Hamas Seeks Amendments to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Amid U.S. Rejection

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Hamas is requesting changes to the latest ceasefire proposal concerning Gaza put forth by the United States. A senior official from Hamas, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, indicated that their proposed amendments focus on key issues such as U.S. guarantees, the timing for the release of hostages, the flow of aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, however, labeled this response as "totally unacceptable."

The ongoing negotiations come as the conflict in Gaza approaches 20 months, with increasing desperation among starving Palestinians and families of hostages held in the enclave. Hamas released a statement claiming that the proposal intends to establish a permanent ceasefire, ensure a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and facilitate a consistent flow of aid. It also specified a release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners. Currently, 58 hostages are still believed to be held captive, with Israel estimating that 35 are deceased.

Witkoff detailed a framework suggesting a 60-day ceasefire intended to free half of the living hostages and secure the return of half of those who were killed. He urged Hamas to accept this framework as a basis for negotiations, which he hoped could commence the following week.

Russian Attacks Continue in Ukraine as Peace Talk Prospects Diminish

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, including a 9-year-old girl, as the ongoing violence raises questions about potential peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow scheduled for early next week in Istanbul. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russian forces launched approximately 109 drones and five missiles overnight. Of these, three missiles and 42 drones were intercepted, while 30 drones did not reach their intended targets without causing damage.

The girl was killed during a strike on the front-line village of Dolynka in the Zaporizhzhia region, with officials reporting damage to homes and vehicles from the explosion. Additionally, a man was killed due to Russian shelling in the Kherson region, as disclosed by local authorities.

Iran Increases Stockpile of Near Weapons-Grade Uranium

VIENNA (AP) — The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed in a confidential report that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. As of May 17, Iran has accumulated 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%. This marks an increase of nearly 50% since the IAEA's last report in February, raising concerns due to the proximity of enrichment to weapons-grade levels of 90%. The IAEA stated that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material, leading to serious international alarm.

Impact of Tariffs on Black Hair Care Industry

ATLANTA (AP) — Tariffs imposed during the Trump administration are affecting the prices of essential products in the Black hair care industry. Therapist Brittanee Sims noted that the increased costs led her to limit haircare services to her children due to financial constraints. Many products, including synthetic braiding hair and wigs, are imported from China, and recent tariffs have increased prices significantly, creating additional stress for shoppers and salon owners.

Experts in the Black hair industry are voicing concerns about the ability to maintain their businesses in the face of rising costs and inflation, leading to potential price increases for salon services. This has forced many, especially women who regularly utilize these services, to rethink their haircare routines.

Revival of Utah Uranium Mining Industry Under Trump Administration

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — In response to a declared "national energy emergency," the Trump administration has expedited regulatory approvals for the reopening of the Velvet-Wood uranium mine in southeastern Utah. This site, which has been dormant since the 1980s, could reopen under newly fast-tracked procedures by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. However, more permits and financial justifications will be needed for sustainable operations in a market where uranium prices must rise significantly.

The interior secretary emphasized the importance of energy security, aligning it with national security interests, as efforts to reopen the mining site gain momentum.

Catastrophic Flooding in Nigeria Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The death toll from severe flooding in Mokwa, a town in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger, has surged to at least 151. The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall on Thursday, resulted in countless injuries and significant displacement, with over 3,000 individuals forced from their homes. The local emergency service confirmed that many households have been severely affected, and vital infrastructure—such as roads and bridges—has been destroyed or damaged.

The disaster has left surviving residents struggling to salvage their properties while authorities continue to search for missing individuals amidst the chaos.

Declining U.S. Public Health System Faces Challenges Amid Cuts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Significant cuts in public health funding have led to a reduction in services vital for community health in the U.S. Health departments are struggling to maintain essential programs that protect citizens from outbreaks and ensure clean environments. Experts have highlighted that the Trump administration's cuts, including the loss of $11 billion in direct federal support, are crippling local public health efforts.

This trend poses a threat to routine health services while the nation grapples with rising infectious disease cases, emphasizing the urgent need for a reinvestment in public health initiatives.

New Orleans Jail Escape and Subsequent Arrests

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Investigations into the escape of ten men from a New Orleans jail have uncovered that at least 15 individuals aided the fugitives, many of whom were friends and family. Assistance included providing food, money, and shelter both before and following the escape, according to court documents. The authorities have since raised the reward for information leading to the apprehension of the remaining escapees, emphasizing the critical role of accomplices in the ongoing search.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Trafficking Trial Highlights Testimonies

NEW YORK (AP) — The third week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial revealed testimonies from former assistants who portrayed Combs as aggressive and controlling. One assistant detailed witnessing Combs' violent behavior towards a former girlfriend, while another alleged that he sexually assaulted her during her employment. The trial is set to resume soon, continuing to unfold the serious allegations against the hip-hop mogul.

Pacers Advance to NBA Finals After Victory Over Knicks

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a score of 125-108 in Game 6, marking their first trip to the NBA Finals in 25 years. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the team to victory, with Siakam earning the Eastern Conference finals MVP award. The Pacers will begin their championship series in Oklahoma City, aiming for their first NBA title in franchise history.