Friday, March 5th, 2021
Relief Vote-a-Rama, Fever Checks Inaccurate? & First NFT Album Release
All the news you need in around 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by Noom.com/newsworthy and BLUblox.com/newsworthy
Story Summaries
All the news stories mentioned in today's episode are listed with links below, so you can spend as much -- or as little -- time as you want reading the latest happenings...
COVID Relief Debate
The Senate is forging ahead with the latest massive COVID-19 relief package. Before the full debate started, the Senate held a vote to see if they should even bother with debate. To that, every Republican voted “no,” but Democrats said “yes” and that was all it took for the bill to move forward. Already, the Senate has made some changes to the package since it passed the House. It took out the national minimum wage increase and it added billions of dollars more for education. The bill is still on track to become law as soon as next week.
Read More: Politico, CBS News, NPR, WSJ
Fever Scanners May be Inaccurate
New research is casting doubt on the accuracy of some temperature-scanning devices. The surveillance research organization IPVM found some of them could be ineffective. The FDA has now put out a public alert warning that improper use of certain thermal-imaging devices could mean they’re not only inaccurate, but also, potentially a serious public health risk, giving people a false sense of security. However, the companies who make them are pushing back. They say the devices aren’t inaccurate. They just adapt to their environment.
Read More: WaPo, FDA
Capitol Police Request Guard Extension
Thankfully, Capitol hill was quiet yesterday on a day that was supposed to be a big deal for QAnon conspiracy theorists. Intelligence officials and Capitol Police were concerned about some online threats that said there was a plan to storm the Capitol again. However, there was no real-world violence reported. Still, law enforcement officials say it’s too soon to scale back security. The U.S. Capitol Police Chief requested National Guard troops stay another two months longer than planned. The Defense Department is now reviewing her request.
Read More: AP, WaPo, Vox, Axios
NZ Earthquakes & Tsunami Warnings
It’s being called one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the South Pacific in modern history. An 8.1 magnitude quake hit near the coast of New Zealand. It was the third extremely powerful earthquake to hit that same area in just a matter of hours. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or major damage. However, thousands of people had to evacuate. There were huge traffic jams as people scrambled to get to higher ground. Now, they’re finally allowed to go home. The warnings have been lifted.
Read More: USA Today, Weather Channel, AP, WaPo
First NFT Album Release
For the first time, a new major album is being released in the form of an NFT. It’s coming from the rock group Kings of Leon. NFT stands for non-fungible token. It’s a type of cryptocurrency, but instead of holding money, they hold digital assets like art, music, videos, and more. Kings of Leon’s new album When You See Yourself was released today as an NFT package. You’ll get the vinyl and a digital download for a $50 token. It will only be available for two weeks. After that, no more will be made.
Read More: Rolling Stone, CNBC, The Verge
NBA All Star Game
The NBA All-Star Game is happening this Sunday. The exhibition game features 24 of the league’s most celebrated players. Lebron James and Kevin Durant are leading the way. They’re both team captains. Usually, All-Star weekend takes up three days full of the slam dunk contest, three-point contest, and more, along with the big game. This year, everything is going to be crammed into Sunday. Also, for the first time, the referee crew at the All-Star Game will be made up entirely of graduates from historically Black colleges and universities.
Read More: ESPN, NY Times, NBA
Paramount+ Launches
You now have another streaming platform to choose from. Paramount+ went live this week. The new streaming service replaces what was CBS All Access. However, it’s not just the name that’s changing. Viacom CBS says it will go from spending $1 billion a year on streaming to at least $5 billion by 2024. This year alone, Paramount+ will introduce 36 original shows. For users, it will cost $5 a month with ads and $10 a month for the ad-free version.
Read More: AP, Cnet, Vox
Square Buys Tidal
Jay-Z just struck a multi-million-dollar deal with Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey. Dorsey’s payment platform Square agreed to buy a majority stake in Jay-Z’s music streaming service Tidal. The deal reportedly cost $297 million in cash and stock. Now, Dorsey says Square will be able to help artists make more money on Tidal and he says he wants to develop new listening experiences to “bring fans closer together.” Jay-Z will also be joining Square’s board of directors.
Read More: Reuters, CNBC, The Verge, Dorsey, Jay-Z
Nat’l Day of Unplugging
Today is “National Day of Unplugging.” It’s the day, every year, when digital wellness advocates ask people to step away from technology for up to 24 hours, although people behind the campaign say even one hour is worthwhile. They say it’s a good excuse to put down your phone or computer, take a break from social media, or simply turn off the TV. People are encouraged to get outdoors instead, or play board games, connect with loved ones, or just relax and reflect. The hope is this will help inspire people to find a better life/tech balance overall. “National Day of Unplugging” has been going on for more than a decade now.
Read more: Day of Unplugging, NationalToday.com
Feel Good Friday: Nation’s Largest Free Food Forest
Atlanta created what’s believed to be the nation’s largest free food forest. The “Conservation Fund” bought an abandoned lot in the middle of the city a few years ago. Now, thanks to grant money and help from other organizations, it’s giving a lot of people free, healthy food while also teaching them about agriculture. Parks workers and 1,000+ volunteers are now growing pesticide-free fruits, vegetables, nuts and honey. That food then goes to underserved people in the area. Gardening and cooking classes are held there as well to teach people about healthy food. It’s needed. The USDA found people in this area of Atlanta are living in what’s called a “food desert.” The nearest grocery store is a 30-minute bus ride away.
Read more: CNN, Aglanta.org, Modern Farmer