Nation & World Watch
vNew York: Russia’s envoy to United Nation dies at 64
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, a veteran diplomat known as a potent and personable voice for his country’s interests as he sparred with his Western counterparts, died suddenly after falling ill Monday in his office at the mission. Vitaly Churkin, 64, was taken to a hospital in New York, where he died, said Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov. The cause of death wasn’t immediately known.
Churkin had been Russia’s envoy at the U.N. since 2006 and was considered Moscow’s great champion. Colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation, with a deep knowledge of diplomacy. He was the longest-serving member of the Security Council, the U.N.’s most powerful body.
vSan Antonio: Tornadoes, storms damage homes
Severe storms pushed at least three tornadoes through parts of San Antonio overnight, ripping the roofs off homes and damaging dozens of other houses and apartments yet causing only minor injuries, authorities said Monday.
A National Weather Service survey team confirmed that a tornado with winds hitting 105 mph struck a residential area about 5 miles north of downtown around midnight. Of the 43 homes damaged in the area, three fully collapsed, said San Antonio Fire Department spokesman Woody Woodward.
Five minor injuries were reported in the area.
Another tornado briefly touched down about 5 miles northeast of San Antonio International Airport. Woodward had no reports of damage from that area, but photos show tall steel towers carrying high-voltage electric transmission lines toppled or buckled in half.
vCannon Ball, N.D.: Deadline looms for pipeline protest camp
State and federal authorities have told Dakota Access oil pipeline protesters at an encampment in North Dakota to leave. But many in the camp say they’re not going. The Wednesday deadline comes amid concerns that spring flooding could wash tons of trash into nearby rivers. State officials are warning of an environmental disaster if the camp isn’t cleaned up and closed.
Some in the camp say the flood fears are overblown. They plan to seek higher ground but have no plans to leave despite the threat of arrest.
vGreat Britain: Officials debate Trump’s visit
Thousands of protesters against President Donald Trump rallied Monday outside Britain’s Parliament, while lawmakers inside urged the government to rescind its offer to the president of a state visit stamped with pomp, pageantry and royal approval. In a passionate debate that’s unlikely to change the British government’s position, Trump was labeled a misogynist, a bigot and a “petulant child” by opposition legislators. They argued that a state visit planned for later this year will demean the U.K. and Queen Elizabeth II, the president’s official host. Conservative lawmakers, however, said revoking the invitation would do far more harm.
vIsrael: Sentencing looms for soldier in manslaughter
The Israeli army says a military court on Tuesday will sentence a soldier convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant. Sgt. Elor Azaria faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, though analysts expect him to receive less than that.
The rare manslaughter conviction of a soldier last month deeply divided Israel, where military service is compulsory and support for young soldiers is widespread.