KYIV, Ukraine – A Russian soldier facing the first war crimes trial since the start of the war in Ukraine testified Thursday that he shot a civilian on orders from two officers and pleaded for his victim’s widow to forgive him.
WASHINGTON – The House passed legislation late Wednesday that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. The 222-203, nearly party-line vote was an answer to the growing pressure Congress faces to address gun violence and white supremacist attacks – a crisis that escalated following two mass shootings over the weekend.
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed the “momentous” applications of once-neutral Sweden and Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the three countries worked to address continued opposition from Turkey for the two to join the alliance.
LONGVIEW - Rena Lee Pittman, age 81, passed away on April 29, 2022, peacefully and surrounded by her family. She was a beautiful soul who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. On August 05, 1940, Rena was born to parents Cora Lee and Henry Anderson in Brownwood, TX. For over 66 years, Rena was married to her charming husband, Weldon Pittman Sr. Together, they built a wonderful life and raised two beloved sons, Henry and Weldon Jr. Her home was always full of laughter, tea, and the Grand Ole Opry. She was a woman of simple pleasures who loved traveling with her family, sharing stories of her misadventures, cooking, and sewing. Rena inspired others with her commitment to service throughout her community. As a devout Christian, Rena attended Greggton First Baptist Church. Her quick wit always made others laugh, and she was as compassionate as she was caring. For nearly 50 years, she served as an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star with the Pine Tree Chapter #1090, including two terms as Worthy Matron. Beyond all else, Rena will be remembered for her courage and indomitable spirit. She was a loving wife, cherished mother, and faithful friend. Rena is predeceased by her mother, Cora; her father, Henry Anderson; her brother, William Todd Anderson; and her son, Henry Pittman. She is survived by her husband, Weldon Sr.; her son, Weldon Jr.; and two grandchildren, Alexandria and Park. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. A memorial service will be held at Pine Tree Masonic Lodge #1396 in Longview, TX, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 2 pm-4 pm. In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pine Tree Masonic Lodge Scholarship Fund in her honor. An online memorial book may be signed at www.raderfh.com
James Odie (J.O.) Thompson passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at home with his wife LuCretia by his side. He was born September 23 in Temple, TX. He worked for the railroad for 42 years before retiring from BNSF in 2004. He had a zest for life and loved traveling and meeting new people. They lived in Brownwood, TX for 30 years before moving to Temple 3 years ago because of his health. His parents, Billie Lou Carberry and Odie Wood Thompson, brother, K.L. Thompson, sister, & Martha Lou Messiner and step mother Lois Fulton preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, LuCretia, 3 sons, Dalton McCombs of Arizona, Jim Thompson and wife Dayna of Johnson City, Jason Thompson and wife Kassy of Pflugerville. Nine grandchildren, Madalyn, Alexis, Matthew, Karlen, Kenna, Covin, Kennedy, Austin, and Rylin and one sister, Gaye Lynn Butler and husband, Roger. Also, many nieces and nephews. There will be a memorial service at Jenkins Springs Cemetery in Early, Tx at 11 am Saturday, May 21, 2022. His sister-in-law, Mary Birmingham will have a memorial service at that time also as she passed away on April 18, 2022.
LEE VINING, Calif. – About five hours north of Los Angeles and five hours east of San Francisco lies California’s Mono County, a picturesque region known for its towering, snowcapped mountains and close proximity to Yosemite National Park.
BARCELONA, Spain – Qatar committed Wednesday to investing $4.9 billion in Spain as the European country launches an economic overhaul with its share of European Union pandemic recovery funding. Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, announced that the energy-rich gulf state would boost its investments in Spain at a state dinner with Spanish King Felipe VI late Tuesday.
MIAMI – “The Greatest Show on Earth” is making a comeback featuring extraordinary humans and no animal acts five years after shutting down its three-ring circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey announced Wednesday.
KYIV, Ukraine – Hundreds more Ukrainian fighters who made their stand inside Mariupol’s bombed-out steel plant surrendered, bringing the total to over 1,700, Russia said Thursday, amid international fears about the fate of the prisoners in Moscow’s hands.