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US Intel Official Says Putin Not Likely Behind Navalny’s Death

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Russian President Vladimir Putin probably didn’t tell anyone to kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a high-ranking U.S. intelligence official told The Wall Street Journal.

Navalny died in a Russian prison in February, and many foreign leaders blamed Putin, thinking it was a political murder. But the official said Putin is still to blame for Navalny’s death, even if he didn’t directly order it or know exactly when or how it would happen.

The official said most U.S. intelligence agencies agree that there’s no clear evidence linking Putin to Navalny’s death.

US Intel Official Says Putin Not Likely Behind Navalny's Death
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny

President Biden criticized Putin strongly after Navalny died, holding him responsible but not saying he ordered the killing, because the details were unclear.

“If reports of his death are true, which I believe they are, Russian authorities will have their own explanation,” Biden said from the White House. “But make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. What happened to Navalny shows how brutal Putin is. No one should be fooled.”

Russian officials insist Navalny died of natural causes and deny any involvement.

Just a few weeks after Navalny died, Putin was re-elected for a fifth term in nationwide elections.

Impending Departure of Paramount CEO Bakish Looms as Skydance Merger Talks Progress

Paramount Global Board Sets Sights on CEO Bob Bakish’s Departure Amid Skydance Merger Talks. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Paramount Global’s board is poised to remove Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish, with the announcement potentially coming as early as Monday morning.

Bakish is expected to be absent from the quarterly earnings call scheduled for Monday. In the absence of a CEO, the board is expected to rely on division heads as it reflects potential merger discussions with Skydance Media.

Controlling Paramount Global shareholder Shari Redstone is inching closer to a deal with Skydance Media. (Credit: Getty Images)

Paramount Global has established a special committee to analyze the proposed merger, with both companies engaged in exclusive talks until May 3, with the possibility of extending negotiations. Reportedly, Bakish has lost the confidence of Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone.

Redstone reportedly sought Bakish’s ouster ahead of crucial carriage negotiations with Charter Communications, which could significantly influence the company’s valuation in the merger discussions with Skydance.

While Paramount Global declined to comment on the matter, reports suggest that Paramount and Skydance are making progress towards a final agreement.

Skydance’s CEO David Ellison (Credit: AP)

Under this arrangement, Bakish would step down from Paramount, and Skydance’s CEO David Ellison would likely assume leadership of the company.

Internally, Bakish has reportedly voiced opposition to the merger, expressing concerns about its potential impact on common shareholders.

According to reports, the proposed merger would result in Skydance and its private equity partners owning nearly half of the combined entity, while common shareholders would retain ownership of the remainder, allowing the company to continue trading publicly.

Elon Musk Visits China Amidst Electric Vehicle Showcase at Beijing Auto Expo

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Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, engaged in high-level discussions with a prominent Chinese government official in Beijing over the weekend.

The timing coincided with the Beijing auto show, where Chinese car manufacturers are proudly displaying their latest electric vehicle innovations.

During the meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his desire for increased collaboration between the United States and China, emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships.

He highlighted Tesla’s presence in China as a shining example of successful economic cooperation, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.

Elon Musk Visits China Amidst Electric Vehicle Showcase at Beijing Auto Expo
Elon Musk gets in a Tesla car as he leaves a hotel in Beijing, on May 31, 2023. (Credit: Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Musk’s visit comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between the U.S. and China, making his presence a welcome sight for Chinese officials seeking to bolster economic ties. Premier Li’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to attracting foreign investment to stimulate its economy.

While it remains unclear whether Musk will attend the auto show, Chinese automakers have been making significant strides in the electric vehicle market, posing competition to Tesla, particularly in terms of pricing.

According to an earlier report by CCTV, Musk was invited by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and engaged in discussions with its president, Ren Hongbin, regarding potential areas of cooperation.

Tesla’s manufacturing hub in Shanghai serves as a cornerstone for its operations in China, catering to both domestic demand and exports to Europe and other regions. Recent price reductions on Tesla models in China mirror similar adjustments made in the U.S.

Elon Musk steps out of a vehicle in Beijing, April 28, 2024. (Credit: Reuters TV)

Meanwhile, the European Union has initiated an investigation into Chinese subsidies for the electric vehicle industry, potentially leading to tariffs on EVs manufactured in China, including those produced by Tesla.

