AllSides News Briefing: February 24, 2023

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Hello! I’m AllSides Managing Editor Henry A. Brechter. It’s Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Here’s your AllSides balanced briefing for today.

TODAY'S WEATHER

See today’s weather radar and temperature maps for your area from the NOAA.

TOP STORIES FOR FEB. 24

See news from left, center, and right-rated sources with our balanced Headline Roundups on these stories:

• It's the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Voices across the spectrum reflected on the war's toll, and its vast geopolitical and economic effects.

• Federal officials released their preliminary report on the cause of the Ohio train derailment. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the site for the first time on Thursday, and praised East Palestine’s “decency and resolve.”

• Hunter Biden missed a House Oversight Committee deadline to hand over documents on his foreign business dealings. The GOP-led committee is scrutinizing Biden's work for companies in Ukraine and China.

AN UNLIKELY PARTNERSHIP?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Wednesday that Tesla would return to California and establish a second HQ, along with the company's base in Texas.

Newsom has been suggested as a potential Democratic presidential nominee, while some see Musk as increasingly aligned with the political right since his purchase of Twitter. Still, the pair reportedly “celebrated together” during the announcement. 

Some weren't surprised, with one writer suggesting that after "a few months of taking heat in the national spotlight, maybe all Elon Musk needed was a little time with an old friend."

See more coverage and views from across the spectrum with our balanced Headline Roundup.

ALTERNATIVES TO A 'NATIONAL DIVORCE'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) took criticism from both left and right this week after calling for a “national divorce” between “red” states and “blue” states. 

America's partisan polarization can feel overwhelming, but at AllSides, we believe that cross-partisan understanding and respect can help bridge the gap.

Read our Perspectives Blog on five things you can do instead of buying into the idea of a "national divorce."

BY THE NUMBERS

• Most of the American public believe the U.S. should play a major (26%) or minor (49%) role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Twenty-eight percent of Republicans think the U.S. shouldn't be involved, and 15% of Democrats think the same. (Associated Press, Lean Left bias)

• Thirty-three percent of people in the U.S. think using AI in health care would lead to better outcomes for patients, while 38% think it'd lead to worse outcomes. (Pew Research, Center bias)

• A real estate analysis suggests the total value of U.S. homes fell 4.9% in the second half of 2022, from a record high of $47.7 trillion in June to $45.3 trillion at the end of the year. That's the biggest percentage drop since 2008. (Fox Business, Lean Right bias)

GOOD NEWS

Actor Tyler Perry is donating $750,000 to help low-income seniors in Atlanta amid rising property taxes.

Have comments on this briefing? Email us!

Henry A. Brechter is the Managing Editor of AllSides. He has a Center bias.