3 Things To Know Today

1 Biden Approves Disaster Declaration For Texas

More federal help is on the way for Texas as President Biden has declared much of the state a major disaster. Texas is in recovery mode from a severe winter storm that left millions without power amid freezing cold temperatures. But as the cold has abated, millions are still under “boil water” directives. Water advisories remain in effect across nearly 190 counties after freezing weather disrupted public water systems affecting some 15-million people. Biden’s move makes federal funding available for nearly 80 hard-hit counties. The declaration can’t kick into gear soon enough, as state Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirms that more than 13-hundred public water systems have reported service disruptions. Overnight, officials confirmed that water main breaks and burst pipes have 10-million people unable to drink the water coming out of their taps – and in many cases, unable to buy any as store shelves are empty.

2 House To Take Up COVID Relief Bill This Week As Death Toll Cracks 500k

The House is set to get back to work this week on passing Biden’s massive coronavirus relief package. The House Budget Committee will take up the nearly two-trillion-dollar package today and a vote in the full House could happen later in the week. Democrats have the votes to pass it, though it's likely to face stiff opposition from Republicans. The bill includes 14-hundred-dollar direct payments to many Americans – which could mean as much as 56-hundred dollars for a family of four. Also included are unemployment benefits extensions and help for small businesses. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci is telling Americans to follow the set vaccine schedule for the best protection against COVID-19. On NBC's Meet The Press, Fauci says while there are studies being done on delaying a second COVID-19 vaccine dose, he believes there are still too many unknowns to take that chance.On a related note, President Biden will honor the lives lost to the coronavirus later today. He's expected to speak about the death toll, which is approaching a half million. He'll later hold a candlelight ceremony at sundown. Even though the U.S. is on the verge of crossing a tragic milestone, daily deaths and reports of new cases have been falling in recent weeks. There appears to be more hope on the horizon with the roll out of two vaccines ramping up across the nation.

3 FAA Investigating After Plane’s Emergency Landing In Colorado

240 United Airlines passengers endured the scare of a lifetime when the Boeing 777 they were traveling in had a significant engine failure. At approximately 15-thousand feet, the United flight bound for Hawaii began having trouble – and parts of the engine rained down on neighborhoods below. The great news? The plane was able to land safely. Understandably, the situation is under investigation – and the FAA is ordering new inspections of Boeing 777 engines. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said new or stepped-up inspections of some Pratt and Whitney engines will likely result in some planes being removed from service. They’re not kidding – in fact, United Airlines has already pulled 24 Boeing 777 planes from service as the investigation continues.


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