Despite these challenges, China’s green energy subsidies have significantly transformed the automotive world, with electric vehicles accounting for a quarter of new car sales last year, signaling a shift away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

In response to this evolving market, foreign automakers such as Volkswagen and Nissan are racing to develop new electric vehicle models to maintain or regain market share in China, which remains the world’s largest automobile market.

Dubai’s $35 Billion Airport Move Set for Completion in 10 Years

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Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest hub for international travel, is commencing on a monumental shift of its operations to the city-state’s expansive secondary airfield in the southern desert.

This colossal endeavor, valued at nearly $35 billion, is set to unfold over the next decade, as disclosed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday.

The move signifies a pivotal chapter in the resurgence of Emirates, Dubai’s flagship carrier, following the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel.

Dubai's $35 Billion Airport Move Set for Completion in 10 Years
Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: DMO)

Plans to transition operations from the current Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central have been long-standing but beset by delays, including those stemming from the economic downturn of 2009.

In an online address, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the significance of this project in securing enduring progress for future generations, envisioning Dubai as a quintessential global hub encompassing aviation, maritime trade, urban development, and innovation.

Renderings accompanying the announcement showcase a futuristic terminal design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The new airport is slated to feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, a significant expansion from the current infrastructure.

The robust performance of Emirates has historically mirrored the health of Dubai’s aviation sector and broader economy.

Despite global challenges, both the airline and the city-state have demonstrated resilience, swiftly rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn and sustaining momentum in tourism and real estate.

Mohammed bin Rashid approves designs, start of work on new AED 128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: Albayannews)

While DXB experienced a surge in passenger traffic in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, its capacity constraints have become increasingly evident.

The relocation to Al Maktoum International Airport, located 45 kilometers away, presents an opportunity for substantial expansion amidst the vast desert terrain.

Beyond aviation, Dubai envisions extensive development in the surrounding areas, with plans to accommodate a million residents and attract leading companies in logistics and air transport.

However, past financial strains, such as the 2009 crisis, serve as a reminder of potential hurdles in realizing these ambitions.

Furthermore, recent challenges, such as unprecedented rainfall disrupting operations, underscore the need for resilience and preparedness as Dubai charts its course towards a future as a global aviation powerhouse.

Shein Joins Ranks Facing Tough EU Digital Rules

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The European Union has announced that online fast-fashion giant Shein will now fall under its strictest level of digital regulations, joining a list of major platforms subject to increased scrutiny.

Shein, originally founded in China and now based in Singapore, has been categorized as a “very large online platform” under the EU’s Digital Services Act. This legislation aims to enhance safety and accountability on online platforms across the 27-nation bloc.

Acknowledging its classification, Shein has committed to collaborating with authorities to ensure a safe and compliant environment for its online community.

Shein Joins Ranks Facing Tough EU Digital Rules
Shein’s global head of public affairs Leonard Lin. (Credit: Linkedin)

Leonard Lin, Shein’s global head of public affairs, emphasized the company’s dedication to transparency and accountability, aligning with the core principles of the DSA.

With a substantial user base of over 45 million in Europe, Shein faces stringent requirements to be met by August.

These measures include safeguarding online users, combating the sale of illegal or counterfeit products, and assessing and mitigating potential systemic risks associated with its services.

Additionally, Shein is mandated to adjust its user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to prioritize consumer safety and well-being.

Businessman holds a sphere with the stars of the European Union. Content text DSA (Digital Services Act) which is intended to update the legal framework for online platforms in the EU. (Credit: Sebastien Bozon/AFP)

The company is also required to submit annual risk assessment reports, particularly focusing on potential harm to vulnerable groups such as children.

Shein’s inclusion adds to the roster of tech giants under heightened supervision, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and Google Search.

While these platforms face the toughest tier of scrutiny, all online services operating in the EU must comply with the DSA’s general requirements. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue.

Student Protest Leader at Columbia University Banned Over Anti-Semitic Remarks

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Columbia University says a student protest leader won’t be allowed back on campus after he made some really bad comments. Khymani James, who was leading protests supporting Palestine, said in a video that came out earlier this year that “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”

He also said people should be glad he’s not out killing Zionists. This happened around the same time he met with school officials because of a social media post about fighting with a Zionist.

