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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Virginia

Drug prices in the United States are, on average, almost three times higher than in 33 other countries. The gap widens to more than four times higher for brand-name drugs. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 25, 2024

Advocates urge VA governor to sign prescription-drug affordability bill

With the approval of the Virginia General Assembly, a bill reducing prescription drug prices is sitting on Gov. Glenn Youngkin's desk. The bill …

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More than 876,000 Virginians use SNAP/EBT benefits, costing the state almost $150 million per month. (Adobe Stock)
VA group helps SNAP/EBT users afford fresh foods

During National Nutrition Month, groups like Virginia Fresh Match are providing people with healthy fresh food options. Since 2009, the coalition of …

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Although U.S. government subsidies have helped keep the biomass industry afloat, the programs have a lengthy track record of being unsuccessful. (Adobe Stock)
Biomass company bankruptcy filing shows industry’s instability

Biomass producer Enviva's recent bankruptcy filing is being considered a sign of the industry's volatility. Recent financial challenges have …

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As of June 2023, the World Resources Institute estimates there are 2,277 electric school buses on order, delivered, and operating in the U.S. (Adobe Stock
VA school districts, parents working to get electric school buses

By Elizabeth McGowan for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

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Federal legislation has been introduced to improve the efficiency of the U.S. electrical grid. The FASTER Act would amend the Federal Power Act to expedite the review and permitting of electric transmission facilities. (Adobe Stock)
Transmission upgrades needed to keep U.S. climate goals on track

Environmental groups in Virginia are among those looking at how to improve and modernize electrical grid transmission. Experts said the grid's age …

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A Bankrate/YouGov poll finds 32% of U.S. adults estimate they would need more than $1 million to retire comfortably. However, 45% of workers say it's unlikely they'll be able to save that much. (Adobe Stock)
AARP event prepares Virginians for life after 50

The goal of an AARP Virginia event this weekend is to help people prepare for their 50s and beyond. The "Life at 50-Plus Academy" is a half-day …

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A Virginia worker who takes a month of unpaid leave loses more than $3,700 in income. (Adobe Stock)
VA lawmakers pass minimum wage increase, paid family leave

Virginia lawmakers have approved several bills in the final weeks of their session, including a minimum wage hike. The current minimum wage is $12 …

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A recent analysis found PJM Interconnection's processing time of 37 months is the fastest for grid operators in the United States. (Adobe Stock)
Report: VA grid manager needs better interconnection process

Virginia's electrical grid manager ranked poorly in a new energy scorecard. Advanced Energy United's Generator Interconnection Scorecard gave PJM …

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California and New York are the only states with a reparations task force. While New York's is just getting started, California's commission issued a report calling for some compensatory reparations based on numerous disparities like health and housing. (Wikimedia Commons)
Report: Philanthropies examining equity and past actions

A new report examines how philanthropy in and around Virginia came at the expense of Black people. The "Cracks in the Foundation" report noted …

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Cavities are a consistent problem for kids. The CDC found more than half of kids ages 6-8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth. And more than half of kids ages 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. (Adobe Stock)
VA pediatric dentists find online appointments growing

As part of Children's Dental Health Month, Virginia pediatric dentists are working to improve kids' dental health habits. Recent surveys indicated …

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Polls show 71% of voters across party lines oppose book bans and challenges at their local library. From Jan. 2023 to Aug. 2023, 1,915 unique book titles were subject to challenges. (Adobe Stock)
Public libraries take censorship battles to the ballot box

Libraries across Virginia and the nation are fighting back on censorship issues. So far this year, 100 bills are pending at the state and federal …

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The Annie E. Casey Foundation reported neglect is a growing reason Virginia children end up in foster care. Some experts feel the system ends up punishing families for food insecurity or financial hardship. (Adobe Stock)
Legislation addresses long-standing VA foster care legal issues

Virginia's General Assembly is taking up a bill to address outcomes for kids in foster care. Previous legislation either failed to pass or was …

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