Thursday, March 5th, 2020
Election Turning Point, GM Takes on Tesla & Twitter ‘Fleets’
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 perusing the latest happenings...
Election Update:
Following Super Tuesday, Former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders are essentially in a two-man race for the democratic presidential nomination. President Trump’s re-election team said this was the president’s desired outcome. Mike Bloomberg dropped out and endorsed Biden. Sanders focused his attacks on Biden, both in advertising and on the campaign trail.
Sanders Attacks Biden: Politico, Business Insider
Trump Response: AP, The Hill, NBC News
Bloomberg Out: CNN, Fox News
Coronavirus Latest:
The 11th person died from COVID-19 in the U.S. This one, in California, was the first American death outside the state of Washington. To try and stop the spread, House lawmakers passed an $8.3 billion emergency-funding package. The money will go to developing a vaccine, treating patients, preparing hospitals and more. The Senate is expected to approve it later this week.
Read more: Washington Post, NYT, Reuters, NPR, WSJ, CNBC, NY Daily News, The Hill, NBC News, ABC News
U.S. Attacks Taliban
Days after signing a peace deal, the U.S. attacked the Taliban. An American military drone struck Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. A spokesman called it a defensive move, to stop the Taliban from attacking Afghan security checkpoints. It’s unclear if anyone was hurt.
Read more: Reuters , CNN, Twitter
Gene-Editing Breakthrough
For the first time, doctors used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR inside someone’s body. It was used on a patient in Oregon in hopes of curing their genetic blindness. Doctors are hoping vision will be restored in about 3 months. If it works as planned, CRISPR could be used to treat different brain disorders and muscle diseases.
Read more: AP, NPR
GM takes on Tesla
The largest automaker in the U.S. unveiled its strategy for an electric future. General Motors plans to spend $20 billion over the next 5 years. The company is developing new battery technology that could be used on a variety of electric cars. It will potentially allow a range of 400 miles or more.
Read more: The Verge, CNN, Axios
Google “Read this Page”
Google Assistant now has the ability to read web pages. It can read an article, highlight words, and auto-scroll on the page, so users can follow along. This feature is available now on Android devices.
Read more: USA Today
Twitter Disappearing Tweets
Twitter is testing out a new feature called “Fleets.” That’s short for “fleeting thoughts.” It allows users to create tweets that will disappear after 24 hours. Unlike regular Twitter posts, other users won’t be able to reply, retweet, or like “fleets.” Anyone who wants to reply will have to do so with a direct message or an emoji. Fleets are being tested in Brazil now and could be expanded to other locations later.
Read more: CNBC, Variety, TechCrunch
Reddit Suicide Prevention
Reddit is promoting new suicide-prevention tools. Starting March 10, anyone on Reddit will be able to flag another user who may be at risk. That user will receive a private message with resources, like a text crisis line.
Read More: Engadget, The Verge
Alex Trebek Health Update
Jeopardy host, Alex Trebek, is again getting candid about his health, one year after being diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. Jeopardy posted a video on Twitter showing the longtime game show host addressing his fans. He explained the difficult toll chemo has taken on his physical and mental health. Trebek also thanked them for support and prayers.
Read more: Twitter, NBC News, FOX News
James Bond Movie Delayed
The No Time to Die movie release got pushed back because of the new coronavirus outbreak. MGM said it didn’t think the movie would be as successful if it came out when planned because theaters are closed in Italy, China, and South Korea. No Time to Die will now hit theaters the day before Thanksgiving, instead of April 10.
Read more: Deadline, Enews, CNN
Thing to Know Thursday:
SUPER TUESDAY & WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Guest: Cal Jillson
Cal Jillson, Ph.D., teaches at SMU and writes in the areas of American politics, American political thought and Texas politics. He is the author of seven books and the editor of seven more. His classic American government text, American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change, is in its ninth edition; Texas Politics: Governing the Lone Star State, is in its sixth edition: and Lone Star Tarnished: A Critical Look at Texas Politics and Public Policy, is in its third edition. Professor Jillson’s interest in the American founding has been pursued through two books: Constitution-Making: Conflict and Consensus in the Federal Convention of 1787 and Congressional Dynamics: Structure, Coordination, and Choice in the First American Congress, 1774-1789. And his two books on the American Dream, Pursuing the American Dream: Opportunity and Exclusion over Four Centuries and The American Dream in History, Politics, and Fiction, explore the positive and negative influences of that classic idea on American political development.