UKRAINE LATEST – AT 8:35 A.M. ET:  The Russian side looks like it's pulling a shrewd move in the Ukraine crisis.  From Fox:

The parliament of the disputed Crimean Peninsula has voted in favor of leaving Ukraine to become part of Russia, with a referendum on endorsing the move to be held later this month.

The parliament, which enjoys a degree of autonomy under current Ukrainian law, voted 78-0 with eight abstentions in favor of holding the referendum and joining Russia. Local voters will also be given the choice of deciding to remain part of Ukraine, but with enhanced local powers.

Russia, which regards Crimea as essentially Russian, could claim that democratic procedures were being followed. 

Ukraine's interim government is declaring the referendum illegal. 

Meantime, the U.S. State Department is imposing visa restrictions on Russians and Ukrainians accused of threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine.  Take that, Russkies!

President Obama plans to take a few days off this weekend.

March 6,  2014