**Apple’s ‘Peek Performance’ Event**
Apple hosted its first event of 2022, dubbed ‘Peek Performance,’ on Tuesday, March 8. The event featured several major product announcements, including the new iPhone SE, the updated iPad Air, and the long-awaited Mac Studio and Studio Display.
The iPhone SE is an affordable option for those looking for a new iPhone, with a starting price of $429. It features the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, making it one of the most powerful budget phones on the market.
The iPad Air has also been updated with the M1 chip, which offers a significant performance boost over the previous model. It also features a new 12-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage, which keeps you in the center of the frame during video calls.
The Mac Studio is a new desktop computer designed for creative professionals. It features the M1 Max or M1 Ultra chip, which offers incredible performance for video editing, music production, and other demanding tasks. The Studio Display is a new 27-inch display designed to complement the Mac Studio. It features a 5K resolution, True Tone technology, and a built-in webcam.
**Ukraine Conflict**
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russian forces intensifying their attacks on major cities. The United Nations estimates that over 2 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Western countries have imposed severe sanctions on Russia, and the International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into possible war crimes. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue the war until his objectives are met.
**Other Top Stories**
* The United States has announced that it will release 30 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves in an effort to lower gas prices.
* The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by a quarter-point at its next meeting in March.
* Elon Musk has launched a hostile takeover bid for Twitter, offering to buy the company for $44 billion.
* The Omicron subvariant, BA.2, is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States.
* The Winter Olympics concluded in Beijing, with Norway topping the medal count.
* The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship.
* The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Seattle Seahawks.
* The United States Postal Service is considering raising postage rates by 6.5%.
* The Biden administration has proposed a new framework for digital assets.
* The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that could limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions..
