5 things to know for May 26: School shooting, Ukraine, Jan. 6 ...

5 things to know for March 17: Ukraine, Inflation, Coronavirus, Japan ...

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(CNN) If you're hunting for a new job right now, the odds are in your favor. Companies across the board are struggling to retain and hire more workers. America's largest retailers, in particular, have been hit hard -- prompting massive hiring sprees and unprecedented wage boosts.

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1. Ukraine

Ukraine has come under increased attack by Russian forces, and despite signs of progress in ongoing negotiations, the situation on the ground is becoming more desperate by the day. A theater where hundreds of people are said to have taken shelter in the besieged city of Mariupol was mostly reduced to rubble yesterday, according to an image shared by its city council . Some people are emerging alive from the theater this morning but it is not yet clear if all those inside the building have survived, a Ukrainian official said. Russian President Vladimir Putin is maintaining aggressive rhetoric amid the destruction and is condemning Russians who show a pro-Western mindset . Putin also is retaliating by seizing hundreds of commercial jets owned by US and European leasing companies, making it harder for foreign companies to reclaim their planes without Russian government approval. President Biden called Putin a "war criminal" yesterday -- the harshest criticism of Putin's actions by any US official since the war in Ukraine began three weeks ago.

Want to help? Learn how you can support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. CNN's audience has contributed more than $5.7 million to the humanitarian relief work according to Public Good, the online donation platform partnering with CNN.

2. Inflation

The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates for the first time since 2018, the central bank announced yesterday. This comes as the pandemic and the supply-chain crisis have pushed the cost of virtually everything higher . Food and cars are more expensive, as are transport and labor costs, making inflation a concern for many Americans. The Fed needed to boost interest rates because things that could bring down inflation -- such as improvement in supply-chain gridlock and rising labor-force participation -- have not happened, Fed Chair Pro Tempore Jerome Powell said. The central bankers also revised up their inflation predictions to a median of 4.3% by the year's end, compared with 2.6% projected in December.

3. Coronavirus

4. Japan

A deadly 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan yesterday, centered off the coast of its Fukushima region, north of Tokyo. Four people were killed and at least 160 others were injured, Japanese authorities said today. Video footage from the country shows street lights and apartment buildings vigorously shaking. For many, the incident brought back painful memories of 2011, when an earthquake triggered a tsunami that caused a disastrous nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima power plant and killed thousands of people. Wednesday's earthquake struck about 55 miles from the location of the devastating 2011 quake, but hasn't prompted a national emergency this time. The quake also derailed a bullet train, leaving 78 people trapped on board for hours until they were able to escape through an emergency exit.

5. Disney

Disney employees are staging walkouts over the company's response to Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill. Organizers of the protests have encouraged employees to walk out during their work breaks in 15-minute daily sessions. They are also planning to stage a full-day walkout next Tuesday, but it is currently unclear how many employees will take part. The controversial bill bans educators from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with children from kindergarten to third grade. Organizers of the walkout penned an open letter that claims Disney's leadership "does not truly understand the impact this legislation is having not only on cast members in the state of Florida, but on all members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the company and beyond." The CEO of Disney, which employs 75,000 people at its resorts in Florida, has issued an apology for his silence on the bill.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

This might be the end of sharing Netflix passwords

Netflix is working to prevent account sharing for people who don't live in the same household. Say farewell to leeching off your friend's account (and if you're still on your ex's or parent's account... it's probably time anyway.)

Tesla's cheapest Model 3 now costs $46,990

How about a cheesy joke: What do you call Tesla's expensive new car smell ? An Elon Musk.

The Eiffel Tower is now 20 feet taller

France's iconic landmark has grown with the addition of a new antenna.

Here's who is presenting at the Oscars so far

We're ready for all the red carpet action! Lady Gaga was recently added to the list of A-list celebrities presenting at the March 27 ceremony.

Saharan dust turns skies orange over Europe

A ski resort looks like a desert after being transformed by a thick plume of dust. Check out these stunning images

TODAY'S NUMBER

6

That's how many days Jussie Smollett spent in jail for making false reports to police that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019. The former "Empire" actor was released yesterday -- ending his 150-day sentence behind bars early -- after an Illinois appeals court ordered a stay on his jail term and granted him bond. The appeals court ordered Smollett's release after concluding it would likely not decide on his appeal before he finished serving his short, 150-day jail sentence.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"More than 20 years ago, the Webb team set out to build the most powerful telescope that anyone has ever put in space... Today we can say that design is going to deliver."

Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA, on the world's premier space observatory successfully --, on the world's premier space observatory successfully completing a number of steps crucial for unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Specifically, the James Webb Space Telescope has aligned its 18 gold mirror segments, meaning it will be able to peer inside the atmospheres of exoplanets and observe some of the first galaxies created after the universe began.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Multi-day severe storm threat continues for much of the South Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Multi-day severe storm threat continues for much of the South 02:18

AND FINALLY

Polar bear cub surprised by seal

5 things to know for April 5: Ukraine, Supreme Court, Covid ...

