The Daily Populous

Monday March 2nd, 2020 day edition

image for Obama tells Biden he won't endorse anybody yet

(CNN) Former President Barack Obama did something this weekend that he's been unable to do so far in the Democratic primary race: Call former Vice President Joe Biden and offer his congratulations.

While the two men speak regularly, the call from Obama on Saturday night came after Biden's victory in South Carolina.

But the words of praise for Biden's commanding finish in the contest did not change the fact that Obama still plans to stay on the sidelines and not insert himself into the primary fight as it intensifies.

A person close to Obama told CNN that the former president's view has not changed: He has no immediate plans to offer an endorsement of Biden -- or anyone -- as the nominating contest heads into Super Tuesday.

"We are skeptical that an endorsement coming from us could truly change the political winds right now," the person close to Obama told CNN.

If Obama were to endorse Biden, the person said, there is "a very real chance it backfires.".

But more importantly, Obama still thinks his most valuable role is to try and unify the party. »

Pete Buttigieg drops out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary ahead of Super Tuesday

Authored by cnbc.com

Democratic presidential hopeful former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg speaks during a rally in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 28, 2020.

Pete Buttigieg exited the 2020 Democrat presidential race, ending an unlikely bid that saw a gay small-town mayor overpower governors and senators in the fight for the party nomination.

"Today is a moment of truth," Buttigieg said from South Bend, Indiana, where he served as mayor for two terms. »

Harrison Ford’s ‘Call of the Wild’ to Lose $50 Million at Box Office

Authored by variety.com

The film, based on Jack London’s best-selling novel, has made $45 million in the U.S. and $79 million globally after two weeks in theaters.

Given the unlikeliness that it’ll reach those ticket sales, “The Call of the Wild” is expected to lose around $50 million.

Since formally acquiring 20th Century Fox last year, Disney has jettisoned off a string of box office misfires. »

Germany: Law mandating vaccines in schools takes effect

Authored by dw.com

A law requiring mandatory measles vaccinations came into force on Sunday in Germany.

The law, which was passed last year, stipulates that kindergartens and schools can only accept new children if they have been vaccinated.

If the child's immunization is not documented, schools will be required to notify the local public health office. »

Handwashing and respiratory illness among young adults in military training1

Authored by ajpmonline.org

Methods: Clinical records from 1996 through 1998 were reviewed to determine weekly rates of respiratory illness before and after program implementation (1,089,800 person-weeks reviewed).

A supplemental survey was given to a sample of recruits to assess self-reported respiratory illness and compliance with the handwashing program.

Results: A 45% reduction in total outpatient visits for respiratory illness was observed after implementation of the handwashing program. »