Hurricane Melissa is expected to cross Jamaica and then hit eastern Cuba. You can actually see the storm preps underway in Havana and evacuations in Santiago de Guuba. >> The National Hurricane Center warning that that heavy rain could trigger catastrophic floods and landslides there.NBC News reporter Ed Augustine is following the latest from Havana for us. Ed, it's good to see you and hear you. Cuba facing constant nationwide blackouts, fuel and food shortages, even a deni fever outbreak prior to Melissa.S ...

U.S. Fiscal Situation & Debt Concerns - The U.S federal budget is on an unsustainable path, potentially leading to rapid financial instability if spending issues are not addressed [1] - America's borrowing levels are currently the same size as the entire economy and are expected to skyrocket [2] - There is a greater than 50% chance of experiencing a financial trauma related to the deficit or debt levels within three years if the issues are not addressed [11] - The U.S is expected to spend nearly $1 trillion on interest payments this year due to soaring debt and higher rates [24] - The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects net interest costs in 2025 to surpass spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and national defense [24] - The cost to service the U.S debt is expected to be 18% of total tax revenue this year, compared to less than 10% in 2022 [25] Potential Consequences & Risks - Unsustainable fiscal policy could lead to a collapse in fixed income and bond markets within 20 years [8][9] - The U.S may resort to printing money to cover its debt, potentially leading to inflation [10] - Rising borrowing costs could negatively affect the health and growth of the U.S economy [23][24] - Unchecked debt levels risk leaving a weaker economy to future generations [30] International Implications - International holdings of U.S treasuries were near a record $9 trillion in April [40] - China, while one of the largest foreign holders of U.S treasuries, has been steadily reducing its holdings [39][40] - Japan holds more than $1 trillion worth of U.S debt, the most of any foreign country [42]