Declassified video shows the moment a Russian fighter jet collided with a U.S. drone over the Black Sea; the U.S. hands TikTok an ultimatum; teachers strike in L.A.; and the lab has lost its top-dog status. These stories highlight Straight Arrow News’ March 16 morning rundown.
Drone crash video released
The U.S. military released a declassified video of the moment a U.S. drone collided with a Russian fighter jet.
The jets took two different passes: One to spray the drone with jet fuel, according to the U.S. military, and the second interaction resulted in a collision with the drone’s propeller.
Communications were temporarily lost with the drone as the video feed can be seen pixelating into color bars in its last images on impact.
The new video comes as Russia denied claims of responsibility. Both Russia and the U.S. are rushing to recover the drone that fell into the Black Sea.
TikTok told to sell or face ban
TiktTok said the U.S. is asking its parent company to divest its stakes in the social media platform or it could face a possible nationwide ban. It’s the latest development in a series of events tied to the federal government and states calling for tighter restrictions on an app some say poses national security concerns.
TikTok disagrees with the ultimatum, saying there are other steps to take instead, like third-party monitoring and U.S.-based data storage.
Yellen testifies amid banking stock instability
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will be on Capitol Hill to testify about the nation’s banking industry. It has been one week since the start of Silicon Valley Bank’s demise, which threatened bank stocks around the world. And now, one of Europe’s largest banks is in jeopardy.
Credit Suisse announced it will borrow nearly $54 billion from the Swiss national bank, creating the most recent ripple in banking investments around the world.
Investor panic led to stock losses for four major U.S. banks on Wednesday.
Democrats and the White House are calling for legislation to tighten regulations on U.S. banks. The Department of Justice has launched probes into SVB’s collapse.
South Korea, Japan strengthen ties
Two U.S. allies are shoring up their differences and forming an alliance. For the first time in 12 years, Japan and South Korea are attending a summit seeking a united front in the face of growing concerns over North Korea and China.
The two nations have vowed to resume regular visits between their leaders after more than a decade on hold. And they’re taking steps to set aside a convoluted history and resolve a trade dispute.
As the U.S. allies signal partnership, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles ahead of their meeting. It’s the third weapons testing from the North in the week of Mar. 13. The U.S. and South Korea are practicing their own military drills, as well.
LA teacher strike could close schools
A three-day strike of Los Angeles public school employees could shut down schools, beginning Tuesday, Mar. 21.
Union leaders representing tens of thousands of teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and other school employees will walk out on the job unless the school district meets unions’ demands.
The district and its two largest unions have been at odds over contract negotiations for months, with pay being its biggest issue. Employees want a 30% raise. The district wants to meet in the middle at a 15% raise.
The superintendent of schools said the unions are refusing to negotiate but has publicly offered to meet with unions round the clock until a solution is reached.
America’s new favorite dog breed
After more than three decades as America’s most loved dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are no longer the top dog.
Now, the French Bulldog is America’s favorite. According to the American Kennel Club, the popularity of the Frenchie has been rising steadily.
With bat-like ears and wrinkly noses, the French Bulldog breed is touted around by many celebrities, from Reese Witherspoon to Megan Thee Stallion.
Rounding out the top three: Golden Retrievers.
