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Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Friday, April 8, 2022:
JACKSON CONFIRMED
The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, securing her place as the first Black female justice in the court’s 233-year history. Jackson was confirmed in a 53-47 vote, mostly along party lines. Jackson is the third-ever Black justice and the sixth-ever woman on the Supreme Court. Even with Jackson’s confirmation, the court remains 6-3 conservative-dominant. Jackson watched the confirmation vote at the White House with President Biden and the two shared a hug as her history-making confirmation became official. CNN
ATTACK ON UKRAINE TRAIN STATION
Russia bombed a train station in eastern Ukraine where thousands were waiting to evacuate. At least 39 people were killed and 100 more injured. Reporting has indicated the Russian military will refocus its attacks on this region of the country, which is apparently what was driving the crush of people trying to exit. The air attack came as the head of the EU was traveling to Kyiv to meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a day after the EU decided to phase out Russian coal by this summer. WASH POST
RUSSIAN BANS
U.S.: The Senate passed a bill to stop imports of oil and gas from Russia, nearly a month after Biden signed an executive order for a similar ban. It also unanimously passed a bill to revoke Russia’s “most favored nation” status, which allows the World Trade Organization to impose higher tariffs on the country. NY TIMES
U.N.: In another blow, Russia has been booted from the U.N. Human Rights Council following the allegations of atrocities committed by Russian troops. The final vote came in at 93 in favor, 24 against, and 58 abstentions. The suspension, led by the U.S., bars Russians from speaking and voting on global human rights issues, but its diplomats may still attend debates. Russia was in the second year of a three-year term on the council. REUTERS
PELOSI TESTS POSITIVE
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tested positive for Covid, as more high-level government officials have come down with the virus this week. Sen. Susan Collins, Rep. Peter DeFazio, and the president's sister also announced positive tests yesterday. The day before Pelosi got the positive result, she was standing next to the president as he signed the U.S. Postal Service Reform Act, though so far he has tested negative. Pelosi is fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. USA TODAY
TRUMP CONTEMPT REQUEST
New York’s attorney general asked a state judge to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt of court, after refusing an order to turn over documents the AG subpoenaed for her civil probe into his business practices. The probe focuses on whether the Trump Organization inaccurately reported the values of its real estate properties to obtain favorable loans and tax deductions. If the request is granted, he faces a fine of $10,000 a day until he complies. FOX NEWS
If he’s as rich as he says he is that’s like $10 bucks a day.
MIAMI BITCOIN CONFERENCE
Thousands of cryptocurrency enthusiasts are gathering in Miami for the 2022 Bitcoin Conference happening this week. The city is using the conference to build on its reputation as a hotspot for developing blockchain technology. Just behind New York and Silicon Valley, Miami blockchain startups have pulled in about $760 million in funding. But the thing that has everyone talking is…the bull. Miami revealed it's own statue - a robot-like version of the famed Wall Street Bull, complete with laser eyes. Not everyone loves it. You can decide for yourself. THE BULL
APPLE GETS SPORTY
Apple TV+ continues its fight to climb the ranks of streaming services. Today, Apple breaks into live sports, broadcasting two Major League Baseball games. “Friday Night Baseball” will be produced by MLB Network, but will be available on Apple TV+ without a subscription for a limited time. If you’re tuning into the broadcast, expect Apple to be not-so-subtle in promoting its products, including on-screen graphics highlighting batter, walk-up music from Apple Music, and baseball trivia with the help of Siri. Tonight's broadcast will feature a matchup between the Mets and Nationals, followed by Astros vs. Angels. CHEDDAR
If they want to get people excited about this they probably shouldn’t have picked a Mets game.
WALMART TRUCKERS GET PAID
Walmart is increasing salaries for its truck drivers. The nation’s largest retailer will raise the starting salary from $87,500 to up to $110,000 annually - nearly double the national average. The announcement comes days after President Biden hosted truckers at the White House to tout its efforts to help truckers. Recent supply chain issues have worsened an already troubled trucking industry, as the American Trucking Association estimates the U.S. has a shortage of about 80,000 drivers. WSJ
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD HIRES
Video game company Activision Blizzard announced that nearly 1,100 temporary game testers are getting full-time jobs with benefits and a minimum $20 hourly wage. The gaming giant has had major problems with staff as of late, particularly the widespread sexual harassment scandal which only continues to grow; another lawsuit was filed just two weeks ago. THE VERGE
TRUE CRIME JOB ALERT!
If trucking or gaming isn’t for you, MagellanTV, a documentary streaming service, is looking for someone to take on a 24-hour crime marathon. The candidate must watch 32 True Crime shows within 48 hours while documenting the all-nighter on social media. If completed successfully, one winner will receive $2,400 in cash and free year-long membership to MagellanTV. 100 runners-up will also receive the free year-long membership. The network asks that applicants submit a video making their case as to why they’re the best binge-watcher. THE JOB
Great news considering we were already doing it for free.
CHEDDAR FUN
Cheddar's Digital Team has slate of movies and TV to recommend for this weekend. Right now we're watching anime, a comedy film, a docuseries, and more. Check it out! CHEDDAR
**LOVE **HATE **ATE
One thing we love: The Masters, because naps will certainly be taken throughout the weekend viewing. Maybe the one thing we love is just naps.
One thing we hate: Loud neighbors. Don't you people have something else to do?
One thing we ate: A classic slice of New York pizza. Taste bud bliss.
Need2Know Podcast Note: The Need2Know podcast is taking a break for now. We're looking forward to bringing you more context and analysis on the big stories of the day in a few weeks. In the meantime, check out our archive on Apple or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, and send us your feedback!
