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A major issue that I feel needs to be addressed soon is that of homelessness. Frequently, you see various examples of architectural design meant to prevent those without a home from finding a place to lay down (I.E Benches with bars on them, etc). Thankfully, according to an article from the Worcester Telegram, city leaders are reportedly talking about keeping shelters open. Homelessness is something that can be dealt with easily, it's just that people can't be bothered to do anything. -B.L

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In an article found in the Daily Athol News from 2021, the look for social workers for teens and young adults has risen since the pandemic start in 2019. 

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In an article found in the Daily Athol News from 2021, the look for social workers for teens and young adults has risen since the pandemic start in 2019. 

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An issue in schools is phones. some kids use their phones during school ruining it for all. in sentinel and enterprise "kids are using their phones in class" hey state that phones should be locked away. the only solution that seems to work for kids. phones are a distraction during school.  M.P

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An issue in schools is phones. some kids use their phones during school ruining it for all. in sentinel and enterprise "kids are using their phones in class" hey state that phones should be locked away. the only solution that seems to work for kids. phones are a distraction during school.  M.P

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The issue I choose to address is the treatment of farmers. In the article from Rodale Institute they talk about how recent developments such as new chemicals are killing their crops and how major industrial farms are hurting small businesses and their pay, affecting their direct income. As well as the simple mistreatment they get because of the lack of care. -R.F

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A big issue to me is how unfun some teachers make school. I feel that the more fun and entertaining the assignment is the more I want to actually pay attention and do that assignment. In a article on the internet it shows 7 tips on how to make the lessons more fun. I believe that if teachers make lessons more bareble then more kids will start getting better graded and the school gpa would rise. Also the 7 tips on the website are exactly what kids are looking for when they think fun assignments -MD

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Mental health is a critical issue that affects a significant portion of the population. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health is an organization dedicated to providing support to individuals struggling with mental health. They have a range of initiatives to help people with mental health disorders. One of the unique ways they help people is through the contests they host. These contests focus on people's emotions and how they cope with their mental health challenges. They organize an art competition where participants submit artwork that depicts their mental health struggles. These artworks help others visualize what they are going through and create a sense of community. Additionally, the organization works towards ensuring that policies, budgets, and legal issues do not pose a risk to people's mental health. They advocate for policies and regulations that promote mental health and well-being. They are dedicated to looking into policies, budgets, and legal issues that could potentially jeopardize the mental health of people. Their mission is to advance mental health and well-being by promoting prevention, early intervention, effective treatment, and research to address social, emotional, and mental health challenges. They aim to eliminate stigma and discrimination related to mental health. They are committed to ensuring full social, economic, and political inclusion in all aspects of community life. Overall, the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health is an excellent resource for people struggling with mental health issues. They provide a range of initiatives and support systems to help people overcome their mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

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Find help with Network of Care Massachusetts

Network of Care Massachusetts is a free website with info about more than 5,000 mental health, substance use, and social service resources in Massachusetts. From Boston to the Berkshires, when you or a loved one are facing problems with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, take the first step today at Network of Care!

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Massachusetts Association for Mental Health | MAMH

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Network of Care Massachusetts is a free website with info about more than 5,000 mental health, substance use, and social service resources in Massachusetts. From Boston to the Berkshires, when you or a loved one are facing problems with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, take the first step today at Network of Care !

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Roads in Fitchburg are a huge issue. An article I found called the Worcester Business Journal, a woman named Lisa Bramante which is the president of City Cab Co. Inc. in Fitchburg, she states that, “We’ve blown tires, bent rims, front-end alignments. It’s a major expense,” she said. “We’re just subjected to it 24 hours a day.” This proves there is a serious problem with Fitchburg roads if a business that supports public transportation is being heavily affected. - S.P

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how to notify your town about dangerous potholes A.P

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how to notify your town about dangerous potholes A.P

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One of the major stigmas with New England is the poor quality roads, one way we as the residents can try and help eachother is to contact the pothole hotline, doing this can help your town discover and fix potholes, although a much better solution would be fixing the road entirely, there is issues with staff and funding to fix all these roads.

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WORCESTER - It finally feels like winter has come in Worcester and one unfortunate nuisance that comes with the season is the sprouting of potholes.

Potholes can make for a bumpy ride on a busy street and even cause some serious damage to tires.

Alexis Lord lost a tire last week when she hit a pothole on the way to do some Christmas shopping.

"In my four years of living in Worcester I have popped two tires because of large potholes," Lord said. "This has never happened anywhere else to me."

Lord said she thinks the city can do a better job with potholes, but understands that staffing is challenging for most agencies.

Lord reported the pothole to Worcester 311. A a city spokesperson pointed to 311 as the way residents can report potholes 24/7.