James said he was sorry for saying those things, but the White House and others were not happy. They said his comments were dangerous and terrible. The White House said there’s no place for violent talk or hate speech in America.

Student Protest Leader at Columbia University Banned Over Anti-Semitic Remarks
Student Protests at Columbia

There’s been a lot of tension on college campuses lately because of what’s happening between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Some students have been protesting in support of Palestine, but it’s led to some trouble. The White House also said it’s not okay for anyone to target Jewish students or the Jewish community.

Columbia University is changing things because of all the protests. They’re moving some classes online for the rest of the semester. Some students are even suing the school, saying they’re being treated unfairly because they’re from Palestine.

Trump Highlights Republicans’ Position on IVF in Response to Newsom

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Former President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the debate on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and said Republicans are leading on the issue.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called out Newsom for not recognizing Republican leadership on IVF. He criticized Newsom’s governance of California, describing it as a failure.

IVF has become a topic of concern due to recent legal developments. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling regarding frozen embryos and fertilized eggs affected IVF treatments in the state.

Newsom condemned the Alabama court’s decision in February, labeling it as part of a broader “war on women.” Trump also expressed support for protecting IVF treatments, a sentiment echoed by many Republicans.

Trump Highlights Republicans' Position on IVF in Response to Newsom
Former President Donald Trump

The issue of reproductive rights gained prominence after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump claimed credit for this decision, stating that he had returned the abortion issue to individual states for regulation.

He praised GOP-led states for enacting restrictive abortion laws, emphasizing that states are now setting their own rules. Trump asserted that by returning abortion regulation to the states, the issue has been removed from the national stage, preventing extreme positions such as late-term abortions.

Trump suggested that allowing states to decide on abortion regulations could lead to national unity on this divisive issue. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with individual states, aligning with the desires of the majority.

Trump emphasized that abortion regulation is now the responsibility of the states, a decision that he believes reflects the will of the people and should have been the case from the beginning.

Trump Associate Comments on Melania’s Reaction to Hush Money Trial Revelations

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Stephanie Grisham, who used to speak for former President Trump, talked about how Melania Trump, the former first lady, is watching her husband’s hush money trial. Grisham said Melania probably isn’t happy with what’s being said.

Trump had to be in court while Melania celebrated her birthday. The trial is about Trump allegedly lying about money paid to Stormy Daniels, a film actress, to keep quiet about an affair.

David Pecker, a former magazine boss, spoke in court about Daniels and another woman, Karen McDougal, who says she was also with Trump. Trump says these affairs never happened.

Trump Associate Comments on Melania's Reaction to Hush Money Trial Revelations
Melania Trump, the former first lady (Credits: She Knows)

Grisham said it was new to hear that Trump talked about Melania in the White House and that White House staff talked to Pecker about keeping the secrets. She thinks Melania wouldn’t like hearing these things.

But Grisham also said Melania isn’t sitting at home feeling sad about it. But like any married woman, it’s not nice to hear these kinds of things.

People close to Melania think she won’t be a big part of Trump’s campaign for president again. They say it’s a loss because first ladies usually help during campaigns, especially with women and undecided voters. But they know Melania doesn’t like being in public much.

China’s Aggressive Reception of Blinken Reveals Growing Hubris

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited China, but it seems like the trip didn’t solve any big problems.

Before Blinken even arrived, China showed it was unhappy by launching a missile from a submarine. This was seen as a message to the U.S. that the talks would be tough.

The missile launch wasn’t the only unfriendly thing. It seems like China isn’t in the mood to talk seriously with the U.S. right now.

China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been saying things that make China seem strong and powerful. This makes China think it can control what the U.S. does.

The U.S. keeps trying to talk to China, but this might be making China think it’s even stronger than before.

Also, China sees the U.S. and its allies as weak because they don’t agree on everything, especially when it comes to Ukraine.

China's Aggressive Reception of Blinken Reveals Growing Hubris
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Credits: Money Control)

Blinken talked about China helping Russia, but it seems like Europe is still doing a lot of trade with China, even after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The U.S. doesn’t seem to have a plan to punish China for helping Russia, even though it’s been warning China about it.

Some people still think the U.S. and China can work together, but that might not be true.

China and Russia have been clear that they’re working together, but some people in the U.S. don’t want to admit it.

Before Blinken’s visit, China said it didn’t want the U.S. to talk about Ukraine, showing that it doesn’t take Blinken’s visit too seriously.

