Jordan Schuman
 Multimedia Journalist
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Need to Know: November 3

11/3/2014

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Nation
USA Today reports One World Trade Center is open for business. Today, 13 years after the September 11th terrorist attack, publisher Conde Nast began moving into their offices. One World Trade is a 104-story skyscraper and also America's tallest building. In a statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo called One World Trade Center a "symbol of the resilience of the people of New York." He said today "we remember that strength and courage will always conquer weakness and cowardice."

Politics
Midterm elections take place tomorrow! The Pew Research Center reports voter turnout in the midterm elections is historically lower than in presidential election years, and says its a trend that dates back as far as the 1840s. This year, the most talked-about initiatives deal with the legalization of medical marijuana and an increase in the minimum wage. For a quick recap of what to look for in your state before tomorrow's election, check out this guide by the NY Times. Also check out this video of celebrities imploring you to Turn Out for What. 

World
On Friday, one of Virgin Galactic's spacecraft broke up during a test flight and crashed over the Mojave Desert. The British company exists with hopes of providing spaceflights to tourists. The crash killed the pilot and was the second space-related disaster in a week, according to CNN. The U.S. government's investigation into the crash could take up to a year, meaning space tourism will be put on hold. The AP reports the incidents cast doubt on the safety of space tourism. 

Business
AAA reported over the weekend that the national average for gas dropped below 3 dollars since 2010. Gas prices dropped below the mark in Delaware and New Jersey, and Pennsylvania is expected to follow suit in the next few week. CBS News reports the Energy Information Administration acknowledges the "pace and duration" of this boom in oil production remains uncertain. 

Science
Over the weekend, our spirits were lifted when we got an extra hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time and turning the clocks back on Saturday at 2 a.m. If your body is ever struggling with a time change, check out these tips courtesy of the Huffington Post:
-Some of our genes operate on internal clocks and messing with sleep can upset almost all of them. This includes our body temperature, blood sugar and possibly even our mood. 
-Darkness is our biggest clue that it's time for bed. Artificial light from lamps, a television or even our photos and laptops tricks our mind into thinking we should be awake, rather than wind down for bed. 
See the full list of tips here.

Culture
Daredevil Nik Wallenda completed two record-breaking tightrope walks on television in a live Discovery special last night. The Huffington Post reports he first walked across the Chicago River on a rope between two buildings at a starting height of 588 feet. He walked upwards rising 83 feet, setting a record for the steepest tightrope walk. His second walk was performed blindfolded. He then set the record for the highest blindfolded walk. And what did you do last night? 

Bonus
Now that Halloween is over, you can be sure you'll see Christmas decorations and holiday movies in stores and on your television. Here's one to look out for: Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever. You can watch the newly released trailer for the Lifetime movie here.  If it looks like something you'll want to curl up with a ball of yarn and cup of hot chocolate for, put it in your calendar. The movie premieres Saturday, November 29th at 8 p.m. 
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Need to Know: October 6 

10/6/2014

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Nation
Thomas Duncan, the first person in the U.S. to be diagnosed with Ebola had his condition downgraded to "critical" over the weekend. Duncan caught the virus in Liberia and is being treated in isolation in a Dallas, TX hospital (BBC News). An NBC News freelance cameraman was flown to a Nebraska hospital to be treated for the same disease today. He became ill while working in Liberia. The virus is spread through contact with the bodily fluids (blood, sweat, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, semen) of a person who is infected (Yahoo! News.)

Politics
The Supreme Court rejected gay marriage appeals from 5 states this morning (Huffington Post,) declining to decide whether or not states could ban gay marriages (Reuters). The justices declined to hear the 7 cases from the 5 states, which allows the circuit court decisions to stand - politics lesson: by the highest court rejecting the appeals case, the lower-court rulings remain intact. 

What does it mean? It means the delay for gay couples to marry in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin is no more, and same-sex marriages are legal there.

It takes just four of the nine justices to vote to hear a case, but it takes a majority of at least five for an eventual ruling. Today's order did not indicate how the justices voted. The action of the Supreme Court means no national ruling on this issue is imminent, and litigation in states where same-sex marriage is still banned is likely to continue. 

For more in Keeping up with the Supreme Court, the AP has published a list of cases that will be heard this term, which started today. See it here. 

World 
Protests in Hong Kong slowed today. The protests began after China said it would pre-screen candidates for Hong Kong's next leader. The mostly student led and mostly peaceful protests demanded the right to choose their own political leader in the 2017 elections without Beijing's help (Huffington Post). Protestors ignored requests from authorities to disperse entirely, and at this point it is unclear when the protests will end. 

