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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson calls for release of Epstein files amid backlash; Maine works to counter federal setbacks for clean energy projects; Indiana BMV cashes in on driver data; West Virginia's new law increases penalties for child abuse.

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Use of SCOTUS emergency docket draws questions, and whistleblower emails expose a DOJ willing to defy federal courts. Meanwhile, Minnesota's 'red flag' law shows early trends, and farmers and lawmakers sound alarms over privacy and trade.

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Rural Americans brace for disproportionate impact of federal funding cuts to mental health, substance use programs, and new federal policies have farmers from Ohio to Minnesota struggling to grow healthier foods and create sustainable food production programs.

Senior Issues

Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane will use its AARP Community Challenge funds to teach digital literacy skills to refugee seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Amid rising homelessness, grants help more WA seniors age in place

More seniors in Washington state are facing financial strain or even losing their homes and seven local organizations will expand support for them wit…

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Research shows when federal funding for Medicaid decreases, states tend to cut optional benefits, such as home- and community-based services, first. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 14, 2025

WI nonprofit uncertain how Medicaid cuts will affect clients with disabilities

A Wisconsin nonprofit serving people with disabilities is waiting to hear if federal changes to Medicaid will affect their clients and caregivers…

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Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)
Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

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Bike Durango won a $12,300 grant to create a bike lane that connects people with multiple municipal amenities, to promote a safer environment for walking and cycling, especially for older adults. (Adobe Stock)
AARP invests $75,000 in CO projects to make communities more livable

The nation's largest advocacy group for people age 50 and older is investing more than $4.2 million, including more than $75,000 in Colorado…

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In addition to affecting hospice services, the new federal budget is estimated to significantly increase health care costs for more than 1 million low-income Medicare enrollees. (Adobe Stock)
Former WI mayor: Potential Medicare cuts would worsen aging crisis

A former Wisconsin mayor said the new federal budget will only worsen the current aging crisis families like hers have already been facing. Analysis …

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In rural America, 3.7 million residents do not drive, making access to such services as medical care especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)
Ohio project helps older adults access medical care beyond county lines

A new AARP grant is helping older adults in Marion County access medical care they cannot find close to home. The $15,000 award is part of AARP's …

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The budget bill being debated in Congress would shift some Medicaid administrative costs to states, which could force some hospitals in rural Iowa to reduce services or close. (Adobe Stock)
Medicaid reductions would end coverage for tens of thousands of Iowans

Members of Congress are still debating the massive tax and spending bill which could include deep cuts to social service programs critical to Iowa…

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The process known as budget reconciliation bypasses the usual Senate filibuster rules and allows bills to be passed with a simple majority of 51 votes, or 50, plus the Vice President's tie-breaking vote. (Adobe Stock)
IL professor: Senate-passed budget bill not a win, yet

An Illinois professor cautions against premature celebrations of victory or defeat after the U.S. Senate passed President Donald Trump's budget …

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Around 67% of Medicaid beneficiaries in Michigan are enrolled in one of nine managed care plans.<br />(Tada Images/Adobe Stock)
League of Women Voters: Proposed federal cuts threaten MI health

CORRECTION: It was the Senate parliamentarian who decided part of the budget reconciliation bill violates rules for being able to pass it with a simpl…

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Pew Research Center reported the share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade but in economically challenged areas, the digital gap might be wider. (Adobe Stock)
Eastern KY to get more 'tech savvy' with community-focused grant

Eastern Kentucky is still trying to recover from the decline of coal production and a regional nonprofit will soon kick off a digital training initiat…

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A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center suggested a number of ways to strengthen primary care outcomes in Medicare, including enabling federal tracking and target-setting to report on primary care spending across federal health care programs. (Maha Heang 245789/Adobe Stock)
Alternative payment models better for WA patients and providers

Adopting alternative payment models for people receiving primary care through Medicare is better for providers and patients, according to a new …

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About 77% of adults over 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they grow older but fewer than half believe their current home will actually meet their needs as they age. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)
AARP invests $73,000 in Michigan communities

Six Michigan projects have been awarded funding through AARP's largest-ever Community Challenge grant, aimed at making communities more livable…

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