More from Ben Burke
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Kremlin envoy resigns, first senior official to leave since Ukraine invasion
The Kremlin confirmed Anatoly Chubais has resigned from his position as special envoy to international organizations over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When contacted by Reuters, Chubais reportedly hung up the phone. Two sources told Reuters that Chubais left Russia with no plans to return. Chubais was appointed to his envoy post in 2020. He was… -
Tornadoes kill, injure residents in Texas, Oklahoma
Before making its way into Louisiana and Mississippi, a massive storm system brought tornadoes to Texas and Oklahoma. The storms killed one person and injured more than a dozen others. “We know that you have faced a devastating storm. Can maybe even label it storms with multiple tornadoes ripping through Williamson County alone,” Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX)… -
No survivors found in China plane crash; cause of crash still unknown
The head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Office of Aviation Safety announced the rescue effort in Monday’s plane crash “has yet to find survivors.” Tuesday’s announcement came more than 30 hours after the crash happened. “The plane was severely damaged in the accident, and the investigation is very challenging,” Aviation Safety Director Zhu Thao… -
Ukraine takes back Kyiv suburb as Russia continues long-range attacks
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced Ukrainian troops have taken back control of Makariv, a suburb just northwest of Kyiv, from Russia’s control. Russia already has partial control of several other Kyiv suburbs, including Bucha, Hostomel and Irpin. However, regaining control of Makariv allowed Ukraine to regain control of a key highway, blocking Russian troops from surrounding Kyiv… -
Supreme Court nomination hearing for Ketanji Brown Jackson begins
The nomination hearing for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson began with statements from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Jackson. Questioning is expected to begin Tuesday, with the nomination hearing wrapping up on Thursday. “Members of this committee, If I am confirmed, I commit to you that I will work productively to support… -
US commander: Three South China Sea islands have been militarized
In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, U.S. Indo-Pacific commander John Aquilino said China has fully militarized at least three of the islands it built in the South China Sea. The Navy admiral’s comments over the weekend come despite past promises from Chinese President Xi Jinping saying China would not turn islands in contested… -
Saudi Arabia says it “won’t bear any responsibility” for rising oil prices
While much of the recent talk regarding rising oil prices around the world has centered on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Saudi Arabia has stepped into the conversation. The world’s largest oil exporter’s production efforts were impacted when Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a petroleum distribution center in Jeddah and disrupted production at a petrochemicals complex… -
“Operation March Sadness 2” human trafficking sting leads to 108 arrests
The sheriff’s office in Polk County, Florida, which covers much of the area southwest of Orlando and east of Tampa, announced 108 arrests in connection with a 6-day human trafficking sting dubbed “Operation March Sadness 2.” According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office news release, the sting started last Tuesday. “Detectives identified prostitutes who posted… -
Russia attacks military repair facility in Lviv, residential buildings in Kyiv
WARSAW, Poland — Russia continued targeting major cities in Ukraine, focusing its latest attacks on the capital city of Kyiv and western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Neighborhoods in Kyiv were shelled Friday morning, with Russia targeting residential buildings and a school. “Windows are blown out and they are not suitable for living any more,” Kyiv… -
Refugees flee Ukraine as Russian forces target Mariupol, Kharkiv, Kyiv
KAWĘCZYNEK, Poland — Russian forces have continued attacking Ukraine three weeks after their first invasion. Mariupol, Kharkiv and Kyiv have experienced some of the heaviest losses. Ukrainian officials believe Russian bombardment has killed at least 2,500 people in Mariupol. Those attacks have left much of the city without water, heat and electricity. Mass graves are… -
WNBA star Brittney Griner to remain under arrest in Russia until May
Russian state news agency Tass reported a court near Moscow has extended the arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia to May 19. Griner was arrested while going through security at a Moscow airport last month. “The employees found vape cartridges while scanning one of the bags,” the Russian captioning of CCTV footage showing… -
Biden, China’s Xi Jinping to discuss Ukraine invasion, other issues
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced President Joe Biden will participate in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Mar. 18. According to the statement, “the two leaders will discuss managing the competition between our two countries as well as Russia’s war against Ukraine and other issues of mutual concern.” “This… -
Russia bombs Mariupol theater, announces first cases under new law
The Mariupol City Council announced on its Telegram page that Russia bombed a theater “where hundreds of peaceful Mariupol residents were hiding” amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the Telegram post, both the central part of the theater and the entrance to the theater’s bomb shelter were destroyed. “It is still impossible to estimate…