In today’s update: India escalates tensions with Pakistan, launching airstrikes in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Kashmir. The conclave to choose a new pope has commenced at the Vatican, and the Federal Reserve is set to hold interest rates steady as it evaluates the impact of President Trump’s tariffs.

Here’s what you need to know today:

India Strikes Pakistan, Tensions Escalate Over Kashmir Attack

India launched airstrikes on Pakistan early Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in the already tense relations between the two countries. Pakistan labeled the strikes an “act of war.” The missile attacks come just two weeks after a terrorist bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.

Pakistan reported that India’s strikes resulted in 26 casualties, including six at two mosques and two teens killed elsewhere. At least 46 others were injured. India, however, stated that it targeted “terrorist camps” in the Pakistani province of Punjab and Kashmir, and emphasized that civilian areas were not hit.

Social media videos confirmed fires and power outages following the airstrikes. In response, Pakistan vowed to retaliate, claiming to have downed five Indian Air Force jets and one drone. India has yet to confirm these reports.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both nations to show restraint, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for de-escalation. China, sharing borders with both countries, also urged them to seek peace and stability.

Stay updated by following our live blog for more developments.

Conclave to Select New Pope Begins at the Vatican

The conclave to elect a new pope has started, with 133 cardinals from across the globe gathering in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The election of a successor to Pope Francis will begin with an initial vote, followed by daily ballots until a new leader is chosen. The process is expected to last two to three days.

Several names are circulating as potential candidates for the papacy, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, and Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary. If elected, the new pope will play a pivotal role in guiding over 1.4 billion Catholics, addressing church financial challenges, and handling the fallout from past scandals.

Read the full story and get updates from the Vatican through our live blog.

Federal Reserve Expected to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce today that it will leave interest rates unchanged, keeping the federal funds rate between 4.25% and 4.5%. The decision comes as officials continue to assess the economic impact of President Trump’s tariffs on various sectors.

While President Trump has pushed for rate cuts to support the economy, most Federal Reserve officials believe it is more prudent to wait for further clarity on job market trends and tariff negotiations. Experts predict that the first interest rate cut could occur in July 2025.

Read more about the Federal Reserve’s outlook here.

Intelligence Memo Contradicts Trump’s Claims on Immigrant Gangs

A declassified U.S. intelligence memo challenges President Trump’s claims regarding the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. The memo, dated April 7, disputes Trump’s assertion that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is directly directing the gang’s operations in the U.S.

The findings stand in contrast to the president’s actions, which have included the deportation of Venezuelans to an El Salvador prison. This discrepancy has led to public tension, with some lawmakers demanding clarification from the administration.

Read the full story on the intelligence memo and its implications.

More Politics and Headlines:

• Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney declares that his country is “not for sale” in his first meeting with President Trump.
• U.S. Supreme Court grants an emergency request, allowing Trump’s transgender military ban to remain in place.
• The FDA appoints Dr. Vinay Prasad as its new vaccine chief despite criticism regarding his views on COVID vaccine approvals.
• Trump administration officials terminate the CDC’s infection control committee, a body responsible for national health standards.

Other Key Stories:

• Real ID requirements for air travel begin today. Find out what you need to know.
• Smokey Robinson faces a lawsuit for alleged sexual assault by former housekeepers.
• A fighter jet crashed from the USS Harry S. Truman, marking the second such incident in eight days.

Staff Pick: A Fyre Festival-like Disaster at Book Festival
At the A Million Lives Book Festival in Baltimore, what was supposed to be a grand event for book lovers turned into a fiasco, leaving attendees disappointed and frustrated by the lack of organization. Attendees shared their shock at the event’s failure and their struggles with financial losses due to the disarray.