US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's recent visit to China has been hailed as a success in reviving communication channels between Washington and Beijing. The visit comes at a time when tensions between the two countries are high, with differences on issues such as climate change and debt relief. However, Yellen's trip has paved the way for potential cooperation in these areas.

China had suspended joint ventures and military communications with the US after Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year, increasing the risk of armed conflict. Yellen's visit signifies a willingness to improve relations, despite the immense differences between the two governments.

One area of contention is climate change, where China does not want to contribute to a fund meant to benefit countries most affected by it. China argues that it is still a developing country and cannot pay like a rich nation. Additionally, China prefers to handle debt relief on its terms, avoiding involvement with international organizations like the World Bank or IMF.

Yellen's visit is a step in the right direction, as the two sides have begun to cultivate areas of cooperation again, including climate change and debt relief. While the differences remain, this visit shows that both sides see the need for engagement and diplomacy.

Overall, Yellen's visit to China has the potential to improve relations between the US and China, despite their diverse views. The question remains whether they can find common ground and work together on areas of mutual interest.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine claimed that if it was a matter of surrendering Ukrainian territories, President Joe Biden could have ended the war in Ukraine in just five minutes. Zelenskyy was responding to former President Donald Trump's previous claims that he could end the war in 24 hours if he were elected to the White House. Zelenskyy argued that Trump already had the opportunity to do so during his time in office, but must have had other priorities. The Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine would not agree to ending the war at the cost of giving up their territories. Zelenskyy also addressed the suggestion that the US has given enough aid to Ukraine, stating that Ukrainians are not known for excessive appetites and that their victory is enough for them. He expressed concern about the reduction of assistance to Ukraine and the importance of maintaining bipartisan support from the US. Zelenskyy's comments come amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine and as he seeks continued support from the US to counter Russian aggression.

Flash flooding caused by heavy rain in New York has resulted in at least one death and prompted emergency calls and rescues. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for parts of the Hudson Valley as a slow-moving storm system brought heavy rain to the area. Rensselaer County and nearby towns, as well as Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties in the Hudson Valley, were the most affected areas. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus confirmed one death related to the flooding, but details of the cause of death are still unknown. Water rescues have been conducted in West Point and Highland Falls, while major roads in Woodbury have been washed out. With life-threatening flooding occurring, local agencies are fielding dozens of emergency calls. The storm is expected to linger overnight, with additional rainfall and flooding anticipated. Flash flooding remains a possibility in New York City, Spring Valley, and Monsey. The New York State Police have advised the public to avoid certain roadways due to heavy flooding and washouts, while Metro-North service has been suspended between Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie.

The upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, is sparking debate over whether Ukraine should be given an invitation to join the transatlantic alliance. Supporters argue that Ukraine has earned the moral right to join, considering the heavy sacrifices it has made in its conflict with Russia. Additionally, NATO expansion has historically been a force for peace and stability in Europe. On the other hand, there is concern about admitting Ukraine to NATO while it is still at war with Russia, as this could potentially draw other members into a shooting war with a nuclear-armed Russia. The question of whether to invite Ukraine to join the alliance is a delicate one, with Western European states and the United States expressing reluctance. Ultimately, the decision will require balancing the desire to send a clear message to Russia with the need to avoid all-out war. The issue of Ukraine's NATO membership will be a key topic of discussion at the summit, with world leaders grappling with how to address the situation.

A man in New York City is facing murder charges after going on a shooting spree while riding a scooter, according to police. Thomas Abreu, a 25-year-old Brooklyn resident, allegedly shot randomly at cars and pedestrians in Brooklyn and Queens on Saturday. The shootings resulted in the death of an 86-year-old man and left three others injured. Abreu has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.

The motive for the attacks is still unclear, and police are investigating the incidents. The shootings occurred over a span of approximately 30 minutes and involved a man on a scooter firing shots at random. Video footage captured one of the incidents, showing the assailant approaching the victim from behind and firing a gun. The police described the shootings as connected.

Abreu is scheduled to be arraigned in Queens. The names of the other victims have not been released.

This incident raises concerns about the safety of the city's streets and the potential for random acts of violence. It also highlights the need for comprehensive gun control measures to prevent shootings and protect innocent lives.

