Democratic presidential debate, coronavirus outbreak, Harvey Weinstein trial: 5 things to know Wednesday

Editors, USA TODAY
·4 min read

Bloomberg to join Democratic debate in Las Vegas

The Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas will have a new face Wednesday night. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg qualified Tuesday to participate in his first debate after an NPR/PBS/NewsHour/Marist poll found him in second place behind Sen. Bernie Sanders. It was the fourth national poll to find Bloomberg with 10% or more support, making him eligible. Bloomberg won't be on the ballot for Nevada's caucuses on Saturday, however. A late entry into the race in November, Bloomberg is skipping the first four contests to focus on performing well on March 3 – Super Tuesday.

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Quarantine period ends on cruise ship stricken by coronavirus

The 14-day quarantine period ends Wednesday aboard Princess Cruises' ship, Diamond Princess, which has been hit hard by coronavirus and remains docked in Yokohama, Japan. As of Tuesday, 542 cases of the virus had been identified among the 3,711 quarantined passengers and crew, making the ship the site of the most infections outside of China. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told USA TODAY it's clear "something went awry" in the quarantine process. At least 328 Americans – including 14 who tested positive for the virus – have already departed the ship.

Trump to appear at fundraiser hosted by Oracle's Ellison

President Donald Trump will appear a campaign fundraiser in California Wednesday hosted by Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison. Less than two weeks before the state's Super Tuesday primary, Ellison will welcome Trump and his supporters in Rancho Mirage. For $100,000, supporters can join a golf outing and have their photo taken with the president. For $250,000 they get a photo, golf outing and can join a roundtable discussion. Ellison — whose fundraiser has sparked a petition of protest from Oracle employees — is one of few tech moguls to publicly back Trump's reelection.

Harvey Weinstein trial: Jury urged to use 'common sense' during deliberation

Jurors in the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes trial will resume deliberations Wednesday on the former powerful movie producer's fate. About 40 minutes into deliberations Tuesday, the jury, urged to use "common sense" by Judge James Burke, asked for the legal definition of terms like consent and forcible compulsion, and sought clarity on why Weinstein wasn't charged with other crimes stemming from actress Annabella Sciorra’s account of an alleged 1993-94 rape.This final stage of the trial, which opened Jan. 6, comes following weeks of jury selection and testimony. Weinstein is charged with five sex crimes, including rape and predatory assault.

NASCAR fans await Ryan Newman updates after scary Daytona 500 crash

The sports world was awaiting further updates on NASCAR driver Ryan Newman on Wednesday following a horrific crash at the end of the Daytona 500. Fellow Ford driver Ryan Blaney nudged Newman's No. 6 car ahead of Denny Hamlin on the backstretch, which forced Newman to spin out, as his car flung violently into the wall and flipped into the air before being hit hard again. Newman was transported to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where he remained overnight in serious condition following the last-lap wreck. On Tuesday, his Roush Fenway Racing team said Newman was “awake and speaking” with family members and his doctors.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democratic debate, coronavirus outbreak: 5 things to know Wednesday