In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine today, deploying over 200 missiles and drones aimed at the country's power grid. This assault resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and severely damaged critical energy infrastructure, leading to anticipated power outages across Ukraine tomorrow. In a related development, a senior U.S. official confirmed that the Biden administration will permit Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles against targets in Russia, a request Ukraine has made for months to help weaken Russian military capabilities.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East intensified as an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah official, prompting the group to confirm the death of its chief spokesman. This strike occurred in a region where many Lebanese civilians had sought refuge, believing it to be safer. Concurrently, Israel continued its military operations in Gaza, resulting in over 40 fatalities, including an attack on a refugee camp where displaced individuals were attempting to secure basic necessities like bread.

Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza over the past year amount to genocide, marking the first time he has publicly urged such an inquiry. He has previously expressed concern for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis amid the ongoing conflict.

In domestic news, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned a recent display of hate in Columbus, where a group of masked individuals marched with swastikas and shouted anti-Semitic and racist slogans. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

On a historic note, President Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to tour the Amazon rainforest today, highlighting the environmental threats posed by logging, ranching, and mining in the region. The Amazon is a critical carbon sink, and its destruction poses significant risks to global climate stability.