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Zion closes rock climbing sites near nesting Peregrine falcons

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Two peregrine falcons fly in Zion Canyon.

Nesting Peregrine falcons inside Zion Nationwide Park prompted officers to announce Tuesday they might shut a few of the park’s widespread mountain climbing places.

The Peregrine species, well-known for being the world’s quickest animal — they will dive at greater than 240 miles per hour — is a frequent customer to Zion, the place excessive concentrations of birds breed and discover spots alongside the park’s iconic cliff faces to construct well-protected nests.

If disturbed, nesting pairs could abandon their nest websites and never nest once more till the next yr.

To stop that from occurring, park officers stated they had been implementing a sequence of closures beginning March 1, together with mountain climbing routes in widespread spots like Angels Touchdown and Cable Mountain, park officers stated.

A Peregrine falcon is pictured inside Zion National Park.

“We monitor these areas to find nests and reopen cliffs that peregrine falcons don’t choose as nest websites. The date for cliffs reopening to climbers varies from yr to yr and usually ranges from late spring to summer time,” in response to a written announcement from park officers.

The peregrine was listed as an endangered species in 1970 below the Endangered Species Act, largely due to DDT, an insecticide that brought about birds to provide thin-shelled eggs.

Russia-Ukraine: Biden closes US airspace to Russian flights | Joe Biden News

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In his first State of the Union handle, US president says Putin can pay ‘persevering with excessive value’ for invading Ukraine.

In his first State of the Union handle, United States President Joe Biden introduced closing US airspace to all Russian flights, saying that Moscow will likely be weaker by the tip of its conflict towards Ukraine.

Addressing a joint session of Congress late on Tuesday, Biden mentioned the US is imposing “highly effective sanctions” on Russia which might be chopping off its banks from the worldwide monetary system and “choking” its entry to technological imports.

The US president additionally hit out repeatedly at Russia’s Vladimir Putin, saying that he alone is responsible for the conflict.

“Tonight, I’m asserting that we are going to be part of our allies in closing off American airspace to all Russian flights, additional isolating Russia and including an extra squeeze on their financial system,” Biden mentioned. “He has no concept what’s coming.”

Biden additionally pledged to penalise rich elites within the Russian president’s inside circle.

“Tonight, I say to the Russian oligarchs and the corrupt leaders who constructed billions of {dollars} off this violent regime: No extra,” the US president mentioned.

“I imply it. The USA Division of Justice is assembling a devoted process power to go after the crimes of the Russian oligarchs. We’re becoming a member of with European allies to seek out and seize their yachts, their luxurious flats, their personal jets.”

Regardless of the deep partisan divisions in Congress, legislators – a lot of whom sported blue and yellow outfits, the colors of Ukraine’s flag, in help of the nation – applauded and cheered for Biden as he spoke of confronting Russia.

“Whereas he [Putin] could make positive factors on the battlefield, he can pay a unbroken excessive value over the long term,” Biden mentioned.

The US president additionally expressed help for the Ukrainian folks and paid a nod to Kyiv’s ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova, who was in attendance on the invitation of First Woman Jill Biden.

Russia launched an all-out assault on Ukraine final week, drawing condemnation and sanctions from main world powers. The invasion got here after a months-long standoff that noticed Moscow amass as many as 200,000 troops close to the Ukrainian border.

In lower than every week, the violence has prompted 660,000 Ukrainians to flee neighbouring nations as Russia continues to bombard cities throughout Ukraine.

U.S. first lady Jill Biden applauds her guest Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova in the first lady's boxUS first girl Jill Biden applauds her visitor Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova [Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/Reuters]

US defence officers have mentioned they imagine the Russian offensive has slowed down due to fierce Ukrainian resistance.

Earlier this yr, Russia repeatedly denied US and European allegations that it was planning to invade Ukraine, insisting that it had authentic safety issues about Kyiv’s deepening alliance with the West – and demanding ensures that Ukraine wouldn’t be allowed to hitch NATO.

On Tuesday, Biden mentioned whereas the US won’t ship troops to combat Russia in Ukraine, it’s ready to defend its NATO allies.

“Let me be clear, our forces are usually not engaged and won’t interact in battle with Russian forces in Ukraine,” Biden mentioned.

“Our forces are usually not going to Europe to combat in Ukraine, however to defend our NATO Allies – within the occasion that Putin decides to maintain transferring west. Each single inch.”

Biden tried to allay fears about rising gasoline costs amid the Ukraine disaster, saying that the US is about to launch 30 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserve to stabilise the vitality market. Russia is likely one of the world’s prime oil and fuel producers.

“These steps will assist blunt fuel costs right here at dwelling. However I do know information about what’s occurring can appear alarming to all People,” the US president mentioned.

“However I would like you to know: We’re going to be OK. We’re going to be OK. When the historical past of this period is written, Putin’s conflict in Ukraine may have left Russia weaker and the remainder of the world stronger.”

Vast Russian military convoy closes in on Ukraine capital | News

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Satellite tv for pc photos show an enormous convoy of armoured automobiles grouping simply outdoors Kyiv, nonetheless held by Ukraine forces.

