There are two major news stories going on right now: the election and the pandemic.
We have even reached a point where we don’t have to be specific about which election and which pandemic we are talking about. All we need is “the”.
Part of the goal of an editorial is to focus on some sort of current event.
So that means more words about the election and the pandemic, right? No, not this time.I’m not going to downplay the importance of these two major and developing stories, but there must be some other things going on in the world we can pay some attention to.
So, for the next few moments, I’m going to channel my inner Walter Winchell and “go to press” (search Google) to see what else is going on that is newsworthy, important, or just plain interesting.
‘Stonehenge A303 tunnel plan approved’
My first find takes me to the BBC where it is reporting that there are mixed reactions to a new plan approved to build a road tunnel on a major highway near the landmark of Stonehenge.
Environmentalists and archaeologists are voicing the potential negative impacts, whereas transportation officials say it’s a valuable investment and will “return the Stonehenge landscape towards its original setting”.
‘These 10 states have the highest rates of obesity’
U.S. News and World Report (yeah, it’s still a thing as a website) is reporting on a recent report by personal finance site WalletHub that identifies rates of obesity in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The good news: Wisconsin is not in the top 10 in any of the categories.
But where are we, you ask?
Wisconsin ranked 17th in “‘Obesity & Overweight Prevalence,” 30th in “Health Consequences’ Rank,” 29th in “Food and Fitness Rank,” and 23rd overall.
If you’re curious, West Virginia and Mississippi are tops in the various categories.
‘A Japanese city is using these motion-sensing robot wolves to scare bears away’
In the world of science, Yahoo! News and Business Insider are reporting that “A recent spate of bear attacks in Japan has prompted one city to invest in an unusual scare tactic: robotic wolves . . .
“The Monster Wolf is mounted on a stationary pole and comes equipped with motion sensors.
“When those sensors are triggered it swivels its head, flashes lights in its eyes and on its tail, and emits a variety of sounds, including wolf-like howls and the clanking of machinery.”
If you get a chance, look at these things. They are pretty scary.
‘Tropical storm Eta makes landfall in Florida’
Turning to weather, the Weather Channel’s website is reporting that Tropical Storm Eta brought 50 mile an hour winds near Cedar Key, Fla.
I imagine the residents there, or anyone affected by the storm, could use some prayers.
That’s a good thing to remember when we consume any news story that affects people we don’t personally know.
Masters in weather delay due to lightning, rain
And in sports, ESPN is reporting rain at the Masters, which was postponed until now because of the you-know-what.
A lot going on
While the election and the pandemic are dominating news coverage now, there are a lot of other things going on.
People are going about their daily lives in spite of everything else happening at home and around the world.
It’s okay to step away from being sucked into the constant major coverage of the top stories and read about other things, or just break away from it altogether and focus on the headlines of your own life.
There is so much else going on right now. Find it, or better yet, make it. Be a part of it.