1

Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed in the Supreme Court.

The convergent They voted 53 to 47 yesterday to make Jackson the first black woman in the Supreme Court and the eighth justice in the 233-year history of the non-White court. Her background: Jackson, 51, graduated from Harvard Law School and has been a federal judge for the past nine years. Prior to that, he was a public defender. What happens next? He will be sworn in when Judge Stephen Breyer retires this summer.

2

An air raid hit a crowded train station in eastern Ukraine.

What we know: At least 39 people were killed and 87 injured this morning in the Donetsk region, officials said. Thousands of civilians were there trying to evacuate the area, where Russia is refocusing its attacks. On the world stage: The UN suspended Russia from the Human Rights Council yesterday, amid growing reports of atrocities in Ukraine.

3

Life expectancy in the US fell again last year.

The numbers: It fell to 76.60 years in 2021, according to a new analysis. This is reduced from 76.99 in 2020 and 78.86 in 2019. What does this show: Life expectancy has not improved despite effective coronavirus vaccines. Last year’s decline was largely due to white Americans, which could be linked to vaccine hesitation and resistance to pandemic restrictions, the report said.

4

Alabama has passed two bills restricting the rights of trans children.

The details: It would be a crime for doctors to provide sex-affirming care to trans minors, limit bathrooms and changing rooms that children can use, and forbid teachers from discussing gender or sexuality until the fifth grade. The governor is expected to sign the bills. The largest image: They are the latest in an unprecedented wave of bills targeting LGBTQ rights across the country.

5

Methane emissions jumped again to a record high last year.

Why this matters: Strong greenhouse gas is the second largest factor (behind carbon dioxide) in man-made global warming. Carbon emissions also continued to grow in 2021, according to these new NOAA figures. What does this show: The world is facing a huge challenge as it tries to reduce these emissions enough to achieve common goals and prevent catastrophic climate change.

6

Medicare will limit payments for a controversial new Alzheimer’s drug. Lego wants to build a kid-friendly metaverse.