Monday, March 1st, 2021
J&J on the Way, Gambling Apps Allowed & Golden Globe Winners
All the news you need in about 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by Noom.com/newsworthy and BLUblox.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 to review the latest happenings...
J&J Vaccine Authorized
This week, Americans will start getting a new type of COVID-19 shot, this one from Johnson & Johnson. As expected, the FDA authorized the vaccine over the weekend, adding a third option to the U.S. vaccine arsenal. It’s the first one available that only requires one dose instead of two. The first shipments are going out today and they’re supposed to be delivered tomorrow. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was found to be 72% effective in preventing moderate cases of COVID-19 illness or worse in the U.S.
Read More: NY Times, WaPo, NBC News, The Hill
Senate Takes Up Relief Bill
The Senate is now considering the next massive COVID-19 relief package. The House approved it on Saturday. All but two Democrats voted “yes.” Every Republican voted “no.” The Republicans argued this $1.9 trillion bill is too big and full of partisan items. Democrats, including President Biden, said all of it is needed to get the economy moving again. It includes $1,400 in direct payments for most Americans, a $400-a-week unemployment bonus, money for vaccine distribution, and funding for schools as well as state and local governments.
Read More: CBS News, NY Times, Politico, USA Today
Trump CPAC Speech
Former President Trump spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference, better known as CPAC. He used the occasion to air some grievances. He listed every Republican by name who supported his second impeachment. He promised to support candidates who run against them in the midterm elections. Trump also ripped into President Biden, saying, “In just one short month, we have gone from America first to America last.” He also claimed he won the last election, but it was rigged for Biden.
Read More: Politico, NPR, FOX News, NY Times
2nd Aide Accuses Cuomo
New York’s governor is now accused of sexually harassing two different women who used to work for him. A second former aide came forward over the weekend. She told the New York Times that Gov. Andrew Cuomo never tried to touch her, but he made inappropriate comments that made her feel, “horribly uncomfortable and scared.” In response, Gov. Cuomo said he never meant to offend anyone in his office, but it’s clear some of his comments, meant to be playful, were insensitive. Now, he’s requested an independent review of his behavior.
Read More: NY Times, NPR, Politico, Cuomo Statement
Iran Rejects Nuclear Talks
The Iranian government turned down an offer to negotiate a new nuclear deal with the U.S. The European Union invited both sides to meet, along with the other five countries who signed onto the last nuclear agreement in 2015. The Biden administration RSVPed “yes,” but Iran is saying, “not now.” The U.S. left the last deal a few years ago. It was meant to keep Iran from building nuclear weapons, but the Trump administration said Iran was breaking its promises so the U.S. pulled out and put new economic sanctions on Iran. Those are still in place.
Read More: Reuters, NY Times, WSJ, CNBC
Google Play Allows Gambling Apps
Gambling apps are now allowed in the Google Play store. As of today, Android users in the U.S. and 14 other countries can download apps offering casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports. It’s the first time apps in these countries will be allowed to use real money. There are a couple of catches though. In the U.S., the apps will only be allowed in states where specific types of gambling are allowed. Also, the apps have to file for approval and they have to have measures in place to prevent underage users from gambling.
Read More: The Verge, Cnet, Mashable, Mac Observer, Google
Lady Gaga’s Dogs Found
Lady Gaga’s two dogs are now safe and sound. Last week, her dog walker was shot and two of her French bulldogs were taken. However, the Los Angeles Times reports a woman found the dogs tied to a pole and brought them to the police department. Officers say they don’t think that woman has any connection to the robbery or the suspects. The dogs were unharmed. Now, police still need to find the people who took them. At last check, the dog walker was still in the hospital but is expected to recover from his injuries.
Read More: AP, NBC News, LA Times, LAPD
Golden Globes Winners
History was made at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. For starters, Nomadland won Best Motion Picture- Drama. Chloe Zhao directed the movie. It’s the first time the award has gone to a film directed by a woman. Another top award is for Best Motion Picture- Comedy. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm won that one. It was the first time one of the top Best Picture Golden Globes went to a movie from a streaming service. The Borat sequel was released by Amazon Studios. The whole show looked different from usual too since it was mostly virtual.
Read More: NY Times, WaPo, Golden Globes
‘Tom & Jerry’ Tops Box Office
The U.S. box office got a much-needed boost over the weekend. The new movie Tom & Jerry had the best American opening weekend of any movie so far this year. It raked in $13.7 million. That’s also the second-best box office opening since the pandemic began. Only Wonder Woman 1984 topped it. It’s pretty impressive considering more than half of U.S. theaters are still closed for obvious health reasons. Tom & Jerry is streaming on HBO Max too, so many more people likely watched it from home.
Read More: AP, Variety, Bloomberg
Money Monday: Buy Now, Pay Later Options
Chains like Walmart, Macy’s, Gap, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, and more will now let you buy now, pay later. It’s a modern twist on layaway, but the difference is people get their products upfront. Retailers are using programs like Affirm and Afterpay. It’s reportedly a way for stores to attract younger, online shoppers who might be wary of credit cards. An analyst at Creditcards.com told the Washington Post shoppers who use the pay later option tend to spend more and buy more often than those who don’t.
Read More: WSJ, WaPo, Reuters