After over a year of fighting along the eastern border of Ukraine and with no sign of a ceasefire in sight, the conflict between Ukraine and Russian forces, supported by separatists, shows no end in sight. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported over 19,000 individual military events in the area since the start of the war and the number shows no decrease in intensity.

Fighting has been most intense in the southeastern city of Kherson, with the capital Kyiv seeing much activity around the beginning of the war. Despite Russian retreat from the capital, artillery, shelling and missile attacks still take place in the conflict zone. The use of air and drone strikes by both sides also prove the intensity and modernity of the conflict.

Public sentiment analysis suggests there is no resolvability in sight, with both sides showing no sign of tiring. Ukrainians remain determined to fight and US allies have provided support.

Alex Murdaugh's crucial testimony in his own defense for the murder of his wife and son concluded on Friday, with the prosecution aggressively challenging him about where he was on the night of the killings. After months of denying he was at the scene, Murdaugh had offered a new account of his whereabouts. Through telephone calls, texts, videos, car navigation data and cellphone step counts, the lead prosecutor, Creighton Waters, tried to prove Murdaugh's story of his movements that night incompatible with the timeline of the murders.

The average 30 year fixed mortgage rate in the U.S. is on the rise, currently sitting at 6.5%, and up from 6.32% last week. This is still below the rate of almost 7% seen in November, but steady increases have been seen in recent weeks after trending downward between then and now.

Murdaugh had initially

The trial of Alex Murdaugh, the ginger-haired scion of a powerful legal family, continued yesterday, following the defendant's controversial decision to testify. Packed into the Walterboro courthouse, the crowd waited with bated breath as Murdaugh began to answer difficult questions asked by his own defense attorney, Jim Griffin.

Murdaugh denied having killed his wife and youngest son, staunchly declaring that "Mr. Griffin, I didn't shoot my wife or my son at any time, ever." However, his testimony directly contradicted statements he had made to law enforcement immediately after the June 2021 murders. When questioned about it, Murdaugh claimed he had been lying to protect himself.

Things became emotionally charged as Murdaugh described the harrowing moment he realized what had happened when he returned to Moselle from Almeda. Saying he had gone to the kennels but hadn't yet checked his wife

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the day Vladimir Putin's illegal and audacious invasion of Ukraine began. The overwhelming amount of Russian forces pointed towards Ukraine's borders had the globe expecting the fall of Ukraine to be devastatingly quick, yet after a year the country's resilience is unwavering.

Faced with fierce opposition, Russian forces were intercepted and rapidly pushed back in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, and then again later in Kherson and other parts of the Donbas. Ukrainian fighters, some of them ordinary folk taking up arms to defend their country, have been hailed by President Joe Biden and are admired around the world for their courage and steadfastness.

In a surprise visit to Kyiv, President Biden reaffirmed the US and NATO commitment to helping Ukraine preserve its territorial integrity, promising further aid the the embattled country. Even with the amount of support from around the world, Ukrainians still desire what

A historic winter storm is wreaking havoc on California, impacting millions across the Golden State and leaving behind an unprecedented trail of destruction. The storm, now known as Winter Storm Piper, is causing blizzard conditions with winds gusting up to 75 mph in the lower elevations, leading to snowfall in areas that haven't seen winter weather in decades. It doesn't stop there: the flooding and mudslides in hilly areas have caused the closure of major roadways, including stretches of the I-5 and I-80, and have left more than 150,000 customers without electricity .

The storm is seeing effects across California, from the Inland Deserts where temperatures are dropping to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, to the Sierra Nevada mountains where it could snow up to 5 feet. Amy Freeze, meteorologist with Fox Weather, said “The craziest part

Kevin Durant is making his debut with the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. After being traded from the Nets in February, Durant's return from a knee injury is much anticipated. The preparation for this event reached its peak on Thursday when Durant participated in a two-hour intense workout and scrimmage with the team at their first official gathering after the All-Star Break. While Durant has been ruled out for Friday's home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he is expected to make his big return on the upcoming four-game road trip.

Durant is already making an impact on the entire team with his hard work and dedication. His teammate Devin Booker noted that his individual workouts are "something that inspires people to get after it in their own workouts." He went on to add "A lot of teams have one good defender or two good defenders, now you have to find who you're going to put them on."