Six people have been identified as the victims of a plane crash that occurred near French Valley Airport in Murrieta, California. The small Cessna C550 business jet took off from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas early Saturday morning and crashed about an hour later during its second landing attempt. The crash resulted in a fire that consumed most of the aircraft.

The victims have been identified as Lindsey Gleiche, 31, of Huntington Beach; Riese Lenders, 25, of Rancho Palos Verdes; Alma Razick, 51, of Temecula; Ibrahem Razick, 46, of Temecula; Abigail Tellez-Vargas, 33, of Murrieta; and Manuel Vargas-Regalado, 32, of Temecula.

Authorities believe that low visibility due to fog may have contributed to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident and will be on the scene for the next several days to collect evidence. The wreckage of the plane will then be transported to a private facility for further examination.

This tragedy marks the second fatal crash near French Valley Airport in the last five days. The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration are working to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future incidents.

An injunction issued on July 4 has sparked concerns from civil rights groups, academics, and tech industry insiders who argue that it undermines initiatives to strengthen social media platforms against election interference. The ruling places limitations on the government's communications with tech companies, which has resulted in a halt in key government communications with Silicon Valley and a reduction in content moderation staff and disinformation research. As the 2024 primaries approach, tech companies face new election threats with advancements in artificial intelligence that enable the creation of convincing fake videos, photos, and ads.

Critics argue that the injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, will benefit election lies and hinder efforts to coordinate between governments and social media companies to ensure the integrity of election news and information. The ruling comes amidst a partisan battle over social media rules, with Democrats calling for increased action against falsehoods on the platforms, while Republicans claim bias against conservative views. Republican efforts have been supported by Elon Musk, who released internal communications about content moderation decisions.

While some argue that the injunction is necessary to prevent government overreach and intimidation, others raise concerns about the potential for governments and social media companies to collaborate in ways that suppress freedom of speech and enable repression. The ruling raises questions about how to effectively combat election interference while also protecting citizens' rights and holding authorities and tech platforms accountable.

The Biden administration's decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked a heated debate. Cluster munitions are controversial weapons that have been banned by over 100 nations due to the danger they pose to civilians. Despite the concerns raised by human rights organizations and key allies, the US National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, defended the decision, stating that Ukraine intends to use the cluster munitions to defend their own territory against Russian positions.

The issue at hand is the risk of civilian casualties and the potential for unexploded ordnance to harm innocent civilians, particularly children. Critics argue that these weapons should never be used as they can maim and kill innocent civilians long after the fighting is over. The danger lies in the fact that not all bomblets explode upon impact, and they can remain on the ground, acting as de facto landmines.

While some Democrats and Republicans have differing opinions on the matter, it is clear that the use of cluster munitions goes against the international prohibition agreed upon by more than 120 countries. Critics also warn that the US providing these weapons could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other nations to also disregard the ban.

The Biden administration contends that supplying cluster munitions to Ukraine is necessary due to the urgent need for additional weaponry. Ukrainian forces are reportedly running low on conventional artillery shells, and the cluster munitions would provide them with an advantage against Russian troops.

The debate surrounding the use of cluster munitions is far from settled. The potential humanitarian cost of these weapons is a significant concern, and critics argue that the US should not be supporting their use. The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and it remains to be seen how the use of cluster munitions will affect the ongoing conflict.

McDonald's has discontinued countless menu items over the years, leaving fans longing for their favorite items. According to a poll conducted by Mashed, the item that fans miss the most is the McRib, with 50% of respondents choosing it as their top pick. The McRib first appeared on the menu in 1981 but has since been removed multiple times, creating anticipation among fans for its return. Other items that fans miss include McSalads and Mighty Wings, which both received 15% of the votes, custard pies with 12% of the votes, and onion nuggets with 8% of the votes. The popularity of the McRib can be attributed to its distinct BBQ flavor and the anticipation surrounding its periodic reappearances. Some fans have even created websites dedicated to tracking the availability of the McRib around the world. While the McRib is currently only offered in Germany, fans in other countries are hoping for its return to McDonald's menus.

Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, made his highly anticipated debut in the NBA Summer League on Friday night. Despite his shooting struggles, Wembanyama showed flashes of brilliance and left fans excited for what's to come.

