5 things for May 8: Eric Schneiderman, Iran nuke deal, US elections, Hawaii, Nigeria
By Doug Criss, CNN
Published
6:00 AM EDT, Tue May 8, 2018
(CNN) —
If you’ve filled up your car’s tank lately, you’ve probably noticed that gas prices have dropped. Here’s why that’s both good and bad for the economy. And here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. Coronavirus
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman – a vocal proponent of the #MeToo movement and a rising star in the Democratic party – has resigned. He stepped down after a bombshell report in The New Yorker detailed assault allegations made against him by four women. The women, two who spoke on the record, said Schneiderman hit and choked them. He denied the allegations but said he was stepping down because “they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time.” Schneiderman brought legal action against Harvey Weinstein and was a fierce critic of President Trump.
2. White House
Will he or won’t he? We won’t know until this afternoon, but all indications are that President Trump will indeed pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, the Obama-era pact that Trump and Republicans despise. Most observers predict Trump will decide against extending the sanctions waivers on Iran’s energy and banking sector, effectively leaving the deal. What would the consequences be? Some warn it could start a Mideast arms race if Iran also leaves the deal and restarts its nuclear program. Others say it could send a message to North Korea about the reliability of the US as a negotiating partner.
The headliner today is the West Virginia GOP Senate primary. Republicans fear a win by former coal baron Don Blankenship could spell disaster in a general election match-up against Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. Blankenship spent a year in prison in connection with a 2010 mine explosion that killed 29 workers, and he’s hit Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, with some racially charged attacks. Blankenship considers himself “Trumpier than Trump,” but the President wants nothing to do with him and urged West Virginians to vote against him.
4. ‘El Chapo’ trial
Volcanic activity has subsided at all 12 fissures on the Big Island, but a geologist warns this is most likely just a pause and this slow-moving natural disaster is far from over. So far, 35 structures have been destroyed, including at least 26 homes. Some of the 1,700 residents who had to flee their homes on the eastern end of the island were briefly allowed to retrieve needed items. And despite a break in the action, danger still exists in the area, in the form of earthquakes and newly formed cracks. Since Friday’s big 6.9-magnitude quake, the Big Island’s endured about one earthquake per hour.
5. Tacoma
Some good news out of Nigeria. The army there says it has rescued more than 1,000 captives of Boko Haram. Most of the captives were woman and children, as well as young men who had been forced to become fighters for the terrorist group. A report last month said Boko Haram has kidnapped more than 1,000 children in Nigeria since 2013, and the group sparked global outrage after its militants seized 276 girls from a boarding school in 2014. Some of those girls were freed last year. CNN could not confirm if the remaining Chibok girls were among those freed in this latest operation.
Warren Buffett, telling how he really feels about the cryptocurrency bitcoin, which took a 6% nosedive after his comments
BREAKFAST BROWSE
RIP, Carol
Want one night cruising around in a luxury vehicle? Got a gun? Then this Miami businessman wants to make a trade.
Thanks, doc
Experiencing a medical emergency during a comedy show? Make sure it’s during Ken Jeong’s act. The ex-doctor will hop off stage and save you.
American made
What’s all the fuss over Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video? CNN’s Lisa Respers France says you have to watch it more than once to understand.
Holy moly
Rihanna came as a pope. Katy Perry shined like an angel. These heavenly visions could be seen nowhere else but at the Met Gala.
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Blake Lively —
Blake Lively wears a Versace gown at the Met Gala in New York on Monday, May 7. The invitation-only event raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
PHOTO:
John Shearer/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Rihanna —
Rihanna dons a pope-inspired ensemble, including a jeweled miter. The singer co-chaired the event with Anna Wintour, Donatella Versace and Amal Clooney.
PHOTO:
HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Katy Perry —
Katy Perry looks angelic with wings on the red carpet.
PHOTO:
Andrew H. Walker/REX/Shutterstock
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Nicki Minaj —
This year's show put the focus on fashion and works of medieval art in what the Met described as a thematic exhibition examining "fashion's ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism."
PHOTO:
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Madonna —
Madonna's outfit was one of the most anticipated of the evening. The singer -- who had her own bout of controversy with the Catholic Church when she released her 1989 music video for "Like a Prayer" -- wore an all-black ensemble, complete with a diamond-encrusted headdress.
PHOTO:
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Jennifer Lopez —
Past Costume Institute exhibitions include "China: Through the Looking Glass" and "Manus x Machina."
PHOTO:
John Shearer/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Model Kendall Jenner —
Kendall Jenner wears a white jumpsuit to the event.
PHOTO:
John Shearer/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Priyanka Chopra —
Priyanka Chopra wears a heavily beaded headpiece.
PHOTO:
Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
TV personality Kim Kardashian —
Kim Kardashian shows off a form-fitting dress with embroidered crosses.
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer 2 Chainz and Kesha Ward —
The evening even included a proposal. Rapper 2 Chainz, whose real name is Tauheed Epps, got down on one knee on the famous Met gala stairs and popped the question to Kesha Ward, with whom he has three children. She said yes, though it was unclear if this was Epps' original proposal.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Zendaya —
Zendaya was wearing an armor-inspired dress, channeling saint Joan of Arc.
