Thursday, July 30th, 2020
COVID ‘Red Zones’, Mars Rover Launch & NBA Returns
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 to peruse the latest happenings...
‘Red Zone’ Grows to 21 States
A new report from the coronavirus task force found 21 states are experiencing outbreaks that put them in the “red zone.” The states have been reporting more than 100 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the past week. The report also said the states should consider more restrictions, like closing bars and enforcing mask mandates. On the other hand, the federal report put one state in the “green zone.” Vermont is the only one reporting fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 people.
Read More: NY Times, CBS News, ABC News
New U.S. Death Records
In the last couple of days, on average, one American died, every minute, from COVID-19. Since February, more than 150,000 people have died from the virus in the U.S. The White House coronavirus coordinator says significant outbreaks are coming from birthday parties, graduation parties, and family reunions. Dr. Deborah Birx then reminded people to limit gatherings and wear masks.
Read More: The Hill, Newsweek, Reuters, Johns Hopkins
Federal Agents Leaving Portland
The Trump administration struck a deal with Oregon that has federal agents leaving town, starting today. Now, Oregon state police will stay in downtown Portland to help protect federal property, instead of the U.S. agents. Protesters and local officials have accused the agents of using tear gas and other weapons against peaceful protesters. They also say agents detained protesters, in unmarked cars, without cause.
Read More: WSJ, NY Times, AP, Reuters, Gov. Brown, DHS Sec. Wolf
Agents Go to More Cities
The Trump administration is sending other federal agents into midwestern cities now. They’re going to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee in the coming weeks. It’s to fight crime, not protesters. They’ll be working with local police to arrest fugitives, solve shootings, and prosecute gun and gang cases in federal court. Similar collaborations are happening already in Chicago, Albuquerque and Kansas City.
Read more: USA Today, Axios, Justice Dept.
Big Tech Hearing
The nation’s four most powerful tech executives appeared in front of Congress, under oath, all at once. We’re talking about Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Apple’s Tim Cook, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, and Google’s Sundar Pichai. Lawmakers asked them about accusations they monopolize their markets and steal ideas from competitors. The CEOs say there isn’t anything wrong with emulating others. They explained that they just look at trends to see what customers want, and use that information to make improvements. Now it’s up to lawmakers to decide if any new legislation or enforcement is needed.
Read More: AP, WSJ, Axios, USA Today, Full Hearing
John Lewis Funeral Today
Today, three former presidents are expected to attend the funeral of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, will all reportedly be there. The only living presidents not making the trip are Donald Trump and Jimmy Carter. However, President Carter is 95 years old and his spokesperson says he’s “not traveling these days.” President Trump never got along with Lewis.
Read More: AJC, USA Today, FOX News, NBC News
Mars Rover Launch
NASA is expected to launch its newest Mars rover this morning. The car-sized robot is called “Perseverance.” Once it launches, it will start the journey to the red planet. Its arrival is expected in February 2021. The mission has several goals, like looking for signs of ancient life. The launch window starts today, or sometime in the next couple of weeks because Earth and Mars are closer than usual. That only happens once every two years or so.
Read More: Space.com, USA Today, CBS News, Launchpad Live View, NASA Live Coverage
Eid al-Adha Begins
Tonight marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It’s one of Islam’s biggest holidays. Roughly 1.8 billion people celebrate it worldwide. Usually, they gather for prayers, sermons, big feasts, gifts, and family time. This year, the coronavirus pandemic has things looking a little different, so Muslims are encouraged to do prayers outside and keep sermons short.
Read More: Al Jazeera, CNN, Al Jazeera 2
NBA Returns
The NBA season officially returns today with a doubleheader in Florida. First, the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Utah Jazz. Later, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers. It has been five months since the last competitive NBA game. Now that the season is restarting, new rules are in place. All games are happening at the sports complex as Disney World called “the bubble.” Fans aren’t allowed to watch in-person, but they will be able to watch on TV and online.
Read More: AP, CBS Sports, NY Times
Lollapalooza on YouTube
The Lollapalooza music festival begins today. This year, there won’t be huge crowds in Chicago, like usual. Instead, the entire four-day event will stream on YouTube for free. It will include 150 performances from some of music’s biggest stars, like Paul McCartney, OutKast, and Arcade Fire. Some will be performed live. Others will be from the “best of” Lollapalooza. The festival runs through August 2nd.
Read More: The Verge, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Lollapalooza
Drake Breaks Billboard Record
Drake broke yet another record. The rapper/singer/songwriter now has the most top ten hits in history on the “Billboard Hot 100” chart. So far, he has had 40, surpassing the former record holder, Madonna. Drake got help since his recent chart-toppers were collaborations with DJ Khaled.
Read More: CNN, Billboard, BBC
Thing to Know Thursday: Furloughs and Layoffs
A furlough is essentially an unpaid leave of absence. People who are furloughed are still an employee of the company, but not working at the moment, and not getting paid. The idea is the door stays open for workers to return later. That’s not the case when people are laid off. In that case, people lose their jobs altogether, but might receive some severance pay.
Read More: WSJ, Dictionary