Morning news headlines for today, May 23, 2023:

* **Russia-Ukraine war: Civilians flee Severodonetsk as Russia intensifies assault**
* **US Supreme Court to hear case on affirmative action in college admissions**
* **Inflation hits 40-year high in US**
* **COVID-19 cases continue to decline in India**
* **Monsoon rains begin in Kerala**

Here are some more details on each story:

**Russia-Ukraine war: Civilians flee Severodonetsk as Russia intensifies assault**

The Russian military has intensified its assault on the eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk, where thousands of civilians are still trapped. Ukrainian officials say that the city is on the verge of falling to Russian forces.

**US Supreme Court to hear case on affirmative action in college admissions**

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could have a major impact on affirmative action in college admissions. The case, brought by a group of Asian-American students, challenges Harvard University’s admissions policies, which they say discriminate against Asian-Americans.

**Inflation hits 40-year high in US**

Inflation in the United States hit a 40-year high in April, rising to 8.3%. The increase was driven by rising prices for food, energy, and housing. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates in an effort to cool inflation.

**COVID-19 cases continue to decline in India**

The number of new COVID-19 cases in India has continued to decline in recent weeks. The country is now reporting fewer than 10,000 new cases per day. The decline is being attributed to a combination of factors, including the widespread use of vaccines and the natural immunity that has developed in the population.

**Monsoon rains begin in Kerala**

The monsoon rains have begun in Kerala, marking the start of the rainy season in India. The monsoon is expected to bring much-needed relief to the country, which is facing a severe drought.