5 things to know Thursday

Harris’ journey to Poland is now a clean-up mission after US rejects jet plan

Vice President Kamala Harris’ journey to the Polish capital has taken an surprising flip as she’s parachuting into the center of surprising diplomatic turbulence over fighter jets. A day after the US declined Poland’s shock proposal to offer Soviet-built MiG-29 fighter jets to the U.S. to provide to Ukraine, Harris will meet with the nation’s high leaders in Warsaw, the place she might want to attempt to clean over the controversy. A significant purpose of the journey is to indicate unity amongst NATO allies in response to Russia’s conflict on Ukraine. On Wednesday, a Russian airstrike devastated a maternity hospital within the Ukrainian metropolis of Mariupol, burying girls and kids below particles and injuring greater than a dozen. Harris, who arrived in Poland on Wednesday, will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. She may also seek advice from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who can also be visiting Poland. 

Labor Division is ready to situation new inflation report

On Thursday, the Labor Division will situation its inflation report, which economists count on will present that costs for U.S. shoppers leapt 7.9% in February in contrast with a yr in the past, based on information supplied by FactSet to the Related Press. That might be the most important acquire in 4 a long time. Client costs jumped 7.5% in January from a yr earlier. Shortages of provides and employees, heavy doses of federal assist, ultra-low rates of interest and sturdy client spending mixed to ship inflation accelerating prior to now yr. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell mentioned in congressional hearings final week that it wasn’t but clear what impression Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would have on the U.S. economic system. It has already pushed up gasoline costs above $4.25 a gallon, on common, throughout the nation, based on AAA. However he mentioned the Fed had deliberate earlier than the conflict to provoke a collection of price hikes subsequent week, and for now would “fastidiously” observe that plan.

Puerto Rico to drop travel-related COVID restrictions as circumstances fall

Beginning Thursday, guests going from the U.S. to Puerto Rico will now not want to indicate proof of vaccination or a damaging coronavirus take a look at to enter. The island is dropping almost all travel-related COVID-19 restrictions for home vacationers as case counts proceed to fall. Companies like eating places and bars will now not must display clients for proof of vaccination or a damaging coronavirus take a look at earlier than permitting entry. Sure areas, equivalent to well being services, will nonetheless require masks. Vacationers may also nonetheless must put on a masks on the aircraft journey to Puerto Rico as a result of the U.S. federal masks mandate is in impact till not less than March 18.

Jussie Smollett to obtain sentence after staged assault conviction

The authorized saga surrounding ex-“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s declare in 2019 that he was the goal of a racist and homophobic assault in Chicago will culminate Thursday together with his sentencing. Smollett, 39, was discovered responsible on 5 counts of disorderly conduct in December 2021 – one rely for every separate time he was charged with mendacity to police within the days instantly after the alleged assault, which Smollett reported in January 2019. He was acquitted on a sixth rely of mendacity to a detective in February 2019, weeks after Smollett mentioned he was attacked. Disorderly conduct is a category 4 felony that carries a sentence of as much as three years in jail, however consultants predicted Smollett would probably be positioned on probation and maybe ordered to carry out group service.

Golf’s greatest on show at Gamers Championship

Forty-seven of the world’s high 50 males’s golfers are at Ponta Vedra Seashore, Florida, on Thursday for the beginning of The Gamers Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The stellar subject contains Jon Rahm, the No. 1-ranked participant on the planet; Justin Thomas, final yr’s winner; and Adam Scott, with three High 10 finishes in his final 5 worldwide begins. A $20 million purse is up for grabs, with $3.6 million going to the winner. The climate forecast is trying grim, which may make issues fascinating on the Gamers Stadium Course. NBC and Golf Channel will deal with the TV protection; dwell streaming shall be on ESPN+. Jane learn

Contributing: The Related Press