Russia and North Korea have signed a partnership deal that is being hailed as the strongest since the Cold War
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — During a summit on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a partnership agreement that includes a commitment to mutual aid in the event of an attack on either country. This agreement could signify the closest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War in 1991. Putin’s visit to North Korea, the first in 24 years, comes amidst concerns over an arms deal in which North Korea supplies munitions to Moscow for its war in Ukraine in exchange for economic assistance and technology transfers. The specifics of the deal have not been fully revealed, but both leaders have characterized it as a significant strengthening of their relationship.
How did North Korean soldiers cross the most heavily guarded border in the world?
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea is known as one of the most heavily armed areas in the world. So how did around 30 North Korean soldiers manage to cross the border into South Korea, prompting the South Korean military to fire warning shots before the soldiers retreated? The simple answer seems to be overgrown vegetation. The North Korean soldiers may not have seen the markers indicating the demarcation line due to dense foliage, which has been present since the Korean War from 1950-53.
Immigrant families are celebrating President Biden’s broad move towards citizenship, although some are left out
HOUSTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s announcement of a wide-reaching plan to grant legal status to spouses of U.S. citizens has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of immigrants. However, some individuals have been excluded. The administration’s plan allows spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, provided they have resided in the U.S. for 10 years and are married to a U.S. citizen as of Monday. Every immigration benefit, including Biden’s offer, has eligibility requirements and cutoff dates.
Strict asylum regulations and mistreatment of migrants are pushing people north to the UK
AMBLETEUSE, France (AP) — Stringent asylum rules and hostile treatment of migrants are driving individuals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia away from Europe and towards the United Kingdom. Although the U.K. government has displayed hostility towards migrants, many see the country as offering more opportunities and have family or friends there. In a recent incident, a group of Kurdish migrants attempted to reach the UK by boat, but French police intercepted them.
Willie Mays, the beloved Giants’ ‘Say Hey Kid,’ has passed away at 93
Willie Mays, the iconic Giants center fielder known as the ‘Say Hey Kid,’ has passed away at the age of 93. His death was announced jointly by the Giants and Mays’ family. Mays was a legendary player who hit over 600 home runs, accumulated more than 3,000 hits, and dazzled fans with his outfield skills. His famous over-the-shoulder catch during the 1954 World Series remains one of the most celebrated defensive plays in baseball history. He was the oldest living Hall of Famer before his passing.
Cooler temperatures and rain may help contain wildfires that forced evacuations in a New Mexico village
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Firefighters battling wildfires in southern New Mexico could receive relief from moist air originating from the Gulf of Mexico. The mountain village of Ruidoso has been heavily impacted by the fires, with over 500 structures damaged or destroyed and at least one fatality. Thousands of residents evacuated as flames threatened the community of approximately 7,000 people. The National Weather Service anticipates rain from a tropical wave in the Gulf to reach the area by Wednesday afternoon.
Early heatwave causes millions to swelter across the US
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A surge in heat and humidity in the Midwest and Northeast, just days before the official start of summer, has led to discomfort for millions of Americans. Outdoor activities from festivals to sports camps have been affected as officials advise people to take precautions. Some cooling centers will be closed on Wednesday’s Juneteenth holiday, leaving residents with limited options to escape the heat. The dangerous temperatures are expected to peak in various regions over the coming days.
Ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels sinks in Red Sea
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A bulk carrier that was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea, following an incident that is believed to have resulted in the death of one crew member. The Tutor is the second ship to be sunk in the rebel campaign. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center has issued a warning to sailors in the Red Sea area regarding maritime debris and oil sighted at the ship’s last known location. The Houthis have acknowledged the sinking, while the US military has not confirmed the incident.
Caitlin Clark and the WNBA generate attention beyond basketball
NEW YORK (AP) — Even a WNBA basketball game has become embroiled in the current atmosphere of arguments and polarization in American society. Since the season began, the professional women’s league has been the subject of public and media scrutiny. Rookie Caitlin Clark has emerged as a focal point of this attention. The number one draft pick, a white 22-year-old playing for the Indiana Fever, has become a symbol for various issues in her debut season. Clark and her predominantly Black and brown teammates have become the center of discussions regarding race, gender, and visibility.
Over 2.5 million Americans have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven through pardons in Maryland
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has pardoned 175,000 individuals with cannabis convictions, bringing the total number of people across the U.S. who have had their convictions cleared or forgiven to over 2.5 million. Advocates view this as a crucial step in addressing the repercussions of the nation’s lengthy war on drugs. However, many individuals continue to face legal consequences for past marijuana use, despite the drug being legalized in most states. Over the past five decades, more than 30 million people have been convicted of marijuana-related offenses, with Black individuals disproportionately affected.
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