News Wrap: US-Ukraine Reconstruction Deal, Columbia Protest Leader Released, Wildfires in Israel

US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund

• 🇺🇸 The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a deal to establish the United States Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.
• 🤝 This agreement signals the Trump administration's commitment to a peace process centered on a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine.
• 💎 The deal includes collaboration on Ukraine's critical minerals, deemed essential for winning the war.

Release of Columbia Protest Leader

• ⚖️ A federal judge ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist who led protests against the war in Gaza at Columbia University.
• 🏠 Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident for 10 years, was arrested by ICE agents and faces potential deportation, with the administration citing "foreign policy consequences."
• ✊ Mahdawi remained defiant, stating he is not afraid of President Trump and his cabinet.
• 🔗 His co-founder of the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia, Mahmoud Khalil, was detained in March and remains in custody.

Severe Weather and Wildfires

• ⛈️ A deadly derecho (a massive line of thunderstorms) stretched hundreds of miles, causing at least three deaths in Pennsylvania.
• 💨 Hurricane-force wind gusts tore off roofs, toppled trees, and caused widespread power outages, affecting over 500,000 people.
• 🔥 Israel is appealing for international assistance to battle wildfires raging near Jerusalem, fanned by extreme heat and high winds.
• 🚗 Several communities were evacuated, and a main highway was shut down due to smoke.

Wall Street and Economic Data

• 📈 Stocks on Wall Street shook off early losses as investors digested the latest economic data.
• 📊 The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended higher, while the NASDAQ and S&P 500 showed slight gains.