Business
Hewlett-Packard confirmed today it will split into two companies (USA Today,) with its computer and printing business separated from its technology services business. This comes days after eBay and PayPal did something similar. CNBC reports lately Hewlett-Packard has struggled in adapting to the shift toward mobile computing. The split won't happen overnight though, the move is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year 2015, and both companies will be publicly traded. 

Science
The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded today to three scientists: American-British neuroscientist John O'Keefe, and two Norwegian scientists May-Britt Moser and Edward Moser (Huffington Post). What did they do? Reuters reports they "discovered the brain's navigation system, giving clues as to how strokes and Alzheimer's disrupt it"... this is known as the inner GPS. The honor came with a cash prize of over a million dollars. 

Bonus
The Huffington Post is reporting too much pumpkin this season can change your skin! Dermatologist Whitney Bowe says too much food with an orange tone to it will start to tint your skin slightly orange as well. The change is due to the food's ability to increase beta carotene levels in your blood. Bowe says the coloring usually shows up first in palms and feet so check there first if you're concerned this applies to you. 

If this doesn't apply to you or you're opting to live on the wild side, Thrillist has published a list of the best 21 pumpkin beers in order.  The author/taster ranked the beers on a scale of 1-10 and rated them in the following categories: originality,"pumpkinyness", smoothness, overall flavor, and whether or not he'd drink it again. Sounds pretty scientific to me. 
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Need to Know: September 29

9/29/2014

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Nation
NBC affiliate WTVJ in Miami, Florida is reporting Miami-Dade police are investigating why so many minors were present at a nightclub last night during a shooting that left 15 people wounded. Miami Fire Rescue Captain said five girls hit by gunfire ranged in age from 11 to 17. A police spokeswoman says of the 15 wounded, one was reported in critical but stable condition, and the others remaining in the hospital were in good condition. Some had already been released. Investigators are currently trying to determine if the event where the shooting took place was a private event. Miami's CBS affiliate WFOR reports the Miami-Dade County curfew makes it illegal for children under the age of 17 to be out alone between midnight and 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on other nights. 

Politics/World 
In his book Tell Me a Story, 60 Minutes creator Don Hewitt writes the Maryland legislature calls bills that are introduced on Monday morning because of content aired on 60 Minutes the previous night "60 Minutes Bills." So it's no surprise a few things President Obama said in his 60 Minutes interview last night are making headlines today. 

For starters, last night Obama said he thinks Democrats can maintain control of the Senate. Even though forecasts such as this one on the NY Times website show Republicans are likely to take control of the Senate in November, Obama says he hopes to convince voters of the positive changes in the economy and that the Democrats will retain majority. 

Secondly, President Obama said the US "underestimated" the power of militants seeking to form an Islamic State (ISIS), but also overestimated the will of the Iraqi army to fight. 

You can see the full 60 Minutes interview here. 

Business
CNBC has posted a list of some Derek Jeter memorabilia attached to a story that the collector items market is heating up since Jeter's last home game-winning hit at Yankee Stadium last week. Jeter's 1996 World Series rookie bat sold just two weeks after he announced his retirement back in February at a price tag of over $155,000. His 2001 game jersey (the year of his third consecutive World Series win) sold in May for over $7,000. And get this, one used sock, sold for $409.99. Get your own at www.steinersports.com. If you're into that sort of thing.

Science
It's flu shot season! Most drugstore chains such as CVS Pharmacy are offering free flu shots with most insurance, and a perk for getting it, such as 20% off in the store. The Colorado NBC Affiliate 9 News reports fewer than half of people in the USA actually follow through with getting their shot. The Center for Disease Control reports the numbers as following: 34% of adults ages 18-64 receive a shot, 50% of pregnant women, 55% of children ages 5-17, 65% of those age 65 and over, 70% of children under 5 and 90% of doctors and nurses themselves. The flu hospitalizes about 200,000 people each year. 

Culture
George Clooney is a taken man. The Daily Mail is reporting two days ago Clooney tied the knot with British human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice, Italy. The ceremony was conducted by close friend and ex-mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni. Guests were reportedly banned from bringing cell phones to prevent photos being leaked, but have no fear. It's speculated US Vogue has secured rights to wedding photos and the couple will donate the fee they receive for the photos to a charity of their choice. 

