This week’s edition covers stories
from April 17th to April 23rd, 2025.
Today’s issue is 900 words, a 7-minute read.
Hey folks, Isabella here.
It’s been quite a week, and I’m excited to dive into some of the stories making waves. Pope Francis, in his final days, left us with a powerful message of compassion and leadership, especially during his brief encounter with Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar and SZA launched their highly anticipated Grand National Tour, delivering an unforgettable performance that’s already the talk of the town. On a more serious note, international students across the U.S. are facing unexpected visa cancellations, sparking major concerns about fairness and political motivations. These stories are making headlines for all the right (and sometimes frustrating) reasons. Let’s break it down.
Pope Francis’s Last Act: A Final
Message of Compassion and Courage
Pope Francis’s final days saw a striking moment of prophetic leadership during a visit from U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican, just before his death on Easter Monday. The beloved pontiff, renowned for his progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, migrants, and global peace, reportedly didn’t attend the official meeting with Vance. Instead, the VP met with Vatican officials while Pope Francis, still recovering in a wheelchair, exchanged brief Easter well-wishes with him.
Their brief interaction came at a tense juncture, as Francis had previously criticized the Trump administration’s policies on immigration and refugees, an issue that would loom large in the meeting. Yet, before his passing, the Pope gave one last public sermon, sharply calling for compassion toward migrants and the marginalized, a theme that became a final message to Vance. In his Easter address, Francis condemned the contempt directed at vulnerable groups and urged for renewed empathy across borders.
The internet exploded with reactions to what many saw as a poignant mic drop. Some humorously speculated that the Pope held on to life long enough to deliver his final message of compassion, while others reflected on his legacy of advocating for human rights. As the world mourns his passing, many are honoring his commitment to love, dignity, and a more inclusive world.
Visa Cancellations Spark Outrage
as International Students Face Uncertainty
A growing number of international students are facing visa cancellations in the U.S. despite having no criminal records, sparking legal battles and widespread concern. According to NPR, over 1,500 students across more than 240 universities have had their student visas revoked in recent months, often over minor or dismissed charges. Many of these students, including those from China, India, and Taiwan, claim they have never been involved in campus activism, contradicting claims from government officials that some visa revocations are linked to political activism.
One student from India, whose case stems from a traffic incident he was acquitted of, shared his shock after receiving an unexpected visa revocation notice. In total, more than 300 students have had visas revoked due to alleged campus activism, though many others are left without explanations. The U.S. State Department maintains that visas are revoked for criminal activity or behavior inconsistent with visa conditions. However, students argue that even dismissed charges are being used against them.
For many, this marks a chilling turn, as they face the prospect of self-deportation and uncertain futures. While these revocations have disproportionately affected students from China, others from Iran, India, and Taiwan are also impacted. As the controversy grows, the fate of these students hangs in the balance, with questions about fairness and political motivations at the forefront.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand
National Tour Kicks Off with a Bang
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Kendrick Lamar and SZA launched their highly anticipated Grand National Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. This marks the first-ever stadium tour for both artists, supporting Lamar’s album GNX and SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana. The sold-out show featured a 52-song setlist, blending solo hits and collaborative tracks like “Luther” and “Gloria”.
The performance showcased Lamar’s commanding presence, including a dramatic entrance in his signature black Buick GNX. SZA captivated the audience with her dynamic visuals and choreography, notably during “Diamond Boy (DTM),” where she narrowly avoided an onstage mishap . The duo’s chemistry was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between solo and joint performances, delivering a memorable experience for fans.
Following the Minneapolis kickoff, the Grand National Tour continues across North America and Europe, with upcoming stops in Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The tour is set to conclude on August 9, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden .
For a glimpse of their Minneapolis performance, check out the live rendition of “All the Stars” below:
Wolves Fight Back: Game 2 Loss is
Just the Wake-Up Call They Needed
The Timberwolves are far from out of this series! After a shaky Game 2, there’s still plenty of reason to believe they can take down the Lakers. Down 45-23 in the second quarter, the Wolves clawed their way back, giving themselves a shot at a comeback, but turnovers and missed opportunities sealed the deal. Their slow start and struggles with the Lakers’ physicality hurt them early, and their offense was way off, only five three-pointers and missed open shots. But don’t let that fool you, the Wolves are still in it!
Game 2 was full of lessons, and they’re absolutely correctable. If they can keep their composure, stop the fouling, and get back to moving the ball, they’ve got what it takes to outplay the Lakers. With three of the next four games at home, the Wolves have the perfect chance to flip the script. The series is tied 1-1 — this isn’t over yet. Get ready for a fiery Game 3!
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
filling out our March Madness brackets by night!
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