Wednesday, September 9th, 2020
Vaccine Trial Paused, New Oscars Rules & Moon Rust
All the news you need in 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 about the latest happenings…
AstraZeneca Trial on Hold
One of the COVID-19 vaccine trials is on hold. AstraZeneca shut down trials around the world because a volunteer got sick. It’s standard protocol to pause the trial and start a safety review whenever someone gets sick in one of these trials. However, it’s possible the person got sick by chance and it has nothing to do with the vaccine. AstraZeneca is looking into it now.
Read More: Stat News, AP, WSJ
Vaccine Safety Pledge
Nine pharmaceutical companies have now signed a pledge saying they will “stand with science.” They all promised not to put forward a vaccine until it’s thoroughly vetted for safety and efficacy. President Trump has repeatedly said he’s confident a vaccine will be ready by Election Day, November 3rd, however, most groups working on these vaccines say it’s more likely a vaccine will be available by early next year.
Read More: WaPo, USA Today, Politico, NPR, Read Pledge
DOJ Seeks to Defend Trump in Defamation Suit
The Department of Justice wants to take over President Trump's defense in a defamation suit filed by author E. Jean Carroll. She accused Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store dressing room during the 1990s. Last year, Carroll sued Trump after he called her a liar. Now, DOJ lawyers say they should be able to replace President Trump’s private attorneys in defending him since he made the comments about Carroll while he was in office. If it’s approved by a federal judge, American taxpayers could be on the hook for Trump’s legal fees.
Read More: NY Times, Bloomberg, NBC News, FOX News
Rochester Police Leaders Retire
Top law enforcement officials are stepping down in Rochester, New York. It comes in the wake of the controversial death of Daniel Prude, who died after a violent encounter with officers. Police body camera footage shows Prude with a spit hood over his head when he passed out in police custody. He died a week later. Yesterday, Rochester’s police chief and two commanders suddenly retired. Also, two deputy chiefs and another commander gave up their leadership positions, returning to lower ranks.
Read More: AP, NY Times, WSJ, Mayor Statement, Police Chief Letter
CA Wildfires, More Rescues
At least 100 more campers, hikers, and California locals had to be airlifted to safety as raging wildfires spread across central California. They were in the path of the Creek Fire that’s burning in the Sierra National Forest northeast of Fresno. An estimated 60 homes have reportedly been destroyed. Thousands more are threatened. Firefighters are dealing with a heatwave, high winds, and lots of dry vegetation in the area. As of early this morning, the fire is 0% contained.
Read More: AP, SF Gate, Reuters, Fresno Bee, Cal Fire
Other Western Wildfires
In Oregon, several wildfires have spread into populated areas near Salem and Eugene. The governor says thousands of people have had to evacuate. In Washington state, 80% of homes in the small town of Malden have been destroyed by a wildfire, along with other buildings. More wildfires have been reported in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Smoke has been detected as far east as Arkansas.
Read More: OPB, Salem Statesman Journal, NY Times
The Moon is Getting Rusty
Scientists say they’ve found evidence of rust on the moon. That’s puzzling since the moon lacks oxygen which is needed to form rust. However, scientists have a theory. They say wind from Earth may be sending trace amounts of oxygen to the moon. Once there, it interacts with water molecules to make rust. Scientists are going to keep researching to learn more.
Read More: CNN, Space.com, Mashable, NASA
Kaepernick Becomes ‘Madden’ Character
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is returning to the virtual football field. The video game Madden NFL is once again including him as a playable character. Kaepernick hasn’t been included in the game since 2016, the last time he played in the NFL. Since then, he has been a free agent. However, Madden maker EA Sports says it brought Kaepernick back because millions of fans called for it. His character is available on Madden NFL 21.
Read More: USA Today, The Verge, Axios, EA Sports
Oscars New Inclusion Standards
The Academy Awards are rolling out historic new diversity requirements. Starting in 2024, movies will have to meet certain standards to be considered for “Best Picture.” There are four ways movies will be able to qualify and they have to reach the benchmark in at least two of the categories. The first deals with on-screen representation. The second deals with creative leadership behind-the-scenes. The third is about paid internship and apprenticeship opportunities. The last category deals with representation in marketing, publicity, and distribution.
Read More: Deadline, WSJ, LA Times, AP, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ Ending
The hit show Keeping up with the Kardashians is calling it quits. E! announced the 20th season will air early next year and that will be the last. The show has followed the lives of the Kardashian and Jenner families since 2007. It was the launchpad for several family members to start fashion and beauty empires and 12 spinoffs. The 19th season comes out on September 17th. The final season comes out in 2021.
Read More: E! News, AP, Kim Kardashian West
Work Wednesday: Working Remotely Could Affect Taxes
If you are working out-of-state, you might be in for a hefty tax bill in April. That’s because some states require you to pay taxes, even if you just worked there a single day, on top of what you pay in your home state. Different states have different laws though, so it all depends. Also, some states are reportedly changing the rules because of the pandemic. Accountants are advising people to look into this now so you’re ready come tax time.
Read More: NY Times, WSJ, CNBC