Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Mar 7, 2022

Visa and Mastercard say they're gonna suspend all operations in Russia over the country's invasion of Ukraine. Any cards issued by Russian banks will no longer be supported by their networks, and cards issued overseas will no longer work at businesses or ATMs in Russia. In case you're wondering both companies together control about 90% of credit and debit payments in the world, outside of China.

Why would somebody steal a box of human heads intended for scientific research? Happened in Denver, Colorado last Thursday. They were headed to “Science Care,” which says it's a “body donation to science program that helps future generations through improved scientific research and education.” Just wanted to give you the (ahem) heads up.

Hats off to “Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethenny Frankel, who's raised $25 million for Ukraine relief efforts through her foundation, BStrong. She said on Instagram that $10 million would go to help relocate refugees, while another $15 million was earmarked for distribution inside Ukraine.

A chain of restaurants in France specializing in the Canadian delicacy, poutine, had to put up a sign saying it had nothing to do with Russian President Vladimir Putin after they got threatening phone calls. The Maison de la Poutine tweeted that it's spelled differently even though the translation for the Russian president's last name — Putin — in French is "Poutine."

The folks who make Stolichnaya vodka said Friday they're gonna change the name to simply “Stoli” because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You probably don't know this, but the founder of the company, Yuri Shefler, was born in Russia but exiled in 2000 for his anti-Putin views. Stoli has been manufactured in Latvia since then.