US and Iran Exchange Fire After Trump Threatens Tehran Over Stalled Talks
Iran has declared that recent US attacks have made the ceasefire agreement "practically meaningless." Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump expressed an unusual stance on inflation, stating, "I love the inflation," in response to a rise to 4.2%.
Has the ceasefire collapsed yet?
The United States launched strikes on multiple Iranian cities following Trump's warning that Tehran would "pay the price" for the breakdown in negotiations. Iran retaliated with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, asserting that the US strikes undermined the ceasefire established on April 8.
The US military action was reportedly more intense and broader in scope compared to separate strikes conducted the previous day, which the US described as a "proportional response" to the downing of an Apache helicopter.
Trump accused Iranian negotiators of "playing us for suckers" just one day after reiterating claims that a peace deal was imminent.
"We hit them hard yesterday and we’re going to hit them hard again today,"the US president told reporters at the White House on Wednesday.
Current Status of Negotiations
Efforts to transform the ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement have stalled for several weeks. Both sides have engaged in periodic flare-ups, launching limited strikes and accusing each other of violating the truce.
Objectives of Both Sides
Iran demands the lifting of international sanctions, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in assets, and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has insisted that any future peace deal must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
This is a developing story. Follow our updates for the latest information.
Bill Gates Testifies Before House Committee on Epstein
Bill Gates appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday, stating in his opening remarks that he
"never witnessed nor had any indication"that Jeffrey Epstein was
"engaged in ongoing criminal conduct".
During testimony on Tuesday, Lesley Groff, Epstein’s longtime executive assistant, also stated she had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes while working for him.
Gates expressed support for transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims, saying,
"I support the release of all the Epstein files and sincerely hope that, through your efforts and those of others advocating on their behalf, the survivors of Epstein’s crimes can get the justice that they deserve."
Video Shows Family’s Car Slowing Before Israeli Troops Shot Palestinian Baby
New footage has emerged showing the moments before the shooting that killed seven-month-old Sam Abu Haikal, who was in his mother’s arms. The video depicts the family’s car slowing near a military post before Israeli soldiers opened fire. 
The incident occurred on Friday in the occupied West Bank and sparked outrage after soldiers fired on the vehicle despite its compliance with an order to stop. Sam’s parents, Daniyah and Fahd Abu Haikal, were also injured. Israeli military police have opened an investigation into the soldier responsible for firing at the vehicle.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they had
"perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them". However, B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, disputes this claim.
In Other News
The family of a victim in a knife attack in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has called for calm as riots continued across the city on Wednesday night. 
On the same day, Elon Musk denied accusations that he was inciting disorder on social media.
An Israeli missile strike in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon hit a car carrying two people, killing both, according to local media reports.
The United States has confirmed over 2,000 measles cases so far this year, with 2026 on track to experience the worst outbreak in decades following significant federal budget cuts to public health.
Misty Roberts, a former mayor in Louisiana, has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for the rape of a 16-year-old boy. Roberts sexually assaulted the underage victim at her home in July 2024.
Stat of the Day: Trump Says ‘I Love the Inflation’ as Rate Rises to 4.2% Amid Iran War Pressure
When asked by a reporter at the White House on Wednesday whether he was concerned about the latest inflation figures, Donald Trump responded,
"No, I love it, the numbers were great … I love the inflation."US inflation has increased for the third consecutive month since the start of the Iran conflict, reaching a three-year high of 4.2%.
The Filter Recommends: ‘Grandma Hobbies’ – Are Jigsaw Puzzles This Summer’s Hot Activity?
Lauren Gould writes,
"Among younger demographics, ‘grandma hobbies’ are cool. Perhaps that’s why I, a member of Gen Z, recently felt called to pick up a jigsaw puzzle for the first time in over a decade."She recommends several colorful, eccentric, and stylish puzzle options.
Don’t Miss This: ‘Demonized, Called Hysterical’ – The Rise of Witchcraft Retreats
Witchcraft retreats have grown in popularity across the US and Europe over the past decade. Lauren Abunassar reports from an Irish estate that these retreats combine ancient folk magic, herbal remedies, and self-soothing rituals. They encompass practices from self-directed pagans’ spellcasting to solitary practitioners scattering protective salts around their homes. 
Climate Check: Record Winter Temperatures in Antarctic Raise Fears Over Speed of Climate Breakdown
Temperatures in Antarctica soared to nearly 60°F this month, surpassing the previous record of 56°F set in 1998 for the typically frozen region. This unprecedented warmth has raised concerns about the accelerating pace of climate change. Raúl Cordero, an Ecuadorian climate professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, described the temperatures as
"absolutely crazy"and a
"huge anomaly."
Last Thing: USA Men’s Soccer Coach Mauricio Pochettino on the World Cup
With the World Cup kickoff day arriving, USA men’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who
"doesn’t seem like a man who has trouble sleeping,"shared his thoughts. He said,
"No one sees the US as a [contender]. But you analyze other World Cups and think: ‘Why not?’"
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