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(CNN) Another round of extreme weather will hit the South this week, with tornadoes, damaging winds and hail expected today from Louisiana to North Carolina. Once this storm system passes, meteorologists say we're still not in the clear though. Peak season for tornadoes across the entire US began this week and will last through June.

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1. Ukraine

An increasing number of world leaders -- including US President Joe Biden -- are accusing Russian forces of committing "war crimes" in response to the images of mass civilian casualties on the outskirts of Kyiv. This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the number of civilian casualties may be much higher in other cities liberated from Russian control. Meanwhile, new footage of the city of Mariupol shows the latest devastation, where Ukrainian officials say around 90% of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed as a result of an intense bombardment. An evacuation convoy heading into the besieged city was also turned back by Russian forces , Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said, complicating ongoing humanitarian efforts. Zelensky is set to address the United Nations Security Council later this morning, a spokesperson confirmed.

2. Supreme Court

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is expected to be confirmed as the first Black female Supreme Court justice later this week, after a bipartisan group of senators voted yesterday to advance her nomination. After the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-11, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a vote to break the deadlock and send her nomination to the floor. Every Democrat and three Republican senators -- Susan Collins of Maine, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- voted in support of Jackson . Jackson, 51, sits on DC's federal appellate court and had been considered the front-runner for the vacancy on the high court since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement.

JUST WATCHED Avlon: There used to be bipartisan support for SCOTUS nominees. What happened? Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Avlon: There used to be bipartisan support for SCOTUS nominees. What happened? 03:48

3. Coronavirus

4. Immigration

Three Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration over the decision to end Trump-era pandemic restrictions at the US border. Former US President Donald Trump effectively blocked migrants from entering the US using a public health authority known as Title 42 , which cited pandemic concerns to stop many migrants from crossing the border and seeking asylum in the US. The restrictions had been criticized by immigrant advocates, public health experts and even officials within the Trump administration who believed it to be driven by political motivations. On May 23, the Biden administration will lift the policy , teeing up a major battle with Republican lawmakers. In the meantime, the three states that filed the suit Sunday -- Missouri, Arizona and Louisiana -- said ending the Trump-era policies would result in "unmitigated chaos and catastrophe" at the border.

JUST WATCHED Blinken defends decision to lift Title 42 immigration rule Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Blinken defends decision to lift Title 42 immigration rule 01:18

5. Hate crimes

A man who allegedly assaulted seven Asian women in New York City in February has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges , the Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced yesterday . During the attacks, Steven Zajonc, 28, allegedly injured six victims, resulting in bleeding cuts and bruises to their faces, and one victim was knocked unconscious and treated for a concussion, prosecutors said. Hate crimes against Asians increased so much during the Covid-19 pandemic that the New York Police Department created an Asian Hate Crime Task Force. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it has 27 open cases related to anti-Asian crimes, while the NYPD has recorded 158 incidents of hate crimes against Asians between March 2020 and December 2021.

JUST WATCHED 'Anxious to let my features show': Asian American woman shares fear of harassment Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 'Anxious to let my features show': Asian American woman shares fear of harassment 04:27

BREAKFAST BROWSE

NCAA men's basketball championship

Whew, that was a game for the books! Kansas beat North Carolina in a slim 72-69 victory to earn its 4th NCAA championship title.

The Bidens will host a White House wedding reception for their granddaughter in November

Imagine being a guest and hearing "Secret Service agents will escort you to table 5." So elegant and exclusive

Kanye West drops out of Coachella

A source close to West said he does not want to take the stage in the midst of his divorce battle with Kim Kardashian and other ongoing feuds.

Shanghai to New York in just a couple of hours?

Tokyo's iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower to be demolished

This eye-catching structure , which once offered a futuristic vision of urban living, recently fell into major disrepair.

TODAY'S NUMBER

9.2%

That's how much of Twitter's stock Elon Musk recently purchased , according to a filing yesterday, making him the largest shareholder in the company. Musk did not disclose what he paid for the shares, but his stake was worth nearly $3 billion based on Friday's closing price. Musk did not reveal his reasoning behind the purchase or any plans for the company, but he has been a high-profile critic of Twitter policies in the past. The move could signal an effort by Musk to take a more active role in the way Twitter operates.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"For the first time in human history, we're not going to have access to the night sky in the way that we've seen it."

-- Samantha Lawler, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Regina in Canada, on an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Regina in Canada, on satellite pollution threatening to alter our view of the night sky . Lawler predicts that in less than a decade, 1 out of every 15 points of light in the night sky will be a moving satellite.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Southeast severe storm threat continues Tuesday Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Southeast severe storm threat continues Tuesday 02:22

AND FINALLY

Where does your favorite coffee actually come from?

5 things to know for June 24: Gun laws, January 6, Covid-19 ...

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(CNN) Thinking of traveling to Europe next summer? If so, get ready to pay a fee before you enter . The European Union has announced the launch of its long-awaited visa waiver plan. Under the new system, EU residents are exempt and have the freedom to spend as much time as they want in many countries. But for everyone else entering the bloc from the US or other countries which didn't previously require a visa, it will cost about $7.35.

