FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has been extradited to the United States. The Kremlin has condemned Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, D.C. Plus, a U.K. ambulance shortage and a singing toilet. These stories and more highlight Straight Arrow News’ midday rundown for Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.
FTX founder extradited to U.S.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried will return to the U.S. today to face eight federal charges, including wire fraud and money laundering after the collapse of his crypto exchange.
Over the last two days, it was unclear whether Bankman-Fried would try to fight extradition to the U.S. He faces a lengthy trial process, but could be free on bail while proceedings unfold.
Investigation into Nord Stream attack
Dozens of intelligence officials have been investigating the leaks along the Nord Stream pipelines since September. Three months later, there’s little to conclude.
At first, world leaders were quick to blame Russia for the leaks, claiming the Kremlin conducted attacks on the pipelines as an act of sabotage. But now, some officials say there’s no evidence that Russia was behind it.
Some say the world may never be able to find the truth behind what caused the leaks. But all of the investigators said the damage was deliberate. Who did it still remains a mystery.
Kremlin condemns Zelenskyy trip
Today, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting in-person with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C. The visit marks Zelenskyy’s first foreign trip since Russia invaded Ukraine.
But the Kremlin is already condemning the trip, warning of “no chance of peace with Kyiv” after Zelenskyy traveled to the U.S.
The meeting today comes as Congress is expected to supply Ukraine with more funding and weapons – a move Russia said is only deepening the conflict.
NFL legend Franco Harris dies
Franco Harris, a Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers running back known for the “immaculate reception”, has died at the age of 72.
The catch secured the team’s first ever playoff win.
Harris’ death came just days before the Steelers were set to retire his number 32 jersey and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “immaculate reception”.
Harris won four Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in the 1970s.
“But it really is a time that signifies the beginning of a shift in identity from the city for the city of Pittsburgh, from a baseball town to a football town, but also from Steel City to the City of Champions,” said Anne Madarasz, the director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center.
The NFL chose the immaculate reception as the greatest play in the league’s first 100 years back in 2019.
UK short ambulances amid strike
Thousands of ambulance workers in Britain are on strike today, meaning fewer first responders on the roads in cases of emergency.
“I’ve been in this job for 36 years now, we’ve just had enough. We’ve had enough of having 12 year below inflation pay increases, we’ve had enough of workloads, we’ve had enough of being treated unfairly. There’s lots of different things going on within the ambulance service not caused by the service but caused by government decisions that have been made,” London Ambulance Unison Branch Secretary Eddie Brand said.
Because of the strike, it puts the government in a predicament. It’s now advising residents not to get drunk to avoid high demand for emergency help.
They’re also asking people not to play contact sports or take unnecessary car trips.
While the ambulance unions will be striking from 12 to 48 hours, they have pledged to still respond to life-threatening situations but said they can’t guarantee an ambulance.
High tech toilet seat sings songs
If you’re still looking to buy that special someone a Christmas present, here’s a reasonable option: How about a smart toilet?
It’s a toilet seat with Alexa connected, enabling users to play favorite tunes or even ask Alexa to warm the seat. Kohler created the high-tech toilet seat back in 2019. But it’s only just becoming available for purchase this week – at $11,500 per toilet.
