South Korea condemns Russia-North Korea deal, considers potential arms supplies to Ukraine
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The presidential office of South Korea has criticized an agreement made by Russia and North Korea regarding mutual defense assistance in the event of war. The office stated that it will reassess its policy of limiting support to Ukraine to only non-lethal supplies. These comments were made by a senior official on Thursday following a statement 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 concerns that the agreement poses a threat to South Korea’s security and could negatively impact Seoul’s relations with Moscow.
Putin signs agreements with Vietnam to strengthen ties in Asia
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin signed several agreements with Vietnamese President To Lam during a state visit aimed at enhancing ties in Asia. This move comes as Moscow looks to strengthen its relationships in Asia to counter growing international isolation due to its military actions in Ukraine. The agreements signed focus on cooperation in education, science, technology, oil and gas exploration, and health. Following the talks on Thursday afternoon, Putin emphasized the shared interest of both countries in developing a reliable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region based on peaceful dispute resolution without the use of force or military-political blocs.
Russia uses hacked bombs and expanded air base network to devastate Ukraine’s front-line towns
KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia is increasing its use of low-cost glide bombs to destroy cities in eastern Ukraine. The latest generation of these retrofitted weapons has caused significant damage to Kharkiv, Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar, and Vovchansk. Russia has access to unlimited supplies of these bombs, adapted from Soviet-era stockpiles, and they are launched from airfields near the border that Ukraine has been unable to strike. An analysis by the Associated Press shows that Russia has been using these explosives to accelerate the destruction of front-line cities in the ongoing war.
The success of the proposed cease-fire deal for Gaza depends on Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The fate of the proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza rests in the hands of two key figures: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders are facing significant political and personal pressures that may influence their decision-making. Despite the devastating eight-month-long war and the hostages taken by Hamas in an attack on Oct. 7, neither leader appears to be willing to make concessions to end the conflict. While Hamas has accepted the general outline of the plan, they have requested modifications. Netanyahu, on the other hand, has publicly contested certain aspects of the agreement, despite it being presented as an Israeli initiative by the U.S.
New law mandates display of Ten Commandments in all Louisiana public school classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has become the first state to pass a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The legislation, drafted by the GOP and signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, mandates the placement of a poster with the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. Opponents question the constitutionality of the law, with civil rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union promising legal action. Proponents argue that the measure holds historical significance beyond religious connotations. Classrooms must comply with the display requirement by the beginning of 2025.
Tropical Storm Alberto brings rain to Texas and Mexico, resulting in three deaths
TAMPICO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto is heading toward northeast Mexico as the first named storm of the season, bringing heavy rains that have claimed three lives but also offering hope to a region suffering from a severe drought. Mexican authorities downplayed the storm’s risk and are hopeful that it will help alleviate the water shortages in the drought-stricken region. Much of Mexico has been experiencing severe drought, especially in northern regions. In Nuevo Leon state, three deaths have been reported in connection to the rains brought by Alberto.
Climate change exacerbates heat wave in Mexico and Southwest U.S., study finds
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent study indicates that human-induced climate change has intensified the heat wave currently affecting the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. World Weather Attribution, a group of international scientists, states that climate change has made scorching daytime temperatures in this heat wave 35 times more likely and 2.5 degrees hotter. The study also shows that climate change has significantly increased the chances of dangerous nighttime heat, making it 200 times more likely and 2.9 degrees warmer than in a scenario without climate change.
New Mexico wildfire claims second victim, while rain offers hope of relief
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — A wildfire threatening a village in New Mexico has prompted heavy rain and hail, providing some assistance to firefighters but also raising the risk of high winds and flash floods. Authorities confirmed the discovery of a second fire victim on Wednesday. Meteorologists expect weather patterns to change with potential rain in the afternoon and evening, accompanied by the threat of high winds and flash floods.
Monument dedicated in Alabama on Juneteenth to honor those who endured slavery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Equal Justice Initiative marked the Juneteenth holiday by dedicating a monument to honor the individuals who survived and endured slavery. The National Monument to Freedom is the centerpiece of the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama. The monument features the surnames chosen by former slaves after being emancipated at the end of the Civil War. The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative stated that Juneteenth is a day to acknowledge the harsh realities of slavery while also recognizing the resilience of those who remained hopeful amidst adversity.
Marriages can thrive through gender transitions, showcasing the resilience of love
Marriages where one partner undergoes a gender transition can not only survive but also thrive with newfound honesty. These marriages highlight the enduring strength of love and the fluidity of sexual identity. As the U.S. marks the 20th anniversary of legal same-sex marriages and celebrates Pride Month, therapists note that many marriages navigating gender transitions continue to succeed. Partners find joy in supporting each other through the transition, with some reporting increased attraction and admiration for their transitioned spouse’s newfound confidence and happiness.
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