The fragile Middle East ceasefire is showing serious cracks. Israel conducted strikes on Beirut today—the first since the truce began—while Palestinians document fresh devastation from Israeli operations, raising questions about whether the agreement is already collapsing [DW English, Al Jazeera]. Meanwhile, Iran accused the U.S. of violating ceasefire terms as peace talks stall, and Trump signaled he won't unfreeze Iranian assets until a deal is finalized [CBS News, Al Jazeera]. The humanitarian toll continues mounting, with the UN warning the conflict is pushing millions toward hunger [UN statement from morning brief].

**In other developing stories:** A nuclear fuel storage site near Chernobyl was damaged in Russian strikes that killed at least 3 people, raising concerns about potential radiation risks [CBS News]. North Korea doubled down on its nuclear ambitions, declaring its program "absolutely nonnegotiable" amid broader geopolitical tensions [DW English]. Armenia held general elections today with significant implications for regional stability, watched closely by Russia and Western powers [NPR].

**Domestic note:** Multiple people were shot at a festival in Ohio in what appears to be an active incident [UPI]. On the political front, GOP Rep. Don Bacon broke ranks to call Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton in Texas a "mistake," signaling internal party tensions [CBS News]. Democrats are gaining momentum after Turek's strong showing in Iowa's Senate primary [The Hill].

**Global health:** Congo's Ebola response is being hampered by exhausted health workers laboring without adequate pay, even as Nigeria's military freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram [PBS].