News Roundup 11/25/20


Surge continues in LA County

Los Angeles County officials have confirmed 4,552 new cases on Saturday, Nov. 21. This comes as California was forced to follow a night time curfew as the number of COVID-19 cases spiked. The newest restrictions require people to stay indoors between the hours of 10pm and 5am, in order to help the already swamped healthcare system. County officials say there are 4,000 newly reported coronavirus cases a day during a five-day period. 

Source: Daily Bulletin

Ontario Airport passenger and cargo increases

During October 2020, Ontario International Airport saw a 10% jump in passengers and a 20% jump in air cargo. 22,000 passengers were added to the charts, continuing the airport’s sixth straight month of increases. This comes at a time when coronavirus cases are spiking at a high rate, making traveling a lot more risky. CEO of Ontario International Airport, Mark Thorpe says,

“The steady improvement in passenger volume since the full impact of the pandemic was felt in April is an optimistic sign for Ontario.” 

Source: Daily Bulletin

Hallmark makes history this holiday season

The Hallmark Channel is introducing its first gay couple in its newest holiday film, “The Christmas House.” The film stars “Mean Girls” alum, Jonathan Bennett, who was surprised that his love interest wasn’t going to be a woman. Among the 23 holiday films The Hallmark Channel released last year, none featured a gay couple. Bennett says,

“My jaw practically hit the ground… And then I read the script, and I was in tears. I thought, is this really happening? This is groundbreaking.”

The movie was released on Nov. 22 and can be watched on The Hallmark Channel.

Source: Los Angeles Times

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge co-founder Pat Quinn dies at 37

Pat Quinn, co-founder of the prominent social media campaign ALS Ice Bucket Challenge died at 37 due to ALS, or also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, after being diagnosed a month after his 30th birthday. His contributions in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge helped raise more than $200 million worldwide to support Lopu Gehrig’s Disease research. The ALS association says,

“Those of us who knew him are devastated but grateful for all he did to advance the fight against ALS. ... Our thoughts are with the Quinn family and all of his friends and supporters. Pat was loved by many of us within the ALS community and around the world.”

Source : Los Angeles Times

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade differences this year

Organizer’s of the traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have announced some changes that will be made to this year’s itinerary. Broadways ensembles of “Hamilton,’ “Mean Girls,” “Jagged Little Phil,’ and “Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” will be performing in this year’s event as theaters remain closed all throughout the country because of COVID-19. Instead of a 2.5 mile parade, the event will take place and filmed exclusively in and around Herald’s Square. All performers and participants will be masked and practice social distancing. They can only perform if they reside in the New York tri-state area. High School marching bands will be swapped (they will be invited to join next year’s parade) for professional marching bands such as the West Point band and the City of New York Police Department. 

Source: Los Angeles Times