Hurricane poses

a grave threat

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — A strengthening Melissa has grown into a Category 4 hurricane and U.S. forecasters say it could reach Category 5 status, unleashing torrential rain and threatening to cause catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean, including Haiti and Jamaica,

The U.S. National Hurricane Center added that Melissa is likely to reach the southern coast of Jamaica as a major hurricane late today or Tuesday morning, and urged people on the island to seek shelter immediately. Melissa was centered about 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 295 miles south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. It had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph.

Russia tests

a new missile

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has tested a new nuclear-capable cruise missile, moving closer to deploying it, according to President Vladimir Putin. The Burevestnik missile, which has been in development for years, reportedly covered 8,700 miles in a key test last Tuesday.

Putin claims the missile has an unlimited range and can evade missile defenses. However, many experts are skeptical, citing potential reliability and environmental concerns. The missile reportedly suffered an explosion in 2019, causing fatalities and a brief spike in radioactivity.

Putin has directed preparations for deploying these weapons to Russia’s armed forces.

US warship

near Venezuela

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AP) — A U.S. warship has docked in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital as the Trump administration increases military pressure on Venezuela and its President Nicolás Maduro.

The USS Gravely’s arrival Sunday is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela. Maduro criticized the movement as a U.S. attempt to fabricate “a new eternal war” against his country.

The warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday for training exercises. The visit comes after a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago for Americans to avoid U.S. government facilities due to a reported threat.

June Lockhart

dies at 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) — June Lockhart, beloved for her roles in “Lassie” and “Lost In Space,” has died at 100.

She died Thursday of natural causes at her Santa Monica home. Lockhart became a TV star as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” from 1958 to 1964 and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space” from 1965 to 1968.

Her warm portrayals endeared her to viewers, though she insisted her real-life persona was different. Lockhart’s career spanned films, TV dramas, and soap operas.