Good morning. It’s Saturday, May 17.

1. Trump–Putin–Zelensky Call

2. Listen: Full Biden-Hur Special Counsel Interview

3. Tornadoes Hit Missouri and Kentucky: 23 Killed, Dozens Injured

4. Israel Launches Major New Offensive in Gaza

5. Manhunt Underway: 3 Inmates Caught, 7 Still Loose After New Orleans Jailbreak

6. AOC’s District Sees 70% Crime Surge

7. Verizon Ends DEI Programs

1. Trump–Putin–Zelensky Call

President Trump said on Saturday that he is going to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Monday to try and reach an agreement on a ceasefire.

Trump believes his personal involvement could break the logjam in the diplomatic efforts and has even said that no breakthrough can be achieved without a meeting between him and Putin.

Trump is pushing hard for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and has threatened that he will impose sanctions on any party that obstructs a deal.

2. Listen: Full Biden-Hur Special Counsel Interview

Update:

Full Biden-Hur special counsel interview

Original post:

Audio of former President Joe Biden‘s October 2023 interview with special counsel Robert Hur was leaked Friday, revealing more insight into the ex-president’s memory lapses about important information.

During the interview Hur conducted for the investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents, Biden struggled to remember key dates, including when his son Beau Biden died and when President Donald Trump was first elected, and he trailed off topic when recalling past memories.

3. Tornadoes Hit Missouri and Kentucky: 23 Killed, Dozens Injured

At least 23 people were reported dead across several states in an expansive outbreak of severe weather from the Heartland to the East Coast.

State officials reported 14 people were killed in Kentucky, seven in Missouri and two in Virginia.

Over 600,000 customers are without power across multiple states, stretching from Michigan to Tennessee.

4. Israel Launches Major New Offensive in Gaza

Israel launched an extensive new campaign aimed at seizing control of more of the Gaza Strip as it seeks a definitive end to the war there.

A post on the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) X page said that the campaign was named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a reference to the ancient Jewish military leader whose exploits are documented in Jewish and Christian holy texts.

A post on the IDF’s English-language channel did not mention the operation’s name, but said that gaining further “operational control” over more of Gaza would contribute to its stated objectives in the war against Hamas, which Israel and the United States designate as a terrorist organization.

5. Manhunt Underway: 3 Inmates Caught, 7 Still Loose After New Orleans Jailbreak

Seven of the 10 inmates who audaciously escaped from New Orleans jail on Friday are still on the loose while three have been captured as authorities say they were helped by someone on the inside.

The seven escapees on the lam include suspects charged with murder, domestic abuse and burglary, and law enforcement says it has “strong” and “active” leads on them as community tips flow in.

Authorities said that some fugitives may have left the city or Louisiana, and the public have been urged to stay alert, not be alarmed and report any tips. The FBI in a statement said it has “surged resources” and is offering up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest of the inmates.

6. AOC’s District Sees 70% Crime Surge

Major crime rose by an eye-popping 70% in Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx and Queens district since the ‘defund the police’ socialist lawmaker took office in 2019 — more than double the citywide increase of 30% over that same span, a Post analysis of NYPD data shows.

The 110th Precinct in Queens, which covers part of the infamous “Market of Sweethearts” human-trafficking and prostitution mecca on Roosevelt Avenue, saw a 105% surge, the highest increase of any NYC precinct in that period.

Major crimes consist of murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and auto theft.

7. Verizon Ends DEI Programs

Verizon announced in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission that it would be ending diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at the company Friday.

Many companies and corporations have ended DEI policies after the stunning 2024 election, when left-wing policies pushing woke programs were rejected by the voters. Verizon was seeking a deal to absorb another telecom company, but the FCC had cited discriminatory policies to oppose the purchase.

Verizon had previously issued a yearly “Responsible Marketing Action Plan” that documented how the company was completing the DEI initiatives it had put in place.