Friday, July 24th, 2020
New Tools for Schools, RNC Events Canceled & ‘Redskins’ Rebranded
All the news you need in less than 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 reading the latest happenings...
New School Reopening Guidelines
The CDC released new back-to-school recommendations. They say students should wear masks. They also tell parents and teachers to encourage students to wash their hands a lot and keep space between kids. The CDC says schools need to come up with plans for controlling outbreaks. If the virus does spread uncontrollably, it says local officials can consider closing schools. However, the recommendations make it clear that in-person learning should be the first choice.
Read More: NBC News, CNN, USA Today, CDC, Decision-Making Checklist
No “End in Sight” to Virus
The nation’s top infectious disease expert says COVID-19 may always be part of our lives. Dr. Anthony Fauci said the virus won’t just disappear. Instead, world leaders and public health officials can work to bring the number of COVID-19 cases down to “low levels.” He says there are ways to control the virus with regulations, but the real key is getting the overwhelming majority of the population vaccinated. A few vaccines are being tested now. They are on track to be ready by early 2021.
Read More: CNBC, TB Alliance, CNN
U.S. COVID-19 Surge
COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed four million yesterday. It’s only been about two weeks since the U.S. reached three million cases, so it’s clear people are being diagnosed at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans are dying from COVID-19 too. California, Florida, and Tennessee all reported single-day records in deaths yesterday. Overall, the nation’s death toll is more than 144,000 in less than six months.
Read More: Johns Hopkins, WSJ, Reuters, CBS News
Trump Cancels RNC Events
President Trump announced a big change of plans for the Republican National Convention. Instead of having a four-night RNC in Florida, it’s going to be a four-hour meeting with a small group of GOP representatives. Trump says he will still give a convention speech, but it’s not clear where yet. He also says there are plans for “telerallies” during the week of August 24th. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Convention is still happening a week earlier. It will be a mostly virtual event.
Read More: USA Today, AP, Reuters, WSJ, FOX News
Watchdogs Investigating Federal Agents’ Actions
Two government watchdogs have started investigating how federal agents have been acting in Portland, Oregon. DHS agents have been accused of using tear gas and other weapons against peaceful protesters and whisking people away in unmarked cars without probable cause. They were supposed to be protecting monuments and federal property from unruly protesters and rioters. Now, inspectors general from both the Justice Department and Homeland Security Department are looking into allegations that agents overstepped.
Read More: AP, Reuters, NPR
Federal Agents Sent to Seattle
Even though federal agents received backlash in Portland, Oregon, the feds reportedly decided to send another tactical team to nearby Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, the team is just supposed to be on standby. Agents have been told to intervene if any federal property is threatened. Still, Seattle’s mayor has said the city doesn’t need the help.
Read More: NY Times, CNN, Seattle Times
Former Washington Redskins get Temp Name
The former Washington Redskins have a temporary new name. They will be called The Washington Football Team for the 2020 season. This is just a stand-in until the team settles on a permanent name and logo. However, one thing will stay the same. The team’s burgundy and gold colors will stick around long term. The Redskins ditched their old name because it is an offensive term used to describe Native Americans.
Read More: CNN, CBS Sports, USA Today
More Sports Return
More professional athletes are getting back to competing. The WNBA is set to return for its abbreviated season tomorrow. NHL teams go to their home bases on Sunday. Games start back up on August 1st.
WNBA Resumes: ESPN, NY Times
NHL Comeback: NBC Sports, CBS Sports
Airlines New Mask Rules
American and Southwest Airlines tighten up their mask rules. They now say everyone over the age of two must wear one. People can no longer claim medical exemptions. Delta and United have similar rules, but they are less strict. United says passengers with a medical exception must contact the airline before flights. Delta is having them show up early to fill out a “clearance to fly” form. That could take an extra hour.
Read More: AP, Business Insider, Fortune, American, Southwest, United, Delta
Pandemic Delays Entertainment
Disney is again postponing highly-anticipated movie releases. It was supposed to debut Mulan next month, but the movie was pulled off the schedule. Its new release date hasn’t been set. Also, next year’s new Star Wars and Avatar movies were delayed until 2022. That’s because the coronavirus pandemic forced production shutdowns. Some movie theater chains are still closed too. AMC was supposed to open next week, but that was put off at least another month.
Disney Delays Movie Releases: USA Today, CNBC, Hollywood Reporter
AMC Delays Theater Reopenings: USA Today, Axios, WSJ
TikTok Fund for U.S. Creators
TikTok is giving U.S. creators $200 million. The company started a fund to compensate creators for using the platform. They just have to meet certain requirements. They need to be at least 18 years old and they have to consistently post original content. Applicants also need to have a certain number of followers, but that number hasn’t been specified yet. TikTok will reportedly open up the application process next month.
Read More: TechCrunch, CNN, Engadget
ADA Anniversary This Weekend
Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s a landmark measure that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of life, from transportation to employment. Over the last three decades, it has had a profound impact on the millions of Americans living with disabilities. For example, it’s the reason buildings have wheelchair-accessible ramps, parking lots have accessible spots, and closed captioning is available across platforms.
Read More: NPR, NY Times, ADA.gov
Feel Good Friday - Community Fridges
Volunteers in Los Angeles, California have started putting refrigerators in public spaces. They encourage people in the community to stock them, so anyone hungry can come take what they need. According to local media reports, the project only started less than two weeks ago, but already, about half a dozen fridges have been set up across L.A. Individuals are chipping in, as well as restaurants and meal delivery services.
Read More: NBC Los Angeles, LA Community Fridge