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1 Trump Puts Zelenskyy On Blast As Vance Threatens To Walk Away From Peace Deal
Vice President JD Vance issued a warning yesterday that the United States will withdraw from peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine unless both nations agree to a ceasefire soon. Speaking from India, Vance emphasized that the U.S. has presented a clear proposal and expects a prompt response. He stated that the plan involves freezing territorial lines near their current positions, requiring both Ukraine and Russia to relinquish some control over contested areas. Vance's remarks reflect growing impatience within the Trump administration, which has pledged to end the war swiftly. President Donald Trump echoed this frustration on social media, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to acknowledge Russia's occupation of Crimea. Trump argued that Crimea was effectively lost years ago and that Zelenskyy's stance hinders peace efforts. Critics and Zelenskyy say the U.S. deal effectively rewards Russia for invading Ukraine. Russia does not want the deal as it gives security guarantees for Ukraine, against further invasions.
2 Pope Francis Now Lying In State, Church May Extend Hours To Pay Respects Due To Size Of Crowds
The body of Pope Francis was moved to St. Peter's yesterday, where he will lie in state for three days to allow the public to pay their respects. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am local time in St. Peter's Square, to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope in over a century to be interred outside the Vatican. As of last night, around 25-thousand people had already visited St. Peter’s Square since yesterday morning. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave to elect a new Pope, two have already said they won’t be attending due to health reasons.
3 New Jersey Wildfire Explodes In Size, Prompts Evacuations
A fast-moving wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has burned over 12,000 acres, making it one of the state's largest in nearly 20 years. The blaze, known as the Jones Road Wildfire, began on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area and quickly spread due to dry conditions and strong winds. As of last night, the fire was approximately 50-percent contained. Officials said yesterday the fire will continue to burn until substantial rainfall arrives, which is expected later this week. Approximately 5,000 residents were evacuated from Lacey and Ocean townships, but the evacuation orders were lifted later in the day. The fire threatened around 1,300 structures and led to the temporary closure of a 17-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway. Power was cut to about 25,000 customers to ensure firefighter safety, with restoration efforts ongoing. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.