Suspected Iranian-affiliated drone kills US contractor and wounds 5 US service members in northeast Syria

“A U.S. contractor was killed in Syria on Thursday after a suspected Iran-related drone strike hit a facility housing U.S. personnel in northeastern Syria,” reported CNN. The attack also left “five US service members and an additional US contractor,” injured. The Pentagon confirmed this was an act of aggression by Iran, saying “The intelligence community assesses the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to be of Iranian origin.” In response to the drone attack, a targeted airstrike was authorized by President Joe Biden against the facilities affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“The US, according to a Pentagon statement, ‘took proportionate and deliberate action aimed at limiting the risk of escalation and minimizing casualties,'” reported CNN. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the President authorized the strike as necessary measures to protect US personnel and ensure those responsible do not go unpunished.

The intent behind this US retaliation was supported by the statement released from the Pentagon, “As President Biden has made clear, we will take all necessary measures to protect our people and always respond at a time and place of our choosing. No group will let our soldiers go unpunished.”

This recent escalation of violence in the Middle East is not out of the ordinary. Iran and the US have had difficulties for years, with tensions continuously rising since the US began withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. To add to this, the recent events have taken place amid the confusing power transfer in the US, and several weeks prior to the deal’s return.

According to some experts, Iran has an apparent mission of provocation to test the new US President. As reported by CNN, “The drone attacks, which have evolved to include larger, more capable unmanned aircraft, appear designed to test the Biden administration’s response and ability to protect American personnel.”

Iran and the US have been at odds for some time, with the Trump administration implementing strong sanctions, including halting the transaction of goods and services with Iran. The result was disastrous for the Iranian people, with their currency plummeting and basic goods becoming increasingly scarce.

However, under President Biden, the US is striving for a return to diplomacy with Iran, which was evident in the taking out of the Iran-affiliated facilities. “The strike represents a calibrated, though surgical, response designed to show the White House’s willingness to use force while also avoiding an all-out confrontation with Iran during the diplomatic opening,” reported CNN.

The Middle East continues to be a tense region, fraught with violence and a revolving door of proxy wars. However, the US response to the recent aggressive drone attack by Iran highlights the growing demand for diplomacy and a less military-focused approach in resolving disputes.



CNN

A U.S. contractor was killed in Syria on Thursday after a suspected Iran-related drone strike hit a facility housing U.S. personnel in northeastern Syria, the Pentagon said in a statement Thursday.

Five US service members and an additional US contractor were injured in the attack.

“The intelligence community assesses the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to be of Iranian origin,” according to the statement.

In response, President Joe Biden authorized “a targeted airstrike in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in the statement.

The US, according to a Pentagon statement, “took proportionate and deliberate action aimed at limiting the risk of escalation and minimizing casualties.”

“As President Biden has made clear, we will take all necessary measures to protect our people and always respond at a time and place of our choosing,” Austin said. “No group will let our soldiers go unpunished.”

This story has been updated with additional details.

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TikTok creator comes out in defense of the app

TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing entitled “TikTok: How Congress can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms.”
The hearing, which lasted more than five hours, saw lawmakers scrutinize the Chinese-owned video-sharing app for the second time in a year, amidst concerns over national security and user privacy.

Lawmakers were quick to accuse TikTok of actively spying on US users and being effectively an arm of the Chinese government. “My constituents are concerned that TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party are controlling their data and looking at our own vulnerabilities…. What you’re doing in Texas is all well and good, but it’s hard to believe. Not that we don’t have privacy at risk,” said Rep. Angie Craig.

But Chew tried to provide nuanced answers and correct misconceptions about the company and its parent, ByteDance. However, lawmakers appeared unconvinced, interpreting his answers as avoiding bad faith.

In a statement after the hearing, TikTok said its CEO “was prepared to answer questions from Congress, but, unfortunately, the day was dominated by political grandstanding that failed to acknowledge the real solutions already underway.”

Despite the lack of progress, the hearing did see lawmakers express support for a comprehensive, bipartisan privacy proposal that would create the nation’s first federal privacy right. Such a law would govern the handling of American data by all businesses in the United States, including other social media companies, data brokers, and others.

“A comprehensive federal privacy law is the only way to ensure the long-term protection of Americans’ personal information,” said many of the panel members.

While few new facts were uncovered during the hearing, a nationwide TikTok ban still appears to be a live possibility. US lawmakers remain convinced that TikTok poses a significant threat to national security and user privacy and have called for the app’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest itself of TikTok’s US operations.

TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing "TikTok: How Congress Can Protect American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms" As lawmakers scrutinized the Chinese-owned video-sharing app on Capitol Hill today.
TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on “TikTok: How Congress can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms,” ​​as lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill today. Tested a proprietary video-sharing app. . (Evelyn Hoxton/Reuters)

After more than five hours of testimony, we are largely back to where the trial began. US lawmakers are convinced that TikTok is an essential threat to national security; TikTok hasn’t made any major new commitments beyond what it already promises to protect users’ data; And a nationwide ban still appears to be a live possibility.

Few new facts were uncovered during the hearing, but lawmakers took every opportunity to accuse TikTok of actively spying on US users; for failing to moderate content the way TikTok’s Chinese sister app Douyin does, subject to China’s strict internet censorship system; And effectively being an arm of the Chinese government.

“What you’re saying about Project Texas just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Rep. said Angie Craig, referring to the company’s program to lock down US user data. “My constituents are concerned that TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party are controlling their data and looking at our own vulnerabilities…. What you’re doing in Texas is all well and good, but it’s hard to believe. Not that we don’t have privacy. At risk.”

TiKTok CEO Shou Chew tried to provide nuanced answers and sometimes tried to correct lawmakers on misconceptions about the company and its parent — but those answers were often interpreted as avoiding bad faith.

It was, in other words, a textbook congressional grilling of a technology CEO.

