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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.

Dear Governor: “More Mercury Protection Please”

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Friday, October 26, 2007   

Albany, NY - Strong anti-pollution standards should be set in stone -- and in cement, too. That's the cry from conservation groups, calling on New York to regulate mercury emissions from cement plants in the same way it regulates power plants. Cement production is concentrated in upstate areas, where three major kilns account for one-third of the state's dangerous mercury emissions. Susan Falzon with Friends of Hudson says it's time for New York to place mercury emissions standards on the industry.

"With the Governor's record of concern about mercury pollution, this is a wonderful opportunity for New York State to once again to take the lead in protecting mothers and children."

Keri Powell, an attorney with Earthjustice, agrees: the Governor has the authority to combat mercury pollution from New York cement kilns, and he needs to use it.

"The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) already has the authority under state regulations to impose a mercury limit, and we think it is important that the public know how harmful these emissions are."

Powell explains that one plant in New York underreported its mercury emissions by as much as ten times, and these levels of pollution hurt mothers and children.

"Mercury is a very powerful neurotoxin and is dangerous for young children. It can lead to a poor attention span, delayed language development, impaired memory and vision problems."

The cement industry argues it is obeying current rules, and that further regulation would be costly and ineffective. Health warnings have been issued for 85 different waterways in New York, including the Hudson River, where mercury-contaminated fish are considered dangerous enough that they're not recommended for consumption by pregnant women.



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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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