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Thursday, September 19, 2024

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 20, 2024
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U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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2024Talks - September 20, 2024
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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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The Yonder Report - September 19, 2024
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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

MA: Disabilities

Over the past two decades, 5,329 patients in the United States have utilized medical aid-in-dying laws, while at least 8,451 patients received a prescription, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (Adobe Stock)
MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to allow medical aid in dying as an option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults…

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States are increasingly dropping high school standardized exit exams in favor of alternative assessment methods. In 2014, 24 states required students to pass a standardized test to receive their diploma. Now, only eight maintain the requirement. (Adobe Stock)
MA ballot measure would end MCAS graduation requirement

Massachusetts voters could face a possible ballot measure this November to end the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System graduation requiremen…

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Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Service Center to speak with a counselor and determine if they qualify for a dual-eligible special-needs plan at 800-841-2900. (Adobe Stock)<br />
MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Health care advocates in Massachusetts said special health care plans are available for seniors and people with disabilities to help ensure they get t…

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Consumer advocates say the power-wheelchair market is dominated by two national suppliers, both of which are owned by private equity firms, able to increase profits by limiting what they spend on technicians and repairs. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />
MA Lawmakers Urged to Strengthen Wheelchair Warranty Protections

Advocates for people with disabilities say lawmakers in the Commonwealth must strengthen wheelchair warranty protections to ensure wheelchair users ar…

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Numotion and National Seating and Mobility are the two largest wheelchair manufacturers in the U.S., and critics say a lack of competition can lead to slow repairs. (rudolfgeiger/Adobe Stock)
MA Groups: Wheelchair Repair Process Needs Improvements

Advocates for people with disabilities are urging the Massachusetts General Court to pass what is known as the Wheelchair Warranty bill, to improve …

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Since 1786, the Daily Hampshire Gazette has been printed in Northampton, Mass. (Dougtone/Creative Commons)
One of Oldest U.S. Papers May Lose Printing House in Northampton

NORTHAMPTION, Mass. -- The company Newspapers of New England recently announced it plans to lay off all the workers at its printing house in …

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Bay Staters with disabilities are on the front lines this week in battles to preserve critical health coverage both in Massachusetts and Congress. (Boston Center for Independent Living)
Battles in Boston and D.C. to Protect Health Coverage

BOSTON – Bay Staters with disabilities are fighting battles on two fronts this week, to protest possible budget cuts and protect critical …

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Proposed SNAP food assistance cuts are likely to hit low-income seniors and people with disabilities hardest. (USDA)
Proposed SNAP Cuts Put MA Seniors, People with Disabilities in Crosshairs

BOSTON – President Donald Trump wants to take a $193 billion slice out of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the next 10…

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On Veteran's Day, Bay Staters who served our country are hoping President-Elect Donald Trump honors the promises he made to help vets. (New England Paralyzed Veterans of America)
New England Veterans Want Trump to Honor His Pledge

BOSTON – There are about 3,000 paralyzed veterans in New England and today, on Veteran's Day, a local veterans' advocacy group said now that …

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Massachusetts' high school graduation rate is just over 86 percent, but only 69 percent for students with disabilities. (Boston Public Schools)
MA Could Do More to Help Special-Needs Students Graduate

BOSTON - It's graduation time, and the Commonwealth is doing better than average in terms of high school graduation rates except in one major area…

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Police should be called to Peck School in Holyoke less often as the result of a settlement with the school district that also calls for reducing the use of restraints on students with disabilities. (Jeff Joniec)
Goal: Fewer Restraints, Cop Calls at Holyoke School

HOLYOKE, Mass. - It is an agreement that should mean fewer students ending up in restraints and fewer cops being called to respond to discipline …

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Para Educator Nancy Burke (r.) with student Taylor Warren. Courtesy: Massachusetts Teachers Association
National Bammy Award for Massachusetts Educator

BOSTON - A Massachusetts educator won national recognition this week for a garden project that enables high school students in wheelchairs to do some …

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