Historic Flooding in the Northwest

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
PROGRAM #10988 12:00 PM PT

Historic Flooding in the Northwest. 

A severe storm is causing “catastrophic” flooding across Washington state. After days of heavy rain and overflowing rivers, authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents. In the Skagit Valley, everyone living within the flood-risk zone has been told to leave. What areas face the greatest danger? What is expected in the coming hours? And how are officials responding to this unfolding disaster?

Guests: Isabel Carrera Zamanillo, Community Learning and Innovation Strategist, Front and Centered Coalition, Seattle, WA; Meisei Gonzalez, Environmental Justice Advocate, GreenLatinos, Salt Lake City, UT.

Political Quake in Miami. Democrat Eileen Higgins won a sweeping victory over Republican Emilio González in the race for Miami mayor. Higgins makes history as the city’s first woman — and first Democrat in about 30 years — to hold the office. What explains the Republican loss in their longtime stronghold? What does this mean nationally, given Trump’s endorsement of González? What priorities is the new administration promising?

Guest: Liz Alarcon, Founder and Director, Pulso, Miami, FL.

Republicans Block Health Care Subsidies. The Senate rejected competing Democratic and Republican attempts to help consumers pay for health insurance. By blocking the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and the GOP’s health-savings proposal, lawmakers have left more than 20 million people on the brink of seeing their medical costs skyrocket at the start of the year. Who will be affected, and what happens next? What are the broader implications for the U.S. health-care system?

Guest: Sinsi Hernandez-Cancio, Senior Fellow for Health Equity, National Partnership for Women and Families, Washington, DC.

Photo:  National Weather Service

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