In a statement after the hearing, TikTok said its CEO “was prepared to answer questions from Congress, but, unfortunately, the day was dominated by political grandstanding that failed to acknowledge the real solutions already underway. “

If there was any progress Thursday, it was reflected in the breadth of support lawmakers expressed for a comprehensive, bipartisan privacy proposal that would create the nation’s first federal privacy right — a years-long dream of privacy advocates.

Such a law would govern the handling of American data by all businesses in the United States, including not only TikTok but also other social media companies, data brokers and others. A comprehensive federal privacy law is the only way to ensure the long-term protection of Americans’ personal information, many of the panel members said.

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TikTok CEO Shou Chew testifies at congressional hearing

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on “TikTok: How Congress can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms,” as lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill. The hearing lasted for more than five hours, and little new information was uncovered.

Lawmakers took every opportunity to accuse TikTok of actively spying on US users and failing to moderate content using China’s strict internet censorship system, with some even claiming that it is effectively an arm of the Chinese government.

“What you’re saying about Project Texas just doesn’t pass the smell test,” said Rep. Angie Craig, referring to TikTok’s program to lock down US user data. “My constituents are concerned that TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party are controlling their data and looking at our own vulnerabilities.”

TikTok’s CEO tried to provide nuanced answers to lawmakers’ questions and clarify misconceptions about the company and its parent, but those answers were often interpreted as avoiding bad faith.

In a statement after the hearing, TikTok said its CEO “was prepared to answer questions from Congress, but, unfortunately, the day was dominated by political grandstanding that failed to acknowledge the real solutions already underway.”

If there was any progress Thursday, it was reflected in the breadth of support lawmakers expressed for a comprehensive, bipartisan privacy proposal that would create the nation’s first federal privacy right. Such a law would govern the handling of American data by all businesses in the United States, including not only TikTok but also other social media companies, data brokers and others.

“A comprehensive federal privacy law is the only way to ensure the long-term protection of Americans’ personal information,” many of the panel members said.

TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing "TikTok: How Congress Can Protect American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms" As lawmakers scrutinized the Chinese-owned video-sharing app on Capitol Hill today.
TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew testified before a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on “TikTok: How Congress can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms,” ​​as lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill today. Tested a proprietary video-sharing app. . (Evelyn Hoxton/Reuters)

After more than five hours of testimony, we are largely back to where the trial began. US lawmakers are convinced that TikTok is an essential threat to national security; TikTok hasn’t made any major new commitments beyond what it already promises to protect users’ data; And a nationwide ban still appears to be a live possibility.

Few new facts were uncovered during the hearing, but lawmakers took every opportunity to accuse TikTok of actively spying on US users; for failing to moderate content the way TikTok’s Chinese sister app Douyin does, subject to China’s strict internet censorship system; And effectively being an arm of the Chinese government.

“What you’re saying about Project Texas just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Rep. said Angie Craig, referring to the company’s program to lock down US user data. “My constituents are concerned that TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party are controlling their data and looking at our own vulnerabilities…. What you’re doing in Texas is all well and good, but it’s hard to believe. Not that we don’t have privacy. At risk.”

TiKTok CEO Shou Chew tried to provide nuanced answers and sometimes tried to correct lawmakers on misconceptions about the company and its parent — but those answers were often interpreted as avoiding bad faith.

It was, in other words, a textbook congressional grilling of a technology CEO.

In a statement after the hearing, TikTok said its CEO “was prepared to answer questions from Congress, but, unfortunately, the day was dominated by political grandstanding that failed to acknowledge the real solutions already underway. “

If there was any progress Thursday, it was reflected in the breadth of support lawmakers expressed for a comprehensive, bipartisan privacy proposal that would create the nation’s first federal privacy right — a years-long dream of privacy advocates.

Such a law would govern the handling of American data by all businesses in the United States, including not only TikTok but also other social media companies, data brokers and others. A comprehensive federal privacy law is the only way to ensure the long-term protection of Americans’ personal information, many of the panel members said.

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Video: See texts dentist accused of poisoning his wife sent days before her death

James Toliver Craig, a Colorado dentist, has recently been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly poisoning his wife, Angie, with arsenic. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, has shocked the community and raised questions about the dangers of domestic violence.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Angie had complained to Craig that she felt intoxicated after drinking a protein shake. Craig reportedly responded to her text message, saying, “Drink more water and stay hydrated, it’ll help get rid of it.” However, Angie continued to feel sick and was eventually hospitalized with symptoms of arsenic poisoning. She died a few weeks later.

Craig has vehemently denied any involvement in his wife’s death. In court, his defense team argued that the prosecution’s case was weak and circumstantial. “James Craig did not put arsenic in his wife’s protein shake,” his attorney said. “There is no proof that he did.”

Nevertheless, prosecutors have presented evidence that they say links Craig to the poisoning. They claim that he purchased arsenic online and had it delivered to his office. They also allege that he had a motive for killing his wife, citing financial and marital problems.

The case has garnered national attention, with many people expressing shock and disbelief that a seemingly successful and well-respected member of the community could be capable of such a heinous crime. Some have also highlighted the issue of domestic violence, pointing out that Angie’s death is just one example of the many women who are killed by their partners every year.

“It’s important that we take this case seriously and recognize that domestic violence is a real issue,” said Tamika Gadsden, a local activist. “We need to create a culture where women feel safe to come forward and get the help they need.”

As the trial continues, the community remains divided. Some believe that Craig is innocent and that the evidence against him is circumstantial. Others believe that he is guilty and should be held accountable for his actions.

Regardless of the outcome, Angie’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and support for victims. As one community member put it, “We can’t bring Angie back, but we can make sure that her death is not in vain. We can work to prevent this from happening to anyone else.”

