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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.

Environmental groups call for vinyl chloride ban

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025   

Environmental groups are calling for a ban on vinyl chloride, one of more than 16,000 toxic chemicals used to manufacture plastic.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering tightening regulations on the chemical.

Judith Inck, president of the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, pointed out there is no safe level of exposure to vinyl chloride, which has been linked to various cancers.

"Chemicals like PFAS, the whole family -- vinyl chloride, heavy metals -- should not be in packaging," Inck contended. "Particularly food and beverage packaging, particularly in baby food packaging."

Inck noted Beyond Plastics is also calling for a ban on chemical recycling facilities, which purport to recycle plastics. New Hampshire is the only state in New England to classify recycling facilities as manufacturing sites, rather than more tightly regulated waste management operations.

A recent survey found 32% of adults, especially women and college graduates, said they are avoiding single-use plastic products, which contain vinyl chloride.

Inck emphasized without state-level and federal laws aimed at eliminating them and incentivizing alternatives, it is up to companies themselves to stop plastic usage. She stressed groups like the U.S. Plastic Pact are working to push corporations in the right direction.

"An organization of many consumer product companies announced in January of 2022 that they will stop using PVC plastic by 2025," Inck acknowledged. "But this is just a voluntary pledge."

Reporting by The New York Times and others has shown how the plastic industry is trying to combat the growing wave of anti-plastic sentiment through social media influencers by proclaiming that certain types of plastics are more environmentally friendly than others.


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In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

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Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Social Issues

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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…

Social Issues

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A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …


The nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves offers a mini-lesson for teachers about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, designed for grades 6-12. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

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A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

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An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

Social Issues

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With cost at the forefront of prospective students' minds, higher education institutions in North Carolina are rethinking how to overcome one of the …

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Kentucky's Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure kids are off to the right start educationally. Research shows attending a high-…

 

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