October 16, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
As nearly 20 million people have already cast their ballots, which is roughly 1/7th of the total ballots cast for 2016, early voting in the 2020 election is shattering records nationwide. California has 2.4 million casted ballots, Florida has 2 million, and Texas with 1.6 million. With roughly 80 million people anticipated to cast their ballots by mail, thirteen states have surpassed 20% of that expectation.
With record turnouts, however, come long lines in some counties -- some of which are limited to only one early voting site by state laws. In Ohio, for instance, some lines in bluer counties stretched for hours.
In addition to the turnout, voter suppression is another topic in the current election. Earlier this week, two Pennsylvania postal employees, Sean Troesch and James McLenigan, were charged with delay or destruction of mail during delivery. Both have admitted their actions to investigators. Allegations regarding the mail Troesch trashed included two requests for mail-in ballots. McLenigan, a separate case, has been trialed for dumping mail containing 25 pieces of political advertisement into a trash can outside a mental health center. A more recent incident involves the discovery of over 100 undelivered absentee ballots found in a dumpster by a contractor, hence calling for another investigation by authorities.
Texas Politics
Per Chron, former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke will be joining the faculty of Texas State University at San Marcos in spring. O'Rourke served Texas' 16th congressional district from 2013 to 2019 and lost to Senator Ted Cruz in 2018 at the United States Senate campaign. The university confirmed O'Rourke’s position to teach Texas politics to students in 2021, and Texas State Political Science Chair Ken Grasso declared, “He originally approached people in the administration... and showed an interest in teaching... He's got a unique take on things with his experience as a congressman, a senatorial, and even a presidential candidate... we're very happy to have him.”
Health
According to CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of October 16, 2020, 12:21 PM, there are over 7.95 million cases and 216.9k deaths nationwide. California leads with the most infections at 858.4k, and Texas follows by a total of 805k cases.
(Fox News) A World Health Organization (WHO) study, which involved over 11,000 adults across 405 hospitals in 30 countries, records that, currently, four COVID-19 drugs have had “little or no effect” on patients. Furthermore, an NIH-led study showed that hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir shorten patients' path to recovery by about four to five days.
Science and Technology
At this time, the six people on the International Space Station (ISS) will spend a week in low-Earth orbit before returning to their home country. NASA astronaut Kate Rubins will assist Navy Seal astronaut and commander Chris Cassidy and Expedition 63 Flight Engineer Ivan Vager to prepare to return to Earth on October 21th.
The co-founder, Carl Pei, of OnePlus, a smartphone company, has confirmed today that he left the company, announcing on OnePlus’ forum, “After nearly 7 years at OnePlus, I’ve made the difficult decision to say goodbye.”
Southeast US Weather
(Atlantic) Although one of the two disturbances mentioned in yesterday’s report has dissipated, a new one, located in the middle of the Atlantic, has developed with a 60% chance of forming. The other disturbance has a 30% percent chance of forming and is causing light showers around the area.
(Pacific) Currently, there are no expected storms or disturbances in the next 48 hrs.
(Local) Temperatures for the next 10 days will likely be around a high 80 and a low of 50. The chances of rain for tomorrow are at 20% but will increase to 40% from Monday to Wednesday.
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Writers:
US Politics and Economics: Dylan, Miranda, and Annabelle
Texas Politics: Stephanie, Vicki, and Megan
Health: Matthew, David, and Owen
Science and Technology: Bryan, Yiqi, and Amelia
Southeast US Weather: Jade, Aiden, and Simon
Editor: VIA
(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)
HYNC-October-16-2020
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