Bonus
Today is National Coffee Day! A list of all of the places to get your fix courtesy of Time Magazine. I think I'll be heading to Dunkin Donuts to try the new Dark Roast Blend. The official hashtag for today is #NationalCoffeeDay so be sure to post yours to social media! 

Added Bonus
There's another Clinton in the world. Page Six is reporting Chelsea Clinton gave birth to a daughter,  Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky, Friday night. Former President Bill Clinton was the first to tweet at the newborn, including this picture and writing "Charlotte, your grandmother @HillaryClinton and I couldn't be happier!" 
Picture
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Need to Know: September 8

9/8/2014

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World 
President Obama says the U.S. military will provide equipment and resources to battle the Ebola epidemic in Africa (Washington Post). Obama argued the outbreak presents a national security concern. The epidemic has killed at lest 2100 people in five African countries. On NBC's Meet the Press, Obama said the disease is unlikely to spread to the United States in the short term, but if the U.S. doesn't send needed equipment, the situation could change, making the virus more transmissible. 

Nation
Reuters reports gay marriage bans in three states will face a U.S. appeals court today. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco is scheduled to hear arguments on whether bans in Nevada, Idaho and Hawaii should have been upheld. Currently, 19 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriage. Since the bans in question, Hawaii lawmakers did pass legislation giving gays the right to marry. The court will stream the proceedings live at www.ca9.uscourts.gov. Access can be obtained by clicking "Live Oral Arguments" (LA Times). 

Politics
This past weekend on NBC's Meet the Press President Obama revealed a plan for taking down the militant group ISIS. The Daily News reports Obama called for pressure without another ground war. He said he would seek congressional support Tuesday, and "describe what our game plan's going to be" in a speech on Wednesday (The Guardian). 

Business
The AP is reporting Twitter is testing a way to let users shop or donate to charity between tweeting. A small percentage of users will receive tweets from Twitter test partners today featuring a "buy" button. Home Depot, Burberry, The Nature Conservancy and GLAAD are among the first partners to test the feature. Users will be prompted to enter shipping and payment information but credit card details won't be passed along to sellers without permission. 

Science
A new book claims to have identified notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper as a 23-year-old Polish immigrant named Aaron Kosminski (The Mirror). Author Russell Edwards says Kosminski is "definitely, categorically and absolutely" the man behind the 1888 killing spree. After 126 unsolved years, Edwards credits a blood-stained shawl as the missing piece. He bought the shawl, which was found near one of the victims' bodies, after an auction in 2007 and says it held vital DNA evidence leading to Jack the Ripper, and the blood was then identified as Aaron Kosminski's. The book is titled "Naming Jack the Ripper."

Culture
USA Today reports Meredeth Viera's daytime show premieres today. Viera has spent 5 years on NBC's Today Show, 9 years on ABC's The View and 11 hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Decidedly different, Viera's show features a five member band, and her friend of 20 years, Jon Harris, is her sidekick and announcer. The line-up for the premiere features an interview with Jennifer Lopez and a game with a "surprise guest." You can find out where and when to watch here. 

Bonus
In Royal News, the Palace announced today that the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting Baby No. 2!  People Magazine reports Kate is believed to be less than 3 months pregnant, but is suffering from Hypermesis Gravadarum and is being treated at Kensington Palace.  The illness is extreme morning sickness with symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, weight loss and hypertension. Middleton dealt with the same condition during her first pregnancy with now year-old Prince George. 

Another Bonus
Another New York Fashion Week comes and goes… and I stay in Florida. 
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Need to Know: September 1 (Labor Day Edition)

9/1/2014

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World 
Germany's labor minister, Andrea Nahles, is considering an "anti-stress" legislation, which could ban companies from contacting employees outside of work hours (The Guardian). She told local press there is a relationship between availability and the increase of mental illness. It's already illegal in Germany to contact staff on holidays. Arianna Huffington encouraged something similar when she was here last semester, and posted to Instagram today that Labor Day is a great time to think about disconnecting from our devices and our work, and connecting with our families and ourselves. 

Nation
NBC News is reporting Labor Day weekend has been wet and windy in many parts of the country, with strong thunderstorms expected. I can report myself without attribution that it is in fact blisteringly hot down here in South Florida, with afternoon showers every day of the week, and a happy air-conditioned Labor Day is being had by myself and my roommate. 

Politics
On this Labor Day, the New York Times reports President Obama is pushing Congress to act on raising the federal minimum wage. During his Saturday Weekly Address, Obama said raising the minimum wage was "one of the best ways to give a boost to working families." This is Obama's latest charge on an issue Democrats hope will boost support at midterm election polls (CBS News). 

