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Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

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President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

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Thursday, August 29, 2024   

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies could be reshaped if Republicans win the presidential election, and states there should be more accountability when it comes to what's available in public libraries. Arkansas has 58 public library systems.
Peter Bromberg, associate director with the Every Library Institute, said the changes would restrict what's available.

"Librarians and teachers are highly trusted, and well known and well loved in their communities. It's really kind of a shocking and extreme attempt to twist our democratic society and our institutions into more of a totalitarian theocracy," he said.

Backers of Project 2025 say librarians need to be held accountable for what is on their shelves. A bill in Alabama that would have criminalized librarians for allowing content defined as "obscene" narrowly missed becoming law this year. A similar measure has already been filed for next session.

Bromberg explained that Project 2025 promotes book bans, restricts LGBTQ+ content and undermines the intellectual freedom and inclusivity that libraries are known for. He believes that would ultimately threaten a student's educational quality and could end the practice of libraries being open and inclusive spaces for people who want to learn.

"That's the bad news. The good news is, Americans are increasingly becoming aware of what's happening and organizing. And it doesn't often take very much in terms of organizing and pushback - on whether it's school boards or county councils - to get the books back on the shelves," Bromberg continued.

Project 2025 is a Heritage Fund initiative that goes well beyond libraries. It would reshape the federal government and consolidate executive power under the president.


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A survey from the American Heart Association revealed 79% of respondents neglect their health during the holidays. Many say they find this time of year more stressful than income tax season.
(deagreez/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Health and Wellness

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By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabo…

Health and Wellness

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With Christmas less than a week away, experts are giving advice on how seniors and the community can fight against social isolation. A United Health …


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Environment

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Environment

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Rural communities across Massachusetts are benefiting from state grants aimed at strengthening the local food supply and building climate resilience…

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Environment

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Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

Environment

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New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

Social Issues

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North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

 

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