Get the Need2Know newsletter in your inbox every morning! Sign up here!
Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Friday, April 15, 2022:
MUSK'S TWITTER TAKEOVER BID
Elon Musk offered to buy 100% of Twitter for $43 billion, or $54.20 per share. The Tesla CEO says the social media platform should be privatized to better protect freedom of speech. Last week, he purchased a 9.2% stake in Twitter; this week, he announced plans to join the board of directors before ultimately reversing that decision. Now, the plot thickens in a major way as Musk looks to buy Twitter in its entirety. The company’s board of directors met to discuss the landmark purchase, though few details on an agreement, or lack thereof, have been released. CHEDDAR
UKRAINE UPDATES
SUNKEN SHIP: The Russian Defense Ministry said one of its core warships, Moskva, sank in the Black Sea while being towed in a storm. Ukraine, however, claims to have hit the ship in a missile attack. Moscow has denied any attack, but acknowledged the ship was on fire. Analysts say this won’t alter the course of the war, but it’s a positive sign of Ukrainian resistance as the sinking could serve as a deterrent for future Russian naval attacks. CHEDDAR
OIL EMBARGO: In a major economic hit for every country involved, European Union officials have drafted an embargo on Russian oil as a punishment for its invasion. It’s a move EU officials were reluctant to make due to increased gas prices and potential retaliation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. There are political implications as well: EU members won’t negotiate the embargo until after France’s election, ensuring the impact on gas prices will not be used as leverage for right-wing populist candidate Marine Le Pen. NY TIMES
FEDERAL RACIAL EQUITY IMPROVEMENTS
The Biden administration is rolling out equity action plans across the entire federal government, following up on a campaign promise to address racial and gender inequities in government policy. The hundreds of initiatives include programs to help non-English speakers better report crimes, technical assistance for Native American tribes applying for grants, and help for low-income households to access energy-saving programs for their homes. The initiatives deliver on an executive order Biden signed right after taking office. AXIOS
POLICE SHOOTING FALLOUT GROWS
In a case that has gained national attention, a police officer in Michigan killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya following an altercation. Now, an attorney for Lyoya’s family argues that newly released video shows that the Grand Rapids police officer failed repeatedly to deescalate the situation, instead escalating it before shooting and killing Lyoya. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has called for the officer to be fired and charged with the slaying. Michigan State Police is currently handling what has become another high-profile case where a white police officer fatally shot a black man. WOOD TV
PFIZER SEEKS BOOSTER FOR YOUNGER KIDS
Pfizer announced it wants to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy kids ages 5 to 11. The company will seek authorization from the FDA in the coming days. Everyone 12 and older is encouraged by U.S. health authorities to get at least one booster for protection against new variants, and children under 11 were first authorized to get a Pfizer shot in November. A small Pfizer study showed that a third shot did indeed improve immune systems’ response to the virus. AP
COVID BREATH TEST
In other Covid-related news, the FDA granted emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 test that uses breath for diagnosis. The InspectIR Covid-19 Breathalyzer gives results in less than three minutes and is authorized for use in medical offices and at mobile testing sites. Though the FDA still recommends confirming a positive result with a PCR test, an FDA study found the breathalyzer accurately identifies more than 91% of positive samples and nearly 100% of negative samples. FDA
In case you want your Covid test to feel like a DUI.
WESTERN U.S. FIRES
NEW MEXICO WILDFIRE: Two people in New Mexico have died in the McBride Fire, which has scorched more than 6,000 acres. The blaze, which has destroyed hundreds of homes, is one of five active wildfires in New Mexico that have scorched over 15,000 acres of land, fueled in part by strong winds and low humidity. Over 4,000 people have been evacuated. KRQE
CALIFORNIA FOOD-PROCESSING PLANT: A massive fire at a food-processing plant outside San Jose in Salinas forced 2,700 people to evacuate and tens of thousands more to shelter in place before those orders were lifted yesterday afternoon. Due to the risk of a potential explosion and ammonia exposure, officials had told residents to stay inside, shut windows and turn off ventilation systems. Though still an active scene, district schools were reopening today. THE CALIFORNIAN
PELOTON PRICE CHANGES
Peloton prices are rising in some places and lowering in others. The exercise company will increase the cost of its monthly digital subscription from $39 to $44 in June, while Peloton bikes and treadmills will see an immediate price decrease. With its stock sinking around 80% in the last year, the exercise company aims to provide more affordable products in hopes of expanding its customer base. After the announcement, Peloton shares initially jumped before being halted due to volatility, then again falling around 4%. CNBC
Or you can just ride your own bike for free.
FELIX RETIRING SOON
The most decorated Olympic athlete in American track and field history, Allyson Felix announced she will run one final track season before calling it a career. The seven-time gold medalist and 13-time world champion became an outspoken advocate for working mothers after giving birth to her daughter. In an op-ed for The New York Times, Felix said she faced pay cuts from sponsors including Nike after having her child. The 36-year-old Los Angeles native hopes to qualify for the U.S. outdoor championships in June, which may be the conclusion of Felix’s historic career. WASHINGTON POST
SPOTTED…
… Twitter’s first ever Tweet being sold as an NFT, but for much less than expected. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s tweet could sell for just under $280 after an initial listing of $48 million last week. It was originally bought for just under $3 million. COINDESK
Still out of our price range.
… Brett Goldstein teaching the Cookie Monster about the F-word. Goldstein, known for his Ted Lasso character’s foul mouth, is set to star in Sesame Street’s “Word of the Day” series. Spoiler alert … it’s not the same F word that Roy Kent loves so dearly. EW
WTF?
BECAUSE WE'RE ALL WATCHING SOMETHING THIS WEEKEND…
It’s that time of the week again: Cheddar's Digital Team has another slew of movies and TV recs to stream this weekend. Whether you want a thriller series, nature documentary or reality show, our first-in-class team of recommenders has you covered. CHEDDAR
**LOVE **HATE **ATE
One thing we love: That post-workout feeling.
One thing we hate: The Slap … still. Remember that?
One thing we ate: Candy stolen from a coworker’s desk. Shoutout to Rachel!
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!
