An F/A-18 fighter jet went overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while landing in the Red Sea, resulting in the ejection of its two pilots. This incident occurred on Tuesday and adds to a series of mishaps during the carrier's deployment, which has been crucial in the U.S. airstrike campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump and Oman’s foreign minister announced that a ceasefire had been reached with the Houthis, halting attacks on ships in the Red Sea corridor.
A Houthi spokesman claimed that the ceasefire was a significant victory for the group, framing it as a result of America’s agreement to stop its aggressive actions. He stated that Yemen had managed to shift the balance of power in its favor. The Houthis also claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Israel, a claim acknowledged by the Israeli military, although it did not attribute the action directly to the rebels.
In a separate incident, three former Memphis police officers were acquitted of all state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop. The jury's decision came after a nine-day trial in Memphis, with the three defendants—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith—embracing their legal representatives following the verdict. They still face potential prison time due to federal charges against them. The trial and its outcome sparked nationwide protests, emphasizing the ongoing demand for police reform in the United States.
In more political news, Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means, a physician and wellness influencer with connections to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as his choice for surgeon general. This decision followed the withdrawal of previous nominee Janette Nesheiwat from consideration. Trump praised Means for her credentials and potential to tackle chronic diseases and enhance American health. The Means siblings have previously supported Kennedy's presidential campaign and gained recognition from prominent conservative figures.
Meanwhile, U.S. authorities revealed plans to deport certain migrants to Libya, a country with a notorious history of human rights abuses, prompting legal challenges. Lawyers for some of those affected affirmed that their clients, including individuals from Vietnam and the Philippines, were informed about these deportations. U.S. officials, however, indicated that migrants could not be deported without the opportunity to contest such actions in court.
On another front, black smoke was seen rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that no pope had been elected as 133 cardinals commenced the conclave to select a successor to Pope Francis. The first round of voting failed to yield a winner, and following this, the cardinals retired for the night, with plans to reconvene the next morning.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 92 fatalities, sparking international concern as the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalates into its 20th month. These strikes, which targeted various areas in Gaza, raised alarms over the rising death toll among civilians, including women and children.
In a notable escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, India launched missile strikes that killed 31 individuals in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab. Pakistan condemned the attacks, labeling them an act of war, and claimed to have downed several Indian fighter jets in response. The exchange of fire has marked the most intense confrontation between the rival nations since 2019.
On the economic front, the Federal Reserve decided to maintain the key interest rate at 4.3%, amidst rising concerns over inflation and unemployment. The Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, noted the ongoing uncertainty in the economy, exacerbated by tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.
Finally, House Republicans have proposed legislation permitting the sale of significant tracts of public land in Nevada and Utah, sparking outrage among Democrats and environmentalists. The proposed land sales are intended to facilitate economic development and other infrastructure projects amidst strong opposition from those concerned about environmental implications.
