The Sunday Subject – May 7, 2023

Ukraine uses U.S.-supplied Patriot missiles to stop Russian attacks

While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stalled out, Vladimir Putin’s army did at least hope to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses with hypersonic missles. But Ukraine has announced that surface-to-air Patriot missiles — an update of the system first used by the US in the 1991 Gulf War — have shot down a Russian missle over Kyiv, a promising development in Ukraine’s ongoing attempts to repel invasion.

King Charles III crowned in London

In a formal ceremony inside Westminster Abbey, site of every British coronation since 1066, Charles III, who spent a record 71 years as Prince of Wales, was crowned monarch of the United Kingdom. Some Britons criticized and protested, either because the object to the monarchy itself, or because the lavish ceremony struck a false note during a time of economic austerity. But the coronation — the first in living memory, as Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1953 — was a momentous occasion for many Brits.

Eight Republican electors accept immunity deal in Georgia

Eight members of the “alternative” slate of presidential electors that Donald Trump tried to pressure Georgia into certifying in the 2020 election have accepted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony against the former President. The Fulton County District Attorney is preparing a case against Trump for trying to interfere with the state’s presidential election, one of several attempts by Trump to subvert the 2020 election and remain in the White House despite the will of the voters.

Albright-Knox to reopen in mid June

Buffalo’s historic Albright-Knox gallery will reopen as Buffalo AKG Art Museum on June 15, starting with a three day free-to-the-public event showing off the museum’s expanded campus. The museum has been closed since November 2019 to accomodate the expansion plan, which has been in the works since 2012.