California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday he and Democratic lawmakers had reached a deal to fund the reopening of schools for students up to second grade, as the numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the state and country drop to their lowest this year.
GAVIN NEWSOM: “Yes, we want schools to safely reopen, period, full stop." Speaking at a school outside Sacramento, California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday said he reached a $6.6 billion dollar package deal with Democratic lawmakers to fund the reopening of schools for students up to second grade as the numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the state and country drop to their lowest this year.
GOV.
GAVIN NEWSOM: “Things are moving in the right direction, things seem to be stabilizing.
We're seeing vaccinations increase, we're seeing the positivity and case rates decrease, though, we are seeing a little bit of a plateau and one needs to be mindful of that” $2 billion dollars would go towards paying for personal protective equipment, improved classroom ventilation and COVID-19 testing, incentivizing schools to reopen by the end of the month.
California's $6.6 billion dollar budget package marks the latest effort by a U.S. state to get school children back in class after nearly a year confined to home learning, by political leaders in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
GOV.
GAVIN NEWSOM: “Single mothers in particular, that are celebrating, I imagine, this day compared to many other previous days.
So many of our kids and caregivers are celebrating this day because we all are united around coming back safely into the schools and helping with the social emotional supports that our kids so desperately need.” But some school workers like 60-year-old Martelle Riley, a bus driver for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Schools District, are nervous about schools reopening.
Martelle Riley: "We're very concerned.
We're ready to go back, but we want to make sure that when we go back, you know, we take our time, we should keep, you know, exercising the social distancing and wearing our masks." Riley – whose first day back was last Tuesday, driving one special needs student twice a week - said he loves his job and is growing tired of sitting at home, but he wants reassurance that he will be safe at work.
"As classified employees we're part of the education system too.
So, it shouldn't be no, like the teachers priority.
We all at the same time should be vaccinated.
It's very important because we, as bus drivers, we are the ones that have first contact with the students before anyone else." The deal the Democratic governor made does not include an order for public schools to open by a certain date, and Newsom conceded that negotiations may still need to take place with teachers' unions.
The proposal would make vaccinating teachers and other school employees a priority in the state and lawmakers are expected to pass it on Thursday.
Fast Food Chains Warn Consumers , That Worker Pay Increases
Will Impact Prices.
'Newsweek' reports that franchises have
warned an increase of the minimum wage
for fast food workers in California could also
force menu prices to climb.
As of April 1, fast food restaurants in California
will have to pay employees at least $20 an hour, an
increase of four dollars from the current $16 an hour. .
Business owners have warned that the new law,
signed in by Democratic governor Gavin Newsom,
will have an impact on margins and consumer costs. .
At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski
said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would
be partially "worked through with higher pricing.".
At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski
said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would
be partially "worked through with higher pricing.".
According to McDonald's numbers, the price of
the signature Big Mac burger is currently $5.89
in California, the 10th highest in the United States.
The latest data compiled by 'The Economist' shows that
the average price of a Big Mac nationwide is currently
$5.69, which is up from $5.36 at the same time in 2023. .
Last year, McDonald's , reported net profits of , almost $8.5 billion.
According to the company's latest financial reports,
sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the
company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.".
According to the company's latest financial reports,
sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the
company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.".
Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food
chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage
increase would impact consumer prices with a
"mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase.
Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food
chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage
increase would impact consumer prices with a
"mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase.
In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage
increase as the reason behind laying off
the company's in-house delivery drivers. .
In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage
increase as the reason behind laying off
the company's in-house delivery drivers.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
California Voters Pass Proposition 1 , to Address Homelessness Crisis.
In a state that accounts for close to a third
of all homeless people in the United States.
California counties will now be required to
spend money "on housing and drug treatment programs" to fight homelessness, NPR reports. .
Gov. Gavin Newsom raised over
$13 million to promote the measure.
Proposition 1 represents California's first mental health system update in 20 years, NPR reports. .
This is the biggest change in
decades in how California tackles
homelessness, and a victory for
doing things radically different, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Now, counties and local officials must
match the ambition of California voters. , Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
This historic reform will only
succeed if we all kick into action
immediately – state government
and local leaders, together, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Revenue from a tax on millionaires, enacted in 2004, brings in about $2 billion to $3 billion a year toward California's mental health budget, NPR reports. .
Counties will now be required to spend two-thirds
of that money to tackle homelessness. .
The state will also be allowed to borrow
$6.3 billion to create an additional 6,800 beds for mental health and addiction treatment.
