I don't think so. Google has had Google Play Newstand since 2013 which is more like Apple news than anything else, as far as I can tell.

Stuff like pushing and organizing verified youtube videos of events makes this seems more like a tool for journalists to use rather than something for consumers.

I actually just took a look at Youtube newswire and one of the first videos actually appeared on my local news tonight.

Don't think so. This is just a one location to easily use some of the things which have been around for a while on Google. In addition this is likely another move to appease the EC who have been making a lot of noise about Google search and their news industry