Ukraine: Russia said to be using more deadly weapons in war
Ukrainian and British officials have warned that Russian forces are relying on weapons with potential to cause mass casualties as they try to make headway in capturing eastern Ukraine. The U.K. Defense Ministry said Saturday that Russian bombers have likely been launching heavy 1960s-era anti-ship missiles that can cause severe collateral damage and casualties when used on land targets. A regional governor accused Russia of using incendiary weapons in Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk province. Both sides have been expending large amounts of weaponry in what has become a grinding war of attrition. During a visit by the European Union’s top official, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy called for “even stronger” EU sanctions against Russia.
Several factors are converging to push gas prices higher
Gas prices are hitting $5 a gallon, and they’re showing no signs of letting up. Auto club AAA said Saturday that the nationwide average broke the $5 barrier for the first time. Gas prices are a key reason for the highest inflation in 40 years. There are several factors contributing to the rise. Global oil supplies are being squeezed by sanctions against Russia. The capacity of U.S. refineries to turn oil into gasoline hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. And that’s all happening as demand grows from people eager to drive and travel after two years of pandemic restrictions.
Alaska high court reverses ruling that roiled House election
The special primary for Alaska’s only U.S. House seat is moving forward as planned following a tense legal fight over ballot access issues that had cast a shadow over the election. The legal drama was the latest twist in what has already been an extraordinary election, packed with 48 candidates running for the seat left vacant by the death in March of U.S. Rep. Don Young. The Alaska Supreme Court on Saturday reversed and vacated a lower court order that barred state elections officials from certifying the results of Saturday’s special primary until visually impaired voters were given a “full and fair” opportunity to participate.
Phoenix, Vegas, Denver post records amid Southwest heat wave
Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver and California’s Death Valley have all posted record temperatures as dangerous heat sweeps over the American Southwest. The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported a temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, tying the record high for the date set back in 1918. Las Vegas tied a record for the day set in 1956, with temperatures soaring to 109 F. In Colorado, Denver hit 100 F (38 C), tying a record set in 2013 for both the high temperature and the earliest calendar day to reach 100 F. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories were also issued for parts of Northern California through the Central Valley and down to the southeastern deserts.
Children Die as Somalis Flee Hunger
The worst drought in four decades is imperiling lives across the Horn of Africa, with up to 20 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia facing the risk of starvation by year’s end, according to the World Food Program. The most devastating crisis is unfolding in Somalia, where 7 million people face acute food shortages. Since January, at least 448 children have died from severe acute malnutrition, according to a database managed by UNICEF. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is exacerbating the situation, cutting off most of the wheat imports that Somalia depends on and sharply increasing the prices of fuel, food and fertilizer.
By wire sources
