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Trump marks first 100 days in office in campaign mode, focused on grudges and grievances; Maine's Rep. Pingree focuses on farm resilience as USDA cuts funding; AZ protesters plan May Day rally against Trump administration; Proposed Medicaid cuts could threaten GA families' health, stability.

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Trump marks first 100 days of his second term. GOP leaders praise the administration's immigration agenda, and small businesses worry about the impacts of tariffs as 90-day pause ends.

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Migration to rural America increased for the fourth year, technological gaps handicap rural hospitals and erode patient care, and doctors are needed to keep the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians healthy and align with spiritual principles.

Vocational, training programs provide bright spots for colleges

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Monday, December 18, 2023   

While some college programs struggle to bring students back to the classroom, vocational and training programs are becoming a more important part of higher education.

Lower Columbia College in southwest Washington is looking to the Legislature to fund its new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies building in the upcoming session.

The new building will house welding, fabrication and machining. Nolan Wheeler, vice president for administration with the college, said these are critical areas of education.

"Everything relies on machining, everything in our life, right?" said Wheeler. "Cars we drive, the food we eat goes through something that's been manufactured -- and particularly here in Southwest Washington, manufacturing's always been a vital part of our economic success."

The estimated cost for the new building is nearly $43 million.

While colleges and universities have seen a decline in enrollment - the construction trades, for instance - saw a 6.2% increase between 2020 and 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Wheeler said the new building is needed for his college.

"It's going to be wonderful to have updated, modern space for our students," said Wheeler, "which will allow us to better serve our service district, including the local employers."

The new facility at Lower Columbia College will also include the headquarters for the college and career-preparation and information-technology programs.




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