BREAKING NEWS DIGEST

Multiple Fatalities Reported in Seattle Festival Shooting; NBA Star Criticizes NYC Mayor; Iran Rejects U.S. Diplomatic Overtures; Smithsonian Under Scrutiny

Two Dead Including Child, Others Wounded in Seattle Center Mass Shooting

SEATTLE — A mass shooting at a festival here left two people dead, including a 2-year-old boy, and five others injured, authorities confirmed.

The violence erupted at the popular gathering spot, sending crowds into panic as gunfire broke out. First responders arrived on scene to find multiple victims.

The child was among those killed, according to preliminary reports. The ages and conditions of the other injured victims were not immediately available.

Authorities have not released the identity of the shooter or a motive for the attack. An investigation is ongoing.

NBA Star Rips NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Netanyahu Video

NEW YORK — An NBA star publicly criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him "the mayor playing president" in connection with a video involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The criticism comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the mayor's public statements and actions regarding international affairs.

The NBA player did not elaborate further on the specific nature of the video, though the post drew significant attention on social media.

Iran Rejects Diplomatic Talks as Trump Pauses Bombing Campaign

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON — Iranian officials rejected diplomatic talks with the United States, even as President Trump paused a two-week bombing campaign against Iranian targets, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

The pause in military action comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and warnings about the implications for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Relations between Washington and Tehran have remained strained, with both sides trading accusations over the ongoing conflict. The rejection of talks leaves diplomatic channels apparently closed, at least for now.

Russia and Ukraine have also been monitoring the situation closely, as regional instability could have broader implications for the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.

Republican Congressman Calls for 'Cleaning House' at Smithsonian

WASHINGTON — Rep. Brandon Gill, a Republican from Texas, called for a major overhaul of the Smithsonian Institution, saying it's time to "clean house" at the renowned museum complex.

The congressman did not specify which exhibits or leadership changes he was seeking, but his comments reflect growing conservative criticism of the institution's presentations on American history and culture.

The Smithsonian, which operates dozens of museums and research centers in the nation's capital, has faced scrutiny from some Republican lawmakers over the content of its exhibitions in recent years.

Search Continues for Missing North Carolina Woman in Caribbean

CARIBBEAN — The search entered its fifth day for a North Carolina woman who vanished during a Caribbean vacation, authorities said.

The woman, identified as a physical therapist from North Carolina, was reported missing after failing to return from what was supposed to be a routine outing during her getaway.

Local authorities in the Caribbean nation where she was staying have been working with American officials to locate her.

No suspects have been identified, and investigators have not ruled out any possibilities in the disappearance.

Mother Accused of Strangling Three Children Heads to Trial

BOSTON — A Massachusetts mother accused of strangling her three young children is heading to trial, with prosecutors preparing to present 911 calls and crime scene photographs as evidence.

Lindsay Clancy, 36, faces multiple charges in connection with the deaths of her children, ages 5, 3, and 2.

Her defense team has indicated they plan to argue she was suffering from postpartum depression and other mental health issues at the time of the incident.

The case has drawn national attention to maternal mental health issues and the support systems available to new mothers.

Couple Claims Missing Newborn Was a Prank; Police Disagree

ARIZONA — A couple who claimed their missing newborn was part of a prank are now facing scrutiny after police said evidence tells a different story.

The pair allegedly told authorities the baby was never real, suggesting the entire situation was fabricated. However, investigators say physical evidence contradicts their account.

The newborn allegedly vanished after what authorities believe was a secret birth.

Police have not specified what evidence led them to believe the situation was not a hoax. No charges have been announced, and the investigation remains active.

Haitians With Expired TPS Face ICE Enforcement Operation

WASHINGTON — With Temporary Protected Status protections expiring for thousands of Haitians, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is preparing for a major enforcement operation.

The change comes after a Supreme Court ruling that ended humanitarian protections for Haitians who had been living and working legally in the United States.

