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Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Thursday, January 20, 2022:
BIDEN PRESIDENCY: ONE YEAR LATER
Today marks one year since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were inaugurated. Biden held a press conference yesterday afternoon reflecting on his presidency so far, citing it as a “year of challenges, but also a year of enormous progress,” in vaccinations, job creation and child poverty. He did acknowledge that his administration lagged in boosting COVID testing, but said they’re making up for it now. To reflect on the past 12 months, CNN compiled a list of key photos and moments of Biden’s first year. CHECK IT OUT
VOTING RIGHTS BILL FAILS
Voting rights legislation failed in the Senate yesterday. The bill, which would have established national standards for voting access, didn't get the 60 votes needed to pass. Then, a last-ditch effort to change filibuster rules to push it through also failed, but did lead to a 10-hour debate of the bill on the Senate floor. Democrats have argued the bill is necessary as some states enact their own piecemeal rules. But Republicans argue a federal directive would prevent states from being able to carry out their own elections. NY TIMES
Voting against voting is the definition of irony.
STARBUCKS WATERS DOWN VAX MANDATE
Starbucks is reversing its previous mandate that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing, and now just strongly encourages their workers to be vaxxed and boosted. In a company memo, Starbucks COO John Culver said it was responding to last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that rejected a federal vaccine requirement. Most other major chains have been silent so far. NBC
If only a shot of espresso could protect them.
COPS FACE TRIAL IN GEORGE FLOYD DEATH
The three Minneapolis cops who were charged in George Floyd’s death will face a complex trial as prosecutors attempt to show that each officer willingly violated Floyd’s constitutional rights on the day he was killed. J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao will also face an additional state trial later this year on aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter charges. Legal experts say the federal case may be more complicated to win because it is more difficult to prove someone willfully violated a person's constitutional rights. Jury selection is expected to begin today. AP
ENCANTO BEATS FROZEN
Big Frozen fan? Well, then we need to talk about Bruno. The song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from Disney’s newest hit Encanto is now the highest-charting melody from the House of Mouse since 1995, surpassing Frozen’s legendary “Let It Go.” The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart Tuesday, and earlier this month the musical's album reached No 1. The animated movie follows the story of the Madrigal family, who live in the secluded mountains of Colombia in a magical house called Encanto. PEOPLE
FAST FEET
A Houston marathoner shattered the 15-year U.S. record last weekend at a swift 2:19:12. Keira D’Amato had quit distance-running after college and went on to become a real estate agent and mother of two. So where does she go from here? To the Olympics, she hopes, saying she has her eyes set on the Paris Games in 2024. Earlier in the day, Sara Hall also broke a the record when she crossed the finish line of the half marathon. TODAY
It takes us two hours just to think of an excuse not to exercise.
GIRLS REUNION SHOT DOWN
In a new Hollywood Reporter profile, Lena Dunham shut down rumors of a potential Girls reboot, explaining that it just isn’t the right time. Still, Dunham, who created and starred in the HBO hit, said she hopes to make an older, wiser version of it at some point. As for reboot inspo? Dunham said And Just Like That, the Sex and the City spinoff, was "such a pleasure" to see. “For me, those are women who can do no wrong," she said. HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
SIX-FIGURE DOG WALKER
Some become a lawyer or a doctor to make six figures. Ryan Stewart walks dogs. As a top-tier professional dog walker who owns a boutique dog walking company, Stewart banks six figures from taking canines on walks. He goes on 70 to 80 walks a week, which takes about 25 hours, and only works with two other dog walkers. The secret to his success? Enough demand, loyal customers and a no-phone policy on his walks. THE HUSTLE
We’ll do it if we don’t have to pick up their poop.
KING OF COMEDY
Jon Stewart is slated to receive this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, an award that recognizes people who have had an impact on society. This year’s ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C. in late April, the first since the start of the pandemic. Stewart changed the tone of political commentary in 1996 with the premiere of The Daily Show and has been honored with dozens of awards including 22 Primetime Emmys, 5 Peabodies and 2 Grammys. BILLBOARD
LEFTOVERS: SUNDANCE 2022
The Sundance Film Festival kicks off today in an all-virtual event that will feature a wide range of movies from docs on Princess Di and Kanye to A-list celebrity dramas. Debating which film to watch? Rolling Stone put together its very own list of the movies they have their eye on this year. CHECK IT OUT
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