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - After Alex Murdaugh stepped off the stand and left the courtroom Friday, Colleton County deputies issued a new charge to the former Lowcountry lawyer. Jail records state that a misdemeanor arrest warrant was drawn up for Murdaugh, 54, by the Colleton County Sheriff's Office, though the nature of the charge has yet to be released.

Murdaugh is currently on trial for the killings of his wife, Maggie and their youngest son, which took place on June 7, 2021. Evidence, including that presented by an expert in body language, led prosecutors to believe the accounting executive was, indeed, responsible.

During his testimony, the expert noticed Murdaugh making eye contact with his attorney and quickly averting his gaze after - what prosecutors believe to be a telltale sign of guilt. Additionally, the expert pointed out how Murd

From the streets of Kyiv, to the chambers of the United Nations, news of a dire situation in Ukraine as the anniversary of Russia’s invasion nears mark sends shockwaves across the globe.

Ukrainian’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to global press corps for support. Meanwhile citizens of the nation were lining up at post office counters to purchase stamps depicting a Banksy mural which symbolized the nation's current situation.

The effort comes a year after Ari Shapiro and Leila Fadel reported on the miraculous journey of premature newborn twins who were rescued from Kyiv and celebrated their first birthday in Chicago.

At a U.N. Security Council meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken boldly called for peace on “just” terms. He warned, “If Americans turn against support for Ukraine, they will lose NATO and invite a military disaster

On Thursday evening, demonstrators stood outside the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, jeering anyone daring to enter the building, where diplomatic officials commemorated the first anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The protestors were adamant that Moscow's crimes must not be forgotten, waving Ukrainian flags and hoisting placards bearing the slogan "Putin=Hitler."

The anniversary of the invasion was juxtaposed with a national holiday to celebrate the Red Army's founding in 1918. But according to the protesters, the spetsoperatsiya, or "special military operation," of the Russia-Ukraine war has been an atrocity.

Revelers inside the embassy complex might have expected the protesters to have grown quiet just before 9 pm, when a minute’s silence was observed by all in the council chamber to honor the war’s victims. But the protesters were not silenced, and Ukrainian

Residents in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties were alerted on Friday, February 24th that a Flash Flood Warning has been issued until 10 p.m. Areas including Simi Valley, Santa Barbara and Lompoc are affected, and people are advised to stay away from burn scar areas and move to higher ground. NWS Los Angeles tweeted that people should turn away from flooded roads as caution.

The harsh effects of winter weather continue to be pushed on the Central Coast with 1-3 inches of rain predicted Friday to Saturday. I-5's Grapevine was closed this morning due to snow and various roads are closed due to storm related damage. In addition, San Marcos Road at Wellsona Road and Shell Creek Road are closed due to flooding and Pozo Road to HWY 58 is closed due to storm damage.

The NWS issues Blizzard Warning for Santa Barbara County's interior mountains from February 24th until 4 p

On Friday, the world marked the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his plea for continued support from the international community. The US has responded, with a $2 billion support package of modern military equipment, ammunition and aid, and the Biden Administration joining with G7 partners to impose sanctions on 200 individuals and companies associated with Moscow's arsenal.

In Kyiv, Ukrainians lined up for a special postage stamp depicting a mural of work by famed street artist Banksy, meant to send a message of defiance to the Kremlin. A year ago, two premature twins were rescued from Kyiv and, while they now reside in Chicago, they remain a beacon of hope symbolizing Ukraine's resilience and fortitude.

Facing a global press corps, Zelenskyy spoke emotionally of the 24th of February

As the world commemorates the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the inflationary consequences still linger. Thanks to the growth of base effects and mild weather, prices of crude oil and gas are decreasing annually and month-over-month. But, it is the underlying core prices that have been rising quickly and consistently. Thursday, the Commerce Department reported that core personal consumption expenditures, a measure the Federal Reserve closely monitors, increased at a faster-than-expected 4.3% compared to the original estimate of 3.9%. This has sparked the fear that an even harsher rate policy may be needed to contain the rising inflationary pressures.

