Need 2 Know: State of the Union Uncertainty, May Survives (Again)
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know.
* **Syria:** Four American service members are among the dead in an ISIS suicide bombing in Syria, weeks after President Trump declared victory over the terrorist group and announced the withdrawal of troops in that country. The blast, which targeted a restaurant popular with American troops, killed 19 people in total. Hours after the attack, Vice President Pence declared that ISIS had, in fact, been defeated. Read more [here](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46892118).
* **Shutdown: Day 27:** House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has asked President Trump to delay the State of the Union address, scheduled for Jan. 29, until the government reopens, or do it in writing instead. She cited “security concerns” over Secret Service staffing. The Dept. of Homeland Security says it would be able to handle it, and the White House is said to be mulling whether the GOP-controlled Senate could invite Trump to deliver the address instead. Read more [here](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-officials-discuss-whether-mcconnell-can-invite-trump-for-state-of-the-union-address/).
* **California Storms:** California has been hit with multiple storms this week and it’s not over yet. The National Weather Service is warning a “powerful Pacific storm” is expected to “hammer the West Coast into Friday.” Heavy rain and blizzard conditions are expected. Meanwhile, in Southern California, a 19-car crash resulted from fog, and in Northern California, a mudslide made a mess of the morning commute. Read more [here](http://time.com/5505269/california-storm-highway-closures-car-crashes/).
* **May Survives (Again):** UK Prime Minister Theresa May survived another ‘no-confidence’ vote just after her Brexit deal failed. The ouster vote was 325 to 306. May has until Monday to come up with a new Brexit plan. Read more [here](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46900367).
* **Razr Back:** The Motorola Razr is reportedly coming back. According to the Wall Street Journal, the new version of the phone comes with a foldable screen, will cost around $1500 and may be available as soon as February. The phonemaker Lenovo, which owns the Motorola brand, is reported to be partnering with Verizon on an exclusive deal. Read more [here](https://www.wsj.com/articles/return-of-the-razrwith-a-foldable-screen-and-1-500-price-11547643601).
* **Bye, Bob:** Broadcaster Bob Costas has parted ways with NBC after 40 years at the network. His contract, worth millions of dollars, ran through 2021. Costas reportedly said it was “all settled quietly and happily for all concerned.” Read more [here](https://www.si.com/tech-media/2019/01/16/bob-costas-nbc-leaves-40-years-mlb-network).
* **Who Ya Gonna Call?:** There’s a new "Ghostbusters" movie on the horizon, and a teaser has already been released. The sequel to the original franchise will be directed by Jason Reitman, the son of the original film’s director, and is expected in the summer of 2020. Watch the teaser [here](https://ew.com/trailers/2019/01/16/jason-reitman-ghostbusters-movie-teaser/).
* **Chris Hansen:** Chris Hansen, the former host of "To Catch a Predator," has been arrested for allegedly bouncing checks. Hansen is accused of writing a nearly $13,000 check for items ー twice. Both checks bounced. The items, including mugs and shirts, were for a marketing campaign. Read more [here](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/catch-a-predator-host-chris-hansen-charged-bouncing-checks-1176635).
* **Super Blood Wolf Moon:** A "super blood wolf moon," a rare lunar eclipse, will be visible this Sunday night. The event gets its name because it consists of three lunar events: a supermoon, a wolf moon ー the first full moon of the year ー and a blood moon, which is when the sun, moon, and Earth all line up to create a red glow. Find out how to watch [here](https://www.sciencealert.com/the-super-blood-moon-eclipse-is-almost-upon-us-here-s-how-to-watch).
* **"Fat Lady":** Meghan Markle took it well when a woman at an animal charity called her “a fat lady.” The woman first told the royal she was a “lovely lady” and then added she was “a fat lady.” Markle laughed and said, “I’ll take it!” Read more [here](https://people.com/royals/pregnant-meghan-markle-was-called-a-fat-lady-at-animal-shelter-and-her-response-was-perfection/).
Cheddar's Hena Doba gets into the latest.
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U.S. officials spoke to Russian leaders for nearly eight hours earlier this week, in hopes of reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russia forced the west to the negotiating table by massing 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, sparking fears of an invasion, and then submitted a set of demands which the west rejected. Joel Rubin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State & President at Washington Strategy Group explains what the rest of the week might look like, and why other European nations may be on the side of the U.S.
Chicago schools opened their doors again following a dispute between the teachers union and the city over as the omicron variant continues to surge, but the safety issues they fought over weren't just limited to the Windy City. Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, family medicine and urgent care doctor, joined Cheddar in discussing concerns of parents, teachers, and students as schools try to operate amid COVID and noted what she's been observing as the number of infections among children rises. "I am seeing them contract the illness from so many different aspects," she said. "It could be from a fellow classmate. It could be from a parent. All of those things really play in the effect of transmission as well as contracting the illness."
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) is looking for clarification about a federal standard regarding THC impairment while driving. "I think in terms of marijuana, the fact that it's still a Schedule 1 narcotic — it's treated the same as heroin and cocaine — it means that we can't get standards developed," he said about the lack of cohesive regulations. The lawmaker also explained his previous opposition to cannabis legalization in Colorado when he was governor and why his position changed.
With Martin Luther King Jr. Day fast approaching, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C. 6th District), the House Majority Whip, talked about the importance of honoring the iconic civil rights activist. "As we consider the life and celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., let's think about who and what we are as a country, and whether or not we're going to give up on the ideals of this country or continue to press forward," he said. Clyburn also discussed the push for new voting legislation, the For the People Act and the John Lewis Act, as well as the fate of the Senate filibuster.
One year after the attack on Capitol Hill, America is still deeply divided and politically broken. Zoe Tillman, senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, breaks down President Biden's remarks on January 6, and why the country disagrees on its views over the violent insurrection.
While the pandemic caused financial troubles for many, the unique circumstances of the last two years proved helpful to many Americans. Whether it was the federal government's stimulus checks, expanded unemployment insurance, or general lockdowns, recent data reveals that the covid-19 pandemic helped many reach financial security. Neale Godfrey, Financial Expert and New York Times #1 Best Selling Author joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
U.S. markets opened higher despite red-hot inflation data which showed the highest surge in nearly 40 years. Jon Maier, CIO, GlobalX ETFs joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss this historic report.
Meta's request to have a Federal Trade Commission antitrust lawsuit dismissed was rejected by a federal judge. Prosecutors presented enough evidence in their latest filing to go forward with the case accusing the tech giant of operating a social networking monopoly through Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Covid cases have started to spike again across the nation, and this time they seem to be hitting some of our youngest and most vulnerable - school-aged children. School districts across the nation - including the country's largest public school system in New York City- are all grappling with what to do as teachers and students alike continue to miss school in droves.
Katie Honan, reporter for the New York City-based non profit news organization, The City explains how educational leaders across the country are handling covid demands from both teachers and parents alike.
Last week, the Supreme Court began here to hear arguments on two of the President's COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The vaccine or testing requirement for employees of large businesses, as well as the vaccine mandate for health care providers who get funding through either Medicare or Medicaid. The justices in DC will ultimately decide whether or not federal agencies even have the authority to issue these types of mandates. Editor at large of employment at Law 360, Vin Gurrieri, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
