In North Carolina, congregations are banding together to repurpose empty churches as community pillars to address issues like housing. According to a study called "Twenty Years of Congregational Change," church attendance has declined, with 70% of churches seeing fewer than 100 members at their services each week. Lynda Ferguson, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Asheboro, said the trend has affected churches in her area. .
Nebraska saw nine long-term care facility closures in 2022, second only to 13 in Texas. In the past three years, Nebraska has lost a combined 29 assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Inadequate funding for Medicaid patients, workforce issues and the rising costs of goods and services have all contributed to these closures. .
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Some Hoosiers want Indiana lawmakers to rethink proposed legislation that would usurp existing local laws that prohibit retailers from selling puppies. Legislators listened to emotional testimony during a 3.5 hour hearing on the proposed law, which was revived from last year s session. Dr. .
Voters in Massachusetts are being encouraged to complete their applications for mail-in ballots ahead of next month s presidential primary. The deadline to register to vote is February 24th and the deadline to complete an application for a mail-in ballot is February 27. Julia Kupferman, communications and civic engagement coordinator with Massachusetts Voter Table, says the application allows eligible voters to request mail-in ballots for the next three upcoming elections. .