Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
1. Coronavirus
Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned that new Covid-19 cases in the US could soar to 100,000 a day if the country can’t get a handle on the virus’ resurgent spread. At least some people are getting the message. More and more Republican leaders are publicly pushing for face mask use, which medical experts agree is one of the best lines of daily defense. Among them are Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said there should be no stigma about covering up in public. Other GOP lawmakers have connected mask use to reducing the risk of another round of economic shutdowns. However, President Trump remains notably silent — and unmasked — on the issue. Meanwhile, in Beijing, the Chinese government has approved the use of an experimental Covid-19 vaccine called Ad5-nCoV among the country’s military. It’s a hopeful step forward in a global race to end the pandemic threat.
2. Hong Kong
The passage of China’s new national security law in Hong Kong has already sparked protests and led to the first arrests under the brand new legislation. Demonstrators turned out by the hundreds in Hong Kong city centers, and at least 70 were arrested. Two of those people — a man holding a black independence flag and a woman with a sign reading, «Hong Kong Independence» — were apprehended on suspicion of violating the new law. It’s also important to note that today is the 23rd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British rule to China. The date is traditionally a day of protests in the city, but for the first time since the handover, police did not let protesters hold peaceful demonstrations.
3. School choice
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling that could open the door for more public funding for religious education.
