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Real World Economics: Medicare: A good idea that needs updating

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

Edward LottermanPresident Joe Biden last week released a fact sheet with his Medicare funding proposals prior to his proposed actual budget blueprint that includes details on this and all other programs.He wants to broaden income subject to tax for filers who earn above $400,000. Since 2013, this has included some, but not all, investment income beyond the “earned income” of wages, salaries and small-business and farm profits subject to FICA for decades.He also wants to reduce outlays by extending negotiation of drug prices and reduce costs to beneficiaries by limiting copays on common generic drugs.So — are these good or bad ideas?The adage “too little, too late,” comes to mind but is a bit harsh. “Better something than nothing;” “better late than never;” “at least we’re headed in the right direction” are better metaphors. Yes, Biden’s proposals are good; they also would delay the day of reckoning for Medicare’s checking account a cou...

Traffic stop leads to gun, drug arrest for Albany duo

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Albany man and woman were arrested on Saturday following a traffic stop on drug and firearm-related charges. Carlos Rosarosa, 46, and Francheska Dejesus-Melendez, 41, allegedly had 54 bags containing fentanyl at the time of their arrest. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Saturday, around 8:40 p.m., deputies from the Albany County Sheriff's Office pulled over a car for a vehicle and traffic law violation. Deputies identified Rosarosa as the driver and Dejesus-Melendez as the passenger. Through an investigation, deputies say they found a 9mm Taurus semi-automatic handgun, loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition and a second extended magazine loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition. The Taurus semi-automatic handgun was allegedly reported stolen out of Pennsylvania. Deputies say they also found 54 bags of fentanyl. Charges:Second-degree criminal possession of a weaponThird-degree criminal possession o...

Victim hospitalized after Cumberland Farms stabbing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A 22-year-old male victim was hospitalized on Saturday after an alleged stabbing at a Hoosick Falls Cumberland Farms. The suspect is in custody at this time, according to Hoosick Falls Police. Get all of the latest news, weather, sports, and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Police say around 7:19 p.m., they responded to the Cumberland Farms at 25 Church Street in Hoosick Falls for a reported stabbing. Police say the 22-year-old victim had a stab wound, and a tourniquet was applied to limit bleeding. He was taken by Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad to the landing zone at the Pittstown Fire Station. From there, he was taken via Albany Lifenet to Albany Medical Center. Police did not mention the victim's current condition. Police say the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office assisted them with the investigation and other incidents Saturday night.This is an ongoing investigation. Hoosick Falls Police are asking anyone with information regarding the...

Thieves target restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

A series of commercial burglaries took place in Rancho Santa Margarita early Saturday morning. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, two suspects were captured on video “entering an establishment by force” and accessing and stealing safes using power tools. "The two suspects used power tools to access locked safes and stole safes that were not properly anchored to the ground,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said. Anyone with information regarding this burglary is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-855-847-6227. 

Deluge from atmospheric river event continues into Wednesday 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

The storm system generated by the atmospheric river will dump more rain on Southern California beginning on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. 1 to 3 inches of rainfall is being forecasted for coasts and valleys across the region, while mountain and foothill communities may see 3 to 6 inches of rain by the time the storm passes on Wednesday. “Monday will be dry, and yes it will be dry in time for the Oscars,” said KTLA Meteorologist Kacey Montoya. 20 to 30 mile per hour winds are expected throughout Southern California, with 30 to 50 mile per hour winds being forecasted for Antelope Valley and San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County communities. “Impacts for San Luis Obispo County should not be as severe as the last storm,” NWS said. Little to no accumulation of snow is expected for this round of storms.  Los Angeles will see temperatures in the mid 60s this week, as will Inland Empire and High Desert communities.  Gusty winds are expected throu...

