It’s Friday!
Hooray. It’s been a busy morning following the news. alexei navalnyRussia’s main opposition leader has died. Here’s what’s happening:
- According to multiple reports, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader is alexei navalny
, died suddenly in prison.He had been poisoned before and blamed the Russian president Vladimir Putin — led to questions surrounding his reported death.
- The Democratic Party feels emboldened to accept immigrants after the former congressman took office. Tom Suozzi (DN.Y.) changed his seat from red to blue and got it back.
- Interviewed on ABC’s “Good Morning America” prince harry
. He said he was “considering” becoming an American citizen. The intrigue of 1776 gets thicker!
I kate martel A quick summary of this morning and what’s to come. Send tips, explanations, feedback, and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you?Sign up here.
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alexei navalnyleader of the Russian opposition against the president Vladimir Putinreportedly
died in prison on Fridaycausing international problems.
What the Russian Federal Prison Service said happened : Mr. Navalny went for a walk. He felt unwell and then lost his consciousness. Paramedics tried to revive him but were unsuccessful.
FWIW, Navalny’s team has not confirmed this report.
Navalny’s spokesman said his team had not confirmed his death and would report any news as soon as his lawyer arrived at the prison facility. Read Navalny’s full post from Spox
What you need to know about Navalny: “Mr Navalny has long been a thorn in President Vladimir Putin’s side, exposing corruption in government officials, campaigning against the ruling United Russia party and leading the largest anti-government protests seen in recent years. I have been conducting.” (CNN)
Why was Mr. Navalny in prison?: He was serving a 19-year sentence for extremism. In December, he was transferred to a high-security facility near the Arctic Circle, a region known for its harsh winters.
Navalny has been poisoned before.: Mr. Navalny died of nerve agent poisoning during a business trip to Russia in 2020. He blamed it on President Putin. (NBC News)
This is Navalny’s last video. : He appeared in court on Thursday.pack news Julia Ioffepointed out, “As you can see, he’s in good spirits, he’s joking, he’s cracking, and he’s obviously healthy.” 📹 clock
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Navalny’s mother wrote in a Facebook post.: “I don’t want to hear any condolences. We saw him in prison.” [Feb] On the 12th, during a meeting. He was alive, healthy, and happy. ” (Reuters)
From Vice President Harris: “If confirmed, this would be a further sign of Putin’s brutality. Whatever story they tell, let’s be clear: Russia is responsible. I will discuss this in more detail later.” Harris’s full reaction
From former US Ambassador to Russia michael mcfaul: “Guys, I don’t know what to say. I’m going to try to be analytical, but I want you to know that Alexei Navalny is a friend of mine. Last night I was with his wife…so , this is a pretty emotional time for me,” McFall said. Said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “Putin killed Mr. Navalny. Let’s be clear about that.” 📹 McFaul’s full reaction
Alexei Navalny’s wife makes surprise appearance at Munich Security Conference
: “Putin and his government are untrustworthy.” urea navalnaya Said. “They lie all the time. But if that’s true, I want to tell President Putin and all his staff, people around him, his government, his friends, that they are in trouble with our country. , I want them to know that they will be punished for what they have done to my family and my husband. They will be judged and that day will come soon.”new york times)/ 📹
See what Yulia Navalnaya had to say
➤
New York Times peter bakerNavalnaya said: “Ms. Navalnaya spoke clearly and calmly, with remarkable composure, pain clearly etched on her face, but in complete control…The audience was mesmerized and she finished speaking. and gave an emotional standing ovation.”
From Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley : “Putin did this. Same Putin. donald playing cardsI admire and defend him.” Haley Posted in X. “‘To be fair to President Putin, you’re the same Trump who said he killed people. I’ve never seen anything like that.’
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“Mr Navalny’s death has sparked global outrage, with many blaming Mr Putin.”
: NBC News
“World leaders blame Russia’s Putin regime for the death of Alexei Navalny”: PBS News
“Putin’s prominent opponent exposes corruption at the highest levels of Russia”: washington post
“Alexei Navalny wanted to make Russia a ‘normal country’.”
: foreign policy
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➤ Side note — Tucker Carlson had a great time at a Russian grocery store:
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conservative commentator tucker carlson I posted a video
He talks about his shopping experience at a Russian grocery store. He praised the cheapness and cleanliness of the country’s food.
Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C., on Thursday condemned Carlson’s glowing review of Russia. : “Oh yeah, Russia is so much better than America, with cheap groceries and fancy subway stations! There was a term in the Soviet Union for people like Tucker: ‘useful idiots.’ ” said Tillis. Posted.
📹 Controversial Russian grocery store video
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Sen. Joe Manchin(Washington, Virginia) has announced that he is “not running” in November’s presidential election, ending years of speculation about whether he would run for president on a third-party ticket.
