At a White House peace summit on Friday, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan engaged in a historic handshake and signed an agreement intended to put an end to decades of conflict between their nations. The event saw President Donald Trump positioned between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. As the two leaders extended their arms to shake hands, Trump clasped their hands together, symbolizing his involvement in this diplomatic milestone.
The agreement, which also involves commitments from the U.S., aims to reopen critical transportation routes in the region, seeking to diminish Russia's diminishing influence. Notably, the deal includes the inauguration of a significant transit corridor, which the White House announced will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. Trump expressed that while being honored by the naming was a "great honor," he noted that the suggestion came from the Armenian side.
In related news, the Justice Department has escalated its scrutiny of political adversaries of President Trump through investigations targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff. Reports indicate that subpoenas have been issued to James concerning records related to a lawsuit she filed against Trump for alleged fraud. The Justice Department is looking into whether James might have infringed upon Trump's civil rights. Additionally, subpoenas have also sought records connected to a separate case involving the National Rifle Association and its chairman Wayne LaPierre.
Attorney General Pam Bondi assigned special prosecutor Ed Martin to investigate mortgage fraud allegations against James and Schiff, both of whom have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the actions against them are politically motivated. These developments represent one of the most severe initiatives taken by the Justice Department against Trump's political opponents.
Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has overturned a judge's contempt ruling against the Trump administration concerning deportations to a prison in El Salvador. The case arose after planes carrying Venezuelan migrants landed at the facility, disregarding U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg's ruling to return them to the U.S. The appeals court concluded that Boasberg had overstepped his authority regarding executive powers in foreign affairs.
In global conflict news, Israel plans to intensify its ongoing war against Hamas by executing a takeover of Gaza City. With air and ground assaults resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread suffering, the planned military action is expected to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. An anonymous official indicated the operation would be executed gradually without a fixed start date.
On another front, the U.N. Security Council has convened an emergency meeting regarding Israel's military strategies, reflecting the escalating international concerns about the conflict. The meeting was postponed to Sunday morning, after initially being scheduled for Saturday afternoon, with the urgency underscored by the serious implications for both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.
In a poignant anniversary, Nagasaki commemorates the 80th year since the atomic bombing by the U.S. during World War II. Survivors and advocates are increasingly vocal about their commitment to nuclear disarmament, expressing fears that global attitudes are regressing rather than advancing towards a world without nuclear arms. The bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in profound loss of life and a legacy of suffering that survivors wish to pass on to future generations.
Germany has announced a halt in military exports to Israel to be used in Gaza amidst backlash against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that exports will not be authorized "until further notice," reflecting Germany's shift in stance and aligning with a broader critique of Israel's military actions in the ongoing conflict.
In diplomatic efforts, President Trump has announced a meeting next Friday in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. While details remain unconfirmed, this meeting could be pivotal, given the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement since Russia's invasion began over three years ago.
Lastly, a tragic incident unfolded in Atlanta where a shooting occurred near the CDC headquarters, resulting in the death of a police officer and the shooter. The situation prompted a swift law enforcement response and raised alarms surrounding public safety at key institutions.
Moreover, authorities successfully captured a man wanted in connection with a bar shooting in Montana, which had left four people deceased. The suspect's arrest followed an extensive week-long search involving numerous law enforcement agencies.
