Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Russia's Seizure Of Chernobyl Was "Very Dangerous"
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been warning the West “not to underestimate the risk of nuclear war.” The country’s nose is bent out of joint by the unified world response against its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. But speaking of nukes, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says Russia's seizure of Chernobyl was "very dangerous." While the power plant isn't in operation, it still manages the fallout of the 1986 nuclear disaster and processes nuclear waste. Director Rafael Grossi says the seizure was "absolutely abnormal” and he credits the Ukrainian operators from stopping the worst from happening. Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Secretary says the Russian-Ukraine conflict isn't turning into a proxy war between America and Russia. Lloyd Austin said the war is "clearly Ukraine's fight." He added he doesn't believe the conflict will result in a nuclear war. Austin said Ukraine's allies are "stepping up" to make sure the country has what it needs.
2 VP Harris Is Positive As Pfizer's Antiviral Pill Finds Wider Availablity
Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19. She apparently tested positive on rapid and PCR tests, but is suffering from no symptoms. Harris is quarantining and hasn't been in close contact with the President or First Lady – she apparently last saw Biden a week ago. Harris will be working remotely and come back to the White House once she tests negative for the virus. Harris says she's "grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted" after testing positive for COVID. She has since taken to Twitter to confirm that she has no symptoms. On a related note, the fight against COVID is expanding. Pfizer's antiviral pill will soon be widely available. The White House is buying 20-million courses of Paxlovid [[Pax-luh-vid]] to send to pharmacies across the country. The treatment includes three pills given twice a day for five days. Pfizer says it's been shown to cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 89-percent if given soon after symptoms begin. The goal is to offer the pills for free at 30-thousand locations.
3 Tuskegee Airman asks for birthday cards ahead of 100th birthday next month
Victor W. Butler is believed to be the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen of Rhode Island. People may remember the Tuskegee Airmen from the movie "Red Tails." They were a group of Black military pilots and airmen that made history while fighting in World War II. They broke barriers and led the way to desegregate in the U.S. Military. Rhode Island's last surviving Tuskegee Airman turns 100 years old next month and just wants birthday cards. His name is Victor Butler. He says he'll read every single one, no matter how many he gets. (You can send cards to Victor W. Butler, C/O Gary Butler, P.O. Box. 3523, Cranston, RI 02910)