President Zelenskyy announced the successful testing and deployment of Ukraine’s new “Long Neptune” long-range missile, boasting a 1,000-kilometer range. This extended-range modification of the domestically produced Neptune cruise missile, initially designed for naval targets, significantly enhances Ukraine’s defense capabilities. While official deployment numbers remain undisclosed, the missile may have been used in recent strikes, with unverified reports suggesting involvement in a March 14th attack on a Russian oil refinery. This development follows Ukraine’s progress on other missile programs, including the successful testing of its first ballistic missile.
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Severe storms caused widespread devastation across the U.S., resulting in at least 17 deaths and significant property damage. Missouri was hardest hit, with at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries from tornadoes that destroyed homes. Arkansas also reported three deaths and numerous injuries, prompting states of emergency declarations in both Arkansas and Georgia. The storms further ignited more than 130 wildfires in Oklahoma, resulting in widespread destruction, and caused power outages across several states.
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An Idaho sixth-grade teacher, Sarah Inama, faces potential job loss for refusing to remove classroom posters promoting inclusivity. The West Ada School District claims the posters violate a policy requiring content-neutral classroom decorations, citing concerns about differing opinions. Inama argues the posters, stating “Everyone is welcome here,” are essential to a positive learning environment and that the district’s interpretation is inherently racist. Despite warnings and a meeting with district officials, Inama remains defiant, supported by widespread community backing. The district maintains its policy aims for fairness and a distraction-free environment, not to limit free speech.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s decision to aid House Republicans in passing their spending bill to prevent a government shutdown drew sharp criticism from House Democrats. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the bill, citing its harmful cuts and the unchecked power it grants to the President, characterizing the situation as a false choice between the bill and a shutdown. House Democrats preferred a short-term funding solution to allow for further negotiations, a strategy Schumer rejected. The GOP bill ultimately passed the Senate with the support of ten Democrats, including Schumer, despite widespread opposition within the Democratic Party.
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Footage of Chinese “Shuiqiao” barges conducting amphibious landing drills in the South China Sea has raised concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan. These massive barges, reminiscent of WWII’s Mulberry harbors, feature long bridges facilitating rapid offloading of heavy equipment and troops, potentially bypassing beach defenses. Analysts suggest the barges, while vulnerable, could be a crucial component of a Chinese invasion force, addressing a key logistical challenge. However, others posit that their primary function might be humanitarian aid delivery, although their existence nonetheless signals a significant military capability.
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Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will hold a “Fighting Oligarchy” town hall in Denver’s Civic Center Park on March 21st at 5 p.m. This event, part of a national tour drawing thousands, addresses widespread public discontent with Washington and criticizes the influence of billionaires on government. Sanders specifically cites Elon Musk and his alignment with efforts to shrink the federal government as a key example. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
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Despite US and European sanctions, Russian arms manufacturers continue to receive Western-made microchips crucial for weapons production, via a network of Russian suppliers. These suppliers, many with ties to state-owned entities or oligarchs, obtain chips primarily through intermediaries in China and Hong Kong, circumventing direct import restrictions. An undercover investigation successfully purchased these banned chips from Russian suppliers, confirming the ongoing flow. Stronger sanctions targeting both Russian and foreign entities involved in this supply chain are needed to effectively halt the production of Russian weaponry.
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A Los Angeles jury awarded Michael Garcia $50 million in his lawsuit against Starbucks. The verdict stems from a 2020 incident where scalding hot tea spilled on Garcia, causing third-degree burns, nerve damage, and permanent genital injuries, leading to multiple surgeries and ongoing pain and PTSD. Starbucks, who maintains they are not at fault and plans to appeal, had offered a pre-trial settlement contingent on an apology and policy changes, which Garcia’s attorneys say was refused. The jury found Starbucks grossly negligent in its handling of the incident.
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During a recent interview, President Trump clarified his previous statements about ending the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, admitting to employing sarcasm. Despite this, he expressed confidence in his ability to broker a peace deal, citing positive interactions with President Putin and ongoing negotiations led by his Special Envoy. Trump asserted that a ceasefire agreement is imminent, while acknowledging dire consequences should Putin refuse. His optimism stems from a belief that he understands Putin’s desires for peace.
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Fox News host Jesse Watters, while publicly supporting the Trump administration’s cuts to federal programs, expressed personal concern over the impact on his family. His sister’s employment at Johns Hopkins University is threatened by the resulting layoffs stemming from reduced funding for international aid programs. This follows previous comments regarding a friend impacted by the cuts. Watters’s conflicted stance highlights the human consequences of these policy decisions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker