02.24.2025

In partnership with

Papal Health Concerns

Pope Francis remains in critical condition today after receiving heavy oxygen flows and a blood transfusion over the weekend to stem a respiratory crisis, according to Vatican officials. As of this writing, Francis was said to be alert and communicating but showing signs of early kidney failure, which doctors described as under control. 

The 88-year-old was admitted to the hospital more than a week ago after coming down with bronchitis, his fourth hospital stay since being elevated to the office in 2013. Francis—who had part of a lung removed at age 21 while battling pneumonia (see bio)—has been largely wheelchair-bound in recent years 

If and when Francis resigns or passes, the Vatican will commence a conclave of cardinals (the second-highest position in the Catholic church) to elect his successor. Learn how the process works, and explore the history of the papacy here.

Conservatives Win Germany

Germany’s pair of conservative Christian Union parties won control of parliament yesterday, receiving 28% of the vote and ousting Olaf Scholz and his center-left Social Democrats after three years in power. The parties' leader, Friedrich Merz, will become chancellor and look to build a coalition government over the next few weeks. The contest garnered the highest turnout since unification in 1990 at 83.5%.

The election also saw nationalist party Alternative for Germany double its vote from 2021, earning the second-highest number at 20% to the Social Democrats’ 16% (see charts). The rise of the AfD complicates Merz’s coalition-building plans, as his and other mainstream parties have refused to align with the Euroskeptic, immigration-strict group. Analysts expect Merz to attempt an alliance with Scholz’s party and the fourth-place Greens (12%). 

Scholz called for early elections after his coalition collapsed in November amid disagreement over how to boost the country’s economy, the EU’s largest. Learn what a Merz-led government means for Europe here.

Texas Measles Outbreak

A measles outbreak in the South Plains region of northwest Texas has infected at least 90 people since late January, Texas state health officials reported Friday, with 77 cases in teenagers or children and 16 cases leading to hospitalizations. Across the state border, nearby Lea County, New Mexico, reported 10 cases. 

The viral airborne disease is highly contagious, causing rashes, fever, and respiratory issues—children under 5 and immunocompromised people are at higher risk. Prior to a 1963 vaccine, nearly every American teenager contracted measles by age 15, killing around 500 people each year. The disease was declared eliminated—meaning no continuous, endemic transmission—in the US in 2000. 

Officials have not determined the origin of the current outbreak. Of the 90 cases reported in Texas, five had been vaccinated against the disease while the rest were either unvaccinated or had unknown status. 

Take a deep dive into how measles works here (w/video).

In partnership with SmartAsset

What Is A Financial Advisor Really Worth?

In partnership with SmartAsset

7 Mistakes People Make When Hiring an Advisor

Working with a financial advisor can be a crucial part of any healthy financial plan. But choosing the wrong one could wreak havoc. Avoiding these 7 mistakes people make when hiring an advisor could potentially help reduce financial stress.

SmartAsset’s no-cost tool simplifies the time consuming process of finding an advisor. Answer a few questions to get matched with up to 3 vetted financial advisors serving your area. All advisors on the platform have been rigorously screened through a proprietary due diligence process and are legally bound to work in your best interest. Get your financial advisor matches today.

Please support our sponsors!