Early morning headlines focused on India's missile strikes against Pakistan in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Kashmir, with casualty reports rising throughout the day from 19 to 26. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian jets and authorized "corresponding actions," pushing both nuclear powers to the brink of wider conflict.
The papal conclave began as 133 cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel to elect Pope Francis' successor, with black smoke indicating no winner in the first round of voting.
Domestically, the REAL ID deadline arrived, with airports implementing new requirements for air travel. Trump administration continued its controversial immigration policies, with reports emerging about plans to deport migrants to Libya using military flights, while a federal judge ordered the immediate resettlement of 12,000 migrants. The administration also closed the CDC's infection control committee and appointed an influencer close to RFK Jr. as surgeon general, continuing the pattern of institutional disruption seen in previous days.