Outside Iona

Krystal Ortiz, News Editor
August 20, 2020

Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening

around us. In this column, I find the most significant things going on around the world and

provide you with a small blurb of all the nitty-gritty details! Here are some of the major events

that have been happening:

New York coronavirus update:

So far this week, New York has had 410 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 fatalities. The previous week recorded an average of 656 cases a day, which slightly increased the percentage of the average daily positive cases from the week before. In terms of reopening nonessential businesses, Gov. Cuomo has announced on Monday that New York gyms can reopen as soon as August 24, provided that each gym sees a 33% maximum capacity and has proper ventilation. Each gym will be inspected in order to be approved for reopening. This is speculated to be a response to the 1,500+ gym owners suing Cuomo for not being allowed to open yet during the reopening phase of the pandemic. Mayor de Blasio has said that the main priority is inspecting schools and childcare centers before gyms, which could lead to gyms not opening until September 2. Further nonessential businesses have also opened with safety guidelines in place such as movie theaters, recreational activity areas and cosmetic salons.

Information from New York Times, ABC News and Yahoo News.

Joe Biden announces his 2020 running mate:

On August 11, Joe Biden announced that California Senator Kamala Harris would be his running mate for the 2020 presidential election. Sen. Harris is the first Black woman and first South Asian American woman to run on either a Republican or Democratic presidential ticket. For months, idit was suspected that Biden would have a female running mate. Harris is big on racial justice and wants to address racism in the criminal justice system. Harris’ stances on current issues involve legalizing marijuana, getting rid of the death penalty and solitary confinement and closing private prisons.

Information from CNN and The Cut.

Couple who waved guns at protestors to speak at the RNC:

Patricia and Mark McCloskey, the infamous couple who were recorded waving guns at protestors in a Black Lives Matter protests earlier this year, will be speakers at the Republican National Convention. The couple is currently facing felony charges for drawing guns on BLM demonstrators, according to the Washington Post, the decision to have the two speak at the convention is an effort to energize voters during the pandemic as we come close to election day.