News Roundup 09/21/20
The Emmys
The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards were unlike anything ever seen. Due to COVID-19, the award show was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel in an audience-less Staple Center with the rest of the event taking place in over ten countries. New and surprising additions included using real-life heroes as presenters and behind the scenes looks at celeb's pandemic lives. Big winners of the night included Schitt's Creek, snagged a total of seven trophies, and Zendaya, officially the youngest person to receive an Emmy. Noticeably absent were long time E! host Giuliana Rancic and special correspondent Vivica A. Fox. Both pre-show correspondents reportedly pulled out of the event after testing positive for Coronavirus.
Source: CNN
Source: USA Today
Election 2020: Biden Gains Cash Advantage
While President Donald Trump's campaign held a significant cash advantage over presidential nominee Jo Biden's campaign, FEC reports show those numbers have been dwindling since April. The republican national committee recently reported raising $62 million with $121 million on hand, while democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has officially set a record for his August fundraising efforts. The monthly FEC for Biden's campaign shows $212 Million from the campaign committee alone, with an additional $180 million cash on hand. President Barack Obama previously held the fundraising record. The boost in donations came after the announcement of Senator Kamila Harris as Biden's running mate, with an additional $48 million donations raised in 48 hours.
Source: Us News
Source: FiveThirtyEight
Bobcat Fire
The bobcat fire has officially become one of the most massive fires in Los Angeles County history. As of this morning, the fire had doubled in size since last week and has only been 15 percent contained. Thousands have already been evacuated in the Antelope Valley, which is about 50 miles northeast of downtown LA. The low humidity and the gusty winds have created "smokeenados" or "fire-fandos," unofficial terms used to describe a fire tornado of sorts made of ash and rocks. The Bob Cat fire has burned through the geological wonder that is the Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area, in addition to the 103,000 acres burned as of this morning.
Source: FoxNews
Reopening of Orange County
While neighboring county, Orange County, is gearing up for in-person learning by Sept., 29, a group of concerned teachers and parents are arguing there is not a clear and safe enough plan that protects them from COVID-19. Nonetheless, Orange County decided to move forward and into the red-tier- the less restrictive reopening phase Sept., 8. The phase jumpstarted a 14-day countdown of the reopening of schools. Technically making the acceptable in-school date Sept., 22. The OC will be eligible for the third re-opening phase Sept., 29, after it reached the 1 to 3.9 per 1,000 cases and a 2 to 4.9 percent testing positivity rate for two straight weeks. Surrounding counties, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura, are all still a part of the purple tier.
Source: KTLA
Racing to Replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has opened a seat on the Supreme Court, and the race to fill it is on. President Donald Trump has pledged to nominate a new female justice this week, concerning the democratic party and facing opposition from two Republican senators. The race, however, has been brought to a halt after a second republican expressed his concerns over choosing a new justice before the November election. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is credited with fighting for women's right to have their own credit history, purchasing property, having the right to consent to their own medical history, and even being allowed to play sports in school.
Source: Financial Times
Source: New York Times