Check out the text the dentist sent the wife when she said she felt intoxicated from the protein shake

A Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife appeared in court and was formally charged with first-degree murder. James Toliver Craig allegedly put arsenic in his wife Angie’s protein shake, but the dentist denies it, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. CNN’s Kyung Lah reports.

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US and Canada reach a deal on decades-old asylum agreement

The US and Canada have come to an agreement to amend the Safe Third Country Agreement, a decades-old asylum agreement, which allows some migrants to enter Canada. Two Canadian officials have confirmed the agreement, which marks a significant shift in how Canada accepts asylum seekers. The agreement was signed in 2002 and is effective at ports of entry. Those entering through a land port of entry may be ineligible to claim and return to the US. However, Roxham Road is not an official crossing. As a result, people who cross it can seek protection in Canada even if they passed through the US. Canada aims to close this loophole.

“Canada is always willing to do more,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told CNN when asked if the announcement would include taking some immigrants directly from the US. Trudeau also said in an interview with CNN’s Paula Newton that “there’s a lot of work to be done,” but added that “hopefully we’ll be able to make an announcement to reassure Canadians and Americans that we’re taking immigration seriously.”

The US Border Patrol (USBP) has seen a historic increase in migrant crossings in the northern region, prompting the agency to send additional officers to the area to assist. The Swanton sector, which covers approximately 24,000 square miles along the US-Canada border, has fewer workers than sectors along the US southern border and has been overwhelmed by an increase in border crossings. “Agents in the Swanton sector are seeing high levels of illegal entries from Canada. In just five months, we have apprehended more individuals than in the last three (3) fiscal years combined,” said the Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, calling it “unprecedented” in a tweet.

According to a Homeland Security official, the US officials have begun flying immigrants from Canada to Texas in the US for processing and, if eligible, deporting them to Mexico or their country of origin under a Covid-era border ban. The evacuation has already begun.

While discussions have been ongoing for several years, the rapid increase in people coming to Canada from the US – some of whom are believed to have initially crossed the US’s southern border – has recently fuelled the talks. The increase in numbers is also the reason behind the US and Canada amending the Safe Third Country Agreement.

Ahead of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Canada, Trudeau suffered a blow at home as hundreds of migrants crossed Roxham Road. According to a Canadian official, Biden and Trudeau are expected to announce amendments to the agreement before Biden concludes his trip and travels back to the US.

“We are a country built by the United States of America and welcoming people from around the world. We just need to make sure we’re doing it in the right ways in a responsible way to keep our citizens positive about immigration like Canadians have always been,” Trudeau said.

This story has been updated with additional details.



CNN

The U.S. and Canada have reached a deal on changes to a decades-old asylum agreement that allows some migrants to enter Canada, two Canadian officials told CNN, marking a significant shift in how Canada accepts asylum seekers. will prevent seeking protection.

While discussions have been ongoing for several years, the rapid increase in people coming to Canada from the US – some of whom are believed to have initially crossed the US’s southern border – has recently fueled the talks. And more importance was placed.

According to a Canadian official, US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are expected to announce amendments to the agreement before Biden concludes his trip and travels back to the US.

Ahead of Biden’s visit to Canada, Trudeau suffered a blow at home as hundreds of migrants crossed Roxham Road, a remote street that connects Champlain, New York, to Hemingford, Quebec.

The so-called Safe Third Country Agreement, signed in 2002, applies to individuals who have passed through a country where they could claim asylum because it is considered safe, as the name of the agreement implies. It is effective at ports of entry, and persons entering at a land port of entry may be ineligible to claim and return to the US.

But Roxham Road is not an official crossing, meaning people going there can seek protection in Canada even if they pass through the US. Experts say that crossings between ports of entry were initially not included in the agreement because of information-sharing limitations, prompting Canada to try to close that loophole now that those limits are lower. have been

Trudeau told CNN’s Paula Newton on Thursday that “there’s a lot of work to be done,” but added that “hopefully we’ll be able to make an announcement to reassure Canadians and Americans that we’re taking immigration seriously.” will continue to maintain” – a clear consensus deal

“Canada is always willing to do more,” Trudeau told Newton, when asked if such an announcement would include taking some immigrants directly from the US. “We are a country built by the United States of America and welcoming people from around the world. We just need to make sure we’re doing it in the right ways in a responsible way to keep our citizens positive about immigration like Canadians always have been.”

According to a Homeland Security official, U.S. officials have begun flying immigrants from Canada to Texas in the United States for processing and, if eligible, deporting them to Mexico or their country of origin under a Covid-era border ban. Evacuation has begun, according to a Homeland Security official.

The US Border Patrol has recently seen a historic high number of migrant crossings in the northern region, prompting the agency to send additional officers to the region to assist.

The Swanton sector, which covers about 24,000 square miles along the US-Canada border, has fewer workers than sectors along the US southern border and has been overwhelmed by an increase in border crossings.

“Agents in the Swanton sector are seeing high levels of illegal entries from Canada. In just 5 months, we have apprehended more individuals than in the last three (3) fiscal years combined,” Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia called it “unprecedented” in a tweet.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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New Zealand national who fought alongside Kyiv’s forces dies in Ukraine

The Ukrainian military retracted its claim on Thursday that Russian forces had withdrawn from a strategic town in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, resulting in mockery from Moscow-backed leaders. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces initially announced that all Russian military units had pulled out of the town of Nova Kakhovka on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. This would have been the first East Bank settlement of any size seized by Ukraine since it drove Russian troops out of Kherson and seized the West Bank last November. However, the General Staff retracted the claim shortly after, writing in a statement on Facebook: “The occupiers are still temporarily located in Nova Kakhovka. Information about the alleged withdrawal of the enemy from this settlement was made public as a result of misuse of available data.”

