Almost two years into its invasion of Ukraine, Russia takes control of a key stronghold. And the latest on what we know about the fatal shooting of two police officers and a paramedic in Minnesota. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.
Ukraine forces withdraw from Avdiivka as 2nd anniversary of war approaches
As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukrainian forces withdrew from the key stronghold of Avdiivka, giving Russia its biggest victory in the war in almost a year. Ukraine said it had withdrawn its troops because they were outnumbered after months of intense combat.
On Monday morning, Feb. 19, Russia said it had taken complete control of a chemical plant in the town, which was the site of some final pockets of resistance from Ukrainian soldiers. The Kremlin stated this was an “important victory” for Russia.
President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he was confident Congress would act and send Ukraine additional funding. When Zelenskyy asked Biden if he was confident more aid would come before Ukraine loses any more territories, the president responded, “I’m not.”
UN court opens hearings into Israel’s occupation of Palestinian-claimed land
Historic hearings concerning Israel opened this morning at the United Nations’ top court in The Hague. But while the country’s ongoing war with Hamas is expected to be mentioned, it is not the focus of this case, unlike last month’s ruling by the court that said Israel must take action to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.
More than a year before the war began, the U.N. General Assembly requested the court rule on Israel’s 57-year occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. These are areas sought by Palestinians for an independent state. The court is set to hear from about 50 nations, including the United States, Britain, China, and Russia. The session is scheduled to last six days, and then the court will issue an advisory opinion, though it is not legally binding on Israel.
2 officers, EMT killed responding to domestic violence call in Minnesota
More details are expected to be released in the coming days in the fatal shooting of two police officers and a paramedic in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Sunday, Feb. 18. Officers Paul Emstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27 years old, and 40-year-old Adam Finseth, a firefighter and paramedic, were killed in the incident. A third officer was taken to the hospital and expected to survive.
Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz got emotional during a press conference while remembering those killed.
“We are all hurting, our officers, our fire department, our families, all of our staff, our community,” Schwartz said. “We’re heartbroken. Today (Feb. 18, 2024), three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice for this community. They are heroes.”
Police said officers responded to a domestic violence call of a “family in danger” in the early morning hours – where an armed suspect was barricaded inside a home with family members, including seven children under the age of 15. Authorities said while officers negotiated with the suspect for hours, at one point, the gunman opened fire, killing the two responding officers and EMT.
There was then an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect – who was pronounced dead a short time later. All family members made it safely out of the home. Police are asking for patience as the investigation is in its early stages.
Houston megachurch holds services a week after deadly shooting
Special services were held a week after a woman opened fire at celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood megachurch in Houston on Sunday, Feb. 11.
“It’s something that we never dreamed we’d have to deal with. This is our home. Somebody to come in and you kind of feel violated. But again, I’ll go back to God’s on the throne,” Osteen said. “And yeah, I can’t tell you all the details, but I can tell you this — there are so many things you can just see the hand of God.”
Osteen and his wife Victoria, welcomed community members for healing and thanksgiving services, during which the Osteens, along with city leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire took the stage.
“You know, you never question God’s will,” Whitmore said. “But certainly, after the tragedy of last week, he had a purpose in bringing us together to show how united our city is.”
On Sunday, Feb. 11, a shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, walked into the church with her 7-year-old son and started shooting. Moreno was killed during an exchange of gunfire with off-duty police officers working security at the church. Moreno’s 7-year-old son was struck in the head during the exchange and remains in critical condition.
During this Sunday’s Feb. 18 services, Osteen and his congregation prayed for the boy’s recovery. According to a church spokesman, typically 40 to 50 officers work security at the church weekly; he did not know whether that number was higher this Sunday, Feb. 18.
Daytona 500 shifts to historic Monday doubleheader after rain delay
Heavy rain in Florida has led to the postponement of NASCAR’s 66th annual Daytona 500, originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18. This marks the first full-day postponement of the event since 2012, shifting gears from its original plans and setting the stage for a historic Monday, Feb. 19, at Daytona International Speedway.
For the first time, fans will experience a groundbreaking doubleheader, featuring the Daytona 500 and the rain-delayed Xfinity Series race, both taking place on the same day. This unprecedented scheduling offers race enthusiasts a full day of high-speed action. The Weather Channel predicts light rain in Daytona Beach Monday morning, Feb. 19, but expects conditions to clear by early afternoon, promising a smoother start to the day’s events.
‘Oppenheimer’ wins 7 awards at 2024 BAFTA
With less than a month to go before the Oscars, we got a preview of how things might play out at last night’s Feb. 18 British Academy Film Awards. The big winner at the 2024 BAFTAs was Christopher Nolan’s atomic bomb epic “Oppenheimer,” taking home seven awards, including Best Film and Director.
Cillian Murphy won Best Leading Actor, and Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor. Now, all eyes will be watching to see if Oppenheimer can have another successful night at the Oscars on March 10.
