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Today’s prime tales

After a monthslong assault, Russian troops this weekend occupied the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. It’s Russia’s first big battlefield win since final May, and it comes forward of Russia’s presidential elections in March. Ukraine’s newly appointed navy chief determined to withdraw troops to “preserve the lives and health of servicemen.” In a Saturday name with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Biden blamed Ukraine’s dwindling provide of weapons and ammunition on “congressional inaction.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

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Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President Harris arrive at a press convention on the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Wolfgang Rattay/POOL/AFP through Getty Images

• A Ukrainian lawmaker tells NPR’s Joanna Kakissis that Ukraine is being held hostage by election-year politics within the U.S. Republicans in Congress have been blocking a navy help bundle for Ukraine. Kakissis studies on Up First that Zelenskyy was on the annual Munich Security Conference this weekend, the place he as soon as once more requested the West to not see this battle as solely Ukraine’s battle however one that may develop a lot bigger if Russia retains successful.

Despite worldwide warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is just not backing down from plans for an Israeli floor offensive in Rafah, a metropolis close to the Egyptian border the place greater than 1 million displaced Palestinians are taking shelter.

• Netanyahu has referred to as for each a navy plan and a plan to evacuate the civilians in Rafah, NPR’s Greg Myre studies. But there’s been no word of such a plan, which Myre says could be very difficult. Most Palestinians in Rafah live in tents, and lots of say they’ve nowhere else to go. He provides that if Israel’s declare that it is defeated 18 of Hamas’ 24 battalions is correct, it means Hamas has been badly weakened. But Hamas’ inside and exterior leaders are intact, and the group has lengthy had public assist in Gaza, so “politically, it’s still reasonably strong.”  

Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas is constructing a navy base camp within the metropolis of Eagle Pass on the border with Mexico. The 80-acre facility would house National Guard troops and is a part of a $10 billion state effort to restrict unlawful border crossings.

• Texas Public Radio’s Pablo De La Rosa studies that many had been blindsided by Gov. Abbott’s announcement of plans to construct the ability. De La Rosa says Eagle Pass has been by means of quite a bit previously few months after the state took over and militarized a park the place individuals used to rejoice birthdays. Constitutionally, border safety and immigration fall beneath federal management, however Gov. Abbott believes his state has a proper to safe the border.

Life recommendation

The actual check for a relationship is just not how typically you are on the identical web page however the way you’re capable of attain a shared understanding even once you’re not. That’s in keeping with world-renowned relationship researchers and medical psychologists Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman. Their new ebook, Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection, argues that battle is definitely helpful in relationships. Here’s how to come out of it stronger:

• When a combat feels overwhelming, it is OK to take a break. Contrary to fashionable recommendation advising in opposition to going to mattress offended, generally hitting pause is one of the simplest ways to cease a nasty argument from getting worse.
• When you are feeling such as you’re in a standoff, use the bagel technique: determine what’s essential to you and what you are keen to compromise on, then evaluate notes together with your associate.
• When one associate begins a combat seemingly out of nowhere, with harsh phrases of judgment or criticism, it not often ends properly. Instead, attempt taking a gentler method and use the “I” method to precise how you really feel.

Today’s hear

The cowl photograph from “Texas Hold ‘Em,” considered one of two new nation singles by Beyoncé that debuted throughout Super Bowl LVIII.

Courtesy of the artist

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Courtesy of the artist

The cowl photograph from “Texas Hold ‘Em,” considered one of two new nation singles by Beyoncé that debuted throughout Super Bowl LVIII.

Courtesy of the artist

A rustic music radio station in rural Oklahoma confronted backlash final week when it briefly refused to play Beyoncé’s new tune, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The station later claimed it wasn’t conscious she had just lately launched a rustic tune. The incident has reignited a long-running conversation amongst nation music followers about racism within the traditionally white, male-dominated style.

Listen to elements of Beyoncé’s new tune and find out about what it might imply for Black women’s future within the style.

3 issues to know earlier than you go

Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC is issued a yellow card in the course of the second half of a match in opposition to FC Cincinnati at Nissan Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Nashville.

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

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Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC is issued a yellow card in the course of the second half of a match in opposition to FC Cincinnati at Nissan Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Nashville.

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

1. Major League Soccer will open its season this week with non-unionized substitute referees after the Professional Soccer Referees Association union rejected a contract they mentioned fell “short of expectations.” 
2. Strong high-altitude winds over the Mid-Atlantic gave vacationers on no less than two business plans a lift this weekend. The plane hit supersonic speeds topping 800 mph.
3. The FDA has authorized a drug to assist cut back allergic reactions from accidental exposure to sure meals like milk, eggs and nuts.

This publication was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi.