November 15, 2020 News Summary

US Politics and Economics

Protests and demonstrations around the US from Trump supporters have been clashing with counter-protests. Yesterday in Washington DC, Trump supporters took to the streets, crying claims such as “Stop the Steal” and “Count Every Vote.” They lined the street as the President’s motorcade passed through, pledging support to the President’s claims of voter fraud. In Michigan, where Biden led by over 100,000 votes, protesters cast doubt on the integrity of the election, and in Phoenix, Arizona, protesters gathered at the capitol building. However, many election officials said there have been no major cases of fraud, and that the 2020 election was “the most secure in American history.” Currently, the only state under a recount is Georgia, where Biden leads by 14,000 votes. If Trump indeed wins that state, he will have to win two more battleground states (Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona) in order to swing the election. Such a swing is very unlikely, as Biden currently leads Trump by 5.5 million votes.

Texas Politics

In El Paso, where there have been over 73k cumulative positive COVID-19 cases, Texas Tribune reports that as morgues are being overwhelmed by the amount of dead bodies, “...inmates from the county’s detention facility are being brought in to assist with the overflow of bodies awaiting autopsy.” The inmates, who are earning $2 per hour, “are misdemeanor offenders and those in minimum custody.” Chris Acosta, a spokesperson for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, claims that it’s a temporary assignment until arrival of the National Guard.

Health

According to, CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of November 15, 2020, 12:32 PM, there are 10.69 million cases nationwide and 243k deaths. Currently, Texas leads with 1.07 million cases, while California follows with 984k.

(ABC13 ) Lines at testing sites yesterday continue to lengthen as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the Houston area, the state, and across the country. Harris County Public Health reported five more deaths and 78 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. In Houston, the city is reporting 678 new cases, with 95% of those coming in within the last 14 days.

_________________________________________________________________________

Writers:

US Politics and Economics: Dylan, Miranda, Caleb, and Annabelle

Texas Politics: Stephanie, Vicki, and Megan

Health: Matthew, David, and Owen

Editor: VIA, Isabel, Susanna, and Mingyi

(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)