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Sunday, April 6, 2025

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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

Scranton mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

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Monday, March 3, 2025   

A Pennsylvania city is leveraging funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve road safety, housing, and more.

The largest infrastructure project funded by the Infrastructure Bill is an Amtrak line from Scranton to New York City. It is now entering phase two, one of only five projects nationwide to progress to the mark.

Paige Cognetti, mayor of Scranton, said the community is enhancing infrastructure investments and utilizing funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act to support local projects and programs.

"We continue to work on road safety," Cognetti pointed out. "We have lots of projects going on, especially in our downtown, to have reimagined streetscape, more safety concerns, things like calming down the traffic, taking down traffic signals and putting stop signs in."

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania is expected to receive about $13.2 billion in federal funding for highways and bridges over five years.

Cognetti noted housing remains a top concern in Scranton and nationwide, directly affecting affordability, quality of life and basic financial stability. Cities use various strategies to increase housing supply and improve existing units to ensure safer, more livable conditions.

"There's legacy cities, like we have lots of those in Pennsylvania, where we have housing, but it might be 100 years old," Cognetti observed. "How do we get folks the funds that they need to make their housing up to code, make it warmer and safer, so that we can continue to have those houses for generations to come?"

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget tackles Pennsylvania's housing crisis with long-term solutions. It includes $10 million to help first-time homebuyers with closing costs and more than $1 billion in property tax relief, making housing more affordable and helping families build generational wealth.


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In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

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As Mississippi grapples with one of the nation's highest incarceration rates, a new national campaign highlights the economic and social toll of …

Social Issues

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Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …


Marches, rallies and protests will take place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers. (Hands Off!)

Social Issues

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Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…

Environment

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Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

The FBI says fraud and scam losses nationwide reported by those age 60 and older topped $3.4 billion in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

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Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

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UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

Environment

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A huge offshore wind project is forging ahead off Humboldt Bay in Northern California - and Saturday, elected officials will tour the deepwater port …

 

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