Russia attacks Ukraine, a controversial Florida bill, and more: 5 news podcast episodes from this week’s headlines

Unsurprisingly, most of today’s headlines have been about Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine that began the morning of February 24. And most of the headlines from earlier this week have been about Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and their allies preparing for a Russian invasion.

But, there is other news to talk about, so we dug deep: a controversial Florida bill is headed to the House for a vote, and there’s always news on COVID-19 and boosters. Hopefully, all of these podcasts from this week’s headlines answers your questions about the biggest happenings around the world.

Up First

President Biden has said that Vladimir Putin has chosen a “pre-meditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life” after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine the morning of February 24. Putin defended his decision to attack Ukraine by accusing the United States and its allies of ignoring Russia’s security concerns with Ukraine. How will the world change after today? How are the Russian people weighing the cost or war with Europe?

WSJ What’s News

From the Wednesday evening edition of “WSJ What’s News,” businesses from energy companies to steel plants prepare for possible economic fallout from sanctions against Russia. While neither the Ukraine nor Russia have large-scale global economies, Russia is a huge player in the commodities market. Also, the Justice Department is changing its approach to Chinese security threats. Hear more about it with “WSJ What’s News.”

The Fox News Rundown

So, how did we get here? This morning, “The Fox News Rundown” was joined by retired 4-star general and Fox News Senior Strategic Analyst General Jack Keane to answer the question: why is Putin obsessed with Ukraine? On Wednesday, Ukraine mobilized its forces in anticipation of an attack, which happened Thursday morning. In step with Ukraine, the U.S. levied a long list of sanctions against Russia and Germany, suspending their Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. What’s next? And how do Russian citizens view their country’s hostility? Find out here.

Start Here

A widespread bombing campaign across the Ukraine was initiated by Russian forces today. Also, a controversial bill in Florida, nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill but formally known as “Parental Rights in Education,” advances to the House on Thursday. The passing of the bill would bar schools from encouraging classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity. President Biden has opposed the bill while potential 2024 Presidential hopeful Gov. Ron DeSantis supports it.

Coronavirus Daily

New research could provide answers to the possibility of annual, or even twice annual, booster shots to keep up our immunity against COVD-19. Also, will America’s response to the pandemic come back to harm the country? Added with the immense losses the United States has faced over the last few years, new fears are arising that the U.S. could emerge from the pandemic much weaker in comparison to global competition.