Mattis Says A Decision Is Closer On Strategy For Afghanistan

Seoul plans to offer financial support to residents seeking to reverse vasectomies or tubectomies in the latest step aimed at boosting birthrates as a dwindling population threatens the long-term vitality of the South Korean capital. Seoul will offer each citizen up to 1 million won ($734) to help ease the financial burden of the medical prodecure for couples who want a child, according to a statement from the city on Tuesday.

A series of powerful storms swept over the central and southern U. S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving a wide trail of destroyed homes, businesses and power outages. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of an oppressive, early season heat wave setting records from south Texas to Florida. Forecasters said the severe weather could shift to the East Coast later Monday and warned millions of people outdoors for the holiday to watch the skies.

NEW YORK — Americans who spend Memorial Day scouting sales online and in stores may find more reasons to celebrate the return of warmer weather. Major retailers are stepping up discounts heading into the summer months, hoping to entice inflation-weary shoppers into opening their wallets. Target, Walmart and other chains have rolled out price cuts — some permanent, others temporary — with the stated aim of giving their customers some relief.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden marked Memorial Day with a pledge that the country would continue the work of the nation’s fallen toward a more perfect union, “for which they lived, and for which they died.” Delivering remarks at a solemn remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden said each generation must ensure the sacrifice of the country’s service members is not in vain. “Freedom has never been guaranteed,” Biden said under gray skies in the memorial amphitheater.

Charlie Blackmon loves baseball like an 8-year-old kid, works out with the energy of a teenager and views the game through the eyes of a gnarly veteran. All of those characteristics were on display Monday afternoon at sun-splashed Coors Field. Blackmon, who turns 38 on July 1, hit a three-run homer and two doubles and drove in four runs to lead the Rockies to an 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.

Bill Walton, who starred for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins before becoming a Hall of Famer for his NBA career and one of the biggest stars in basketball broadcasting, died Monday, the league announced on behalf of his family. Walton, who had a prolonged fight with cancer, was 71. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] He was the NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 season, a two-time champion and a member of both the NBA’s 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary teams.