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1. Gun laws

The Senate on Thursday passed a bipartisan bill to address gun violence that amounts to the first major federal gun safety legislation in decades . The vote was 65 to 33 with 15 Republicans joining Democrats in support of the measure. The bill now goes to the House for a vote before it can be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The measure includes millions of dollars for mental health, school safety, crisis intervention programs and incentives for states to bolster juvenile records systems. It also makes significant changes to the process for people ages 18 to 21 to buy a firearm and closes the so-called boyfriend loophole . The package, however, does not include an assault weapons ban that Democrats were seeking. Separately, hours before the Senate vote, the Supreme Court struck down a New York gun law that places restrictions on carrying a concealed handgun outside the home -- an opinion marking the widest expansion of gun rights in a decade.

2. January 6

JUST WATCHED New documentary footage reveals Pence reacting to a resolution calling for him to invoke 25th amendment to remove Trump from power Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH New documentary footage reveals Pence reacting to a resolution calling for him to invoke 25th amendment to remove Trump from power 03:15

3. Coronavirus

4. Ukraine

Ukrainian forces will soon have to withdraw from the embattled city of Severodonetsk, a regional official said today, accusing Russia of destroying most of its infrastructure during months of intense shelling. "All the infrastructure of the city is completely destroyed. More than 90% of houses were fired on, about 80% of houses were critically destroyed," said Serhiy Hayday, the head of the Luhansk regional military administration. Ukraine also faces a difficult winter ahead as Russia continues to reduce energy supplies to members of the European Union. Additionally, thousands of Ukrainians killed in the war remain unidentified . Police, soldiers, investigators, morticians and forensic experts -- desperate to return remains to loved ones -- are working tirelessly to find out who they are, so their bodies can be laid properly to rest.

JUST WATCHED Commander says images reveal new Russian attack plan Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Commander says images reveal new Russian attack plan 02:33

5. Student debt

The Biden administration has agreed to cancel an estimated $6 billion in federal student loan deb t for borrowers who have claimed they were defrauded by their college. The administration had previously approved $25 billion in loan forgiveness for 1.3 million borrowers. Many of the borrowers affected by the new agreement have been waiting years for the Department of Education to process their claims under a rule known as borrower defense to repayment. It allows borrowers who believe they were misled by their college, often over inflated job placement rates or the ability to transfer credits, to request federal student loan relief. Biden also announced in April he is considering broader student loan forgiveness for the 43 million Americans who have federal student loan debt, after facing months of pressure from Democrats to cancel $50,000 per borrower.

JUST WATCHED 'They come to find you': College graduate on harassment from student loan debt collectors Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 'They come to find you': College graduate on harassment from student loan debt collectors 02:52

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Man loses USB drive with data on entire city's residents after night out

Drinks after work probably seemed like a good idea ... but now his job may be on the rocks.

Ohio State University wins trademark for the word 'THE'

Say it with emphasis: *THE* Ohio State University . To the masses, it's just a simple word. But to Buckeye fans, it's a beloved tradition.

This wordless comedian is now the most-followed person on TikTok

Meet the 22-year-old TikTok star with facial expressions that say a thousand words.

The Queen has a new hairstyle for the summer

Her Majesty was seen sporting a shorter hair-do. Check out the British monarch's latest style choices here

Serena Williams returns to tennis after a year out

After suffering a serious leg injury, the tennis icon marked her return to the court after a yearlong absence with an exciting victory!

If you'd like to be inspired by another incredible tennis legend, check out the new CNN film "Citizen Ashe" premiering this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CNN . The film explores the enduring legacy of Arthur Ashe , the only Black man to win singles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. In addition to being one of the greatest American tennis players of all time, Ashe was also a social activist, role model and advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness after revealing his own diagnosis to the public in 1992.

QUIZ TIME

Which NFL star announced his retirement this week?

A. Russell Wilson

B. Rob Gronkowski

C. Aaron Rodgers

D. Travis Kelce

TODAY'S NUMBER

8

That's how many men were convicted by a Paris court Thursday for stealing a Banksy artwork from the Bataclan concert hall, one of the sites of the November 2015 Paris terror attacks . Banksy -- the anonymous street artist -- painted the artwork known as the "sad girl" on the exit door of the Bataclan in homage of the 90 concertgoers who were killed when ISIS attackers opened fire during a performance at the hall. The convicted art thieves had stolen the door in 2019 and shipped it to Italy, where investigators later found it at a farm. The eight men have been sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The management of this theater discovered after booking 'Lightyear' that there is a same-sex kissing scene within the first 30 minutes of the Pixar movie. We will do all we can to fast forward through that scene, but it might not be exact."

