Russian attacks go on, Biden's oil move, more severe weather: 5 things to know Thursday
Ukraine: Russia attacks continue after promising to scale back military action
Earlier this week, Moscow announced plans to dial back its military activity in and around Kyiv, but Ukrainian authorities say that city also continues to be battered by artillery assaults, and the Pentagon said less than 20% of the forces have been removed. Soon after Russia's announcement, Ukrainian authorities said Russian forces began bombarding homes, stores, libraries, and other civilian sites in and around Chernihiv and on the outskirts of Kyiv. A British intelligence update also said heavy fighting continues in the southern port of Mariupol, which has been besieged by Russia for weeks, but that Ukrainian forces remain in control of the center of the city. Also, a Red Cross warehouse in Mariupol has been struck amid intense Russian shelling. Satellite pictures from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the Associated Press Thursday show clear damage to the warehouse's roof. A Ukrainian National Guard unit there, whose members include far-right activists, has accused Russian forces of firing on the building.
- Wednesday recap: Russia taking heavy losses, Brits say; US intelligence says Putin being misinformed by his advisors
- Fact check: Video shows graves from 2021, not new graves for Russian soldiers
- Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missile: What you need to know about latest threat to Ukraine
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Biden planning to tap oil reserve to control rising gas prices
President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation's strategic petroleum reserve, according to two Associated Press sources, in a bid to control energy prices that have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The announcement could come as soon as Thursday, when the White House says Biden is planning to deliver remarks on his administration's plans to combat rising gas prices. The duration of the release hasn't been finalized but could last for several months. The AP's sources spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the decision. High oil prices have not coaxed more production, creating a challenge for Biden. The president has seen his popularity sink as inflation reached a 40-year high in February and the cost of petroleum and gasoline climbed after Russia invaded Ukraine.
- Fact check: Viral post overstates increase in crude oil prices
- Cut taxes to make gas cheaper? Maryland and Georgia try it temporarily and other states might too.
- Aggressive proposal: Millions in California could get up to $800 in gas tax refunds to fight high fuel prices
Severe weather sweeps through the Deep South
Millions of people in the South were battered by another round of dangerous storms Wednesday. In northwest Arkansas, a possible tornado hit the city of Springdale, reportedly injuring seven people and causing widespread damage. The Storm Prediction Center said all of Mississippi and parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee were at the greatest risk for severe weather Wednesday. The biggest concerns were strong tornadoes, some of at least EF-2 strength, and hurricane-force wind gusts of at least 75 mph. Accuweather reported early Thursday an outbreak of severe weather is expected to be unleashed across the southern U.S. into Thursday night. Thunderstorms will linger in parts of the Southeast and Ohio Valley Thursday morning before eventually spreading from the Florida Gulf coast up through the Northeast, AccuWeather also said.
- Watches, warnings and the EF scale: How the National Weather Service talks tornadoes
- Powerful tornadoes are relatively rare in New Orleans: Is that changing?
Convicted Rep. Jeff Fortenberry to leave office
The resignation of Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., takes effect Thursday after the congressman was convicted by a California jury of lying to federal authorities about an illegal campaign donation from a foreign national. In a letter to the House of Representatives last week, Fortenberry announced he was resigning from Congress, effective March 31. Fortenberry was indicted in October after authorities said he lied to FBI agents in two interviews about his knowledge of an illegal $30,000 contribution to his campaign from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent.
- Previous coverage: Fortenberry convicted of lying to feds about contribution
Seton Hall set to introduce Shaheen Holloway as its new coach
Shaheen Holloway, fresh off guiding small New Jersey Jesuit school Saint Peter's to become the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight in NCAA tournament history, will be introduced Thursday afternoon as Seton Hall's new men's basketball head coach. Seton Hall athletic director Bryan Felt announced the hiring Wednesday evening. It's a homecoming for Holloway as he was a beloved point guard for Seton Hall from 1996-2000 and, later, was an associate head coach under Kevin Willard. Willard left last week to become the head coach at Maryland. Holloway, who is leaving the the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for the Big East, will see a substantial salary increase as the Associated Press notes that Willard earned $2.4 million last season, about ten times what Holloway made. Holloway led Saint Peter's to upsets of No. 2 seed Kentucky. No. 7 Murray State and No. 3 seed Purdue before falling to North Carolina in the East Regional Final last week.
- Paste BN Sports column: Saint Peter's proves cohesiveness, confidence are stronger than big-name brand power
- Opinion: Saint Peter's embodies wackiness and uncertainty of this NCAA Tournament
Contributing: The Associated Press