Get the Need2Know newsletter in your inbox every morning! Sign up here!

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!

Share:
More In Culture
All-Pro Football Player Launches Foundation for Rescue Dogs
All-Pro Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley joins Cheddar News to discuss launching The Ronnie Stanley Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for rescue dogs, provide training that cultivates therapeutic properties, and match each rescue with an individual who has faced a challenge in life such as a chronic illness or emotional trauma.
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Debuts NFT Line
2021 has been the year of many things, and one of them is the NFT or non-fungible token. We've seen NFTs come about for so many different things. Digital artists have used them to sell their artwork in a more traditional art transaction than the internet had previously allowed. We've seen specific NFT campaigns like the pudgy penguins amass large followings. And now we're seeing them expand into horror films just in time for spooky season. The iconic horror movie franchise "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" has launched its debut NFT line entitled "Leatherfaces." the illustrations are designed by Skinner in partnership with Ultra Rare to reveal a total of over 10,000 Leatherface avatars. The collection gives fans, NFT fiends and blockchain fanatics access to a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre metaverse unlike any that has been seen before. Richie Hobson, co-founder of Ultra Rare, joins None of the Above to discuss.
USO Hosts 72-Hours Twitch Streamathon For Veterans Day
The USO is hosting a 72 hour streamathon on Twitch called #OperationPlayItForward, and is tapping into Gen Z superstars and gamers to raise money for the organization through the power of the esports community. The goal here is to help support both the new generation of troops and their families. Director of Global Gaming Operations at USO Callum Fletcher and Former UFC Lightweight Champ and Twitch Partner Jens Pulver, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
State Department Issues First Gender-Neutral Passport
The past decade or so has been a has seen massive change-- usually good-- for the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriage has seen broader acceptance, and there's been increased conversation about the reality of gender identity. Now, folks who don't identify as male or female can travel while staying true to their more authentic self. The Biden administration has issued the first passport with a gender-neutral designation "X." the passport was issued to Dana Zzyym, an intersex activist from Colorado, after a long legal battle with the state department in which Zzyym argued they shouldn't be required to lie about their identity on their passport. Advocates for such changes have applauded the move, saying it will allow people who don't identify as male or female to travel the globe in a more safe and visible way. Paul Castillo, counsel at Lambda Legal and Zzyym's attorney in this case, joins None of the Above to discuss.
Biden Administration Vows To Support Veteran 'Burn Pit' Victims With Better Health Care
The Biden Administration has announced its latest plans to support veterans who had been exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits. According to several veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, a number of them were exposed to hour-long periods of burn pits. As a result, many of them say they have suffered from severe life-long side effects. Co-founder at Burn Pits 360 Le Roy Torres, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Load More