-- A sign posted at a movie theater in Oklahoma, warning about a same-sex kiss in the new Disney/Pixar film "Lightyear." , warning about a same-sex kiss in the new Disney/Pixar film "Lightyear." The notice outside of the 89er Theater in Kingfisher cautioned parents about a scene that depicts two female characters sharing a brief kiss. After the sign stirred widespread debate online and in the community, the owners of the theater told CNN that the notice was removed and that the scene had not been censored in any showings. Several countries, including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have banned "Lightyear" from theaters over its inclusion of the same-sex kiss.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Heat continues to dominate the Southeast while severe storms are possible for the Plains Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Heat continues to dominate the Southeast while severe storms are possible for the Plains 03:09

AND FINALLY

Today is National Take Your Dog to Work Day

5 things to know for Jan. 28: Bomb Cyclone, Supreme Court, Covid ...

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(CNN) Did you take your vitamins this morning? Daily vitamin D and fish oil supplements may help prevent some adults from developing autoimmune disorders such as arthritis and psoriasis.

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1. Bomb Cyclone

2. Supreme Court

President Joe Biden yesterday committed to nominating the nation's first Black female Supreme Court justice following the formal announcement of Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement. "The person I will nominate will be someone with extraordinary qualifications, character, experience and integrity. And that person will be the first Black woman ever nominated to the United States Supreme Court," Biden said, adding "it's long overdue." GOP senators and Senate candidates are already saying they are not supportive of Biden's plan after concluding that the unnamed nominee is certain to be far left. Republicans are calling for a slow confirmation process but Democrats are aiming for the exact opposite -- a swift confirmation process that could be complete within a month after Biden makes his pick.

JUST WATCHED Biden reaffirms pledge to nominate Black woman to replace Breyer Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Biden reaffirms pledge to nominate Black woman to replace Breyer 01:42

3. Coronavirus

Millions of Americans are behind on flu, hepatitis, chickenpox and other routine vaccinations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adults and adolescents have missed more than 37 million routine vaccinations, according to an analysis of insurance claims by Avalere, a health care consulting firm. Experts are stressing the importance of getting up to date as soon as possible as such widespread lapses in routine vaccinations could put even more strain on the health care system. In a related development, a new spinoff of the Omicron variant called BA.2 is also being talked about , but experts say there's no reason to panic as there's no indication it causes more severe symptoms or spreads more easily than the original strain of Omicron. Some are warning though that BA.2 is a "stealth variant" because it doesn't cause a certain signature on lab tests and can look like other variants on a first screen.

4. Ukraine

US and Ukrainian officials are not on the same page regarding the "risk levels" of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, a senior Ukrainian official told CNN yesterday. A 20-minute phone call between President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday "did not go well," the official said. Biden warned his Ukrainian counterpart that a Russian invasion may be imminent, saying that it is now virtually certain in the coming months. Zelensky, however, said the threat from Russia remains "dangerous but ambiguous," emphasizing it is not certain that an invasion will take place. The Biden administration yesterday also called for the first UN Security Council meeting on the situation along the Russia-Ukraine border to discuss Moscow's recent aggressions. NATO, the defense alliance set up to promote peace and stability , is also rapidly trying to reinforce its presence in the region to help ease tensions.

JUST WATCHED EU Chief: 'Nothing off table' in response to Russia Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH EU Chief: 'Nothing off table' in response to Russia 11:57

5. Honduras

Xiomara Castro was sworn in as Honduras' first female president yesterday. Castro, a democratic socialist, won a landslide victory in last year's presidential election after campaigning on a radical agenda to counter years of governance plagued by corruption and scandal. During her campaign, Castro promised to stamp out the systemic problems behind poverty, including economic insecurity, inequality, corruption and violence -- some of the root causes of migration to the north. That stance made her not only popular with the electorate, but has made her an attractive ally for the Biden administration. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is overseeing the White House's efforts to stem the flow of migrants to the US southern border, was among those in attendance for the inauguration.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Want to keep working from home?

Here are some companies that decided to go fully remote -- permanently. (It's okay if you want to stay at home in your pajamas all day with your pandemic pet. We totally get it.)

Apple posted record holiday quarter sales

During a huge supply chain meltdown and chip shortage, Apple prevailed . Hey Siri, what's the secret to such success?

Ben Roethlisberger retires after 18-year NFL career with Pittsburgh Steelers

The two-time Super Bowl champion said he's " retiring from football a truly grateful man ." Steeler Nation is so grateful for you too, Ben!

58 students were mistakenly told they received full college scholarships

There's a happy ending though! The school said the affected students will still receive full-tuition scholarships to "make it right."

Minnie Mouse has ditched her iconic red dress for a powerful pantsuit

Boss lady Minnie wants a seat at the table! Check out her new CEO-style look created by fashion designer Stella McCartney.

QUIZ TIME

Bitter cold weather conditions caused mysterious ice formations to show up along Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline. What do the ice figures resemble, which also lends them their unique name?

A. turtles

B. pancakes

C. tents

D. baguettes

TODAY'S NUMBER

$700 million

That's how much the Australian government has pledged to protect the Great Barrier Reef . The funding announcement comes months after the world's largest coral reef narrowly avoided being placed on the UN's "danger" list due to the threat of climate change.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"It is extremely risky to do what they did. The only way that these things happen is if the robbers have got really good inside information."

