A Flood Advisory is in effect until 7 AM PST Tuesday for portions of Idaho and Washington due to excessive rainfall and melting snow. Minor flooding is expected in low-lying areas, impacting numerous cities including Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewiston. An additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain is forecast, exacerbating flooding and potentially making some low-water crossings impassable. Residents are urged to avoid driving on flooded roads and report any observed flooding to emergency services.
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Tyree Smith, found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2012 hatchet murder and cannibalism of Angel Gonzalez, has been conditionally released from Whiting Forensic Hospital after nine months in a supervised community facility. This decision, following a Psychiatric Security Review Board hearing, was based on a psychiatrist’s assessment of his full remission from schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders. However, the victim’s family expressed deep concerns about public safety, a sentiment echoed by several state senators who deemed the release “outrageous.” Smith’s release mandates continued treatment and strict supervision.
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Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, asserting that caving to threats would be unacceptable. He stressed that a peace deal failing to prevent future Russian aggression would be disastrous, urging the US to provide strong security guarantees for Ukraine. Starmer highlighted the importance of Ukrainian involvement in negotiations and the need for continued firm, fair action. He also underscored the link between Ukrainian instability and global economic challenges.
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Green Party co-leader Robert Habeck attributed the party’s 13% projected vote share to CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s actions, which Habeck argued boosted extremist parties by alienating centrist voters. Habeck criticized Merz’s attempt to collaborate with the far-right AfD and his divisive campaign rhetoric, arguing this weakened the center. While acknowledging the Greens’ willingness to compromise, Habeck called on Merz to adopt a more statesmanlike approach befitting his new role as chancellor. Habeck emphasized his openness to negotiations with the CDU, contingent on a change in Merz’s behavior.
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The Trump administration’s dismissal of top military lawyers, including three Judge Advocate Generals, was defended by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as necessary to remove roadblocks and replace those perpetuating an ineffective status quo. Hegseth dismissed criticism, arguing the changes bring “fresh blood” and prioritize warfighting over what he terms “wokeism.” This action follows the removal of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General CQ Brown Jr., and is part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. Critics, however, see these actions as a concerning step toward autocracy.
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President Zelenskyy declared his willingness to resign if it secures peace and NATO membership for Ukraine, prioritizing the nation’s immediate security over his own prolonged tenure. This statement follows criticism from Donald Trump labeling Zelenskyy a dictator, a claim refuted by multiple sources including KIIS polling data showing high approval ratings. Amidst this tension, advisor Michael Volz suggests de-escalation and resource agreements to improve US-Ukraine relations. Volz’s suggestion highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal.
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Amidst ongoing martial law preventing elections, President Zelensky affirmed his focus on Ukraine’s security, downplaying aspirations for a long presidency. A high-level meeting with EU leaders in Kyiv on Monday will address Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and security guarantees, with Zelensky hoping for a pivotal outcome. He also expressed a desire for stronger US partnership beyond mere mediation in the conflict, emphasizing the need for an end to the war before any rare earth mineral deals are finalized with the US. Progress is being made on this deal, contingent on Russia’s cessation of hostilities.
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A recent YouGov poll reveals that 41 percent of Americans view President Trump as a dictator, nearly double the percentage who hold the same view of President Zelensky. This disparity follows Trump’s recent characterization of Zelensky as a “dictator,” a statement sharply contrasting with the widespread international perception of Zelensky as a key ally in the fight against Russian aggression. The poll also highlights partisan divides, with significant differences in opinion between Democrats and Republicans regarding both leaders. Trump’s actions and rhetoric have prompted concerns from some critics about a potential constitutional crisis.
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the release of approximately 600 Palestinian prisoners, violating the ceasefire agreement’s terms after Hamas released six Israeli hostages. The delay, citing Hamas’s allegedly humiliating hostage release ceremonies, leaves hundreds of Palestinian families in limbo and jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire. Hamas condemned the decision as a pretext to evade obligations, while the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club described it as “organized terrorism.” This delay significantly impacts the first phase of the ceasefire, scheduled to end on March 1st, and casts doubt on the future of the agreement.
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In a press conference, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated his willingness to relinquish his presidency to secure either peace or NATO membership for Ukraine. This offer followed recent comments from Donald Trump, which Zelensky addressed without offense. Simultaneously, Zelensky highlighted ongoing negotiations regarding Ukrainian rare earth minerals with the US, contingent on Russia’s cessation of hostilities. He also emphasized the importance of upcoming meetings with European leaders to discuss security guarantees and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. These discussions occurred against the backdrop of Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine to date.
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John Q. Hosedrinker