Russia condemned Ukraine’s report, with Russian-appointed officials and military bloggers having already loudly denied Ukrainian claims of a military withdrawal from Nova Kakhovka by the time of its retraction. Vladimir Saldo, Russia’s appointed chief of the occupied Kherson region, said, “All Russian military personnel in Nova Kakhovka, as well as other locations on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, remain in their positions.” Saldo also speculated that the retracted claim was linked to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the region, which he claimed had a “weak PR effect.” Russian-backed leader in Novaya Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontyev, called the initial claim false, calling it “disinformation” and the work of propagandists. Russian military correspondent Alexander Coates also ridiculed the initial report on Telegram.

While Russia has fortified many settlements on the eastern bank of the river near Kherson, those near the Dnipro are frequently attacked by Ukraine, including special forces. Nova Kakhovka is an important area to monitor in the battle, as it is the site of a large hydroelectric project and the entrance to a canal that feeds Crimea with fresh water from the Dnipro River. According to unofficial social media accounts, explosions rocked the town last weekend, and a fire broke out near or in the town’s grain elevator. Some Telegram channels said that a fuel dump with Russian military equipment had caught fire, but those accounts could not be verified. In mid-March, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Ukrainian troops launched a massive artillery barrage in the Sokol neighborhood in Nova Kakhovka, killing a woman and causing damage to homes, stores and power lines.

Overall, the situation in the Kherson region remains highly unstable, with frequent skirmishes and inconsistent reports from both sides. The retraction of Ukraine’s claim of a Russian military withdrawal from Nova Kakhovka is just the latest development in an ongoing conflict that shows no signs of abating.

Ukraine’s military quickly retracted its claim that Russian forces had withdrawn from a strategic town in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region on Thursday, as Moscow-backed leaders mocked Kiev over the report.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces initially said in an update on Thursday that all Russian military units had pulled out of the town of Nova Kakhovka on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

It would mark a significant development as the first East Bank settlement of any size seized by Ukraine since it drove Russian troops out of Kherson and seized the West Bank last November.

But the General Staff retracted the claim shortly after, writing in a statement on Facebook: “The occupiers are still temporarily located in Nova Kakhovka. Information about the alleged withdrawal of the enemy from this settlement was made public as a result of misuse of available data.

Russia condemned the report: By the time of Ukraine’s withdrawal, Russian-appointed officials and military bloggers had already loudly denied Ukrainian claims of a military withdrawal from Nova Kakhovka.

“All Russian military personnel in Nova Kakhovka, as well as other locations on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, remain in their positions,” said Vladimir Saldo, Russia’s appointed chief of the occupied Kherson region.

Saldo theorized that the claim was linked to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the region, which he said had a “weak PR effect”.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Russian-backed leader in Novaya Kakhovka, also called the claim false, calling it “disinformation” and the work of propagandists.

Russian military correspondent Alexander Coates ridiculed the report on Telegram.

Recent developments in the field: While Russia has fortified many settlements on the eastern bank of the river near Kherson, those near the Dnipro are frequently attacked by Ukraine, including special forces.

Nova Kakhovka is an important area to monitor in the battle, as it is the site of a large hydroelectric project and the entrance to a canal that feeds Crimea with fresh water from the Dnipro River.

According to unofficial social media accounts, explosions rocked the town last weekend, and a fire broke out near or in the town’s grain elevator.

Some Telegram channels said that a fuel dump with Russian military equipment had caught fire. Those accounts could not be verified.

In mid-March, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Ukrainian troops launched a massive artillery barrage in the Sokol neighborhood in Nova Kakhovka, killing a woman and damaging homes, stores and power lines.

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Before he represented Trump, defense attorney speculated Stormy Daniels saga was true and payment could be seen as an in-kind campaign contribution

Former President Donald Trump’s defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, has come under scrutiny for his changing stance on Trump’s alleged affair with Stormy Daniels and the payment made to her days before the 2016 election. In 2018, Tacopina, who was then a legal commentator, speculated that the affair could be true and that the payment could be seen as a campaign contribution. He also advised Trump to accept the issue and move on.

“I mean, it’s remarkable when you’re talking about the President of the United States, but it’s not remarkable when you’re talking about, honestly, the President of the United States, Donald Trump,” Tacopina said in an appearance on CNN in 2018. “Nobody was here, going, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this!'”

However, as Trump’s defense attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office investigation, Tacopina has changed his tune, calling the payments “plain extortion” and denying any campaign finance violations. He also now repeats Trump’s denial of having any relationship with Daniels.

“It was a simple coercion. And I don’t know, since we decided to prosecute victims of coercion. He denied the affair, vehemently denied it,” Tacopina said on “Good Morning America” last week. “But he had to pay because there was going to be an allegation that was going to be publicly embarrassing for him, regardless of the campaign.”

Tacopina’s changing stance raises questions about his credibility as a defense attorney and his ability to remain impartial. However, in a statement to CNN, Tacopina defended his comments, saying that he based them on a hypothesis and that he had since learned the facts.

Tacopina has also weighed in on Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, saying that while he doesn’t believe Trump did anything criminal, he deserves to be impeached for inciting verbal attacks on his supporters.

“Call a bunch of, you know, a bunch of people who are prone to violence. Before these groups that have come together, you know, that was a planned gathering, ‘Hey, go to the Capitol and fight and fight.’ Fight for what? Go to the capitol and fight What’s the point of fighting for these idiots? What do you think that meant?…They killed people,” Tacopina said.

Tacopina’s diverse comments about Trump raise questions about his impartiality and credibility as a defense attorney.



CNN

Former President Donald Trump’s defense attorney, as a legal pundit, has repeatedly speculated that Trump’s alleged affair with Stormy Daniels was possible and that the $130,000 payment to Daniels days before the 2016 election was a Can be seen as a campaign contribution of sorts, which is contrary to his recent legal and legal status. Trump’s public defense.

Joe Tacopina, a defense attorney representing Trump in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office investigation of Trump, made the comments as a prominent legal commentator in 2018 — years before he would eventually represent the former president in the case in which Trump was impeached. can be convicted.

