Welcome to America’s Newsletter from Tag The Flag, the best morning newsletter on the internet, bringing you nonpartisan news and every view of the Red, White, and Blue. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.
📌 BULLETIN BOARD
Today is Patriot’s Day where thousands of long-distance runners will hit the streets in Boston. The 123rd running of the iconic race also offers a moment to reflect on those lost in the 2013 attack.
🦅 U.S. NEWS
‘Mayor Pete’ joins 2020 Dem race as the face of a new generation
Pete Buttigieg, the little-known Indiana mayor who has risen to prominence in the early stages of the 2020 Democratic presidential race, made his official campaign entrance Sunday by claiming the mantle of a youthful generation ready to reshape the country. With that said, President Donald Trump holds a “narrow” electoral advantage heading into 2020, according to Goldman Sachs, with his chances buoyed by a resilient U.S. economy and a crowded Democratic field in which a clear frontrunner has yet to emerge. – AP / Yahoo Finance
World’s largest plane takes to the skies over California
The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan completed a successful first flight over California’s Mojave Desert this weekend. The gigantic, six-engine aircraft known as Stratolaunch has a 385-foot wingspan, weighs about 500,000 pounds and is the dream of late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen. Why it matters: it’s American innovation at its finest. Stratolaunch, which was founded by Allen, is vying to be a contender in the market for air-launching small satellites. – Fox News
Big Money, No Debt: The Blunt New Pitch for Blue-Collar Workers
The incentive to go to trade school instead of college is getting stronger in the United States. Take, for example, plumbers and electricians who are earning more than $90,000 per year as the talent shortage for trades grows and parents continue encouraging their kids to go to college. Trade apprentices earn money from the day they start working and avoid the large debt trap faced by many college graduates. Big picture: state technical colleges are spending millions in advertising campaigns to train workers in high-demand jobs such as commercial truck driving, electrical linemen and diesel equipment technology. – Bloomberg
Noteworthy
+ Hackers publish personal data on thousands of US police officers and federal agents
+ At Least 3 People Dead As Severe Weather Moves Across Southern U.S.
WORLD NEWS
Hasina’s folly: Bangladesh
A deadline expires today to begin moving 105,000 Rohingya Muslims from the cramped camps of Cox’s Bazar to the world’s biggest refugee island. Bangladesh has spent $300m on Bahsan Char, a sandy islet created by sediments of the Brahmaputra river only a decade ago. The island does not sustain life, is in the path of cyclones and refugees do not want to go there. Despite all of this the island is the pet project of Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister, and is sure to pit the government against the Rohingya community and hurt Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. – The Economist
Venezuela crisis: Maduro calls for million more militia members
Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, wants to recruit 1m more people to his civilian militia. He also called on the militia’s existing 2m members to be prepared to take up arms “to protect the fatherland”, and to work the fields to produce food for the country’s impoverished people. – BBC
Demonstrations Continue in Sudan After Military Ruler Announcement
Protests in Sudan continued despite the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir last week. Pro-democracy demonstrators stayed on the streets, worried that the military council now running the country is an extension of the old regime. The protest’s organizers have presented their demands, including the creation of a civilian government and are in talks with the country’s new military rulers. – Al Jazeera
Noteworthy
+ US-Japan trade negotiations set for today. Here’s what each side wants
+ Kim Jong-un said he was open to a third summit with President Donald Trump
+ South Korea once recycled 2% of its food waste. Now it recycles 95%
BUSINESS
Apple and Qualcomm’s Billion-Dollar Staredown
Apple and Qualcomm’s blockbuster lawsuit starts today. The two have sued one another across the globe, claiming monopolistic practices, patent infringement, and even theft. At the heart of the conflict is one core question: how much is Qualcomm’s technology worth? Apple claims that Qualcomm has demanded excessive fees to use its modems and patents, while Qualcomm asserts that Apple is using the legal system to try to get a good deal on its technology. Why it matters: the outcome of these lawsuits could have an enormous effect on every company that manufactures phones, as well as Qualcomm’s bottom line. – The Verge
SPORTS
Tiger Woods wins his fifth Masters title in his first major victory since 2008
Tiger Woods won his fifth Masters title on Sunday, marking his first major victory since the 2008 United States Open. Woods shot 13 under par through the tournament. Why it matters: His victory comes after four back surgeries that left him wondering in recent years if he could ever play again. Woods, 43, became the second-oldest winner of the Masters at Augusta National, after Jack Nicklaus who won at 46 in 1986. – NBC Sports
TECHNOLOGY
The Army unveiled new automated vehicle technology this week that could be deployed before self-driving cars hit city streets. Why it matters: More than half of all battlefield casualties occur when soldiers are delivering fuel, food or other supplies in combat zones. AVs could reduce that risk. The big picture: The Pentagon’s fiscal 2020 budget proposal includes $3.7 billion in research and development of “unmanned and autonomous technologies,” including autonomous weapons and unmanned battleships. – Axios
WATERCOOLER
+ Putting American flags on police cars sparks backlash in Laguna Beach
+ Iceland used to be the hottest tourism destination. What happened?
🤝 PRESENTED BY
Today’s edition is brought to you by Grace Alley’s 100% American Made Flags, which come with a “1 Year, No Questions Asked Warranty”. With Quality Embroidered Stars and Stitched Stripes you know you’re not getting some cheap knock-off. Click here to get your home or office porch ready for the spring with Grace Alley→
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
1947: Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier
On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson, age 28, becomes the first African-American player in Major League Baseball when he steps onto Ebbets Field in Brooklyn to compete for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
TOP TAGS
Yesterday’s top tag was a #SundaySalute to the United States Marine Corps
TRIVIA
Why Isn’t Fish Considered Meat During Lent?
COVER PHOTO
Photo by Dan Schiumarini on Unsplash
