California’s pandemic fraud problem; the first Asian American quarter, mental health and medical debt

Plus, K-Pop is fueling a demand for Korean language classes

View this email online by Suzanne Nuyen Halloween is in 12 days. If you're carving pumpkins, make sure you don't waste the parts you can eat! Here's what we're following today: First up Rich Pedroncelli/AP Nearly $20 billion in unemployment money that was meant for pandemic relief was stolen in California by domestic and international criminals, making it the largest cause of pandemic fraud in any state. Now, a special task force is investigating claims and freezing accounts to determine who legitimately qualified for the relief money. Many expected the war in Ukraine to be a short one. But it's been eight months since Russia invaded, and prolonged fighting is looking more and more likely. An Asian American will grace U.S. coins for the first time in American history. Quarters featuring Anna May Wong, Hollywood's first Asian American movie star, will be shipped out soon as a part of the U.S. Mint's American Women Quarters Program.  Liz Truss has only been the British prime minister for six weeks, and her party members are already calling for her departure. She recently fired her finance chief and replaced him with Jeremy Hunt, a former leadership rival. Hunt has proceeded to tear down a series of proposals that she had insisted were critical to Britain's long-term economic growth, leaving her vision for the country in tatters. Newsletter continues after sponsor message I'm really into Photo illustration by Meredith Rizzo/NPR NPR's Science Desk editor Meredith Rizzo was itching for a slow, meditative hobby that would take her mind off the fast-paced world of journalism. That's when she discovered fossil hunting. She writes about why she loves the "humble, hidden constant" nestled in D.C.'s bustling ecosystem.  What are you really into? Fill out this form or give us a call to let us know the hobbies and interests that bring you the most joy. Your story could end up online or on the radio. Today’s listen Jesse Zhang for NPR and KHN A youth mental health crisis and a shortage of therapists who take insurance are pushing many U.S. families into financial ruin. But the costs are rarely acknowledged as medical debt. 🎧 Listen to one family's struggle to care for their son, or read their story. Before you go Brendan Meadows/Brendan Meadows/SHOWTIME The future is looking brighter for women in television — if you're young. A new report says the industry is putting a slightly higher number of women in front of and behind the camera, but "female characters begin to disappear in substantial numbers" at the age of 40. More and more people want to learn Korean, with U.S. college enrollment in Korean language classes rising 78% from 2009 to 2016. The demand is thanks to the success of Korean pop culture. George Floyd's family is suing Ye, formerly Kanye West, for $250 million over Ye's speculation on the podcast Drink Champs that Floyd died from fentanyl use. A medical examiner's office ruled that Floyd's death was a homicide caused by Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck for over eight minutes. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy