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Tanya Eby recounts a formative childhood experience of exclusion and family upheaval, and the lasting comfort she received from a teacher’s simple act of kindness. Amid profound personal losses and social isolation, her teacher’s empathetic support provided her with grounding and hope. Decades later, Eby credits this brief gesture with shaping her own approach to empathy and support as a college instructor. The story underscores how small, compassionate acts can have enduring impact, especially during moments of vulnerability.

President Trump has announced the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, and Memphis, Tennessee, to address protests and what he characterizes as rampant crime, despite local officials disputing the need for federal intervention. The moves have sparked legal challenges from Oregon's leaders, who argue the administration is overreaching its authority and misrepresenting conditions on the ground. The deployments are part of a broader pattern of sending federal forces to Democratic-led cities, raising concerns among legal experts about the normalization of military presence on U.S. streets and the potential erosion of laws restricting domestic military use. Local and state officials remain divided, with some welcoming federal assistance and others vocally resisting it.

Congressional leaders from both parties are meeting with President Donald Trump in a last-minute effort to avert a government shutdown caused by a standoff over government funding and health care policy. Republicans have advanced a bill to temporarily extend current funding levels, but Democrats are demanding action on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits for low- and middle-income Americans. Both sides show little inclination to compromise, increasing the risk of a shutdown and affecting federal workers and the broader economy. The situation remains tense, with significant political pressure on all parties involved and no clear path to resolution.

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are meeting with President Trump in a last-ditch effort to avert a government shutdown amid entrenched partisan stances. The main dispute centers on Democrats' push to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, which Republicans oppose without reforms, even as government funding is set to expire. If a deal is not reached, many federal workers face potential furloughs and government offices could close, adding pressure to reach a compromise. The legislative standoff highlights the limited negotiating leverage of Senate Democrats and the political risks for both parties as the shutdown deadline approaches.

Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is preparing for a pivotal court hearing to determine whether his case will move forward to trial. Prosecutors are pursuing aggravated murder charges and intend to seek the death penalty, citing evidence including incriminating messages and DNA links. Kirk’s assassination has fueled political tensions, with Republican leaders vowing to continue his legacy and former President Trump labeling Kirk a martyr. The incident has sparked national debate, workplace repercussions, and increased security at conservative events, especially on college campuses.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at a time of growing international isolation for Israel and tension within Netanyahu’s government over the ongoing Gaza conflict. The meeting is focused on a potential U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, which calls for an immediate truce, hostage releases, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas, while outlining future governance for the region. Netanyahu faces pressure from both Trump and his own coalition partners, as ending the war could weaken his political standing domestically. International criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza is mounting, with increasing recognition of Palestinian statehood and accusations of humanitarian abuses intensifying calls for a resolution.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a new congressional district map intended to bolster Republican representation, potentially helping the party gain an additional U.S. House seat. The map, supported by former President Trump, alters the district held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, reducing the number of minority voters and using historically significant dividing lines in Kansas City. Legal challenges and a potential statewide referendum are underway, with critics arguing the redistricting is unconstitutional and diminishes minority representation. This development is part of broader nationwide efforts by both parties to redraw districts for partisan advantage following the 2020 census.

At the United Nations General Assembly, top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman voiced strong criticism of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and highlighted the grave humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians. They emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, a two-state solution, and greater accountability from the international community, expressing frustration at the lack of effective intervention. The leaders also addressed broader regional instability, including civil conflict in Sudan, ongoing crises in Libya and Yemen, and the threat of extremism, calling for coordinated global action to resolve both current and long-standing Middle East conflicts.

Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone barrage on Ukraine, heavily targeting Kyiv and resulting in at least four deaths and over 70 injuries, including children. The attack, which damaged more than 100 civilian sites such as residential buildings, a medical facility, and a kindergarten, follows a previous deadly assault on the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most incoming missiles and drones, but significant destruction and civilian casualties occurred. International reactions include discussions in the U.S. about supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, amid increased concerns that the conflict could spill over national borders.

The news wrap covers a tragic church shooting in Michigan resulting in multiple deaths and a fire, as well as New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ withdrawal from the mayoral race. It also highlights Oregon Governor’s resistance to federal demands for troop deployment to Portland. Additionally, the southeast United States is preparing for potential impacts from the strengthening Tropical Storm Imelda in the Atlantic.