Amna Nawaz:
We start the day’s other headlines at the Supreme Court, which is taking up a challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapies for LGBTQ+ children. At issue is whether the Colorado law violates the free speech protections of counselors engaged in the controversial practice.
The justices have already heard arguments in a Tennessee case that examined the legality of state bans on treating transgender minors. Also today, the court turned down a Republican attempt to block five Democratic-led states from suing oil companies for allegedly hiding the impact of fossil fuels on climate change.
In the North Sea, a cargo ship collided with an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military. The tanker was anchored off the northeastern coast of England near the Port of Grimsby when it was struck this morning. The collision triggered multiple explosions, with fuel pouring into the North Sea.
A major rescue operation ensued. The container ship’s owner says one crew member is still missing. According to local officials, all 36 others across both vessels are safe and accounted for, with one hospitalized. An investigation into what caused the crash is now under way.
Ukrainian officials tell the Associated Press that a delegation will propose a limited cease-fire with Russia in talks with top U.S. diplomats tomorrow. That would cover the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, plus the release of prisoners. They also say that Ukraine’s delegation is ready to sign a deal that would allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia this evening, where the negotiations will take place. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also there. He met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince this evening, but is not expected to join personally in tomorrow’s talks with the U.S.
In Syria, the interim government has reached a breakthrough deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. The group is backed by the U.S. and controls the country’s Northeast. Today’s agreement brings most of Syria under government’s control. It also includes a cease-fire and the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army.
Also today, the government announced that a military operation against loyalists of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad has ended. Last week, gunmen opened fire on a police patrol, which led to some of Syria’s worst fighting since the end of the civil war.
Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is promising a quick transition as he is set to succeed just in Trudeau in the coming days. He’s then expected to trigger an election in the days or weeks ahead. Carney won his party’s leadership vote in a landslide this weekend.
The former Goldman Sachs executive and Central Bank governor has already taken a tough line against President Donald Trump’s tariff plans. Carney said he will keep Canada’s retaliatory tariffs in place until — quote — “Americans show us respect.”
