This week was a whirlwind—from the unfortunate death of the Pope to a dramatic NFL Draft, an arrest of a judge, escalating geopolitical tensions, and so much more.
Whether you’re catching up or reliving the headlines, here’s your must-know rundown of the week that was, including some bold predictions from the wisdom of the crowd.
Farewell to Pope Francis
Pope Francis passed away at 88, drawing mourners from around the world to St. Peter’s Square. Among the dignitaries were President Donald Trump (dressed in blue), First Lady Melania Trump, French President Macron, Prince William King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia, Queen Mary of Denmark, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, some observers are actually betting on who the next pope will be. More than $10 million has been wagered across popular prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi, making the Vatican’s current secretary of state the favorite to replace Francis.
- Kalshi says: Pietro Parolin 29% to be next pope
Trump and Zelensky Meet Amid Vatican Funeral
On the sidelines of the funeral, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a brief but significant meeting—their first since February, following a tense encounter which ended abruptly with no deal between the the U.S. and Ukraine.
The recent encounter in Rome underscores the potential for a shift in the tide, as Trump subsequently aired his frustrations with Russia President Vladimir Putin, who Trump said had no reason to be shooting missiles over the last few days.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along,” Trump added, suggesting that “maybe Putin ‘has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’”
- Polymarket says: 38% there’s a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire by July
India-Pakistan Tensions Flare After Kashmir Attack
A deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 people, prompting India to revoke visas for Pakistani nationals and suspend key diplomatic agreements. Pakistan has called for a neutral investigation, but cross-border gunfire continues, raising fears of further escalation.
- Polymarket says: 62% India uses military action against Pakistan before June
Elon Musk Steps Back from DOGE Role
Elon Musk announced he’s scaling back his involvement with the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to focus on Tesla, following a significant drop in the company’s profits—71% in the first quarter of 2025!
“Starting probably next month, May, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly,” Musk told investors.
His departure raises questions about the future of DOGE and its ambitious cost-cutting initiatives.
- Kalshi says: 38% chance Musk will actually leave by June 16
Cam Ward Goes No. 1 in NFL Draft
The Tennessee Titans selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward’s journey from a zero-star recruit, first playing in the FCS at Incarnate Word, to top pick is a true underdog story.
- Sportsbooks say: Ward is 20% to win NFL ROY
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Slide Ends with Browns Pick
Once projected as a top pick, Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round, selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Critics cited concerns over his performance and interviews.
The Browns now have a crowded QB room that includes rookie Dillon Gabriel, who the Browns took ahead of Sanders.
- Sportsbooks say: Sanders is 20% to win NFL ROY
Lorde Surprises Fans with New Song ‘What Was That’
Lorde debuted her new single “What Was That” with a live performance in New York’s Washington Square Park. The intimate event marked her return to music and hinted at a new artistic direction.
The new hit didn’t debut atop the Spotify Charts upon its Thursday release, but was move Kendick Lamar’s Luther aside on Friday.
- Kalshi says: 14% to be Spotify’s Top Song today
Wisconsin Judge Arrested for Aiding Immigration Evasion
Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee was arrested and charged with helping a man evade immigration authorities. The case has sparked protests and intensified debates over immigration enforcement and judicial conduct.
- Polymarket says: 35% she’ll be convicted of obstruction
Virginia Giuffre, Epstein Accuser, Dies by Suicide
Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, died by suicide at age 41. Her death has reignited discussions about the Epstein case, and not so surprisingly, more conspiracies.
- Kalshi says: 5% Trump will declassify Epstein documents in first 100 days
Trump Misses Another White House Correspondents’ Dinner
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place without President Trump, who continued his tradition of skipping the event. The evening featured appearances by celebrities and journalists, maintaining its role as a celebration of the free press, which some have argued is under assault from the current administration.
- Kalshi says: 14% Trump attend the White House correspondents dinner during his Presidency?
