News brief: March 24-28

International

Rome’s Gemelli hospital discharged Pope Francis on Sunday after a 38 day long medical ordeal resulting in pneumonia. During his stay, his condition became so dire medical staff considered ending his treatment to let him pass.

On Feb. 28, Francis experienced a breathing crisis after inhaling his own vomit, Sergio Alfieri, leader of the medical team caring for the pope, told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or force it and try with all the drugs and therapies possible, running the very high risk of damaging other organs,” he said. “In the end, we took this path.”

Francis’ personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti made the decision to continue with treatment.

“Try everything, we won’t give up,” he said. “That’s what we all thought too. And no one gave up.”

According to the Vatican, he has since returned to his home at Casa Santa Marta where he will undergo mobility and respiratory physiotherapy along with personal prayer.

Doctors advised he have 24-hour medical assistance in case further emergencies arise.

“You have continued to pray for me with so much patience and perseverance,” the Pope said in an X post on Sunday. “Thank you so much. I also pray for you. Let us pray together for peace, especially in martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

National

This week, Harvard University announced free tuition for students from families making less than $200,000 annually.

According to the school, the current cost of tuition is $56,550 per year. Plus additional fees such as housing, food, and health services, the total comes to $82,666

“Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth,” Alan M. Garber, Harvard University President, said in a statement. “By bringing people of outstanding promise together to learn with and from one another, we truly realize the tremendous potential of the University.”

ABC News reported 55 percent of Harvard undergraduate students receive financial aid.

“We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state, and around the globe,” William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, said in a statement. “Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation.”

According to estimates from the university, around 86 percent of applicants from the United States would qualify if they were accepted. Of the 54,000 applicants for the class of 2028, 3.59% were accepted.

Local

An Oklahoma City family reported the theft of a life-size knight statue from their front porch on Tuesday.

A video published by KFOR shows a man wrapping his arms around the metal statue as he lifts it and makes his way out of frame during the early morning.

The theft occurred at the Brito family residence in a neighborhood near Southeast 59th Street and Sooner Road in Oklahoma City.

“The statue is actually my age,” Valentin Brito told KFOR in an interview. “It’s kind of just like a relic for our family. It’s been there, you know, all those years.”

According to Brito, his family has owned the statue for more than two decades. He is taken aback by the covert thief’s bold violation of his safe space.

“Coming onto someone’s property and taking stuff like that,” he said, “Especially when you’re not aware of the sentimental value associated with that, with those things, you know, it hurt.”

He does not believe the statue bandit lives nearby as the knight has become a beloved fixture in the community.

Brito urges citizens to keep watch for a rusty six foot tall suit of armor at local pawn shops and scrap metal facilities as police investigate the matter.