Friday, March 27th, 2020
Coronavirus By The Numbers, Space Force First & Meghan Markle’s New Job
All the news you need in less than 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by www.NativeDeodorant.com and www.MagicSpoon.com/newsworthy
Check out The Jordan Harbinger Show and the episode he mentioned about fear here.
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...
Coronavirus Spread
The U.S. has now reported more than 85,000 cases of COVID-19. That's more than any other nation. Though keep in mind: far more Americans recover from the virus than die from it. Hospitals are overwhelmed but are about to get some help. A Navy hospital ship is scheduled to leave Norfolk, VA for New York City tomorrow. Another one was already dispatched to California. They each have 1,000 hospital beds and adequate medical equipment. Meanwhile, millions of masks are turning up all around the country, and finders are donating them to health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
U.S. Has Most Cases in World: Johns Hopkins
New York Impact: Bloomberg, NY Times, DOD News
Hospital Supplies Donated: NY Times, LA Times
New COVID-19 Hot Spots
A coronavirus hot spot is emerging in the Deep South. Louisiana’s known case count jumped form about 500 cases on Wednesday to more than 2,300 yesterday. One study found that’s the fastest growth of new cases in the world. Some medical experts are blaming Mardi Gras, which brought more than a million partiers to the New Orleans area late last month. In Texas, the governor mandated a two-week quarantine for travelers coming form New Orleans or from the New York City area. Also, President Trump has some new protocols in mind. He told governors he plans to label certain counties as “high,” “medium,” or “low” risk. That way, states can make their own decisions about how strict they should make social distancing orders and how long they should be in effect.
Louisiana Cases Growing: USA Today, Fox News
Texas Orders Quarantine on Travelers: Press Release
New Social Distancing Guidelines: NBC News, CNN
Coronavirus Financial Impacts
New data shows 3.3 million people applied for jobless benefits last week: that's the biggest jump in U.S. history. It’s a sign of layoffs caused by businesses shutting down due to the coronavirus, but the number is also high because a lot more people are eligible for benefits now. People will get more help if the $2.2 trillion relief bill goes into effect. It should soon. It already passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate. Today, it’s up for a vote in the U.S. House.
Unemployment Claims: ABC News, Fox News
Bull Market: NYT, CNBC
$2.2T Relief Package: Bloomberg, WSJ
Entertainers Mourned
Two legendary performers died this week. First, actor Mark Blum passed away from complications of COVID-19. He’s known for roles in films such as Crocodile Dundee, but more recently he appeared on HBO’s Succession and the Netflix series, You. Also, Fred “Curly” Neal died. He was one of the most famous Harlem Globetrotters. So far, details haven’t been released about how he died.
Actor Mark Blum Dies: Fox News, Deadline
Globetrotter “Curly” Neal Dies: USA Today, The Week
Severe Weather & Record Heat
Severe weather is expected to hit much of the U.S. today. A big storm system is reportedly moving through the middle of the country. It could bring severe weather to places like Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri tonight. Further south, from Texas to Florida, a heat wave is on tap for today and tomorrow.
Read More: CNN, USA Today, ABC News
Space Force Rocket Launch
The U.S. Space Force conducted its first national security mission this week. A new communications satellite was launched into orbit. It will reportedly provide jam-proof communications, including real time video between U.S. leaders and deployed military forces. The Space Force partnered with a private company, United Launch Alliance, to blast the satellite into space.
Read More: TechCrunch, Engadget, Cnet, Space.com
Online Boom
The Internet is slowing down in the U.S. and Europe. Reports say the average time to download videos, emails and documents went up. In some cities, one broadband speed testing service found download speeds dropped between 20-40%. It’s likely because more people are working from home, kids are doing online classes and people are watching more movies and shows. Digital companies like Slack and Zoom are also seeing record numbers of users and new subscribers. Also, the app “Houseparty,” which lets you video chat, play games and more with friends virtually, has reported 25 times as many daily downloads as last month. To keep up with all this new activity, Internet providers like Verizon and AT&T are building more cell sites.Internet Slowing: NYT, Vox
Slack Sees Surge: The Verge, Mashable
Houseparty Surge: VentureBeat, Digital Trends
Virtual Charity Events
Two virtual charity events are happening this weekend. First, Twitch is hosting a 12-hour benefit called Stream Aid 2020. It will feature celebrity guests, music and gaming. That starts tomorrow at 12 pm ET. Also, Elton John is hosting the 'iHeart Living Room Concert for America.' Stars like Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and the Backstreet Boys are performing from their homes. It starts Sunday at 9 pm ET on Fox.
Twitch Streaming Benefit: The Verge, Variety
Elton John Charity Benefit: Deadline, Fox News
Meghan Markle's New Job
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is partnering with Disney. She’ll be narrating the documentary “Elephant,” which follows a herd of African elephants as they migrate. It will be her first project since stepping back from royal duties. The film will benefit the nonprofit organization “Elephants Without Borders.” It’s supposed to be released on Disney+ next Friday.
Read More: Variety, Mashable
Feel Good Friday – From Hate Comes Friendship
A Muslim political candidate in Virginia showed strength in kindness this month. When a man sent him Islamaphobic tweets, the candidate decided to donate to the man’s GoFundMe campaign and encourage others to do the same. The account raised $22,000 to pay off the man’s medical debt. Eventually, the man who sent the tweets sent a thoughtful apology. The two met, took a picture, and called each other “friends” on social media.
Read More: NBC News, CNN