At least seven people died in fresh Russian airstrikes across Ukraine overnight, continuing relentless bombardment of civilian areas [Guardian]. The strikes compound mounting casualties as NATO fighter jets remain scrambled over airborne assault operations.

Meanwhile, Trump's peace initiative took another hit. Iranian officials abruptly departed Pakistan after the administration scrapped the latest round of talks, undercutting diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions [The Hill]. U.S. forces are simultaneously clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz in a separate push to keep shipping lanes open [PBS].

In West Africa, Mali's capital and other cities came under coordinated attack from armed groups Saturday, with explosions and gunfire rocking a major military camp near the city [DW English, NBC News]. Authorities are investigating possible coordination.

**DOMESTIC SHIFTS:** Palestinians held their first Gaza elections in over two decades today, a symbolic milestone despite ongoing disease and hunger following Trump's six-month ceasefire [NBC News]. Back home, the Justice Department cleared the way for firing squads in executions, accelerating capital punishment implementation [NPR]. Meanwhile, some U.S. housing markets are showing relief—monthly mortgage payments are dropping in major cities, offering a rare bright spot in the economic outlook [The Hill].

In British politics, a key figure in a vetting scandal involving an MP with far-right security details has refused to testify before Parliament, deepening controversy [BBC, Guardian].

A University of South Florida doctoral student's roommate was charged with murder in their deaths, while California authorities launched investigations into alleged hospice fraud [Guardian, CBS News].