A Covid Holiday, Biden Transition Begins
Rising Cases, and Holiday Forebodings
Usually as the holiday season approaches, Americans across the nation would be preparing to host or attend family gatherings or big parties. They would be stringing up lights and thinking about the joyous time ahead. But this year, things are different. Rising Covid-19 cases all over the nation are affecting people in many ways – obviously health-wise, but also financially and emotionally. People who used to live on a comfortable salary are now living paycheck to paycheck. This year, chairs are being left empty at the dinner table. People are feeling isolated and depressed now more than ever. When will this be over?
Well, we don't know for sure, but with the safety precautions in place, such as masks and social distancing, we the people can slow this down. Rapid testing and development of vaccine prototypes is also hopeful, and trials are already beginning to come to a close, hinting at the possible release and application of the vaccines. Health experts urge the public that if they want a safe, possibly normal day-to-day life in the future, they must take the necessary precautions to keep, or lower the amount of positive cases. And with the holidays approaching, we should be cautious and safe, so we can protect our loved ones for the new year.
-Amy Whitman
Biden Transition Begins
Although President Trump continues to press on in diminishing legal hopes to overturn the results of the election, the Biden Administration transition has begun. The months between Election Day and Inauguration may seem slow to many Americans, but they are critical for both incoming and outgoing administrations to ensure a smooth and safe transition of power on January 20th. Hundreds of government workers will be turning their jobs over to new counterparts, and staff must prepare to handle some of the biggest crises our nation has ever faced. Biden has already broken boundaries in his first picks for administration, appointing a historic number of women and people of color to key cabinet positions. His entire communications team will be composed of women, and he is seriously considering a woman for Secretary of Defense. Alejandro Mayorkas will be the first Latino and immigrant Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Yellen will be the first female Treasury Secretary, and Linda Thomas Greenfield will be the first African-American woman Ambassador to the UN. Biden has made clear his intention to make his Administration reflect the diversity of America.
-Viviane Kim