President Joe Biden is contemplating whether to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, a move that could give Kyiv an advantage in its fight against Russia. While the weapons are banned by over 100 countries due to the risk they pose to civilians, officials believe they could be crucial in the Ukrainian forces' efforts to break through Russia's front lines. The Biden administration's position on providing cluster munitions has shifted over the past year, with recent indications suggesting a leaning towards approval. The decision is expected to be finalized this week, with the approval anticipated to come from the president.
However, the move is not without controversy. Critics argue that the use of cluster munitions raises ethical concerns, as the unexploded ordnance can pose a danger to civilians both during and after conflicts. Human Rights Watch has already cited evidence of Ukraine's use of cluster munitions causing deaths and injuries to civilians. Additionally, many U.S. allies have signed an international convention vowing not to employ these weapons in war, which could further isolate the United States if it approves the transfer. Nevertheless, with Ukrainian forces running low on supplies and struggling in their counteroffensive, the Biden administration appears to be considering the risk of sending cluster munitions as a necessary step.
By Aliza Chasan
July 6, 2023 / 6:01 PM
CBS News
An 18-month-old girl tragically died after being left in a hot car overnight following a Fourth of July party in Lakeland, Florida. The child's parents, Joel and Jazmine Rondon, both 33 years old, have been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the couple returned home from the party around 2 a.m. on July 5 and began unloading their car. Jazmine asked Joel to bring their 18-month-old inside while she attended to their other two children. Joel assumed that Jazmine had taken the toddler out of the car, as all the car doors were closed, and both parents went to sleep.
It wasn't until Joel woke up around 10 a.m. and asked his older child about the toddler's whereabouts that they discovered the tragic mistake. The child was still strapped in her car seat and unresponsive. Joel rushed the child to the hospital, but despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead.
Authorities stated that Jazmine tested positive for alcohol and marijuana, while Joel tested positive for alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Sheriff Judd attributed the child's death to "pure negligence" and the influence of drugs. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of leaving children unattended in hot cars and the serious consequences that can result.
New information has emerged in the ongoing feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun, suggesting that Swift may have been misdirecting her anger towards the wrong party. When Braun acquired the masters of Swift's first six albums as part of the acquisition of her record label, Big Machine Records, in June 2019, Swift claimed she was blindsided and never given the opportunity to buy back her own music.
However, a recent report by Music Business Worldwide (MBW) has found evidence that contradicts Swift's claims. It has been revealed that Swift's father, Scott Swift, was a shareholder in Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) and personally made $15.1 million from the deal. Additionally, an NDA agreement between Ithaca Holdings (Braun's company) and Swift's management company was obtained by MBW, indicating that there were discussions about a potential transaction between the parties.
This new information raises questions about whether Swift was aware of the negotiations and had the opportunity to buy her masters from Braun. It also suggests that Swift's decision to focus her criticism solely on Braun may have been misguided, as there were other players involved in the deal. Despite attempts by Braun to reconcile with Swift, she declined all of his offers, maintaining a resentful stance towards him to this day. This revelation calls into question the narrative that Swift has presented to her fans and raises doubts about the accuracy of her claims.
Tracy Chapman's iconic song, "Fast Car," has found renewed success on the charts 35 years after its initial release. The song, which climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, has now reached new heights thanks to a cover by country singer Luke Combs. Combs' version of "Fast Car" has topped Billboard's Country Airplay chart and sits at number two on the Hot 100. This unexpected achievement has also made Chapman the first black woman to hold a sole songwriting credit on a number one country hit.
Chapman expressed her surprise and gratitude for the song's belated success, stating that she never expected to find herself on the country charts but is honored to be there. Combs' cover has definitely brought new fans to the timeless song, which explores themes of poverty, dreams, and escape.
"Fast Car" has been covered by various artists over the years, including Sam Smith, Justin Bieber, and Jonas Blue. However, Combs' rendition has proved to be particularly popular and has reignited interest in Chapman's music.