Chinese media even said Blinken’s visit seemed like begging, and China didn’t give him a warm welcome at the airport.

And then, during Blinken’s visit, China launched a missile. This shows that China wasn’t very respectful to Blinken or the U.S.

Campaign Finance Violations Lead to FEC Fine for Former GOP Lawmaker

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The Federal Election Commission (FEC) fined the campaign of former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois for not giving back extra money from supporters on time.

The FEC sent a letter to Rodney for Congress campaign and its treasurer, Thomas Charles Datwyler, as reported by The Associated Press.

They were told to pay $43,475 because they didn’t return extra money from the 2021-2022 election cycle on time, according to the AP.

Campaign Finance Violations Lead to FEC Fine for Former GOP Lawmaker
Former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois (Credits: Roll Call)

The FEC says if a candidate gets too much money and doesn’t use it for their campaign, they have to give it back within 60 days.

The FEC found that one person gave $3,625 too much, and in the general election, there were extra donations of $479,784 that weren’t given back within 60 days.

Davis served in Congress for five terms. But when the districts were changed, he had to compete against Rep. Mary Miller in the 2022 GOP primary, and he lost.

The AP tried to call Davis but got no answer. His campaign told the FEC they would close after fixing the problem.

The Curious Case of David Pecker’s Continued Favor with Trump

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Donald Trump often speaks about having many enemies, but it seems that David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer and a key witness in the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Trump, is not one of them.

In recent testimony, Pecker revealed details about his long-standing relationship with Trump, including instances where he helped suppress negative stories about the former president and his opponents. Despite this damaging testimony, Trump has remained surprisingly positive about Pecker.

Pecker’s positive sentiments towards Trump are reciprocated. During his testimony, Pecker expressed no ill will towards Trump and even referred to him as a mentor.

Their friendship dates back to the late 1980s when they first met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Over the years, Pecker supported Trump by providing advance notice of potentially damaging stories and assisting in silencing allegations, as seen in cases involving a doorman’s story and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

The Curious Case of David Pecker's Continued Favor with Trump
Donald Trump and David Pecker

However, their relationship faced strains when Pecker refused to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump. Despite this, Pecker still acknowledges helping Trump’s campaign by suppressing stories that could harm his presidential bid.

Pecker’s immunity deal with the Manhattan DA’s office in late 2019 protected him from prosecution in Trump’s New York hush money case. Unlike other former allies who have faced legal troubles, Pecker has largely remained in Trump’s good graces.

In contrast, individuals like Michael Cohen, once a loyal aide to Trump, turned against him after facing legal repercussions. Cohen’s relationship with Trump soured as he became embroiled in legal troubles related to the hush money payments.

Despite not speaking with Trump since early 2019, Pecker still considers him a friend, showcasing a stark contrast to the fallout between Trump and other former allies like Cohen.

RFK Jr. Clarifies Controversial Vaccine Remark: ‘Misinterpreted’

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate for president, talked about how a part of an interview where he said there’s “no vaccine that is safe and effective” was “misused” on Friday.

“I said that on Lex Fridman[’s] podcast,” Kennedy said on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” on Friday. Host Maher agreed with him.

Kennedy explained, “And, it was an answer to a question that Lex had asked me about, ‘Are there any vaccines’ — and if you go back and look at this, ‘cause that statement has been misused, I would never say that.”

He continued, “What I said was, he asked me ‘Are there any vaccines that are safe and effective?’ And I said, ‘It appears like some of the live virus vaccines, appear to be both safe and effective.’”

RFK Jr. Clarifies Controversial Vaccine Remark: 'Misinterpreted'
RFK Jr. (Credits: Salon.com)

“And then I said, ‘There are no vaccines that are safe and effective,’ and I was gonna continue that sentence, ‘If you ask for the product to be measured against other medical products with placebo-controlled double-blind studies.’ Lex interrupted me.”

In a podcast episode from July 2023, Kennedy said that “some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than they’re causing,” when asked if he could “name any vaccines that” he thinks “are good.”

“There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective,” Kennedy continued before Fridman started speaking again.

Kennedy has been criticized in the past for his anti-vaccine views, even by his own family. His niece, Maeve Kennedy McKean, and siblings former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) and former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II (D-Mass.) wrote in a Politico column from 2019 that his anti-vaccination work is “wrong” and “dangerous.”

