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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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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.

WI: Community Issues and Volunteering

According to the Wisconsin Literacy organization, a child of parents with low literacy is 72% more likely to have low literacy themselves. (Adobe Stock)
In helping people read better, experts tout accessibility, incentives

Even though March is barely underway, parents of Wisconsin kids are being encouraged to plan for summer reading activities - especially if their …

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Wisconsin's New Freedom Transportation Program, which enlists volunteer drivers to help older people and those with disabilities get to the doctor, serves more than 40 counties. Program officials estimate they are at least 20 drivers short of where they need to be. (Adobe Stock)
WI hospital closures add urgency to need for volunteer drivers

This week, a Midwest health care system announced the closure of two hospitals of two hospitals in western Wisconsin. Those who help transport older …

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Just like community libraries, Wisconsin's school libraries blend traditional reading with technology. The Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium says more than 200 K-12 school districts provide more 50,000 e-books and audiobooks to over 400,000 kids, for $1.65 per student. (Adobe Stock)
School libraries no longer just defined by Dewey Decimal System

American Education Week is underway, and those who work with Wisconsin school libraries are highlighting the value they provide to students. School …

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This year, six Wisconsin communities received Community Challenge grants from AARP. Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility was a common theme among awarded projects.
Amid Concerning Data, WI Cities Carry Out Pedestrian Safety Projects

A recently released report shows pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. remain at alarming levels. In Wisconsin, local communities are stepping up with …

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Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)
Beyond Infrastructure, EV Movement Includes First-Responder Training

The auto industry and public agencies are looking ahead to a bigger transition to electric vehicles, and it's not just adding more charging stations…

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Library cardholders can check out a Madison BCycle pass and a bike helmet at any Madison Public Library. (Adobe Stock)
Bike Libraries Boost Access to Cycling in WI, Elsewhere

By Cinnamon Janzer for Next City.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public Ne…

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The nonprofit Feeding America says in 2021, about 13 million children in the United States likely lived in households that were food insecure. (New Mom/ISO Republic)
'Food, Funds and Friends': WI Food Pantries Seek Holiday Support

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Wisconsin's food charities are preparing for a possible spike in demand heading into the holiday season. From the end of federal …

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Unpaid family caregivers take on many common support roles, such as transportation to their love one's appointments, therapies and daily activities. (Adobe Stock)
WI Family Caregivers Have Helpline Support into 2022

MADISON, Wis. - November is National Family Caregivers Month, and Wisconsin residents are being reminded about an extra resource they can lean on as …

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At the new Wisconsin 9/11 memorial, a support structure that holds a section of steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center. (wisconsin911memorial.com)
Nearly a Decade in the Making, WI's New 9/11 Memorial Ready

KEWASKUM, Wis. -- Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and you don't have to visit New York or the Pentagon to pay tribute…

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Many election clerks in Wisconsin feel confident about having enough volunteers for the election, but they acknowledge things could change with COVID-19 cases on the rise. (Adobe Stock)
Will There Be Enough Election Volunteers in WI?

GREENVILLE, Wis. -- Just like 2016, Wisconsin is seen as a battleground state for the election, with a constant flow of court challenges possibly …

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Wisconsin and more than 30 other states now require face masks in most public settings amid a resurgence of the coronavirus. (Adobe Stock)
Health Official: Mask Mandate Opposite of Restriction

MADISON, Wis. -- Like many other parts of the country, Wisconsin residents now have to wear a mask when out in public as the pandemic continues…

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Rev. Tanya Sadagopan joined the Janesville United Church of Christ in 2015. (UCC.org)
Turbulent Times Offer Outreach Opportunities for WI Churches

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Progressive Christian clergy are finding new people to connect with as the nation confronts a host of turbulent issues - …

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