This remarkable achievement further solidifies Combs' burgeoning career in country music, following the success of his 2017 album "This One's For You" and his multiple award wins, including the Country Music Association's song of the year for "Beautiful Crazy."
As "Fast Car" continues to captivate listeners, both old and new, it raises the question: Can Tracy Chapman's timeless song find success once again?
Taylor Swift recently made headlines when a video of her sprinting off stage went viral. In the clip, which was taken during a recent concert, Swift can be seen abruptly leaving the stage and running towards the backstage area. Fans speculated about the reason for her quick exit, with some suggesting that it may have been a security concern or a wardrobe malfunction.
Swift, known for her active presence on social media, finally addressed the viral video in a recent interview. When asked about the incident, she jokingly responded, "Still swift af boi," referring to her quick exit from the stage. She went on to explain that there was no specific reason for her sudden departure, stating that sometimes she just likes to keep things interesting and surprise her fans.
It's not the first time Swift has made headlines for her onstage antics. In the past, she has pulled pranks on her tourmates, jumped off platforms, and even ridden giant inflatable snakes. It seems that part of her stage persona is to keep her audience on their toes and create memorable moments.
As for the recent viral video, Swift seemed unfazed by the attention it received. She laughed off the speculation and assured her fans that she was perfectly fine. With her upcoming album release and ongoing success in the music industry, it's clear that Swift knows how to keep her fans engaged and entertained, both on and off the stage.
On Monday, Tesla Inc. saw a substantial increase in its stock price, up $18.05 to $279.82. Similarly, Rivian also experienced a rise in its stock value. On the other hand, Apple and AstraZeneca both faced a decline in their stock prices, indicating a significant change in the market.
Investors are closely monitoring these developments as they analyze the factors behind these price movements. While some experts attribute the rise in Tesla and Rivian stocks to positive news and investor optimism surrounding the companies, others believe that Apple and AstraZeneca's decline could be influenced by negative market sentiment or specific events related to the companies.
It is worth noting that stock market movements can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including company performance, industry trends, economic indicators, and investor sentiment. As a result, it is important for investors to stay updated on the latest news and market developments to make informed investment decisions.
Investors and analysts will continue to watch these stocks closely in the coming days to assess whether these price movements are indicative of a larger trend or simply short-term fluctuations in the market.
Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Jamal Morrow has two top priorities this season: helping his team win the Grey Cup title and winning the CFL rushing title. Morrow, a 28-year-old Californian, is already off to a strong start, with a career-best 133 rushing yards in Week 3. He will look to build on that performance when the Roughriders take on the Edmonton Elks in Week 5. Morrow has already proven himself against the Elks, running for 80 yards on 14 carries in their season opener. The Elks have the league's worst rushing defense, giving up an average of 164 yards per game. With the Roughriders playing at home and Morrow's ability to exploit the Elks' defense, it could be a promising opportunity for him to rack up more rushing yards. If he continues to perform at a high level, Morrow has a chance to secure both the Grey Cup title and the CFL rushing title this season.
The Eagles have announced their farewell tour, "The Long Goodbye," which is set to continue into 2025. However, no Florida locations have been announced yet for their 2023 shows. The tour will kick off on September 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York and includes dates in Boston, Newark, Belmont Park, Denver, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Lexington, and St. Paul. Tickets for the announced shows will go on sale on July 14, with pre-sale tickets and VIP packages available starting on July 12. As for Florida fans, the band has stated that the farewell tour is still in the planning stages, and scheduling information for additional dates will be released as they are set. The Eagles are undoubtedly grateful for their fans' support and are looking forward to giving everyone a chance to see them on this final round. While the band may not have confirmed any Florida shows at this time, Florida fans will have to stay tuned for any updates regarding potential performances in the state on the farewell tour.
Biotech company Biogen recently received full approval from the FDA for its drug, lecanemab-irmb, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This marks the first time a drug has been shown to slow the progression of the disease. However, analysts have mixed views on the impact this approval will have on Biogen's stock.
