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Ukraine Marks Somber Anniversary as Zelenskyy Vows Resolve Amid Fractured Allied Support

Ukrainians pay tribute to victims of the Russian invasion, on the day marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion. As Ukraine enters another year of full‑scale war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the anniversary to deliver a message of defiance and endurance. Speaking to the nation, he emphasized that Ukraine’s determination to resist Russia has not weakened, even as the conflict grinds on with no clear end in sight. Zelenskyy highlighted the sacrifices made by civilians and soldiers alike, framing Ukraine’s struggle as a fight for national survival and democratic values. His remarks came at a moment when international unity — once a defining feature of the early months of the invasion — shows signs of strain. Several of Ukraine’s key partners remain committed to providing military and financial support, but political divisions, shifting priorities, and domestic pressures in some allied countries have complicated efforts to maintain a cohesive front. Debates...

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Rising Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke: A Call for Disaster Recognition

 

As the mercury soars and wildfire smoke blankets the skies, a coalition of environmentalists, labor unions, and public health advocates have united with a singular demand: classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters in the United States. This plea, directed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), seeks to unlock critical funding and resources to bolster community resilience against these increasingly frequent and intense climate events.

The petitioners argue that the recognition of extreme heat and smoke as major disasters is overdue. They draw parallels to FEMA’s rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that similar urgency is needed to combat the lethal consequences of climate change. The statistics are alarming: an estimated 2,300 Americans succumbed to heat-related illnesses in 2023, the hottest year on record. Meanwhile, smoke from Canadian wildfires has traveled as far south as Georgia, disrupting lives and livelihoods.

The groups emphasize that extreme heat acts as a “harm multiplier,” exacerbating health risks and economic burdens, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Their petition underscores the need for proactive measures, such as air filters and rooftop solar systems, to mitigate the impacts of these climate crises before they strike. As the planet warms, the call for action grows louder, urging FEMA to step up and recognize the gravity of these environmental threats.

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