In his debut game against the Charlotte Hornets, Wembanyama scored nine points on 2-for-13 shooting. However, his impact extended beyond the stat sheet. The 7-foot-6 rookie showcased his defensive prowess with five blocked shots and grabbed eight rebounds. Wembanyama also displayed his passing ability with three assists, including a highlight-reel left-handed shovel pass for an assist.

Despite the mixed shooting performance, Wembanyama's presence on the court was undeniable. His size and length caused problems for the Hornets, and his defensive instincts were on full display. He even blocked a three-pointer attempt from Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick in the draft.

In addition to his on-court contributions, Wembanyama's arrival was met with fanfare. The crowd of 17,500 fans, many of whom came specifically to see him, witnessed the beginning of what promises to be a memorable career. Wembanyama expressed his gratitude at wearing a Spurs jersey for the first time, calling it a "special moment" and an "honor."

While it's still early in the Summer League, Wembanyama's debut showcased his potential and left fans excited for what he can bring to the San Antonio Spurs in the upcoming season. As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Wembanyama to see how he progresses and if he can fulfill the high expectations set for him as the top pick in the draft.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently been successful not only on the field but also in the MLB Draft. With this year's draft just around the corner, the Dodgers are looking to add more talent to their already impressive farm system. Despite having the seventh-lowest pool money in the league, the Dodgers have a track record of finding gems in the later rounds of the draft.

In the past five seasons, the Dodgers have made some notable first-round draft picks. In 2022, they selected catcher Dalton Rushing with the 40th overall pick. Rushing has been tearing it up in the minors, with 16 home runs, 65 RBIs, and an impressive 1.042 OPS. He is quickly rising through the ranks and could become a key player for the Dodgers in the future.

In 2021, the Dodgers selected left-handed pitcher Maddux Bruns. While Bruns struggled with his command in his first season, he has shown promise this year. Despite these successes, the Dodgers have faced penalties in the past for exceeding the competitive-balance tax threshold. This has resulted in their first-round pick being dropped 10 spots.

However, the Dodgers have not let these setbacks hinder their ability to build a strong farm system. They have consistently been able to find talent and develop players. With the 2023 MLB Draft approaching, the Dodgers will once again have the opportunity to add more promising prospects to their organization. Will they continue their success in the draft and find the next superstar? Only time will tell.

Sources:

- Juan Toribio's Dodgers Beat newsletter

- ESPN

- FiveThirtyEight

- Bleacher Report

- Sports Illustrated

Wyatt Langford, a star baseball player from Trenton, Florida, is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming MLB Draft. Langford, known for his exceptional work ethic, values, and impressive statistics, has garnered attention from scouts and teams across the league. His .394 batting average, 114 runs batted in, and 13 home runs in his high school career have made him a standout prospect. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut short his senior season, Langford has continued to showcase his talent and dedication to the game.

Langford's strong character and humility have also played a role in his success. His high school coach, Scott Hall, has praised Langford for his poise, approach, and treatment of others. These qualities, along with his intelligence and interest in learning, have helped him become a well-rounded player. Langford's hometown of Trenton, located in Gilchrist County, Florida, has rallied behind him as he prepares to take the next step in his baseball career.

The MLB Draft, set to begin on Sunday, July 9, will determine the future of many talented prospects like Langford. Scouts and fans alike are eagerly awaiting to see where Langford will go in the draft. With his impressive skills, dedication, and character, it's no wonder that he is considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft class.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected LSU star Paul Skenes as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft. Skenes, a right-handed pitcher, is known for his impressive fastball velocity and high strikeout rate against SEC hitters. However, there are concerns about the shape of his fastball and the lack of separation between its induced vertical and horizontal breaks. Despite these reservations, the Pirates have chosen Skenes as their top pick.

The MLB draft, which started on Sunday and will span three days, features 20 rounds, including the first two rounds, compensatory rounds, and competitive balance rounds. The draft is being held in Seattle at Lumen Field, home of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. Rounds 1 and 2 took place on Sunday, with rounds 3-10 scheduled for Monday and rounds 11-20 set for Tuesday.

The Pirates earned the No. 1 pick by winning the first MLB draft lottery. The Washington Nationals landed the second pick, while the Oakland A's secured the third pick. CBS Sports is providing round-by-round analysis and coverage of the draft, including analysis of every first-round selection. The draft can also be watched on MLB Network, ESPN, and MLB.com.

