Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Tuesday, September 15, 2020:
CLIMATE CHANGE
TROPICS: Hurricane Sally is now a Category 2 storm slowly churning toward the Gulf Coast, with an expected landfall somewhere along Mississippi to Alabama and the western Florida panhandle tomorrow. Because the system is moving so slowly, the biggest threat is storm surge, rain and potentially historic flooding. With the Atlantic hurricane season now at its peak, there are six tropical cyclones currently in the ocean. Once Wilfred is named, it goes to the Greek alphabet. TRACK
FIRES: President Trump, visiting northern California, attributed the wildfires solely to poor forest management, saying “I don’t think science knows” what is happening and that it would “start getting cooler,” in a tense confrontation with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Joe Biden called Trump a “climate arsonist" in response. Smoke from the Western fires has spread across much of the country, with a noticeable haze settling over D.C. and NYC. BBC
HEAT: The Northern Hemisphere saw its warmest summer in modern history, according to NOAA, surpassing records set in 2019 and 2016. The average global surface temperature in August was 1.69 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average. ABC NEWS
COVID-19: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The WHO reported the largest single-day increase in worldwide coronavirus cases so far, as the outbreak reignites in parts of Europe. According to a Washington Post analysis, states that reopened bars saw a doubling of new cases on average three weeks later. 23andMe analyzed its vast trove of genetic information to find that a person’s genetic code is relevant in how likely they are to catch COVID-19. People with Type O blood appear to test positive less than any other group, for instance. But experts say the data won’t change treatment decisions; it’s just more confirmation of what many already suspected. STAT
WHISTLEBLOWERS
ICE: A nurse at an ICE detention center in Georgia has filed a federal whistleblower complaint, accusing the facility of performing mass hysterectomies on women immigrant detainees, often without their consent, and other examples of “jarring medical neglect.” LAW & CRIME
FACEBOOK: A former Facebook data scientist says the company routinely ignored political manipulation from governments in smaller countries like Azerbaijan and Honduras, which used armies of bots to push propaganda. The employee, who was fired last month, says Facebook knew governments and politicians outside the U.S. were using the platform to manipulate voters but failed to act. BUZZFEED
LIFE ON VENUS?
For decades, scientists believed that Venus is about as inhospitable to life as any planet in the inner solar system. It averages 870 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface, and the whole planet is covered in clouds that rain sulfuric acid. But now a group of astronomers say they have discovered a chemical called phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere that they believe could only be created by a living organism. More research is needed, but the suggestion is that our closest neighbor could harbor microbial life in its clouds. NY TIMES
TIKTORACLE
Treasury Sec. Steve Mnuchin has confirmed that Oracle will take over TikTok’s U.S. operations in a deal that will be presented to President Trump this week. Mnuchin says the agreement will create 20,000 new jobs. The deal is less of a “sale” than it is a kind of hosting partnership, and it remains unclear how the agreement between TikTok and Oracle will protect the national security threat that the White House says is posed by TikTok’s Chinese roots. But the bottom line appears to be that the popular social network will continue to operate in the U.S. THE VERGE
DON'T CALL IT A SODA
PepsiCo is launching a new beverage that it says will help you relax and unwind before bed. The drink, called Driftwell, contains L-theanine, a supplement found in green tea that is said to have anti-anxiety benefits. Pepsi, which makes Mountain Dew and other drinks chock full of caffeine, is trying to expand its portfolio as consumers fall out of love with soda. BLOOMBERG
APPLE LAUNCH TODAY
For the first time since Steve Jobs took the first iPhone out of his pocket in front of a rapturous crowd, Apple will unveil new products without an in-person audience. The virtual event starts at 1 p.m. ET; Apple-watchers expect refreshed iPads, Apple Watches and possibly some new accessories. The iPhone 12 is expected to get its own event next month. LIVESTREAM
'DWTS' PREMIERE
The new season of Dancing With the Stars premiered last night, with Tiger King’s Carole Baskin attempting a paso doble to Eye of the Tiger, Nelly nailing a backflip in his salsa routine, and former NY Knick Charles Oakley doing the cha cha to 50 Cent’s In Da Club. The first elimination is next week. RECAP
SPOTTED...
“Certified young person” Paul Rudd starring in a millennial-focused mask PSA for the state of New York: WATCH
LEFTOVERS: THANKSGIVING DAY DOWNER
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is going to look a lot different this year. Organized have announced major changes to the iconic American tradition in response to the pandemic. There will still be balloons, but they’ll be paraded on cars rather than with handlers; the parade will take place over two days with no live spectators; and no one under 18 will be included, meaning one of the best parts -- the high school marching bands -- will be nixed. CBS NY
Listen to the N2K Podcast! Looking for more context and analysis on the big stories of the day? Check out our podcast! Hosts Jill and Carlo break down the headlines, every weekday morning Listen on Apple or Spotify, or watch on YouTube, and send us your feedback!
