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Chuck Schumer says he won't block Republican funding bill amid Democratic divisions over shutdown strategy; Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida; PA faith leader part of TX protest of oil, gas subsidies; AZ groups file lawsuits to limit effects of Elon Musk's DOGE.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

WA projects receive $68,000 for community project upgrades

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Monday, July 8, 2024   

Four projects in Washington state were selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge program.

Combined, the organizations will receive $68,000 in funds aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages through quick action projects.

One of the organizations selected is the Prison Scholar Fund, which will provide a range of services for formerly incarcerated older adults.

David Moore, director of operations with the Fund, said his organization offers digital literacy training.

"You really have to think about how fast technology progresses," said Moore, "and when someone is away from society for a period of time, how they really can disarm them as they reenter our communities, or just in general for persons over the age of 50."

Moore noted that the digital literacy training program is open to everyone, not just those who were incarcerated.

He said the Prison Scholar Fund will help people in navigating digital tools but also in avoiding online scams.

The organization is also offering financial literacy training, food assistance and employment services.

Another recipient of a Community Challenge program grant is the Toledo Community Library. The grant will help the library replace its roof.

President of the Friends of the Toledo Community Library, Pat Caldwell, said the small, rural community is still recovering from a series of fires that took out buildings in the city's downtown area.

"We're a place for people to gather," said Caldwell, "and so I think that's why they wanted to give us the encouragement and the ability to continue in this facility."

The other grant recipients were Casa Latina, which will provide digital literacy classes to immigrant workers, and the Fairfield Community Church, which is using the funds for electrical upgrades to help with future projects.

Nationwide, the Community Challenge program provided $3.8 million to more than 340 projects across the country.



Disclosure: AARP Washington contributes to our fund for reporting on Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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