Kennedy told Maher during the Friday night appearance that he is not “anti-vaccine,” but that the label is a “way of silencing” him.

“I’m called that because it’s a way of silencing me, but I have said for 17 years, I’m not anti-vaccine. I just want good science. People should be able to make informed choices,” Kennedy said.

“I am against vaccine mandates,” Kennedy added.

Harris Pushes Back on Critics of Her Laughter

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Vice President Harris talked about how people criticize her laugh in an interview coming soon.

She said people often like to make fun of famous people when they trip or fall, and they also talk about her laugh.

“In particular, sometimes they’ll show me little things that just amuse me,” she said.

She explained that the women in her life, especially those sitting around the kitchen table, were always laughing.

Harris Pushes Back on Critics of Her Laughter
Vice-President Kamala Harris (Credits: Britannica)

She said she would never stop laughing because of this.

“I have my mother’s laugh. And I grew up around a bunch of women in particular who laugh from the belly,” she said.

She advised others who face criticism to not let other people’s opinions change how they act.

“Don’t be confined to other people’s perception about what this looks like, and … how you should act in order to be right,” she said.

The full interview, focusing on her time in the White House as the first female vice president, will be shown on “The Drew Barrymore Show” on Monday.

Turkish Humanitarian Ships Blocked from Gaza, Flags Removed

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Ships that wanted to go from Turkey to Gaza with help from people have been told they can’t go, said The Associated Press.

“The Freedom Flotilla Coalition got a call from the Guinea Bissau International Ships Registry (GBISR) on Thursday, asking to check our main ship – Akdenez,” said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group in charge of the ships, in a press release on Saturday.

“We were surprised because our ship had already passed all the checks needed, but we said okay,” they said. “An inspector came on Thursday evening. But on Friday afternoon, before the check was finished, the GBISR, for a political reason, said they were taking away the Guinea Bissau flag from two of our ships. One of them was our cargo ship, which already had over 5000 tons of aid for the people of Gaza.”

Turkish Humanitarian Ships Blocked from Gaza, Flags Removed
Ships Turkey to Gaza (Credits: Times of Israel)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said in the release that “without a flag, we can’t sail.” They also accused Guinea-Bissau of helping Israel hurt the people in Gaza.

Last week, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) told The Hill that they will work with the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) to send help to Gaza by sea.

“This is a hard thing to do that needs many groups to work together, and we’re still talking about it. Making sure aid workers are safe is really important for getting help to Gaza, and we’re asking for ways to do that,” said a spokesperson from USAID.

U.S. and WFP officials are figuring out how they can give help to Palestinian people “in a fair and neutral way,” they said.

Biden Hits a Home Run on Climate, Reversing Trump’s Environmental Rollbacks

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The Biden administration is taking a big step to fight climate change by making new rules for power plants.

These rules will finally reduce the amount of carbon pollution coming from the biggest source of pollution in the country, which is great for the environment and for investing in clean energy.

President Biden has been doing a lot to fight climate change. Besides fixing the power plants, he’s also encouraging clean energy manufacturing in the heartland, setting rules to reduce other types of pollution, and making cars and trucks cleaner.

If we do all of this right, we could cut greenhouse gas emissions a lot by 2030, which is really important for our planet’s future.

But things weren’t looking so good when Biden first became president. The previous president didn’t care about climate change and actually made things worse by supporting fossil fuels.

Biden has worked hard to change that, making the United States a leader in fighting climate change instead of being left behind.

Biden Hits a Home Run on Climate, Reversing Trump's Environmental Rollbacks
President Biden

There’s still more to do, though. The new rules for power plants are a good start, but we need to do something about existing gas-burning plants too. And Biden needs more time to finish what he’s started because the other option isn’t good for the planet at all.

The last president didn’t care about climate change and even said he would make things worse if he got elected again.

Biden has been using science to guide his decisions about climate change, which is really important. Climate disasters like heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires are getting worse, and we need to act fast to stop them.

Biden’s plan to invest in clean energy is working, but there’s still more to do to make sure our planet stays safe for the future.

US Intelligence Suggests Putin Not Personally Responsible for Navalny’s Death

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U.S. intelligence agencies are saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not have planned for Alexei Navalny to die when he did, according to a new report.