Residents can call 311, message 311 on Facebook, email 311@worcesterma.gov, make a request at the 311 section of the city's website or use the Worcester 311 app, which debuted this year.

The 311 app allows users to upload a photo, track the service request and monitor any other requests in the city.

For drivers who may deal with potholes on the road, the city asks them to follow the speed limit and make sure their tires are properly inflated to protect their tires as temperatures drop.

The city only maintains public streets and will not repair potholes on private streets, according to the city's website.

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It's pothole season - how can you help get them fixed?

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The 311 app allows users to upload a photo, track the service request and monitor any other requests in the city.

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In an article I read from the Washington Post, there was the talk of importance about signs being to small, unable to read or too big in the way of being able to safely see. As this is a problem there is talk of needing to change this to make the roads more safer for drivers as long as the pedestrians. -MM

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 As of March 28th, 2024, 16 bills have been passed aiming to deem transgender individuals as less than human, from something as simple as public bathroom usage to even civil rights. 430 bills are currently active. The discrimination faced by transgender individuals in legislation is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. Discriminating against someone simply because they identify differently is simply inhumane.  Those in power should not use prejudice and hatred to make decisions that affect large groups of people. -VO

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Anti-transgender bills are actively being introduced to the country that aims to stop them from receiving basic healthcare, education, and legal recognition, and even publicly exist.

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Anti-transgender bills are actively being introduced to the country that aims to stop them from receiving basic healthcare, education, and legal recognition, and even publicly exist.

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2024 Anti-Trans Bills: Trans Legislation Tracker

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2024 anti-trans bills tracker. Explore data on U.S. anti-trans legislation including passed bills and themes including sports, bathrooms, healthcare, pronouns, drag shows, and education.

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It has been found that the increased amount of homework is causing mental and physical problems for students. As found in the University of San Diego "Higher-achieving students — those who may have more homework — are at particular risk for stress-related health issues including sleep deprivation, weight loss, stomach problems and headaches". And on top of that an increase in homework especially in high school only hurts students. most people in High school have to go to school all day and then to work and many don't have the time do do their homework which leads to late nights, sleeping in class, low motivation, performance drop at work, high levels of stress, depression. And that is only a few examples of how it negatively affects students.-R.J

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The roads in Massachusetts are ranked number 4 out of the country for the worst roads. In the article on the news website wwlp.com/news it says how on average drivers pay $620 per year on car repairs for driving on roads that need to be repaired. It causes an inconvenience for many people, like myself. Certain roads I need to take to get to work are so bad and you can't always avoid the pot holes. It can really take a toll on your car. Now things are so expensive which will not make it easy to pay if something goes wrong. -B.B

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The article that I read talked about how hats should be allowed in school, and I can agree with this because hats don't change anything and they aren't a distraction. and I think that if we were to wear a hat we have to wear our I.D so then the teachers and staff in the building will know who we are. and I just think that hats should be allowed because maybe some people are either having a bad hair day or it just goes with there outfit.-J.P

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Constantly being told "take your hat off," gets annoying, especially if you suffer from "hat hair". Hats have been a part of trends for many years, especially during the wintertime when they act functionally and fashionably. During the winter season, hats have become a necessity to keep your ears and head warm, which is why students should be able to wear hats in school.

As winter hits Michigan, winter clothing styles begin. When people come back to school from winter break, one of the things they do is show off the new clothing they've received. This may include trendy hats seen on social media.

When coming to school, students intend to look nice, however, bad hair days are natural. Some days the frizz, crazy curls, sprouting hairs or greasy flatness just needs to be covered up. Bad hair days happen all the time, and wearing hats is an easy solution to boost confidence.

Hats are an article of clothing, just like a shirt and jeans. It does not distract others or the student any more than a sweatshirt does. Wearing hats in school does not affect a student's learning ability, and therefore does not put a student at a disadvantage.

Teachers have said that the bills on hats cover a student's face, allowing them to sleep in class or have wandering eyes during a test. This problem can be easily monitored and is only applicable to certain types of hats, and does not add an extra burden.

Hats are only a stylistic choice that does not put anyone in danger, therefore should not be against school policy. They simply keep students' heads warm and cover their oily oily hair.

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Opinion: Hats should be allowed in school

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Constantly being told "take your hat off," gets annoying, especially if you suffer from "hat hair". Hats have been a part of trends for many years, especially during the wintertime when they act functionally and fashionably. During the winter season, hats have become a necessity to keep your ears and head warm, which is why...

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A major issue for the state of MA is the roads. They are a vital portion of commuting. Poor road conditions results in damage in vehicles and potentially causes backups due to these conditions. And if there is a pot hole, it should be filled properly. I understand stuff happens and the roads aren't always prefect but at least try your maintain them so you can drive freely on them.. B.R.

