President Joe Biden visited Uvalde, Texas, as the investigation into law enforcement’s response to the school massacre intensifies. Hurricane Agatha is headed toward the coast of Mexico. And why health officials aren’t very worried about monkeypox becoming a pandemic. It’s the weekend’s biggest news.
🇺🇸 But first, it’s Memorial Day. We’re remembering and honoring the sacrifice of those who gave their lives during service to the nation. Why do we observe Memorial Day? Here’s the true history of the holiday.
Biden visits Uvalde; DOJ launches review of police response to shooting
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden paid their respects Sunday to the grief-stricken community in Uvalde, Texas, visiting memorials to children who died last week in the massacre at Robb Elementary School, as well as survivors, families and first responders. The Bidens began their visit at a school memorial site, where students’ photos were framed by white floral arches. They moved from one lost life to another; the first lady touched each photo and could be seen wiping tears from beneath her sunglasses. Amid the visit, the Justice Department announced it would launch a review of law enforcement’s response to the mass shooting. “To everyone impacted by the horrific elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: We grieve with you. We pray with you. We stand with you. And we’re committed to turning this pain into action,” the president said on Twitter before leaving Sunday.
Hurricane Agatha makes landfall in Mexico, driving fears of deadly flooding
Historic Hurricane Agatha touched down in Mexico’s southern coast Monday as sustained winds of 110 mph, heavy storm surge and driving rains prompted fears of killer flooding and mudslides. The hurricane made landfall just west of Puerto Angel, on the southern coast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, according to the National Hurricane Center. Strong winds and heavy rain began moving inland shortly after the hurricane touched down. Agatha will be the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in May in the eastern Pacific. Up to 20 inches of rain was forecast for some areas. AccuWeather meteorologists said Agatha, as it crosses Mexico and enters the Bay of Campeche in the next few days, could redevelop into the Atlantic basin’s first named storm.
Boston Celtics eliminate Miami Heat to advance to NBA Finals
The Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals after defeating the Miami Heat, 100-96, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics, scoring 26 points in the elimination game. Tatum also earned the first Larry Bird Trophy, given to the MVP of the East finals. Boston’s victory ensures it will be in the NBA Finals for the 22nd time in franchise history and for the first time since 2010. The Celtics will face the Golden State Warriors and try to win a league-record 18th championship, which would break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is Thursday in San Francisco (9 p.m. ET, ABC).
Real quick
WHO ‘not concerned’ about global monkeypox pandemic; few US cases reported
More than 250 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed around the world over a two-week period, but a pandemic is unlikely, a World Health Organization expert said Monday. Ten cases were confirmed in the U.S. from May 13 to May 26, according to the WHO. The U.S. is one of 23 countries where monkeypox is not normally found to report cases over the time period – a total of 257 confirmed cases and another 117 to 127 suspected cases that were still being investigated. No deaths have been reported. Dr. Rosamund Lewis, technical lead on monkeypox for WHO, said the vast majority of cases being seen in dozens of countries globally are in gay or bisexual men. But she warned that anyone is at potential risk of the disease, regardless of their sexual orientation.
EU nears deal on oil embargo against Russia
The European Union is near an agreement on a sixth sanction package that would include an oil embargo against Russia, a top EU official said Monday. The package has stalled in recent days because of an objection from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who apparently has won an indefinite exemption after repeatedly claiming his nation’s economy would shatter without Russian oil. All 27 EU countries must agree for the package to win approval.
👉 More news: Russia suffers “devastating” loss of young officers; French journalist killed in Ukraine. Monday’s updates.
5 dead, 4 rescued after Memorial Day weekend boat crash in Georgia
Two motorboats carrying nine passengers traveling in opposite directions collided near the Oatland Island Wildlife Center docks in Savannah, Georgia. Search and rescue teams on Sunday recovered the bodies of the three people missing from the crash, bringing the death toll to five after two people were confirmed dead on Saturday. Four other people were rescued. All three missing victims were located by game wardens in 14-foot deep water and in close proximity to each other. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Savannah resident Mark Christopher Stegall, 45, was arrested for boating under the influence.
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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
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