February 25, 2022

UKRAINE | Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a full mobilization of Ukrainian military forces and urged all citizens to aid the country’s defense forces as Russian troops are reported to have advanced into the northern districts of the capital Kiev. Reports say at least 137 Ukranians have been killed and 316 injured since the Russian invasion began yesterday. World leaders, including heads of state from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan have announced increased economic, humanitarian, and/or military supplies aid to Ukraine and severe sanctions against Russia that primarily target banks, business leaders, and technology transfers.  [more]

RUSSIA | Reports say more than 1,700 anti-war protesters in multiple Russian cities have been arrested for demonstrating against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [more]

UNITED NATIONS | The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote today on a draft resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops. Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, is expected to veto the resolution. [more]

COVID-19 | A new study in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal estimates that at least 5.2 million children under the age of 18 have experienced the death of a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19.  [full journal article]

U.S. ECONOMY | The U.S. Labor Department reported yesterday that new weekly claims for unemployment benefits fell by 17,000 to 232,000 last week, while continuing claims fell 112,000 to 1.476 million — the lowest level since 1970. Additionally, the government said that the U.S. gross domestic product increased at an annualized rate of 7% last quarter. [more]

COVID-19 | The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to release new COVID-19 guidelines today that ease indoor masking recommendations. Reports say the new guidance will suggest shifting COVID mitigation efforts from daily spread to more severe impacts, including hospitalizations and impacts on healthcare systems. [more]

CIVIL RIGHTS | Three former Minneapolis police officers were convicted by a federal jury yesterday of violating George Floyd's civil rights by failing to intervene or provide medical aid when Floyd was killed by fellow officer Derek Chauvin. [more]

SOCCER | UEFA officials announced today that the Champions League final, scheduled for May 28 in St. Petersburg, will be moved out of Russia due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The final will now be in Paris, France. [more]

INDONESIA | At least two people were killed and 20 others injured today when a 6.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the West Sumatra province of Indonesia. [more]

R.I.P. | Actress Sally Kellerman, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role as nurse Margaret Houlihan in the 1970 film “MAS*H,” died of heart failure yesterday at the age of 84. [more]

TODAY IN HISTORY | On this date in 1870, American clergyman, educator, and politician Hiram Rhodes Revels was sworn in to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress.  [more]