Business
CNN Money is reporting Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, is offering cats as part of a mortgage plan for new clients. In Russia, it's considered good fortune if a cat enters a new home ahead of the owners, and the bank is offering to deliver cats to a client's doorstep and will be on loan for two hours. CNN Money features the promotion paired with a video titled, "Worst 3 Bank Promotions."

Science
This is not groundbreaking science news, but it's a holiday weekend so allow me the liberty of having a little fun. This just in: scientists in New Zealand have determined Mozzarella Cheese is the best cheese for pizza! According to LA Weekly, their findings were published in the Journal of Food Science and titled "Quantification of Pizza Baking Properties of Different Cheeses, and Their Correlation with Cheese Functionality." The study examined mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, Edam, Emmental, gruyere and provolone cheeses. The researchers found Mozzarella is the best because it melts, bubbles and browns better than all other cheeses. #KingCheese

Culture
The Hollywood Reporter reports Jennifer Lawrence's rep has issued a statement after nude photos of the 24-year-old actress were leaked. Forbes explains the leak, which includes alleged photos of stars such as Ariana Grande and Kate Upton, is the work of a hacker who breached Apple's iCloud service and copied the photos. A statement by Lawrence's rep called the hack a "flagrant violation of privacy," and said the authorities were contacted and would prosecute anyone who posted the stolen photos. Mirror UK reports within hours of the leak, Twitter announced they would suspend all accounts that shared the nude photos. 

Bonus
It's the first day of September, successfully blowing the mind of me and everyone else in this world. Summer is but a distant memory. It's also Labor Day, a celebration always held on the first Monday of September which recognizes the contributions workers have made to the well-being of our country, while simultaneously giving these workers a day off from work. Truthfully, it's a great chance to tell someone who works hard that you recognize and appreciate everything they do and sacrifices they've made to do it. And extra kudos to my friends in the news business who I know did not get a day off today! 

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Need to Know: August 25

8/25/2014

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World 
British Investigators say they're close to identifying the ISIS militant in the video of the violent beheading of American journalist James Foley from last week (NY Times). The British Ambassador to the United States said in an interview with CNN that investigators were working to match the killer's voice against recordings of known British militants now in Iraq and Syria in order to identify him. Foley was abducted in Syria in November of 2012 while covering the Syrian Civil War (Fox News). In a letter to his parents before he was murdered, Foley wrote he was being held with 17 other hostages. According to the Washington Post, yesterday another American journalist named Peter Theo Curtis was released after being held hostage for two years in Syria. 

Nation
According to the LA Times, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit the Bay Area yesterday morning. About 120 people were sent to the hospital in the biggest earthquake to hit Northern California in 25 years. ABC News reports California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency after the earthquake, while dealing with structure fires, water main leaks and power outages in the aftermath. 

Politics
A senior administration official said Saturday that President Obama has ordered a review of the programs that enable local law enforcement to buy military equipment (CNN). This, in the aftermath of protests in Ferguson, MO, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. The equipment used in Ferguson includes armored vehicles and stun grenades. MO Governor Jay Nixon requested the National Guard presence to help calm tensions. The National Guard arrived one week ago on August 18th (NY Times) and has since left. On the subject, Obama said, "There is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement, and we don't want those lines blurred."

Business
The Huffington Post, which is owned by AOL, is requesting reader money to keep a journalist in Ferguson, MO, after other outlets leave (Media Bistro). The Ferguson Fellowship is so far 38% funded with 16 days left in the project. Ryan Grim, the Washington Bureau Chief for the Huffington Post wrote, "with reader support, we'll hire a local citizen journalist who's been covering the turmoil and train her to become a professional journalist." According to Beacon Reader, At $5000, your donation will get you lunch with Ryan Reilly, one of the HuffPo reporters arrested in MO, and the new Ferguson reporter in the McDonalds that served as a media staging ground during the protests. On the need for HuffPo to stay in Ferguson, Grim wrote, "the local police will still be there, along with the structural inequality and racial disparities that sparked the crisis." 

Science
According to NBC News, we've had a weird year of weather. NBC reports climate researchers say this year is on track to set a temperature record so unique, it hasn't been seen since 1900. This past week the AP reported the Farmers' Almanac, the "chronicler of climate" predicts a "super-cold" winter (again), even using the term "refriger-nation." Unfortunately, the Almanac also predicts California's drought will continue. The Huffington Post reports the Almanac has about an 80% success rate in its trends.