Oppenheimer, a financial services firm, reiterated its outperform rating on Biogen stock and noted that the FDA's decision may lead to greater scrutiny of rival product donanemab from Eli Lilly & Co. On the other hand, Wedbush, an investment firm, maintained its neutral rating on Biogen stock and expressed concerns about the logistics and uptake of the drug.
The FDA's conversion of lecanemab-irmb from accelerated approval to full approval is a significant milestone in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The drug targets the underlying disease process and has shown clinical benefit in patients. The approval was based on a phase 3 clinical trial that demonstrated a reduction in decline from baseline on various cognitive and functional scales.
While Biogen's stock initially slid in premarket trading, with analysts taking different views on the approval, the long-term impact remains uncertain. As the market digests the news and more data becomes available, investors will be closely watching how the drug performs in the real world and its potential impact on Biogen's financials.
SKIP STORY
Sammi Giancola, also known as "Sammi Sweetheart," is making a surprising return to the new season of Jersey Shore Family Vacation, as revealed in a recently released trailer. The former cast member is rejoining her housemates after more than a decade away from the MTV reality franchise. In the trailer, the rest of the cast expresses their surprise at Sammi's arrival, while she gets acquainted with the changes that have taken place in her absence, such as the replacement blow-up doll and a blanket displaying Snooki and JWoww's iconic "note" to her.
Sammi initially stepped away from Jersey Shore in 2012, following the show's original six-season run, in order to focus on her businesses and personal relationships. However, she will now be back with her former castmates, including her ex-boyfriend Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, who is making a return despite not being included in the promo photos.
Jersey Shore Family Vacation will premiere on MTV on August 3rd. The anticipation is high, as fans are curious to see how Sammi's return will play out. Will you be tuning in to watch?
The Belarusian military has showcased a field camp that could potentially host Russia's Wagner military contractor if it relocates to Belarus. The offer comes under a deal that ended the Wagner Group's mutiny. Maj. Gen. Leonid Kosinsky stated that the former Belarusian military camp near Tsel, about 90 kilometers southeast of Minsk, could accommodate up to 5,000 troops. However, Wagner representatives have not yet inspected the camp to determine if it meets their needs. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus suggested that head mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin is currently in Russia, raising questions about the deal's terms. Lukashenko dismissed concerns that the mercenaries could use Belarusian territory to attack Ukraine, which Russian troops used as a staging ground before invading Ukraine in 2022. The situation surrounding the Wagner Group's potential relocation to Belarus remains murky, and it is unclear how this move would impact President Vladimir Putin's rule.
Omaha, Nebraska - A fast-moving storm has left behind a trail of damage in the Omaha area. As of now, there are currently 9 flight delays at Eppley Airfield, and passengers are advised to check the website for any further delays. Over 30,000 customers are without power, with Mid-American Energy reporting 6,200 customers affected in the storm-hit area. Reports indicate numerous trees have been uprooted, causing roadblocks and power outages throughout the neighborhood.
One local resident, Waverle Monroe, reported a large branch blocking the road at Lake and 58th. Another branch on Northwest Radio is obstructing one lane of traffic due to a downed power line. Police presence has been reported at the scene. Authorities are urging caution for drivers in the affected areas and advising them to slow down and prepare for potential roadblocks.
The storm is expected to pass quickly, but the aftermath will require repairs and restoration efforts. Residents are advised to stay updated on local news and follow safety precautions until the storm damage is cleared.
President Biden is considering sending cluster munitions to Ukraine despite their ban by most countries in the world. The move is in response to concerns about Ukraine's struggle against Russian troops and the dwindling stockpiles of conventional artillery in the West. The decision to provide the controversial munitions, which have a failure rate of over 1 percent, has gone through months of internal debate within the administration.
The principal weapon under consideration is the M864 artillery shell, which is fired from the 155mm howitzers provided by the United States and other Western countries. The Pentagon, citing new assessments from 2020, claims that the failure rates of the munitions are below 2.35 percent. However, details of these assessments, including the testing methods, have not been released.
