Monday, March 8th, 2021
Relief Gets Ready, Two Cyber Threats & Meghan’s Moment of Truth
All the news you need in about 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by BLUblox.com/newsworthy & EveryBottleBack.org
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 to review the latest happenings...
Senate Passes COVID Relief
$1.9 trillion in relief money is likely going to start rolling out to Americans soon. The Senate passed the latest aid package over the weekend after more than 27 hours of debate. In the end, every Democrat voted for it, every Republican voted against it. It’s very similar to the bill already passed in the House, but the Senate changed up some of the most controversial parts of it. For example, it took out the federal minimum wage increase. The House is set to vote tomorrow on whether to approve those changes. Then, it’s up to President Biden to sign it into law.
Read More: WaPo, NPR, WSJ, CBS News
U.S. Finding More UK COVID Strain
A more contagious version of the new coronavirus is spreading quickly across most of the U.S. The strain first detected in the UK already forced a lot of Europe into lockdown earlier this winter. Now, it’s hit 46 states in the U.S. One analysis from a lab testing company says the UK strain makes up 20% of all new cases in the U.S. Experts say it’s likely going to become the dominant strain here by the end of the month. This is concerning since it spreads more easily than other versions of COVID-19 and could be more deadly.
Read More: NY Times, CNN, NBC News, CDC
Russia Spreading False Vaccine Info
An official with the U.S. State Department says Russia is running a campaign to try to damage Americans’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. That official told the Wall Street Journal there are at least four sites spreading disinformation: New Eastern Outlook, Oriental Review, News Front, and Rebel Inside. Their stories may be picked up and circulated by other media around the world. These sites have exaggerated things like the vaccine’s risk of side effects. They’ve also questioned the shots' efficacy. A Russian government official called the claims “nonsense.”
Read More: WSJ, The Verge, Engadget
Hackers Breach Microsoft Customers
A hack may have affected tens of thousands of Microsoft users. Microsoft says it started in January. Hackers found a vulnerability and got into Exchange, the email and calendar service. Those systems are used by small businesses, state and local governments, and some military contractors. Microsoft says the hackers were able to steal emails and install malware that could keep tabs on their targets. The company says the Chinese government is behind it. In response, China said cyberattacks are a complex, technical issue.
Read More: Bloomberg, WaPo, BBC, Microsoft
Pope Iraq Visit
Pope Francis became the first leader of the Catholic church to ever visit Iraq. It was also the pope’s first international trip since the pandemic was declared a year ago. He visited parts of Iraq that used to be controlled by ISIS. He also met with other religious leaders like Iraq’s top Ayatollah who leads the country’s Shiite Muslims. Lastly, he held mass at an outdoor stadium. An estimated 10,000 people showed up to see him speak. The pope urged the crowd to forgive Muslim extremists for all they’ve done and rebuild. He returned to Rome this morning.
Read More: AP, NY Times, WaPo
Prince Harry and Meghan Interview
For the first time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spoke publicly about the struggles they faced inside the royal family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down with Oprah Winfrey. They told her the royal family had conversations about “how dark” Harry and Meghan’s first baby, Archie, would be since Meghan is half Black. They say the family spoke about not giving Archie security or a title. So far, no response from the royal family. There was at least one light-hearted moment in the interview. Harry and Meghan revealed their second child, expected this summer, is going to be a girl.
Read More: CBS News, AP, Reuters, BBC
Pandemic Baby Bust
In 2020, fewer babies were born than usual. CBS News got data from 32 states that reported 95,000 fewer births last year, compared to 2019. Of those states, only one saw births go up, New Hampshire. The nonprofit research group Brookings Institution estimates there will be at least 300,000 fewer U.S. births in 2021 as well. It’s not unexpected during a pandemic year. Some say the impact of things like student debt and concerns around climate change contribute to families’ decisions too.
Read More: WSJ, CBS News, BBC, Brookings, Insider
CA Theme Parks Can Reopen
For the first time in a year, California theme parks have been given the go-ahead to reopen. The state’s health department says they can get back to business, rides and all, April 1st. That includes the popular Disneyland and Universal Studios as long as the counties they’re in aren’t dealing with a big surge in COVID-19 cases then. All theme parks will have to limit capacity and guests will have to wear masks. Also, at least for now, they’ll only be open to California residents. There’s no official reopening date for any of the major parks yet.
Read More: LA Times, WaPo, CA Dept of Health
HFPA Diversity Initiatives
The group behind the Golden Globes is now promising to become more diverse. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association says it will make key changes in the next 60 days. It’s hiring an independent consultant to focus on diversity and inclusion. It’s also going to do an outreach campaign, hoping to find Black and other underrepresented professionals who can join the group. Plus, it will make sure everyone in the organization gets training every year that covers anti-racism and unconscious bias education.
Read More: NBC News, USA Today, HFPA
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s also a day to push for further gender equality and to fundraise for female-focused charities. International Women’s Day has been going on for more than a century. It’s now recognized by the United Nations and celebrated all around the world. This year, celebrations are largely going virtual. For example, the UN is holding an online summit today with the theme “Women in Leadership.”
Read More: BBC, Forbes, Deadline, UN
Find an Event Near You: IWD Website
Money Monday: Toy Sales Surge
People are spending their money on a lot more toys these days. Research firm NPD says toy sales ticked up 16% in 2020. That means, in total, people spent more than $25 billion on toys last year. One of the biggest hits has been Barbie which had its best sales numbers in at least five years. Other merchandise like Star Wars, Pokemon, and LOL Surprise Dolls were also in high demand. Analysts say the reason is kids are spending more time than usual at home, so parents are looking for ways to keep them occupied.
Read More: NY Post, BBC, NPD Group