Russia says Zircon hypersonic missile hit target in latest test
Russia said on Monday it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, hailed by President Vladimir Putin as part of a new generation of unrivaled arms systems.
The missile was fired from the Admiral Gorshkov warship in the White Sea and hit a naval target more than 400 km (250 miles) away, the defense ministry said, in its second test in a fortnight.
Russia said on Monday it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, hailed by President Vladimir Putin as part of a new generation of unrivaled arms systems.
The missile was fired from the Admiral Gorshkov warship in the White Sea and hit a naval target more than 400 km (250 miles) away, the defense ministry said, in its second test in a fortnight.
CNN suspends Chris Cuomo indefinitely
CNN is suspending prime time anchor Chris Cuomo "indefinitely, pending further evaluation," after new documents revealed the cozy and improper nature of his relationship with aides to his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Tuesday's announcement about the suspension was the equivalent of a cable news shockwave. Cuomo's 9 p.m. program is frequently CNN's most-watched hour of the day. He is a larger-than-life presence at the network. And he was determined to stay on TV this year despite a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations against his brother, which culminated in the governor's resignation three months ago.
But new documents released on Monday showed that the veteran journalist was more intimately involved than previously known in shaping his brother's defense.
CNN is suspending prime time anchor Chris Cuomo "indefinitely, pending further evaluation," after new documents revealed the cozy and improper nature of his relationship with aides to his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Tuesday's announcement about the suspension was the equivalent of a cable news shockwave. Cuomo's 9 p.m. program is frequently CNN's most-watched hour of the day. He is a larger-than-life presence at the network. And he was determined to stay on TV this year despite a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations against his brother, which culminated in the governor's resignation three months ago.
But new documents released on Monday showed that the veteran journalist was more intimately involved than previously known in shaping his brother's defense.
Czech center-right government takes office amid price rises and a Covid wave
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's new center-right government took office on Friday facing soaring inflation and energy costs, record budget deficits and the dragging Covid-19 pandemic.
The 57-year-old former university professor leads a coalition of five parties spanning his fiscally conservative Civic Democrats to the more liberal Pirates party which is entering government for the first time.
The coalition, which analysts expect to be more pro-Western and more engaged with the European Union than its predecessor, takes over at a time of soaring costs for households and a wave of coronavirus infections straining hospitals.
It also inherits an agenda including a potential tender for new nuclear power plant units costing billions of euros.
The new government secured 108 seats in the 200-member lower house in an October election, giving it a strong majority.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's new center-right government took office on Friday facing soaring inflation and energy costs, record budget deficits and the dragging Covid-19 pandemic.
The 57-year-old former university professor leads a coalition of five parties spanning his fiscally conservative Civic Democrats to the more liberal Pirates party which is entering government for the first time.
The coalition, which analysts expect to be more pro-Western and more engaged with the European Union than its predecessor, takes over at a time of soaring costs for households and a wave of coronavirus infections straining hospitals.
It also inherits an agenda including a potential tender for new nuclear power plant units costing billions of euros.
The new government secured 108 seats in the 200-member lower house in an October election, giving it a strong majority.
Biden on Ukraine situation: 'Things could go crazy quickly'
President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, warning that "things could go crazy quickly" in the region.
"American citizens should leave now," Biden said in an upcoming interview that was taped Thursday with NBC News' Lester Holt.
Referring to Russia, which has amassed troops on its border with Ukraine, Biden said, "It's not like we're dealing with a terrorist organization. We're dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It's a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly."
President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Americans in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, warning that "things could go crazy quickly" in the region.
"American citizens should leave now," Biden said in an upcoming interview that was taped Thursday with NBC News' Lester Holt.
Referring to Russia, which has amassed troops on its border with Ukraine, Biden said, "It's not like we're dealing with a terrorist organization. We're dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It's a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly."
