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McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

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McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership role after nearly 17 years, making him the longest-serving party leader in the chamber’s history. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, cited age as a reason for his departure. His stepping down will leave a significant gap in negotiations with Democrats and the White House, particularly concerning spending deals to prevent government shutdowns. McConnell has been a central figure in shaping the conservative direction of the Supreme Court, notably in blocking Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016 and facilitating the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, contributing to a 6-3 conservative majority. He has had a contentious relationship with Donald Trump, especially after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, despite voting to acquit Trump, he blamed him for inciting the insurrection. Senators John Thune and John Cornyn are expected to compete for McConnell’s leadership position.

Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

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Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

Alexei Navalny’s funeral service and burial are scheduled to take place in Moscow on Friday, as announced by his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh. The service will be held at 2 p.m. (1100 GMT) in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Moscow district of Maryino, where Navalny used to live. Following the service, Navalny will be buried at the Borisovskoye cemetery, located on the opposite side of the Moskva River to the south. Navalny died at an Arctic penal colony on February 16, at the age of 47. His death certificate stated he died of natural causes, but his allies accuse President Vladimir Putin of having him murdered. The Kremlin has denied state involvement in his death. Navalny’s allies attempted to organize a larger event for his farewell but faced obstacles, including being refused a hall for the ceremony. They initially planned the farewell and funeral for February 29, but claimed they encountered resistance from authorities.

Navalny to be buried on Friday

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Navalny to be buried on Friday

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s funeral service and burial are scheduled to take place in Moscow on Friday, as announced by his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh. The service will be held at 1400 Moscow time (1100 GMT) in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Moscow district of Maryino, where Navalny used to live. Navalny will then be buried at the Borisovskoye cemetery, located on the other side of the Moskva River to the south. Navalny died at an Arctic penal colony on Feb. 16. His death certificate stated he died of natural causes.

The myth of timeless design

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The myth of timeless design

The text discusses the concept of timeless design, suggesting that what is considered timeless is subject to change due to evolving tastes and cultural influences. The author reflects on personal experiences with design trends, noting how preferences for things like open-plan living and wall colors have shifted over time. The exploration of design principles across different cultures, including in places like Cyprus, reveals that timelessness is not a universal concept but varies with cultural identity and tradition. The text also highlights the growing importance of sustainability in design, with eco-friendly and modular furniture becoming essential for their environmental benefits. The overall message is that design is dynamic and should embrace change, sustainability, and diversity.

Gaza residents fear possible truce would only pause, not stop, the war

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Gaza residents fear possible truce would only pause, not stop, the war

Homeless and hungry Palestinians in Gaza are desperate for a lasting ceasefire amid fears of an Israeli assault on their safe haven. The United States mentioned that a temporary truce could be agreed upon soon, with a proposed deal potentially stopping the fighting since a brief truce in November. Negotiators are discussing a six-week truce, but Hamas has expressed that significant differences remain, demanding a permanent end to the fighting. Nearly five months into Israel’s air and ground campaign, about 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, with most houses damaged or destroyed, leading to famine and widespread disease. The war began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages. Israel’s campaign in response has killed approximately 30,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. Conditions for the proposed truce include only a short pause in fighting, with no provisions for displaced residents, especially men of military age, to return to their homes in the north. Despite these limitations, many in Gaza welcome any cessation of hostilities, even if temporary.

Thousands of artists ask Venice Biennale to exclude Israel

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Thousands of artists ask Venice Biennale to exclude Israel

– Almost 9,000 people, including artists, curators, and museum directors, have signed an online appeal for Israel’s exclusion from the Venice Biennale art fair, accusing Israel of “genocide” in Gaza.
– The appeal was triggered by Israel’s offensive in Gaza following an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel.
– The Hamas raids resulted in 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages, as per Israeli reports, while Israeli actions in Gaza have led to nearly 30,000 deaths and the displacement of most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, according to Palestinian health officials.
– Israel denies the accusations of genocide.
– The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) collective made the statement, comparing the situation to past exclusions of South Africa and Russia from the Venice Biennale.
– Notable signatories of the appeal include Faisal Saleh, Nan Goldin, and Jesse Darling.
– The Venice Biennale, titled “Foreigners Everywhere”, is set to feature pavilions from 90 countries from Apr. 20-Nov. 24.

Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

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Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

Fact: Former President Donald Trump is on the cusp of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Explainer: What is the space-based nuclear weapon the US says Russia is developing?

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Explainer: What is the space-based nuclear weapon the US says Russia is developing?

The United States has warned Congress and allies in Europe about new intelligence related to Russian nuclear capabilities that could pose a threat. The warning is specifically related to Russian attempts to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. The exact nature of the weapon is unclear, and it is uncertain whether it actually exists. The United States does not have the ability to counter such a weapon. Russia has dismissed the warning as a “malicious fabrication” and a tactic to secure more funding from Congress.

Opinion: Trump’s words, military imbalance seen raising risk of war in Europe

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Opinion: Trump’s words, military imbalance seen raising risk of war in Europe

Fact: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new munitions factory and warned that Europe must move to mass producing weapons because we do not live in times of peace.

White House: An attack against Iran is not excluded for the strike in Jordan

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White House: An attack against Iran is not excluded for the strike in Jordan

The White House National Security Advisor stated that the President is determined to respond strongly to attacks against Americans. The US does not rule out an attack on Iran and there will be further action in retaliation for the deaths of three US military members. The advisor emphasized that the US is prepared for any possibility and if Iran chooses to retaliate, there will be a strong response. The statements were made after military operations in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq against Iranian-backed groups. Some Republicans are calling for US strikes on Iran and criticizing the Biden administration for showing weakness on the global stage.