Zelenskyy Rejects Ceding Territory in Negotiations with Russia

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected the notion of ceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia in exchange for peace. This stance was made in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestion that a potential peace deal could involve "some swapping of territories." Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine "will not give Russia any awards for what it has done," declaring that Ukrainians would not offer their land to any occupier.

On the same day, a meeting took place in England involving European and Ukrainian officials alongside U.S. Vice President JD Vance to discuss the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for more than three years. Zelenskyy noted that he had not heard doubts expressed by any partners regarding America’s ability to help end the war, asserting that U.S. President Biden possesses both the necessary leverage and determination.

Israel Faces International Backlash Over Military Operations in Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) - Israel's decision to undertake military operations in Gaza City has sparked increasing international condemnation. Concurrently, tens of thousands of Israelis participated in one of the largest anti-government protests in recent months, stemming from the ongoing 22-month war. Efforts for a ceasefire appeared to resurface as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff planned to meet with Qatar’s prime minister to propose a new end to the war, as reported by anonymous officials.

Key mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, aim to establish a ceasefire framework that could involve the release of all hostages—both dead and alive—simultaneously in exchange for a halt to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Health officials reported tragic casualties, including 20 Palestinians shot dead while seeking aid and 11 individuals succumbing to malnutrition in just 24 hours. Family members of hostages pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, raising concerns for the 50 remaining captives.

CDC Shooter Linked Suicidal Thoughts to COVID Vaccine

ATLANTA (AP) - A man from Georgia who opened fire on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters attributed his actions to depression and suicidal thoughts he blamed on the COVID-19 vaccine, as stated by officials. The 30-year-old shooter reportedly discharged dozens of rounds into the CDC complex and killed a police officer, later identified as DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose, while responding to the scene.

The suspect, Patrick Joseph White, attempted entry into the CDC headquarters but was hindered by security. He subsequently drove to a nearby pharmacy to fire his weapon. In a reaction to the incident, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressed support for CDC staff, drawing criticism from some former employees who claim his public skepticism on vaccines has contributed to such violence.

Federal Law Enforcement Presence in Washington D.C. Raises Questions

WASHINGTON (AP) - Revelers packed the sidewalks of U Street in Washington, D.C., early Friday morning, oblivious to the security measures that were supposed to unfold after President Trump's vow to deploy federal law enforcement to restore order. This promised lockdown failed to materialize on schedule, with no visible federal presence reported.

Trump described a security operation intended to last seven days, with the possibility of user extension, stating that soon the Democratic-led city would transform into one of the nation's safest. The administration indicated that more than 120 members of federal law enforcement would operate during the weekends following the announcement, conducting arrests related to possession of stolen firearms and drugs.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden Seeks Re-election Amid Calls for New Leadership

WASCO, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, with a long tenure in Congress, expressed his determination to run for re-election in 2028 at the age of 79. As pressure builds on elderly Democratic leaders to make way for younger candidates, Wyden continues his advocacy against President Trump's policies. During a town hall, he acknowledged discussions around age are reasonable but declared that he remains capable of effectively contributing to governance.

The decision by President Biden, at 81 years old and amid concerns about his fitness for office, further complicates the discourse surrounding age and leadership within the Democratic Party, especially after Biden's withdrawal from the race in July 2024.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested in London

LONDON (AP) - British police detained 365 individuals during a pro-Palestinian protest in Central London, defying a recent law prohibiting support for the activist group Palestine Action. Demonstrators protested the law, which they argue infringes upon freedom of expression, by gathering outside Parliament and displaying defiant messages.

As tensions rose, police intervened to manage the situation, leading to a contentious exchange regarding the number of arrests and the justification for the law in a broader discussion about democratic rights.

Justice Department Investigates New York AG Letitia James

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - President Trump's Justice Department is investigating New York Attorney General Letitia James, recently issuing a subpoena tied to a $454 million civil judgment against Trump for allegedly misrepresenting his wealth. This inquiry raises further questions about James’ actions against Trump and reflects the ongoing tensions between the Justice Department and the former president's political adversaries.

The subpoena is focused on whether James violated Trump's civil rights while also seeking documents related to her lawsuits against the National Rifle Association. This action is part of Trump's broader promise to pursue retribution against his political opponents following his electoral challenges.

Astronauts Return from International Space Station

On Saturday, four astronauts safely returned to Earth in a SpaceX capsule after spending five months at the International Space Station. The crew included NASA's Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, along with Japan's Takuya Onishi and Russia's Kirill Peskov. They had launched in March to relieve pilots aboard Boeing's Starliner, which faced technical difficulties.

This mission highlights SpaceX's pivotal role in crew transport to the International Space Station and underscores the ongoing collaboration between international space agencies, paving the way for future exploration.

Federal Reserve Official Advocates for Interest Rate Cuts

NEW YORK (AP) - Michelle Bowman, a senior Federal Reserve official, indicated that disappointing job market data might strengthen the case for reducing interest rates. Bowman expressed her belief that interest rates should be lowered three times this year to bolster economic activity. However, her perspective faced opposition from a majority of Fed officials who opted to keep rates unchanged during their latest meeting.

The discussion surrounding interest rates remains vital as the economy grapples with the impacts of international trade and inflation, with the Fed's chair Jerome Powell seeking clarity on broader economic trends before making definitive policy changes.

Historic Milestone in Major League Baseball

ATLANTA (AP) - Jen Pawol made headlines as the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season Major League Baseball game. Her debut took place at first base during a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. The game was marked by an abundance of support from fans, family, and colleagues, highlighting a significant milestone for women in professional sports.

Pawol's successful first game represents not only a personal achievement but also a landmark moment for gender equality in Major League Baseball, celebrated by many as a step forward in diversifying the sport's officiating ranks.