12 Russian diplomats expelled, Biden's SOTU challenges; music comes back to Mardi Gras

Plus, a Jackie Robinson ticket stub sells for a record price

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen First up Marwan Ali/AP Here's what we're following today: The International Criminal Court will open an investigation into potential war crimes in Ukraine, where eight years of conflict preceded Russia's invasion. A preliminary report in 2020 found a "reasonable basis to believe" that crimes including murder, rape, torture and unlawful confinement were taking place. ➡️ In Ukraine: satellite images show a 40-mile-long Russian military convoy on its way to Kyiv. ➡️ Russia is using controversial "cluster munitions," a deadly weapon banned by most countries, humanitarian groups say. Twelve Russian diplomats have been expelled from the U.S. for allegedly "engaging in espionage." The operation to remove the diplomats has been in the works for months.  The low-dose version of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine given to younger children appears to be much less effective than the larger dosage. Researchers found the ability of the vaccine to protect children 5-11 dropped rapidly from 68% to just 12%. Biden is giving his first State of the Union address during a complicated time. His approval ratings are low and many in the country are unhappy with his first year in office. These will be his biggest challenges ahead of the address.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message Today’s listen Aubri Juhasz/WWNO Mardi Gras in New Orleans is extra exciting this year as parades make a pandemic comeback. Music has filled the streets as high school bands returned. 🎧 Listen to their story or read it here. Before you go Keystone/Getty Images A ticket stub from Jackie Robinson's major-league debut has sold for a whopping $480,000. It's believed to be the most expensive sporting event ticket ever sold at auction. Estée Lauder senior executive John Demsey has been let go after he posted a now-deleted Instagram post with a racial slur. A Jewish family has finally been reunited with a prized Kandinsky painting. Robert Lewenstein and his wife Irma Klein were forced to auction it off as they fled the Nazis in 1940. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy