India-Pakistan Ceasefire, US hostage release, President Trump's Middle East Trip

India-Pakistan Ceasefire

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States, bringing a temporary halt to one of the most intense periods of conflict between the two nations in nearly half a century. Despite some violations reported yesterday, the truce remains in place at the time of writing, offering a moment of relief after days of escalating hostilities . The agreement follows four days of aerial combat, during which both countries suffered significant losses, including advanced fighter jets and control over airspace. Casualties on both sides are estimated to be in the dozens due to airstrikes and gunfire, though exact figures remain disputed .

The recent outbreak of violence was triggered by an attack on April 22 in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir, where four gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India has accused Pakistan of harboring the attackers, reigniting tensions rooted in the long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir. This conflict, dating back to the partition era, continues to shape the fragile relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Hamas says it has released the Israeli-American hostage

An Israeli-American soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in Gaza has been released by Hamas in what the group is calling a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed that Edan Alexander had been turned over to the Red Cross and was being brought to Israeli forces. Alexander was taken from his military base in southern Israel during the Hamas-led incursion into Israel on 7 October 2023 which started the war in Gaza.

His release is the first since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March, unleashing more air strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds.

President Trump’s Middle East Trip

Israeli officials have put a brave face on U.S. President Donald Trump bypassing them on a Middle East trip this week, but his decision to do so is the latest to sow doubt in Israel about where it stands in Washington's priorities.

Trump, who will be visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, also caused consternation in Israel last week by abruptly announcing the U.S. would stop bombing Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, days after a Houthi missile hit near Israel's main airport.

"The message to the region was clear: Israel is no longer a top U.S. priority," wrote Itamar Eichner, diplomatic correspondent for Israeli news outlets ynet, echoing media commentators across the political spectrum.

New Pope

In a historic moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new Pope yesterday, becoming the first U.S. citizen to hold this esteemed position. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, a 19th-century pontiff known for engaging with modern challenges and advocating for social justice, particularly workers' rights. As a man of diverse cultural experience—being both American and Peruvian—Prevost brings a unique global perspective to his leadership role in the Church.

Cardinal Prevost, 69, was born in Chicago in 1955 and joined the Augustinian order in 1977, dedicating his life to unity, service, and missionary work. He served in Peru for over a decade starting in 1985, eventually leading the order there. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, later elevating him to cardinal and placing him at the helm of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops (read more about his background here). Seen as a moderate figure, many are now reflecting on how his leadership might align with or differ from Pope Francis’ vision. While world leaders have welcomed his election, some survivor groups have called for deeper inquiry into allegations concerning the handling of clergy abuse during his tenure.

National News for you

• Hamas said it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living U.S. national held captive in Gaza, as a step toward a potential ceasefire agreement.

• At least 80 pro-Palestinian Columbia University students arrested Wednesday after taking over a library room.

• Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was released from a detention center in Louisiana and returned to Massachusetts following a judge’s order that she be freed on bail.

• Harvard responds to Trump administration threat to bar future federal grants.

• The United States and China agreed to a significant reduction in tariffs on each country’s imports for 90 days while they continue to negotiate a trade deal.

• The United States and the United Kingdom recently announced a significant framework for a trade deal, marking the biggest step toward a potential agreement since former President Donald Trump introduced widespread tariffs on global trading partners.

• The Trump administration reportedly plans to accept a super luxury Boeing 747 jumbo jet as a gift from the royal family of Qatar to use as Air Force One until shortly before the end of his term, at which point he will transfer it to his presidential library foundation.

• U.S. and Iranian officials held a fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman and reportedly agreed to a fifth meeting after each side’s representatives meet with their country’s leaders.

• On Friday, federal officers arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D) for trespassing at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in New Jersey.

• Early Friday morning, radar screens at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey went dark for about 90 seconds due to a telecommunications outage at a Philadelphia facility overseeing its airspace.

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce drug costs for U.S. consumers by basing payments for some medicines on their prices in other countries.

International News for you

• On Saturday, President Trump announced India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire following four days of missile, drone, and artillery strikes.

• India accuses Pakistan of attacking three military bases with drones and missiles; Pakistan denies the claim.

• Pakistan says its air force downed five Indian fighter jets, more drones.

• Pakistan also says 125 Indian and Pakistani jets fought in the air for over an hour Wednesday; if true, would be among biggest air battles since World War II.

• A humanitarian group functioning in Gaza has severely warned that residents of the blockaded territory are likely to perish due to starvation if food deliveries are not resumed.

• Hamas says ready to immediately engage in talks for lasting Gaza ceasefire.

• An Israeli official has said that more than 100,000 Israelis were suffering from "psychological disorders" linked to Israel's ongoing war on Gaza, amid growing public criticism of the government's handling of the military campaign and its impact on society.

• Over 600 media figures urge BBC to air shelved Gaza medics documentary.

