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Thursday, May 8, 2025

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Black smoke signals no pope was elected on first day of Vatican conclave; Nine in 10 people surveyed back climate action; 'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy; In Minnesota, SNAP benefits reach farmers markets, other parts of the economy.

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As Congress debates Medicaid cuts and emissions rollbacks, former presidential candidate John Kasich calls for protecting vulnerable Americans, veterans link fossil fuel dependence to military deaths, and federal funding cuts threaten health and jobs.

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DOGE guts a 30-year-old national service program, cuts are likely but Head Start may be spared elimination in the next budget, moms are the most vulnerable when extreme weather hits, and there's a croaking sound coming from rural California.

Disabilities

Service dogs can help with mobility and access, object retrieval, reminders and medical alerts, among other things. (Adobe Stock)
Service dogs trained behind bars in WV transform lives, inside and out

With demand for assistance dogs on the rise, people in two West Virginia prisons are getting involved in their training. At Saint Marys Correctional …

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Reduced federal funding for Medicaid would lead to widespread coverage losses and tens of thousands of avoidable deaths each year, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)
West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Many residents of West Virginia are at risk of losing health care under a federal proposal to cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Sen. Jim Justice…

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Family caregivers face higher risks of heart attack, stroke and mental health issues, but research shows having just four hours of respite each month can significantly improve their health and well-being. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)
Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for TN caregivers

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state's nearly 1 million family caregivers…

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The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)
AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

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Social Security benefits kept one-third of Wyomingites out of poverty between 2018 and 2020, according to AARP Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)
Wyomingites celebrate 'near miss' on access to Social Security

A plan from the Social Security Administration that would have ended certain telephone services as of today was canceled late last week, due largely …

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Elon Musk claims Social Security can be cut by $500 billion without reducing people's benefits. (Adobe Stock)
Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security Administration as it works to reduce the size …

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With 22 million Americans lacking broadband access, according to the Federal Communications Commission, the Social Security Administration's reversal maintains a critical lifeline for seniors, particularly in states such as Mississippi, where 40% of rural households lack high-speed internet service. (Pixabay)
MS residents' outcry prompts Social Security Admin to reverse course on phone service cuts

The Social Security Administration has reversed its controversial plan to eliminate phone services for benefit claims, a move that would have forced …

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Two out three voucher recipients are seniors and people with disabilities, according to Nevada Rural Housing. (Adobe Stock)
Rural Nevada facing housing, transportation problem

Rural Nevada is facing a housing and transportation crisis. Advocates for those with disabilities say things are getting out of hand. Dee Dee …

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In Pennsylvania, the Children's Health Insurance Program provides an option for children to receive health care. However, losing Medicaid coverage would leave many children across the state without insurance and unable to access the care they need. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)
Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, federal safety net programs may face major cutbacks as President Donald Trump's administration pushes for budget …

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Critics of cuts to the Social Security Administration predict they will further strain an already struggling system, possibly depriving some people of being able to access benefits. (Adobe Stock)
You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential …

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In 2019-20, some 21% of undergraduates and 11% of postbaccalaureate students reported having a disability, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)<br />
Blind students sue West Virginia University for discrimination

Two blind students are suing West Virginia University. They allege the school has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing …

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Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)
WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

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