October 14, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
Early voting in the US has already shattered numerous records across the country. As of 8 AM CST today, there have been 13 million ballots cast -- 9.6% of total votes cast in 2016. Currently, Florida leads with nearly 2 million voters, California follows with 1.2 million, and both Michigan and Virginia with 1 million. 57% of returned ballots are from Democrats, compared to the 23% from Republicans. Finally, the 10 states with a turnout of 20% above 2016 include Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, Florida, and New Jersey. Although the current turnout is in favor of Joe Biden, Michael McDonald, the leader of the US Elections Project and professor at the University of Florida, believes that Republicans will show up to vote in-person.
Texas Politics
Texan citizens battle over prescription drug prices. According to a poll, where the majority agreed that prescription drugs costs are too high, Houston Chronicle reports that Democrat politician Gina Ortiz Jones has “launched an ad declaring she is for cutting the cost of prescription drugs, while accusing her opponent Republican Tony Gonzales of wanting to do away with the Affordable Care Act, which had a provision that cut drug costs for seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D — the prescription drug benefit.”
Health
According to CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of October 14, 2020, 12:21 PM, there are over 7.83 million cases and 215k deaths nationwide. California leads with the most infections at over 852.4k, and Texas follows by a total of 800.4k cases.
(CNN) Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that a COVID-19 vaccine will possibly be widely available throughout the US by April 2021. According to Dr. Fauci, a vaccine will only be released if it is operative and all of the trial patients are deemed safe.
(Click2Houston) Similar to the way health officials use wastewater data to predict increases in the flu virus, researchers believe that the same can be applied to COVID-19. Such information grants city officials the ability to locate areas in need of resources for relief.
(NBC) A developing study by Blood Advance suggests that blood type may affect susceptibility to COVID-19 and certain symptoms. According to a smaller study in Canada, those with type O blood resist COVID-19 better than those with type A and AB blood, as they required greater attention and stayed longer in the ICU. However, it is important to note that these are still newly emerging studies.
Science and Technology
Per CNN, the recently-released, physical Mario Kart game, "Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit," grants players the ability to control it in real-life with a remote control or Nintendo Switch. Each cart costs $99.99 and is one of the products Nintendo plans to launch for its 35th anniversary this year.
Apple's latest iPhone 12 reportedly works more efficiently with 5G networks. Along with this information, a “mini” model that “has a smaller 5.4in screen” will also be launched. The device with sharper, flatter edges, may give Apple an opportunity to grow, per BBC.
Eight nations, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, have signed the Artemis Accords, a guide by NASA for a “safe and transparent environment which facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity” cooperation between nations.” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine claims, “Artemis will be the...most diverse international human space exploration program in history...With today’s signing, we are uniting with our partners to explore the Moon and are establishing vital principles...”
Southeast US Weather
(Atlantic) Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) report, three disturbances located somewhat near each other all appear in the northeast, south, and southeast of Cuba. Despite having a low 10-20% chance of forming, they have the potential to cause severe damage.
(Pacific) In the Pacific, Tropical depression Norbert will dissipate later this week or hit the island of Baja California Peninsula, where a major NOAA tower stands.
( Local) The temperature is back on the rise with 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees Fahrenheit being the high and temperature for tomorrow. Chances of rain will raise to 50% next Monday, then drop to 20% by Wednesday.
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Writers:
US Politics and Economics: Dylan and Annabelle
Texas Politics: Stephanie, Vicki, and Megan
Health: Matthew and David
Science and Technology: Bryan, Amelia, and Joseph L.
Southeast US Weather: Jade, Aiden, and Simon
Editor: VIA
(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)
HYNC-October-14-2020
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