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Your Wednesday Briefing Sri Lanka, Navy SEALs, Egypt: Your Wednesday Briefing
(about 2 hours later)
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Good morning,Good morning,
We start today with updates from Sri Lanka, a U.S. Navy SEAL platoon chief accused of disturbing acts in Iraq and wolves caught in German culture wars.We start today with updates from Sri Lanka, a U.S. Navy SEAL platoon chief accused of disturbing acts in Iraq and wolves caught in German culture wars.
The terrorist group said it was responsible for the coordinated suicide bombings on Sunday that killed more than 300 people, as the president of the traumatized nation promised to dismiss senior officials who failed to act on warnings about the attacks.The terrorist group said it was responsible for the coordinated suicide bombings on Sunday that killed more than 300 people, as the president of the traumatized nation promised to dismiss senior officials who failed to act on warnings about the attacks.
A video statement from the Islamic State features the chief suspect, Mohammed Zaharan, leading a group of black-clad masked disciples pledging fealty to the Islamic State. There is no direct evidence that the extremist group did more than provide encouragement for the suicide bombings.A video statement from the Islamic State features the chief suspect, Mohammed Zaharan, leading a group of black-clad masked disciples pledging fealty to the Islamic State. There is no direct evidence that the extremist group did more than provide encouragement for the suicide bombings.
Victims: Mass burials began as details about those killed began to emerge — including a celebrity chef, a mother at Mass and a fifth grader.Victims: Mass burials began as details about those killed began to emerge — including a celebrity chef, a mother at Mass and a fifth grader.
Big picture: For Sri Lanka, the island nation still recovering from a wrenching civil war that ended a decade ago, the trauma, anger and recriminations from the attacks only worsened as it became clear that some top officials had known of the threat. Here’s what we know and don’t know.Big picture: For Sri Lanka, the island nation still recovering from a wrenching civil war that ended a decade ago, the trauma, anger and recriminations from the attacks only worsened as it became clear that some top officials had known of the threat. Here’s what we know and don’t know.
Stabbing a defenseless teenager to death. Using a sniper’s roost to shoot at a schoolgirl and an unarmed old man. Indiscriminately spraying neighborhoods with machine-gun fire.Stabbing a defenseless teenager to death. Using a sniper’s roost to shoot at a schoolgirl and an unarmed old man. Indiscriminately spraying neighborhoods with machine-gun fire.
These were some of the allegations against a highly decorated platoon chief, Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, during his time in Iraq. When Navy SEAL commandos tried to report his actions, they said they were repeatedly warned against speaking out and told it could cost them their careers.These were some of the allegations against a highly decorated platoon chief, Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, during his time in Iraq. When Navy SEAL commandos tried to report his actions, they said they were repeatedly warned against speaking out and told it could cost them their careers.
How we know: The Times obtained a confidential Navy criminal investigation report.How we know: The Times obtained a confidential Navy criminal investigation report.
What’s next: Because the commandos forced the referral of their concerns to the authorities outside the SEALs, Chief Gallagher was arrested in September on more than a dozen charges, including premeditated murder and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty, and his court-martial trial is set to begin on May 28.What’s next: Because the commandos forced the referral of their concerns to the authorities outside the SEALs, Chief Gallagher was arrested in September on more than a dozen charges, including premeditated murder and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty, and his court-martial trial is set to begin on May 28.
Publicity: His wife and brother have been making television appearances to demand his release and mustering support among Republican lawmakers.Publicity: His wife and brother have been making television appearances to demand his release and mustering support among Republican lawmakers.
In a stage-managed vote, the country approved a set of constitutional amendments that arm President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with expansive new powers over the judiciary and Parliament. The amendments also allow him to remain in office until 2030.In a stage-managed vote, the country approved a set of constitutional amendments that arm President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with expansive new powers over the judiciary and Parliament. The amendments also allow him to remain in office until 2030.
Since Mr. el-Sisi came to power in 2013, he has instituted harsh austerity measures, quashed any hint of criticism and eliminated political opponents. His supporters see him as a bulwark against terrorism, a friend to Egypt’s Christian minority and an economic reformer.Since Mr. el-Sisi came to power in 2013, he has instituted harsh austerity measures, quashed any hint of criticism and eliminated political opponents. His supporters see him as a bulwark against terrorism, a friend to Egypt’s Christian minority and an economic reformer.
Takeaway: The results of the three-day referendum crystallized analysts’ suspicions that Mr. el-Sisi is erasing the democratic gains of the 2011 uprisings and building a brand of authoritarianism surpassing that of Hosni Mubarak, the ousted former leader.Takeaway: The results of the three-day referendum crystallized analysts’ suspicions that Mr. el-Sisi is erasing the democratic gains of the 2011 uprisings and building a brand of authoritarianism surpassing that of Hosni Mubarak, the ousted former leader.
