This evening, we’re discussing unproductive talks between Russia and Ukraine, tornado warnings in the southeast, and Will Smith facing disciplinary action for slapping Chris Rock.

Tonight, we’re discussing the US belief that Putin’s advisers are misinforming him about the war, President Joe Biden’s speech on the pandemic, and Bruce Willis’ decision to step away from acting.

Today, we bring you the latest from Ukraine, where Russia continues to attack despite saying earlier it would scale back forces in some cities. The Biden administration announced a new central website for Covid-19 information, and a new report says the world generated a record-high amount of its energy from wind and solar in 2021. We also cover the deaths of eight United Nations peacekeepers in a helicopter crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a joint U.S.-Russia return from space.

This episode begins in Ukraine, where bombs continue to drop in parts of the country despite claims of a Russian pullback. In the US more than 50 million people are under threat of severe storms in the US today – including potentially deadly tornados. We'll bring you news of how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting more than 400 million schoolchildren. Former President Donald Trump is calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release damaging information about the Biden family. And finally, another superyacht allegedly owned by a Russian businessman with ties to Putin, is seized.

We begin this episode with US officials saying Russia is shifting its strategy in Ukraine, but the country's president says he'll believe it when he sees it. Meanwhile, the head of the World Food Program warns the war is leading to a catastrophe on food stocks around the world. Israeli police say 5 people are dead in another deadly attack in the country. Also, President Joe Biden is set to speak on the pandemic, as the BA.2 subvariant becomes the dominant strain in the US. And, the families suing Alex Jones have rejected his offer.

This evening, we’re discussing Russia continuing its attack on Ukrainian cities, an anti-lynching bill signed into law, and the 14-year-old who died falling off an amusement park ride.

Tonight, we’re discussing Russia’s announcement that it would reduce its attacks on two Ukrainian cities, the Omicron subvariant becoming the dominant Covid-19 strain in the US, and an Academy meeting tomorrow about consequences for Will Smith.

We start this afternoon with changes to Russia’s offensive strategy in Ukraine and updates from the talks between the two countries. A Kremlin spokesperson says dialogue between the US and Russia is necessary, despite “personal insults" made by President Joe Biden. We’ll tell you what the Covid-19 picture in the US is looking like, with the latest case counts and the FDA's move on boosters. Plus, we'll take a closer look at an area near Los Angeles that was supposed to house veterans and the Final Four is set for the NCAA women’s March Madness tournament.

Russia’s defense minster claims its “special military operation” is complete and will now focus on the Russian-backed separatist area of Donbass, as negotiations continue in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Russian troops will “drastically reduce” their military assault on Kyiv and Chernihiv, while Ukraine’s fresh counter offensive is threatening Russia’s hold on the front line in the country’s south. A new study says men taking a certain diabetes drug before conceiving causes a 40% higher chance of a birth defect. UK police will issue 20 fines as part of their investigation into illegal parties held by politicians and civil servants during past lockdowns. And, can 26 billion dollars get us to Mars?

A new round of talks begin today in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia. Expectations are being kept realistic as the fighting goes on in Ukraine. The January 6th Select Committee is calling on the Department of Justice to do its job, as it recommends criminal contempt charges for two former Trump advisers. The Honduran Supreme Court has approved the extradition of the country's former president to the US on drug charges. Also, a heatwave in the Antarctic saw an almost 70 degree jump in once place. Plus, Walmart is stubbing out cigarettes.