(CNN)
Upset about gas prices? Trust me you are not alone. The price of a gallon of regular gasoline rose to a new all-time high of $4.14 yesterday, beating a previous record of $4.11 set in 2008. Experts say the rapid rise in prices is squeezing many household budgets – and none time will slow down soon. Here’s what you need to know Stay connected and get on with your day.
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1. Ukraine
A Russian airstrike hit an apartment building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy last night, killing at least 21 people – including two children. Sumy has faced sustained attacks in recent days and now Ukraine and Russia have agreed an evacuation route to allow Ukrainians to safely exit the region. Several previous attempts to evacuate civilians failed earlier this week, as Western leaders accused Russian forces of continuing to attack pre-approved safe routes. The Biden administration stresses that American troops will not work directly with Russian forces, and NATO members have also pushed back calls for a no-fly zone in Ukraine, warning it could lead to a “full-blown war in Europe.” But things could change quickly if Moscow’s attack on a NATO member country spills over – a move that would trigger Article 5 of the alliance – the principle that an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all members. Track Here is CNN’s full coverage of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
2.Coronavirus
The global death toll from Covid-19 surpassed 6 million yesterday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The US has reported more Covid-19 deaths than any other country — about 960,000 in total — but the CDC estimates the real number is much higher. Separately, the White House is now rolling out its test-to-treat program and more than 1,000 pharmacy clinics have registered to receive shipments of Covid-19 antiviral drugs. Meanwhile, Florida health officials said the state will soon issue guidelines advising parents not to vaccinate their children. The move would make Florida the first state to deviate from CDC guidelines on child Covid-19 vaccines, which are recommended for people ages 5 and older.
3. School shooting
One teenager is dead and two remain hospitalized after a shooting yesterday outside a high school in Des Moines, Iowa. Two of the three victims were students at the school. The shots were apparently fired from a passing vehicle, police said. Potential suspects have been arrested but no charges have been filed as police continue their investigation. The incident marks at least the 13th shooting on an American campus involving K-12 students in 2022, according to a CNN tally. The school is closed today and grief counselors are available to students and staff for the remainder of the week.
4. Extreme weather
More than 130,000 homes and businesses in the North East were without power this morning after a series of strong storms brought torrential rain and damaging winds to the region. About 65 million people from the mountains of North Carolina to Cape Cod – including Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York – were under wind warnings overnight as forecasters warned gusts of up to 50mph were a possibility, causing the Potential for trees increased damage and dangerous road conditions. Hail also fell in some areas, although the severe conditions that produced deadly tornadoes over the weekend have faded. On Saturday, seven people were killed in a series of tornadoes that ripped through several counties near Des Moines, Iowa.
5. LGBTQ Rights
The Florida State Senate will consider the Don’t Say Gay bill this week amid a wave of student protests and strikes. The bill would effectively ban teachers from speaking about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms for young students. LGBTQ advocates say the measure would further stigmatize gay, lesbian and transgender children. More than 500 students took part in a massive strike at an Orange County, Florida, high school yesterday after similar protests at other schools last week. Separately, Disney’s CEO said the company, which employs over 75,000 people in Florida, is committed to inclusion – but would not publicly condemn the controversial law. The bill passed the Florida House of Representatives in February and will now go to the Republican-controlled Senate, which could set the stage for a final vote today.
BROWSE BREAKFAST
Academy of Country Music Awards 2022
The world’s top country superstars oozed southern charm in Las Vegas last night! Did you like the show?
Pixar’s adorable new animated film is a must-see
Turning Red is the feel-good movie we all need right now. Thanks Pixar
Rock art can depict extinct giants of the Ice Age
Check out these works of art created by humans more than 12,000 years ago.
Welcome to adult life
Young adults, we’re behind you. This 401(k) advice is very helpful.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid donates Fashion Week proceeds to charities in Ukraine
Hadid, who is one of the most in-demand models in fashion, says she is very interested in helping those in need.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$0
This is how high tuition is for New Mexico college students attending state public schools or tribal colleges, including community colleges. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation Friday that will make state colleges fee-free. The measure provides $75 million to support up to 35,000 students this fall alone, the governor’s office said.
THE TODAY QUOTE
“My biggest fear is that … she will become a political pawn.”
– High school coach to WNBA champion Brittney Griner, as he waited to learn the fate of the star basketball player who remains jailed in Russia on drug-related charges. For days, Griner’s family and friends have been demanding the release of the two-time Olympic champion after she was detained by Russia’s federal customs service for allegedly bringing cannabis oil into the country. Griner, 31, plays with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and spends her offseasons playing for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Her whereabouts since her arrest are uncertain.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
Happy International Women’s Day!
Today is a global holiday celebrating the achievements of women worldwide! If you want instant inspiration, watch this short video of the most popular Google searches for “first wife.” (click here to view)
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