The news story I picked was NY Time’s article about Trump testing positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of the month. The dominant news value in this story comes from the fact that this story revolves around the president (especially with the election coming up) and COVID-19 which has plagued our country since March. Not only does this affect the president, but also the election, the state and local leaders, and the citizens of the United States.

Story link: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/us/politics/trump-covid.html

Timeliness

The story is from over a week ago but is still relevant nonetheless considering that the situation is still being updated daily.

“President Trump revealed early Friday morning that he and the first lady, Melania Trump, had tested positive for the coronavirus.”

Impact

This story heavily impacts us here in the United States because President Trump and his response and reaction to COVID-19 impacts everyone.

“…throwing the nation’s leadership into uncertainty and escalating the crisis posed by a pandemic that has already killed more than 207,000 Americans and devastated the economy.”

Currency

This story has currency because it discusses an ongoing issue. In this case, the ongoing issue is COVID-19, which has been talked about in our country since March and how Trump has talked publicly about the virus for the last few months.

“Mr. Trump, who for months has played down the seriousness of the virus and hours earlier on Thursday night told an audience that “the end of the pandemic is in sight,” will quarantine in the White House for an unspecified period of time, forcing him to withdraw at least temporarily from the campaign trail only 32 days before the election on Nov. 3.”

Conflict

The conflict in this story comes with the complications that have been caused due to the president’s positive test, considering that the election is coming up in less than a month, and the upcoming presidential debates that were supposed to be scheduled.

“Mr. Trump’s positive test result posed immediate challenges for the future of his campaign against former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Democratic nominee, with barely a month until Election Day. Even if Mr. Trump, 74, remains asymptomatic, he will lose much of his remaining time on the campaign trail. If he becomes sick, it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.” 

Novelty/Emotion

For some, the novelty or emotion in this story comes from the fact that the next couple of Trump’s rallies have been canceled since the president has to quarantine, disappointing many of his fans.

“The White House did not say how long Mr. Trump would have to remain isolated, but it canceled his plans to fly to Florida for a campaign rally on Friday, stripping his public schedule for the day of everything except a midday telephone call “on Covid-19 support to vulnerable seniors.” Appearances at rallies in Wisconsin on Saturday and in Arizona on Monday also appear sure to be scrapped, and the next debate, scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami, was left up in the air.”

Prominence

This story is prominent because it is about Donald Trump, the President of the United States.

“Mr. Trump is the latest world leader to become infected.”

Proximity

While this story doesn’t necessarily take place in close proximity to us, it’s still relevant because it affects us here in many ways by impacting decisions by state and local leaders.

“But the symbolism of an infected American president could rattle allies, as well as governors and business owners trying to assess when and how to reopen or keep open shops, schools, parks, beaches, restaurants, factories and other workplaces.”