Friday, January 10th, 2020
Iran’s Mistake?, New Olympics Policy & Free Money Experiment
All the news you need in less than 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by Rothys.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 perusing the latest happenings...
“Highly likely” Iranians shot down airliner:
U.S. and other western officials now believe Iran fired two missiles that brought down a Ukrainian jetliner earlier this week, killing all 176 people on board. Iran was on high alert due to tensions with the U.S., and officials say they may have mistakenly thought the plane was a threat. Iran denies involvement and blames a mechanical problem for the crash. Multiple countries are mourning the deaths of the passengers.
Read more: AP, NYT, NBC News, WSJ
House votes to limit president’s military powers:
The House approved a measure to prevent President Trump from attacking Iran again without running it by Congress first. Most Democrats feel Trump’s decision to take out a top Iranian commander without approval was unjustified, but the Trump administration and many Republicans say he has the authority as Commander in Chief. The Senate could vote on the resolution, or one like it, as early as next week.
Read more: WaPo, Fox News, CNN
Border wall updates:
Today the Trump administration is expected to announce that 100 miles of new barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border are now complete. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court ruled the Trump administration can use nearly $4 billion in military funding for the wall (originally meant for other military construction projects).
Read more: NPR, The Hill, USA Today, AP
Justice Ginsburg says she’s cancer-free:
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she’s cancer-free. The 86-year-old had a cancerous tumor on her pancreas last year but is clear after three weeks of radiation. The good news comes just before the Supreme Court resumes hearing arguments next week.
Read more: CNN, CBS News
CA considers its own generic drugs:
California could become the first state with its own prescription drug label if Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to lower drug prices works out. Generic drug companies would bid for the contract to make medications on California’s behalf, and the state would sell them to its 40 million residents. Critics worry it will increase taxes. State lawmakers still need to approve it.
Read more: USA Today, WSJ
Protests not allowed at Olympics:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not allow athletes to protest inside any Olympic venue during the 2020 games in Tokyo. That means no signs, no hand gestures, no kneeling, etc. Punishment will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Read more: Yahoo Sports, Mashable
Final day of CES:
The Consumer Electronics Show is wrapping up today. A few new highlights to share: a Roomba with arms, a pizza-making robot, a prosthetic hand that works with brain signals, foldable screens and so much more.
Read more: The Verge, AP, CNET
Japanese billionaire giving away $9 million:
Japanese billionaire Yasuka Maezawa is splitting $9 million among 1,000 of his Twitter followers -- giving them $9,000 each. He wants to test the merits of basic universal income and see if periodic, no-strings-attached payments improve people’s lives. The recipients will be tracked through regular surveys and can spend the money however they want.
Read more: NBC News, PEOPLE
Feel Good Friday - Woman adopts six brothers:
A woman just adopted six brothers, ensuring they’ll never have to split up to find a home. Jessica Benzakein grew up in foster care herself and knows what it's like, so this week, she officially adopted the six boys. She says she's the lucky one.
Read more: Today, GNN