Oregon advocates are shining a spotlight on hunger and related issues ahead of the fall elections. A recent report from the Immigrant Research Initiative found immigrants constitute 10% of Oregon s population but contribute to 13%, or more than $33 billion, of the state s economic output. The "Food for All Oregonians" policy aims to extend SNAP benefits to 60,000 Oregonians ineligible because of immigration status. .
Alabama has long been at the forefront of voting rights issues in the United States and despite some progress, advocates said residents continue to face barriers at the ballot box. In a recent discussion held in Montgomery, the Center for American Progress brought together voting rights experts to shed light on the ongoing struggle against voter suppression in the state. Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters-Alabama, was on the panel and highlighted ongoing efforts hindering equitable access. .
An Arizona consumer group is applauding the U.S. Department of Energy s new residential water heater standards that they say will save American households about $7.6 billion per year on energy and water bills. That s over $200 per month on the average residential utility bill. .
Climate watchers are predicting this summer s temperatures may set records, which could aggravate some medical conditions. A 30-year study of health records from more than 200 countries and territories suggests a connection between stroke and climate change. The online publication "Neurology" reported the growing number of global deaths and disabilities from strokes are linked to but not caused by climate change. .
Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism during recent protests. School administrators cited the slurs as justification for police to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment and make arrests. Grace Sanford, a second-year student, said it was a counterprotester who made the remarks to provoke a confrontation. .