Efforts to close ambulance service gaps in Minnesota are taking shape. A special legislative task force is gathering findings about the severity of the issue and holds its next meeting this Wednesday. Late last week, the Emergency Medical Services Task Force had its first meeting, which highlighted findings from state auditors. .
Americans are deeply divided on political issues. One organization is attempting to bridge this gap. The group Braver Angels brings together people of different political leanings to engage in civil conversations. .
With the annual winter shopping season now in full swing, Wyoming s old town centers are seeing an uptick in visitors drawn to colorful light displays, roasted chestnut and hot chocolate carts, free horse-drawn carriage rides and one-of-a-kind gift options offered by local merchants. Jessica Seders, executive director of Gillette Main Street, said Wyoming s historic downtowns are a great way to get even the most committed Scrooges into the holiday spirit. "Gillette s downtown is full of historic buildings that could be found in an old western town," Seders explained. " .
Oregon kids are missing a lot of school, and it could have consequences beyond their education. Nearly 40% of students missed 16 or more days during the last school year, according to the Oregon Department of Education. While the pandemic exacerbated it, Executive Director of the organization Attendance Works - Hedy Chang - said chronic absenteeism was a problem before COVID. .
Despite the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, many federal agriculture programs West Virginia farmers depend on won t be authorized to operate without passage of a new version of the legislation. Agricultural producers continue to face rising operation costs and extreme weather events. Spencer Moss, executive director of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, explained that the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is one resource that faces uncertainty. .