5 Things to know for March 12: Super Tuesday II, classified docs, Boeing, Middle East, TikTok ban

Coffee: A Daily Necessity for Millions of Americans and a Matter of Limits for Some Coffee Enthusiasts

The love for coffee is deeply ingrained in the daily habits of many Americans, with an average adult consuming over three cups per day, according to the National Coffee Association. However, for those who are avid coffee lovers like myself, it is essential to understand the boundaries of caffeine intake for optimal health and well-being. In today’s news briefing, we bring you up-to-speed on the latest developments both in the US and around the world.

Primary Elections: Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Washington
Today marks a significant day in the American political landscape as voters in Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, and Washington head to the polls for key primary elections. With Joe Biden and Donald Trump poised to secure their respective party’s nominations following their dominant performances on Super Tuesday last week, the outcome of these contests is expected to set up a historic rematch between the two rivals in November. This will be the first time since 1892 that a current and a former president face off against each other.

Former Mar-a-Lago Employee Speaks Out on Classified Documents Case
In an exclusive interview with News Finder, a former employee of Mar-a-Lago, Brian Butler, shared new details about what he witnessed at the private club during the search for classified documents by federal investigators. The revelation that Butler was helping move boxes to the airport while Trump greeted the investigators could have potential implications in Trump’s ongoing classified documents case. Meanwhile, today sees Robert Hur, the special counsel who investigated President Biden’s mishandling of classified documents, testifying about his 388-page report.

Boeing Faces Renewed Criticism Over Quality and Safety Issues
The US plane manufacturer Boeing has faced renewed scrutiny following a series of incidents involving its 787 and 777-300 aircraft. A LATAM Airlines pilot reported losing control of his Boeing 787 after an instrument failure, resulting in a sudden drop that injured about 50 people. Separately, United Airlines reported a fifth incident within a week, this time involving a Boeing 777-300 aircraft that was forced to turn back due to a maintenance issue.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Leadership under Threat
According to an unclassified US intelligence report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership is in jeopardy due to his government’s failure to predict or forestall the October 7 Hamas attack and the military offensive that followed. Public polling suggests that many Israelis question whether his crushing response is the best way to recover hostages. Over 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began, and the UN’s World Food Programme chief warns that famine is imminent in northern Gaza if aid does not increase significantly.

House Republicans Vote on Bill to Ban TikTok in the US
House Republicans are expected to vote on a bill that would ban TikTok from operating within the US unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, divests. Allegations of national security threats have been raised due to concerns that the Chinese government could access US TikTok users’ data. While the White House has expressed support for the bill, former President Trump has expressed some reservations.

One Self-Driving System Receives Acceptable Rating While Most Others Receive Poor Grades
In a recent assessment of hands-free driving systems conducted by a prominent auto safety group, one system received an “acceptable” rating while most others were given “poor” grades. This highlights the importance of ongoing research and development in this field to ensure safety and reliability for consumers.

Scientists Discover Around 100 Potential New Deep-Sea Species Near New Zealand
Marine researchers have discovered approximately 100 potential new marine species near New Zealand, including one mysterious creature. This discovery is significant as it contributes to our understanding of the vast and diverse ecosystems that exist within the world’s oceans.

Johnsonville Sausages Recalled Due to Contamination with Rubber Pieces
Johnsonville has issued a recall for some of its sausage products due to contamination with rubber pieces. Consumers are advised to check their purchased items for affected batches and return them for a refund or replacement.

More Than a Third of Teens Feel They Spend Too Much Time on Their Phones
A recent study reveals that over 30% of teenagers feel they spend too much time on their phones. This trend highlights the need for healthy digital habits and the potential benefits of limiting screen time for younger generations.

Archeologists Discover Possible Stone Age Facial Piercings in Turkey
The discovery of earring-like objects near skulls in Turkey suggests that prehistoric facial piercings may date back approximately 11,000 years. This find sheds new light on the cultural practices and expressions of early human civilizations.

Eric Carmen, Former Lead Singer of The Raspberries, Dies at 74
Music fans and industry peers mourn the loss of Eric Carmen, the former lead singer of The Raspberries who was known for his ’70s and ’80s solo hits “All By Myself” and “Hungry Eyes.”

Oscars Draw 19.5 Million Viewers, Highest Rating in Four Years
The Oscars drew an audience of roughly 19.5 million viewers on Sunday, marking the highest ratings for the event in four years. With award shows taking a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s ceremony was a welcome return to the prominence of live television events.

Haiti Needs Peace and Stability
Following weeks of escalating chaos and gang violence, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation on Monday. The embattled leader came to power unelected in 2021 following the assassination of Haiti’s then-president and faced controversy and civil unrest throughout his tenure.

Check Your Local Forecast Here>