Environmental groups in North Carolina are demanding changes to the Southgate extension of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Ridge Graham, North Carolina program manager for Appalachian Voices, said while the original plan was to transport gas to the homes of North Carolina residents served by the Public Service of North Carolina, the project s future is uncertain since the pipeline s operator submitted a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requesting changes. "They re trying to bring in way more gas on it, using a bigger pipe, which is going to have different impacts and concerns. " .
New York housing advocates feel the state is not taking the affordable housing crisis seriously. The recent budget proposal and State of the State address neglected to talk about reducing high rental costs and protecting tenants from unlawful eviction. A Rand Corporation report noted state policies haven t taken steps to address systematic barriers and cost drivers limiting housing production. .
It s been just over one year since tornadoes ravaged communities in areas such as Dallas, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties in Alabama. While the new year brings hope, many residents are still grappling with the aftermath, raising important discussions about climate resilience and future recovery efforts. Collins Pettaway III is a Selma resident and vice basileus of the Omega Chi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. .
Indiana Republicans appear to be toeing the party line in a push to put chaplains in public and charter schools, including an option to hire clergy. Democrats are quick to point out the timing of the legislation comes as Indiana copes with a school counselor crisis. One lawmaker cited Indiana s ratio of nearly 700 students assigned to every one school counselor. .
January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month and community action agencies across the state are working to change lives for the 5 million Californians who cannot afford the basics. The poverty rate in the Golden State rose from 11.7% in fall 2021 to 13.2% in the first quarter of 2023. David Knight, executive director of the California Community Action Program Association, said circumstances have been difficult. .