In several appearances on CNN in the spring of 2018, Tacopina speculated that Trump was having an affair with Daniels after detailing their encounter and because “to me, you know that means it’s true because he sued Not threatened” nor did he tweet. about it. He also said that as a lawyer, he would have advised Trump to accept the case and move on.

“I mean, it’s remarkable when you’re talking about the president of the United States, but it’s not remarkable when you’re talking about, honestly, the president of the United States, Donald Trump,” Tacopina said. “Nobody was here, going, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this!’ That’s why I’ve been saying from day one if they just said, ‘Yeah, right.’ I mean, he survived a lot of – I don’t even know if they’re called scandals – but more episodes. This is from 2006. I mean, this is before he became president.

“I’ve already said, if he just came out and said, ‘Yes, I did. so what?’ And just chalk that up to one more thing on his list of little scandals, he goes through,” Takopina said in another appearance on CNN in 2018.

“But he went into great detail about a one-night stand with her. What else can she say? There’s nothing more to tell,” Takopina said.

And in the spring of 2018, Tacopina acknowledged that the episode could endanger Trump “because it could be seen as a kind of contribution at election time. That’s a real problem. And both of them, and I’ll tell you that.” Tellingly, the reason we are here, I strongly believe, is because of the words of both Michael Cohen and Donald Trump.

But five years later, acting as Trump’s defense attorney, Tacopina reversed his argument, calling the payments to Daniels “plain extortion,” dismissing potential campaign finance violations and repeating Trump’s denial that his Ever had a relationship.

“It was a simple coercion. And I don’t know, since we decided to prosecute victims of coercion. He denied the affair, vehemently denied it, Tacopina said on “Good Morning America” ​​last week. “But he had to pay because there was going to be an allegation that was going to be publicly embarrassing for him, regardless of the campaign. And the campaign finance laws are very, very clear, George, that you can’t have anything that’s primarily related to a campaign that’s considered a campaign finance law.

In a statement to CNN, Tacopina said that he offered his opinion based on a hypothesis and “I have not changed my mind about the issue but what has changed is that I have learned the facts.”

The comment is one of many made about the former president, according to a CNN KFile review of other comments. In a February 2021 appearance on WABC radio, a local New York station, Tacopina said Trump deserved to be impeached for inciting verbal attacks on his supporters — whom he called a “bunch of idiots” and “crazies” — on Capitol Hill. to attack January 6, 2021.

“I don’t think he did anything criminal,” Tacopina said on WABC in February 2021, discussing the riots. “Did I think he had done something noteworthy? Yes I do.”

“Do I think he’s divisive? Yes. Do I think he spreads hate? Yes. Do I think everything he’s done is wrong? No. Do I think he’s done some good. Worked? Yeah. So I like to call it like I see it, and I’m not biased one way or the other,” Tacopina added. “But you know, when you’re crazy. Call a bunch of, you know, a bunch of people who are prone to violence. Before these groups that have come together, you know, that was a planned gathering, ‘Hey, go to the Capitol and fight and fight.’ Fight for what? Go to the capitol and fight What’s the point of fighting for these idiots? What do you think that meant?…They killed people.”

“Do I think he thought they were going to break some windows and do some work? Absolutely,” he added later.

Tacopina would later represent one of the Capitol rioters who attacked Capitol Police Officer Brian Sinick, who later died of natural causes on January 7; The rioter was sentenced to 80 months in prison.

Tacopina had previously criticized the former president for attacking the justice system.

“This is the Department of Justice, how it works every single day of the week. But for some reason, the president can’t fight it,” Tacopina said in 2018.

“What bothers me as a lawyer, forget about being a defense lawyer or a former prosecutor, is that our president is calling the FBI, the Department of Justice, himself into question in this country. are attacking the foundation of our justice system. Attorney General, every judge who decides against him. Yes, it is just unhealthy for the health of this type of justice system. ”

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Katy Perry accused of ‘mom shaming’ by ‘American Idol’ contestant

An “American Idol” contestant has called out judge Katy Perry for a joke that is being slammed as “mom shaming.” 25-year-old Sara Beth Liebe tried out for the singing competition in front of Perry and her fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. The group expressed surprise at Liebe’s age, insisting that she could pass for 16 years old.

When Liebe revealed she was a mother of three, Perry jokingly rose from her chair and acted like she was about to fall back onto the table. “If Katy lays down on the table, I think I’ll pass out,” Liebe said. “Honey, you’ve been laying on the table too much,” Perry said.

That comment drew backlash on social media from people who believed Perry was “mom-shaming” Libby. Liebe later posted on her TikTok account that people have been asking how she felt about the joke “It wasn’t very nice.” The aspiring singer said she felt the incident was “embarrassing” and “tragic”.

“I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I think women who support and encourage other women are great and I think mother shaming is so lame and It seems that being a mother is hard enough and it is hard enough to be a woman,” she said. “I also wanted to take this opportunity to say that I see all young mothers in general and just mothers … keep loving your children. No one deserves to feel bad about it. I think if you’re a good mother and you love your kids, that’s all that really matters. No further comments are necessary.”

The comment by Katy Perry, who shares a two-year-old daughter with her fiance, actor Orlando Bloom, drew criticism from people on social media who felt like the comment was unnecessary, rude, and insulting. Some people also accused the American Idol judge of “mom-shaming” Liebe.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of “mom-shaming” where mothers are targeted, criticized, or belittled for their parenting choices, whether it be their appearance, their parenting style, or their decision to have children at all.

According to Dr. Ruth L. K. Chao, a professor of psychology at the University of California, “mom-shaming” can take many different forms, including criticizing mothers for not working, for working too much, for how they feed their children, how they discipline their children, and more.

