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Google Earth gets a makeover

Google Earth released new features Tuesday that will let users see the world like never before.

  • "Knowledge Cards": Gives more information on certain locations, and includes the history and pictures of places people search for.
  • "I'm feeling lucky": Suggests locations that are "a little bit off the beaten path" – like a spot that a local might recommend.
  • "Points of Interest": Recommends places it thinks the user will like based on their search history.
  • Guided Tours: Google Earth is partnering with organizations like BBC Planet Earth, NASA, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute for interactive guided tours.
  • "Postcard": Users can send a snapshot of the location they are viewing to friends and family.

What's next: The remodeled Google Earth rolls out this week on Chrome and Android, and it will become available on iOS and other browsers soon.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
5 hours ago - Politics & Policy

McConnell drops filibuster demand, paving way for power-sharing deal

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (R) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attend a joint session of Congress. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has abandoned his demand that Democrats state, in writing, that they would not abandon the legislative filibuster.

Between the lines: McConnell was never going to agree to a 50-50 power sharing deal without putting up a fight over keeping the 60-vote threshold. But the minority leader ultimately caved after it became clear that delaying the organizing resolution was no longer feasible.

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Ashley Gold
7 hours ago - Technology

Scoop: Google won't donate to members of Congress who voted against election results

Sen. Ted Cruz led the group of Republicans who opposed certifying the results. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Google will not make contributions from its political action committee this cycle to any member of Congress who voted against certifying the results of the presidential election, following the deadly Capitol riot.

Why it matters: Several major businesses paused or pulled political donations following the events of Jan. 6, when pro-Trump rioters, riled up by former President Trump, stormed the Capitol on the day it was to certify the election results.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
7 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Minority Mitch still setting Senate agenda

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Chuck Schumer may be majority leader, yet in many ways, Mitch McConnell is still running the Senate show — and his counterpart is about done with it.

Why it matters: McConnell rolled over Democrats unapologetically, and kept tight control over his fellow Republicans, while in the majority. But he's showing equal skill as minority leader, using political jiujitsu to convert a perceived weakness into strength.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow