Friday, September 6th, 2019
Storm Impacts Carolinas, Facebook Dating & Shrimpless Shrimp
All the news you need in less than 10 min:
Today's episode is brought to you by M.M.LaFleur.
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...
Hurricane Dorian Update: Hurricane Dorian is a Category 2 hurricane that could bring flooding and even tornadoes to North Carolina and parts of Virginia today. There were tornadoes and flooding already in the Carolinas yesterday, and more than 250,000 homes and businesses are without power. In the Bahamas, the death toll is now at 30 and expected to climb. Volunteers are gathering donations, and the U.S. Coast Guard has rescued and helped hundreds of survivors. Dorian is expected to move further out into the Atlantic later tonight, but not without bringing bad weather to parts of New England.
Read more: AP, NYT, Weather Channel, AccuWeather, ABC News
Vaping Illness: State and federal health officials are investigating a mysterious and deadly lung illness they believe is connected to vaping. At least two deaths and more than 360 cases have been reported in the U.S. Health officials are looking into vitamin E acetate as a possible cause. Officials found high levels of the oil in almost all of the marijuana samples from patients, but it’s still too early to know if it’s to blame.
Read more: NBC News, The Washington Post, USA Today
Finance Update: Stocks around the world went up as the U.S. and China said trade talks would start up again next month. Also of note when it comes to the economy: the labor market is still looking pretty good. More jobs than expected were added in August and more steady numbers are expected from the Labor Department today.
Read more (Stocks): WSJ, CNBC, AP
Read more (Jobs Report): Bloomberg, ADP
MSU Fine: Michigan State University will have to pay a record $4.5 million fine for how it handled complaints involving Larry Nassar. Nassar is the doctor who is in prison for sexually abusing his patients from USA Gymnastics and MSU . The Federal Education Department says university officials didn't do enough with abuse complaints and didn't report it. Michigan State will pay the largest ever fine for breaking the Clery Act, which requires colleges to report campus crimes.
Read more: USA Today, NYT
NFL & U.S. Open: Ezekiel Elliott just became the highest-paid running back in NFL history. He signed a six year, $90 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Serena Williams is going to the U.S. Open final this weekend. After last night’s win, she’ll play Bianca Andreescu, the first Canadian singles player to ever reach a U.S. Open final and the winner of last month’s Rogers Cup. It’ll be the largest age gap between women finalists at any major tournament: Andreescu is 19 and Williams is 37. If Williams wins, it’ll be her 24th major title.
Read more (Ezekiel Elliott Deal): CBS Sports, ESPN
Read more (U.S. Open Final): US Open, Yahoo Sports
Facebook Dating Service: Facebook has a new feature called Facebook Dating. The service just debuted in the U.S. for users 18 and older. They can opt-in and make a separate Facebook page to see matches suggested based on preferences, interests and Facebook activity. Current Facebook 'friends' and Instagram followers will only match with a feature called 'Secret Crush.' It only notifies both parties if they both list each other.
Read more: The Verge, CNET, Buzzfeed
Google Watch Feature: Google is releasing a new feature to help users find something to watch. Searches for things like “good shows to watch” or “what to watch” will bring up a carousel-style menu with shows and movies. Users can swipe left or right depending on if they like the show or not -- sort of like Tinder for shows. There’s also an option to select streaming services to get suggestions for services in use.
Read more: The Verge, Engadget
GM + Google: Google is partnering with General Motors to start building Google’s apps directly into cars. It will be possible to access apps like Google Maps and the Google Voice assistant from a car’s touch-screen displays. It will be available starting in 2021 in Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles.
Read more: WSJ, TechCrunch
Plant-Based Shrimp: Plant-based burgers are making the rounds, and now Tyson is investing in a company that makes plant-based shrimp from seaweed, soy protein and natural flavors. Tyson will help New Wave Foods grow and eventually start selling to restaurants. Eventually, New Wave Foods hopes to make plant-based crab and lobster, too.
Read more: Washington Post, CNBC, Forbes
Grandparents’ Day: Grandparents’ Day is on Sunday. Generations United started the day as a way to encourage all generations to do something to engage with another generation!
Read more: Grandparentsday.org, TimeandDate