The #ReliefCan’tWait edition. The U.S. this week set three alarming records. New COVID-19 cases surpassed 200,000 in a single day, hospitalizations reached 100,000, and Wednesday’s death rate was nearly 2,900 – all firsts. Meanwhile, millions of Americans are teetering on an economic cliff. By Dec. 26th, 16 million Americans will have lost unemployment benefits. On New Year’s Eve, the CDC’s eviction moratorium will expire. Other help set to expire as we approach the end of the year: student loan debt relief and some paid family leave.

The Coalition on Human Needs this week urged Congress to quickly approve a COVID-19 relief package, even as millions of Americans face the loss of unemployment benefits as well as a roof over their heads. “This cannot wait,” the letter states. “The eviction moratorium and pandemic unemployment insurance expire by the end of December. COVID-19 cases are surging, with more than 200,000 cases reported on December 2 and hospitals dangerously overstretched.” 

James English has a problem. It’s actually a problem many Americans have wanted him to have for many months now. English is one of hundreds upon hundreds of local public health directors across the U.S. who will eventually help distribute COVID-19 vaccines. The challenges in rolling out one or more vaccines, once approved, are breathtaking, immense, and complicated — and they will cost money.  

November 25, 2020 Hunger at Thanksgiving edition.  Heroic efforts are being made by food banks nationwide to provide food for families who do not have enough to eat.  Here’s what they’re up against:  more than 25 million people reported during the period from October 28 – November 9 that in…