Show Headlines:
- President Joe Biden and Senate Republicans and Democrats have included $5 billion for Western water projects in their infrastructure deal. With federal dollars, California could start projects that have been in the works for years, like new dams and reservoirs...as well as modernizations to existing infrastructure to minimize water waste. Additionally, the money could be used to repair major canals, like the Delta Mendota Canal, which would help farmers state-wide.
- Lake Tahoe locals are bracing for a busy fourth of July Holiday Weekend. Local tourism officials advise visitors have backup plans A, B and C ready, as popular areas will fill up quickly with hot temps in play too. Plus, she barbecues around the lake are banned due to increased fire danger in the area.
- President Biden is expected to announce a pay raise for wildfire crews. Today he will hold a virtual meeting with western state governors, who are facing forest fires this year. The federal government employs about 15,000 firefighters who make a minimum of $13 an hour. The wage hike will reportedly boost their pay to at least $15 an hour.
- The second-largest operator of skilled nursing facilities in California is reaching a settlement, resolving charges that it overbilled the government for Medicare services. Plum Healthcare Group LLC operates Sacramento's McKinley Park Care Center, where the U.S. Attorney's Office says false billing records were created, ultimately bringing the center unwarrantedly high Medicare reimbursements. An agent with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted in a prepared statement that not only were taxpayers being stuck with a bill for services not provided, but that health care executives are also guilty of looking the other way when reviewing false claims. The more than $450,000 settlement was dated June 14th, but the announcement was made on Tuesday.
Extra Links:
- The Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says the condominium collapse in south Florida may have been caused by the climate crisis. Here's what she said during an appearance on CNN.
- Some Sacramento-area residents could qualify for free energy upgrades for their homes. They can schedule an inspection to find out what steps they can take to make a home more energy efficient.