Morning! While you were sleeping (or staying up to binge-watch Friends for the tenth time) (or pulling an all-nighter in the library), a few things went down that you’ll probably want to know about. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get scrolling.
Rumor Has It
On Monday, Aretha Franklin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize’s Special Citation, Rolling Stone reported.
She was recognized “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades,” the Pulitzer’s board said.
Franklin is the first female artist to receive the Pulitzers’ Special Citation for the arts. Previous recipients include Hank Williams, Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, George Gershwin, Ray Bradbury, William Schuman, Milton Babbitt, Scott Joplin, Roger Sessions, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Congratulations to @ArethaFranklin and her family and friends. #Pulitzer #QueenOfSoul #Respect pic.twitter.com/SRdwncE5UI
— The Pulitzer Prizes (@PulitzerPrizes) April 15, 2019
This is a reaffirmation of Franklin’s incredible impact on the world and her status as a cultural icon.
Franklin, 76, passed away on Aug. 16 in her Detroit home from pancreatic cancer.
News You Can Eat
It’s the season of chocolate—lots of chocolate. Now, Uber is helping you get your chocolate fix.
Cargo, which is Uber’s in-car vendor, will give out free samples of chocolate Easter egg candies during rides in select cities. They’ll specifically give out Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and Cadbury Creme eggs.
From Monday to Easter Day, riders can find hidden chocolate in their Uber rides. If you live in New York City, Chicago, L.A., Boston, Washington D.C., Baltimore, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Miami, or Dallas, you’ll most likely find a tasty treat waiting for you.
Cargo, the exclusive in-car vendor for @Uber, will be offering riders free @reeses Peanut Butter eggs and Cadbury Creme eggs this week! https://t.co/FswN6r9Cwe
— The Hershey Company (@HersheyCompany) April 15, 2019
“We are proud to be building a strong partnership with Cargo. We believe their model has the potential to be one of the fastest growing, technology-enabled retail platforms in snacking. Most importantly, they provide us with new and unique ways to connect with our consumers while they are on-the-go,” Allen Dark, Director of Disruptive Growth for The Hershey Company told Elite Daily.
The free chocolate is only available while supplies last. Of course, you can’t just order any Uber and expect there to be free chocolate. You’ll have to get lucky.
Then This Happened
On Monday, Lori Loughlin pleaded not guilty in the college admissions scandal, according to The New York Times.
Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Both of them allegedly paid $500,000 to get their daughters into the University of Southern California as members of the rowing team. Neither of their daughters was rowers.
Many other defendants targeted in the FBI’s “Operation Varsity Blues” entered guilty pleas. Loughlin and Giannulli reportedly decided not to, risking a higher sentence in fines and jail time.
According to The Times, Loughlin waived her right to come to court for her arraignment.
JUST IN: Actress Lori Loughlin pleads not guilty in college admissions scandal. – @Tom_Winter pic.twitter.com/21annwuqra
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 15, 2019
Loughlin and her husband could face up to 20 years in prison, but The Associated Press reports that first-time offenders usually don’t receive a long jail sentence. TMZ reports that if the court reaches a guilty verdict the two could receive a minimum sentence of two years in prison.
She has yet to release a public statement about the charges.
Happy Thoughts
Who doesn’t love an excuse to wear pajamas to work? Happy national wear your pajamas to work day!