Federal and state regulators are cracking down on so-called "junk fees," which companies often use to hike prices on consumer products above what is advertised. These unexpected fees on hotel rooms, cars, concert tickets and more cost people tens of billions of dollars each year, and countless hours wading through the fine print of companies terms and conditions. Diedre Cummings, legislative director for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, said these sneaky practices need to stop. .
Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund is upping its education efforts, adding field offices around the state and putting boots on the ground, even in Montana s frigid winter months. The newest organizing campaign is in Billings. The Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund has historically focused on issues like public land access and renewable energy. .
A new study recommends state agencies change their methods to address child labor trafficking. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Social Work surveyed child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, and found that 20% reported they have worked with people under 18 who were coerced or controlled by another person or entity for their labor and over 40% expect to do so in the future. Trafficked children are typically forced to do things like domestic service, childcare, food industry and retail work - as well as forced criminal activity such as stealing or selling drugs. .
As Minnesota school districts near the halfway point of the academic year, plans are taking shape to study the effectiveness of no-cost meals for all students. In recent months, schools have started implementing so-called "universal lunches" - after getting legislative approval this past spring. Supporters say providing free breakfast and lunch, no matter a student s family income, reduces stigma and can boost classroom participation. .