Week 196: October 18-24

The second and final debate was on Thursday.

A new report on Child separation says that 545 children have been permanently separated from their parents.

Election 2020

The Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 allowing Pennsylvania to count ballots received until November 6. Roberts sided with the liberals: In its Sept. 17 ruling, the divided state Supreme Court said ballots must be postmarked by the time polls close and be received by county election boards at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6, three days after the Nov. 3 election.

There is some reporting this week about Russia hacking into American election systems: The discovery of the hacks came as American intelligence agencies, infiltrating Russian networks themselves, have pieced together details of what they believe are Russia’s plans to interfere in the presidential race in its final days or immediately after the election on Nov. 3. … American officials expect that if the presidential race is not called on election night, Russian groups could use their knowledge of the local computer systems to deface websites, release nonpublic information or take similar steps that could sow chaos and doubts about the integrity of the results, according to officials briefed on the intelligence. Such steps could fuel Mr. Trump’s unsubstantiated claims that the vote is “rigged” and that he can be defeated only if his opponents cheat.

Trump’s Job Approval: 42.6%

COVID Cases / Deaths: 846,9976 / 223,393