ONE BIG HEADLINE

Russia Annexes, Ukraine Advances

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday signed decrees to annex 15% of Ukraine, specifically the partially occupied eastern and southern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The move is viewed as the biggest annexation in Europe since World War II. See our previous write-up here.

The declaration came as Ukrainian forces have reportedly encircled thousands of Russian troops near the eastern Ukrainian city of Lyman, a strategic railway hub in the Donetsk region. The encirclement could pave the way for Ukraine to recapture Russian-seized areas in Luhansk and Donetsk, observers say. Ukraine also formally applied for a fast-track accession to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in response to the annexation. Ukraine's desire to join the alliance has been seen as a pretext for Russia's invasion. 

Separately, Russian strikes overnight Thursday killed at least 25 civilians and injured at least 50 others in the Ukrainian province of Zaporizhzhia. See a map of the latest on Russia's invasion of Ukraine here. 

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HUMANKIND

John Cena sets world record for granting 650 wishes through Make-A-Wish. (More)

Soccer captain invites waterboy with Down syndrome to celebrate team win. (More)

Ten-year-old Andres Valencia creates art that sells for more than $100K. (More) 

OB-GYN helps deliver a baby as Hurricane Fiona reaches Puerto Rico. (More)

Good Samaritan surprises 100-year-old veteran with Disneyland trip. (More, w/video)

Meet the 86-year-old woman who has fostered 189 children over 40 years. (More) 

Need a hug? Visit the nicest place on the internet, where strangers around the world offer virtual embraces. (More)

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HUMANKIND(NESS)

Today, we're sharing a story from reader Claudia O. in Miami, Florida.

"My youngest daughter had a summer internship, and has been saving some money by living with friends instead of in a dorm. A few weeks ago, I received one of those dreaded texts from her saying, 'Mom, can you talk right now?'... She told me that she had gotten an Airbnb credit ... and could use it for me to be able to attend her graduation next year ... In parallel, my older daughter who just moved to the same town as my youngest one, rented a room with a bed and a folding sofa-bed so that I could come over. I’ll be able and proud to attend my youngest graduation AND to visit them every now and then, thanks to the enduring kindness of my two girls."

What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us.

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