Russia accuses the West of spreading disinformation on Ukraine as Kyiv fortifies evacuation plans
Russia blasted Western countries and media for spreading a "large-scale disinformation campaign" over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying Friday that they were doing so "to divert attention from their own aggressive actions."
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement comes just hours ahead of an expected call between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, and as the US issued a stark warning that a Russian assault on Ukraine was imminent.
Russia blasted Western countries and media for spreading a "large-scale disinformation campaign" over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying Friday that they were doing so "to divert attention from their own aggressive actions."
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement comes just hours ahead of an expected call between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, and as the US issued a stark warning that a Russian assault on Ukraine was imminent.
US provided intel that helped Ukraine target Russian warship, sources say
When Ukraine successfully targeted Russia’s prized warship last month with anti-ship cruise missiles, they had some help from the United States.
Ukrainian forces, having spotted a Russian warship in the Black Sea, called their American contacts for confirmation that it was in fact the Moskva, sources familiar with the events told CNN. The US responded that it was, and provided intelligence about its location.
It is not clear whether the US knew Ukraine would move to strike the ship, however, and the US was not involved in that decision, the sources said.
The ship sank after it was struck by two Ukrainian cruise missiles on April 14, dealing a huge blow to the Russian military. read more
When Ukraine successfully targeted Russia’s prized warship last month with anti-ship cruise missiles, they had some help from the United States.
Ukrainian forces, having spotted a Russian warship in the Black Sea, called their American contacts for confirmation that it was in fact the Moskva, sources familiar with the events told CNN. The US responded that it was, and provided intelligence about its location.
It is not clear whether the US knew Ukraine would move to strike the ship, however, and the US was not involved in that decision, the sources said.
The ship sank after it was struck by two Ukrainian cruise missiles on April 14, dealing a huge blow to the Russian military. read more
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Xi Jinping sends warning to anyone who questions China's zero-Covid policy
Hong Kong (CNN) — China's top leader Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning yet against anyone who questions the country's zero-Covid policy, as stringent, frequent lockdowns fuel public discontent and deal a devastating blow to the Chinese economy.
At a meeting chaired by Xi on Thursday, the ruling Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." read more
Hong Kong (CNN) — China's top leader Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning yet against anyone who questions the country's zero-Covid policy, as stringent, frequent lockdowns fuel public discontent and deal a devastating blow to the Chinese economy.
At a meeting chaired by Xi on Thursday, the ruling Communist Party's supreme Politburo Standing Committee vowed to "unswervingly adhere to the general policy of 'dynamic zero-Covid,' and resolutely fight against any words and acts that distort, doubt or deny our country's epidemic prevention policies." read more
UK sanctions could lead to "final destruction of bilateral ties," Russia warns British ambassador
British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday over the latest sanctions against Russia, including sanctions against the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, according to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry.
The imposition of sanctions against the Russian media "only because their coverage and interpretation of events taking place in the world is not consistent with Western patterns, once again clearly confirms the duplicity and cynicism of British politicians, for whom such a thing as freedom of the media is nothing more than a tool for solving market problems," the statement added.
The ministry accused the UK and its officials for imposing sanctions and making statements with "threats" that are "interspersed with lies and outright rudeness" against Russia. read more
British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday over the latest sanctions against Russia, including sanctions against the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, according to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry.
The imposition of sanctions against the Russian media "only because their coverage and interpretation of events taking place in the world is not consistent with Western patterns, once again clearly confirms the duplicity and cynicism of British politicians, for whom such a thing as freedom of the media is nothing more than a tool for solving market problems," the statement added.
The ministry accused the UK and its officials for imposing sanctions and making statements with "threats" that are "interspersed with lies and outright rudeness" against Russia. read more
Sri Lanka president declares new state of emergency as protests roil island
(CNN) — Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on Friday, after prolonged protests and a general strike shuttered schools, businesses, and transport services.
The state of emergency will allow for the arrest of protesters blocking roads. The measure must be approved by Sri Lanka's parliament within 14 days.
