What we now need to know about… Dirty bombs. Yesterday, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of planning to use a dirty bomb on its own territory. Aka a weapon containing explosives and radioactive material, like uranium. Russian officials say that a dirty bomb attack by Ukraine could then be pinned on the Kremlin. But provided no evidence. Ukraine and its Western allies like the US, UK, and France shut down the accusations calling them “transparently false.” Instead, they argue the Kremlin may be planning a false flag operation, where it blames Kyiv for a dirty bomb attack as a “pretext for escalation.” The UN’s nuclear watchdog plans to send inspectors to two nuclear locations in Ukraine, per Kyiv’s request. And Ukraine is asking Russia to be equally transparent. Meanwhile… Brittney Griner: A court yesterday denied the WNBA star’s appeal, upholding her nine-year prison sentence on drug charges. National security adviser Jake Sullivan slammed it as “another sham judicial proceeding” saying the US gov is still making “every effort” to bring her home. Who people are remembering… Ash Carter. This week, the former defense secretary died at the age of 68 after suffering a heart attack. The Rhodes scholar and theoretical physicist served in the Obama admin between 2015 and 2017, where he opened all combat jobs to women. And also ended a ban on transgender people serving in the military. Before that, Carter helped develop defense policies like spearheading the development and production of thousands of mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles, saving countless service members’ lives. But critics have said he was out of touch with the military when it came to conflict in the Middle East. Former President Obama celebrated him as a leader who made the US and the world “safer through his lifetime of service.” And former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said he will be remembered as a “visionary.” What’s facing strong allegations… The US bodybuilding world. Yesterday, a Washington Post investigation uncovered the widespread sexual exploitation female bodybuilders face. Hundreds of women compete for a chance to win recognition and thousands of dollars in competitions. Now, dozens are coming forward saying they were pressured for decades to pose for sexual photos taken by a relative of a key contest runner. That led to photos of more than 200 female athletes on soft-core pornography websites ranging from bikini shots to posing nude. Other competitors also say not giving in to judges', managers’, and promoters' advances could make or break their careers. The allegations uncovered a systemic culture of abuse and intimidation in a sport largely run by men. One source says the women consented to the pictures. But one advocate says it’s not consent when the request comes from someone who “holds power over you.” Who’s skipping the icebreaker questions... Rishi Sunak. Yesterday, he officially became PM. His first order of business: keeping Jeremy Hunt on as finance minister. And bringing back the home secretary who called it quits under former PM Liz Truss. Who needs to be protected at all costs... Emperor penguins. Why "Grey's Anatomy" almost didn't happen... Guess. What hot new bombshell entered the villa... The next TikTok. | 