Wednesday, April 1st, 2020
CDC’s New Data, Gas Prices & April Fool’s Day
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 perusing the latest happenings...
Trump Administration Coronavirus Response
President Trump is telling Americans to brace for a bad two or three weeks. White House officials say the number of COVID-19 deaths would likely peak during that time. The CDC revealed the virus is about three times as contagious as the flu, but the data said as many as 25% of infected people don’t have symptoms. They can spread it and not realize it. For that reason, the CDC confirmed it’s thinking about telling all Americans to cover their faces in public. If approved, it would call for everyone to use cloth coverings, like scarves and bandanas. Surgical and N95 masks have already been in short supply at medical facilities around the country. For now though, the CDC says most people should just focus on social distancing and staying home. Doctors Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx each say there are signs social restrictions are working in spots where the virus first emerged in the U.S.
New CDC Data: CDC, WaPo, NYT
Coronavirus Guidelines Reissued: NPR, FOX News
Proof Social Distancing Works: CNN, Politico
COVID-19 Status
As of early Wednesday morning, the American death count surpassed 4,000. At this point, only one state in the U.S. has not reported any deaths from COVID-19. That’s Wyoming. It’s the opposite story in New York, where the governor says the peak is still 14 to 21 days away. He’s calling for all state health care facilities to pool their resources to tackle this thing. FEMA sent another 100 ambulances into New York City to help first responders. Also, at least 78,000 medical workers, who weren’t already scheduled, have volunteered to help New York. In California, more than 25,000 volunteers answered the call within 24 hours.
U.S. Cases/Death Toll: Johns Hopkins
New York Pools Resources: Al Jazeera, Bloomberg
California Medical Volunteers: Sign Up Here
Gas Prices & Mileage Rules
The demand for gasoline is down, so prices are too. AAA reports the nationwide average for a gallon of unleaded is below $2. By the end of the month, AAA predicts it will hit $1.75 a gallon. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration rolled back the government’s mileage standards, watering down an Obama-era rule meant to tackle climate change. The rule would have required U.S. cars, trucks and SUVs to improve fuel efficiency by nearly 5% a year for 5 years. Now, that’s changing to 1.5% a year.
Gas Prices Down: Fox Business, AAA, CNN, NPR
Trump Mileage Standards: LA Times, AP
Presidential Race Updates
Former VP Joe Biden’s team has been using this time of crisis to highlight differences between him and President Trump. For now, polls show public opinion is mixed as Americans weigh the president’s crisis response. The next presidential primaries are just six days away in Wisconsin. The state’s governor says he has no intention of postponing next week’s vote. For now, the governor is encouraging people to vote absentee or online, but polling places will also be open.
Biden Campaign Update: NBC News, The Hill, CNN
Polls: Reuters, Gallup, NYT
Wisconsin Primary: ABC News, Politico
Harry and Meghan Officially Not Royals
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are officially no longer senior members of the royal family. They gave up the name “Sussex Royals” for their nonprofit organization, website and social media accounts. They posted a goodbye message on Instagram this week. Now, they’re reportedly settling into their new home in Los Angeles.
Read More: NBC News, CNN, Forbes, People
Apple Buys 'Dark Sky'
Apple acquired the weather app Dark Sky. It’s reportedly a favorite for a lot of people because of its hyper-local forecasts and clean interface. For now, Apple isn’t making any changes for iPhone users, but for anyone with an Android, it will no longer be available to download.
Read More: TechCrunch, Mashable, The Verge, Gizmodo
Marriott Breach & Zoom Warning
For the second time in less than two years, Marriott Hotels says it’s been the victim of a data breach. Personal information may have been taken from more than five-million customers. The company says it has been in touch with those affected. It’s offering to pay for a personal information-monitoring service.
Speaking of privacy, the FBI is telling people to double-check their use of video-conferencing apps, like Zoom. The bureau says cyber criminals can create domains to impersonate the apps in order to steal personal information. It suggests if you’re using any video platform, make sure you use the right version, and try to keep it private.
Marriott Data Breach: ABC News, CNBC
Videoconferencing Privacy Concerns: NYT, ABC News, Newsweek
Spotify Kids
Spotify Kids is expanding to users in the United States, Canada and France. It’s filled with sing-alongs, stories and kid-friendly pop songs. The app is ad-free, but you can only access it if you have Spotify’s premium family plan, which costs $15 a month.
Spotify Kids Launches: USA Today, Variety, Mashable, Press Release
April Fool’s Day
Before you start believing everything you see on the Internet today, look at the calendar. It’s April 1st, better known as April Fool’s Day. A few companies, like Google, already said they’re giving up the tradition of fooling people this year, thinking it’s probably not appropriate during a global pandemic. Everyone is encouraged to be extra sensitive this year. That being said, there are still ways you can have some fun and play harmless pranks at home.
Read More: The Verge, Slate
Family-Friendly Prank Ideas: NY Post, Today
Work Wednesday- Small Businesses Get Creative
Some small businesses have found success in shutdown. Here are just some examples of how they’re getting creative:
-Around Boston, the owner of hair salons is offering gift cards that get more valuable over time.
-An upscale restaurant in Seattle is reportedly keeping all 115 employees on the payroll, just through pickup and delivery options alongside pre-packaged meals-to-go.
-A catering company that usually relies on events is now offering delivery of a so-called “party in a box.”
Read More: CNN