The country has been rocked by civil unrest since March, with protests at times turning violent as anger builds over the government's apparent mishandling of the country's economic crisis. read more
(CNN) — Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared a state of emergency on Friday, after prolonged protests and a general strike shuttered schools, businesses, and transport services.
The state of emergency will allow for the arrest of protesters blocking roads. The measure must be approved by Sri Lanka's parliament within 14 days.
The country has been rocked by civil unrest since March, with protests at times turning violent as anger builds over the government's apparent mishandling of the country's economic crisis. read more
In Philippines, the fight against online sexual abuse of children exposes tensions between human rights and economic development
(CNN)Filipinos are going to the ballot box today to elect a new president, who will replace controversial leader Rodrigo Duterte.
The new leader will have many "existential" challenges to address. It is, however, uncertain how high up the list the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children will be -- if at all. None of the leading candidates for the top job have made this topic an election issue, despite a 2021 report that labelled the country "the center of child sex abuse materials production in the world." The report concluded that children in the Philippines are at risk for online sexual exploitation for reasons including "free online connectivity, the widespread use of cellphones, the irresponsible use of technology." read more
(CNN)Filipinos are going to the ballot box today to elect a new president, who will replace controversial leader Rodrigo Duterte.
The new leader will have many "existential" challenges to address. It is, however, uncertain how high up the list the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children will be -- if at all. None of the leading candidates for the top job have made this topic an election issue, despite a 2021 report that labelled the country "the center of child sex abuse materials production in the world." The report concluded that children in the Philippines are at risk for online sexual exploitation for reasons including "free online connectivity, the widespread use of cellphones, the irresponsible use of technology." read more
Elon Musk just made Donald Trump's life a lot more difficult
"I do think it was not correct to ban Donald Trump, I think that was a mistake," Musk, who is in the process of buying the social media company, said at a Financial Times conference. "I would reverse the perma-ban. ... Banning Trump from Twitter didn't end Trump's voice, it will amplify it among the right and this is why it's morally wrong and flat out stupid."
And if Trump gets back on Twitter, the rationale for Truth Social -- always somewhat flimsy -- totally disappears.
Which puts Trump on the horns of a difficult dilemma: Does he, for financial and pride reasons, stick to Truth Social? Or does he go back to Twitter -- where his 80 million-plus followers are, presumably, waiting for him? read more
"I do think it was not correct to ban Donald Trump, I think that was a mistake," Musk, who is in the process of buying the social media company, said at a Financial Times conference. "I would reverse the perma-ban. ... Banning Trump from Twitter didn't end Trump's voice, it will amplify it among the right and this is why it's morally wrong and flat out stupid."
And if Trump gets back on Twitter, the rationale for Truth Social -- always somewhat flimsy -- totally disappears.
Which puts Trump on the horns of a difficult dilemma: Does he, for financial and pride reasons, stick to Truth Social? Or does he go back to Twitter -- where his 80 million-plus followers are, presumably, waiting for him? read more
Coffin carrying veteran journalist's body shown falling as Israeli police beat mourners with batons
Jerusalem (CNN)There was unrest in Jerusalem Friday as thousands attended the burial of veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead two days earlier while reporting on a military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.
Mourners had marched from Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate to Mount Zion cemetery. They were met with violence at the St. Joseph hospital complex by Israeli police when they tried to carry Abu Akleh's coffin, which Al Jazeera footage showed being rocked and then falling out of the hands of some of the pallbearers, as Israeli police beat them with batons. read more
Jerusalem (CNN)There was unrest in Jerusalem Friday as thousands attended the burial of veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead two days earlier while reporting on a military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.
Mourners had marched from Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate to Mount Zion cemetery. They were met with violence at the St. Joseph hospital complex by Israeli police when they tried to carry Abu Akleh's coffin, which Al Jazeera footage showed being rocked and then falling out of the hands of some of the pallbearers, as Israeli police beat them with batons. read more
India bans wheat exports as heat wave hurts crop, domestic prices soar
MumbaiIndia banned wheat exports on Saturday — days after saying it was targeting record shipments this year — as a scorching heat wave curtailed output and domestic prices hit a record high.