A Russian navy convoy stretching again 65km (40 miles) has amassed on the outskirts of Ukraine’s capital amid fears that invading forces have been set to launch devastating assaults to take management of Kyiv.

Satellite tv for pc photos on Tuesday confirmed an extended build-up of armoured automobiles and artillery beginning 29km (18 miles) north of town, as Moscow defied mounting international stress and a wave of worldwide sanctions which have smashed Russia’s economic system.

Preliminary ceasefire talks between Moscow and Kyiv on Monday didn’t safe a breakthrough, with Russia shelling residential areas in Ukraine’s second metropolis Kharkiv and different areas of the nation after the negotiations.

The Russian military has been regrouping and massing its forces over the previous 24 hours “primarily to encircle and take management of Kyiv and different main cities,” the final employees of Ukraine’s armed forces wrote on Fb.

The column is greater than 65km lengthy and covers the whole highway from close to Antonov airport outdoors Kyiv to the city of Prybirsk, the USA satellite tv for pc imaging firm Maxar Applied sciences stated.

“Some automobiles are spaced pretty far aside whereas in different sections navy gear and models are travelling two or three automobiles abreast on the highway,” Maxar stated.

‘Loud explosions’

The pictures additionally confirmed “further floor forces deployments and floor assault helicopter models” in southern Belarus close to the Ukraine border.

Al Jazeera’s Mutaz Hasan, reporting from Kyiv, stated that they heard loud explosions by the night time.

“It was a troublesome and exhausting day for individuals right here in Kyiv,” he stated, including that most people who selected to remain within the capital stayed in shelters.

Hasan stated that individuals saved leaving town because the current talks between Russia and Ukraine didn’t produce any outcomes.

“Shortly after the talks ended, bombings intensified. We heard most likely the loudest explosions within the capital after the talks,” he added.

Andrew Simmons, reporting from town of Lviv, in central Ukraine, stated Ukraine’s parliament is claiming that Belarusian troops have crossed into the nation’s north and joined the Russian offensive.

“This can be a massive growth and additionally it is very prone to completely destroy any hope that the negotiations to attempt to get a ceasefire will occur as a result of Ukraine had sought assurances that these talks would happen on the assure that Belarus wouldn’t make this transfer – successfully declaring struggle, by becoming a member of the Russians,” he stated.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched final week, has fallen delayed, in keeping with a US senator, Chris Murphy. President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion on February 24 after recognising Ukraine’s breakaway areas as unbiased entities.

The Russian president has stated Kyiv’s try to get NATO membership was a risk to Moscow’s safety.

America and its allies have imposed sanctions on Russia’s high companies, oligarchs and officers, together with Putin himself.

In a significant coverage shift, many European nations and NATO have determined to provide arms to Ukraine within the wake of the largest assault on a European state since World Struggle II.

EU ups the ante with Russia; closes airspace, bans media | European Union News

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The European Union has introduced sweeping new sanctions in opposition to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, closing its airspace to Russian plane and banning Russian state media shops broadcasting within the bloc.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, saying the measures on Sunday, stated the Union was taking the unprecedented step of financing arms to Ukraine, and was hitting Russian ally Belarus with sanctions for facilitating the invasion.

“They received’t be capable of land in, take off or overfly the territory of the EU. Together with the non-public jets of oligarchs,” von der Leyen stated of the airspace measures in a tweet.

Particular person EU international locations have been saying bans on Russian planes of their airspace in current days.

The UK has moreover banned Russian airways from touchdown at its airports or crossing its airspace, that means Moscow is dealing with a close to complete blockade of the continent’s skies.

The measures come on high of sanctions von der Leyen introduced a day earlier which are about to be carried out: slicing some Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank messaging community, banning all transactions with Russia’s central financial institution, and added restrictions on Russian oligarchs.

The EU has additionally sanctioned Russian President Vladimir Putin and his international minister Sergey Lavrov.

Collectively, the steps added as much as the hardest stance the EU has taken in opposition to a rustic, reflecting the bloc’s horror and anger at Putin’s assault on Ukraine, launched on Thursday.

“Because the struggle in Ukraine rages on, and Ukrainians struggle bravely for his or her nation, the European Union steps up as soon as extra its help for Ukraine and the sanctions in opposition to the aggressor – Putin’s Russia,” von der Leyen stated in a broadcast deal with.

She stated the airspace ban would prohibit flights into or over the EU by “each Russian airplane – and that features the non-public jets of oligarchs”.

The measure consolidated what was already de facto largely in place, with lots of the EU’s 27 nations individually saying airspace closures to Russian flights.

Stopping Russian ‘lies’

The transfer in opposition to Russian state media focused its shops Russia In the present day – referred to as RT – and Sputnik, and their subsidiaries.

Von der Leyen stated they “will now not be capable of unfold their lies to justify Putin’s struggle and to sow division in our Union”.

The EU’s international coverage chief Josep Borrell, at her facet, stated the measure concerned “banning Russia In the present day and Sputnik from broadcasting within the European Union”.

