What we’re reading: Russian defector found dead in Spain, Ohio representatives introduce ‘Save Our Pedestrians’ Act and more

By Addison Thummel, Staff Writer

Published Feb 21, 2024

Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine, speaking in Kyiv in September after he landed a Russian military helicopter in Poltova, Ukraine the previous month.

Russian defector believed to be found dead in Spain

Spanish officials found a body believed to be that of Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian military pilot who defected to Ukraine, according to the New York Times. Kuzminov disregarded Ukrainian officials’ cautioning him to stay in the nation for his safety, and is thought to have relocated to the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Authorities have released limited information and have yet to publicly confirm the identity of the corpse that they said was “riddled with bullets.” Kuzminov’s high-profile status has increased tensions between Moscow and Europe. There are speculations that his death was the work of Russian intelligence institutions.

Ohio representatives introduce bill to increase safety in pedestrian crossing

Ohio representatives Mike Carey and Emilia Sykes introduced the bipartisan Save Our Pedestrians Act, which aims to direct funding towards increasing safety in high-risk pedestrian crossings, according to CBS News.

Pedestrian crossing. (Ryan DeBerardinis/ Shutterstock )

The legislation is meant to address the surge in pedestrian deaths and injuries in America, which increased by 77% between 2010 and 2021. Under the bill, individual states will work with local governments to tailor solutions to the specific needs of the community. Proposed solutions include the installation of medians, roundabouts and sidewalks that allow for more space between roads and walking paths. “As more pedestrians are injured and killed while walking in crosswalks and on streets without sidewalks, the need to find common-sense solutions to allow people to move around our neighborhoods without fear is critical to the quality of life in our communities,” Sykes said.

YouTuber Ruby Franke apologizes to her children during sentencing in child abuse case

Utah mother of six and former YouTube personality Ruby Franke apologized at her sentencing hearing to her children for emotionally and physically abusing them, according to AP News. “My willingness to sacrifice all for you was masterfully manipulated into something very ugly. I took from you all that was soft and safe and good,” Franke said to her children. Franke claims that she was manipulated by her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who was originally hired as a mental health counselor for Franke’s youngest son. Hildebrandt also faces four consecutive prison sentences.

Ruby Franke sits in court during her sentencing hearing, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 in St. George, Utah. (Sheldon Demke/ St.George News via AP, Pool)

Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse for convincing Franke’s two youngest children that they were evil, possessed and needed punishment to repent. Utah state law caps the duration of sentences when it comes to consecutive penalties, meaning that Franke and Hildebrandt will only serve up to 30 years in prison each. Franke did not argue for a shorter sentence and thanked the authorities, doctors and social workers for saving her children from her during a time where she was being “manipulated.”