Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear.

The U.S. has announced a fresh package of weapons for Ukraine with the latest focused

on artillery rounds.

Ukraine is expanding at a rapid rate.

As NPR's Greg Mairi reports, Ukrainians are currently trying to fend off a Russian offensive

in the eastern part of the country.

The Pentagon says it will be sending $400 million in additional military supplies.

This includes several types of artillery for weapons that Ukraine is coming to rely on,

such as high mars, which can hit Russian forces at a distance of up to 50 miles.

The Ukrainians, as well as the Russians, are both believed to be running low on artillery

rounds that they're using up at a rate of several thousand a day.

The heaviest fighting is centered around the eastern town of Bakmut, which the Russians

have been bombarding for months and appear close to capturing.

Greg Mairi, NPR News, Washington.

In South Carolina, a judge sentenced his bar to attorney Alex Murdoch to spend the rest

of his life in prison.

NPR's Bill Chappell reports the punishment was announced the day after a jury found Murdoch

guilty of killing his wife, Maggie and son Paul in 2021.

Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Alec Murdoch to two consecutive life sentences without parole.

Newman largely spoke directly to Murdoch at the Collatin County Courthouse, discussing

his family's history in the building.

Newman said Murdoch and his family, which dominated the local solicitors office for 86 years,

...