-- Security consultant Roy Ramm, on the , on the Dresden jewelry heist that stunned the world . A total of 21 diamond-studded artifacts worth an estimated $128 million were stolen from Germany's historic Dresden Castle in 2019. The six men accused of carrying out one of the biggest jewel thefts in history are expected to go on trial in Germany today.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Blizzard warnings issued for Boston and Atlantic City Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Blizzard warnings issued for Boston and Atlantic City 02:30

AND FINALLY

Footloose Friday

5 things to know for Feb. 3: Big storm, Ukraine, Covid, Capitol riot ...

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(CNN) Remember the pre-iPhone era? If you're still holding on to your beloved older cell phone, you may be forced to upgrade soon. Major mobile networks are retiring 3G service and moving their subscribers to higher-speed 4G and 5G networks.

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1. Winter storm

More than 100 million people are under winter weather alerts across at least 25 states stretching from the Mexican border to New England as a massive winter storm pummels much of the US. In the South and Midwest, a triple whammy of snow, ice and sleet is hammering the region and could leave many without power. More than 20 inches of snow have piled up in the Colorado Springs area while parts of Illinois and Indiana are inundated with around a foot of snow. Dangerous travel conditions grounded more than 2,300 US flights yesterday and thousands more have already been canceled today . Meanwhile, the price of natural gas is soaring -- causing a spike in home heating costs as millions of Americans crank up the heat to stay warm.

2. Ukraine

President Joe Biden is sending 3,000 US troops to Poland, Germany and Romania to bolster NATO countries in Eastern Europe as tens of thousands of Russian troops amass along Ukraine's border. Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the deployments included roughly 2,000 troops that would deploy from the United States to Poland and Germany. In addition, approximately 1,000 troops currently based in Germany were moving to Romania.Kirby said the moves, which would happen in the coming days, were not permanent and emphasized, "These forces are not going to fight in Ukraine." The deployments are a show of support to NATO allies feeling threatened by Russia's steady military buildup near the Ukrainian border

JUST WATCHED 'Not permanent moves': Pentagon discusses European troop deployment Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH 'Not permanent moves': Pentagon discusses European troop deployment 03:52

3. Coronavirus

Canadian truckers are protesting Covid-19 health restrictions by staging a blockade of 18-wheelers in Ottawa. Police have declared the week-long assembly an "unlawful" occupation of the country's capital and say they're looking at "every single option, including military aid" to bring the situation to an end. The truckers are a part of the so-called "Freedom Convoy" and are protesting a recent mandate requiring drivers entering Canada to be fully vaccinated or face testing and quarantine requirements. The group is also protesting against other health restrictions, like mask mandates and Covid-19 lockdowns. The dozens of trucks are blocking traffic, and forcing businesses in the area to shutdown, officials said.

JUST WATCHED This country just dropped all Covid restrictions. Hear from their health minister Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH This country just dropped all Covid restrictions. Hear from their health minister 02:45

4. Capitol riot

The National Archives decided yesterday that it will turn over former Vice President Mike Pence's records to the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol as early as next month, after former President Donald Trump said he wanted to keep secret more than 100 documents. This is the first set of records related to Pence's office that the Archives has cleared for release. The letters reveal tension over what may be key communications about the insurrection at the capitol and Pence overseeing the Electoral College certification in Congress, which Trump wanted to stop. Pence's team is cooperating with the investigation, officials said. Separately, former Department of Justice official J effrey Clark and his attorneys met with the House select committee for nearly two hours yesterday, two months after the panel voted to hold him in contempt for his lack of cooperation.

JUST WATCHED Former Pence adviser on why Pence needs to be the one to talk to House Jan. 6 committee Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Former Pence adviser on why Pence needs to be the one to talk to House Jan. 6 committee 01:09

5. CNN President

CNN President Jeff Zucker, the influential news executive who reshaped the network since taking the helm in 2013, abruptly resigned yesterday . In an internal memo to employees, Zucker said he did not properly disclose a "consensual relationship" with one of his closest colleagues. The relationship came to light during the network's investigation of former prime time anchor Chris Cuomo, who was fired by Zucker less than two months ago for his involvement in advising his brother, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, about how to address sexual misconduct allegations. Zucker did not name the colleague in the memo, but the relationship is with Allison Gollust, his key lieutenant for the past two decades. Gollust, who is currently executive vice president and chief marketing officer at CNN, will remain at the company.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees announced

Our favorite country queen Dolly Parton is one of several first-time nominees

Starbucks has been raising prices, but customers apparently don't mind

You call it Starbucks, I call it a weekly necessity . That's not changing.

Inside Gwyneth Paltrow's serene California home

This Oscar winner has an award-worthy home spa . Zen is an understatement.

Are you a tinglehead?

