From the earliest days of the republic, Americans broke their fast in the morning by eating whatever was most easily available, which often included bread, eggs or leftovers. Convenience is still a driving factor when it comes to breakfast, but what Americans eat has evolved over time.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On July 19, 1943, the Allied bombing of Rome begins as 500 American bombers drop nearly 1,200 tons of ordnance on the Eternal City. Ostensibly aimed at crippling the city’s rail infrastructure, the first major bombing also caused about 3,000 civilian deaths and the destruction of the San Lorenzo district. The aerial assault continued until Rome fell on June 5, 1944. Over the course of the 11-month campaign, the Allies lost around 600 aircraft and 3,600 air crew members. Over the course of the bombing, the Allies lost around 600 aircraft and 3,600 air crew members. The attacks were controversial, as the city is over 2,500 years old and replete with irreplaceable Roman buildings, historic churches and art.

It was just months ago that a tidal wave of popular support carried a television comedian to Ukraine’s highest elected office, captivating a massive global audience in the process. This weekend, however, voters return to the ballot box in a decidedly less attention-grabbing election.

The lawyer and family of Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani physician who helped the United States track down former al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, told VOA that Afridi continues to suffer in prison under dire conditions. The lawyer expressed optimism that the fate of his client would be discussed during the planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan next week at the White House.

When the first International Conference on Social Media and Society was held in 2010, social media firms like Facebook, Twitter and others were seen in mostly a positive light, as a novel way of empowering and connecting people. Now, as the conference kicks off its 10th anniversary in Toronto, Canada on July 19, the theme is privacy and trust, reflecting users’ growing concern about social media.

More than four months into the battle for Tripoli, Libya, the death toll is nearing 1,100. World powers have declared there is “no military solution” to the conflict, but the fighting continues. More than 100,000 people have fled their homes.