With the No. 1 pick, the Pirates have chosen Paul Skenes as their top prospect, hoping that he will become a valuable asset for the team in the future.

The 2023 MLB Draft is set to begin on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. ET. The draft will take place over the course of three days, with rounds 1 and 2 being held on the first day. Rounds 3-10 will take place on Monday, July 10, and rounds 11-20 will conclude the draft on Tuesday, July 11.

To watch the draft, you can tune in to ESPN and MLB Network for rounds 1 and 2 on Sunday. For rounds 3-10 on Monday and rounds 11-20 on Tuesday, you can catch a live stream of the draft on MLB.com.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the coveted No. 1 pick in this year's draft, which they secured through the inaugural MLB Draft Lottery. The Pirates are expected to choose from a pool of top prospects, including standout players from the NCAA champion LSU Tigers, such as right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes and outfielder Dylan Crews, who are projected to go first and second overall.

With 20 rounds in total, the MLB Draft offers ample opportunities for teams to acquire highly promising talents. Don't miss out on this exciting event and tune in to see which players will be selected by their respective teams.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and Minnesota Twins will follow them in order. The Atlanta Braves have the 24th pick of the first round and will have three picks in total on Day 1 of the draft.

Who Has the Largest Bonus Pool in the First 10 Rounds of the Draft?

The Pirates have the largest bonus pool at $16,185,700, followed by the Tigers with $15,747,200 and the Nationals with $14,502,400. On the other hand, the Philadelphia Phillies have the smallest bonus pool at $5,185,500.

Who is the Consensus Top High School Player in the Draft?

The consensus top high school player in the 2023 MLB Draft is Walker Jenkins. He is known for his high-end raw power and has been compared to former MLB All-Star J.D. Drew. Jenkins won the Gatorade state player of the year award for the second consecutive year and has shown scouts his talent by batting .417 with a .632 on-base percentage and .633 slugging percentage.

Who Did the Twins Select with their Fifth Pick?

The Minnesota Twins selected Walker Jenkins with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins is a power-hitting player with the potential to be a future .280 hitter in the majors. He also has the ability to stay in center field.

Who Did the Athletics Select with their Seventh Pick?

The Oakland Athletics selected Jacob Wilson with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Wilson is a defensive shortstop with a high contact rate. He posted a .361 batting average over his three seasons at Grand Canyon University.

Sources:

- "2023 MLB Draft Day 1 Coverage" (MLB)

- "Beginners' guide to the MLB Draft" (ESPN)

- "Twins top rewards for early picks begin with Jenkins at No. 5" (ESPN)

The Detroit Tigers made a surprising pick in the 2023 MLB draft, selecting high school outfielder Max Clark with the No. 3 overall pick. Clark, from Franklin Community High School in Indiana, is considered one of the top prep players in his class.

While many expected the Tigers to choose one of the elite college bats available, the team went with Clark, who has been a standout on the high school baseball scene. He was named the 2023 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year and has been praised for his pure hit tool, bat-to-ball data, and defensive abilities in center field.

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris believes that Clark is an elite talent and a five-tool player. The Tigers passed on Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford to select Clark, a move that may lengthen the team's rebuild but could pay off in the long run.

Clark, 18, had an outstanding senior season, hitting .646 with 20 extra-base hits in 28 games. He is a left-handed hitter with above-average defensive skills, top-tier speed, and an impressive arm.

While there is always some uncertainty with high school draft picks, Clark has the potential to become a face of the next generation. He plays an exciting style of baseball and already has a large following on social media.

Only time will tell if the Tigers made the right decision with Max Clark, but his talent and potential suggest that he could be a game-changer for the team in the future.

The Chicago Cubs surprised many in the 2023 MLB Draft by selecting Maryland shortstop Matt Shaw with the 13th overall pick. Shaw, known for his impressive hitting ability, had been projected to go around that spot in the draft. Despite some concerns about his long-term defensive ability at shortstop, the Cubs were enamored with his bat.

Shaw, 21, had an outstanding collegiate career, excelling in the Big Ten and earning MVP honors in the Cape Cod League. He showcased his hitting prowess by having more extra-base hits than strikeouts in his final season. The Cubs, known for their affinity for college position players, saw Shaw as a high-value pick, even though he may not stick at shortstop in the long run.

