Solidarity with Ukraine or modern McCarthyism? Ukraine's chances for winning the war; Amazon buys MGM

Plus, check out our weekend recs for movies, TV, books and music. [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen First up Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Here's what we're following today: In addition to government sanctions, many businesses and individuals have started boycotting Russian products in solidarity with Ukraine. But critics are speaking out against this, comparing the [shunning of Russian artists, musicians, athletes and more]( to McCarthyism from the 1950s. It's not news that gas prices have been skyrocketing following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The rise in prices disproportionately affects low-wage workers who must drive to work. Some politicians are [proposing gas tax holidays]( but whether or not they'll help is complicated. Moderna has joined Pfizer-BioNTech to request an emergency authorization for a second booster shot. This would be the [fourth shot for Moderna's series of COVID-19 vaccines](. The request is for approval for people 18 years and older. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, is the new White House COVID-19 response coordinator. Jha's role will be critical in how the U.S. handles the [next phase of the pandemic.]( Some are wondering why Russia's arrest of basketball star Brittney Griner isn’t getting more media attention. In fact, the limited response from her family and the WNBA [might be working to protect her](. ➡️ Yesterday, a Russian court extended Griner's detention to [May 19](. As the situation in Ukraine unfolds, NPR's on-the-ground reporting and contextual interviews with experts are keeping you and millions of others reliably informed. Our work is only possible because people like you donate to support our non-profit journalism. [Please contribute to your local NPR station today to keep information flowing.]( ♥ [Donate now]( ♥ --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Today's listen Julien De Rosa/AFP via Getty Images As the war in Ukraine continues to drag on despite Russia's military strength, many are wondering if Ukraine actually has a chance at winning. [Listen as analysts dissect Russia's battlefield failures]( or [read the story.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Weekend picks Photographer/Source Check out what [our critics]( are watching, reading and listening to this weekend: Film: Deep Water offers the [titillating spectacle]( of a real-life, ill-fated couple playing a fictional ill-fated couple. TV: Adam Scott and others are taking work/life balance to another level in [Severance](. It's a workplace satire, a futuristic thought-experiment about identity and a drama about the dimensions of grief. Books: If you're feeling stir-crazy, grab one of these [new YA books]( and go on a journey — no COVID risk involved. Music: Rosalía's third album, [Motomami]( presents two sides of Latin pop: "moto" — harder, faster — and "mami" — vulnerable, at times quiet and self-aware. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go John Locher/AP - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame isn't taking no for an answer. The organization says [Dolly Parton will remain on this year's ballot]( because voting has already begun. - When will humans make it to Mars? Elon Musk hints that the [first crewed mission to the red planet]( could be in 2029. - Film and television studio MGM is now a part of Prime Video and Amazon Studios. It's the [second-largest acquisition]( for Amazon after purchasing Whole Foods. - CNN's Chris Cuomo is seeking $125 million in damages after he was fired from the network after helping his brother through a sex scandal. He says CNN [used him as a "scapegoat."]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 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]