Americans detained in Russia; how the Russia-Ukraine conflict will worsen world hunger; kindergartener pep talks

Plus, how parents fed up with school COVID policies could bolster the GOP in the midterms [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen First up Eric Gay/AP Here's what we're following today: As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its 12th day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. is currently working on freeing Americans detained in Russia and urges others to leave the country. Among those detained is [WBNA star Brittney Griner]( who was arrested at a Moscow-area airport for allegedly transporting drugs. The confirmed global death toll for the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed a grim milestone of 6 million. The United States alone [accounts for nearly 1 million deaths](. It's likely the world hit this milestone a long time ago: Poor record-keeping and testing in many parts of the world has led to an undercount in deaths. The parents who advocated against mandates that until recently required their children to wear masks at school are more engaged with politics than ever. With the midterm elections coming this year, their anger over school COVID-19 policies could [mean success for the GOP](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Picture show Claire Harbage/NPR More than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since Russia invaded, making their exodus the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The majority of refugees are currently in Poland. These photos reveal their [harrowing journey](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s listens Vincent Mundy/Bloomberg via Getty Images Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have ripple effects worldwide. Because the world relies heavily on the two countries for wheat and other commodities, the war may worsen malnutrition and starvation globally. 🎧 [Listen to this story]( or [read it here.]( There's a lot of history leading up to what's currently happening in Russia and Ukraine. Santa Barbara librarian Molly Wetta has some book recommendations for those looking to brush up on their Eastern European history and geopolitics.🎧 [Listen to her talk about her favorite books.]( The internet is rife with misinformation about Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Harvard's Joan Donovan's gives some advice on how to recognize manipulated videos and photos as well as propaganda. 🎧 [Listen to her advice.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go Jessica Martin - Sometimes children give the best advice. Call this hotline, and you'll [get a pep talk]( from a resilient group of kindergartners. - The pandemic prompted many people to adopt a pet, and they've gotten used to roaming free outside. Authorities in San Diego are now [cracking down on unleashed pets.]( - Creativity can feel like an elusive practice that you can't mindfully cultivate. Author Julia Cameron disagrees and [has some advice.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a 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]( [NPR logo]