Parents aren't worried about the education culture war; Biden requests $33 billion for Ukraine; the dark history of menthol cigarettes

Plus, former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams pleads for compassion on masking

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen First up LA Johnson/NPR Here's what we're following today: Lately it seems there's a new controversy erupting every day over how race, gender or history are tackled in public school. But a new poll by NPR and Ipsos reveals that most parents — regardless of political affiliation — are content with their children's schools The Biden administration is asking Congress for $33 billion to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia. Biden urged Congress to approve the request as quickly as possible during this "pivotal time" in Ukraine. Matilda Bogner, the head of a U.N. team documenting possible human rights abuses in Ukraine says her team has investigated Russia's indiscriminate use of explosives in civilian areas, illegal executions of civilians and "high numbers of allegations of sexual violence" around Kyiv. Nearly 3,000 civilian deaths have been recorded. Masking up is no longer required in many places in the U.S., but some still prefer to use them. Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams urges people to be compassionate to each other about their masking choices. Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Knowing how to support your Muslim colleagues during their daily fasts this month can be confusing. NPR has some tips on what to say (and not to say).  Newsletter continues after sponsor message Today’s listen Stanford Research into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising The Food and Drug Administration has announced plans to ban menthol cigarettes, which the tobacco industry has aggressively marketed toward African Americans since 1964. 🎧 Listen to learn more about the role these cigarettes played in Black history, or read the story. Weekend picks Lilies Films Check out what our critics are watching, reading and listening to this weekend:  FIlm: Céline Sciamma's Petite Maman is full of childlike wonderment, but also is very matter-of-fact in its approach to magic. It also reveals itself as very much a movie about grief, about how a child learns to cope with sudden loss and inevitable change. TV: Ozark's final seven episodes drop on Netflix today. NPR's Eric Deggans, who has been a fan since the beginning, fears the show will be remembered more as a clever thrill ride than a series with a coherent message. Music: Miranda Lambert's eighth solo album, Palomino is, at its heart, an album about the freedom afforded by the open road. It's filled with what Lambert does best: freewheeling fun. Books: There's a frog playing drums, an alien on guitar and a humanoid with a TV for a head on vocals. If the cover of the Saga comic seems a bit confusing, you have some catching up to do. Before you go Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images Every dog person knows that all dogs are good boys, regardless of breed. Now science is on their side: breed plays less of a role in behavior than previously thought. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in South America, Antarctica, and the Pacific and Southern oceans, according to NASA. Check out our tips on whether you'll be able to view it. Around the world, the Ramadan dawn-to-dusk fast is usually followed by a feast. And in Hyderabad, India, that feast is dominated by haleem, a thick meat-and-lentil stew. The neighborhood of Astoria in Queens, N.Y., is no stranger to the Dave's brand. Dave's Lesbian Bar, a pop-up event series, fulfills a need for community spaces where queer people feel comfortable, safe and considered. 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