A few hundred wolves have gradually settled into rural German towns near the Polish border.A few hundred wolves have gradually settled into rural German towns near the Polish border.
But to hear some politicians talk about it, the country is facing an invasion. It is strikingly similar to how they talk about immigrants, turning the wolf into an object of terror and the discussion into an allegory for the nation’s culture wars. It has even become a central campaign issue in some regional elections in the former Communist East, where the number of wolves is highest — and the far right is strong.But to hear some politicians talk about it, the country is facing an invasion. It is strikingly similar to how they talk about immigrants, turning the wolf into an object of terror and the discussion into an allegory for the nation’s culture wars. It has even become a central campaign issue in some regional elections in the former Communist East, where the number of wolves is highest — and the far right is strong.
“Wolves are dangerous and they breed explosively,” said Silke Grimm, no relation to the Grimm brothers, who is in charge of the wolf issue at the AfD chapter in eastern Saxony. “The official line is it’s all under control. We know that line from the refugee crisis. No one believes a word of it.”“Wolves are dangerous and they breed explosively,” said Silke Grimm, no relation to the Grimm brothers, who is in charge of the wolf issue at the AfD chapter in eastern Saxony. “The official line is it’s all under control. We know that line from the refugee crisis. No one believes a word of it.”
Context: Over the last century, there have been no reported cases of a wolf killing a human in Germany, according to a biologist at the wolf information office for the regional government.Context: Over the last century, there have been no reported cases of a wolf killing a human in Germany, according to a biologist at the wolf information office for the regional government.
Sudan’s Air Force chief, Lt. Gen. Salah Abdelkhalig, initially opposed the protesters who were calling for an end to the autocratic leadership of President Omar al-Bashir.Sudan’s Air Force chief, Lt. Gen. Salah Abdelkhalig, initially opposed the protesters who were calling for an end to the autocratic leadership of President Omar al-Bashir.
But as more demonstrators gathered outside his office at the military headquarters, he started to have a change of heart. Amid the masses was his own son.But as more demonstrators gathered outside his office at the military headquarters, he started to have a change of heart. Amid the masses was his own son.
Saudi Arabia: The kingdom executed 37 men on Tuesday for terrorism-related crimes. A state-run news agency identified the men, mostly Shiite Muslims, by name but gave little information on what crimes they had committed or when.Saudi Arabia: The kingdom executed 37 men on Tuesday for terrorism-related crimes. A state-run news agency identified the men, mostly Shiite Muslims, by name but gave little information on what crimes they had committed or when.
New Zealand: The country is offering permanent residency to the survivors of the mosque attacks in Christchurch last month, in which a gunman killed 50 people. The new policy also applies to the survivors’ immediate relatives.New Zealand: The country is offering permanent residency to the survivors of the mosque attacks in Christchurch last month, in which a gunman killed 50 people. The new policy also applies to the survivors’ immediate relatives.
Estonia: A ride-hailing rival is putting Uber on the defensive. Bolt, based in Estonia, has become its most formidable challenger in Europe and Africa since a 19-year-old college dropout founded it six years ago.Estonia: A ride-hailing rival is putting Uber on the defensive. Bolt, based in Estonia, has become its most formidable challenger in Europe and Africa since a 19-year-old college dropout founded it six years ago.
Britain: A date for the on-again, off-again invitation to President Trump for a full state visit has been set for June, Buckingham Palace announced. His three-day visit will coincide with the 75th anniversary of D-Day.Britain: A date for the on-again, off-again invitation to President Trump for a full state visit has been set for June, Buckingham Palace announced. His three-day visit will coincide with the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Northern Ireland: A paramilitary group calling itself the New Irish Republican Army admitted responsibility for the murder of the journalist Lyra McKee and offered its “full and sincere” apologies to her loved ones.Northern Ireland: A paramilitary group calling itself the New Irish Republican Army admitted responsibility for the murder of the journalist Lyra McKee and offered its “full and sincere” apologies to her loved ones.
Snapshot: Above, children playing soccer in the shadow of a 15th-century mosque complex in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. For decades, as part of the Soviet Union and then under a dictatorship, the Central Asian country was a hard place for travelers to reach. That is changing. In his latest dispatch, our 52 Places columnist travels along the fabled Silk Road.Snapshot: Above, children playing soccer in the shadow of a 15th-century mosque complex in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. For decades, as part of the Soviet Union and then under a dictatorship, the Central Asian country was a hard place for travelers to reach. That is changing. In his latest dispatch, our 52 Places columnist travels along the fabled Silk Road.
Italy: Marsala wine isn’t having a comeback. But one writer makes the case for why it might be more than just a cooking wine, and says the low-quality bottles available at the supermarket might be giving it a bad name.Italy: Marsala wine isn’t having a comeback. But one writer makes the case for why it might be more than just a cooking wine, and says the low-quality bottles available at the supermarket might be giving it a bad name.
