Deval Patrick announces bid

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced his entry into the 2020 Democratic Presidential field yesterday. He joins 17 other candidates, 10 of which have so far qualified for the November 20th debate.

Hong Kong Schools Closed

The Hong Kong Education Bureau closed all public schools in Hong Kong yesterday due to safety concerns around ongoing protests and escalating violence. The announcement was made on Wednesday, after transportation was slowed due to clashes between the police and pro-democracy protesters, which was heightened by the death of a student protester last week.

Kentucky Governor Concedes

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin (R) announced Thursday that he will not contest the results of last week’s gubernatorial election, which he lost to Democrat Andy Bashear by less than 0.5 percentage points. The concession comes a week after Bevin formally requested a recanvass, saying in a statement that it was needed to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Ford vs. Ferrari Tesla

Ford will name its new all-electric SUV the Mustang Mach-E - the vehicle will be available for online reservation with a refundable deposit of $500 following its official unveiling this Sunday. The Mach-E is the first of more than a dozen all-electric vehicles Ford plans to launch by 2022.

The Last JEDI

Amazon will protest the Pentagon’s award of the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) contract to Microsoft last month - the contract is worth up to $10 billion over the next ten years. Amazon has expressed concern over potential political interference in the bidding process.

Fire sale

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick sold about $164 million worth of stock over a three-day period, bringing his total amount sold over the past two weeks to $711 million. Uber’s 180-day restriction on inside and early investor sales ended earlier this month, allowing the ex-CEO to part with about a quarter of his total shares in the company.

Worse for wear

Per the WSJ, former Under Armour executives said the company borrowed business from future quarters in an effort to extend a 26-quarter streak of 20% sales growth. The sportswear manufacturer is currently under federal investigation for its accounting practices.

Homeward Bound

Life can be tough when you’re down on your luck. That was the case with 70-year-old retired pharmacist Lynn Schutzman, who suffered from multiple health issues right after the sudden loss of her husband. With a mountain of medical bills, Schutzman was unable to pay for her home. She didn’t qualify for affordable housing and shelters wouldn’t accept her two dogs, so she and the pups moved into her SUV.

Best friends Jennifer Husband-Elsier and Melissa Akacha noticed Schutzman in her packed vehicle, parked outside a shopping center - and that’s when it all started. After learning her story, the two women sought additional help from the community. They paid out of pocket for a hotel for Schutzman while they started a GoFundMe page, and ten days later they had raised enough for a studio apartment. Volunteers helped paint and furnish the apartment, and through the generosity of complete strangers, the rent has been paid for the next two years! Schutzman and her pups are now living in the apartment, where she receives regular food deliveries and neighbors stop by to walk her dogs.

"It wouldn't have happened without these angels," Schutzman told ABC News. "I just want people to realize that this can happen to anybody. ... Sometimes, you know, just the kindness of strangers just makes all the difference in someone's life."

Wish Well Spent

At 11 years old, Edward Liu isn’t like other kids. What makes him unique isn’t his diagnosis of a rare, inoperable brain tumor, but his magnanimity (a fancy word for being generous).

Edward’s father says his youngest son has always wanted to help other people. So when he was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he didn’t ask for a trip to Disney World, but for something that everyone at his elementary school could enjoy: a high-tech, indoor play structure. The 15 x 8-foot geodome, which was designed by Dacon Corporation, has a virtual reality gaming system and is wheelchair accessible. Students use the comfy space to relax, learn and make 3D art projects.

“Edward’s language skills have regressed and he’s mostly limited to a wheelchair, but fundamentally he’s the same person he was before,” Xiang Liu, Edward’s father, explained to TODAY. “All he has ever wanted is to do the right thing and be a person that others look up to.”