“It’s too often that we’re seeing negative comments being made towards mothers, and it’s not just any mothers, it’s working moms, moms who choose to stay at home, moms who choose to breastfeed or not to breastfeed, and it’s really unfortunate,” Chao said.

Chao adds that these kinds of comments not only affect the targeted mothers but can also affect the mental health and wellbeing of all mothers.

“Most moms are already feeling a lot of pressure to be perfect, to be great parents, to succeed at work, and to be good spouses, so when you have all these negative comments being thrown at you, it can really impact your self-esteem, your confidence, and your overall wellbeing,” she said.

Some groups and organizations have been working to combat “mom-shaming” and create a more supportive environment for mothers. The Mom Project, a Chicago-based organization that helps women find flexible employment, has made it its mission to support mothers in the workforce and change the culture of “mom-shaming.”

“We’re focused on making the workplace work for moms, and changing the conversation around moms in the workplace,” said Allison Robinson, founder, and CEO of The Mom Project. “We want to make it so that working moms don’t feel like they have to hide the fact that they’re moms, or their kids are sick, or they’re leaving early to go to a parent-teacher conference. It’s about creating a culture where moms feel supported and valued.”

Overall, the incident on “American Idol” is a reminder that “mom-shaming” is still a pervasive and harmful problem affecting many mothers. As Chao notes, “It’s important for us to support moms, to encourage moms, and to let them know that they don’t need to be perfect parents to be good parents.”



CNN

An “American Idol” contestant has called out judge Katy Perry for a joke that is being slammed as “mom shaming.”

In an episode that aired earlier this month, 25-year-old Sara Beth Liebe tried out for the singing competition in front of Perry and her fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

The group expressed surprise at Liebe’s age, insisting that she could pass for 16 years old.

When she revealed she was a mother of three, Perry jokingly rose from her chair and acted like she was about to fall back onto the table.

“If Katy lays down on the table, I think I’ll pass out,” Liebe said.

“Honey, you’ve been laying on the table too much,” Perry said.

That comment drew backlash on social media from people who believed Perry was “mom-shaming” Libby.

Liebe posted on her TikTok account that people have been asking how she felt about the joke “It wasn’t very nice.” The aspiring singer said she felt the incident was “embarrassing” and “tragic”.

“I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I think women who support and encourage other women are great and I think mother shaming is so lame and I It seems that being a mother is hard enough and it is hard enough to be. A woman,” she said. “I also wanted to take this opportunity to say that I see all young mothers in general and just mothers … keep loving your children. No one deserves to feel bad about it. I think if you’re a good mother and you love your kids, that’s all that really matters. No further comments are necessary. ”

CNN has reached out to Perry’s representatives for comment.

Perry shares a two-year-old daughter with her fiance, actor Orlando Bloom.

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Video: Justin Trudeau on what the world needs to do to handle China’s threats

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently discussed his perspective on engaging, competing with, and dealing with China’s threats with CNN’s Paula Newton. He highlighted the importance of working together as a global community to uphold human rights and combat authoritarianism, while also acknowledging the need to address economic and trade concerns with China.

Trudeau emphasized the need to address the current situation with China in a coordinated and multilateral way: “When countries can come together, when we can find ways to make common cause, whether it’s through our shared values, democracy, human rights, or through our shared interests, democratic institutions, and the rule of law, we are stronger together.” He added that it is important to “engage, compete, and yes, sometimes even confront where necessary.”

When asked about the ongoing trade disputes between Canada and China, Trudeau stated that the Canadian government is working to diversify its trading relationships, stating “China is an important economic partner, but we also need to be realistic about the challenges that come with any close relationship with China.” He also pointed out that issues around cybersecurity and the protection of intellectual property need to be addressed.

Regarding human rights abuses in China, Trudeau stressed the importance of holding the Chinese government accountable for its actions. “We all need to continue to stand up and speak out for human rights, whether that’s in China or around the world,” he stated. He added that “we need to recognize the real power of authoritarianism and understand that it’s not just what happens within a single country, but it can have cascading effects around the world, which is why we all need to be standing up for the rule of law and human rights.”

Trudeau also acknowledged the difficulty in balancing economic interests with human rights concerns, stating that “it’s never easy to make trade-offs between economic interests and values…but I think the basis of our foreign policy is to always prioritize values.”

Furthermore, Trudeau expressed concern over China’s aggressive tactics in the South China Sea and its potential impact on regional stability. He called for a peaceful resolution to these disputes, stating, “we need to stand up for international maritime law and stand up for the right of freedom of navigation.” He also emphasized the importance of working with other countries in the region to address these issues.

In conclusion, Justin Trudeau’s views on engaging, competing with, and dealing with China’s threats highlight the need for a coordinated and multilateral approach. He stresses the importance of upholding human rights, combating authoritarianism, and finding a balance between economic interests and values. Finally, he recognizes the importance of working with other countries to address issues of regional stability and security.

Justin Trudeau said what the world needs to do to deal with China’s threats

Before meeting with President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed his perspective on engagement, competition and conflict with China with CNN’s Paula Newton.

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Nordstrom Rack sale: Get an extra 25% off during this clearance event

Nordstrom Rack is a well-known destination for stylish yet affordable designer and nearly designer clothing, accessories, and home décor items. And now, customers can enjoy even deeper discounts on Nordstrom Rack’s already-discounted prices thanks to the Clear the Rack sale. This event offers shoppers an additional 25% off clearance prices, resulting in up to 75% off on select items and as much as 90% off in a few cases. With such great deals, items are selling out quickly, so it’s best to act fast and scoop up those must-have items for summer.

One of the trendiest items on sale is a pair of modern cat-eye sunglasses that’s perfect for the season’s hottest locations like the pool, patio, and parties. This classic yet modern look sets a high style standard for summer.

For a playful yet versatile clothing option, the cropped split-neck blouse is the perfect pick. Pair it with light wash jeans or a skirt to easily complete a fashionable everyday outfit.

