October 23, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
The final presidential debate between President Trump and former Vice President Biden occurred last night at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Moderated by Kristen Welker from NBC News, the debate featured topics from the first debate, such as climate change, COVID-19, healthcare, etc., and introduced new topics introduced, namely border security.
With the ability to mute the candidates’ mics, many regarded this debate. The National Public Radio argues that both participants were calmer, and the moderator did an adequate job at managing the debate.
As of 8M CST, 49 million ballots, or 35% of the total number cast in 2016. Texas maintains the lead with 5.9 million votes cast, which is nearly two-thirds of the amount 4 years ago. Of the states that report party registration, Democrats currently lead with 50% of the vote, while Republicans trail behind with 25%. In total, 85 million ballots have been requested so far.
Texas Politics
Following a recent change in policies, Texas social workers may now turn away LGBTQ+ or disabled clients. Texas Tribune writes, “The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners voted unanimously Monday to change a section of its code of conduct that establishes when a social worker may refuse to serve someone. The code will no longer prohibit social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” Presently, officials face criticism from those who argue that the decision places many people at risk.
Health
According to CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of October 23, 2020, 12:15 PM, there are almost 8.31 million cases and 221.4k deaths nationwide. California leads with the most infections at a total of 874k, and Texas follows with 833.5k cases.
FOX News reports that in a study of “...medical records of some 412 patients who were hospitalized due to complications with COVID-19. The average age of patients was 55.” At the time of the release, the patients “...were treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore or three other hospitals along the East Coast...”
Science and Technology
(BBC) The diabolical ironclad beetle supposedly cannot be crushed, as it “...can survive being stamped on or even run over by a car.” Scientists have learned from investigations that the beetle is able to withstand “39,000 times its body weight,” due to its tough exoskeleton, evolved crush-resistant forewings (elytra), and interlocking joints. Such information may be utilized in future construction.
NASA has sent OSIRIS-REx to the asteroid Bennu. Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, affirms, “Asteroids and small bodies are important keys to understanding the history of the solar system. The technology and engineering required to visit and study them has been improving rapidly, and we’re excited about the transformational science our missions to asteroids are going to provide us in the near future.”
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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
World Politics and Economics: Joseph Z., William, Vicki, Jake, and Alexander
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)