Kyiv, Ukraine, experienced a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack early Saturday, with explosions and gunfire reported around the city. Many residents sought refuge in underground subway stations to escape the chaos. This aggressive assault followed a significant prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, where hundreds of soldiers and civilians were swapped, marking a rare moment of cooperation amidst ongoing conflict.
The acting head of Kyiv's military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed that debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell across at least four districts, leading to six individuals requiring medical assistance and two fires in the Solomianskyi district. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko had alerted residents earlier about more than 20 Russian strike drones targeting the city, stating that drone debris impacted a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon as emergency services responded to the scenes.
The prisoner exchange, the first phase of a larger agreement involving the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side, was arranged during discussions in Istanbul the previous week. Despite this cautious step towards diplomacy, the recent military action underscores the ongoing tensions in the three-year war.
In the United States, the U.S. Treasury has announced that it will cease minting new pennies, ending a production run that has lasted for over two centuries. An estimated billion pennies will remain in circulation, but no new coins will be produced due to rising production costs and decreased practicality in an age leaning towards digital transactions. The decision, made during the Trump administration as a cost-saving measure, has stirred discussions about its broader implications, including concerns from future archeologists.
President Donald Trump has intensified his trade war with the European Union, threatening a 50% tariff on imports unless they are manufactured in the U.S. This provocative stance comes amid stalled negotiations with the EU regarding trade agreements, further complicating the global economic landscape. Trump voiced frustration over the slow progress, highlighting his aggressive tariff strategies aimed at increasing domestic manufacturing.
In another legal development, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's move to restrict foreign student enrollment at Harvard University, deeming it unconstitutional retaliation against the school for not complying with political demands. The ruling comes days before graduation and poses significant challenges for the university, which relies heavily on its international student body for its reputation and funding.
A tragic incident occurred in San Diego when a private jet crashed, killing multiple individuals onboard, including a music talent agent. The jet collided with power lines in foggy weather before impacting a home, creating a fire emergency that sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. Fortunately, no casualties occurred on the ground, although many residents were treated for non-life-threatening injuries due to smoke inhalation and shock.
In Paris, several individuals were found guilty of participating in the 2016 armed robbery of celebrity Kim Kardashian. Despite the court's ruling, which included some suspended sentences due to the defendants' ages and health issues, no additional time was mandated, allowing all found guilty to walk free due to time served in pretrial detention.
Amidst ongoing global issues, a stabbing at Hamburg's central train station left multiple people injured, including several in life-threatening condition. A 39-year-old woman was arrested as the prime suspect, while authorities investigated the motives behind the attack, which appeared to lack political intent.
In terms of corporate accountability, the Justice Department reached a preliminary agreement with Boeing, allowing it to avoid criminal prosecution related to its 737 Max jets' crashes. The company will pay over $1.1 billion, including compensation for victims' families, in exchange for dropping fraud charges that could have damaged Boeing's status as a federal contractor.
Lastly, renowned musician Billy Joel canceled all impending concerts following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a brain disorder affecting his hearing, vision, and balance. Under medical advice, he has started physical therapy and will refrain from performing while recovering from this condition, expressing regret for disappointing his fans.