While key Republicans have been urging Biden to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, there are also skeptics within his own party. Critics of cluster munitions argue that they pose a threat to civilian populations due to the unexploded ordnance they leave behind.
The decision on whether to send cluster munitions to Ukraine now rests with President Biden. The move could potentially give Ukraine an edge in their counteroffensive against Russia.
In a thrilling match at Wimbledon, Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas battled it out on Centre Court until the match was halted due to time constraints. Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, was leading the hard-fought contest 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-4 when play was suspended. The match will resume on Friday, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Tsitsipas, the fifth-seeded Greek player, has never advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Despite his age and a metal hip, Murray displayed his skill and determination on the court, keeping the match neck-and-neck with his opponent. The match was filled with intensity and excitement, with Murray leveling the match in the second set tiebreak. The crowd at Centre Court, once skeptical of Murray, now considers him a national treasure after his historic victory in 2013. The atmosphere was electric as the two players battled for every point. Tennis fans will have to wait until Friday to see who will emerge victorious in this riveting Wimbledon clash.
Wimbledon is not only known for its thrilling tennis matches, but also for the prestigious Royal Box, where invitees can watch the action up close. The Royal Box is an invite-only section in the stands of Centre Court, and it has 74 luxury chairs for the royals and elite guests. There is a strict dress code for those sitting in the Royal Box - men must wear a suit or jacket with a tie, while women are asked not to wear hats to ensure an unobstructed view for those behind them.
The tradition of the Royal Box began in 1922, 45 years after the first Wimbledon tournament. Even before its official debut, members of the royal family, including King George V, Queen Mary, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were regular attendees of the tournament. King George V became the club's president in 1907, solidifying the tradition of a royal presence at Wimbledon.
Every year, the guest list for the Royal Box is carefully selected, with sporting stars, members of the royal family, and A-list celebrities among the invitees. The Royal Box has become a spectacle of its own, and fans eagerly anticipate which VIPs will score an invite. So keep an eye out for the stars in the Royal Box at this year's Wimbledon tournament.
Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva has made it to the third round of Wimbledon, and she's catching the attention of fans and the media alike. Andreeva, who is the third-youngest player to reach this stage of the tournament, has been impressive with her performances on grass, a surface she was unfamiliar with just a month ago. In her second-round match, Andreeva was leading 6-3, 4-0 against Czech 10th seed Barbora Krejcikova when Krejcikova had to retire due to a lower left leg injury. Andreeva will now face fellow Russian Anastasia Potapova in the next round.
What makes Andreeva's Wimbledon journey even more extraordinary is the presence of Netflix cameras documenting her rise. Andreeva, who is being followed for the "Break Point" docuseries, expressed her gratitude towards the film crew and called them "super nice people." This is not the first time Andreeva has achieved success at a grand slam event; she reached the third round of the French Open earlier this year.
Andreeva, who is currently ranked 102nd in the world, had to go through qualifying rounds at both the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite the challenges and her young age, Andreeva remains focused on her game and has no specific goals in mind. She simply aims to give her best in every match.
WWE superstar Roman Reigns recently encountered a mysterious ban on TikTok, with his account now showing an "account banned" message. Reigns, known as "The Tribal Chief," has a significant following on the social media platform with 1.3 million followers and 7.6 million likes. The reason for Reigns' ban remains unknown, but speculation suggests it could be due to TikTok's strict policy against violent content. However, other WWE stars maintain active TikTok profiles featuring in-ring action, making this theory puzzling. It's possible that one of Reigns' earlier TikTok videos included profanities, which may have violated TikTok's community guidelines. Despite the ban, Reigns returned to TikTok, posting a video clip from his WrestleMania 39 press conference, where he mocked reporters. Meanwhile, Reigns' focus shifts to tonight's "WWE SmackDown" where he will face his cousins, The Usos, for the first time since being pinned by Jey Uso at Money in the Bank. The ban may have left fans searching for answers, but it's unlikely to diminish Reigns' stature in the WWE universe.