- Published on
03-16-2023
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- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Poland to Provide Fighter Jets to Ukraine Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
Poland will hand over four Soviet-made warplanes to Ukraine within the next few days, as a crucial ally in the Ukraine crisis. The planes are in good working condition and the rest will be supplied later. Other countries, including Slovakia, have pledged to send their disused MiGs to Ukraine. Poland's air force will replace the planes it gives to Ukraine with South Korea-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35s.
Two skiers rescued from dangerous conditions in Wachusett Mountain
Two skiers were rescued by emergency services after getting lost in Wachusett Mountain. Using their phone with only 9% battery left, they were able to contact 911, who identified their location. The skiers had managed to survive by sharing body heat while the emergency services battled through severe weather conditions to find them. The boys were released without needing medical attention as they turned out to be fine. This incident could have ended up tragically if the rescue services hadn't arrived in time, according to the fire department.
UN condemns Russia for human rights abuses in Ukraine
UN-backed commission of inquiry reports on systematic and widespread use of torture across multiple regions under Russian occupation and repeated attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without heat and electricity during the coldest months.
French Government risks collapse as flagship Macron legislation's fate hangs in the balance
Despite major strikes and protests against the move, French President Emmanuel Macron wants to increase the retirement age so workers contribute more to the system to prevent a deficit. The bill was passed in the Senate in another contentious vote over raising the retirement age but was met with opposition by leftist members of the lower chamber who disrupted proceedings by breaking into the Marseillaise, before the process was eventually suspended. The government risks a no-confidence motion if it cannot successfully pass the bill.
Jobless claims in the US fall despite Fed's efforts to cool economy
Jobless claims in the US dropped by 20,000 to 192,000 for the week of March 11, 2019, the Labor Department reported. The four-week moving average of claims also fell by 750, staying below the 200,000 rate for the eighth consecutive week. Although some analysts predict job cuts due to layoff announcements, there are no signs that unemployment is on the rise. Many laid-off individuals are quickly finding new jobs, reflecting a strong labor demand. The Fed's interest rate hikes have yet to have a cooling effect on the economy, labor market, and wages, as prices continue to rise. There are speculations that the Fed could raise the rate by another 25 basis points, though recent events may lead officials to be more cautious.
Explosion at Russian border control building kills one
An explosion and fire at a building belonging to the regional border patrol section of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Russia has left one person dead and two injured. The fire was reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit which caused containers of fuel and lubricants to explode. Footage posted on social media showed parts of the building engulfed in flames as plumes of smoke billowed over the city. Contrary to previous reports, local media has now stated the fire did not result from the detonation of ammunition stored in a warehouse.
Tree branch falls on guests at Texas zoo, injuring seven
Seven guests of the San Antonio Zoo were injured when a tree branch unexpectedly fell on them. One guest was seen as level 1 priority care, while the others were sent to the hospital as a precaution. The conditions of the injured guests are currently unknown at this time. Meanwhile, several incidents occurred earlier this year at the Dallas Zoo, including a damaged animal enclosure, missing monkeys, and an unusual death. A man named Davion Irvin was later arrested in connection with the theft of the two missing tamarin monkeys and charged with six counts of animal cruelty.
Bet on March Madness legally in these US states, ahead of major surge
Ohio sports fans can now legally bet on the famed tournament via mobile apps or tapping into kiosks. For the first time, Kansas and Massachusetts also made online sports betting additions. A total of 33 US states now offer at least some form of sports wagering, with Ohio already generating $20m in state tax revenue through sports betting. Experts are projecting a new surge in legal sports betting starting with the March Madness tourney. Some states including Oklahoma and Arizona have unveiled plans for sports betting in the coming months.
U.S. Navy Joins Sea Dragon Exercise in Indo-Pacific
The Sea Dragon 23 exercises are being held as a competition, with the country winning the most points taking home the "Dragon Belt." Pilots and flight officers from participating countries are undergoing more than 270 hours of in-flight training to "ranging from tracking simulated targets to the final problem of tracking a U.S. Navy submarine." The drills are also focused on classroom training sessions with each participating country discussing tactics incorporating their respective nation's equipment and capabilities. The exercises are being held in the Indo-Pacific region and include participation from China, Iran, and Russia.
Missing uranium in Libya raises concerns over proliferation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that 10 drums of uranium ore concentrate totalling approximately 2.5 tonnes are missing from a declared site in Libya. This natural uranium could be converted to weapons-grade fuel if refined over time, making the IAEA's discovery - and search for the material - critical for nonproliferation experts. One possible location for the uranium is Sabha, once a logistics hub for dictator Moammar Qadhafi's uranium efforts, but now a city under the control of self-styled Libyan National Army leader Khalifa Hifter. The IAEA has declined to share further information on the missing uranium, which was disclosed to member states yesterday by Rafael Mariano Grossi, its Director-General.