The Wall Street Journal said that U.S. agencies believe Putin probably didn’t give the order for Navalny to be killed in February, but it doesn’t completely let him off the hook.

Officials at the Central Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department’s intelligence unit have all agreed on this.

Navalny was a Russian opposition leader known for fighting corruption and Putin. His death at 47 in a remote Arctic penal colony shocked the world, and many blamed Putin right away.

The Russian Federal Prison Service said Navalny felt sick after a walk and passed out. An ambulance came, but they couldn’t save him.

US Intelligence Suggests Putin Not Personally Responsible for Navalny's Death
Alexei Navalny

Navalny had been in prison since 2021 when he returned to Russia after being poisoned, which he said Putin did. Putin denied it.

Leonid Volkov, a longtime ally of Navalny, disagreed with the U.S. intelligence assessment. He said those who think Putin didn’t know about Navalny’s death “clearly do not understand anything about how modern-day Russia runs.”

The Journal said the U.S. intelligence assessment looked at a mix of information, including secret intelligence, public facts, and how Navalny’s death affected Putin’s reelection.

The sources didn’t say if the U.S. figured out how Navalny died, but it was reported that he died from “sudden death syndrome,” which is a general term for various heart problems.

Supreme Court Weighs Potential for Former President Trump’s Return to Power

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The big question on everyone’s mind: Can the president, or specifically, Donald Trump, be prosecuted for a crime? This seems like an easy one. According to those who closely analyze texts, there’s nothing in the Constitution that says the president is above the law. The people who wrote it knew how to give immunity if they wanted to, but they didn’t. Simple, right?

Even those who study history agree. Back in 1789, the idea wasn’t to have a president who could do whatever he wanted. The president was meant to follow the law, not break it. That’s what the founders believed, case closed.

The only relevant case is from 1982 when Richard Nixon was sued. Nixon fired someone for telling the truth, and the court said Nixon couldn’t be sued for money but could still face criminal charges. So, there’s a precedent, end of story.

But during the recent Supreme Court discussion, it felt less like a legal debate and more like a political showdown. The case is supposed to be about Trump trying to change election results illegally, but Justice Alito didn’t want to talk about that. Justice Gorsuch talked about making rules for the future, which scared people.

Supreme Court Weighs Potential for Former President Trump's Return to Power
Donald Trump, 45th U.S. President

Then Justice Thomas joined in, even though his wife was linked to the January 6th riot. It’s confusing why he didn’t step back. He seemed to excuse Trump’s actions by bringing up past presidents’ shady plans. It’s moments like these that make people see judges as politicians in robes.

The justices seem worried about how their decision will affect future presidents, even though nothing like this has happened before. Trump says if presidents can be prosecuted, they’ll be scared to make tough decisions. But in over 200 years, no president except Trump has faced charges while in office.

Even Nixon knew he wasn’t above the law, despite saying otherwise. Some think it’s better for the country to pardon a former president than to put them on trial. But letting Trump off the hook sets a bad precedent.

If the Supreme Court doesn’t act soon, Trump could use this as a win. Legal experts think if the case goes back to a lower court, it might never see the light of day again. This would be a blow to democracy and the rule of law. And without saying it directly, the Supreme Court would be protecting Trump.

If the court’s discussion is anything to go by, history might remember them as the ones who let a dictator take over our democracy.

Investigation Launched into Freight Train Derailment at State Border

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other federal groups are checking what happened on Friday when a freight train derailed on the border of Arizona and New Mexico.

The NTSB says the BNSF freight train had gasoline and propane with no smell when it derailed near Manuelito, New Mexico.

The train that derailed caught fire, making dark smoke come out of the cars. The nearby highway had to close because of this. Thankfully, no one got hurt.

“The road I-40 EB is still closed at US 191. Expect to wait and find a different way. We don’t know when the road will open again,” the Arizona Department of Transportation said on a social media site.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is leading the check. NTSB workers are on their way to the place, according to the NTSB.

Investigation Launched into Freight Train Derailment at State Border
Freight train derailed on the border of Arizona and New Mexico

FRA safety workers got to the place on Friday night and will work with state, Tribal, and local groups.

The Apache County Sheriff’s Office, which was one of the police groups that helped with the problem, said the derailment is being treated as a dangerous stuff problem.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) is worried about what happened.

