A new report found licensed child care programs in Utah are only able to serve about 36% of all children younger than 6 whose parents are working. The Voice for Utah Children report aimed to provide policymakers and the public with an understanding of what is called "the urgent need for child care reform." Mike Wade, owner of First Steps Childcare and Preschool in Salt Lake City, said he views the child care sector as being "stuck somewhere between the private sector and the social service sector." Wade considers child care an essential service, especially for mothers who want to work. "With the cost of child care, I am very empathetic to the general public because it is so expensive," Wade explained. " .
Advocates for people with disabilities in New Hampshire are encouraging them to make a voting plan ahead of tomorrow s election, by locating the correct polling station, reading up on voting rights and learning how to use accessible voting equipment. Krysten Evans, director of policy and advocacy for the group ABLE NH, said finding reliable transportation to the polls is one of the greatest concerns she hears from eligible voters with disabilities, especially those living in more rural areas. "People are saying they can t get to the polls," Evans observed. " .
Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are calling attention to the process, suggesting their input is being held back. Those sentiments arose during last week s public hearings in Bismarck, led by the U.S. .
The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a high-profile case that involves efforts to keep former President Donald Trump off the state s primary ballot. It mirrors similar efforts elsewhere in the country over his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. .
In Arkansas and across the nation, book bans are becoming more common. The American Library Association says there were almost 700 attempts to censor library materials nationwide from January to August, and more than 1,900 challenges of specific book titles. In Saline County, Patty Hector said she was removed from her position as library director for not banning books. .