Community advocates have criticized the timing and scope of the expected enforcement actions, warning that many affected individuals have established roots in the country and have no connections to Haiti.

ICE officials have not released specific details about when or where enforcement actions will take place.

Anthony Fauci's Private Notes Reveal Blunt Assessments of Political Figures

WASHINGTON — Newly revealed diary entries from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, contain scathing assessments of former President Donald Trump, television personalities, and celebrities.

In one entry, Fauci reportedly referred to Trump as "a bit of a loose cannon." Other entries contained equally unvarnished opinions about media figures and public personalities.

The diary entries, which span the period when Fauci was leading the nation's COVID-19 response, reveal internal frustrations and candid assessments that were not made public at the time.

Fauci has not commented on the authenticity of the diary or its contents.

Congressman Thomas Massie Claims Iran Conflict Has Weakened America

WASHINGTON — Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, said the United States' involvement in the Iran conflict has "significantly weakened" both America and Israel.

The congressman argued that American military intervention in the region has achieved the opposite of its intended goals and has emboldened adversaries.

His comments come as debate continues in Congress over the appropriate level of U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

British Defense Chief Suggests Europe Owes Trump Credit for NATO Realignment

LONDON — Britain's defense chief suggested that European nations should thank President Trump for what he described as waking the continent from complacency regarding NATO defense spending.

The comment reflects a broader debate in Europe about burden-sharing within the alliance and whether Trump's pressure tactics have produced tangible results.

European leaders have acknowledged the need to increase defense spending, though they have been critical of the methods used to compel them to do so.

DNC Chair Faces HR Complaint Over Alleged Incident With Junior Aide

WASHINGTON — Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is facing an internal human resources complaint after allegedly hurling a phone at a junior aide's desk, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred during a period of heightened tensions within the party organization.

Martin has not publicly addressed the complaint. The DNC declined to comment on personnel matters.

Judge Rules BBC Cannot Relitigate Capitol Riot in Trump Lawsuit

WASHINGTON — A federal judge ruled that the BBC cannot relitigate the events of January 6, 2021, in connection with a lawsuit filed by former President Trump over an allegedly misleading documentary edit.

Trump's legal team argued the documentary misrepresented events at the U.S. Capitol during the riot.

The judge limited the scope of evidence the British broadcaster can present in its defense.

Bernie Sanders Defends Support for Controversial Nominee Despite Red Flags

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders rejected expressions of regret over his early support for Graham Platner, a judicial nominee who has faced significant criticism.

Despite a "wave of red flags" raised by opponents, the Vermont independent defended his initial backing of the nominee.

Critics have pointed to various concerns about Platner's qualifications and past statements in urging the Senate to reject his confirmation.

Cash-Strapped DNC Spent Nearly $1 Million on Non-Voting Territories

WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee spent more than $800,000 on non-voting territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, while the party was operating in debt, according to financial disclosures.

The expenditures, which include investments in party infrastructure in territories that cannot vote for president, have drawn criticism from some Democrats who argue the spending was misplaced given the party's financial difficulties.

Party officials have defended the investments as long-term infrastructure building.

21-Year-Old PGA Tour Rookie Claims First Professional Victory

BLAINE, MINNESOTA — Twenty-one-year-old Jackson Koivun captured his first PGA Tour title, holding off world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to win the 3M Open by one stroke.

Koivun earned a $1.584 million paycheck for the victory, his first professional win just 24 days after turning pro.

The young golfer's performance marks one of the fastest rises to a tour victory in recent memory.

Cracker Barrel Reports Customer Turnaround After Years of Criticism

LEBANON, TENNESSEE — Cracker Barrel is reporting a customer turnaround after years of criticism over menu changes and service issues that alienated longtime fans.

Former critics of the chain say company executives "listened" to customer feedback and restored popular menu items that had been discontinued.

The Southern comfort food chain has been working to rebuild its reputation after a turbulent period that saw declining sales and customer complaints.

This digest contains multiple developing stories. Check back for updates throughout the day.