That money can also be used to
construct 4,350 housing units. Half of
those housing units will be for veterans
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A powerful storm wreaks havoc in California, causing at least three deaths, widespread damage estimated at $9-11 billion, and displacing residents. Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in eight counties. Major cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, face unprecedented rainfall, prompting evacuation warnings. Disneyland and tourist spots are impacted.
#California #GovernorGavinNewsom #GavinNewsom #SanFrancisco #LosAngeles #CaliforniaStorm #Storm #Winterstorm #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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A California man is competing with Florida Man for weirdest headline of the week -- 'cause he got arrested for walking around and apparently chomping on a human.. TMZ.com
State Farm Won’t Renew Coverage , for 72,000 Homeowners in California.
The news comes nine months after the insurance giant announced that it wouldn't issue any new home policies in California.
The news comes nine months after the insurance giant announced that it wouldn't issue any new home policies in California.
State Farm cited rising costs, the heightened risk of wildfires and certain regulations as reasons for not renewing the 72,000 policies, CBS News reports. .
State Farm cited rising costs, the heightened risk of wildfires and certain regulations as reasons for not renewing the 72,000 policies, CBS News reports. .
This decision was not made lightly
and only after careful analysis of
State Farm General's financial health... , State Farm, via statement.
... which continues to be impacted
by inflation, catastrophe exposure,
reinsurance costs, and the limitations
of working within decades-old
insurance regulations, State Farm, via statement.
State Farm General takes seriously our
responsibility to maintain adequate
claims-paying capacity for our
customers and to comply with
applicable financial solvency laws, State Farm, via statement.
It is necessary to take
these actions now, State Farm, via statement.
However, both the insurance company and
the California Department of Insurance
will have to answer to regulators.
One of our roles as the insurance
regulator is to hold insurance
companies accountable for
their words and deeds, Michael Soller, Deputy Commissioner of the
Communications and Press Relations Branch, via CBS News.
We need to be confident in
State Farm's strategy moving
forward to live up to its obligations
to its California customers, Michael Soller, Deputy Commissioner of the
Communications and Press Relations Branch, via CBS News.
State Farm did not disclose the locations of the discontinued policies or the criteria it used for determining which policies wouldn't be renewed.
It is not yet clear if an
investigation will be launched
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Fusion Industry Leaders , Hold DC Conference , Looking for Investors.
Fox News reports that leaders in the West's
emerging nuclear fusion industry are
convening this week to attract additional
funding to build commercially-viable reactors. .
The high-level conference takes
place as the industry races to
develop the technology ahead of China. .
Earlier this month, the Biden administration
signed a funding bill that contained
$790 million for fusion science programs in 2024. .
Earlier this month, the Biden administration
signed a funding bill that contained
$790 million for fusion science programs in 2024. .
Unlike current nuclear fission plants,
commercial fusion plants would not produce
any long-lasting radioactive waste.
According to Andrew Holland, CEO of Fusion Industry
Association (FIA), the industry is concerned that fusion
will follow the same pattern as the solar industry.
Much of the technology used in the solar industry was invented in the United States, but manufacturing was primarily handled in China.
It is very clear that China
has ambitions to do the same
sort of thing, both in the supply
chain and the developers.
It's time for the U.S. to
respond to that challenge, Andrew Holland, CEO of Fusion Industry
Association (FIA), via Fox News.
According to an FIA report from last July, private
companies around the world have invested
over $6 billion in fusion technology through 2022. .
Fox News reports that the third annual FIA
conference is expected to attract an estimated
350 attendees from around the world.
Last year, the industry gained momentum
after scientists at California's Lawrence Livermore
Laboratory reported a breakthrough, bringing the
technology one step closer to commercial viability.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A 22-year-old cricketer and biotechnology student, Tauseef Ali Farooqui, arrested under UAPA for expressing intent to join IS. Mental health issues during Covid.. IndiaTimes
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
RFK Jr Picks Nicole Shanahan , As His Running Mate.
On March 26, the presidential candidate announced that the 38-year-old ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin is his vice presidential pick, BBC reports. .
On March 26, the presidential candidate announced that the 38-year-old ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin is his vice presidential pick, BBC reports. .
On March 26, the presidential candidate announced that the 38-year-old ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin is his vice presidential pick, BBC reports. .
Kennedy introduced Shanahan as
"a fellow lawyer, a brilliant scientist, technologist, a fierce warrior mom.".
Kennedy introduced Shanahan as
"a fellow lawyer, a brilliant scientist, technologist, a fierce warrior mom.".
He went on to call his campaign "a spoiler for President Biden and for President Trump" that
will "forge an unstoppable coalition of homeless Democrats and homeless Republicans.".
Kennedy's independent bid was launched
in October after challenging Biden for
the Democratic nomination.
