South Korea criticizes Russia-North Korea deal, considers potential arms support for Ukraine
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The presidential office of South Korea has denounced an agreement between Russia and North Korea that promises mutual defense assistance in case of war, stating that it will reassess its policy of restricting its aid to Ukraine to non-lethal supplies. These comments were made by a senior presidential official on Thursday following a statement released by the office condemning the agreement reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday. The office expressed concern that the agreement poses a threat to South Korea’s security and cautioned that it may have negative repercussions on Seoul’s relationship with Moscow.
Putin establishes agreements with Vietnam to strengthen ties in Asia
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a series of agreements with Vietnamese President To Lam during a state visit as Moscow seeks to enhance relationships in Asia to counterbalance its growing international isolation due to its military actions in Ukraine. The two leaders signed deals to enhance collaboration in education, science, technology, oil and gas exploration, and healthcare. Following the talks on Thursday afternoon, Putin highlighted the shared interest of both countries in establishing a dependable security framework in the Asia-Pacific Region that is based on non-aggression and peaceful resolution of disputes without the presence of military-political alliances.
Russia employs modified bombs and expanded air base network to devastate front-line towns in Ukraine
KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia is escalating its use of low-cost glide bombs to destroy cities in eastern Ukraine. The latest versions of these retrofitted weapons have caused extensive damage to Kharkiv, Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar, and Vovchansk. Russia has abundant supplies of these bombs, which have been adapted from old Soviet stockpiles. They are launched from airfields located just across the border, which Ukraine has been unable to target. An analysis by the Associated Press reveals that Russia has utilized these explosives to accelerate the destruction of front-line cities this year on a scale previously unseen in the conflict.
Prospects of the latest cease-fire proposal depend on Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The fate of the proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza rests on the decisions of two individuals: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders are facing considerable political and personal pressures that could be influencing their judgment. Neither leader appears to be in a hurry to make concessions to end the damaging eight-month-long conflict and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas in its October 7 attack. While Hamas has accepted the general outline of the plan but requested modifications, Netanyahu has publicly disputed certain aspects of it, despite it being framed as an Israeli initiative by the U.S.
New law mandates Ten Commandments display in all Louisiana public school classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has become the first state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, signed the bill on Wednesday, mandating that classrooms from kindergarten to state-funded universities feature a poster of the Ten Commandments in a large, easily readable font. Opponents have raised concerns about the law’s constitutionality, with civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union vowing to challenge it in court. Supporters argue that the measure has historical significance beyond its religious implications. The Ten Commandments must be displayed in classrooms by the beginning of 2025.
Alberto, the first named tropical storm of the season, brings rain to Texas and Mexico, resulting in three deaths
TAMPICO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto is heading towards northeast Mexico as the initial named storm of the season, delivering heavy rainfall that has led to three fatalities but also offering hope to a region grappling with a severe, prolonged drought. Mexican authorities have played down the risk posed by Alberto and are instead counting on it to alleviate the water scarcity in the area. Much of Mexico has been suffering from severe drought, particularly in northern Mexico. In Nuevo Leon state, civil protection authorities have reported three deaths linked to the rains brought by Alberto.
Climate change exacerbates deadly heat wave in Mexico, Southwest U.S., making it significantly more likely
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent study indicates that human-induced climate change has amplified the intensity of a deadly heat wave currently affecting the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. According to World Weather Attribution, a group of international scientists, global warming has increased the likelihood of scorching daytime temperatures in this heat wave by 35 times and made them 2.5 degrees hotter. The impact is particularly severe at night, with dangerous nighttime heat now 200 times more likely and 2.9 degrees warmer due to climate change.
Second fatality reported in New Mexico wildfire, as rain offers hope for relief
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Residents of a village in New Mexico that has been evacuated due to wildfires are seeing heavy rain and hail, which could aid firefighters but also poses a risk of high winds and flash floods. Authorities have confirmed that a second victim of the fire has been found. Meteorologists indicate a shift in weather patterns with potential rainfall in the afternoon and evening. However, there is also a possibility of strong winds and flash floods.
Monument dedicated in Alabama on Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The nonprofit organization Equal Justice Initiative commemorated the Juneteenth holiday by unveiling a monument that pays tribute to individuals who experienced and survived slavery. The National Monument to Freedom is the focal point of the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama. The monument features the surnames chosen by formerly enslaved individuals after they were freed at the end of the Civil War. The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative emphasized Juneteenth as a day to confront the harsh realities of slavery while honoring those who maintained hope in challenging circumstances.
Successful marriages after gender transitions showcase love and resilience
Marriages in which a partner undergoes a gender transition can not only endure but also flourish with newfound honesty. These partnerships demonstrate the enduring strength of love and the adaptability of sexual identity. They highlight the diversity and complexities of LGBTQ+ relationships two decades after the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. and during the sixth decade of Pride Month. Therapists affirm that many such marriages are successful, with partners finding joy in supporting each other’s journey. One individual shared that she found her transitioned partner more attractive, noting his enhanced confidence and happiness.
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