These are the headlines you Need2Know:
* **Russia? Not to Worry, Says Trump:**
During a cabinet meeting Wednesday, President Trump said Russia poses no threat to Americans. He stated the U.S. was "strong" on Russia.
* **California Wildfire Spreads:**
The wildfire in California is getting dangerously close to Yosemite National Park. The fire has already scorched over 26 square miles and threatens to destroy more than 100 homes.
* **Holocaust Deniers Allowed on Facebook:**
Mark Zuckerberg is under fire after the founder admitted Holocaust deniers offend him--but he doesn't think that merits banning them from Facebook. The CEO tried to walk back his original comments later on Wednesday.
* **Nassar Victims Take the Stage:**
141 victims of Larry Nassar's sexual misconduct lined up on stage at the ESPY Awards Wednesday night to accept the Arthur Ashe prize for courage. "All we needed was one adult to have the integrity to stand between us and Larry Nassar," said gymnast Aly Raisman.
* **Blue Origin Takes Flight:**
Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin rocket had a successful launch and landing in West Texas. The private space company's rocket hit a milestone, traveling higher than ever before.
Cheddar Big News' Hope King tells us the details.
The average city in California has a 38% higher cost of living than the average American city, according to a cost of living index. For many, the general minimum wage of $15/hour just doesn't cut it. Anti-poverty activist Joe Sanberg wants to get the minimum wage changed to $18/hour. He joins Cheddar News to discuss the Living Wage Act of 2022.
Liana Guzmán, CEO of FOLX Health, joins Cheddar News to discuss the company launching billboards across the country in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
President Biden has announced an additional $800 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including artillery, armored personnel carriers, and helicopters. It comes as Russian forces appear to be preparing for a new, aggressive offensive in the eastern part of Ukraine. Paul McLeary, defense reporter for Politico, joined Cheddar to discuss this new round of aid and what it means for the U.S. commitment to arming the embattled country.
Catching you up on what you need to know on April 18, 2022, with Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian city of Lviv killing seven, mass shootings in South Carolina and Pittsburgh, Lucky Charms cereal under official investigation by the FDA, and more.
Activism is growing around the country in response to school boards banning books from shelves that focus on sexuality, gender, identity, or race. Jen Cousins, co-founder of The Florida Freedom to Read Project, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifies, President Biden has announced a ban on importing Russian oil, gas, and energy. To discuss how this ban will impact the war and Americans, Amir Handjani, non-resident fellow at Quincy Institute, joins Cheddar News.
Thousands of protesters around the world are expressing their solidarity with Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
Jason Beardsley, national executive director of the Association of the U.S. Navy and national security expert, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