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A major issue I want to address is wearing hats in school. I believe we should be able to wear hats in school if we have an ID on. In the article I found on WashingtonPost.com the author shares his thoughts and why hats should be allowed in schools. the author states that "if a child wants to wear an innocuous piece of headwear, why come down so hard don the wearer?" I agree with this because if the hat isn't offensive or isn't inappropriate why should we have to take it off. Students that wear hats feel more comfortable in when wearing a hat and if they are having a bad hair day they can just throw on a hat. -RG

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Many steps that people take or encourage others to take when it comes to becoming more eco-friendly are actually not effective or not sustainable. When people learn this they tend to get overwhelmed and give up on changing anything altogether. This is called eco-paralysis. It is important to let everyone know that you can find a balance in your life when it comes to being mindful about things such as plastic consumption but without it causing a great amount of inconvenience to you. It is important for there to be communities so people understand that the fate of the environment is not only in their hands and that any small change, if enough people participate, can make a difference. - G.L.

https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2024/02/27/how-to-save-the-planet-and-your-sanity-when-no-solution-looks-perfect/

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How to save the planet, and your sanity, when no solution looks perfect

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Discovering flaws in “green” efforts can trigger eco-paralysis. But experts have tips for safeguarding mental health while still doing your part.

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The quantity of trash cans has a big influence on litter. The Allegheny Front claims that when there are fewer garbage cans nearby, individuals are more likely to litter. You will require an adequate number of trash cans to cover every location around your business.

More trash cans encourage guests to practice good behavior. Littering is influenced by contextual demands, such as having an abundance of easily accessible containers, even though it primarily depends on the individual. If you want to fight litter in your neighborhood, provide enough choices for guests.

https://www.wabashvalley.com/blog/how-commercial-trash-receptacles-can-help-prevent-littering-in-parks/

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The roads in mass are a big problem. In the article I found from the telegram it states, "Alexis Lord lost a tire last week when she hit a pothole on the way to do some Christmas shopping." That is a big problem if you cant go just down the road and lose a tire because a pothole is crazy. The roads need to be fixed. G.A

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Netflix Sharing Policy Affecting College Students

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Netflix Sharing Policy Affecting College Students

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We all know that college students are figuring out life and how to manage money. It is difficult. Parents are still helping out in ways best needed. Unfortunately, Netflix only cares about money and would rather watch those struggles and be unable to access their parents' accounts. There is an extra fee a month if you are going to share your account. It's ridiculous and needs to be stopped. S.D

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Aria Rose and her partner were queuing up the new season of "Black Mirror" on Netflix last month when they got a dystopian message of their own: No more Netflix.

Rose, from Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of many Netflix users to have recently been given the heave-ho from the streamer because she had used a shared account.

The streaming service has become serious about stopping its subscribers from sharing their passwords with family, friends and ex-boyfriends you forgot were still using your log-in. The new policy, which took effect May 23, is designed to prevent sharing passwords with anyone outside of a designated "household" − unless you want to pay extra.

The goal is to get the freeloaders to become new paying customers, but not everyone is willing to cough up the cash. "My partner and I are just not going to have Netflix from now on," Rose says. She's frustrated at being asked to pay more for streamers that are making less television for her to watch.

It's a big change in policy and tone for a streamer that once promoted password sharing as part of its marketing strategy. So far, it has spelled more money and subscribers for Netflix, according to its latest earnings report, but it's also angering and alienating its user base, some of whom are canceling the service outright. Here's what you should know about the policy, and why it's probably here to stay (and may even spread to other streamers).

What is Netflix's new password sharing policy?

Starting May 23, use of your Netflix account has been limited by location and devices.

"A Netflix account is for use by one household," the official announcement explained. "Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are − at home, on the go, on holiday."

You can set your household up manually or Netflix will do it for you, based on IP (internet protocol) address information for your account. If someone is using your account a few states away, they're likely to be bounced from the platform.

Now you either have to transfer your friends and relatives' profiles to a new membership they pay for or pony up to continue sharing your account with them. Netflix calls this adding a new "member" to your account, and it's $7.99 a month, less than the previous "Basic" ad-free plan ($9.99/month) but more that the new "standard" plan with ads ($6.99). Netflix is phasing out that Basic plan for new and rejoining customers in an effort to encourage more users to subscribe to the ad-supported plans, but any current subscribers can keep it.

If you travel frequently, have a second residence or need to use Netflix outside your home regularly, there are ways to make sure you don't lose access to your account. But these workarounds have limits and can be multi-step processes. If you have a second home, you need to first open Netflix on a mobile device on the primary WiFi network, and then secondary location, at least once a month to maintain access. If you travel to different places frequently, Netflix offers codes to allow you to log in on new TVs in hotels or rentals, but users report obtaining too few codes per month, which can be limiting for professions like travel nurses, salespeople or writers.

Are Netflix users happy with the new password sharing crackdown?

Not really.

