Ukrainian officials have reported that over 100,000 homes are currently without power following a series of drone attacks on the country's energy sites by Russia. This escalation comes amidst renewed threats from President Trump to impose severe sanctions on Russia. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff remains optimistic about the possibility of a peace deal between the two sides, although the Kremlin's proposal includes Russian control over Donetsk and eastern Ukraine, a condition that may not be acceptable to the Ukrainians.
Since the 2022 invasion, approximately 70% of Donetsk has fallen under Russian control, further complicating the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the federal government has announced plans to expand its influence in the nation's capital, with the Department of Transportation set to take over D.C.'s Union Station, a key transportation hub in the region.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for revitalizing Union Station, citing its current state of disrepair. The decision to bring the station under D.O.T. control is aimed at improving its management and overall functionality. This move coincided with the unveiling of Amtrak's new Acela trains, which are marginally faster than their predecessors, with a top speed of 160 miles per hour on the Northeast Corridor route between D.C. and Boston.
While the introduction of the new trains marks a step towards modernization, officials acknowledge that the U.S. lags behind other regions in high-speed rail infrastructure, such as Europe and Asia. Plans are underway to introduce more trains as deliveries continue, with a focus on enhancing rail travel within the country.
