Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
Billions in Bailouts, Biden Sweeps & Brady Switches Teams
All the news you need in 10 min:
This episode is brought to you by www.Blinkist.com/news
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...
Coronavirus Status
Americans are stepping up measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. Within the next 48 hours, America’s largest city might be shutting down. New York City’s mayor says he’s considering a “shelter-in-place,” like the one that went into effect in the San Francisco Bay area. For 3 weeks in the Bay area, people can’t leave their homes unless it’s essential. They can still exercise outside though, as long as they stay 6 feet away from others. In Nevada, all casinos, restaurants, and other nonessential businesses are closed for 30 days. In Kansas, all public schools are closed. Students will still be learning online but won’t see their teachers until the fall. The death toll in the U.S. topped 100. There are a total of more than 6,400 confirmed cases in all 50 states.
Lockdowns & Closures: The Hill, Las Vegas Review Journal, Fox News, STAT News
Medical Supplies & Testing Shortage: NBC News, NYT, WaPo, NPR
Cases, Deaths, & CDC Guidance: Johns Hopkins, CDC
WH Paying Americans?
The White House is thinking about sending Americans direct payments. It’s not clear how much money each person would get, but the president reportedly wants to dedicate $250 billion to individuals. That’s just one part of an economic stimulus plan that could cost more than $1 trillion. It would also include $50 billion for the airline industry and $250 billion for small businesses. We also expect to see tax cuts as part of the deal.
Americans will also get more time to pay their taxes this year. Anyone who owes up to $1 million to the federal government will get an extra 90 days to pay (you still need to file on time). All this help and potential help propped up the stock market. The S&P 500 rose 6%.
Stimulus Proposal: NYT, CNBC
Stock Market Recovers: AP, WaPo
Tax Deadline Delayed: Vox, CNBC
Biden Does It Again
Former Vice President Joe Biden is pulling further away from Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential race. Voters in three more states went to the polls: Florida, Illinois and Arizona. All three states went to Biden. Republicans also voted since President Trump has one primary challenger, Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld. Trump cruised to victory and scored enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination.
Read More: USA Today, FOX News
Tom Brady's New Team
Quarterback Tom Brady is leaving the New England Patriots after 20 years and six Super Bowl wins. He’s reportedly moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will be 43 years old at the start of next season. A couple other big NFL deals this week: eight-time pro-bowler Philip Rivers is leaving the LA Chargers. He signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. And Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater reached an agreement with the Carolina Panthers. It’s not clear what that means for the Panthers current QB Cam Newton.
Read More: ESPN, NFL Network, FOX Sports, CBS Sports
Coronavirus in Sports
Four more NBA players have COVID-19. Kevin Durant and three of his Brooklyn Nets teammates have tested positive. Only one of them is experiencing symptoms. A team of doctors is watching them all. The last team the Nets played was the Lakers, one day before the season was suspended. So, all Lakers players will now be tested. In tennis, the French Open will be pushed back from May to September.
Brooklyn Nets Players Test Positive: NBC News, CBS Sports
French Open Postponed: ABC News, Sports Illustrated
Entertainment Industry Updates
The nation’s largest movie theater chain, AMC Theaters, is closing its doors for at least the next 6 weeks. Disney announced some May releases will be delayed, though it’s not clear how long. Those include Mulan and Marvel’s Black Widow. Also in entertainment, FOX is buying Tubi TV, the ad-supported free video streaming service. FOX sold its 5% stake in ROKU to help pay for the deal.
Movie Delays, Theaters Closing: CNN, CNN, AP
Fox Buying Tubi: WSJ, THR
Helping Out in Crisis
The Red Cross is asking people to donate blood. They’re facing a severe blood shortage since an unprecedented number of blood drives have been cancelled. If you’d like to help, go to Redcross.org to make an appointment in your area.
Meanwhile, more companies are pitching in. Distilleries that usually make alcohol, like vodka, are now making hand sanitizer. Uber Eats is waiving delivery fees for several independent restaurants to encourage people to support struggling businesses. Disneyland will donate excess food to a local food bank, and Chinese billionaire Jack Ma is donating masks and testing kits to the U.S., Europe and Africa.
Red Cross Donations: Red Cross, ABC News
Distillery Making Sanitizer: TechCrunch, ABC News
Billionaire Donations: CNN, Cnet
Work Wednesday: Working Remotely
Since millions of Americans are being forced to work from home, they might struggling to stay productive with the change in environment. A 2012 study found working from home actually makes you better at creative tasks, but it can make you less productive when it comes to busy or dull work as you have less structure. Experts told CNBC there are a few ways to set yourself up for success:
Stay in touch with your colleagues via technology.
Break up your day by taking a lunch or walk outside
Try to set up a work routine that matches when you’ll be least distracted at home.
Try to find a room or even corner of your home that can be dedicated to work.
Read More: CNBC