Russian Attack on Kyiv Kills 12, Prompting Trump to Rebuke Putin

In a direct response to the biggest and deadliest aerial barrage on Kyiv by Moscow’s forces this year, President Trump made a personal appeal to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine and agree to a peace deal.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday after the attack. “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”

The overnight missile-and-drone attack killed 12 people and injured 90 others in the Ukrainian capital, part of a countrywide assault that involved 215 missiles and explosive drones, according to Ukraine’s air force. Russia said it was targeting “enterprises in Ukraine’s aviation, rocket and space, machine-building and armored vehicle industries,” among other sites.

Trump’s frustration with both sides of the conflict is building as talks to end the war have stalled in recent days. On Wednesday, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to accept a peace proposal that includes Washington’s legal recognition of Russian sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has occupied since 2014. The U.S. president pointed out that Ukraine wasn’t required to recognize Crimea as Russian.

READ MORE HERE: “Vladimir, STOP!”: Trump Rebukes Putin Over Russian Strikes on Ukraine’s Capital, Kyiv - WSJ

Twice daily route between New Orleans, Mobile named ‘Amtrak Mardi Gras Service’

It won't be long before Amtrak resumes its route between Mobile and New Orleans. The new name for the route is "Amtrak Mardi Gras Service."

Both cities claim to be the home of Mardi Gras, so Amtrak president Roger Harris said the name was a no-brainer.

"Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is a natural choice for the name of the new trains that will reflect the region's distinctive culture," said Harris. "Travel should be about more than just getting somewhere. Our goal is to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip, sharing the culture of the Gulf Coast region while connecting with the rest of the Amtrak network."

"This summer, travelers seeking a more comfortable, scenic and productive choice than driving will have their first opportunity to ride Amtrak trains in almost 20 years," he added.

There will also be connections in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.

"Mobile and New Orleans have always shared a rich cultural heritage and renewing Amtrak service will strengthen our ties to the Crescent City and the Mississippi Gulf Coast." said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "We are so excited to welcome new visitors from those communities when the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service launches later this year. It will be an asset to our citizens and another enhancement to Mobile's growing downtown waterfront."

Amtrak will operate under contracts with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. It will have financial support from Mobile and the Southern Rail Commission's backing.

"It's incredibly exciting to announce the name for this new service that will have such a positive impact in our three states," said SRC chairman Knox Ross. "This service will open the Mississippi Gulf Coast to a whole new tourism market, making already wonderful places even better by supporting local businesses, attracting more visitors, and strengthening the entire southern region's infrastructure and economy.

"The Southern Rail Commission couldn't be prouder to see this service come to reality, and we can't wait to ride the train with y'all," Ross added.

A start date has not been announced.

Read More Here: Twice daily route between New Orleans, Mobile named ‘Amtrak Mardi Gras Service’