3 things to know for April 19: Ukraine; Mask mandates; Ahmaud Arbery

Russia says “another phase” of its Ukraine invasion has begun

On Tuesday, Russia poured more troops into Ukraine in a potentially crucial battle for control of the country’s “eastern industrial heartland of coal mines and factories,” Adam Schreck, a reporter for The Associated Press writes.

Schreck adds that if successful, the Russian offensive in what is known as the Donbas would essentially “slice Ukraine in two and give President Vladimir Putin a badly needed victory after the failed attempt by Moscow’s forces to storm the capital, Kyiv.”

The cities of Kharkiv and Kramatorsk came under deadly attack, and Russia also said it struck areas around Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro west of the Donbas with missiles, according to The AP.

Uber drops COVID-19 mask mandate for drivers, passengers

Rideshare company Uber has followed the lead of airlines and has dropped its mask mandate effective today.

>> Read more trending news

Uber is leaving it up to customers and drivers to decide whether or not they want to wear a mask and is telling customers “if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip,” NBC News reported.

Uber had required drivers and riders to wear a mask while using the service since May 18, 2020, Fox Business reported.

Arbery’s killers to be sentenced in August for hate crimes

The men convicted of hate crimes for chasing and killing Ahmaud Arbery as he ran in their Georgia neighborhood have been scheduled for sentencing this summer in federal court.

According to The Associated Press, U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood scheduled Aug. 1 sentencing hearings for all three men. Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, each face a maximum penalty of life in prison in connection with the 2020 death of the 25-year-old.

It’s possible the sentencing date could change.

©2022 Cox Media Group