Newsletter: Will Warren, Sanders Drama Explode Tonight?

2020 debate
The stage is set for a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. Patrick Semansky / Associated Press
2020 debate
The stage is set for a Democratic presidential primary debate hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. Patrick Semansky / Associated Press

Newsletter: Will Warren, Sanders Drama Explode Tonight?

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Good afternoon, it’s Tuesday! And do you think I should get a bean bag chair at work? Actually, scratch that, my boss reads this. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. Will Sanders and Warren address their schism during tonight’s debate?

That’s just one of many questions looming over tonight’s Democratic presidential primary debate, which is the last one before Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucus.

CNN yesterday reported an explosive story that Sen. Bernie Sanders told Sen. Elizabeth Warren in private meeting in 2018 that he didn’t believe a woman could win the presidency. Sanders denied the account, but Warren confirmed the story.

Tonight’s debate in Des Moines, Iowa, is sponsored by CNN and The Des Moines Register. Click on the link to find more information about the issues in play, along with where you can livestream the debate, which begins at 8 p.m. CST. [NPR]

2. McConnell says Trump impeachment trial could start next week

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced that President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial could start next Tuesday. His comments come after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., reportedly told Democrats the House could vote tomorrow on sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

Trump faces two articles of impeachment: The first accuses Trump of abusing his power by attempting to force Ukraine to investigate his political rivals. The second claims Trump obstructed Congress’ investigation into his actions. [NPR]

Meanwhile, Russian hackers targeted a Ukranian company at the center of Trump’s impeachment, according to a cybersecurity firm. [NPR]

3. Iran makes arrests in Ukranian jetliner crash

Iranian authorities have made an undisclosed number of arrests in the accidental downing of the jet, a development that comes as protests continue over the government’s handling of the disaster.

The plane crashed near Tehran shortly after Iran launched a missile strike last week against two Iraqi bases housing American troops. Iran initially denied it shot down the plane, but later admitted it unintentionally caused the tragedy amid international outrage. [NPR]

Meanwhile, France, Germany and Britain put pressure on Iran to adhere to a landmark nuclear deal and have begun a process that could reinstate U.N. sanctions. [AP]

4. Nearly $20 million in recreational pot has been sold in Illinois

That’s according to state figures for the first 12 days of legal weed sales in Illinois.

The data shows that the first week of legal marijuana sales in Illinois hit nearly $13 million, the second best initial rollout in states where pot is legal. California remains at the top with nearly $15 million in sales during its first week, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois sales were the highest when recreational pot became legal on Jan. 1, clocking in at almost $3.2 million. Sales have since steadily declined as dispensaries face supply shortages. [Chicago Sun-Times]

5. DuPage authorities crack 1976 murder case — and may have discovered a serial killer

Authorities in DuPage County said they used DNA and genealogy databases to solve the 1976 murder of 16-year-old Pamela Maurer in suburban Lisle.

With DNA found on Maurer’s body, investigators created an image of her killer and then searched public genealogy databases to find suspects. That process led them to Bruce Lindahl, who died in 1981. DNA taken from Lindahl’s remains matched samples taken from Maurer.

Authorities also believe Lindahl may have been behind the disappearance of Deb McCall, a Downers Grove North High School student last seen in 1979. Lindahl may have also killed Debra Colliander, who was last seen in 1980. [Chicago Tribune]

Here’s what else is happening

  • President Trump is planning to divert an additional $7.2 billion from Pentagon funding to a border wall. [Washington Post]

  • The U.S. Supreme Court heard a case today that could affect prosecutors fighting public corruption. [NPR]

  • Dating apps Grindr, OKCupid and Tinder are sharing user information, according to a government-funded group in Norway. [New York Times]

  • Tomorrow morning’s commute could be a headache. [Chicago Tribune]

Oh, and one more thing …

Chicago’s Field Museum will be free for Illinois residents in February! If you can’t wait that long, admission will also be free tomorrow, and on Jan. 20, 22 and 29 for state residents. [Block Club Chicago]

But if you’re feeling bougie, you can bring the museum home with you. The Field Museum has a rental collection, and you can take home a giant T. rex skull for $200. Here’s a look at other items you can rent from the museum. [WBEZ]

Tell me something good …

We’re in the movie awards season, and I’d like to know what movies you enjoyed over the last year.

Jerilyn Willin writes:

“I LOVED Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood. Watched it on a long (14 hours) plane ride from Dubai and was totally sucked in. I was a tyke when the whole Manson thing happened, but that plus DiCaprio and Pitt … well it was just great. Never was a Pitt fan, but who can say no to those abs???”

And Brian writes:

“I was not expecting A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood to be a spiritual experience. The movie was not at all what I expected but ultimately was one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever experienced. I’ve always thought highly of Tom Hanks’ acting but this performance was exceptional.”

What’s your favorite movie from the last year? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet to @whuntah.

Have a nice night! I’ll see you tomorrow. And if you like what you just read, you can subscribe to the newsletter here and have it delivered to your inbox.