Monday, March 23rd, 2020
Stimulus Setback, Olympics Postponed? & Homeschooling Help
All the news you need in less than 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by www.NativeDeodorant.com and by Empower.me/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 perusing the latest happenings...
COVID-19 Updates
One in four Americans is now being asked to stay home to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Four states issued mandatory orders over the weekend, meaning non-essential businesses have to close or face consequences. President Trump declared major disaster declarations for New York, California and Washington. That frees up extra federal funding for the states with the highest death tolls. The president said he’d activate the National Guard in the same states. Masks, respirators, gowns and other medical items have been shipped and will arrive in the next few days.
Stay at Home Orders: The Hill, USA Today
Disaster Declarations, National Guard: NBC News, CBS News
Addressing Supply Shortages: WaPo, Reuters CNN, Axios, FDA
Coronavirus on Capitol Hill
Republican Rand Paul became the first U.S. Senator to test positive for COVID-19. He went into quarantine Sunday, and some of his colleagues who had come into contact with him recently are self-quarantining, too. That means they won’t be able to vote on any new stimulus packages. Senate Democrats blocked a $1.8 trillion rescue package, saying it was tilted toward large corporations and didn’t have enough help for workers and health care providers. Republicans responded by scheduling the same vote on the bill for today, hoping Dems have a change of heart. Meanwhile, House Democrats are now crafting their own bill.
Senate Stimulus Negotiations: AP, ABC News, NY Times, Politico
Senator Rand Paul Tests Positive: Fox News, USA Today
Europe Restrictions & Olympic Boycott
Italy is making its quarantine stricter as the new coronavirus has now killed nearly 5,500 people in just over a month. So over the weekend, the country shut down nearly all industrial production and offices. It banned travel, even within the country. Meanwhile, Greece imposed a lockdown, Germany banned gatherings of two or more people, and Spain extended its State of Emergency for two more weeks.
Meanwhile, Canada and Australia now say they’ll boycott the 2020 Olympics if the games aren’t delayed. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) insists the Olympics won’t be cancelled, but it’s considering postponing. A final decision will be made within a month.
More Restrictions in Europe: AP, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, Reuters
Olympics Postponed?: ABC News, NBC News, Bloomberg
RIP Kenny Rogers
Music legend Kenny Rogers died over the weekend. His family said he passed away from natural causes at 81 years old. His music career spanned six decades. He was also an actor, entrepreneur and photographer. For now, the Rogers family will hold a small, private ceremony. A public event will be scheduled later (when the coronavirus threat subsides).
Read More: ABC News, CNN
Spring Storms Forecast
More than a million Americans are in the path of a spring snowstorm today. A nor’easter is expected to bring snow to northern New York and parts of New England. Meanwhile, severe weather is possible for the middle of the country. People in Northern Texas, Oklahoma and southern Kansas could see strong winds, large hail and even tornadoes. That threat lasts through early tomorrow.
Read More: ABC News, NY Times
Companies Retool in Crisis
President Trump has officially given Ford, GM and Tesla approval to make ventilators due to the possible shortage. No word yet on when production can start. Meanwhile, designers and clothing companies are making masks for health care workers. Christian Siriano has asked his staff to start making a few thousand a week. Hanes and Fruit of the Loom will also get into the mask business. They plan to start delivering them in the middle of the week.
Automakers to Make Ventilators: TechCrunch, USA Today
Companies Make Masks: NYT, WAPO, ABC News
Companies Hiring in Crisis
Even during an economic downturn, some companies are trying to hire new employees. Places like Amazon, grocery stores and some fast food restaurants need extra help. Walmart, for instance, wants to hire 150,000 temp workers who will stick around through at least May. Kroger needs 10,000 additional employees.
Read More: NYT, The Verge
Google's New Online Resources
Google launched its COVID-19 website over the weekend. The site has safety and prevention tips, a map of worldwide cases, and YouTube videos about living in isolation. One thing it doesn’t do is help Americans locate testing centers -- as President Trump promised it would. That could change in the future.
Also, Google started the “Teach from Home” site, which gives ideas about how to teach remotely. Google’s video platform, Youtube, launched “Learn from Home.” That highlights educational channels for kids to watch at home.
Google Launches COVID-19 Website: Google, Gizmodo, PC Mag
Remote Education Resources: The Verge
Money Monday - Financial Relief:
As we deal with the financial fallout of the new coronavirus, it's best to understand how government relief packages may help, to evaluate your spending, and cut expenses where you can. Also, you can call lenders to ask they reschedule or reduce payments during this time. Learn more and find additional resources at the link below.
Read More: Empower's Resources (sponsor)