Weekly News Overview - 10/21/22

By Farrah Muhammad

Politics

Arizona Midterm Elections

There are less than 2 months until the midterm elections. A recent Marist poll shows Republican candidate Kari Lake leading by about 3% in the governor's race. Democratic candidate Katie Hobbs is facing some scrutiny for her refusal to debate against Lake while Lake is under fire for suggesting that she may not accept election results if she loses. Mark Kelly has a two-digit lead in the Senate race over his opponent Blake Masters. However, 8% of voters are left undecided. Beyond Arizona, this election cycle will determine who controls Congress for the remainder of Biden’s presidency.

Local

Updated MVD Road Test

The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles Division has implemented some new updates to the road test. Drivers will be required to provide proof of registration and insurance before beginning the driving portion. This measure will help ensure that new drivers are aware of the necessary documents needed in their vehicles. There will also be a ‘customer basic safety knowledge’ where the driver must demonstrate knowledge of important aspects of the vehicle such as windshield wipers, hazard lights, high beams, and emergency brakes. Finally, the road test has been lengthened to about 15-20 minutes or 5-8 miles to better mirror a typical commute.

Environment

Record-low Mississippi River

This week the Mississippi River was the lowest it has been since records started being kept in 1954. On October 18th, it was as low as -11.1 feet in Memphis, Tennessee. As drought levels persist, the water levels are expected to continue to fall. Commercial activities have stalled as they have trouble navigating the dry waterbed. The drought has revealed a shipwreck from the late 1800s, giving archeologists a glimpse into history.