Ukrainian drones set a Moscow refinery ablaze in a major attack on the Russian capital

Ukraine has hit a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, disrupting hundreds of flights at the capital’s airports. Russian officials said Thursday that this is one of Ukraine’s biggest drone attacks since Russia’s invasion over four years ago. The attack follows Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s coordination call with the U.S. and France, securing further support from the G7 summit. Ukraine aims to cut Moscow’s war revenue by targeting oil facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry claims its air defenses shot down 555 Ukrainian drones overnight. Zelenskyy says the attack is part of efforts to force Putin to negotiate.

Pentagon chief lashes out at NATO allies and announces a review of U.S. forces in Europe

BRUSSELS – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The review’s outcome will depend on how quickly European allies take responsibility for their own security. On Thursday, Hegseth criticized NATO allies for not providing access to bases for U.S. forces to launch attacks on Iran. He also accused Europe of prioritizing gender equity and climate change over defense. Despite these criticisms, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted a significant increase in European defense spending. The review could impact NATO’s collective security guarantee, but U.S. nuclear weapons will remain in Europe.

Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system

Parents of kids with disabilities say they have waited months for the Education Department to address complaints of bullying or discrimination. Now, the department is offloading civil rights enforcement and special education, raising concerns about further chaos. On Tuesday, the Trump administration said the Department of Justice would take over civil rights enforcement in schools. The Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education. Some advocates argue special education doesn’t belong in a health department. The Education Department’s civil rights office has been a last resort for parents whose kids have experienced discrimination, but under President Donald Trump, case backlogs have grown. Many families are now seeking justice elsewhere.

Israel seized more land from neighbors since 2023 than it has in decades

JERUSALEM – Over the past two and a half years, Israel has taken control of swaths of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria that amount to its largest expansion of militarily occupied lands in decades. It is an area larger than many major cities – roughly 386 square miles – and Israel has said it plans to stay indefinitely. The land seizures began in the aftermath of Hamas’ 2023 cross-border attack, which ignited wars on multiple fronts. Israel calls these areas “buffer zones” and says they are needed to prevent future attacks by militant groups. The areas are not new borders, which require an agreement between two countries. But many fear these changes could become long-lasting.

– The Associated Press