Russia hits Kyiv with missiles; Putin warns West over weapons
KYIV, Ukraine ( Associated Press) — Russia took aim at Western military supplies for Ukraine by launching airstrikes on Kyiv that it claimed destroyed tanks donated from abroad. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin warned on Sunday that any Western delivery of long-range rocket systems would prompt Moscow to “hit objects we haven’t hit yet.” The Russian leader’s covert threat of military escalation did not specify what the new targets might be, but it came days after the United States announced plans to provide $700 million in security aid to Ukraine. Those weapons include four precision-guided, medium-range rocket systems, as well as helicopters, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system, radar, tactical vehicles, and more.
Pope Francis sparks fresh speculation on Pope’s future
ROME ( Associated Press) – Pope Francis has fueled rumors about the future of his Holy See. The Vatican announced on Saturday it would visit the central Italian city of L’Aquila in August for a feast launched by Pope Celestine V, who was one of the few pontiffs to resign before Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013 . This has added to the non-source speculation in Italian. And Catholic media suggest that 85-year-old Francis may be planning to follow in Benedict’s footsteps, given his growing mobility problems. Those rumors took hold last week when Francis announced a conciliation to create 21 new cardinals, scheduled for August 27. Sixteen of these cardinals are under the age of 80 and are eligible to vote in a convention to elect Francis’ successor.
Uvalde recalls terror in sermon, pastor shot by gunman
UVALDE, Texas ( Associated Press) — One of the first people shot by a gunman who killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, is now trying to comfort the community. Gilbert Limons and a colleague at a funeral home both came under fire as they were across the street from Robb Elementary School last month. Neither was injured, and Limon preached about the horrors on Sunday at the small church where he serves as pastor. He says that Satan brought confusion and hurt, but believers have a defense in their faith. While the townspeople are hurting badly right now and demanding answers, Limones says they need to come together and be surrounded by love.
Students of color hold back on police call in schools
After a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, schools across the country pledged to boost security measures and increase law enforcement’s presence on campus — partly to reassure parents and students. But the police inside the schools can make some students not less but more restless. Especially for black students and other students of color, their personal experiences with the police can leave them feeling vulnerable and isolated from school when they see officers on campus. Researchers have found that black students report feeling less secure around police officers than their white peers.
US, South Korea fire missiles at sea, match North’s launches
Seoul, South Korea ( Associated Press) — The United States and South Korea have launched eight ballistic missiles into the sea in a display of force matching a North Korean demonstration a day earlier, adding to a provocative streak in weapons displays. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday’s exercise was aimed at demonstrating North Korean’s ability to respond rapidly and accurately to attacks. Its launch of eight missiles on Sunday appears to be a one-day record for North Korea and was the 18th round of missile tests this year. Experts say the weapons display is a brazen move to bring the US back from its stalled diplomacy position and cement North Korea’s status as a nuclear power.
And she waved: the celebratory pageant queen’s platinum jubilee hat
LONDON ( Associated Press) – Queen Elizabeth II appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, delighting fans who had hoped to catch a glimpse of her on the final day of festivities marking her 70 years on the throne. The 96-year-old emperor has recently had trouble moving around. Earlier, a lively, colorful street pageant celebrating Elizabeth’s life and Britain’s diversity was paraded through London. When it was finished, thousands of people flooded the front of the palace for the queen to see. One person said, “It’s a great honor to be a part of this. We have the best queen in the world, right?” In a statement later, the Queen said “he was humbled and deeply touched” that so many people turned out for his platinum jubilee.
Trump’s Ukraine impeachment war shadows GOP backlash
WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) — Even staunch defense hawks in the Republican Party almost united in favor of Donald Trump after the then-president was forced to “a favor” on Ukraine’s leader and in military aid. He was impeached in late 2019 after withholding $400 million. But when Russia invaded Ukraine this February, Republicans and Democrats separated impeachment politics, rallied in favor of Ukraine and swiftly sent billions to defend the country. The question ahead is whether the rare bipartisanship on Capitol Hill is resilient enough to withstand Trump’s isolationist effects on his party. Or Republicans who succumbed to Trump’s “America First” approach would do so again, jeopardizing military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
Over 50 feared dead in church attack in Nigeria, officials say
ABUJA, Nigeria ( Associated Press) – Lawmakers in southwestern Nigeria say more than 50 people are feared dead after gunmen opened fire and an explosion at a church. Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole of the Ondo State House of Assembly said gunmen targeted the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ondo state on Sunday morning as worshipers gathered for the weekly Mass. Many children were also among the dead. Adelegbe Timilene, who represents the region in Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber, says the attackers also kidnapped the presiding priest. While much of Nigeria is grappling with security issues, Ondo is widely known as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Jennifer Lopez, ‘Spider-Man’ highlights at MTV Movie & TV Awards
LOS ANGELES ( Associated Press) – Jennifer Lopez was honored with the Generation Award at the MTV Movie & TV Awards on Sunday. The actor-singer delivered an emotional speech acknowledging the skeptics and believers whom he says have collectively contributed to his career success. They also won Best Song for the track “On My Way” from the “Marry Me” soundtrack. Olivia Rodrigo won Best Music Documentary for her project “Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 U”. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” took home best film. “Euphoria” won Best Show at the ceremony, which later returned to live format, being pre-recorded for several years, it was held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Warriors answer in Game 2, top Celtics 107-88 to final
SAN FRANCISCO ( Associated Press) — Stephen Curry scored 29 points, Jordan Poole joined from inside midcourt to score a giant run in the third quarter and the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics 107-88 in a one-game NBA Finals draw. Of. Sunday night. The pool ended with 17 for the Warriors, who beat Boston 35–14 in the third quarter to convert a two-point lead into a 23-point lead. And when the Warriors scored the first six points of the fourth, the Celtics waved the surrender flag and vacated their benches. Jason Tatum scored 21 of his 28 points in the first half for Boston. Jaylen Brown added 17 for the Celtics.
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