The government said it would still allow exports backed by already issued letters of credit and to countries that request supplies "to meet their food security needs." read more
MumbaiIndia banned wheat exports on Saturday — days after saying it was targeting record shipments this year — as a scorching heat wave curtailed output and domestic prices hit a record high.
The government said it would still allow exports backed by already issued letters of credit and to countries that request supplies "to meet their food security needs." read more
Israeli police will investigate 'events' surrounding funeral of Palestinian journalist: Minister
Jerusalem (CNN)Israeli police say they will hold an investigation "into the events that ensued during the funeral" procession of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on Friday.
"Unfortunately, during the course of the funeral, severe violent events unfolded on the part of those participating that worsened the situation on the ground," Israeli Minister of Public Security Omer Bar-Lev said in a statement to CNN. read more
Jerusalem (CNN)Israeli police say they will hold an investigation "into the events that ensued during the funeral" procession of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on Friday.
"Unfortunately, during the course of the funeral, severe violent events unfolded on the part of those participating that worsened the situation on the ground," Israeli Minister of Public Security Omer Bar-Lev said in a statement to CNN. read more
Xi Jinping looms large over Australia's election
Brisbane, Australia (CNN)The faces of Australian election candidates are plastered on campaign posters across the country -- but there's one face that stands out, and it belongs to Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader, though not a participant in any modern democracy, has become a familiar presence in a campaign dogged by allegations of foreign interference and partly fought on issues of national security.
Xi's face is not only on billboards, his name has come up in press conferences, interviews, and election debates between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who leads a Liberal-National coalition, and the Labor Party leader who wants to replace him, Anthony Albanese. read more
Brisbane, Australia (CNN)The faces of Australian election candidates are plastered on campaign posters across the country -- but there's one face that stands out, and it belongs to Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader, though not a participant in any modern democracy, has become a familiar presence in a campaign dogged by allegations of foreign interference and partly fought on issues of national security.
Xi's face is not only on billboards, his name has come up in press conferences, interviews, and election debates between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who leads a Liberal-National coalition, and the Labor Party leader who wants to replace him, Anthony Albanese. read more
Chadians take to the streets in anti-French protests
Chadian police fired tear gas and used water canon to disperse hundreds of protesters who took to the streets of the capital and other towns in an anti-French protest that saw the destruction of some French-linked businesses.
The protest was called by Chadian civil society coalition Wakit Tamma to denounce France's backing of the Transitional Military Council that seized power following the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby in April 2021, a spokesman said. read more
Chadian police fired tear gas and used water canon to disperse hundreds of protesters who took to the streets of the capital and other towns in an anti-French protest that saw the destruction of some French-linked businesses.
The protest was called by Chadian civil society coalition Wakit Tamma to denounce France's backing of the Transitional Military Council that seized power following the battlefield death of President Idriss Deby in April 2021, a spokesman said. read more
Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's brother slams violent actions of Israeli police at her funeral
Jerusalem (CNN)The brother of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh Monday blasted the violent intervention by Israeli police into her funeral as "unacceptable and unjustifiable."
"They could have easily blocked the road if they didn't want to see the funeral leave the hospital but the attack was intentional and brutal," Tony Abu Akleh told CNN.
Speaking at St. Joseph Hospital in East Jerusalem, where Friday's funeral procession began, he said he had spoken to Israeli police before the event. read more
Jerusalem (CNN)The brother of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh Monday blasted the violent intervention by Israeli police into her funeral as "unacceptable and unjustifiable."
"They could have easily blocked the road if they didn't want to see the funeral leave the hospital but the attack was intentional and brutal," Tony Abu Akleh told CNN.
Speaking at St. Joseph Hospital in East Jerusalem, where Friday's funeral procession began, he said he had spoken to Israeli police before the event. read more