September 23, 2020 News Summary
US Politics and Economics
President Trump declared that he will have a supreme court justice appointed by Saturday, while Senators debate whether or not to approve Trump’s nominee. As Republicans hold the senate majority, it become increasingly likely that the final decision will be in Trump’s, despite intense democrat opposition. Trump stated that five women are being vetted for the nomination along with one or two others in mind. Furthermore, he is also hosting an event at the White House to honor those who died in the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961.
Texas Politics
Texas Republicans filed a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his 6-day extension on the early voting period. Texas Tribune details, “The lawsuit filed Wednesday additionally seeks to stop the extended period for submitting mail ballots in person, also calling the move inconsistent with the election code.” There are strong, varying opinions about this action ordered in July, and some some believe that Abbott made the negatively impactful decisions all the way back in April while handling COVID-19. Jared Woodfill, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, argues, "Governor Abbott seems to have forgotten that the Texas Constitution is not a document that he consults at his convenience. It is an uninterrupted charter of governmental structure that limits Governor Abbott’s ability to act as a king."
Health
According to CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, as of Sep 23, 2020, 12:21 PM, there are a total of 6.87 million cases and 200k deaths nationwide. California leads with the most infections at 784k and Texas follows closely with 716k cases.
(CNBC) White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci tells Congress that, “it might take some time” for a FDA approved vaccine to be developed. He added that there’s a “growing optimism” that scientists will find one or more safe vaccines by early 2021, contrasting President Trump’s claims of a safe and effective vaccine by the end of October. Statements incentivize health officials to worry whether politics may influence the vaccine developments.
Science and Technology
Based on satellite observations, BBC reports that during this summer, the Arctic’s sea-ice has shrunk to its second lowest level. The floes, or more commonly known as icebergs, seceded to nearly under “3.74 million sq km last week,” beating the record in 2012, where the ice was reduced to 3.41 million sq km. On the other hand, shorter autumn days and preceding cold may stimulate regrowth in the floes.
England and Wales has a new app related to COVID-19 that will launch on Thursday. It’s technology is able to detect whether or not someone has been near someone infected with Covid-19, and tells people to self isolate. There’s more, including “a venue check-in barcode scanner, a postcode-based risk-level checker, a symptoms-reporter tool, and more.”
Southeast US Weather
(Atlantic) The Atlantic is finally dying down, and both destructive storms, Teddy and Beta, are remnants to leave soon. Disturbances are not expected either.
(Pacific) Tropical storm Lowell is the only storm on the map, with no threat of making landfall. Even in such an early stage, it is extremely strong.
(Local) Areas of Houston are flooding due to tropical storm Beta, but the flood advisory will only last until today. The weather is cooling down, with the low being 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and a high of 84. The sky will stay mostly sunny throughout the week.
Trivia Time: In 2005, how many hurricanes made landfall in the US?
[Sunday’s answer: Category 3]
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Writers:
US Politics and Economics: Dylan
Texas Politics: Stephanie, Vicki, and Megan
Health: Matthew, David, and Owen
World Politics and Economics: Joseph, William, Jake, and Alexander
Science and Technology: Bryan, Yiqi, Amelia, and Joe
Southeast US Weather: Jade, Aiden, and Simon
Editor: VIA
(All writers and editors are in middle to high school)
HYNC-September-23-2020
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