First episode. News Source APNews
Here, is a little news.
Sinkholes swallowed cars and floodwaters swamped towns in California as the state was wracked by more wild winter storms. Millions of people were under flood warnings and without power, and thousands had to evacuate. At least 17 people have died from the storms, including a pickup truck driver and motorcyclist killed when a tree fell on them. The storm has provided much-needed moisture, but its fury has created trouble that is expected to last into next week. Areas hit by wildfires in recent years face the possibility of mud and debris sliding down bare hillsides. Evacuation orders were lifted for wealthy Montecito, and sinkholes swallowed up two cars in Los Angeles.
The White House is moving forward with a proposal that would lower student debt payments for millions of Americans. The proposal would cap payments for undergraduate loans at 5% of borrowers' discretionary pay, cutting their bills in half, and require payments only for those who earn more than about $30,000 a year. It would also make it easier to get debt erased after making several years of payments, and it would prevent unpaid interest from being added to a borrower's loan balance. The proposal is intended to make college more affordable, but some critics have warned that it could lead to higher tuition prices and unchecked borrowing. The Education Department has now opened a public comment period on the plan.
The 988 mental health helpline has quickly expanded its reach in the six months since it launched, with over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages pouring in. The number of centers answering calls in Spanish grew from three to seven last year, and plans are underway to keep the momentum going with the federal government adding Spanish language chat and text options. States are expected to take over the operation and funding of the 988 line, but fewer than 20 have passed legislation to permanently fund their 988 line. Mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for 988 services.
A nursing strike at two of New York City's largest hospitals is entering its second day. Negotiations have been productive at one of the hospitals, while at the other, talks have yet to resume. The strike is due to chronic understaffing, with nurses saying they are overwhelmed and burned out. The other hospitals in the group have reached agreements for pay raises, and nurses are hoping for a similar resolution.
That should be enough to make you dangerous. Thanks for listening.