Despite U.S. jobs numbers on Thursday pointing to a tight job market, markets are now bracing for as many as three quarter-point interest rate hikes to as much as 5.25-5.50% with

Investors are on edge as the U.S. Federal Reserve prepares to release its Core Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index data, a closely watched metric of inflation, this Friday. Markets have been seesawing over the possibility of the Fed raising interest rates after their last meeting minutes described an appetite to move more aggressively than previously anticipated. Recent data has shown the U.S. economy is continuing to grow, but at a lower rate than expected, putting pressure on stocks, particularly growth stocks.

The Core PCE Price Index reading is expected to rise 0.4%, a tick higher than the prior December reading and 4.3% for the year through January. Along with the Core PCE, University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment data is due out tomorrow, and is expected to remain unchanged at 66.4. Additionally, struggling theater chain Cinemark Holdings Inc (NYSE: CNK ) is expected to report

Forged by a year of conflict and determined to defend sovereignty, United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have formed a strong working partnership to protect the future of the international order. The two leaders have grown to greet each other with the familiarity of old friends, after Biden made a dramatic unannounced visit to Kyiv this week.

The journey began one year ago when Russia invaded Ukraine, pushing the two leaders to forge a bond as they clashed over the impact of the war. Although few thought he would survive the Russian onslaught, Zelensky has proven himself stronger and tougher than anyone expected. Biden sent $113 billion in military and other aid to Ukraine.

In the hours following Biden’s visit, the two men discussed the state of their respective families and their willingness to stand firmly by Ukraine’s sovereignty. Biden exclaimed over how amazing it was to

On Tuesday, February 23rd, US Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst was pronounced dead after a tragic training accident in Marana, Arizona. The Navy had this to say in a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family. Mike was an exceptional teammate. He was a dedicated NSW Sailor who applied his talents and skills towards some of our nation's hardest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teammates. Mike and his family will always be part of the NSW family, and he will never be forgotten."

Ernst, who was originally from Massachusetts, enlisted in the Navy in August of 2009 and was assigned to the East Coast Special Warfare Unit in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Throughout his fourteen year military career, he had been awarded a Silver Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Combat Action Ribbons and other numerous awards and accolades.

Cosori is recalling more than two million air fryers sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico due to a faulty wire connection that can cause the appliances to overheat and catch fire. 205 reports of the air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating, or smoking have been made with 10 minor burn injuries and 23 minor property damages reported as a result of the product.

The recall affects 21 models of the 3.7 and 5.8 quart air fryers in black, gray, white, blue, and red colors. The products were sold at Best Buy, Target. The Home Depot, and online at Amazon.com, Adorama.com, Bedbathandbeyond.com, Cosori.com, eBay.com, Homegoods.com, Kohls.com, Lowes.com, Macys.com, QVC.com, Staples.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian occupation of Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin's Russian military invaded the European nation, beginning a prolonged conflict that has lingered on for over a year. Though more than five thousand miles from Columbus, the war in Ukraine has had a far-reaching impact on the country, leading to a thirst for the freedoms many Americans take for granted.

Christian Raffensperger, the Kenneth E. Wray Chair in Humanities at Wittenberg University, comments, "Ukrainians want what Americans have, the freedom to manage one's own affairs and not worry about foreign intervention."

Under the oppressive rule of the Russian Empire, Ukrainians were regarded as "Little Russians" and never officially recognized as a people by the government. This resulted in long-term policies including the closure of Ukrainian churches and the changing of Ukrainian street signs to Russian

On the anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the world has been astonished and inspired by Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian aggression and despotic ruler, Vladimir Putin. After a period of dark expectations, the Ukrainians have surprised their adversaries with swift strategic advancement and regained control of large cities previously lost to Russia.

US President Joe Biden paid homage to Ukrainian courage during his visit to Kyiv on Monday, accompanied by a resounding air raid siren as he walked with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Such courage has been buoyed by diplomatic support from the US and NATO, in a commitment to urge Kiev to preserve any inch of their territorial integrity.

Despite the grim circumstances of war a year ago, experts and analysts believe the possibility of a Ukrainian victory is not out of reach. Michael Kofman of the Center for Naval Analyses affirmed that this has been a war

As the conflict over Ukraine between Russia and Ukraine enters its second year, the world has started to sit up and take notice. Once deemed impossible, experts have started to consider the risks of a long-term conflict and a potential Ukrainian victory.

Dan Reiter, a political scientist from Emory University and author of "how wars end" sums it up with a chilling statement. “No one, including me, has strong confidence about how or when the war will end.” Such caution underlines the highly uncertain nature of this protracted conflict.