• Settlers attempt to bring a sacrificial offering into al-Aqsa is ‘provocative act’ says Imam.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Turkey to discuss the future of the Ukraine war after President Trump urged Zelensky to agree to the talks.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned he is ‘laying the groundwork for Farage’ after immigration speech. The prime minister gave a speech in Downing Street on Monday morning to announce that every area of the UK’s “broken” immigration system will be tightened.

Business & Markets

• Bill Gates announces he will donate 99% of his remaining tech fortune (estimated at around $107B) to the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years; the foundation is set to close in 2045 and currently has a $77B endowment

• Trump’s Tariffs on Canada Spark Debate Over U.S. Trade: Does the U.S. Need Canada?

• Pakistan-U.S. trade volume reaches $7.3 bln: Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Commerce Zulifqar Ali Bhatti told National Assembly.

• In Jordan, clearance on hybrid vehicles rises by 27% in first third of 2025.

• Markets rise as US and China agree to slash tariffs.

• How does the Federal Reserve work?

• What are your retirement savings account options?

Science & Technology

• Many US cities are sinking, new analysis suggests; between 20%-65% of urban zones in all cities studied were dropping around a few fractions of an inch per year, primarily driven by large-scale groundwater extraction.

• New study reveals eggs are more resilient to falls when landing on their side, overturning conventional wisdom; microstructure study finds sideways orientation acts as an efficient shock absorber.

• Neuroscientists reveal how brain circuitry rewires itself when learning new movements; findings may lead to new therapies for neuromotor disorders and spinal injuries.

Sports

• Pickleball Physics Explained, from Balls and Paddles to Shots.

• NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs second round began yesterday; see latest schedule.

Health

• Measles is approaching a return to endemic status in the United States, meaning it will be continuously present decades after it was declared eradicated, researchers warn.

• How to Combat Inflammaging, the Aging Side Effect No One Talks About?

• That Sugar Rush Is All in Your Head—But Here’s Why It Happens.

• Why are some cities worse for allergies than others?

• The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved an at-home cervical cancer screening tool called the Teal Wand, which allows women ages 25 to 65 to self-collect samples to test for HPV—the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.

Self Improvement - Cultivating Taqwa (God-Consciousness)

One of the most transformative steps toward self-improvement in Islam is the conscious cultivation of taqwa —a deep awareness and fear of Allah that guides every action. The Quran states, "O you who believe! Indeed, if you fear Allah, He will teach you." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:282). This verse reminds us that sincerity in fearing Allah opens the door to divine guidance and wisdom. By making taqwa our foundation, we align our intentions and deeds with what pleases Allah, which naturally elevates our character, discipline, and relationships.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized consistency in good deeds, saying: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small." (Sahih Bukhari). Self-improvement doesn't have to be overwhelming; start with small, sustainable changes—like waking up for Fajr, controlling your temper, or committing to daily Quran recitation. Reflect regularly through muhasabah (self-accountability), asking Allah for forgiveness and strength. As believers, our ultimate goal is not just to better ourselves in this life, but to attain the pleasure of Allah and success in the Hereafter. Let every step you take be guided by that noble purpose.

Parenting

Raising children in an Islamic environment requires intentionality, patience, and a deep reliance on Allah. As parents, we are the first teachers of faith in our children’s lives. The Quran reminds us, “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families from a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones…” (Surah At-Tahrim 66:6). This verse emphasizes our responsibility not only to guide ourselves but also to nurture our children with strong moral and spiritual foundations. Start by creating a home atmosphere that encourages prayer, Quran recitation, and good character. Be consistent in your own worship, as children learn more from what they see than what they hear.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock…” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This hadith highlights the gravity of parental responsibility. Discipline should be balanced with compassion—correcting mistakes without crushing the heart. Speak to them with kindness, teach them about Allah’s mercy, and involve them in family prayers and acts of worship according to their age. Remember to make dua for them regularly, because ultimately, guidance comes from Allah. As it is stated in the Quran, “And say: ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them both, as they brought me up when I was small’” (Surah Al-Isra 17:24), reminding us to honor the effort in raising children and to seek Allah’s mercy for ourselves and our parents.

Family & Relationship

In the blessed month of Ramadan and beyond, nurturing strong family ties is a cornerstone of a successful Muslim household. The Quran reminds us, "And fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and [do not sever] the wombs (i.e., kinship)." (Surah An-Nisa 4:1). Maintaining good relations with family members, showing kindness to parents, spouses, and children, and resolving conflicts with patience and wisdom are essential aspects of our faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "The one who severs the bond of kinship will not enter Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). Let us strive to build homes filled with compassion, understanding, and remembrance of Allah, for indeed, such relationships are not only a test but also a means of drawing closer to Him.

May Allah forgive us if we said anything wrong here, and Allah knows that’s not our intent. If you notice something not correct, please reach out to us as [email protected]. Jazākum'Allāhu Khayran.