opened a savings account with an initial goal of saving $50, attributing this newfound financial prudence to the insights gained from the “Strong Families, Stronger Futures” program. She is poised to start a new remote job with an hourly wage of $30, a role she believes was secured through the confidence and financial literacy fostered by the program. Miller emphasized the importance of financial education in her community, expressing a desire to leave a meaningful legacy for her children.

The program’s administering organization, Martha’s Table, based in DC, has yet to comment on the situation as per the Washington Post’s outreach.

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An extensive cellphone service disruption impacted numerous users across the United States on Thursday morning, leading to significant inconveniences, including the inability of certain police departments to accept 911 emergency calls.

The outage predominantly affected AT&T customers, with reports of disruptions peaking at nearly 32,000 around 4:30 a.m., as per the outage monitoring service DownDetector. This service aggregates real-time outage information from various sources, including direct reports from users.

T-Mobile and Verizon customers also experienced over 800 reported incidents of service interruptions. A Verizon spokesperson attributed these issues to difficulties their customers faced when attempting to connect with individuals on other networks.

The service interruptions were widespread, affecting major cities such as New York, Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle, and even reaching as far as Montreal, Canada. Users of smaller mobile service providers, including Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and Straight Talk Wireless, also reported connectivity issues.

As a result of the outage, several police departments across the nation issued warnings about potential challenges in reaching emergency services. In addition, many AT&T customers found themselves in “SOS Mode,” limiting their phone use exclusively to emergency calls.

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Over the recent weekend, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to a bladder condition, as announced by the Pentagon. Physicians John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut issued a statement through the Pentagon, revealing that Austin was placed in the critical care unit on Sunday for close observation following a series of diagnostic procedures. 

The duration of Austin’s hospital stay remains uncertain, but his medical team anticipates a full recovery from this bladder issue, affirming that his cancer prognosis continues to be favorable. Further updates regarding Austin’s health are expected to be shared in due course.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder disclosed earlier that Austin’s admission to Walter Reed was prompted by symptoms indicative of an urgent bladder problem. In light of his hospitalization, Austin delegated his responsibilities to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, ensuring that the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Congress were informed of the change.

This recent hospitalization follows an earlier incident on January 1, when Austin sought medical attention for leg discomfort linked to prostate cancer treatment, resulting in a four-day hospital stay. During this period, Deputy Secretary Hicks temporarily assumed Austin’s duties. However, the delay in notifying the White House about Austin’s condition drew criticism.

In response to concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding his previous hospital admission, Austin has agreed to appear before the House Armed Services Committee on February 29. The hearing will address the secrecy of his prior hospitalization, which was not disclosed to Congress or Joe Biden. 

This lack of communication has sparked frustration among some lawmakers, particularly in the context of the United States’ involvement in international conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, leading to calls from GOP House members for Austin’s resignation.

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