These running shorts are an amazing steal at under $7, and a must-have for anyone looking for summer workout gear.

What little girl wouldn’t want to feel like a princess in a tulle skirt? This item is perfect for dressing up a weekend outfit or adding some extra flair to a public appearance.

Gray sweatpants are a staple of any wardrobe, and this iconic pair is no exception. Reduced to only $13, they’re a bargain that can’t be missed.

For dads looking to dress up their weekend outings, the quarter-zip sweatshirt is a great wardrobe piece. It’s soft, warm, and stylish enough for a night on the town.

Heston’s high-quality cookware is now available at a fraction of the regular price. The sale offers an excellent opportunity to score some top-notch kitchen essentials before they’re gone for good.

Kids may grow out of clothes quickly, but with three outfits for only $12, parents can stock up on fashionable and functional clothing options for their little ones.

To add some unique texture to your home décor, this little hand-poured person on four legs is a great option. Customers can choose from lilac or light jade to suit their personal preferences.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the waterproof roll-up pad is a game-changer. It offers a comfortable and dry spot to sit and relax, no matter the weather or terrain.

Overall, the Clear the Rack sale at Nordstrom Rack offers shoppers a unique opportunity to score stylish pieces at unbeatable prices. With discounts of up to 90% off, it’s an excellent time to pick up some summer essentials before they’re gone for good.

Nordstrom Rack is a trusted go-to when it comes to great buys on designer or near-designer clothing, shoes, bags, home goods and more — and right now you’ll save even more than discounted Nordstrom outlet prices. Can, thanks to Clear. Sale of racks. You can save an additional 25% on already marked prices, bringing you to savings of around 75% on many items – and as much as 90% on a handful.

We’ve rounded up some of our best finds on sale, designer and otherwise below, so shop them while you can still get that extra discount (and still find your size — things are selling out fast).

Miu Miu 59mm Modern Cat Eye Sunglasses

Sleek and shiny like the 90s revival glasses, these modern cat eyes are perfect for the big three of summer: pool, patio and parties.

BCGeneration Split Neck Blouse

This cropped split-neck blouse is perfect paired with spring light-wash jeans or your favorite skirt.

Marika Express Shorts

A pair of running shorts for under $7. Need we say more?

Harper Canyon Kids' Layered Mesh Tutu Skirt

Perfect for a weekend dress-up but also perfect for wearing out in public, this tulle skirt is perfect for whenever your little one wants to bring some princess vibes to her OOTD.

Champion Powerblend Logo Sweatpants

The iconic gray sweats, now only $13, are very worth adding to cart right now.

Rod & Gun Glen Eden Pullover Sweatshirt

A dad favorite for going out to dinner, this quarter-zip sweatshirt is warm, soft, and just enough to dress up.

Hestan ProBond 3-piece cookware set

Heston’s high-quality pots and pans went from $200 a pan to just $50 a pan for this sale (lids not included in the calculation), making it the perfect time to pick up some last-ever cookware. .

Nike long sleeve bodysuit

Kids grow out of clothes fast (that’s their job), so when you can get three outfits for $12, it’s time to stock up.

Yod & Co Stack Candle Prop

Add some texture to your candle cluster with this little hand-poured person on four legs — choose from lilac or light jade.

Envogue Jacinthe Waterproof Seat Pad

This waterproof roll-up pad is perfect for taking an impromptu afternoon on wet grass, wet stadium benches and anywhere else.

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Cabeau’s TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution is now available to shop

CNN has recently reported about Cabeau’s TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution pillow, which is predicted to be an essential item for travelers. The new pillow is designed to improve a passenger’s sleeping experience during long-haul flights. The pillow is lightweight and anti-slip, allowing it to fit comfortably against the neck without any mid-snooze upheaval. This type of pillow is incredibly useful if you’re traveling in economy seating, and according to the report, it offers better neck support than its predecessor.

“Red-eye and long-haul flights are rarely fun in economy seats — especially if you’re counting on the flight to provide a little extra shut-eye en route,” CNN wrote. “Instead of resting your head on a stranger’s shoulder or bumping your neck next door, having a travel pillow can be a lot easier – and our favorite neck pillow maker, Cabeau, just released a reimagined version.”

The TNE S3 pillow was listed on CNN’s 2023 New Product Watch List, and it can be purchased directly from Cabeau’s website or on Amazon in six different colors, all named after popular international cities. The TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution, priced from $50, has many unique features, one of which is its chin strap system. The chin strap connects the two ends of the C-shaped pillow, which allows passengers to rest their chin on it and avoid any head-dropping during sleep. This feature will ensure that neck alignment is maintained, and passengers wake up free of discomfort.

“One of the most innovative new features: a chin strap that connects the two ends of the C-shaped pillow, so you can rest your chin and avoid head drops while you sleep (neck when you wake up A good way to eliminate the possibility of pain),” the report said. “The pillow also boasts a seat strap that allows you to attach it to any seat, and a fully customizable fit helps keep your spine aligned, while the upper side supports your noggin. Helps stabilize. Also included? A compact travel case and earplugs for a good night’s sleep.”

The TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution pillow has received rave reviews for the way it improves passengers’ overall in-flight experience. CNN notes that the pillow is a favorite among those traveling long-haul flights, saying that it has all the features of the original Evolution S3 pillow, with the added chin strap for unbeatable comfort.

“The Cabeau Evolution S3 is our pick for the best travel pillow. Now Cabeau’s newest neck pillow, the TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution, has all these features, plus an important new innovation: a chin strap that supports the head and prevents it from slouching when you snooze. Keeping your neck aligned,” the report said.

Overall, the TNE S3 pillow appears to be a fantastic investment for frequent travelers who want to have a comfortable and undisturbed experience during long-haul flights.

