Good Morning! Today’s edition is 1,069 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Israel resumes airstrikes in Gaza

• Google makes the largest acquisition in its history

• Lunar eclipse during a northern lights show

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Big Story

Trump and Putin Agree on ‘Energy and Infrastructure Ceasefire’

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement on initial steps toward peace in Ukraine during a 90-minute call on Tuesday.

• The first step in the ceasefire is limited to energy and infrastructure targets. Putin "immediately" ordered Russian forces to comply after the call, per the Kremlin.

• The White House announced that negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and working toward "full ceasefire and permanent peace" will begin soon in the Middle East.

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who last week proposed a 30-day full ceasefire, has been skeptical of Putin's response, calling it "manipulative." Analysts question whether Russia will fully commit to any truce, pointing to previously broken ceasefires before the 2022 full-scale invasion.

• Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Monday that any peace deal must guarantee that Ukraine remains neutral and is barred from NATO membership - a significant potential roadblock to lasting peace.

Big Story

Poland & Baltic States Withdraw from Landmine Treaty

Four NATO members—Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—are pulling out of the 1997 Ottawa Convention that bans anti-personnel landmines.

• Their decision comes as these countries face what they call "significantly increased" military threats from neighboring Russia and Belarus. All four share borders with Russia, and three border Belarus. The withdrawal will allow them to stockpile and deploy landmines again, something they view as necessary for their defense.

• The Ottawa Convention, which 164 nations have joined, was part of post-Cold War disarmament efforts. Major powers, including Russia, the U.S., China, India, and Israel never signed the treaty. All four withdrawing nations were under Moscow's control during the Cold War.

• Finland, which shares an 833-mile border with Russia, is considering similar action, citing Russia's use of mines in Ukraine. The withdrawal process varies by country but typically requires parliamentary approval and formal UN notification, with the change taking effect six months later.

Big Story

Israel Restarts Airstrikes in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes hammered Gaza on Tuesday, killing over 400 people according to Palestinian health authorities.

• Most victims were reportedly women and children. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders to several neighborhoods across Gaza, calling them "dangerous combat zones." Gaza Civil Defense said it lacks resources to handle the attacks.

• While neither side has explicitly declared the ceasefire over, Hamas accused Netanyahu of deciding to "resume war" after negotiations stalled. The Israeli government stated it would act with "increasing military force" against Hamas to secure the release of all hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called for an immediate return to the ceasefire, warning that the lives of captives "hang by a thread."

• The first phase of the ceasefire deal expired this month, and negotiations for the second phase (meant to release male hostages and initiate talks for ending the war) have stalled.

Quick Stories

U.S. News

• President Trump ordered the release of over 1,100 previously classified JFK assassination files Tuesday. The National Archives published 31,000+ pages on its website. Researchers have estimated that 3,000 or so files had not been previously released. (More)

• Texas authorities arrested and charged a midwife with performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a proper license. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. (More)

• The Trump administration is reinstating 24,500 probationary workers across 18 departments after federal judges ruled their terminations were illegal, according to a Justice Department court filing. (More)

World

• The French government plans to distribute a 20-page "survival manual" to all households before summer, offering instructions for armed conflicts, health crises and disasters, including nuclear threats and community defense options. (More)

• A small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea after takeoff from Honduras' Roatan Island, killing 12 people including a popular musician. Rescue workers took five injured passengers to hospital for treatment. (More)

• Scientists at a remote Antarctic research station face a crisis after one team member was accused of assault. The researchers are scheduled to stay through next year, and unpredictable weather patterns could potentially confine them until then. (More)

Business & Economy

• U.S. stock markets closed lower on Tuesday (S&P -1.07%, Nasdaq -1.71%, Dow -0.62%). Tesla and Big Tech sell-offs drove the broader market lower. (More)

• Google is buying cybersecurity company Wix for $32 billion to strengthen its cloud computing security. The deal is the biggest in Google’s history. (More)

• Frontier Airlines is trolling Southwest by offering free seat assignments and carry-on bags through March 24 for summer travel, the exact opposite of Southwest's new plan to charge for these services. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Darian DeVries is leaving West Virginia after just one season to become Indiana's new basketball coach on a six-year deal, following a 19-13 campaign where his team missed March Madness. (More)

• Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham retired Tuesday after 15 seasons, all with Philadelphia. The franchise legend, known for his Super Bowl LLI-saving play, holds the team record for games played and ranks third in sacks. (More)

• The PTPA and 22 players sued tennis governing bodies Tuesday, claiming anticompetitive practices and exploitation. "Tennis is broken," says PTPA director Ahmad Nassar, alleging the system unfairly suppresses earnings and endangers players. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• NASA astronauts Wilmore and Williams finally returned to Earth Tuesday after being stranded in space for 280+ days when their troubled Boeing Starliner spacecraft was deemed unsafe to fly them home. (More)

• Two new studies show cannabis users face higher heart attack risks, with users under 50 being six times more likely to experience one compared to non-users. (More)

• Chinese automaker BYD's new "super e-platform" batteries charge at 10C with 1,000 kW chargers, adding 249 miles in just five minutes—far outpacing Tesla, Electrify America, and other competitors. (More)

Extra Credit

🤮 This museum provides tour guests with a barf bag.

🌊 Twelve weird things that have washed ashore.

🌕️ Photographer captures once-in-a-lifetime shot of total lunar eclipse during a northern lights show. 

🏠️ Mapped: Homeownership rates by U.S. state.