Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognizes two Ukrainian regions as independent and tells his troops to "protect" them. The U.S. issues limited sanctions but expects to expand them as Russia invades. And American home-buyers scramble to beat rising interest rates, sending prices skyrocketing.

Russian troops were supposed to be in Belarus for training - but now they're staying along the Ukrainian border. Queen Elizabeth contracts COVID-19. And an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, charged with rape, dies by suicide in his cell. 

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Diplomats leap into emergency mode, with intelligence pointing to an imminent Russian attack on Ukraine. Migrants waiting on asylum claims say life at the southern border has deteriorated. And new polling shows a sharp increase in young Americans who see themselves as LGBTQ+.

Despite Vladimir Putin laying potential groundwork for a false flag operation, some analysts say invading Ukraine is simply too risky for him. The CDC is planning new mask guidance that could be unveiled as soon as next week. And a long list of ballplayers are testifying about the scourge of opioids in the major leagues.

President Biden disputes Russian claims that it's withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border. Gunmaker Remington agrees to a mammoth settlement with families of Sandy Hook victims. And a new climate report predicts sea levels will rise 12 inches within the next 30 years.

An Olympic ruling means a Russian figure skater will compete, but won't be allowed to leave Beijing with her medals. San Francisco voters consider recalling members of the local school board over COVID. And a former Navy engineer admits he tried to sell state secrets.

Several countries urge their citizens to evacuate Ukraine. An FDA decision pushes back potential vaccinations for children under five. And despite an unusual amount of evidence, an Indiana town marks five years since a pair of murders without an arrest.

After being told inflation had "peaked," Americans have seen prices continue to rise. Congressional investigators find gaps in records that were supposed to be preserved by the Trump White House. And as sports betting goes mainstream, experts debate the effects.

Russian and Ukrainian officials sit down for negotiations while other world leaders anxiously hope for peace. More states roll back mask mandates despite little movement from the CDC. And "Tiger King" Joe Exotic gives his first broadcast interview since the documentary that changed his life.

As so-called "Freedom Convoys" grow, a group of truckers shut down a US-Canada border crossing. Peloton lays off thousands of workers, prompting other companies to consider life after the pandemic. And a Netflix film leads the pack in Academy Award nominations.