Culture
Last night at the MTV Video Music Awards, Beyonce stole the show in what seemed like a Super Bowl-sized-halftime show that actually closed the show. Performing every track from her new album in a quick 15 minutes, she began by saying, "MTV, welcome to my world." Just to put things into perspective. BuzzFeed recapped the performance here, and you can catch the 15 minutes in its entirety here. After her performance, Beyonce was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award which has previously been awarded to Madonna, Britney Spears, the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson.  The award, also known as a Lifetime Achievement Award, is given to musicians who have had a profound effect on the MTV culture. . After her performance, Beyonce was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award which has previously been awarded to Madonna, Britney Spears, the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson.  The award, also known as a Lifetime Achievement Award, is given to musicians who have had a profound effect on the MTV culture. 


My favorite part of the entire thing, though, was Beyonce's daughter, Blue Ivy, dancing along to the beat from her dad Jay Z's lap. I also love how Jay Z is like, 'is anyone seeing what I'm seeing?' Jay Z and Blue Ivy presented Beyonce with the Award, and while walking up to the stage Blue can be heard saying, "Yay, Mommy!" into the microphone.

Celebrate                                                                                                                                    
University of Miami students are heading to the first day of class today. Good luck, Hurricanes! Also, this is our first Need to Know since the launch of www.jordanschuman.com, and lastly, tonight are the Emmy Awards! 

Bonus: 
Jimmy Fallon felt the news was too sad lately, so he offers you some good news : ) 
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Need to Know: August 4

8/4/2014

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World 
About 12,000 homes collapsed in China after an earthquake yesterday afternoon. The death toll rose to almost 400 people, with more than 1,800 injured. The magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck at 4:30 p.m. (U.S. Geological Survey). The White House offered condolences: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their lives. The United States stands ready to assist."

Nation 
An American doctor infected with the Ebola virus arrived in Atlanta for treatment (NBC News). Two other patients will arrive in Atlanta this week. Doctors say you have little to worry about; Ebola doesn't spread like the common cold, and the patients will be treated in Atlanta in a special isolation unit. 

Politics
In case you missed it, House lawmakers voted this week to authorize John Boehner to sue President Obama (Wall Street Journal). This comes as a complaint that President Obama had overstepped boundaries in lawmaking. House leaders said the suit would focus on the White House's decision-making in the roll out of the Affordable Care Act. In response, in Kansas City Obama said "Everybody recognizes this is a political stunt, but it's worse than  that because every vote they're taking like that means a vote they're not taking to actually help you."

Business
Very bad business news today, the average price of a pound of bacon rose another 6 cents last month (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This brings the price of bacon to an all-time high of $6.11. This is a 41% increase from just 2 years ago when The Huffington Post was already taking notice of the change! 

Science 
Residents of Toledo, OH have been banned from using the local tap water for cooking, drinking and brushing their teeth. A toxin was found in the water system and officials think it was contaminated by out of control algae due to runoff from farm fertilizer and septic systems near Lake Erie (Washington Post). Studies yesterday showed some toxins still contaminating the lake as 400,000 residents head into a third day without water. 

Culture
Funny man Stephen Colbert broke character for a Rookie Magazine segment, "Ask a Grown Man." Before asking questions from viewers, Colbert claims he's honored to be considered a grown man and then delves into some authentic advice. Maria from Mexico City asks, "I would really like to know all the ways in which you can tell when a person likes you." Colbert replies "One nice definition of love is one person's happiness is more important than your own." Watch by clicking on the link below (Vulture). 

http://www.rookiemag.com/2014/07/ask-a-grown-man-stephen-colbert/


Celebrate
Our current President Barack Obama turns 53 today!

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Need to Know: July 28

7/28/2014

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World
Israel and militant group Hamas are still fighting. The conflict started about three weeks ago and over the weekend the UN asked Israel and Hamas to take a break. While Israel agreed, Hamas continued to launch rockets. The Jerusalem Post reported Hamas then decided they would agree to a cease-fire which coincided with the celebration of the end of Ramadan. Israel agreed to only fire when fired upon. US Secretary of State John Kerry was there last week to assist in the brokering of a cease-fire and was unsuccessful. He returned to Washington, DC (The Guardian).

Nation
A lightning storm at Venice Beach, CA killed one and injured 12 others last night (Buzzfeed). According to authorities, a 20-year-old man died after the summer storm swept through Southern California (Huffington Post). The LA Times reports the weather conditions that created the storm are expected to linger throughout the early afternoon today.

