Russia warns of ‘direct military confrontation’ with US as Ukraine forces retreat
Ukrainian forces are pushing back Russian troops so successfully that the invaders have been forced to regroup, refit and refocus, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday. “They have retreated. They have pulled back from substantial territory in northern and northeastern Ukraine,” Sullivan said. He credited the Ukraine military – and the flow of equipment the United States and its allies have been sending the besieged country. Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov, however, earlier told Newsweek the West is provoking Russia. “We warn that such actions are dangerous,” the envoy said. “They can lead the US and the Russian Federation onto the path of direct military confrontation.”
Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins hit and killed by a dump truck in Florida
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins Died Saturday after he was hit by a dump truck near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Haskins, who would have turned 25 on May 3, was trying to cross an interstate on foot when he was struck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A month ago, Haskins re-signed with the Steelers, where he had aspirations to become the starting quarterback before his life was tragically cut short. Haskins was in Florida training with other Steelers skill position players including quarterback Mitch Trubisky, running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
JetBlue, Spirit cancel hundreds of flights amid staffing issues, bad weather
JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights due to staffing issues and bad weather in Florida. The two airlines have canceled a combined 254 Sunday flights after axing more than 300 flights on Saturday, according to flight tracker FlightAware. That’s more than half of all US flight cancellations each day. The flight woes come as the airlines begin merger talks following JetBlue’s surprise bid for the budget airline on Tuesday. Spirit said it will entertain JetBlue’s offer while not abandoning its earlier deal to merge with fellow budget airline Frontier. The troubles have spring break travelers scrambling to find new flights, in many cases the next day or later because weekend flights are packed, driving to their destination or canceling the trip.
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Baby formula shortage continues: Nearly 30% of popular brands sold out, stores ration sales
Less than two months after a baby formula recall, retailers are reporting shortages with some stores rationing sales. About 30% of popular baby formula brands may be sold out at retailers across the US, according to an analysis by Datasembly. In mid-February, select batches of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan, were recalled. The Food and Drug Administration said two weeks ago that the formula maker failed to maintain sanitary conditions and procedures at that plant. Minnesota, Connecticut and Texas were among the states hit worst with baby formula supply shortages. Nearly 75% of infants get some formula by the 6-month mark, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are engaged — again
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are engaged to be married again. Lopez shared a video to her fan newsletter on Friday announcing the big news. Affleck proposed with a ring featuring two smaller diamonds on each side of a large green diamond in the middle — a different shade from the pink diamond with which he proposed the first time in 2002. Lopez and Affleck’s appearance at the “Marry Me” premiere in February seemingly hinted that the actress was in the bridal headspace once again. The two appeared to confirm their relationship on social media in July, when Lopez posted a photo of her kissing Affleck while celebrating her 52nd birthday.
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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism