Here’s what you need to know Stay connected and get on with your day.
(You can get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” in your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. Ukraine
Hundreds of people were evacuated yesterday from Ukraine’s giant Azovstal Steelworks, the last base in the besieged city of Mariupol, which has become a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance under relentless Russian bombardment. According to a statement by the Ukrainian military, this concludes the “combat operation” in Mariupol, which has been the scene of some of the most intense fighting since the Russian invasion began in late February. Separately, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Ann Linde today signed a motion declaring that the country wants to join NATO. The move marks a formal step by Sweden towards joining the US-led military alliance – ending decades of military neutrality. Russian President Vladimir President Putin said Sweden and Finland joining NATO will not pose a threat to Russia, but military expansion into the territory will “certainly provoke our reaction”.
2. Baby food
Amid a nationwide infant formula shortage, the FDA yesterday said it will ease the importation of certain infant formulas from other countries. The US typically produces 98% of the infant formula it uses, with imported formula coming primarily from Mexico, Ireland and the Netherlands, the agency said. But because of the shortage, the FDA has outlined a process whereby it would have “no objection” to importing formula products “for a foreign market.” The baby formula maker, which is the focus of a nationwide recall, also said yesterday that it has reached an agreement with the FDA that, if approved by a court, would allow production to resume at its Sturgis, Michigan, plant within of two weeks will allow. Production at the plant was halted in February after four infant formulas manufactured at the plant fell ill with rare and serious bacterial infections. Two of the babies died. Once production resumes, it will take six to eight weeks for the formula to hit store shelves, the company said.
3. Buffalo Shooting
Social media posts by the 18-year-old white man suspected of shooting and killing ten people at a convenience store in Buffalo, New York on Saturday show he had been planning his attack for months. Shooter suspect Payton Gendron shared on chat app Discord and hate-filled online forum 4chan that he picked a specific Buffalo zip code because it has the highest percentage of black population near where he lives. Police and other officials have described the mass shooting as a hate crime. Among the 10 people killed were a retired police lieutenant, a substitute teacher, a beloved grandmother of six and a committed community activist. President Joe Biden is traveling to Buffalo today to meet with the families of the victims.
4.Coronavirus
White House Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said he would not continue in his role if former President Donald Trump is elected to a second term. “Well, no,” Fauci said with a chuckle when asked during an interview on CNN Sunday if he would remain at his post if Trump returned to the White House. Fauci was a senior member of Trump’s White House coronavirus task force when the virus swept across the United States in 2020 – but often contradicted the administration over how it was handling the pandemic. Separately, yesterday the CDC updated its guidance for travelers within the United States. The agency is now urging all domestic travelers to “consider getting tested as close as possible to departure (no more than three days) before your trip”. The agency has also upgraded four destinations to the “high” Covid-19 risk category for travellers.
5. Cuba
President Biden has reversed some Trump policies regarding Cuba to make it easier for families to visit relatives in the country. The State Department announced yesterday that it would reinstate the Cuban family reunification probationary program and increase consular services and visa processing. The Biden administration is also lifting the $1,000 quarterly family remittances cap that restricted remittances by American residents. However, the announced Cuba policy changes leave some restrictions in place and retain sanctions against certain companies. The US will continue to ban American tourism in Cuba and will not allow individuals to travel there for educational purposes, senior government officials said yesterday.
BROWSE BREAKFAST
An Indian couple is suing their only son for not giving them grandchildren
This couple is determined to become grandparents. Just imagine the magnitude of the family drama here…
Snapchat CEO surprises recent grads by paying off their student loans
A group of happy graduates were thrilled to learn their keynote speaker had offered to pay off their student debt! See the happy moment here.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are married
The newlyweds shared the news on Instagram yesterday with retro black and white photos of the special occasion. And tin cans were attached to their wedding car – because nobody’s too rich for a fun tradition!
Walmart has a new way to turn college graduates into store managers
The company’s new program will put recent graduates on the path to fast tenured employment that earns more than $200,000 annually. Not too shabby, Walmart!
Goldman Sachs gives top bankers unlimited vacation days
Let’s agree that taking time to rest and recharge is a necessity. More and more companies are struggling to retain top talent.
TODAY’S NUMBER
300,000
About that many acres burned the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire, becoming the largest fire in New Mexico history. The fire that burned east of Santa Fe has forced 26,000 people to evacuate and more are expected to be evacuated later this week, officials said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
THE TODAY QUOTE
“It’s definitely one of the most incredible jobs in the world.”
— Captain Amy Bauernschmidt, as sole commander of the 11 aircraft carriers of the US fleet. In fact, she is the only woman to have ever commanded a US aircraft carrier, the largest and one of the most powerful warships at sea. The 51-year-old will command the USS Abraham Lincoln, a 97,000-ton, 1,092-foot Nimitz-class ship. With around 5,000 people on board, it is equivalent to a small town at sea.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
A flood of baby goats
It should be illegal to be that cute! Watch these adorable little goats hop and kick around! (click here to view)