Michael Kofman, an expert in the Russian military, warns that it is dangerous to "extrapolate the future trajectory of the conflict" based on current conditions. There are no certain predictions to the conflict, just ones determined by unknown circumstances.

An interesting turn of events is the increasing belief of a Ukrainian victory, embold

South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh took the stand in a dramatic testimony yesterday to deny any guilt in the murder charges brought against him for gunning down his wife, Maggie, 52, and son, Paul, 22. During two hours of cross-examination in the high-profile trial, Murdaugh admitted to lying about his whereabouts on the night of the killings but maintained his innocence.

The trial, which has been under intense media scrutiny given the accused’s status as the scion of an influential legal family in the low-lying region of the state, also revealed Murdaugh’s financial crimes during the questioning. The prosecutor brought these up in effort to establish Murdaugh’s dishonesty.

Murdaugh revealed that he had been in a drug-induced paranoia during his first interview with the police, leading him to initially lie about his whereabouts during the prosecutor

Friday marks the one year anniversary of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and tensions remain high between the two countries. In response, China has called for the international community to end economic sanctions against Russia, as well as establish a ceasefire in the region.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have managed to push back against Russian forces and reclaim several towns and cities. President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised to push for the recapture of all of Ukraine's territories, that are controlled by Russia, but has also signalled that a diplomatic resolution may be the best path forward.

The Ukrainian economy continues to struggle under the weight of funding the war, and dealing with a large exodus of civilians and damaged infrastructure. Recently, the International Monetary Fund agreed to provide Ukraine with a $15 billion loan in order to bridge the $38 billion budget deficit.

China, as well as other nations, expect that with an end to sanctions

Millions across the US are facing the powerful impacts of a coast-to-coast winter storm that has knocked out power to nearly one million households, cancelled thousands of flights and closed schools and offices. Evoking blizzard conditions in parts of the West and the northern great plains and great lakes areas, the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts as much as 18 inches of heavy snowfall in some areas, along with with winds up to 50 miles an hour.

The vast majority of power outages have occurred in Michigan, with the affect region covering California to the Northeast. PowerOutage.us reports that as of 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, 821,000 households were without power in the state. Wisconsin and Illinois also saw mass outages following the onslaught of snow, rain and sleet.

The weather has had severe disruption

Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who is accused of killing his wife and son, took the stand in his own defense on Thursday, exactly four years after a fatal boat crash involving his son.

In the early morning hours of February 23rd, 2019, 19-year-old Paul Murdaugh was allegedly driving a boat with five passengers on board when it crashed into the Archers Creek Bridge, killing one and injuring four others. Two of the passengers on board were Paul's girlfriend and her boyfriend, who both claimed that Paul was driving erratically and that he refused to let them disembark. Surveillance footage showed Paul purchasing alcohol at a local convenience store and drinking shots shortly before the crash.

An autopsy report later showed that Paul had a blood alcohol concentration of .24, which is three times the legal limit. Paul was later determined to be liable for Mallory Beach's death

After one year of conflict, the war between the Ukraine and neighboring Russia rages on. This war, which was sparked when Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022, has caused immeasurable destruction. According to data compiled by Ukraine and the U.K. government, Russia has likely suffered casualties totaling between 175,000 and 200,000, including as many as 60,000 fatalities. Russia's private Wagner Group, which has sent many mercenaries to the front lines, has also seen up to 50% losses. Similarly, the then-Soviet Union experienced a total of 15,000 casualties during the entire duration of it's 10-year conflict in Afghanistan.

Ukraine has reportedly suffered an average of 824 casualties per day in the month of February 2023. Meanwhile, the adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the death toll

Accused double-murderer Alex Murdaugh took the stand Thursday, vehemently denying shooting his wife, 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh, and son, 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh, on June 7, 2021. Murdaugh, 54, is charged with murder in connection with their deaths and is facing life in prison if convicted. The trial began Monday in the Colleton County Superior Court in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Murdaugh admitted to lying to investigators following the murders and to stealing from his clients, but denied any involvement in the murders. He apologized for lying to authorities and explained that drug addiction and a distrust for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division led to his misleading statements.

Under questioning by his defense team, Murdaugh testified that on the day of the shooting, he spent some time on his family’s property in Colleton County with Paul before