December 18, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
With Joe Biden's inauguration date only about a month away, the President Elect has lately nominated people to fill positions in his cabinet, a term referring to a group of appointed officers who advise the president on certain issues. So far, Biden has nominated more than a dozen people to be his advisors, and his nominations have been praised as being very diverse. Per CBS news, Biden states that “by the end of this process, this Cabinet will be the most representative of any Cabinet in American history.” According to FiveThirtyEight, out of the 19 people nominated (including Vice President Kamala Harris), 10 are women, and many are people of color. You can read more about the cabinet members here. Most of Biden’s cabinet members will require the confirmation of the US Senate.
Texas Politics
Per Texas Tribune, by the end of December, Texas is anticipated to distribute 1.4 million vaccine doses “to a variety of providers including hospitals, health centers, clinics, and other medical practices, pharmacies, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent cares, long-term care facilities, local health departments...and Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities.” The shipment of 620,000 doses that began arriving this Monday will leave out “smaller and rural hospitals” according to state health officials. From Moderna, 460,500 doses may be shipped out this weekend if and when the company is granted federal emergency use approval.
Health
According to, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of December 18, 2020, there are 16.98 million cases nationwide and 309k deaths. Currently, California leads with 1.72 million cases, while Texas follows with 1.55 million cases.
(CNBC) As the FDA has not yet approved the Moderna vaccine, Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn states that the agency will “rapidly work toward finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization” for the vaccine.
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Writers:
US Politics and Economics: Dylan, Miranda, Caleb, and Annabelle
Texas Politics: Stephanie, Vicki, and Megan
Health: Matthew, David, and Owen
Editor: VIA
(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)