Sunnyvale’s NOVA Workforce Services gets $50k LinkedIn grant

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

NOVA gets LinkedIn grantLinkedIn awarded NOVA Workforce Services a $50,000 grant. NOVA will use the funding to launch an outreach and advertising campaign about its services for job-seekers, particularly those whose who need help navigating the changing job market or need retraining for new occupations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.“This grant will improve NOVA’s reach into the community to increase our impact,” reads a statement from the Sunnyvale-based organization.To learn more about NOVA Workforce Services and to register for services, visit https://www.novaworks.org, email [email protected] or call 408-730-7232.Friends book saleThe Friends of the Sunnyvale Public Library are hosting a two-day book sale March 18-19 in the program room of the library, 665 Olive Ave.Sale hours are Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Friends members only at 9 a.m.) and Sunday, March 19, noon-3 p.m.Sale items include books for children and adults, movies on DVD and music CDs in English as we...

Santa Clara County Fire Department webinars help prep for wildfires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

Fire safety classesThis spring, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will hold several webinars to help prepare residents for the area’s unpredictable fire season. In April, the department will host information sessions on ways to reduce damage to the home during wildfires, as well as sessions on how to navigate evacuations during high-stress situations. In May, officials will teach residents about how to use home insurance as a “safety net.”An April 26 webinar on crime prevention and home fire safety is aimed at Cupertino residents and other communities served by county fire. The class will be taught in partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.Participants will learn how to protect themselves against fraud and identity theft, what to do if they are a victim of a scam, personal safety and home security protection tips and how to identify suspicious activity and report it.They will also learn home fire safety tips and how to practice important safety habits to preve...

Signups open for Campbell CERT disaster prep classes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

CERT class signupsBeginning in May, Campbell’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will host a comprehensive class series—offered both in person and as a hybrid course—on disaster preparation and response. The series will offer 21 hours of instruction on topics like fire safety, search and rescue and medical care—all the things participants will need to get CERT certified. The course, designed for adults, is $35. To register, visit https://www.campbellcert.org/localacademy.Fire safety classesThis spring, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will hold several webinars to help prepare residents for the area’s unpredictable fire season. In April, the department will host information sessions on ways to reduce damage to the home during wildfires, as well as sessions on how to navigate evacuations during high-stress situations. In May, officials will teach residents about how to use home insurance as a “safety net.”An April 26 webinar on crime prevention and home fire safety is ai...

Saratoga crime report for the week of March 17

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

FEB. 27Residential burglary: Between Jan. 7 and Feb. 27, unknown suspects entered a residence in the 20000 block of Hill Avenue; no signs of forced entry were reported. Details of any stolen property had not yet been provided.Residential burglary: Between 7 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 10:23 a.m. on Feb. 27, unknown suspects entered a residence in the 18000 block of Ravenwood Drive by breaking a sliding glass door and stole jewelry and purses for a total loss of $12,317.FEB. 28DUI, possession of controlled substances: At 3:15 a.m., deputies stopped a motorist at Lawrence Expressway and Prospect Road for a traffic violation. An investigation revealed the motorist was driving under the influence of narcotics and was in possession of controlled substances without a prescription.MARCH 2Residential burglary: Between 8:26 and 8:31 p.m., unknown suspects entered a residence in the 12000 block of McCartysville Place by breaking a glass door and stole cash and jewelry for a total loss of $11,000.MARC...

Wellness center supports students mental, emotional health at Los Gatos High School

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:25 GMT

When Los Gatos High School returned to in-person learning after a year online during the pandemic, senior Julie Chen wanted to create a community where students could connect with each other.Chen was already president of Cats to Cats, which connects students to mental health resources. She helped take her club’s mission a step further with Los Gatos High School’s wellness center, which opened in 2021. The wellness center is a space dedicated to supporting student mental and emotional health. At any time of day, students can visit the center to relax during the school day or have a drop-in session with an on-site therapist.“One of the biggest things I remember is climbing up onto the walls and literally stapling the ‘wellness center’ words on it,” Chen said. “Having a space that’s really easily accessible for students has been really rewarding.”One in four students at Los Gatos High School visited the center at least once last year.“When building the wellness center, we wanted ...