ON TWITTER

#AMERICANSHOOTINGS

Governor Greg Abbott called Saturday “one of the most deadly days in the history of Texas,”after 20 people were shot dead in El Paso. Hours later, nine people were shot dead in Dayton, Ohio. A shocked @asmithyy4 tweeted: “Days in 2019 – 216, mass shootings in America in 2019 – 249 (including 2 in the last 12 hours). When will America wake up and realise that gun control is the only way forward? This is 2019, not 1791. Change the law!”

@davidschneider commented: “A reminder: The shooter is white — it’s a mental health issue; the shooter is Muslim — it’s terrorism.”

@jwalms61 added: “Thoughts and prayers are not the answer, what’s needed are proper gun laws and stopping the rhetoric of hate.”

@katieotty blamed President Donald Trump, saying: “How many more have to die for you to change gun laws? Two deadly shootings in less than 24 hours. How many more innocent lives have to be lost for it to be ‘enough’ for you to do something?”

And @Andrewgillum wrote: “President @ realdonaldtrump, words have power. Yes, even your words have evil, hate-filled, dangerous, and deadly power.”

#PAINTEDLADIES

Huge numbers of painted lady butterflies are emerging across the country in a once-in-a-decade phenomenon.

@clsimpson commented: “How lovely. Texas has ‘love bugs’ and Missouri has screaming and hideous looking cicadas, but yes, your butterflies are just beautiful. Congrats.”

@Sccmacgregor noted: “Yes, loads of #butterflies near Portobello this week and glad the buddleia was pruned at right time to provide the amazing flowers they love.”

@eddiebear1978 tweeted: “Working away in Fort William and we sat out the back of our digs and the place was covered with them. Just adding to the rest of the beautiful scenery and wildlife.”

And @maxinetaylor added: “Had both a huge bumble bee & a Painted Lady arrive on my washing line as I was pegging out today. ”