A week into Donald Trump’s second term, the U.S. military ordered three airlines to halt 11 flights carrying weapons to Ukraine. This caused confusion among Ukrainian and Polish officials, who questioned whether it was a permanent stop. Top U.S. security officials were initially unable to provide answers. Within a week, flights resumed. The order came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office, according to TRANSCOM records reviewed by Reuters. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 11:30 am
A senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim, stated there’s “no point” in further ceasefire talks as Israel plans an expanded offensive in Gaza. Israel aims to retrieve hostages and defeat Hamas, potentially seizing Gaza and displacing its population. The offensive is delayed until after President Trump’s visit, offering Hamas a negotiation window. UN Secretary General António Guterres and leaders like UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Macron expressed concerns over civilian casualties. President Trump pledged US food aid to Gaza, criticizing Hamas for obstructing aid distribution. Aid agencies warn of imminent mass starvation. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 11:30 am
Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for the second night as the city prepared for Victory Day celebrations. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported 19 drones shot down overnight, with no casualties. Flights were suspended at four airports. Ukraine’s drone strikes have led to the cancellation of Crimea’s Victory Day parade. President Putin’s proposed ceasefire was rejected by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who seeks a longer ceasefire. Zelenskyy warned of potential security risks for those attending Moscow’s celebrations, suggesting Russia might stage provocations to blame Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 11:30 am
Mobile phone signals will be deactivated in the Vatican on Wednesday for the secretive conclave to elect the next pope. Signal jammers will be used around the Sistine Chapel to prevent electronic surveillance. The 133 cardinals voting to succeed Pope Francis will surrender their electronic devices and be isolated in the chapel, taking a vow of secrecy. The signal cut-off won’t affect St. Peter’s Square. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 11:30 am
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele ordered the arrest of five bus company heads for defying his directive to provide free transport following a highway closure. This move exemplifies Bukele’s heavy-handed tactics, as he faces criticism for undermining democratic institutions and denying due process. The free fare announcement led to chaos, with overcrowded buses and long lines. Bukele accused the companies of “sabotaging the country,” claiming the government covered their usual income, though this was unverified. The National Transportation Committee expressed surprise, citing confusion due to the sudden announcement. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 8:00 am
Ukraine claimed to have hit a drone command unit in Russia’s Kursk region near Tyotkino, amid reports of attempts to cross into Russia. An electrical substation in Rylsk was damaged, causing power loss, and two teenagers were injured. Ukrainian forces reportedly fired missiles and crossed minefields, leading to heavy border battles. Kyiv maintains a military presence in Kursk, while Russian bloggers reported Ukrainian attempts to breach the border. In Sumy, Ukraine, authorities advised evacuations near the border. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 8:00 am
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned after a far-right leader, George Simion, won the first round of the presidential election. Ciolacu’s Social Democrats will exit the pro-Western coalition, ending it, while ministers remain in an interim role. Simion will face independent centrist Nicusor Dan in a May 18 run-off. Despite winning the most seats in a December election, the Social Democrats can’t form a majority without the coalition. Romania faces challenges, including a large budget deficit and potential ratings downgrade. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 8:00 am
The EU is seeking help from oil and gas executives to cut ties with Russian energy. The European Commission plans to propose new powers for companies to end contracts with Russia and avoid future deals. Despite reduced dependency, 19% of gas imports were still from Russia in 2024, compromising energy security. The EU aims to signal a long-term commitment to leaving Russian fuel, but market interest is uncertain. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 8:00 am
The 2024 Pulitzer Prizes honored excellence in journalism and the arts. The New York Times received multiple awards, including for reporting on Afghanistan, Sudan, and the fentanyl crisis in Baltimore. Doug Mills won for breaking news photography of a Trump assassination attempt. Reuters was recognized for its investigative series on fentanyl. The New Yorker’s Mosab Abu Toha won for commentaries on Gaza. The public service winner received a gold medal, while other winners received $15,000. Ava Sinclair 06/05/2025 8:00 am
Germany’s parliament is set to elect Friedrich Merz as Chancellor, ending months of political stalemate. Merz, 69, aims to revitalize the economy and strengthen Germany’s global influence amid domestic far-right challenges and international uncertainties. The CDU, CSU, and SPD coalition holds a narrow majority. Merz plans to tighten immigration, invest in infrastructure, and rebuild European ties. He has already exempted defense from strict debt rules, but must convince the public of increased defense spending. The far-right AfD, now the main opposition, opposes his policies. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 4:30 am
