Episode description

Divide and conquer, America’s literacy rate, Maus book banning, Arizona water war, 3/4 of PPP went to business owners, & most Americans don't believe they'll be personally affected by global warming.

Divide and Conquer -

America's literacy rate - According to the U.S. Department of Education, 54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old - about 130 million people - lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.

Holocaust novel ‘Maus’ banned in Tennessee school district by conservative group - source
"The decision comes as conservative officials across the country have increasingly tried to limit the type of books that children are exposed to, including books that address structural racism and LGBTQ issues. The Republican governors in South Carolina and Texas have called on superintendents to perform a systemic review of “inappropriate” materials in their states’ schools."

Legit Arizona water war - source
Foothills residents are not Scottsdale residents, even though the two share a ZIP code. Scottsdale, however, has been one of the largest suppliers of water to the rural community. The rural community's homes mainly get water in one of two ways: through water wells or through private water-hauling services. "We've been telling them for five years since this began that we are not their permanent water solution," said Valerie Schneider, Scottsdale Water's Public information officer. "At some point, we have to realize this is our water, we're in a drought, we're in a Colorado River shortage so we have to take a stance." 

Up to three-quarters of the $800 billion in disbursed PPP funds flowed to business owners instead of workers - source 1, source 2
$115 billion to $175 billion in PPP loans went toward paychecks, meaning only 23% to 34% of PPP funds went directly to workers who would otherwise have lost jobs. The remaining 66% to 77% went to business owners and stakeholders, including shareholders, creditors, and suppliers.

Most Americans do not believe they will be personally affected by global warming - source
"The Yale data also reveal what may be the next big front in the climate change fight. Most Americans do not believe they will be personally affected by global warming, and going state-to-state, the numbers show even less personal concern. A majority of people say they feel that they will be personally affected by global warming in only two states, California and Hawaii. In most of the other 48 states, there is concern about the issue, but not concern that they personally will suffer ill effects." ---- So even though New York was flooded last summer, the west coast was on fire last summer literally and figuratively with both fires and extreme heat, the west running out of water and Denver on fire in the winter - how are they not being affected?

Produced by The Wild 1 Media