Need2Know: Friday News Roundup

These are the headlines you Need2Know: * **Vatican Responds to Allegations of Abuse in Catholic Church:** The Vatican responded Thursday to a Pennsylvania grand jury report on sex abuse by priests ー and subsequent cover-ups. In a statement, the Vatican said Pope Francis was "on the victims' side," and the Church “must learn hard lessons from its past.” The devastating report released this week concluded that 300 priests may have abused thousands of children over seven decades. For more, [click here](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vatican-condemns-sex-abuse-described-in-pennsylvania-grand-jury-report-2018-08-16/). * **Deliberation Continues in Manafort Trial:** The jury will convene Friday for the second day of deliberation in the trial of President Trump's former campaign chair, Paul Manafort. The jury took a recess after submitting four questions to U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III, including one asking him to define “reasonable doubt." Even if Manafort is acquitted of the charges, he will face another trial later this year. For more, [click here](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/jury-begins-deliberations-in-paul-manaforts-tax--and-bank-fraud-trial/2018/08/16/d2b0f486-a170-11e8-8e87-c869fe70a721_story.html?utm_term=.08842ccc3912). * **Rest in Peace, Queen of Soul:** Aretha Franklin died Thursday from pancreatic cancer. The Queen of Soul, a Grammy-award winning singer and civil-rights activist whose most popular hits include “Respect” and “A Natural Woman,” was 76. Read Rolling Stone's obituary for Franklin [here](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/aretha-franklin-queen-of-soul-dead-at-76-119453/). * **Trump Goes After Big Pharma** The President called Thursday for the Justice Department to pursue lawsuits against drug companies for deceitful marketing of opioids. The Centers for Disease Control reported on Wednesday that 72,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year ー a 10 percent increase from 2016. For more, [click here](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/16/donald-trump-opioid-makers-could-face-federal-lawsuit/1008957002/). Cheddar's Jill Wagner gets into the latest. Subscribe to the Need2Know newsletter [here](https://theneed2know.com).

More In Politics

Iowa Judge Temporarily Blocks 6-Week Abortion Ban

A judge in Iowa has temporarily blocked the state's new six-week abortion ban from taking effect.

UN: U.S. National Detained in North Korea

A U.S. national is being held in North Korea after crossing the border from South Korea, according to the Union Nations.

Alabama Lawmakers to Create New Congressional Map

Alabama lawmakers have been tasked by Supreme Court to create a new, more representative Congressional map by the end of this week.

College Students Struggling With Hunger Face Potential Loss of Food Stamp Benefits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that hunger among college students is rising due to inflation.

Schumer Pushes to Sanction China Over Fentanyl

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed to sanction China over alleged fentanyl production and blamed them for the drug in the U.S.

GOP AGs Move Anti-Affirmative Action Fight to the Workplace

The court’s ruling applies to higher education institutions and other entities that receive federal funding and doesn’t directly change private employer obligations, but business leaders might pull back diversity, equity and inclusion programs to avoid lawsuits.

House Passes Controversial Defense Policy Bill

House Passes Controversial Defense Policy Bill

Biden Administation to Forgive $39B in Student Loan Debt

The Biden administration will forgive $39 billion worth of student loan debt.

IRS Says It Collected $38 Million From More Than 175 High-Income Tax Delinquents

The IRS is showcasing its new capability to aggressively audit high-income tax dodgers as it makes the case for sustained funding and tries to avert budget cuts sought by Republicans who want to gut the agency.

First Amendment Group Sues Texas Governor Over TikTok Ban

A First Amendment group sued Texas Governor Greg Abbott and others on Thursday over the state’s TikTok ban on official devices, arguing the prohibition – which extends to public universities – is unconstitutional and impedes academic freedom.

Load More