Red-eye and long-haul flights are rarely fun in economy seats — especially if you’re counting on the flight to provide a little extra shut-eye en route. Instead of resting your head on a stranger’s shoulder or bumping your neck next door, having a travel pillow can be a lot easier — and our favorite neck pillow maker, Cabeau, just released a reimagined version. which is far (Styrofoam) filled with beans.

A highly anticipated entry on our 2023 New Product Watch List, the new TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution pillow from $50 is all about comfort and an anti-slip, secure fit, so you don’t have that unpleasant mid-snooze awakening. .

cabeau tne s3 red cnnu.jpg

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is our pick for the best travel pillow. Now Cabeau’s newest neck pillow, the TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution, has all these features, plus an important new innovation: a chin strap that supports the head and prevents it from slouching when you snooze. Keeping your neck aligned.

One of the most innovative new features: a chin strap that connects the two ends of the C-shaped pillow, so you can rest your chin and avoid head drops while you sleep (neck when you wake up A good way to eliminate the possibility of pain). The pillow also boasts a seat strap that allows you to attach it to any seat, and a fully customizable fit helps keep your spine aligned, while the upper side supports your noggin. Helps stabilize. Also included? A compact travel case and ear plugs for a good night’s sleep.

You can purchase Cabeau’s TNE S3: The Neck’s Evolution directly from the brand’s site or on Amazon in six colorways – all named after a different international city – right now.

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Live updates: Russia’s war in Ukraine

Ukraine’s military retracted its claim that Russian forces had withdrawn from the strategic town of Nova Kakhovka, in the southern Kherson region, sparking condemnation from Russia-backed leaders. The Ukrainian General Staff initially announced on Thursday that all Russian military forces had left the town. This would have marked the first significant development of an eastern bank settlement being seized by Ukraine since it drove Russian troops out of the Kherson region and seized the West Bank in November. However, shortly after the announcement, the General Staff retracted the claim on Facebook, stating that the occupiers were still temporarily located in the town.

This news sparked outrage from Russia, with appointed officials and military bloggers denying Ukraine’s claims. Russia’s appointed chief of the occupied Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, confirmed that all Russian military personnel in Nova Kakhovka were still in their positions. Saldo theorized that Ukraine’s claim was linked to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the region, which he said had a “weak PR effect.” Vladimir Leontyev, the Russian-backed leader in Novaya Kakhovka, also rejected the claim, calling it “disinformation” and the work of propagandists.

Alexander Coates, a Russian military correspondent, ridiculed the report on Telegram. While Russia has fortified many settlements on the eastern bank of the river near Kherson, those close to the Dnipro are frequently attacked by Ukraine, including special forces. Nova Kakhovka is an important area to monitor in the battle, as it is the site of a large hydroelectric project and the entrance to a canal that feeds Crimea with fresh water from the Dnipro River.

Unofficial social media accounts reported explosions in the town last weekend, and a fire broke out near or in the town’s grain elevator. Some Telegram channels claimed that a fuel dump containing Russian military equipment had caught fire, but these reports could not be verified. On 15 March, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Ukrainian troops had launched a massive artillery barrage on the Sokol neighborhood in Nova Kakhovka, killing a woman and damaging homes, stores, and power lines.

This latest development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia comes amid heightened tensions on the Crimean peninsula. In recent weeks, Russia has sent tens of thousands of troops to the region, sparking fears of an invasion. The Kremlin has claimed that this is simply military exercises, but many countries have expressed concern over the build-up of forces. The US and UK have both sent warships to the Black Sea in a show of support for Ukraine.

The situation in eastern Ukraine has been tense since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. Since then, fighting between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatist rebels has claimed over 13,000 lives. Both sides accuse the other of violating ceasefires and failing to comply with peace agreements. The conflict shows no signs of ending anytime soon, and both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The failed withdrawal of Russian forces from Nova Kakhovka is just the latest example of the ongoing struggle for control over this volatile region.

Ukraine’s military quickly retracted its claim that Russian forces had withdrawn from a strategic town in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region on Thursday, as Moscow-backed leaders mocked Kiev over the report.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces initially said in an update on Thursday that all Russian military units had pulled out of the town of Nova Kakhovka on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

It would mark a significant development as the first East Bank settlement of any size seized by Ukraine since it drove Russian troops out of Kherson and seized the West Bank last November.

But the General Staff retracted the claim shortly after, writing in a statement on Facebook: “The occupiers are still temporarily located in Nova Kakhovka. Information about the alleged withdrawal of the enemy from this settlement was made public as a result of misuse of available data.

Russia condemned the report: By the time of Ukraine’s withdrawal, Russian-appointed officials and military bloggers had already loudly denied Ukrainian claims of a military withdrawal from Nova Kakhovka.

“All Russian military personnel in Nova Kakhovka, as well as other locations on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, remain in their positions,” said Vladimir Saldo, Russia’s appointed chief of the occupied Kherson region.

Saldo theorized that the claim was linked to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the region, which he said had a “weak PR effect”.

Vladimir Leontyev, the Russian-backed leader in Novaya Kakhovka, also called the claim false, calling it “disinformation” and the work of propagandists.

Russian military correspondent Alexander Coates ridiculed the report on Telegram.

Recent developments in the field: While Russia has fortified many settlements on the eastern bank of the river near Kherson, those near the Dnipro are frequently attacked by Ukraine, including special forces.

Nova Kakhovka is an important area to monitor in the battle, as it is the site of a large hydroelectric project and the entrance to a canal that feeds Crimea with fresh water from the Dnipro River.

According to unofficial social media accounts, explosions rocked the town last weekend, and a fire broke out near or in the town’s grain elevator.

Some Telegram channels said that a fuel dump with Russian military equipment had caught fire. Those accounts could not be verified.

In mid-March, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Ukrainian troops launched a massive artillery barrage in the Sokol neighborhood in Nova Kakhovka, killing a woman and damaging homes, stores and power lines.

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