Here's a quick look at some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
Pope Francis Showing Improvement
Good news from the Vatican: Pope Francis is reportedly doing better. Sources say he had another peaceful night, slept well, and his overall health condition is showing slight improvement. We'll continue to monitor his condition and provide updates as they become available.
Marseille Sees Arrests and Sentencing
In France, law enforcement has been busy. In Marseille, Ibrahim Bendjilali, the son of the former imam of the Blue Mosque, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for drug possession. He was absent from his trial, and an arrest warrant has been issued. Separately, following an explosive attack on the Russian consulate in Marseille, two men have been detained. The prosecutor's office described them as "significant persons," but no further details have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
Grim Situation in Donetsk
The situation in Russian-occupied Donetsk is becoming increasingly dire. Residents are facing severe problems with the water supply due to a burst main water pipeline and a deteriorating infrastructure. Some are even resorting to bathing in snow. According to Yevgeny Solntsev, the head of the puppet government, the problem won't be resolved until next year. "The situation is critical, but we are working to find solutions," Solntsev stated in a recent press conference. The city is also facing a shortage of other basic necessities.
Austrian Government Formation
After months of political deadlock, Austria may finally have a new government. The Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberals from NEOS have reportedly agreed to form a coalition government. This is the second time these parties have attempted to form a government. Their coalition program is expected to be presented shortly. The right-wing populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) won the parliamentary elections last September, but parties were unable to form a coalition cabinet until now.
Trump and Media Access
In the United States, a new policy from the White House is raising concerns about press freedom. President Trump excluded reporters from some media outlets from the first government session. This has sparked a discussion about the independence of the media and the role of the press in a democratic society. Critics argue that restricting access to certain media outlets sets a dangerous precedent.
These are just a few of the stories making headlines around the world today. Stay tuned for more updates.