Thursday, April 1st, 2021
Biden’s Next $2T Plan, Vaccine Mix-Up & April Fools’ Day
All the news you need in about 10 min:
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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 peruse the latest happenings...
Biden Unveils Infrastructure Plan
President Biden is asking Congress to spend $2 trillion on a package to address jobs, infrastructure, and green energy. It includes regular infrastructure improvements like building roads and bridges. It also includes replacing lead water pipes, updating the country’s electric grid, expanding broadband internet access, and more. To pay for it, Biden wants to raise the corporate tax rate for at least 15 years. However, the plan needs approval from Congress and already, some Republicans say they have issues with it. For example, they say there’s too much spending on things beyond traditional infrastructure and they don’t like the tax hikes.
Read More: WaPo, AP, WSJ, Politico, White House
Chauvin Trial Testimony Continues
For the first time, the world watched new police bodycam footage from the day George Floyd died. It was played during the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. In the video, you can hear a witness talking to officers moments after an ambulance took Floyd away from the scene. He told Chauvin he didn’t respect what he had done. Chauvin replied, “We’ve got to control this guy because he’s a sizeable guy,” and “he was probably on something.” That clip was one of many played in court yesterday. Jurors also heard more emotional testimony from witnesses.
Read More: NY Times, AP, WSJ, WaPo, Watch Trial Live
Pfizer Vaccine Adolescent Trial Results
Pfizer now says its COVID-19 shots are extremely effective in children too. The vaccine maker released results from its final-phase trial in adolescents. In this trial, more than a thousand kids ages 12-15 got both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. In the end, the company says not one of them tested positive for COVID-19 and they didn’t experience any serious side effects. Like with adults, some reported having fatigue and fever that went away. Now, all this data needs to be reviewed by independent researchers. Then, the FDA will have to authorize the shots for kids.
Read More: NY Times, CNN, Stat News, Pfizer
J&J Vaccine Factory Mix-Up
There was a setback in getting the Johnson & Johnson shots out to more Americans. 15 million vaccines were reportedly spoiled when a plant in Baltimore accidentally mixed up ingredients. The FDA is now investigating. To be clear, these doses were never sent out, so this issue doesn’t affect any of the Johnson & Johnson shots Americans are getting now. However, it does mean there’s going to be a big delay in getting out more doses. Still, since the government ordered so many vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the U.S. should be on track to have enough overall for all adults by the end of May.
Read More: AP, WSJ, Axios, FOX Business, J&J
MLB Opening Day
It’s Major League Baseball’s opening day and fans are allowed in the stands at every stadium. However, all teams still have at least some health safety measures in place. In every ballpark, you have to wear a mask unless you’re eating or drinking in your seat. At most stadiums, there will be limits on how many fans can be in the stands so people can spread out. The only exception is in Texas where the Rangers’ new ballpark is open at full capacity. Health concerns aside, each team is planning to play 162 regular-season games.
Read More: NY Times, AP, MLB, Game Schedule
AR Headsets for Soldiers
The U.S. Army will be training for battle using augmented reality. Microsoft won a nearly $22 billion deal to build more than 120,000 customized headsets for soldiers. The technology expands on Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets which video gamers have been using for the past few years. The goggle-like headsets will allow commanders to project information onto a visor in front of a soldier’s face. Microsoft says the technology could help keep troops safer and make them more effective, allowing soldiers to practice how to react to dangerous situations. The tech could also be used on the battlefield for facial recognition, analytics, and more.
Read More: CNBC, AP, Bloomberg, Army Statement, Microsoft
Chipotle Giving Away Bitcoin
Today only, Chipotle wants to give you digital money. The burrito chain says it will give away $100,000 worth of bitcoin and $100,000 worth of burritos for national burrito day. To compete, players will need to visit BurritosOrBitcoin.com. Once there, each player has 10 tries to guess a six-digit code. Chipotle says three players will win $25,000 worth of Bitcoin. 50 more people will win $500 in bitcoin. Another 10,000 players will win a free burrito. The contest opens today at 9 a.m. PT, Noon ET.
Read More: Chipotle, CNN, NY Times
Google Cancels April Fools Jokes
Today is April Fools’ Day, but don’t expect Google to pull any pranks. The tech company is skipping the holiday for the second year in a row out of respect for people still struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, other companies may still have jokes planned. Already, Volkswagen claimed it was changing its name before admitting it was just an early April Fools’ Day joke. It’s common for other companies to announce far-fetched ideas on April Fools’ Day too, so be on the lookout. More jokes and pranks may be coming your way.
Read More: The Verge, 9to5Google, Business Insider, Gizmodo, Business News Daily
Thing to Know Thursday: The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is the only shortcut that lets ships travel from Asia to Europe and beyond without having to go around Africa. Without it, going around Africa takes two weeks longer and costs ships hundreds of thousands of dollars more in fuel and other costs. The Suez was built in the mid-19th century. However, at that time, ships were nowhere near the size they are today. The Suez has been widened and deepened several times over the years to accommodate larger loads. Still, ships got stuck, including the one last week.
Read More: NY Times, CNN, AP