The Daily Signal - TOP NEWS | New Sanctions Against Russia, Disappointing Inflation Report, Iran-Russia Alliance Appears to Strengthen | Feb. 24

Starting point is 00:00:00 At Desjardin, we speak business. We speak equipment modernization. We're fluent in data digitization and expansion into foreign markets. And we can talk all day about streamlining manufacturing processes. Because at Desjardin business, we speak the same language you do. Business. So join the more than 400,000 Canadian entrepreneurs who already count on us. And contact Desjardin today.

Starting point is 00:00:25 We'd love to talk, business. I'm Pridgen-Alan. I'm Samantha Sherriss. And this is the daily news for Friday, February 24th. Here are today's headlines. The war in Ukraine is headed into its second year. Today marked the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that more than 8,000 civilians have died in Ukraine since the war first began.

Starting point is 00:01:09 Special ceremonies were held in Ukraine to honor and remember the lives lost, and also to celebrate the nation's victories against Russia. The mood in Ukraine today has been described as one of pride for the nation's successes and defiance towards Russia. In America, the Biden administration marked the one-year anniversary, announcing new sanctions against Russia. The White House says departments of the Treasury and state will implement sweeping sanctions against key revenue-generating sectors in order to first degrade Russia's economy and diminish its ability to wage war against Ukraine. The White House also announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine.

Starting point is 00:01:53 The package includes several new unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems equipment, and electronic warfare detection equipment. The package also includes a large amount of ammunition for artillery systems and high-mobility artillery rocket systems. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken joined CBS morning earlier today and addressed concerns over whether America's support for Ukraine is making the U.S. more vulnerable and depleting its military capabilities. Here's what Blinken had to say. So I can tell you that the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley, are extremely vigilant about making sure that whatever happens, we always have

Starting point is 00:02:37 what we need to defend ourselves, wherever it's wherever. When I ask about what to expect from Russian President Vladimir Putin in the year ahead, Blinken said Putin's actions have not been rational in many ways. But one thing we do know is that Russia is failing in its attempt to gain control of Ukraine. In other news on Russia, Putin may be moving to provide Iran with fighter jets. The White House spokesperson on national security issues, John Kirby, said today that Russia's relationship with Iran appears to be growing stronger. Iran has been offering Russia support in the war against Ukraine. Now, it looks like Russia is returning the favor with fighter jets.

Starting point is 00:03:21 Kirby said the White House will be watching this very closely to see what, if anything, actually transpires and what, if any, transactions are actually made. Kirby added that there is growing defense cooperation between Iran and Russia, and it's not only certainly going to make things in Ukraine more difficult. difficult, but it could certainly make the security situation in the Middle East more difficult. Prices are up, and the stock market is down. The Dow Jones Industrial average fell by over 300 points today with the news that prices increased more than expected in January. Prices rose by 0.6% in January compared with December, but the increase in prices is not preventing consumers from

Starting point is 00:04:08 spending. While the price of services grew by 0.5% in January, goods prices fell by 0.7%. Biden responded to the news today, saying we have made progress on inflation, but we have more work to do. CNBC's Joe Kernan responded to the inflation news earlier today, saying this, take a listen. And then to show that we're below, the worst recent levels were like a basis points away from the worst, most recent levels. I mean, this is still bad. This is as bad as it's been since the 80s, and it's only moderated a little bit. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue raising interest rates in the coming months. Now, Biden added that we must finish the job in transitioning to stable and steady growth

Starting point is 00:04:56 that benefits all Americans while laying the foundation for strong and shared growth for years to come. A library in Virginia has added three Clarence Thomas books to its recommended black Black History Month reading list, but only after the Daily Signal questioned the library. The Fairfax County Public School Library originally didn't feature a single book about the Supreme Court Justice on its curated list of recommendations for Black History Month. The Daily Signal inquired about the omission on Tuesday. Two days later, three books written by or focused on Thomas were prominently displayed on

Starting point is 00:05:34 the library's homepage. Thomas' memoir, My Grandfather's Son, created equal Clarence Thomas in his own words, and the enigma of Clarence Thomas. The library's director, Jessica Hudson, responded to the Daily Signal in a statement. We have a team of librarians who volunteer to curate timely book lists. Thank you for your suggestion, and we will make sure our other Clarence Thomas focus titles are included. It's important to note that the Fairfax County Public Library just hosted a taxpayer-funded event for 1619 project author, Cole Hannah Jones last weekend.

Starting point is 00:06:10 Executive editor of the Daily Signal Rob Louis wrote that it's not that the Fairfax County Public Library lacked options for highlighting Thomas. The Justice's memoir, My Grandfather's Son, was published in 2007, and he is the subject of several other books, including

Starting point is 00:06:27 The Enigma of Clarence Thomas by Corey Robin and Created Equal by Michael Pack and Mark Poletta. We will leave a link to Thomas's books in today's show notes. And that's going to do it for today's episode. Thanks so much for listening to The Daily Signal's top news. If you haven't got a chance, be sure to check out our morning show right here in this podcast feed where we interview lawmakers,

Starting point is 00:06:49 experts, and leading conservative voices. Virginia, what's on the docket for Monday? Yeah, so on Monday morning, I'm going to be sitting down for the Daily Signal interview edition with Professor Bill Jacobson to discuss a new initiative designed to stop racism branded by the woke movement as equity. And make sure you subscribe to the Daily Signal wherever you get your podcasts and help us reach even more listeners by leaving a five-star reading and review. We read and appreciate all of your feedback. Thanks again for joining us today. We hope that you all have a fantastic weekend. We'll see you right back here on Monday morning. The Daily Signal podcast is brought to you by more than half a million members of the Heritage Foundation. Executive producers are Rob

Starting point is 00:07:35 Louie and Kate Trinko. Producers are Virginia Allen and Sam. And some Samantha Asheras. Sound designed by Lauren Evans, Mark Geinney, and John Pop. To learn more, please visit DailySignal.com.

The Daily Signal - TOP NEWS | New Sanctions Against Russia, Disappointing Inflation Report, Iran-Russia Alliance Appears to Strengthen | Feb. 24

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.