December 6, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) November job report shows that the unemployment rate fell to 6.7%, compared to 6.9% in October. Despite the 245,000 added jobs, according to the New York Times, the US is still missing 9.8 million pre-pandemic jobs. The BLS also reports that those who have been unemployed in the long term are increasing, as a third of the unemployed have been out of work for 27 weeks. Meanwhile, Congress is considering another COVID stimulus plan, a $908 billion bi-partisan proposal. Furthermore, per the Washington Post, many relief programs are set to expire at the end of the year, threatening benefits for millions of Americans.
Texas Politics
U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis has ruled that the Department of Homeland Security process applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The decision, commended by communities for immigration rights, will allow tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants in Texas to be eligible for protection, which includes a renewable two-year work permit, offered by the DACA program.
Health
According to, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of December 6, 2020, 12:32 PM, there are 14.46 million cases nationwide and 280k deaths. Currently, Texas leads with 1.32 million cases, while California follows with 1.31 million cases.
(Click2Houston) The Houston-area’s first batch of the coronavirus vaccine will include 59,475 doses of the inoculation, state health authorities announced Friday. “The State of Texas is already prepared for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, and will swiftly distribute these vaccines to Texans who voluntarily choose to be immunized,” Gov. Abbott stated in a press release. A total of 224,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive as early as Dec. 14th to be distributed across the state.
Science and Technology
A cyber-biological attack, has been discovered by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev cyber researchers. Rami Puzis, head of the BGU Complex Networks Analysis Lab, states, “To regulate both intentional and unintentional generation of dangerous substances, most synthetic gene providers screen DNA orders which is currently the most effective line of defense against such attacks.” California was the first state in 2020 to introduce gene purchase regulation legislation.
Southeast US Weather
(Local: Houston, Texas) The low will drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the high reaches 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the next week. Besides a few showers Friday morning and weekends afternoons, the rest of the week is expected to stay sunny.
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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
Science and Technology: Bryan
Southeast US Weather: Simon
Editor: VIA
(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)