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Trudeau suggests Iran caused plane crash


Did an Iranian missile cause the Ukraine International Airlines plane crash? And do Americans feel safer now that one of Iran's most powerful officials has been killed? 

It's Ashley. Here's the news you need to know Thursday. 

But first, anyone care for some green tea? Drinking tea regularly may help you live longer and healthier, a new study says

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Iran plane crash: A possible missile strike? 

The Ukrainian jet that crashed after taking off from Tehran appears to have been downed by an Iranian missile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday, citing intelligence reports. The downing of the Boeing 737, killing all 176 aboard, including 63 Canadians, may have been an accident, Trudeau said, but a "full and credible" investigation is required. Earlier Thursday, a U.S. official not authorized to speak publicly confirmed to Paste BN that a missile was the likely cause of the plane crash. President Donald Trump said Thursday that "something very terrible happened." The Ukraine International Airlines flight crashed hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases housing U.S. soldiers Tuesday.

Exclusive: Are we less safe after Soleimani's killing?

Americans by more than 2-1 say the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani made the USA less safe, a nationwide Paste BN/Ipsos Poll says, amid broad concerns about the potential consequences. Republicans are much more supportive of the attack that killed Soleimani than Democrats, and independents are almost evenly split. But there is overwhelming agreement – in each case by more than 6-1 – that the attack makes it more likely Iran will strike American interests in the Middle East (69%), that there will be terrorist attacks on the American homeland (63%) and that the United States and Iran will go to war with each other (62%).

What everyone’s talking about

Harry and Meghan set off a royal tizzy

Are you familiar with the British term gobsmacked? You may get an idea of what it means after digesting Wednesday’s astonishing news that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex decided they are not going to be "senior royals" anymore. Many wonder: Did they just up and quit being royals? Harry and Meghan’s move doesn't mean they stop being royal. Harry is sixth in line for the throne, and that doesn't end with his announcement. Though they haven't gotten into specifics on what their scaled-back roles will look like. Here are a few answers to other burning questions about what could be next for the couple shaking things up in the royal family.  

More proof that Leonardo DiCaprio would have shared the Titanic door

Leonardo DiCaprio is no Rose from "Titanic." The actor saved a man from drowning in the Caribbean in December while on vacation in St. Barts, a source confirmed to Paste BN. DiCaprio was with friends on a boat when they heard a distress call for a man who had fallen off a Club Med cruise ship. Everyone on board searched for the man who was found and rescued about an hour before dark – and a major rainstorm. The poor dude had been treading water for 11 hours, according to the source. 

Real quick 

'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek doesn't want pity

When Alex Trebek talks about "Jeopardy!," the beloved TV icon who has made headlines for his public battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer doesn't want to talk about himself. Promoting the long-running trivia show's "Greatest of all Time" tournament, Trebek urged reporters to stop asking questions about his legacy and health and instead focus on the three players competing for the title: James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. (The pre-taped competition continues Thursday at 8 EST/PST). Trebek did say he plans to ask for 30 seconds of airtime at the end of his final show for a farewell. "Keep in mind, I’m 79 now," he said. "And I don’t foresee that 30-second moment coming up in the near future.”

A break from the news

This is a compilation of stories from across the Paste BN Network.