D-Day commemorated: About 200 survivors of the D-Day invasion were among the thousands gathered at Normandy today for an international ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited to the ceremony, even though during World War II the Russians were part of the free world alliance that defeated Hitler’s Nazi Germany. The decision not to invite Putin was made last month by French President Macron. In 2014, Putin attended the ceremonies for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended today.s event.
Biden’s speech: In a speech that minced no words about the continuing need to defend democracy, President Biden compared what Russia did in invading Ukraine with what Hitler did in trying to dominate Europe. “We will not bow down, we will not forget,” Biden said during ceremonies commemorating the allied invasion at Normandy 80 years ago today. Clearly targeting his remarks at Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Biden said, “To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable. Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it and fight for it.” Before his speech, Biden and Mrs. Biden met individually with U.S. veterans of World War II who had come to Normandy.
Trump’s guns: New York City police have started the process to revoke Donald Trump’s permit to carry a concealed weapon in the city. Trump has three pistols licensed in his name in New York. Under state law in both New York and his home state of Florida, Trump no longer is allowed to be in possession of a gun because he’s a convicted felon. CNN said it was told by an official that the concealed carry permit was suspended after Trump was indicted and he turned in two of the three pistols.
School attacked: At least 30 people were reported killed today in an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza that was being used to shelter Palestinian refugees, according to Palestinian officials. The U.N. Agency for Palestinian Refugees was reported to be operating the school as a shelter. The Israeli military said that the school was being used by Hamas as an operational headquarters. Missiles were reported to have hit the second and third stories of the school.
European interest: The European Central Bank today cut interest rates for the first time since 2019. The one-quarter percent cut brings the Central Bank’s interest rate down to 3.75% from 4%. The bank’s governing council said that the cut was possible because the inflation rate in Europe is coming down and getting closer to the bank’s target of 2% inflation. That’s the same rate of inflation the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank has been targeting.
Tornadoes: The National Weather Service confirmed this morning that tornadoes hit five communities in Maryland last night. At least five people were injured. There was significant damage. Severe thunderstorms impacted a wide area and the weather service issued numerous tornado warnings from about 6 p.m. until after 10:30 last night. There was no advance warning of a tornado that touched down in Livonia, Michigan, yesterday, killing a young boy. The tornado developed so rapidly there was not enough time to send out a warning, the weather service said.
