Ukraine: Tensions are increasing over the Ukraine situation as deposed President Viktor Yanukovych, who had been sought for arrest, has been given asylum in Russia. Also today, masked gunmen have taken over government offices in the Crimean region of Eastern Ukraine, raising the Russian flag and possibly indicating the beginning of separatist conflict within Ukraine.

  Secy. Of State John Kerry has warned Russia against military intervention. Russia suddenly announced yesterday it is conducting military exercises with 150,000 troops and air patrols in Western Russia, not far from Ukraine. At issue is the Crimean region, which is split both ethnically and religiously between Christians and Muslims. Ethnic Russians are calling for Russian protection.

Kerry told NBC News, “We are not looking for confrontation, but we are making it clear that every country should respect the territorial integrity here, the sovereignty of Ukraine.” Kerry also said the US would give the bankrupt Ukraine $1 billion in loan guarantees.

Nation: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer last night vetoed the so-called “Right to Discriminate” bill passed by her state legislature last week. The bill, written with the intent of defending religious liberty, would have allowed a person or business to refuse to do business with someone if it would violate their religious beliefs. For instance, a Christian wedding photographer could refuse to shoot a gay wedding. Brewer said, “Religious liberty is a core American and Arizona value… so is no discrimination.”

The bill was criticized as solving a problem that did not exist. Apple computer, Sen. John McCain and Arizona businesses all urged the veto. Even some Republicans who voted for the bill later turned against it. Vetoing with bluster Brewer said, “I call them like I see them, despite the cheers or the boos from the crowd.”

Messin’ With Texas: A federal judge in Texas struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage saying, “Without a rational relation to a legitimate governmental purpose, state-imposed inequality can find no refuge in our United States Constitution.” Texas amended its state constitution in 2005 to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. Former Texas legislator Todd Staples, who pushed the marriage ban and is now running for Lt. Governor, tweeted, “I will change my definition of marriage when God changes his.”

Universe: NASA scientists say the Kepler space telescope has identified 715 new planets outside our solar system. Four of the planets are roughly 2 ½ times the size of Earth and orbit a sun in what is known as the “habitable zone” where water is liquid and life as we know it might be sustainable.

Winter: Bismarck, ND: minus 7; La Crosse, WI: 7 below; Chicago: 7 above; Buffalo: 15 and snowing.  Spring is three weeks away.

Calorie Count: Michelle Obama is scheduled today to unveil the first major overhaul of food labels in more than 20 years. The amount of calories would be in larger, bolder type, added sugars would be indicated, and the label would have a more realistic description of serving size. The serving description of ice cream, for instance, would increase from half a cup to a cup, unless it’s Ben & Jerry’s Imagine Whirled Peace and then it’s a whole pint.

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