PHOTO:
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Screenwriter Lena Waithe —
Emmy winner Lena Waithe wore a rainbow-colored cape.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, left, and Lily Aldridge —
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and other stars donned elaborate accessories, including crowns and veils to celebrate the gala's theme, "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.
PHOTO:
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
From left actress Frances McDormand, Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, and actress Anne Hathaway —
Wearing a piece by Valentino, Frances McDormand said "I'm a pagan."
PHOTO:
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Ariana Grande —
Ariana Grande was wearing a dress designed by Vera Wang.
PHOTO:
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Amanda Seyfried —
The actress was wearing a golden gown and tiara by Prada.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer SZA —
Headpieces were popular among A-listers at Monday night's event.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Kate Bosworth —
Actress Kate Bosworth was wearing an angelic veil to pay homage to this year's theme.
PHOTO:
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Mindy Kaling —
"You can be the king but watch the queen conquer," actress Minday Kaling posted on Instragram.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney —
Amal Clooney wore a corset with a floral-printed train and fitted slacks, while George donned a classic tuxedo.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Designer Donatella Versace —
Fashion icon Donatella Versace is co-chairing this year's event with Anna Wintour, Rihanna and Amal Clooney.
PHOTO:
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Vogue editor Anna Wintour and her daughter, Bee Shaffer —
Anna Wintour, Vogue's current editor, and her daughter, Bee Shaffer, walked the carpet at tonight's Met Gala.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Lili Reinhart —
Bold, creative and over-the-top perfectly sums up the 2018 Met Gala -- a benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute -- held Monday night.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Model Jasmine Sanders —
In case you're wondering how to score a ticket to this exclusive invite-only event, tickets are $30,000 each.
PHOTO:
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Lynda Carter —
All the money goes to support the Costume Institute.
PHOTO:
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Singer Rita Ora —
The Vatican lent items to be exhibited. The exhibition opens to the public on May 10 and runs through October 8, 2018.
PHOTO:
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Kerry Washington —
Vreeland curated some of the most ambitious and heavily publicized exhibitions in its history, and used the gala as an opportunity to inaugurate them.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
TV personality Kris Jenner —
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute is the only curatorial department at the Met that has to finance its own activities — so the gala is its biggest fundraiser.
PHOTO:
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Photos: Met Gala 2018: Photos from the red carpet
Actress Diane Kruger —
From 1948 to 1971, the benefit wasn't pegged to an exhibition, and was held off-site at the Waldorf Astoria or the Rainbow Room.
PHOTO:
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH
Counting calories
Already craving your midday meal? You can choose wisely. Federal rules that require chain restaurants to post calorie counts are now in effect.
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
At Subway, the oven-roasted chicken sandwich with honey mustard sauce, which has 23 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, is a nutrient combo that will keep you sated on the road. For a snack during your travels, apples are the healthiest option.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Burger King's fish sandwich is easy to eat on the go, rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and relatively low in calories and saturated fat, especially when you skip the tartar sauce.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Wendy's grilled chicken wrap with cheddar and honey mustard makes for a quick grab-and-go meal when you're on the road. If you think hunger pangs will distract you while driving after that, grab some apple slices, too.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Starbucks's protein bistro box is packed with easy-to-nibble foods including a hard-boiled egg, apple slices, cheddar cheese, muesli bread and peanut butter. For long drives, grab a Kind bar, which will come in handy when hunger pangs begin to distract. A cool lime Refreshers beverage has a third of the calories of a typical lemonade and is lightly caffeinated with green coffee extract to keep you alert on the road.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Taco Bell's grilled steak soft tacos aren't just easy to hold, they also offer a moderate amount of carbs and fat, with a dose of satiating protein for long road trips.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
McDonald's sandwich is a quick and easy grab-and-go option. The Filet-o-fish sandwich is made with omega-3-rich pollock. Grab some apple slices to have handy in case your trip ends up taking longer than planned.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Healthy food at Dunkin' Donuts that's easy to eat while driving comes in the form of a multigrain bagel with reduced-fat plain cream cheese and an iced latte with skim milk.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Panera Bread's tuna salad sandwich on honey wheat, with apple and baked crisps, is easy to manage in the tight space of a car.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
Photos: Healthy fast food options for road trips
Chipotle has a healthy option that's easy to eat while driving, on the kids' menu: tacos with chicken, brown rice and fajita vegetables, a Mandarin orange and organic milk.
PHOTO:
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN
TODAY’S NUMBER
57%
The approval rating of first lady Melania Trump in a new CNN poll. It’s up 10 percentage points since January, with a surge in support from Democrats and women. She has also unveiled her platform – “Be Best” – which focuses on well-being, fighting opioid abuse and positivity on social media.
AND FINALLY
Rain games
Cuteness alert! It’s a baby elephant playing in the rain. What could be cuter than that? (Click to view.)