LANSING, Mich. - Efforts to help people rise out of poverty often are largely unsuccessful. So, Matrix Social Services, Detroit, is changing the way it treats its clients. The organization has created "Transition to Success," which treats poverty like an illness, and Matrix treats its clients like p ...Read More

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The birth rate among teenage girls in Minnesota has now dropped to its lowest level on record. The rate fell by 14 percent from 2010 to 2011. Judith Kahn, executive director, Teenwise Minnesota, said while changes among the younger teens usually lead the trend, this time around the ...Read More

DES MOINES, Iowa - One hundred years ago in New York City, the American Society for Control of Cancer was formed. It eventually became the American Cancer Society, and today Gov. Terry Branstad has proclaimed "American Cancer Society Day" in honor of the organization's efforts to find a cure for the ...Read More

ST. PAUL, Minn. - With the crisis over sexual assaults in the military growing as more details emerge by the week, a Minnesota congresswoman is calling for an extensive investigation by the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., has introduced legislation to establish a "Speci ...Read More

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The clock is ticking for Ohio lawmakers to approve a state budget for the next two years, and advocates for people with disabilities say there's a lot riding on it. Among their concerns is that the House version removed Gov. John Kasich's plans to expand Medicaid, which would bring ...Read More

DES MOINES, Iowa - An expensive special session of the Legislature may not be needed after all since Governor Terry Branstad has now said he might be open to expanding Medicaid if he can be confident the federal government won't back out on its assurance to pay most of the additional cost. Anthony ...Read More

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's Lemon Law, which has been on the books since the '80s, is said to be one of the best in the nation. If you plunk down your hard-earned dollars for a new car and it turns out to be a lemon, you get a prompt refund or replacement. But Republican lawmakers are considering a ...Read More

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Many Illinois educators are having a difficult time planning for the next school year because of uncertain funding. According to the Illinois Board of Education, the state cut more than $500 million from schools this year. At the Unity Point School District in Jackson County, tha ...Read More