Global News
American Pope Elected
On May 7 and May 8, the Conclave to elect the next Pope of the Catholic Church was held after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected, taking on the name of Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo is the first American-born pope, and his beliefs are generally of that of a moderate within the church. The Conclave is a secretive election that must begin within 15 to 20 days after the death of the Pope. The secret election sequestered all 252 cardinals, despite only 133 cardinals being eligible to vote due to the voting cap at 80 years old. NBC News reported that of the 133, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis in his 12 years as Pope, making up more than 80 percent of those voting. Pope Francis was seen as a controversial pope due to his more progressive views, according to the New York Times. However, Pope Francis was still well-liked by most for his humble demeanor, Business Insider reported following his death.
Trade Deal Took Time
On May 6, a deal between the United Kingdom (UK) and India was struck to make it easier for UK firms to export whisky, cars, and additional products to India, as well as cut taxes on India’s clothing and footwear exports, BBC reported. The agreement took roughly three years to reach, with both sides appreciating it, with Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, calling it “ambitious and mutually beneficial.” The lower tariffs on Indian products and the levies falling on British exports allowed both sides to settle what some are calling a historic milestone.
National News
Met Gala Makes History
On May 5, A-list celebrities, fashion figures, and other influential individuals gathered at the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, adorned with outfits fitting to the title of the exhibition: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with the dress code being “Tailored for You,” according to CBS News. The co-chairs were A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The exhibit aimed to acknowledge how clothing styles contributed to and influenced Black history. The Gala centered on the Black identity and Black designers for the first time in the Met’s history, which has been around since 1948, TIME reported.
State News
Mosquito Mayhem
Beginning in May and running through October, mosquito season in Texas pesters residents every year. According to KVUE, warmer weather patterns in recent years have made it so mosquito season is longer. The City of Austin Mosquito Prevention Team urges residents to drain standing water because it could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes in as little as one teaspoon. Additionally, they say using insect repellent can prevent mosquitoes and other insect bites. In addition to itchy bites, mosquitoes carry many diseases, namely West Nile Virus, which, according to Austin Public Health, can develop into a severe illness in one of 150 people infected.
Vouchers Vex Public Schools
On May 3, the Texas Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation into law allowing a school voucher program, granting money to Texas families who attend private schools. Expected to start on Sep. 1, 2026, the state of Texas will give participating families about $10,000 to pay for their kids’ private schooling, according to the Texas Tribune. Senate Bill Law 2 has been a goal of Abbott since his reelection campaign in 2022 where he promised school choice.
Six Flags Sinks
On May 1, Six Flags announced it’s making cuts in its portfolio by closing a park and adjoining water rides, Chron reported. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, Maryland, are the locations expected to shut down at the end of the 2025 season. Currently, the future for the Texas locations is uncertain if they are part of the portfolio being looked at for being sold, but the company is still undergoing massive changes since its doors opened up 20 years ago, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Local News
ACL Lineup Announced
On May 6, the Austin City Limits (ACL) lineup was published at 9 a.m., with the festival spanning two weekends on October 3-5 and 10-12 at Zilker Park. The setlist this year features a diverse range of headliners, namely Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, The Strokes, Doechii, Luke Combs, and John Summit. Approximately 450,000 people attended ACL in 2024 over the course of the two weekends, which is double the attendance of Coachella, at 180,000, according to Fifty Grande.
Homeless Sites Close Down
On May 6, the City of Austin announced the closure of two homeless encampments after threats to safety and flooding concerns, KXAN reported. 51 unhoused people were relocated from the Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary and the Govalle Neighborhood Park to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters. According to the city’s Homeless Strategy Office, the area posed concerns to wildlife in addition to growing concerns of flooding as the area sits upon a flood-prone riverbank, according to KVUE.
