- Published on
03-20-2023
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- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
China's Xi Jinping visits Russia in show of support amid tensions with the West
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Russia on his first foreign trip since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a visit seen as support for Russia amid tensions with the West, Xi wrote in a Russian newspaper that the friendship between the two countries is strengthening. The two leaders met at the Kremlin and discussed their countries' strategic partnership. The meeting was informal but focused on direct and important conversations. Their meeting comes after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian military officer, causing tensions between Russia and Ukraine to increase.
Gunman arrested after shooting outside high school in Texas
A suspected gunman was arrested outside Lamar High School after a shooting incident that injured two students in Texas. One student has been injured by gunfire, while the other was hurt by ‘debris from the shooting’. The suspected shooter was arrested after officers arrived on the scene, but the authorities have not yet revealed their identity. The school was placed on lockdown while officials urged parents and others to stay away from the campus while police investigate. The district is working on reuniting children with their guardians.
Colorado dentist arrested in connection with his wife's poisoning death
James Toliver Craig, a Colorado dentist, has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder following the death of his wife, who was poisoned. The victim was admitted to a hospital with severe headaches and dizziness where her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to her death. Local police have described the murder as a 'complex and calculated' act.
EU pledges 108 million euros at Brussels donors' conference for Turkey, Syria
The president of the EU's executive arm, Ursula von der Leyen, pledged 108 million euros in humanitarian aid for Syria at a donors' conference in Brussels to raise money for both Turkey and Syria. The earthquake in Turkey on Feb. 6 killed more than 52,000 people, and the majority of Turkey's 300,000 severely damaged buildings need to be reconstructed. Survivors of the earthquake in rebel-held northwest Syria have also received very little assistance due to deep divisions. The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to Syria since 2011 but does not intend to help with reconstruction in the war-torn country due to EU sanctions against the Syrian regime of President Bashar Assad.
Proud Boys leaders on trial for Capitol insurrection plot
After hearing over 30 days of testimony, the jury will soon deliberate on the aforementioned serious case, which is part of the Justice Department's investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Defense lawyers say there is no evidence that Proud Boys members plotted to stop Congress from certifying Biden's win. However, the prosecution argues Proud Boys leaders mobilized members to breach barricades and overwhelm the police. Prosecutors say the suspects might face seditious conspiracy charges with a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Memphis Police Officer Resigns After Being Accused of Not Rendering Aid to Man Who Died Following Traffic Stop
A high-ranking Memphis police officer, Lt. Myron Fair, has resigned after being accused of not rendering aid to Tyre Nichols, a man who died after a violent traffic stop on Jan. 7. Nichols' mother and stepfather, along with their legal team led by Ben Crump, are calling for justice and accountability from city officials and the police department. Fair's retirement comes after seven other police officers were terminated following the incident. Nichols' family is joined by others in their call for the passage of the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act.
States are imposing harsher prison sentences for drug possession due to the fentanyl crisis
Several states are implementing tougher penalties for those found possessing drugs containing fentanyl, with some sentencing drug dealers but also potentially punishing low-level users. Recovery advocates and some lawmakers are warning that treating drug addiction as a criminal issue historically has failed, helping drive the opioid epidemic. However, with overdose deaths rising due to the potent drug fentanyl, jurisdictions are taking a hard stance on drugs, even if it poses unintended consequences.
Former Australian soldier charged with war crime for murdering an Afghan man
A former soldier identified as Oliver Schulz has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly shooting an Afghan man in 2012. He is expected to appear before a Sydney court and could face life imprisonment if convicted. This follows a military report in 2020 that found evidence of Australian troops unlawfully killing 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and civilians. Police are continuing to investigate elite SAS and Commando Regiments troops who served in Afghanistan.
Starbucks appoints new CEO and board member
Laxman Narasimhan has become the CEO of Starbucks and has also joined the company's board, taking over from the former CEO, who had held the position for a long time.
Iowa Governor's push to limit LGBTQ content raises concerns
As Republican Governor Kim Reynolds seeks to crack down on content in Iowa school libraries, there is a divide over LGBTQ content in books. The move comes amid fears that it is part of a backlash by those who don't acknowledge LGBTQ people, and efforts to limit discussion about it. At the same time, a push by Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry in Louisiana to investigate sexually explicit materials in public libraries could restrict children and teens’ access to those books, including those that have LGBTQ storylines.