DeepSummary
The US government is set to reveal bids from private companies to take over the federal helium reserve in Amarillo, Texas. Although helium is used for balloons and floats, it is also critical for industries like medical imaging, aerospace, and semiconductors. Some industry groups have warned that a hasty sale could disrupt the helium supply and halt industrial growth.
Researchers have used satellite data to map the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza caused by Israeli strikes. The analysis found that nearly half of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, including hospitals and schools. This evidence is being cited by South Africa in its case alleging genocide by Israel at the International Court of Justice.
People living out of their vehicles often need a safe place to park overnight to avoid harassment or theft. A California nonprofit called New Beginnings has pioneered a 'safe parking' program that provides monitored parking lots, bathrooms, and access to services. Bipartisan legislation to be unveiled today aims to fund more of these programs using existing federal money.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The US government is privatizing its strategic helium reserve, prompting concerns about supply disruptions for critical industries.
- Satellite data has documented widespread damage to civilian areas in Gaza from Israeli military strikes.
- Safe parking programs provide overnight parking and services for people living in vehicles, a major portion being senior citizens.
- Bipartisan legislation aims to fund more safe parking programs using existing federal homeless aid money.
- Helium is a finite resource with critical applications beyond party balloons in medical, aerospace and semiconductor industries.
- The allegations of genocide by Israel in Gaza include the large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure like homes, hospitals and schools.
- Vehicle residency represents a precarious housing situation distinct from chronic homelessness.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “No one ever wanted to be homeless, but as long as I had a van, I didn't call myself homeless.“ by Jan
- “Probably at least 50%, maybe even slightly higher, of the people that are enrolled in the safe parking program are senior citizens.“ by Cora Patton
- “My goal is to create a sense of support and bipartisanship so that people clearly understand that it benefits us all to help intervene those that find themselves in this circumstance.“ by Congressman Salud Karbahal
- “In a letter to the Biden administration last fall, they warned that a sale could disrupt the country's supply of helium, which could, quote, bring industrial growth to a halt.“ by Sabri Benashore
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Episode Information
Marketplace Morning Report
Marketplace
1/25/24
On Thursday, House lawmakers will unveil a bipartisan bill that will fund safe places to park for people who are living in their vehicles. New Beginnings, a California nonprofit that pioneered the program, says in addition to an influx of families with young children, senior citizens make up half of their safe parking enrollees. We’ll also hear about researchers using satellite radar data to assess the scale of damage done by Israeli forces in Gaza.