The war in Ukraine dragged into its second year on Friday, with no end in sight to a Russian-launched conflict that has killed tens of thousands, flattened cities and towns, forced millions to flee and brought a Cold War chill to global ties. One year into a war of attrition, Russia controls around a fifth of Ukraine. With Putin signalling a desire to double down on a conflict that prompted tough Western sanctions against his country and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy maintaining a hard line on any potential talks, the prospects of peace appear bleak.

IS CHINA PUSHING RUSSIA TO MAKE PEACE WITH UKRAINE?

A monster winter storm swept across the U.S. after delivering heavy snows, freezing rains and gusty winds to the Midwest. Hundreds of thousands were without power and hundreds of flights were grounded. Weather advisories stretched from Washington state to New England, and some spots may see up to 18 inches of snow, 50 mph winds, and wind chills of minus-40 degrees. Meanwhile, parts of the Ohio Valley and the South are experiencing record-breaking high temperatures.

THIS WEEKEND'S FORECAST IS A MIXED BAG FOR AMERICANS

Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, the disgraced S.C. attorney charged with murdering his wife and son, admitted to lying to investigators about his whereabouts on the night of the killings but denied any guilt in dramatic testimony on Thursday. Four weeks into the high-profile trial, Murdaugh took the stand to testify that he did not shoot his wife, Maggie, 52, or 22-year-old son Paul, who were both gunned down on the family's estate on June 7, 2021. He faces more cross-examination on Friday.

FIND OUT WHY MURDAUGH SAID HE LIED TO INVESTIGATORS

According to the World Economic Forum, approximately how many refugees have fled Ukraine in the year since the Russian invasion?

Thursday's answer: The Great Daylight Fireball (aka the Grand Teton Meteor) passed within 35 miles of the Earth's surface on Aug. 10, 1972.