News·3 min read

Daily Skimm: Ukraine, The Grammys, and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

A photo shows damages from conflict areas in the Hostomel region, as Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, on April 03, 2022 in Bucha, Ukraine.
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April 4, 2022

Bucha Massacre

The Story

Russia’s accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine.

Go on. 

Over a month since their invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s troops have retreated from Kyiv and neighboring areas — leaving behind a trail of destruction. And what Ukrainian officials say is evidence of war crimes. 

What evidence?

Bucha. Images from the town — located northwest of the capital — are chilling. Think: 300 residents killed. Bodies lying on the streets — some of them with their hands tied behind their back. Dozens of others buried in mass gravesites. And Human Rights Watch has documented cases of rape among other crimes. 

How are people reacting? 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls it a “genocide.” Western leaders are condemning the atrocities, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying Russia will have to “answer for these crimes.” But Moscow denies the allegations and says it’s “another staged performance” by the Ukrainians.

Will there be repercussions?

Most likely. The Biden admin is reportedly weighing more sanctions. The EU is promising more sanctions and support. And it could prompt some European countries, like Germany, to stop buying gas from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are calling on the International Criminal Court to visit and gather evidence of possible Russian war crimes.

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The atrocities are putting more pressure on the US and European allies to do more to hold Russia accountable. It all comes as Russia says peace talks with Ukraine aren’t progressing enough for a meeting between the two leaders.

And Also...This

What has us saying 'another one, thank you'...

The Grammys. Yesterday, Jon Batiste took home the big award of the night for his album, “We Are.” Silk Sonic left the door open to wins. Trevor Noah left names out of mouths. We got standout performances from Jon BatisteBillie Eilish, and HER. We got a tribute to Stephen Sondheim and a speech from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. And then there were the lighter moments: Doja had her fastest pee. Lady Gaga had SZA’s back. And Olivia Rodrigo had her moment.

…Oh and one thing that didn’t get applause: Louis CK’s Grammy win for best comedy album.

Where there were big votes...

Amazon. On Friday, warehouse workers in Staten Island voted to unionize. Led by a fired employee, they’re the first US union in the tech giant’s 27-year history. Pro-union workers say they want higher wages, longer breaks, and better working conditions. Amazon said it’s disappointed with the outcome and signaled it could challenge the election.

The House. On Friday, lawmakers voted to federally decriminalize marijuana. The legislation would expunge marijuana convictions, and impose a tax on cannabis products. Democrats say this bill would help communities of color. One report found that Black Americans are more than three times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite using it at similar rates. Now, the legislation heads to the Senate which will likely puff, puff, and not pass the bill.

Skimm More: Want to dive deeper on these topics? We've got more on labor unions here, and the efforts to legalize marijuana in the US here.

Who’s dusting off their shelf…

The South Carolina Gamecocks. Last night, the women's college basketball team took home their second championship win after beating UConn. But the game's not over for the men. The Tar Heels beat Duke on Saturday — and ended Coach K’s 42-year career — they’re facing off against Kansas tonight.

Skimm More: This year's women's tournament was historic. Here's why.

Who's expected to pass one more hurdle today…

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Skimm MoreHere's your refresher on how the Supreme Court confirmation process works.

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