This episode explores a range of global news stories, beginning with the death of Pope Francis and the outpouring of public grief in Rome. Against this backdrop, the podcast delves into the US Treasury Secretary's criticism of the IMF and World Bank, and the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, highlighting the US's commitment to these institutions while pushing for reform. More significantly, the episode covers the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, focusing on President Trump's criticism of President Zelensky and the US's proposed peace deal involving territorial concessions. For instance, the proposed deal would see Russia retain occupied territories in eastern Ukraine in exchange for US recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, a move opposed by Zelensky. The podcast also reports on a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir, leading to India closing its border with Pakistan and suspending a water treaty, and an earthquake in the Istanbul area causing widespread panic. Finally, the episode features the discovery of a letter shedding new light on Shakespeare's marriage and the first physical proof of Roman gladiators fighting lions, found through analysis of a skeleton with lion bite marks. What this means for international relations, trade negotiations, and our understanding of history is a complex picture painted by these diverse events.
