Friday, June 18th, 2021
Obamacare Survives, New National Holiday & Star Athletes Sidelined
All the news you need in around 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by Rothys.com/newsworthy and Ritual.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...
SCOTUS ACA Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision to keep the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) intact. Texas and 20 other Republican-led states tried to strike down the law. They pointed to when Congress got rid of the so-called individual mandate that required most people to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Republicans argued if that part of the law is invalid, then so is the rest of it. Most of the Supreme Court justices disagreed with the decision, coming down seven to two. This was the third time the court has preserved Obamacare. Republicans in Congress say they’re now looking into changes they can make through legislation.
Read More: WSJ, NY Times, Axios, Reuters, President Biden
SCOTUS Same-Sex Foster Care Ruling
The Supreme Court came to a unanimous decision in another case. The justices sided with Catholic Social Services in a case over whether it could refuse foster children to go to same-sex couples. The city of Philadelphia stopped placing children in that agency altogether, saying the Catholic organization was violating anti-discrimination laws. The Catholic charity sued, citing religious liberty granted by the first amendment. All the justices agreed with CSS, but they were careful to keep the opinion to this case only. Legal experts say they expect more cases like this that pit anti-discrimination laws against freedom of religion laws in the future.
Read More: Politico, NPR, AP, Fox News
Juneteenth Officially a National Holiday
As expected, President Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Juneteenth falls on Saturday, so most federal employees are off today, the closest work weekday. Some states are giving employees the day off too, as are some major corporations like Apple, Nike, and Twitter. Juneteenth commemorates the day when the last enslaved Black people learned they were free on June 19th, 1865. Juneteenth is now the 12th federal holiday in the U.S.
Read More: AP, WSJ, CNN, USA Today, White House
Possible Pill to Treat COVID
In the future, if you get COVID-19, you might be able to take a pill to make it go away. The White House is investing more than $3 billion to help researchers develop such a drug and for manufacturers to make it. Several companies are already testing antiviral pills they hope will work, especially in the early stages of the virus. They want something patients can take at home. This new funding boost should speed up the process, so ideally, there might be a drug like that available by the end of the year. The money for this is coming from the last COVID-19 relief package that was passed back in March.
Read More: NY Times, WSJ, NBC News, Axios, NIH
EU Adds U.S. to Safe Travel List
The European Union agreed American tourists should be able to visit whether they’ve been vaccinated or not, and they shouldn’t need to be quarantined once they get there. The EU is expected to formalize those recommendations today. Keep in mind, however, that the EU contains 27 individual European countries and each one of them can set its own restrictions. Because of that, there may still be requirements in certain places, like tourists needing a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination record.
Read More: CNBC, CBS News, AP, NY Times
Japan’s State of Emergency Ends Sunday
Japan just cleared the way for holding the Summer Olympics on time. Officials there decided the state of emergency in Tokyo and eight other regions will be allowed to expire this Sunday. This is all because COVID-19 cases have gone down by about 70% since the measure took effect in late April. However, there are still restrictions in place. Olympic organizers are still expected to limit the number of Japanese spectators allowed at venues and all international fans are banned from attending the games.
Read More: WSJ, AP, Bloomberg, CNA
Murder Hornets Return
The notorious murder hornets might be back in the U.S. The first one of the year was spotted dead in a town north of Seattle, Washington. That one may have been leftover from last season, but either way, more are expected to come out next month. They don’t usually go after humans or pets unless they’re threatened, but when it does happen, it’s dangerous. Their stinger is a lot longer and more toxic than bees and can leave a scar. Washington is setting about 1,200 traps across the state in preparation for the peak murder hornet season.
Read More: NPR, CNN, USA Today
Respiratory Virus Rates Rise
Children’s hospitals and pediatricians are seeing a big spike in a respiratory virus called RSV. Rates were lower than usual in the spring and summer as more kids stayed inside because of the pandemic. Now, more and more cases are popping up. The CDC issued a warning about the uptick, saying it’s tracking hundreds of new cases a week, especially in southern states. RSV spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include fever, wheezing, runny nose, and a lack of appetite. RSV can be severe in young children and older adults with chronic illnesses, and there is no specific cure for it.
Read More: Business Insider, CNN, Penn Live, Axios, CDC
Spotify’s Greenroom
Spotify is getting in on the live audio trend. The streaming service launched a new mobile app this week called Spotify Greenroom. TechCrunch says it’s similar to other live audio apps like Clubhouse and Twitter’s Spaces. Speakers are featured at the top of the screen, and the host can invite listeners to join in on conversations, with about a thousand people able to listen at once. One main difference is that on Greenroom, hosts can request a copy of the recording from Spotify and redistribute it as a podcast episode. It’s available now on both Apple and Android devices, and users can download it for free.
Read More: TechCrunch, The Verge, Variety, Spotify
Tennis Stars Pull Out of Wimbledon
The third-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, Rafael Nadal, announced he’s not going to be competing at Wimbledon or the Olympics. Nadal said he’s decided to take a break to allow his body to recuperate from recent competitions. Also, the second-ranked women’s tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from Wimbledon. Her agent released a statement, saying she’s going to be taking some personal time with friends and family. Osaka also withdrew from the French Open, citing mental health concerns. She is still planning on going to the Olympics.
Read More: CNN, ESPN, Rafael Nadal, CBS Sports, Fox News
Rash of NBA Injuries
Eight NBA All-Stars have missed at least one postseason game this year due to injuries. These players include Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers and Sixers star Joel Embiid. The Nets have also had to do without Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Many people, including Lakers superstar Lebron James, are blaming the NBA for rushing to start this season so soon after last year’s bubble, and not giving players much of a chance to rest. However, the league and the players union did agree on this schedule, so there are no signs of it stopping now.
Read More: NY Times, SB Nation, USA Today, Bleacher Report
Father’s Day Is Sunday
This Sunday is Father’s Day. Here in the U.S., shoppers are planning to shell out big bucks to celebrate dad. The National Retail Federation’s annual survey found Americans will spend more than $20 billion on Father’s Day gifts and celebrations this year. This is the highest amount on record and $3 billion more than last year. It averages out to about $174 per person. The survey found nearly half of people will treat the dads in their lives by taking them out for a special meal or planning other fun activities. Popular gifts include clothes, personal care items, tools, electronics, and sporting equipment.
Last-Minute Gift Ideas: NBC News, Wired, USA Today
Read More: National Retail Federation
Feel Good Friday: Waffle House Workers Get Teen to HS Graduation
A hardworking Alabama teenager had an extra special graduation celebration thanks to some caring and quick-thinking coworkers. Timothy Harrison planned to work his regular shift at Waffle House on graduation day since he didn’t have a ride to the venue an hour away from his house. When he showed up for work, the Waffle House managers and coworkers weren’t going to let his big day go uncelebrated. Within hours, they packed up a cap and gown, bought Harrison a new outfit, and drove him to the venue. Harrison called it the best day of his life.
Read More: WaPo, AJC, WBRC