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Sunday, February 16, 2025

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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Budget Policy & Priorities

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

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A child's brain is 90% developed by age 5, yet low-income children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 and may start school 18 months behind. Many rural children lack even one book in their household. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Creating adaptive education solutions for kids in rural TN

Education gaps run deep in rural Tennessee, so community leaders there are working to bridge the divide. The challenges include teacher shortages …

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More than a dozen states, including Minnesota, have created paid-leave programs to fill gaps when workers can't get paid as they or a relative recover from an illness. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Start date for MN's paid leave law now up for debate

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

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During a hearing on House Bill 1322, Rep. Jake Teshka, R-South Bend, highlighted Bitcoin's strong performance since 2009 and stressed the state would carefully assess risks before making any decisions. (Adobe stock)

Friday, February 14, 2025

IN weighs Bitcoin bet in state investments

Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill to allow state funds to invest in Bitcoin. House Bill 1322 moved forward to the full House for debate. Rep…

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As of 2024, there were nearly 9,800 federal employees in Iowa, according to the Congressional Research Service. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Iowa labor advocates push back on anti-worker efforts

A recent round of employee cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency and other efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to follow through …

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The Maine Department of Environmental Protection defines environmental justice as

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Cuts to EPA's environmental justice work put Maine communities at risk

The Trump administration has begun dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority and …

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Montana ranks ninth in the country for the ratio of non-elderly adults in rural areas that rely on Medicaid coverage, at 22.2%, according to a January report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Report: Native communities would see big impacts from proposed Medicaid cuts

A January report shows that in rural counties home to large numbers of American Indians, including in Montana, people are more likely to rely on …

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A 2024 Connecticut Education Association survey finds 40% of Connecticut teachers have second jobs to cover their cost of living and save money. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Critics: CT Gov’s budget continues historic education underfunding

Connecticut education advocates feel Gov. Ned Lamont's 2026-2027 budget proposal continues a history of underfunding education. While the new …

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Advocates for public lands warn that even drilling on lands adjacent to such places as Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado and Utah can lead to industrial contamination of shared waterways. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Trump order could open CO national monuments for drilling

As the Trump administration considers oil, gas and mining on lands owned by all Americans, including in national monuments designated under the …

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Indiana raises about 4.5 million hogs annually, making it the nation's 5th largest pork producer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)
IN agricultural leaders push back on inspection plan

Indiana farm leaders are pushing back against a bill that would increase inspections at large livestock farms. Senate Bill 193, sponsored by Sen…

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Alabama benefited from more than $14.5 billion in federal funds in fiscal year 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Alabama families at risk as Congress weighs tax, budget cuts

Congress could make critical decisions this week which could reshape Alabama's financial future. Lawmakers are debating whether to extend the 2017 …

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Nearly all states are implementing plans to distribute at least $50 billion awarded to states and localities from opioid-related lawsuits, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />
KY counties make decisions on how to spend opioid settlement payments

As opioid settlement money continues to flow into Kentucky, counties are having to make major decisions on how to spend it. Half of it goes to the …

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