Behind the making of 'Pam and Tommy'

Lily James magically transforms into the "Baywatch" icon Pamela Anderson with the help of a prosthetic forehead

TODAY'S NUMBER

73

That's how many Confederate monuments were removed or renamed in 2021 , according to a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center. The removals and renamings come at a time when Americans continue to grapple with whether Confederate monuments belong in public spaces. These statues stand as symbols of racism in the US dating back to the Civil War, civil rights activists and some historians say. More than 700 such monuments remain standing in the US and its territories.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"We're trying to balance creative expression with the safety of our users."

-- Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, on , on the controversy surrounding comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan . Last week, artists such as Neil Young and Joni Mitchell asked the streaming company to pull their music from the platform because of Rogan, who has made frequent false and misleading claims about Covid-19 and vaccines on his popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience." Following the backlash, Spotify said it is adding a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about Covid-19.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Storm system delivers snow, ice, and flooding across the US. Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Storm system delivers snow, ice, and flooding across the US. 01:50

AND FINALLY

Let's pretend you're on vacation

5 things to know for July 8: Shinzo Abe, Parade shooting, Brittney ...

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(CNN) Summer travel is heating up, but understaffed airlines are struggling to avoid melting down. American Airlines this week agreed to pay its pilots triple their normal rate after thousands of flights were left without pilots . Several other major airlines are also offering salary increases for pilots who fly on peak days, as flight cancellations during holiday periods continue to be a regular occurrence.

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1. Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died at age 67 after being shot during a speech today in Nara, Japan, doctors who were treating him have confirmed. The shocking act of violence has rattled the country with one of the world's lowest rates of gun violence . Abe died from excessive bleeding and was pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m. local time, doctors at the Nara Medical University hospital said during a press conference. The doctors said the bullet that killed the former Japanese leader was "deep enough to reach his heart" and a team of 20 medical professionals was unable to stop the bleeding. Police have arrested a Nara resident in his 40s in relation to the shooting, public broadcaster NHK reported. Messages from world leaders , past and present, have flooded in, expressing condemnation of the shooting. Abe was the longest-serving Japanese Prime Minister in history.

2. Parade shooting

New details have emerged describing the scene as a gunman opened fire during a Fourth of July parade in a Chicago suburb where seven people were killed and dozens of others were wounded. Concealed on a rooftop, the gunman shot at paradegoers with a semi-automatic rifle, authorities said. His position made it difficult for officers to quickly find him when the parade turned to chaos, officials said. Separately, an 8-year-old boy who was attending the parade with his parents and twin brother was shot and is now paralyzed from the waist down , a family spokesperson told CNN. In a voluntary statement, the gunman admitted to authorities that he emptied two 30-round magazines before loading his weapon a third time and firing again. If convicted, he faces a life sentence in prison.

JUST WATCHED Gunman's father claims no responsibility over shooting Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Gunman's father claims no responsibility over shooting 02:40

3. Brittney Griner

Two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court near Moscow, her lawyers confirmed to CNN on Thursday. Griner, whom the US State Department has classified as wrongfully detained, faces up to 10 years in prison under the charge. Supporters of the Phoenix Mercury player have called for her release over fears she is being used as a political pawn amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Griner's lawyers said they expect the court to take into account the 31-year-old athlete's guilty plea and hope for leniency. Griner was arrested on February 17 at a Moscow airport. Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage. Her next hearing is set for July 14.

JUST WATCHED Hear Brittney Griner plead guilty to drug charges in a Russian court Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Hear Brittney Griner plead guilty to drug charges in a Russian court 02:29

4. Coronavirus

About 300,000 children under the age of five in the US have received at least one shot of the Covid-19 vaccine since it was recommended by the CDC last month, a senior White House official told CNN on Thursday. This makes up about 2% of that age group -- a number the official says aligns with the Biden administration's expectations, though the number is lower than other age groups. "We expected this to be a little bit slower even than 5 to 11, which was slower than 12 to 17, which was slower than adults. It's just kind of what we anticipated, and what we prepared for," the official said. Conversations with medical providers, according to the official, have been key to parents' decision-making more than any other effort by the White House to encourage vaccinations among this group.

5. Heat wave

The third heat wave of the still-early summer is scorching the US South , and "it will get worse... before it gets better," the National Weather Service said. Millions of people across more than a dozen states remain under heat alerts. Paired with uncomfortable high humidity, it will feel like 110 to 115 degrees in some places, forecasts show. Above-normal temperatures are forecast well into next week as well -- exceeding the average of four days. Dallas has already seen several days above 100 degrees and is expected to continue the trend through at least midweek, putting this stretch in the running for the city's longest consecutive 100-degree streak since 2011.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Las Vegas Raiders hire first Black female president in NFL history

Sandra Douglass Morgan has entered the chat. Meet the powerhouse executive who's breaking barriers throughout the league.

