Today marks one year since the Russia-Ukraine war began, and a new $2 billion support package is on its way to Ukraine from the U.S., including high-tech military equipment and ammunition. The White House has also announced new sanctions to slow Russia’s funding. This story and more highlights the daily rundown for Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.
Russia-Ukraine war marks one year
The United Nations has passed a new resolution with a 141-7 vote demanding Russia to withdraw and end its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
The measure passed is more so a message of global unity backing Ukraine as it’s not enforceable in international law. The resolution also seeks to hold Russia accountable for any potential war crimes.
China calls for a ceasefire, peace talks
As the U.S. announces a new round of military aid to Ukraine, China has called for a cease-fire between Ukraine and Moscow. China unveiled a 12-point proposal today to mediate and end the conflict.
Beijing has claimed to have a neutral stance in the war, but has also touted its friendship with Russia has no limits.
China has accused western allies, including the U.S., of provoking the conflict by providing Ukraine with defense weapons.
China’s proposal urges Ukraine and Russia to reopen dialogue and resume peace talks. China officials say they will play a constructive role.
Overheated wheel bearing on derailed train
Federal investigators are releasing new details about the train derailment in Ohio earlier this month. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board shows there were multiple warning signs before the crash happened, but the workers on the train weren’t alerted.
The report focuses on an overheated wheel bearing on the train’s 23rd car. The report says sensors along the track detected the temperature rose by 215 degrees in a span of 30 miles, but didn’t reach the temperature that would trigger any alarm until just before the disaster. That’s when the engineer hit the brakes, but the bearing failed.
Lawmakers will use this report as they look to possibly add new regulations to prevent another derailment.
43,700 fish estimated dead
The Ohio department of natural resources has also updated the number of dead fish found after the derailment. What was previously estimated to be 3,500 fish and amphibians killed has now jumped to 43,700.
Remnants of winter blast across country
Winter weather is affecting many regions of the U.S. today. The aftermath of heavy snowfall and ice storms impacting millions of people.
Seven-hundred thousand homes in Michigan were without power Friday morning after what a utility president called a historic ice storm.
Portland Oregon recorded its second heaviest snow day on record with over 10 inches. Some Minnesotans had to dig themselves out from as much as 21 inches of snow. And blizzard conditions were to blame for more than 8,000 canceled or delayed flights on Thursday.
The storm largely moved to the East, where snow and ice are supposed to taper off today, according to the National Weather Service.
Antitrust suit jeopardizes Adobe, Figma merger
The Justice Department is preparing an antitrust lawsuit to block Adobe’s $20 billion acquisition of start-up company Figma. That’s according to a Bloomberg report citing an unnamed source.
The deal was announced back in September. It would be one the largest takeovers of a software start-up. Figma is used by companies to design apps and websites. Adobe planned to use the acquisition as an opportunity to pick up technology to enhance its own existing programs in the creative cloud.
Adobe plans to close the Figma deal this year. The antitrust lawsuit could be filed as soon as next month, according to Bloomberg.
Ben the bear escapes zoo enclosure
Ben the bear was asking zoo goers at the St. Louis zoo to look the other way while he enjoyed a stroll outside of his enclosure.
The curious bear was determined to reach freedom, tearing through stainless steel clips securing his enclosure. Those clips are rated to withstand 450 pounds of resistance, but it was no problem for Ben.
This isn’t the first time Ben has been caught perusing the zoo grounds. Ben escaped just earlier this month. Both times the zoo had to tranquilize the bear to get him back into its enclosure.
The zoo is now having to consult with an advisory group to determine better methods to keep Ben in his habitat.