Sputnik responded with a sardonic assertion saying: “We propose the European Fee not cease midway and ban the web altogether.”

RT’s French subsidiary tweeted the ban “goes in opposition to the very rules of freedom of expression” and stated it was a sufferer of “censorship”.

Von der Leyen stated the sanctions in opposition to Belarus had been aimed toward “the opposite aggressor on this struggle”, naming the regime of strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

“We’ll hit Lukashenko’s regime with a brand new bundle of sanctions,” she stated.

“We’ll introduce restrictive measures in opposition to their most necessary sectors. This can cease their exports of merchandise from mineral fuels to tobacco, wooden and timber, cement, iron and metal.

“We may also prolong to Belarus the export restrictions we launched on dual-use items for Russia.”

Belarusians serving to Russia’s army operation would even be sanctioned, she stated.

Von der Leyen stated the choice to offer funding for the acquisition and supply of arms to Ukraine was “a watershed second for our Union”.

Borrell stated he would “suggest to make use of the European Peace Facility for emergency help measures to finance the availability of deadly materials to the Ukrainian military, in addition to badly wanted gas, protecting gear and medical provides”.

“We’re doing this as a result of this struggle requires our engagement so as to help the Ukrainian military – as a result of we stay in unprecedented occasions,” he stated.

First Presidency asks world leaders to seek peace in Ukraine as church closes Kyiv temple

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Because the warfare over Ukraine intensified once more Friday, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a press release pleading with world leaders to hunt a swift, peaceable decision. (Steve Griffin, Deseret Information)

Estimated learn time: 4-5 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — Because the warfare over Ukraine intensified once more Friday, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a press release pleading with world leaders to hunt a swift, peaceable decision.

What did the First Presidency say about Russia and Ukraine?

“We’re heartbroken and deeply involved by the armed battle now raging. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has members in every of the affected areas and all through the world. Our minds and hearts have been turned towards them and all our brothers and sisters.

“We proceed to wish for peace. We all know that enduring peace will be discovered via Jesus Christ. He can calm and luxury our souls even within the midst of horrible conflicts. He taught us to like God and our neighbors.

“We pray that this armed battle will finish shortly, that the controversies will finish peacefully, and that peace will prevail amongst nations and inside our personal hearts. We plead with world leaders to hunt for such resolutions and peace.”

The assertion was launched by Presidents Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring on the church’s newsroom web site.

What in regards to the Kyiv Ukraine Temple?

Earlier this week, earlier than Russian troops invaded Ukraine by land and sea, church leaders closed the Kyiv Ukraine Temple close to the nation’s capital as a precaution, church spokesman Sam Penrod mentioned.

“This temple has suspended all operations and ordinances till additional discover,” in keeping with a word posted on the temple’s web site.

The Kyiv temple is the one Latter-day Saint temple between Germany and the Pacific Rim.

“In case you have an current appointment for a sealing or your individual endowment, you’ll be contacted by temple employees,” the temple’s web site mentioned.

Combating in Ukraine intensified once more on Friday as Russian troops superior on Kyiv, the nation’s capital. Ukrainian troops proceed to supply stiff resistance, nevertheless, ABC Information reported.

Ukrainians fled Kyiv and different main cities as hostilities grew. In the meantime, Russia additionally started to see the impacts of the worldwide sanctions. The Russian inventory market fell by 33%.

What is going on with Latter-day Saint missionaries in Ukraine and Russia?

The church introduced in January, as tensions on the border grew, that it had reassigned all non-Ukrainian Latter-day Saint missionaries to different nations. Some who had been close to the top of their assignments returned house. Others now are serving in Germany, Croatia, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Canada and in a number of U.S. states, together with Alaska, Illinois, Washington and at Temple Sq. in Salt Lake Metropolis.

On Friday afternoon, a church spokesman confirmed that all the church’s non-Russian volunteers had left Russia greater than every week in the past.

“As of mid-February, roughly 50 younger volunteers have taken assignments outdoors of Russia, given the latest advice of many overseas governments advising in opposition to journey to Russia,” spokesman Sam Penrod mentioned. “Native church conferences and companies stay beneath the path of native members, who function lay leaders of their congregations. The message of peace, love and hope in our Savior Jesus Christ continues to be lived and practiced in strict observance of all authorized laws.”

In July 2016 Russia carried out an anti-terrorism legislation that included a provision banning public missionary work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instantly complied, redesignating its younger missionaries as volunteers and directing them to comply with the legislation’s provision that each one proselytizing happen in homes of worship.

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake Metropolis and Catholic Group Companies additionally issued the next assertion:

“We be a part of with Pope Francis in his name for prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine and the safety of harmless lives. We encourage our authorities leaders to welcome any Ukrainian refugees displaced by these mindless acts of aggression and urge individuals to assist our Ukrainian brothers and sisters by donating to the efforts of Catholic Aid Companies, which is already serving individuals in want in Ukraine. Ought to the scenario escalate to the purpose of resettling Ukrainian refugees in the US, Catholic Group Companies of Utah’s Migration and Refugee Companies crew is keen to help.”

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