Tuesday Scoop: State of the Union

The big story…

Trump Accepts Pelosi’s Invitation to Give State of the Union Address

President Trump has accepted Speak of the House Nancy Pelosi’s invitation to give his State of the Union address, set for Feb. 5. CNN reports, “‘When I wrote to you on January 23rd, I stated that we should work together to find a mutually agreeable date when the government has reopened to schedule this year’s State of the Union address,’ Pelosi stated in a letter provided by her office. ‘In our conversation today, we agreed on February 5th.’” Trump accepted Pelosi’s invitation later on Monday. The State of the Union address was originally postponed due to the tension caused by the partial government shutdown which ended last Friday. Pelosi originally invited Trump on Jan. 3 to give the address on Jan. 29, but asked that Trump postpone until the shutdown ended.

In tech…

An Apple Bug Allowed Users to Eavesdrop on Facetime Calls

Apple users flagged a glitch on Monday that allowed someone calling another person on Facetime via an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to hear and see the person while the call was ringing. Needless to say, the bug, which is now fixed, was a hugely embarrassing glitch on Apple’s part as well as a major breach of privacy.

In music…

Gaga Gets Political With Attacks on Pence

Continuing the trend of musicians making statements about political figures, Lady Gaga made comments on the current U.S. political leadership during a show in Las Vegas earlier this month. Gaga attacked Vice President Mike Pence and his Christian values, stating they are “the worst representation of what it means to be Christian.” Read more in Adam Shay’s report for CMN.

Also in music…

Spotify Softly Rolls Out Feature Allowing Users to Block Artists

Spotify recently launched a new feature allowing users to block music from artists they don’t like — or aren’t in the mood for. According to reports, the new tool is only available via the music platform’s iOS app. It comes after the streaming company received backlash after attempting to limit promotion of XXXTentacion and R. Kelly’s music on their editorial and algorithmic playlist, in May 2018. Read more in CaDarius B.’s report for CMN.

In health…

Washington Under State of Emergency from Measles Outbreak

There are 35 confirmed cases of measles in Washington state as of Sunday, leading Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency. CNN reports, “‘Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that can be fatal in small children,’ Inslee said in his proclamation on Friday, adding that these cases create ‘an extreme public health risk that may quickly spread to other counties.’” Of the 35 confirmed cases, 34 are in Clark County – which is on Washington’s southern border – with 30 cases involving people who didn’t have measles immunization and 24 involving children between one and ten.

Trending today…

The Egg

In case you haven’t been keeping up with the egg that set the world record for most-liked Instagram post, the account now has a blue check mark and may be hatching soon. 

Last but not least…

Steve Mason – About the Light

“About the Light”has the vibe of the 60s. The intro to this tune reminded me of something from out of Hair and I was digging it. The song has a great upbeat feeling that makes me want to go back to San Francisco and hang out with the hippies. Read more in Nicole Poirer’s review for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Natalia Kolenko, Adam Shay, CaDarius B., Nicole Poirier, and the CMN Staff. Apparently, a polar vortex is hitting the midwest Wednesday making Chicago colder than Mount Everest, Antarctica, and Siberia. So, don’t forget your coat. (Or better yet just don’t go outside.) P.S. Was this newsletter forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get the Morning Scoop straight to your inbox every day.