George Martin, the Fifth Beatle, Died Today: Here’s What’s Happening In The World Today

The Daily 5 is Sharp’s essential reading list for what’s happening in the world today. Make sure to follow us on Twitter or subscribe to the Sharp Insider newsletter to stay up to date.

Here’s what we’re reading today.

1. Remembering Sir George Martin, the fifth Beatle

Martin signed the Beatles to Parlophone records when others had turned them down and produced all but one of their albums. He became and remained one of the most influential producers in popular music history and was often described as the ‘fifth Beatle’. His reputation stretched well beyond his 23 US and 30 UK No 1 singles.”

+1: George R.R. Martin assures fans he is not dead.

2. Do we already have cyborgs in our midst?

Or are these people just kidding themselves? Gizmodo sent somebody to the world’s first cyborg fair in Dusseldorf to settle the debate.

3. ISIS detainee tells of plans for mustard gas attack

“An Islamic State detainee currently in American custody at a temporary detention facility in Erbil, Iraq, is a specialist in chemical weapons whom American military officials are questioning about the militant Sunni group’s plans to use the banned substances in Iraq and Syria, defense officials said.”

+1: Parliament votes to end ISIS combat mission.

+1: Should the Canadian military start using armed drones?

4. Tuesday at Bernie’s

Bernie Sanders eked out a narrow victory against Hillary Clinton last night in Michigan – a race which FiveThirtyEight had given Clinton a 99% chance of winning. It’s a symbolic and important win for the campaign, but one that may ultimately mean nothing. Clinton won in Mississippi with a staggering 82% of the vote, numbers that should be echoed in other southern states. The two candidates will face off for another debate tonight in Miami.

5. What’s the deal with cheap oil?

Cheap oil usually means some serious economic growth, but this time seems different. NPR explores the reasons behind the global slump and how oil is impacting our economy.

+1: Saudi Arabia will seek a $6-8 billion bank loan. It’s the first significant foreign borrowing by the country in over a decade.

Image: NRW-Forum Dusseldorf