Effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine trickling over to the U.S.: Today So Far

• We'll likely feel some effects after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Washingtonians are preparing for the end of mask mandates.
• Let's talk about — get ready for it — Flat Earthers.

This post originally appeared in KUOW's Today So Far newsletter for Feb. 24, 2022.

Let's get right to the big story of the day — Russia has invaded Ukraine. Or as Russian President Vladimir Putin would say, it has launched a "military operation" against its smaller neighbor. Images are already emerging of Ukrainians lined up in cars as they flee areas being bombed. It is said to be among the most significant military actions in Europe since the end of World War II.

As such, you are likely going to notice some effects trickling over to the United States. For example, stock prices have already taken a plunge — we're in a bear market. Markets across Europe and Asia are experiencing the same decline. The price of a barrel of oil has already climbed past $100. Russia also exports a lot of rare metals, like palladium (you know, the metal used in catalytic converters that are being stolen left and right these days). Industries dealing in automobiles and airplanes could take a hit, among others.

RELATED: Northwest reacts to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

One other thing to watch out for is the response from the United States, which will likely come in the form of sanctions. Russia loves cyber attacks, especially in response to such sanctions. It's known to have shut down pipelines and power grids in the past. It's also pretty fond of misinformation and disinformation campaigns, so maybe don't take social media too seriously over the next few days (or ever).

In western Washington, people are preparing for the end of mask mandates. Such as the Mule Tavern in Tacoma, where owner Sam Halhuli looks forward to the end of frustration after dealing with masking rules for months. For Sam, it's been an issue dealing with customers who receive different messages. Some folks get irate when they are told to mask up when the bar next door is letting things slide.

Though, according to Dr. Umair Shah, Washington's secretary of health, just because the mask mandates are dropping in March, that doesn't mean you should drop your guard. Officials are encouraging people to wear masks when appropriate, and get their vaccine shots.

"We are going to be living with Covid-19 for a while, a long time coming," Dr. Shah told KUOW's Soundside. "The pandemic doesn't end in March."

Another story Soundside recently covered that I found fascinating is — get ready for it — Flat-Earthers. Reporter Kelly Weill's new book Off the Edge, covers a range of conspiracy theories, but focuses on the Flat Earth movement as a sort of case study. For starters, Flat Earth claims started well before the internet, in the 1800s. Though, Weill made a few observations that seem familiar in our modern era of mis- and disinformation.

"Conspiracy theories aren't necessarily powerful because they make sense, they are powerful because they affirm a set of beliefs somebody already has."

That can certainly be true, even for people who don't believe in conspiracy theories. But believers generally find support and community among each other. Did you know that one such community member lives on Whidbey Island? Mark Sargent has been a leading voice in the Flat-Earther movement, broadcasting that voice from the Northwest. He's made a career out of it. One of my favorite interviews with Sargent came from our public radio colleagues at KNKX, when Gabriel Spitzer asked Sargent straight up: "Are you pulling my leg?"

Hear Soundside's full conversation with Weill here.

AS SEEN ON KUOW

Damaged radar, a vehicle, and equipment are seen at a Ukrainian military facility outside Mariupol, Ukraine. Russian military forces and Russian-backed separatists invaded Ukraine on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. (Associated Press)

DID YOU KNOW?

I've recently fended off a couple suspected scams that came into my email. And I have to admit, they were super clever. These scammers did their homework. Just a reminder to be skeptical of emails with attachments, even if they appear to be from someone you know.

It reminded me of a related issue: Washington is the worst state in the U.S. for identity theft, according to the brains at WalletHub. Washington has some of the most identity theft complaints per capita, and some of the highest averages losses.

Washington state also stands out in the Northwest. Oregon came in 12th, and Idaho is on the other side of the spectrum at 49th.

ALSO ON OUR MINDS

Emergency U.N. meeting is interrupted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine

While diplomats at U.N. headquarters were making pleas for Russia to back off — "Give peace a chance," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres implored — Russian President Vladimir Putin went on television in his homeland to announce a military operation that he said was intended to protect civilians in Ukraine.

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