Russia and Ukraine engaged in extensive aerial attacks, with both nations deploying over 100 drones across their territories.
This escalation occurred shortly after President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire during discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. While Ukraine has endorsed the truce proposal, skepticism remains regarding Russia’s commitment to the agreement.
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In the Gaza Strip, Hamas announced it will release an American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four others only if Israel implements a ceasefire agreement.
The proposed deal requires Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, withdraw from a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, and agree to further prisoner exchanges. This development follows Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in nine fatalities, including three journalists, raising concerns about the fragility of the current ceasefire.
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Pakistan’s military has accused India of sponsoring insurgents following a deadly train hijacking in Balochistan province that left 26 passengers dead.
The unprecedented attack by the Baloch Liberation Army involved the ambush and hijacking of a train carrying approximately 400 passengers, leading to a prolonged standoff with security forces. India has denied these allegations, and the incident has drawn international condemnation, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
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A massive storm system has swept across the United States, triggering numerous tornadoes and wildfires, resulting in at least 17 fatalities.
Missouri was particularly affected, with tornadoes causing significant destruction and loss of life. States of emergency have been declared in Arkansas and Georgia as the severe weather continues to move eastward, prompting widespread evacuations and power outages.
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The U.S. government is preparing to deport approximately 300 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador.
This arrangement involves the U.S. paying El Salvador $6 million to imprison these individuals for one year, marking a notable instance of the Central American country accepting migrants from the United States.
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The Voice of America (VOA) has terminated contracts with major wire services, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
Kari Lake, appointed by President Trump to manage VOA, stated that this move aims to save $53 million, asserting that with a nearly billion-dollar budget, VOA should produce news internally. This decision reflects the administration’s efforts to assert greater control over the government-funded news organization.
