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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

MA: Livable Wages/Working Families

Lawmakers are considering a provision in the current Farm Bill to incorporate ">
MA fishermen see opportunity as Farm Bill advances

Massachusetts fishermen said they are optimistic the next Farm Bill will provide greater support to smaller, community-based fishing fleets. The …

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There have been 2,097,915 FAFSA applications completed for the 2024-2025 school year. That's a 9.5% decline from the previous school year, according to the National College Attainment Network. (Adobe Stock)<br />
MA college aid experts optimistic FAFSA rollout will be glitch-free

College financial aid experts in Massachusetts say this year's phased rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be error free…

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Massachusetts is now the eighth state to adopt a permanent universal meals program, which will be paid for by monies raised through the Fair Share Amendment, or
MA 'millionaire’s tax' generates windfall for public education

The Massachusetts state budget has been finalized and public education leaders say students came out on top. More than $1 billion generated by the …

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In Boston, African Americans represent 24% of the population but account for only 12% to 14% of the workforce on large construction projects, according to a report from Climate Jobs Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)
MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality

Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats …

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At least 36% of U.S. bridges need repair, including more than 76,000 in need of replacement, according to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />
MA secures $1 billion in federal funds for Cape Cod bridges

Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges. Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge …

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The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated up to 89.5% of the world's fish stocks are exploited at or beyond their maximum sustainable levels. (Adobe Stock)
Marine national monument off MA coast protects ocean biodiversity

A new marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean aims to protect one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet from overfishing. Located 130 …

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A 2015 study by the Boston Federal Reserve Bank found the median net worth for white households in Greater Boston was $250,000, while for Black households it was just $8. Researchers are currently updating those findings. (Adobe Stock)
MA Commission on Poverty tackles historic wealth gap

A Legislature-backed Commission on Poverty in Massachusetts aims to address the state's historic wealth gap. The commission will study demographic …

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Of the nearly 2.5 million people living within the 78 coastal communities in Massachusetts, roughly 55% are in state-designated Environmental Justice Block Groups, communities of color and low-income populations dealing with the effects of climate change. (Adobe Stock)
Federal funds help build Boston’s climate-ready workforce

The City of Boston has been awarded nearly $10 million in federal funding to help build a Climate-Ready Workforce. More than 1,000 people will …

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A recent Federal Trade Commission report found major grocers nationwide are overcharging customers for groceries. Retailers' revenues were 6% higher than their total costs in 2021, and then jumped to 7%, despite an easing of pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions. (Adobe Stock)
MA household debt grows as grocery prices remain at post-pandemic highs

Massachusetts residents struggling to pay high food prices are acquiring a growing amount of debt to pay their bills, according to a new report…

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More than six in every 1,000 people in the U.S. are behind bars, the highest incarceration rate in the world, despite the U.S. having lower crime rates than other countries. (Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />
Boston U. Prison Education Program celebrates 50 years of changing lives

Boston University's Prison Education Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is hoping to expand. Students at Massachusetts Correctional …

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Atlantic herring serve as valuable bait for fishermen and lobstermen in Massachusetts, making them  vital to the health of the state's blue economy, which grew 38% between 2009 and 2019. (Adobe Stock)
New England anglers seek greater protections for Atlantic herring stock

Recreational fishermen in New England say commercial trawlers are threatening the survival of smaller businesses relying on a healthy stock of Atlanti…

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The American Federation of Teachers in Amesbury is calling on the School Committee to support an 8.04% increase to ensure level services for students and retain staff and reject an initial 3.16% proposal, which they say would be ">
Proposed Amesbury school budget cuts rally parents, educators

The Amesbury School Committee will hear from educators and parents tonight as they rally to prevent more than $2 million in proposed cuts to their sch…

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