Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Friday, June 4, 2021:
COVID STATUS UPDATE
VACCINE DIPLOMACY: The White House announced a plan to send 75% of the United States’ unused COVID-19 vaccines to the U.N.-backed COVAX global vaccine sharing program, with the first doses mainly going to South and Central America, Asia, and Africa. The U.S. will keep 25% in reserve for emergencies. Biden says the U.S. will give away all 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, not yet approved for use in the U.S. AP
VACCINES FOR KIDS: Dr. Fauci says he’s cautiously optimistic that children under 12 will be eligible for vaccines by Thanksgiving. Currently the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available for anyone 12 and up. ABC7
NEW TREATMENT: Scientists say they have discovered a new oral antiviral drug that can help treat people with COVID-19. NIH researchers say that the drug seems to prevent the virus from replicating, and thus limits the more severe side effects. It’s still undergoing studies, but doctors hope patients will be able to take it at home at first signs of infection. CNBC
PENCE V. TRUMP
Former Vice President Pence gave his first speech since leaving office on Thursday, commenting on the riots on January 6. He said: “President Trump and I have spoken many times since we left office… And I don't know if we'll ever see eye-to-eye on that day. But I will always be proud of what we accomplished for the American people over the last four years.” Some of the rioters that day were yelling, “Hang Mike Pence.” THE HILL
JOBS IN AMERICA
U.S. employers added 559,000 jobs last month, doubling the number from April. It wasn't as high as experts expected, but investors are taking it in stride with futures notching up after this morning's announcement. Weekly first-time jobless claims fell below 400,000 last week for the first time since the start of the pandemic. And the payroll processing firm ADP said nearly a million people were hired last month in the private sector. Another good sign: pay is up by about 10 percent in the leisure and hospitality industry, one the hardest hit during the pandemic. NBC NEWS
CALIFORNIA WATER EMERGENCY
California Governor Gavin Newsom has put 41 counties under a state of emergency because of severe drought. California’s reservoirs are 50% lower than normal ahead of the summer wildfire season. Experts warn that the drought could have devastating consequences for the agriculture and wildlife in the state. AXIOS
SQUIDS TO SPACE
NASA launched more than 100 baby squid and 5,000 microscopic animals to the ISS on Thursday on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket. Scientists are hoping to understand the effects of spaceflight on microbes and animals. BBC
LULULEMON SALES
Lululemon said its sales in the last quarter soared 88%, as shoppers steadily returned to its stores. Analysts say the shift to casual and comfort wear during the pandemic will likely stay, even as people head back to the office. CNBC
TWITTER CHANGES
TWITTER BLUE: Twitter released its first subscription product, Twitter Blue. It includes a feature that allows users to “undo” a tweet-- the ability to retract a tweet before it goes live. Users can also set a 30-second timer for undoing their tweets. It costs $2.99 a month and is available in Australia and Canada. THE VERGE
COLLEGE ATHLETES CASH IN: Twitter is partnering with sports content publisher Opendorse to allow NCAA athletes to use their name, image and likeness for profit as part of endorsement and other commercial deals. Revenue from promoted tweets (similar to advertisements from the NFL or PGA Tour) will be split -- and a percentage of the funds will go to student-athletes. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
JOE EXOTIC CASTING UPDATE
Dennis Quaid has signed on to Peacock’s limited-series about Joe Exotic. He’ll play Rick Kirkham, the reality show producer who helped make Joe Exotic a star. Peacock already announced John Cameron Mitchell will play Joe Exotic himself, and Kate McKinnon will play rival Carole Baskin. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
STARBUCKS SHORTAGES
Starbucks is warning that it may not have the right ingredients in stock to make your morning treat, like a Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refresher. The coffee chain said it’s currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of key items like syrups, mixers, cardboard drink holders and oat milk, due to kinks in their supply chain. NEWSWEEK
LEFTOVERS
The FDA is warning Americans not to eat cicadas if they have a seafood allergy because the insects share a family relation to shrimp and lobsters. Apparently, since the cicadas emerged from their 17 year hibernation, cicada recipes have been popping up on the internet. Some are describing them as a “rare gourmet treat.” NBC NEWS
Listen to the N2K Podcast! Looking for more context and analysis on the big stories of the day? Check out our podcast! Hosts Jill and Carlo break down the headlines, every weekday morning Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, and send us your feedback!