President Biden awards Medal of Freedom to 17 recipients

Olympic athletes Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe were among the select few who received the nation's highest civilian honor on Thursday. See the rest of the impressive list here

'Stranger Things' spinoff is in the works

The wildly popular Netflix show "Stranger Things" is coming to an end, but its upside-down stories will live on

Pringles wants a spider named after it

Pringles and spiders are probably two things you don't associate with each other -- until now. Trust me, it'll make sense once you see this photo

A photographer cataloged all 12,795 items in her house

Going from room to room, a woman going through a divorce spent almost five years documenting every single object she owns. This is what she learned

QUIZ TIME

Which iconic landmark is reportedly riddled with rust and badly in need of repairs?

A. Eiffel Tower

B. Golden Gate Bridge

C. Taj Mahal

D. Big Ben

IN MEMORIAM

James Caan, the veteran screen actor known for his work in such films as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," has died, his family said on Thursday in a statement on his verified Twitter account. He was 82 . "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6," the statement read. "The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time." They did not disclose a cause of death.

TODAY'S NUMBER

21

That's how many years Derek Chauvin was sentenced to serve in federal prison on Thursday for depriving George Floyd of his civil rights. The former Minneapolis police officer briefly addressed Floyd's children in court. "I wish them all the best in their life and that they'll have excellent guidance in the rest of their life," he said. Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd , attended the hearing and asked the court for the maximum sentence. The killing of Floyd in 2020, which was caught on video, sparked a national outcry over police brutality and a reckoning over racial justice in America.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Ukrainians are not ready to give away their land, to accept that these territories belong to Russia. This is our land."

-- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, telling CNN in , telling CNN in an exclusive interview on Thursday that Ukraine is unwilling to give up any of its land for peace with Russia. The war in Ukraine has now lasted for more than four months, with no sign of either side backing down soon . Last week, White House officials told CNN they are losing confidence Ukraine will ever be able to take back all of the land it has lost to Russia since the war began, even with the aid of heavier and more sophisticated weaponry that the US and its allies plan to provide Kyiv.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Heating up in the South while storms develop for parts of the Ohio Valley Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Heating up in the South while storms develop for parts of the Ohio Valley 02:51

AND FINALLY

Intricately dancing to orchestra music

5 things to know for July 5: Shooting, Ukraine, Jayland Walker ...

If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter.

(CNN) Many people spent the holiday weekend outdoors, despite a sweltering heat wave and triple-digit temperatures in some cities. And the extreme weather will continue to build across the central US today , as more than 50 million people in 18 states remain under heat advisories. So, to stay on the safe side, check your local forecasts and review these tips to stay cool.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

(You can get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here .)

1. Parade shooting

A day of national celebration turned to tragedy on Monday when a gunman killed at least six people and injured dozens of others in a shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, during a July Fourth parade. A witness described the horror of hundreds of paradegoers running and ducking for cover when they realized the popping noise they heard was a "rain of gunshots" and not fireworks. The suspected gunman is believed to have fired from a rooftop in an attack that appeared to be "random" and "intentional," police said. A "high-powered rifle" was recovered from the scene and the suspect was taken into custody later in the day, authorities said. Among the six people killed, five adults died at the scene. The age of the sixth victim is not yet clear. Highland Park is located about 25 miles north of Chicago.

2. Ukraine

As Russian shelling and missile attacks continue to cause widespread destruction throughout his country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that the work required to rebuild Ukraine should be a "common task" of the democratic world. Ukraine's infrastructure losses amount to more than $100 billion, according to its prime minister. This comes as Ukraine's military has warned that Russian forces are preparing for renewed assaults on cities in the Donetsk region still controlled by Kyiv after taking over Lysychansk -- the final city to fall in the Luhansk region. Meanwhile, up to 60 million tons of grain could be stuck in Ukraine by the fall if Russia continues to block the country's exports , Zelensky said.

3. Jayland Walker

The city of Akron, Ohio, remains on edge one week after the fatal police shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker . A news conference held by city officials one Sunday -- along with the release of 13 police body camera videos -- has started to paint a fuller picture of the shooting, which police say happened when Walker, who is Black, fled an attempted traffic stop on June 27. Walker was unarmed at the time he was killed, Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett said. Authorities said Walker suffered at least 60 wounds in the fatal shooting. The Mayor of Akron declared a state of emergency and issued a curfew for Monday night through this morning in order to "preserve peace" in the community.

JUST WATCHED Police release bodycam video from night of Jayland Walker's death Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Police release bodycam video from night of Jayland Walker's death 02:35

4. Air travel

Flights at US airports appear to be returning to normal after a busy holiday travel weekend. Tracking service FlightAware showed 219 flights were canceled on Monday, or less than 1% of the daily schedule. Bad weather played a role in the cancelations, but staff shortages throughout the airline industry also exacerbated the problem. Airlines don't have the personnel, especially among pilots, to adjust when bad weather causes delays. To deal with the staffing shortages, many airlines are in the process of trimming their summer schedules, despite the strong demand for travel. But the combination of high demand and a limited number of seats is only driving up airfares . The average price paid by leisure travelers is up nearly 50% from a year ago, according to recent data.