Politics
The Sarah Palin Channel has gone live. Former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican VP nominee announced the launch via Facebook post last night. The site is an interactive online network designed as an alternative to mainstream news media (Politico). According to NBC News, Palin says she oversees all content posted to the channel, which includes her own political commentary. Membership is set at $9.95 per month or $99.95 per year.

Business
Real Estate company Zillow will acquire real estate company and competitor Trulia in a $3.5 billion stock deal, the companies announced today (USA Today). The deal is expected to close next year. The companies expressed hope the merger will prove better opportunities for leveraging ad sales. Business Insider reports the move could clear out America's realtor population within 2 years.

Science
Amazon opens up its 3D Printing Store today, allowing the customization of more than 200 products. These include but are not limited to dog tags, credit card holders, iPhone cases and custom bobble heads (The Verge). Amazon won't actually be printing the items, but they are serving as the connection between the shopper and the 3D-printer. Petra Schindler-Carter, Director for Amazon Marketplace Sales said, "the introduction of our 3D Printed Products store suggests the beginning of a shift in online retail -- that manufacturing can be more nimble to provide an immersive customer experience" (Time).

Culture
Actress Kristen Bell (Frozen, Veronica Mars, Couples Retreat) stars as a struggling Mary Poppins in Funny or Die's latest video. In the video, Bell must leave the Banks family to find a better paying job, as her ruler measures she is currently practically perfect in every way, and grossly underpaid. See it here: http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/924y

Celebrate
On this date in 1896 the city of Miami, Florida was incorporated! Kind of turned out to be a big one for me :)


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Need to Know: June 30

6/30/2014

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World
Yesterday, ISIS, the Islamic extremist group that's taking over parts of Syria and Iraq, declared the creation of an Islamic state in territories under its control. This poses a direct challenge to the leadership of al Quaeda, who once said ISIS was too extreme for even their taste. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant claimed universal authority declaring its leader was now caliph of the Muslim world. Who's the guy? Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The U.S declared him a terrorist in 2011 (Washington Post).

Nation
The Supreme Court ruled today that some corporations can hold religious objections that allow them to opt out of the new health law requirement in ObamaCare stating that they cover contraceptives for women. The owners of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. sued the US claiming ObamaCare is forcing them to pay for something that goes against their beliefs. The case answered the question of if corporations are people with rights just like citizens. The ruling opens the door for corporations to choose what they agree or disagree with, which can put things like discrimination laws in question. The 5-4 decision is the first time the SCOTUS has ruled profit-seeking businesses can hold religious views under federal law (Associated Press).

Politics
Today, President Obama will ask Congress for more than $2 billion to deal with the amount of undocumented immigrants crossing the US-Mexico border. Obama has called the increase of minors coming across the border a "humanitarian crisis" and has ordered officials to increase border agency and open emergency shelters (The Guardian). You might recall Obama and Congress aren't communicating the greatest as of late, and in his weekly address the President said Republican obstructionism is keeping the system rigged against the middle class (Washington Post).

Business
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled Aereo's streams of broadcast TV channels violated copyright law. Aereo's founder was insistent that the ruling but the future of technology at stake (Variety). The ruling was a big win for traditional media companies which make a living doing what Aereo tried to do.  Major networks make billions from cable package deals and were upset Aereo was streaming their copyrighted shows. The one thing the SCOTUS didn't put to bed was cloud storage, when users use things like Amazon and Dropbox to download content. The latest is that Aereo suspended its service, but is refunding users their last paid month (CBS News).

Science
You may have been a lab rat in a big Facebook experiment. For one week in January 2012, scientists manipulated the news feeds of almost 700,000 users. Some people were shown happy and positive news feeds and some were shown content which was analyzed to be sadder. Researchers found when the week was over, the manipulated users were more likely to post content aligned with the news feeds they had seen that week. Turns out Facebook employs data scientists to study user activity but until now the research has been observational and not manipulative (Huffington Post). Some people think this wasn't Facebook's nicest or most ethical move but Facebook says it's all in the terms of service.

Culture
The Waffle House restaurant chain is calling for a boycott of Belgian waffles in preparation for the upcoming US v. Belgium World Cup game. A rep. from the chain told Entertainment Weekly "we're America's place to eat, so of course we're supporting team USA." The game is Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Celebrate 
On this date in 1966, Mike Tyson was born. Remember when he came to The Tony Awards?
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