“I am very worried about the train accident on the border between Arizona and New Mexico and am watching it carefully,” Hobbs said. “My group is talking to Secretary [Pete] Buttigieg and the New Mexico government. When we find out more about what’s going on, Arizona will be ready to send help to keep our towns safe.”

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said his group is worried about the safety and health “of our people and those directly hit by this problem.”

Nygren said he talked with Buttigieg about the problem.

“My group is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and BNSF to find out exactly what happened,” Nygren said. “These experts will join the help from the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Police Department, and other tribal help that’s already at the place keeping it safe.”

Russia Strikes Ukrainian Energy Sector in Fresh Assault

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Russia has fired missiles at Ukraine, aiming at the country’s energy sites, officials said.

Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that Russia fired 34 missiles. They managed to stop and destroy 21 of them, according to The Associated Press.

Herman Halushchenko, the energy minister, said that energy places in Dnipropetrovsk in the south and Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv in the west were hit. One worker got hurt.

DTEK, a company managing energy, said four of its six thermal power plants got badly damaged. One worker went to the hospital, and the company is checking how much harm was done.

“Since the big attack started, #DTEK thermal power plants have been attacked over 170 times,” the company posted on X, a social media platform. “The enemy already hit our thermal power plants in big attacks on March 22, March 29, and April 11, trying to stop energy for millions of homes and businesses.”

Russia Strikes Ukrainian Energy Sector in Fresh Assault
Russia has fired missiles at the Energy Sector in Ukraine (Credits: Atlantic Council)

Earlier this month, Russia destroyed one of Ukraine’s biggest power plants with many missile strikes.

This news comes a few days after President Biden signed a law to give Ukraine $61 billion in help, while the war in Eastern Europe keeps going. The State Department also agreed to sell $138 million in stuff to Ukraine to fix its HAWK missile defense systems, to cope with Russia’s attacks, more than two years after the invasion started.

Russia also attacked in and near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-biggest city, hurting one person and killing another, according to the AP.

But Ukraine was fighting back at the same time.

The Defense Ministry said Russian air defense systems stopped 66 drones over the southern Krasnodar region. No one got badly hurt, the region’s governor said.

California Disneyland Characters Form Union

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Disneyland Resort in sunny Southern California, Zach Elefante’s story is emblematic of a lesser-known reality for those who bring beloved characters to life within the park’s magical confines.

For three years, Elefante has donned various costumes, adding enchantment to parades and shows, but behind the scenes, he’s juggled multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

Unlike their counterparts in Florida’s Disney parks, where character performers enjoy more stable schedules due to a smaller talent pool, Elefante and his fellow performers in California often find themselves grappling with uncertain work hours.

Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. (Credit: MN Chan/Getty)

Despite Disney’s insistence on full availability, actual work hours don’t always follow suit, leaving performers like Elefante scrambling to cobble together a living.

This precarious situation has prompted California’s character performers to take action, with the backing of the Actors’ Equity Association, filing a petition for union recognition.

It marks a departure from the past, as California performers seek representation in an era and union distinct from the rocky history between Florida performers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The timing of this movement is no coincidence. Unlike Florida, where character performance is often a full-time occupation, many California performers pursue a patchwork of gigs, from Hollywood productions to entertainment hosting.

Angela Nichols, for instance, moved to California to pursue a career in TV writing but also finds herself assisting character performers at Disneyland while navigating the uncertainties of the industry.

Disney workers and union employees march for higher wages at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca., in June 2018. (Credit: MediaNews Group/ Getty Images)

The upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent strikes in the entertainment sector have only heightened the performers’ resolve for more consistent scheduling and improved safety measures at Disneyland.

Concerns over health and safety, particularly in light of close guest interactions and costume cleanliness, have become paramount in their demands for better working conditions.

In contrast to their Florida counterparts, California’s character performers find solace in being represented by a union dedicated to performers’ needs.

The Actors’ Equity Association understands the unique challenges faced by theme park performers and advocates for their well-being, from costume safety checks to addressing long-standing issues like unclean costumes.

For Elefante and his fellow performers, union representation signifies more than just a seat at the table; it’s about having a voice in decisions that directly impact their livelihoods and well-being.

As they strive to carve out a brighter future within the domain of Disney magic, they hope that their efforts will pave the way for a fairer and more sustainable path for all performers.