JUST WATCHED Hear one travel analyst's tips for flying during the holiday weekend Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Hear one travel analyst's tips for flying during the holiday weekend 00:40

5. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is reportedly riddled with rust and badly in need of repairs . However, the iconic landmark is instead being given a paint job costing 60 million euros in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, Reuters reports, according to a confidential analysis cited by French magazine Marianne. The Eiffel Tower , built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, is among the most visited tourist sites in the world, welcoming about six million visitors each year. "It is simple, if Gustave Eiffel visited the place he would have a heart attack," one unnamed manager at the tower told Marianne. The company that oversees the tower is reluctant to close the tower for a long time because of the tourist revenue that would be lost, Marianne said.

JUST WATCHED The Eiffel Tower is now 20 feet taller. Here's why. Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH The Eiffel Tower is now 20 feet taller. Here's why. 01:10

BREAKFAST BROWSE

See the spectacular finale of the DC fireworks show

If you missed the stunning finale of Washington, DC's July 4th fireworks show, you can watch the video here

He ate how many? Hot dog champ does it again

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut devoured 63 hot dogs (and buns!) in 10 minutes during the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Click here to be amazed

Tom Cruise turned 60

While "Top Gun: Maverick" cruises at the top of the box office, Mr. Cruise spent his birthday at the British Grand Prix F1 race. Looking good, Tom

Climate protesters glue their hands to a 200-year-old masterpiece

The attention-grabbing stunt occurred just days after the same group of activists glued themselves to a Van Gogh painting.

A 12-year-old asked a world-famous architect to design a house for his dog. Here's the result.

TODAY'S NUMBER

$10,000

That's how much professional tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after losing to Nick Kyrgios in a feisty match at Wimbledon on Saturday. Tsitsipas had been frustrated by Kyrgios' "constant bullying" from the other side of the net and tried to hit his opponent with a ball during the fiery encounter. Tsitsipas also hit a ball into the crowd out of frustration. He later apologized for firing a ball into the stands and admitted to trying to hit Kyrgios during the match.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"I'm terrified I might be here forever."

-- WNBA star Brittney Griner, in a , in a handwritten letter to President Biden , saying she fears she will be detained in Russia indefinitely. In the letter, Griner pleaded with Biden not to forget about her and other American detainees. "Please do all you can to bring us home," Griner wrote. "I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore," she added. Griner, 31, has been detained by Russian authorities since February 17.

TODAY'S WEATHER

JUST WATCHED Oppressive heat for the central US Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Oppressive heat for the central US 02:20

AND FINALLY

Parrot uses a face mask as hammock


Joey Chestnut: Competitive eater takes on donut holes for world ...

INDIANAPOLIS – Joey Chestnut, the No. 1 ranked competitive eater in the world, has conquered hot dogs on Coney Island, deep-fried asparagus in California, grilled cheese sandwiches in Arizona and matzo balls in Texas.

It's time now for Chestnut to put in his sweet tooth and devour as many donut holes as he possibly can later this month in New Castle, Indiana.

Major League Eating, which dubs itself "the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports," announced Thursday the newest edition to its 2022 slate of sanctioned eating championships.

The 2022 Jack’s Donuts World Donut Hole Eating Championship will take place May 27.

For the food gods, it all makes perfect sense. Jack's was founded in New Castle in 1961 and since has expanded to more than 20 locations.

While this competition will give bragging rights to the best donut hole eater, it will also establish the first world record in the donut hole category.

Competitors will have eight minutes to consume as many donut holes as they can. Chestnut already holds a world-record for eating 55 glazed donuts in eight minutes. That's approximately 14,795 calories.

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“Joey Chestnut is known as the black hole of donut holes," Major League Eating emcee Sam Barclay said in announcing the competition. "And many believe he will set an unapproachable world record."

On average, bakery gurus estimate there are about four donut holes in one donut. Do the math on his 55 glazed donuts and Chestnut should be able to take in about 220 donut holes in eight minutes.

But, Chestnut will have some fierce competition. Among the Major League Eating athletes tackling donut holes alongside him this month will be No. 2-ranked world eater Geoffrey Esper and top-ranked female eater Miki Sudo.

The championship will be hosted by Downtown New Castle to kick off the summer's Fourth Friday events and celebrate Henry County, Indiana's bicentennial celebration.

Major League Eating conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island.

The competitive eating community is made up of more than 8,000 veteran and rookie athletes who travel the nation in search of food-eating titles.

Joey Chestnut: Hot-dog eating champion eats record 32 Big Macs

Competitive eater Joey Chestnut has dominated the Nathan's hot-dog eating contest with 12 titles. Now, his talents have expanded to hamburgers.

Chestnut consumed 32 McDonald's Big Mac sandwiches in one sitting to set a world record (yes, there's a world record for that) on Feb. 12, before releasing a video on Thursday. The 32 double-patty hamburgers took him just over 38 minutes to devour.

Chestnut became a star at the annual Independence Day hot dog-eating contest, where he's won 12 of the last 13 competitions, including a record of 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2018.

Chestnut has branched away from hot dogs in the past, this summer eating a record 413 Hooters chicken wings in 12 hours for National Chicken Wings Day.