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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Tribes “Turning On” Alternative Energy to “Turn Down” Energy Costs

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Monday, September 10, 2007   

Bismarck, ND – The rising cost of home heating is draining pocketbooks in North Dakota's Native American communities, and renewable energy sources, like solar heating, are getting a closer look as a way to "cool down" costs while heating up homes. Richard Fox, with the organization Trees Water and People, helped install a solar heating panel on a housing unit at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. He says it's a demonstration, to show North Dakota tribes an alternative to providing heating assistance funds.

"Many tribal communities who have been helping their members with their high energy costs are getting to a point where they have to consider how to lessen the amount of that cost rather than just paying more every year."

Fox says the units cost roughly $1,200, but can save homeowners 25 percent on their heating bills. 175 units have been installed on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota, and there's an effort to encourage the use of solar panels in North Dakota as well.

"We primarily are working to develop the expertise in renewable energy in Native American communities, so the college is certainly an integral part of that."

The solar unit was supplied by Lakota Solar Enterprises of Pine Ridge. Environmental activist Winona LaDuke was on hand for the installation, along with students from the United Tribes' Environmental Science and Construction Technology Programs.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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