The Democratic National Committee has condemned Kennedy's bid, saying that he
will only help to draw votes away from
Biden, ensuring Trump's victory. .
Shanahan revealed that she had left the Democratic Party because it was consumed with "elitism" and "winning at all costs.".
I believe I am taking the best
ideals and impulses with me. , Nicole Shanahan, via statement.
Shanahan's professional
colleagues speak highly of her.
She's motivated by trying to change
things for the better and having an
impact on social benefits, Roland Vogl, executive director of Stanford University's
Center for Legal Informatics, via statement.
Don't undersell someone
who comes from outside a
system to change the system. , Bruce Cahan, a professional colleague, via statement.
Announcing Shanahan as his running mate
will likely help Kennedy get on more ballots.
He's currently only confirmed on Utah's ballot
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Ron DeSantis Legalizes , Social Media Ban for Children.
The Florida governor signed the bill into law on March 25, 'The Guardian' reports.
It takes effect on January 1, 2025.
At that time, children under the age of 14 will not be allowed to have social media accounts in Florida.
14- and 15-year-olds will need parental permission
to have a presence on social media.
State House Speaker Paul Renner issued
a statement in support of the new law.
A child in their brain development doesn’t have
the ability to know that they’re being sucked
into these addictive technologies and to see
the harm and step away from it, and because
of that we have to step in for them, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, via statement.
Renner also said that social media companies will likely "sue the second after this is signed.".
But you know what? We’re going to beat
them. We’re going to beat them and
we’re never, ever going to stop, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, via statement.
Opponents argue that the new legislation is unconstitutional and a government overreach. .
This bill goes too far in
taking away parents’ rights, Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release.
Instead of banning social media access,
it would be better to ensure improved
parental oversight tools, improved
access to data to stop bad actors, , Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release.
... alongside major investments
in Florida’s mental health
systems and programs, Anna Eskamani, Democratic state House representative,
via news release
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
In Louisiana's presidential primary on Saturday (Mar 23), both US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump secured victories, further solidifying their positions after securing their respective party nominations. With no races hanging in the balance, the outcome merely reaffirmed their dominance over their major competitors. Biden collected the 48 delegates up for grabs for Democrats, and former President Donald Trump collected the 47 delegates for Republicans.
#Biden #Trump #LouisianaPrimary #PresidentialElection #ElectionVictory #PartyNominations #USPolitics #DemocraticParty #RepublicanParty #PoliticalContest #PrimaryElection #ElectionResults #CampaignTrail #PresidentialNominees #VoteCount #PoliticalLeadership #VictorySpeech #PoliticalMilestones #PoliticalSuccess #DemocraticProcess
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Bill Maher makes a super compelling case that pandering to racial groups is a sure way to lose elections ... because all these identities in America are now.. TMZ.com
Danny Masterson , to Serve Sentence at , Maximum-Security California Prison.
'The Wrap' reports that actor Danny Masterson
has been moved to Corcoran State Prison,
a maximum-security facility in Central California.
'The Wrap' reports that actor Danny Masterson
has been moved to Corcoran State Prison,
a maximum-security facility in Central California.
Last May, Masterson was convicted of raping
two women in the 1990s by a Los Angeles jury. .
After being found guilty, Masterson reportedly
served time in LA County lockup before being
transferred to the North Kern State Prison intake facility.
Masterson is expected to serve most of his
30-years-to-life sentence at Corcoran State Prison,
located between Bakersfield and Sacramento. .
Masterson is expected to serve most of his
30-years-to-life sentence at Corcoran State Prison,
located between Bakersfield and Sacramento. .
According to prison records,
Masterson will first be eligible for parole
in 2042, when the actor is 66 years old.
Masterson will reportedly be held in the prison's Level 4 maximum-security wing, which offers the highest level of security possible. .
Notable former inmates at Corcoran include
Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan.
Notable former inmates at Corcoran include
Charles Manson and Sirhan Sirhan.
'The Wrap' reports that the facility,
originally built in 1988, houses some of
California's most dangerous convicts. .
The prison also reportedly has a small wing called the
Protective Housing Unit, which offers protection for
inmates believed to be in danger from other inmates.
This protective wing is where Manson was imprisoned
for nearly a decade before being moved to another
facility after getting caught trafficking drugs.
This protective wing is where Manson was imprisoned
for nearly a decade before being moved to another
facility after getting caught trafficking drugs
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
[NFA] Public schools in Los Angeles are set to reopen starting in April, after a teachers' union approved a plan for physical and hybrid return to classes. Freddie Joyner has more.
Students in Los Angeles County could be headed back to school within weeks after an agreement announced Monday between Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s legislative leaders that could give..