Biden-Putin call, border bridge blockade, Super Bowl Sunday: 5 things to know this weekend
Biden, Putin to speak as White House says 'credible prospect' of imminent Russian invasion into Ukraine
President Joe Biden will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin Saturday morning, as the U.S. ratchets up warnings of a potential invasion into Ukraine. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that while U.S. officials have not determined whether Putin has made a decision to launch an invasion, there is a "credible prospect" that a military action could occur before Feb. 20, when the Olympics conclude. The Associated Press reported late Friday that the United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Kyiv as Western intelligence officials warn that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is increasingly imminent. U.S. officials told the AP the State Department plans to announce early Saturday that virtually all American staff at the Kyiv embassy will be required to leave ahead of a feared Russian invasion. A small number of officials may remain in Kyiv but the vast majority of the almost 200 Americans at the embassy will be sent out or relocated to Ukraine’s far west, near the Polish border, so the U.S. can retain a diplomatic presence in the country.
- 'Wakeup call for Americans': Russia, Ukraine in behind-the-scenes lobbying war over Nord Stream 2
- 'Things could go crazy': Biden urges Americans to leave Ukraine amid threat of Russian invasion
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Ontario premier says he will take action to end border bridge blockade
A Canadian judge ordered protesters at the Ambassador Bridge over the U.S.-Canadian border to end a five-day-old blockade that has disrupted the flow of goods between the two nations. The order went into effect at 7 p.m. ET Friday, several hours after demonstrators allowed a single lane to open after officials Windsor, Ontario, said they hoped to peacefully resolve the standoff over the country's COVID-19 restrictions. As of late Friday night, even as police gathered to enforce the ruling, the protesters showed no signs of leaving — or fear. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leader of Canada's liberal party, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, said Friday the bridge must reopen. Ford declared a state of emergency Friday and said he would convene the provincial cabinet Saturday to urgently enact measures that make it "crystal clear" it is illegal to block critical infrastructure. Violators will face up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, he said.
- Auto-industry struggles: Ford, Toyota see more production disruption as bridge protest continues
- Warning from DHS: Convoy could disrupt Super Bowl, other events
Game time: Super Bowl Sunday has arrived
Super Bowl 56, the 285th and final game of the NFL's lengthiest season, arrives Sunday and it's down to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams (NBC, 6:30 p.m. ET). Appearing in the Super Bowl for the third time in franchise history, the Bengals are seeking their first-ever championship. The Rams – the second team in as many years to play the Super Bowl in its home stadium – last won the Super Bowl in 2000 when they still were in St. Louis. The quarterback matchup sees veteran Matthew Stafford, who has reached many new heights after a decade-plus playing for the Detroit Lions, with Joe Burrow, who has the Bengals in the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season. But Super Bowl 56 could be decided in the trenches, where the Rams' three-time defensive player of the year Aaron Donald and veteran edge rusher Von Miller go up against what could be an overmatched Bengals offensive line. We have all the latest Super Bowl 56 news in one place this weekend and as it all goes down at SoFi Stadium.
- Paste BN Sports' Super Bowl 56 predictions: Los Angeles Rams or Cincinnati Bengals for the Lombardi Trophy?
- Tightwad vs. big spender: Super Bowl is contrast in owners' styles
- Cincinnati tight end C.J. Uzomah: 'I'll take a bath in chili' if Bengals beat Rams in Super Bowl 56
Super Bowl Sunday also means getting super pumped for the ads
The now star-studded commercials have become just as much a part of the annual Super Bowl experience as the game itself and the halftime show, especially as Super Bowl Sunday remains one of the few audience-proof live television events — more than 100 million viewers are expected to tune in for the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. There is also a fine line advertisers must walk as they invest $6 million to $7 million for 30 seconds of airtime while also including "big starpower" in the form of various entertainers and athletes. And another yearly tradition that goes with the games and the commercials? Paste BN's Ad Meter, the industry-leading ranking of Super Bowl commercials by consumer rating since 1989, will once again measure which ads are best. Ad Meter rating is still open for new panelists willing to rate every commercial airing during the broadcast of the big game. Head here to watch the ads and sign up.
- A new era: In the 33 years of Paste BN's Ad Meter, the eras are defined by these big brands
- Cryptocurrency and sports gambling brands are spending big on Super Bowl ads: It may not be an easy sell.
- Super Bowl commercials 2022: Watch all of the Super Bowl ads released so far
- Did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz to test your knowledge.
Team USA wins another gold as the Beijing Winter Olympics march on
The U.S. grabbed more shiny and valuable hardware Saturday at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Lindsey Jacobellis, 36, won her second gold medal of the Games, finishing first alongside teammate Nick Baumgartner in the debut of mixed-gender team snowboardcross. The Americans were the oldest team in the field with a combined age of 76. In men's hockey, Team USA beat Canada 4-2 in a game that will play a big role in determining who wins their pool and gets a bye to the quarterfinals. Later on Saturday, viewers will have the chance to take in additional men's ice hockey games, men's and women's curling matches, men's and women's speed skating events and more. In a story that is still leaving a dark cloud over the Olympics, Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva broke down in tears Saturday after an emotional practice session. The 15-year-old's status at the Olympics is unclear after testing positive for a banned substance. She won gold in the team event and is next scheduled to compete in the women's competition on Tuesday.
- Column from Christine Brennan: Russian Kamila Valieva must be suspended. If not, the Olympics are forever tainted.
- From Nancy Armour: Italian skier's grit, determination on shredded leg a good reminder of true meaning of Olympics
- Winter Olympics live updates: Looking for a recap of what's happening Saturday? We've got you covered.
- Get exclusive Olympics updates on your phone: See how you can go behind-the-scenes access to the Winter Olympics.
Contributing: The Associated Press