What we’re reading: This collection in Balkan Insight. Melina Delkic, a member of the Briefings team, writes: “The series looks at the lives and work of the 139 reporters and media workers killed during and after the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. It’s a chilling reminder of the risks involved in reporting in wartime.”What we’re reading: This collection in Balkan Insight. Melina Delkic, a member of the Briefings team, writes: “The series looks at the lives and work of the 139 reporters and media workers killed during and after the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. It’s a chilling reminder of the risks involved in reporting in wartime.”
Cook: Try a different kind of Passover dish: matzo lasagna.Cook: Try a different kind of Passover dish: matzo lasagna.
Look: The design school known as Bauhaus is 100 years old this month. Check out our visual exploration of its legacy.Look: The design school known as Bauhaus is 100 years old this month. Check out our visual exploration of its legacy.
Travel: For an increasing number of hotels and resorts, Earth Day is every day.Travel: For an increasing number of hotels and resorts, Earth Day is every day.
Watch: Recently, one kind of stand-up performance has been hard to miss: pregnant comedians popping up on high-profile comedy specials, late-night shows and in clubs.Watch: Recently, one kind of stand-up performance has been hard to miss: pregnant comedians popping up on high-profile comedy specials, late-night shows and in clubs.
Smarter Living: Among seasoned travelers, selective splurging — picking the one thing they’ll spend big on, while saving everywhere else — is a common strategy for getting the most out of a trip. The additional spend doesn’t have to be sizable. It can go for a nice hotel room or a local experience. The idea is to be mindful about when to allocate a little extra on something more memorable, engaging or stress-relieving.Smarter Living: Among seasoned travelers, selective splurging — picking the one thing they’ll spend big on, while saving everywhere else — is a common strategy for getting the most out of a trip. The additional spend doesn’t have to be sizable. It can go for a nice hotel room or a local experience. The idea is to be mindful about when to allocate a little extra on something more memorable, engaging or stress-relieving.
And if you’re about to graduate, tackle your senioritis with a senior project.And if you’re about to graduate, tackle your senioritis with a senior project.
Are you insane?Are you insane?
If your ancestors lived in the U.S., they could have faced that question in censuses past.If your ancestors lived in the U.S., they could have faced that question in censuses past.
The Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday on adding a census question that was never universal and has not been asked in decades: whether the respondent is a citizen.The Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday on adding a census question that was never universal and has not been asked in decades: whether the respondent is a citizen.
The population count, required every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, has changed with time and political concerns. The first census, in 1790, listed the names of only heads of household. By 1850, the census included all household members, but left out the enslaved.The population count, required every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, has changed with time and political concerns. The first census, in 1790, listed the names of only heads of household. By 1850, the census included all household members, but left out the enslaved.
After the Civil War, race questions became torturous. An article in The Sun of New York in 1890, headlined “A Census Puzzle,” detailed objections to classifying people as Negro, mulatto, quadroon, octoroon, white, Chinese, Japanese or Indian. That version of the question was abandoned by 1900.After the Civil War, race questions became torturous. An article in The Sun of New York in 1890, headlined “A Census Puzzle,” detailed objections to classifying people as Negro, mulatto, quadroon, octoroon, white, Chinese, Japanese or Indian. That version of the question was abandoned by 1900.
Many would say mental health and competency are also hardly simple issues. From 1850 to 1880, census officials gave it a shot, asking if any household members were “deaf and dumb, blind, insane or idiotic.” The question was tweaked for 1890 and then dropped.Many would say mental health and competency are also hardly simple issues. From 1850 to 1880, census officials gave it a shot, asking if any household members were “deaf and dumb, blind, insane or idiotic.” The question was tweaked for 1890 and then dropped.
That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.That’s it for this briefing. See you next time.
— Melina— Melina
Thank youTo Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford, John Dorman and Kenneth R. Rosen for the break from the news. Kayne Rogers, an editor whose great-great-grandmother was “deaf and dumb” in several censuses, wrote today’s Back Story. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.Thank youTo Mark Josephson, Eleanor Stanford, John Dorman and Kenneth R. Rosen for the break from the news. Kayne Rogers, an editor whose great-great-grandmother was “deaf and dumb” in several censuses, wrote today’s Back Story. You can reach the team at briefing@nytimes.com.
P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about the problems at Boeing.• Here’s today’s mini crossword puzzle, and a clue: Tapped, as a cigarette (5 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • The New York Times’s annual diversity report shows that women now make up 51 percent of our staff, and people of color represent 30 percent; both have increased in recent years.P.S.• We’re listening to “The Daily.” Our latest episode is about the problems at Boeing.• Here’s today’s mini crossword puzzle, and a clue: Tapped, as a cigarette (5 letters). You can find all our puzzles here. • The New York Times’s annual diversity report shows that women now make up 51 percent of our staff, and people of color represent 30 percent; both have increased in recent years.