News Brief: Feb. 24 – March 3

International

Russia – Ukraine War Report

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues with several news outlets providing live-coverage news articles.

Recent updates from CNN report Russia and Ukraine have agreed upon a possible temporary ceasefire in areas undergoing evacuation.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said there are currently no plans for a Biden-Putin meeting or call.

“Now is not the moment,” Psaki said. “The President’s been very, very clear about that. But we’ll have those discussions internally and weigh the range of factors.”

The White House has, however, announced new sanctions on Russian oligarchs including Nikolai Tokarev, Boris and Arkady Rotenberg, Sergei Chemezov and others.

The U.S. will no longer receive Russian-made rocket engines, according to Dmitry Rogozin, head of Russian space agency Roscosmos.

In other news, the New York Times said some of China’s officials knew about Russia’s plans, according to a Western intelligence report.

National

Biden’s National Address

On March 1, 2022, United States President Joe Biden gave a State of the Union Address.

Biden received a standing ovation for his comments on Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian ambassador Oksana Markarova was visibly emotional and joined first lady Jill Biden on the balcony. Some in the audience wore Ukraine flag ribbons or waved Ukrainian flags. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin sat on the Republican side for the sake of “showing the whole world we’re together in standing behind Ukraine.”

Biden also recognized Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

“Tonight, I’d like to honor someone who has dedicated his life to serve this country,” Biden said. “Justice Breyer, an Army veteran, constitutional scholar, retiring justice of the United States Supreme Court … thank you for your service.”

State

Largest Drug Bust in Oklahoma’s History

The largest single-day drug bust in Oklahoma history occurred on Feb. 22, 2022.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control successfully coordinated with over 400 law enforcement officers across the local, state and federal levels to conduct simultaneous raids.

Thirteen search warrants were used across nine farms and three houses, resulting in the operation seizing more than 150,000 marijuana plants and over $500 million in assets.

Oklahoma State Representative Dick Lowe recognized OBN’s work in House Resolution 1044.

“When State Question 788 passed in 2018 … medical marijuana grow operations and dispensaries started popping up all over Oklahoma, including illegal operations run by foreign bad actors participating in drug and human trafficking,” Lowe said. “I am thankful for our hardworking law enforcement officers who, through a year of hard work, shut down a massive illegal operation that had been going on in our state. This resolution is just one small token of the Legislature’s gratitude for their service.”

…

Bus Driver Saves Children

A Putnam City Public School bus driver saved children from a fire earlier this year and was recently awarded for his actions.

Bob Olmstead has been a bus driver for Putnam City Public Schools for 29 years. On Feb. 8, Olmstead saw smoke out his driver side window and pulled over  to help evacuate middle schoolers from the burning bus.

“Almost every time I see the video, I tear up,” Olmstead said. “I think of the implications. I’m thankful I got it right.”

Olmstead’s actions were recently recognized and awarded with a Pay It 4ward surprise from First Fidelity Bank and Putnam City Public Schools.

“It’s incredible Bob has been here for 29 years,” Bobby Burger of First Fidelity Bank said. “On behalf of First Fidelity Bank, I’m proud to present this $400.”

Debbie Straughn, who was an assistant principal when she first met Olmstead 25 years ago, said she was glad Olmstead was there.

“He’s the type of bus driver every parent wants for their children,” Straughn said. “He’s the type of person who doesn’t think about himself. He thinks of other people.”

Olmstead said he was grateful.

“It feels really nice that somebody thinks I’m a hero,” Olmstead said. “Your (Straughn’s) kind words about my skill as a bus driver are really worth a lot more than $400.”