Three Things for February 24
1. Russia launches airstrikes in Ukraine
Ukrainian servicemen sit atop armored personnel carriers driving on a road in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine today, Feb. 24. According to AP News, Russia unleashed airstrikes on cities and military bases, sending troops and tanks from multiple directions.
“President Vladimir Putin ignored global condemnation and cascading new sanctions as he unleashed the largest ground war in Europe in decades, and chillingly referred to his country’s nuclear arsenal. He threatened any country trying to interfere with ‘consequences you have never seen’,” reports AP News.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Ukrainian forces battled Russian forces but lost control of the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the scene of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.
“President Joe Biden announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia, charging that Putin ‘chose this war’ and that his country would bear the consequences of his action. He said the sanctions target Russian banks, oligarchs, and high-tech sectors,” reports AP News.
For live updates on the escalations between Russia and Ukraine, check AP News
2. USPS to receive new delivery vehicles
On Feb. 23, the U.S. postal service received final clearance on placing orders for next-generation mail vehicles.
“The decision published in the Federal Register allows the Postal Service to proceed with placing the first order that will include at least 5,000 electric-powered vehicles, along with an undetermined number of gas-powered vehicles,” said postal service spokesperson, Kim Frum.
According to AP News, the postal service has received pushback from environmental groups because only 10% of vehicles would be electrically powered. It would cost an extra $3.3 billion to convert the entire Postal Service fleet to electric vehicles.
However, the new vehicles are still environmentally friendly and have safety features like airbags, backup cameras and collision avoidance, which the current model does not.
“The Postal Service believes it has met all its obligations and is moving forward despite criticism by the Environmental Protection Agency over the adequacy of the environmental review,” reports AP News.
3. Colin Kaepernick offers free second autopsies in police-related deaths
Colin Kaepernick’s organization Know Your Rights Camp, recently launched a new program: The Autopsy Initiative.
The program plans to provide free, second autopsies conducted by board-certified pathologists and disclose findings to families in police-related deaths.
“The initiative will eliminate any concerns from the originally given autopsy, ensuring that it was conducted without any biases or errors and that any evidence wasn't manipulated — giving the victim's family a clear picture of what happened,” reports NPR.
The autopsy can be requested by anyone with a close relationship with the victim and must be authorized by a legal representative.
