Israel-Hamas war: US effort to free Gaza hostages speeds up ahead of ground invasion

Top News

• Here’s what Russia and Ukraine get in Trump’s ‘final offer’ peace deal

  While Kyiv has been consistently open to President Trump's call for a full cease-fire, Russia has continually rejected the American peace proposals.

• Dick Durbin, second-ranked Senate Democrat, says he’s retiring after five terms: ‘It’s time to pass the torch’

  The 80-year-old added that "a strong Democratic bench" would be "ready to serve" in his place -- without naming any immediate successors.

• Hall of Famer Steve 'Mongo' McMichael dies at 67

  Hall of Fame defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, died Wednesday at age 67, the NFL announced.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rips IMF over woke ‘mission creep’

  “It devotes disproportionate time and resources to work on climate change, gender, and social issues,” Bessent said.

• Player dies after collapsing ahead of SA match

  South African footballer Sinamandla Zondi died on Tuesday after collapsing in the warm-up before a second-tier match, his club Durban City said.

• Massive NJ wildfire that forced thousands to flee inferno could be state’s largest in decades

  Officials estimate the fire might not be completely extinguished until at least Saturday, based on the fire's current containment level.