1. Joe Biden has officially announced he’s running for president in 2020. Biden launched his campaign Thursday with a video that warns, “If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation.” Biden also slams Trump for infamously stating there were “very fine people on both sides” at the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally, adding, “In that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.” (CNN)
2. There have been 695 cases of measles reported in the U.S. so far this year, up from 626 cases on Monday. The U.S. is on track to surpass the last highest year of reported measles cases which was in 1994 with 963 cases. (APNews)
3. Maine could ban single-use bags under a Democrat’s bill. The Legislature began considering the proposal at a public hearing Wednesday morning Democratic Rep. Holly Stover’s bill aims to prohibit retailers from using single-use bags. Instead, it would allow 100% recycled paper bags and reusable, machine-washable bags. California, Hawaii and New York have similar bag bans. (WMTW)
4. Planet Fitness is launching a new Summer Challenge sweepstakes that basically offers a free summer-long gym pass for teens. The promo is being offered from May 15 through September 1. Planet Fitness will share more information about the deal in mid-May. (LifeHacker)
5. Hot 104.7 & SIS Bank Present Hot Beach Bash starring Lil Jon and featuring Jay Sean at Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach on Saturday June 15th. Tickets on Sale Now