Why was there so much speculation?
: Manchin announced that he would not run for re-election to the Senate, but said he would not rule out running for president. (the hill)
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Former and future members of Congress. Tom Suozzi(D) Successfully flipped a New York House district from red to blue in a special election while running on immigration, an issue Democrats have avoided.
Why is it worth noting?
:The Republican Party is being bashed.
president biden
It was seen as a weakness for Democrats in their response to the U.S.-Mexico border. But Suozzi’s success has emboldened Democrats to turn to a new strategy of attack.
Mr. Suoch’s message on immigration: Called for increased border security and expanded legal routes for immigrants to enter the United States.
how this will play outvia The Hills Rafael Bernal .
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House Republicans narrowed the three-vote gap to just two when the congressman was elected. Tom Suozzi(D) The former senator won. George SantosThis week’s (RN.Y.) seat. House Republican leaders are struggling to unite an already chaotic caucus, and this will only add to their headaches.
why is this important : Speaker mike johnson (R-Louisiana) is already having trouble keeping his caucus together and will have to maintain government funding.
How does this change the dynamics of the House?via The Hills michael schnell and mike llillis
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New York Times Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan
Report “Former President” Donald J. Trump
Two people with direct knowledge of Trump’s deliberations said he told advisers and allies that the nation would ban abortions for 16 weeks, with three exceptions to save the mother’s life in cases of rape or incest. He said he liked the idea. ”
President Trump’s position on abortion : “Since Roe v. Wade was reversed in mid-2022, President Trump has studiously avoided taking a clear position on abortion restrictions, energizing the Democratic Party ahead of that year’s midterm elections.” has said privately that he wants to wait until after the Republican presidential primary to publicly discuss his views because he doesn’t want to risk alienating social conservatives before securing the nomination. (new york times)
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“The confidential source at the center of the allegations promoted by House Republicans is president biden
Those who took bribes were arrested and charged with making false statements to the FBI. ”
why is this so huge: “The allegations risk reeling back the House Republican investigation into President Biden. Republican lawmakers have frequently pointed to the conversations as a confidential source when making the case. Alexander Smirnov told the FBI that the head of Ukrainian energy company Burisma said he paid both President Biden and his son Hunter Biden $5 million. The indictment alleges that Smirnov fabricated the charges in light of his opposition to President Biden’s candidacy. ” (the hill)
Member of Parliament jamie raskin (D-Md.), top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee; called Republicans end impeachment inquiry into Biden. Mr. Ruskin’s statement
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“Fulton County District Attorney” Fanny Willis(D) has finished testifying in a heated hearing over whether she and her office should be disqualified from prosecuting a 2020 election interference case involving a former lawmaker. president trump” reports The Hills. Ella Lee. What you need to know about Mr. Willis’ testimony
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➤ 5 facts from the explosive Willis hearing:
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“Mr. Willis calls the allegations ‘lies.'”
- “Willis, [special prosecutor Nathan Wade] Stick to the timeline of your relationship. ”
- “Ex-friends go against the span of romance.”
- “Willis paid cash for the vacation.”
- “Wade disputes the defense’s claim that he lied on the divorce papers.” (the hill)
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On the former, a verdict is expected today (!) president trumpcivil fraud trial, according to Associated Press.
what to expect: “The judge’s decision could subject Mr. Trump to millions of dollars in fines and other sanctions.” Arthur EngoronHe has already ruled that the former president inflated his assets in financial statements he filed with banks, insurance companies and others to secure deals and loans. ” (AP)
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🥜 celebrate : Today is National Almond Day!…Because sometimes, you feel like you’re crazy.
🌟 You’re a star, Roy!
: Roy the Labrador retriever featured in Budweiser’s Super Bowl ad belongs to the actor goldie hawnand Kurt Russell. (ESPN)/ 📹 Clip of family watching Roy’s big debut
🇺🇸 So Independence Day is a great holiday:Prince Harry Said
ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA) said he “considered” becoming an American citizen. from prince harry : “American citizenship has crossed my mind, but it’s not a priority for me at this time.” 🖥️ Watch Prince Harry’s GMA interview
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the house There is. The Senate is out. president biden
Located in Ohio vice president harris
At the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
(always eastern)
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- 2 pm : White House Press Secretary Karine Jean PierreChatting with reporters on Air Force One. 💻 live stream
- 4:20pm: Biden receives operational briefing regarding train accident in East Palestine, Ohio, one year after derailment.
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4:45pm : Biden speaks to commemorate one year since train derailment in East Palestine. 💻 live stream
- 9:05pm
: Biden arrives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
- March 25th: Former judge selectionpresident trumphush money trial. what we know
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