The decision to draft Shaw has raised questions about the Cubs' overall strategy in the draft. Some experts believed there were other college bats available, like Kyle Teel and Jacob Gonzalez, who could have been selected instead. However, the Cubs were impressed by Shaw's high batted ball metrics and believed in his potential to be a Statcast darling.

It remains to be seen how Shaw will develop in the Cubs' system, but his talent at the plate is a promising start to his professional career. Cubs fans will be eagerly watching to see if Shaw can live up to the hype and make a significant impact in the future.

The Naylor family has another reason to celebrate as youngest sibling Myles Naylor was selected by the Oakland A's with the 39th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound infielder from Mississauga, Ontario joins his older brothers Josh and Bo, who were both drafted in previous years. This makes the Naylors the second family, after the Drews, to have three brothers each drafted before the second round. Myles' cousin, Denzel Clarke, is also a part of the Athletics' farm system. The top Canadian prospect in the draft, Myles was selected earlier than many scouts had projected. He is a Texas Tech commit and played high school baseball at St. Joan of Arc High School in Maple, Ontario. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 64th overall prospect entering the draft, with his power, arm, and fielding skills standing out. The slot value for being taken with the 39th pick is approximately $2.2 million. The Naylor brothers have all been coached by Greg Hamilton, manager of the Canadian Junior National Baseball team.

The Minnesota Twins have selected Walker Jenkins, a standout high school baseball player from South Brunswick, with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Jenkins, an 18-year-old center fielder, has impressed scouts with his swing and his size and speed on the field. He solidified his high school career with an impressive senior season, including an area-high 32 walks. Jenkins becomes the third player from the Wilmington area in the past six years to be chosen on the first day of the draft, following in the footsteps of Blake Walston and MacKenzie Gore.

Jenkins' high school career has been remarkable, even from the start. After sitting out his freshman season due to hip surgery, he excelled in swimming and quickly made an impact on the baseball field as a sophomore. By his junior year, Jenkins had caught the attention of scouts across the country with impressive stats and performance.

The Twins' decision to select Jenkins came after the top four players on their draft board were chosen by other teams. Despite speculation that the Twins may go for a college player with more experience, they went with Jenkins for his talent and power potential. Scouts compare him to a young Larry Walker and see him as an athletic right fielder with great hitting ability.

The Twins now have an opportunity to strengthen their farm system with three of the first 49 picks in the draft. Jenkins will join the organization and could challenge for the top prospect spot. The Twins have until July 25 to sign their draft picks.

The Chicago Cubs have selected Arkansas pitcher Jaxon Wiggins in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Despite missing the entire 2023 season due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament, Wiggins caught the attention of the Cubs with his hard-throwing right arm. Before his injury, Wiggins had a 6.17 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 89 innings for the Razorbacks.

Wiggins joins a long list of talented pitchers from Arkansas to be drafted in recent years. In fact, he is the 17th Arkansas pitcher to be drafted since 2019 and the 13th to be selected in the first 10 rounds. The Cubs are hoping that Wiggins can follow in the footsteps of previous Arkansas pitchers who have found success in the majors.

Although Wiggins' injury raises concerns about his future performance, the Cubs are willing to take a chance on his potential. With his impressive fastball and strikeout ability, Wiggins has the tools to become a valuable asset for the Cubs' pitching staff.

The 2023 MLB Draft is not yet over, and the Cubs have already made some promising picks. With their selection of Wiggins, the Cubs are showing their commitment to building a strong team for the future. Only time will tell if Wiggins can overcome his injury and live up to the expectations placed on him by the Cubs organization.

Sources:

- Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) July 10, 2023

- Abner Sosa, Arkansas Razorback Jaxon Wiggins drafted into the MLB, Updated: 11:50 PM CDT Jul 9, 2023, Good Housekeeping, "6h ago"

The NBA Summer League, also known as the Las Vegas Summer League, is set to kick off on July 7th and will feature top prospects and young talent from all 30 teams. This annual event provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a spot on the NBA roster.

The games will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. With 76 games spread over 11 days, basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat.

