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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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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 Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Bill Would Give NH Park Rangers Anti-Racism, De-escalation Training

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Wednesday, February 17, 2021   

MILFORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers are proposing a new bill, the Inclusive Outdoors Act, to require conservation officers to be trained for civil-rights enforcement, anti-racism and de-escalation.

With many people restricted from gathering indoors, they're making use of the Granite State's parks and other outdoor spaces more than ever. State Rep. Maria Perez, D-Milford, said she's experienced racism in her community's outdoor areas and wants to make sure they are welcoming environments.

"People coming and visiting our parks and recreational areas is bringing a lot of revenue to our state," she said, "but I just want to make sure that when we welcome these people, that everyone feels like they're part of the community, they don't feel segregated."

Last year, leaders with New Hampshire Audubon found white-supremacist vandalism at their Concord Sanctuary. The bill would establish a database for tracking these types of instances, and its backers hope it also would make people more comfortable reporting them.

Supporters of the bill have acknowledged that it won't end racism in outdoor public spaces, but say it will send a message that the state is being intentional about trying to combat it. Perez said she hopes the trainings will help more public officials understand the harm caused to New Hampshire's residents of color.

"As an immigrant and as people of color myself, we go through discrimination," she said. "And a lot of times, police officers don't know how to handle the situation."

Close to 70% of visitors to national forests, wildlife refuges and parks are white. During this health crisis, Perez said it's all the more important to make sure people feel safe as they're taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces New Hampshire has to offer.


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