The schedule for the Summer League has been released, with games being televised on various ESPN channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and NBA TV. Viewers in the U.S. can also stream the games on platforms such as the ESPN app, fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, NBA League Pass, or the NBA app.

The format for the Summer League follows a standard NBA game structure, with four 10-minute quarters. Each team will have only two timeouts per half, and players will be fouled out after committing 10 fouls.

The Summer League not only provides a platform for top picks like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller to make a strong impression but also allows lesser-known players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster.

So mark your calendars and get ready for some exciting basketball action at the NBA Summer League 2023!

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a splash in the 2023 MLB Draft by selecting pitcher Paul Skenes from LSU with the first overall pick. Skenes, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-hander, had an impressive season with LSU, helping the team win a College World Series. He was the only NCAA Division I player to reach double figures in wins and home runs in 2022. He was also rated as the No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 2 prospect by Baseball America.

Skenes had an outstanding season at LSU, going 13-2 with five shutouts, two complete games, and a 1.69 ERA. He set an SEC-record with 209 strikeouts and held opponents to a .165 batting average. The Pirates are thrilled to have added such a talented player to their organization.

In addition to the Pirates' selection, the Chicago White Sox also made a notable pick in the draft, selecting shortstop Jacob Gonzalez from Ole Miss with the 15th overall pick. Gonzalez brings power, plate discipline, and defensive skills to the White Sox organization. Despite some mixed reviews about his 2023 season, he was still regarded as a valuable pick for the team.

The 2023 MLB Draft is still ongoing, with Rounds 3-10 taking place on Monday. The draft will conclude on Tuesday with Rounds 11-20. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest draft picks and analysis.

The Kansas City Royals are gearing up for the MLB Draft and have three Day 1 picks, including the No. 8 pick. With a history of mixed success in their drafts, the Royals are hoping to secure a promising future by selecting the right talent. In the past decade, the Royals have drafted 19 players in the first round, but only four are currently playing in the majors. It is crucial for a small-market team like the Royals to make the most out of their draft picks to build a strong core for the future.

Looking at the history of the No. 8 pick, there have been some notable talents, such as All-Star third baseman Josh Jung and four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. The Royals have had the No. 8 pick twice before, and now they have the opportunity to add another promising player to their roster.

Some college names that the Royals could focus on with the No. 8 pick include infielder Tommy Troy from Stanford. Troy has shown consistency at the plate and has the potential to be a solid contributor in the future. Although he lacks a clear defensive position, his versatility and strong offensive skills make him an attractive choice for the Royals.

As the Royals enter the 2023 MLB Draft, all eyes will be on their picks and whether they can secure a promising future for the team. Only time will tell if they can win the draft and build a strong foundation for their organization.

President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine in their battle against Russia. While some Democrats expressed concerns about the potentially harmful impact on civilians and the violation of international law, Biden argued that Ukraine "needed" the weapons to resist Russian troops. The administration's announcement of sending cluster munitions was met with pushback, as these weapons have been banned in over 100 countries. However, Ukrainian officials claimed that they were crucial to their defense against Russian aggression.

Biden explained that the decision was made because Ukraine's ammunition supply was running low, and the cluster munitions would only be used in a temporary capacity. The President emphasized that these weapons would not be employed in civilian areas. Despite criticism from some Democrats, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, a Republican, supported Biden's decision, highlighting Russia's use of cluster bombs in Ukraine.

The use of cluster munitions in warfare poses significant risks to civilians, as unexploded bomblets can remain active for years. Critics argue that the United States, as a nation with power and influence, should not endorse the use of these weapons. However, the Biden administration justified the decision as a necessary measure to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Overall, the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine is a contentious issue, with varying opinions on its justification and potential consequences for innocent civilians.

Special counsel Jack Smith is investigating a chaotic Oval Office meeting in December 2020, where desperate proposals to overturn the election were allegedly discussed. Witnesses have been questioned about the meeting, including Rudy Giuliani, former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, former national security advisor Michael Flynn, and former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne. Giuliani had a voluntary interview with investigators last month and Powell and Byrne spoke under oath with the House select committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. Flynn declined to answer the committee's questions. The meeting involved a heated debate about seizing voting machines and considering martial law to overturn the election results. Smith's team is nearing charging decisions in the investigation into efforts to overturn the election, and they are still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.