Jennifer Dedross, 39, a travel blogger who lives in the U.K., has confounded Netflix's new system with her mobile lifestyle. "Just in the last month, I've been in three different countries, four different cities and five different hotels/apartments. ... Right now, I'm in a hotel and I can't get another Netflix traveling code because I already used it. ... If something doesn't change, then I will be canceling."

Others have already canceled, or declined to pony up for a new account after losing access to someone else's. Brayden Simms, 41, a copy editor from Boulder, Colorado, canceled his account. "I just feel like everyone is struggling for cash right now, and we are all looking for ways to cut back and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Meanwhile, the number of monthly subscriptions we are expected to pay is going up and up."

Rose, who will not be watching the new "Black Mirror" season after all, doesn't mince words when discussing her changed opinion of the streamer.

"Netflix and all the other streaming services are going to bring their own demise."
No more 'basic' plan: Netflix switches up pricing plans for 2023: Cheapest plan without ads now $15.49
Is the Netflix password sharing crackdown working?

The short answer is yes.

On Wednesday, Netflix released its second-quarter earnings for 2023 and led by touting gains resulting from the password crackdown. "Revenue in each region is now higher than pre-launch, with sign-ups already exceeding cancellations," Netflix's letter to shareholders said, noting 5.9 million subscribers were added in countries where the company introduced the password crackdown. But some of that growth can be attributed to the introduction of cheaper, ad-supported tiers of the service.

Outside data supports the idea that new subscriptions are offsetting angry cancelations. According to Parrot Analytics, demand for the streamer's library actually increasedby 4.5% in the month after the crackdown in the U.S. And it's still the top streamer: Netflix can boast 17.1% of the share of audience demand in the May 23-June 23 window, which is larger than rivals such as Hulu (15%), Max (13%), Amazon Prime Video (11%), Disney+ (9%) and Apple TV+ (1%) in the same time frame.

So while the new system is inconvenient and angering for many Netflix users, the policy is working for the company, and it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

Will other streamers have similar password sharing crackdowns?

It might just happen, because big business is as susceptible to peer pressure as anyone else. After streamer Max (formerly HBO Max) began excising titles from its library last year as a cost-cutting measure, others quickly followed, including Paramount+, Disney+ and Starz. Netflix executives once swore they would never put commercials on the platform, but after ad-supported tiers were successful on other streamers, Netflix added its own.
If you need it: Here's how to cancel your account after Netflix ban on password sharing.
So if you're sharing other accounts, you might want to enjoy them while you can. Just in case.

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Are Netflix password sharing rules angering fans? Yes, but subscriptions are still up

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Here's how the password sharing crackdown is going, six weeks into a new Netflix world.

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The mental health of students is something that feels to be largely neglected when it comes to managing workloads and distinguishing the type of work people are most comfortable with. I personally find issues with assignments that force me to form views that I do not believe, or force me to go deep into a subject that I have little knowledge on and present it all as if I am an expert. Additionally, schools try to force similar schedules upon everyone at the same pace with little room to adapt students individually. While they can give extra time, assignments begin to build to the point you don't know what to do anymore, and half of the time is wasted just thinking all about it. I'd wish that some time in the future that schools can provide alternate assignments that are direct rather than throwing layers of 'imagination' on top that only make you wish to forget all the work rather than remember it. - SE

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WORCESTER ― The Worcester Public Schools superintendent's office found that students experience heightened stress levels in Worcester schools today. It also found that students of color are more susceptible to suspension than their white peers.

Those details emerged as part of a "climate and culture" report presented at a School Committee meeting Thursday.

Parents of students in the Worcester Public Schools who spoke during public comment said there are issues with the way some schools handle misbehavior. One parent said her child had been suspended 20 times before moving to the Academic Center for Transition.

Parents and others who spoke during public comment said that to make the schools more inclusive for children with behavioral issues, schools need to address those specific issues instead of suspending the students.

Maria Juncos-Gautier, executive director of the Latino Education Institute in Worcester, said almost half the population of Worcester Public Schools is Latino.

"The demographic is changing and we have to work around and we need to be more inclusive," Juncos-Gautier said. "The strategic plan is going in the right direction. As a Latina, inclusiveness is very important for these kids to get to college and succeed in life."

Kareem Tatum, the executive director of the district's North Quadrant, said Worcester Public Schools' goal is to cultivate and maintain a safe and belonging environment.

"We want all members of our school communities to grow and thrive in environments where they feel valued and safe," Tatum said. "We want to enhance the use of culturally responsive teaching practices to create a more equitable learning environment for all students."

Tatum outlined a tiered support pyramid that shows different levels of intervention. Tier one support consists of practices that should work for most students. Tier two support consists of support beyond what is provided. It is more targeted and may include small-group intervention. Support in tier three provides students with intensive support, including individualized instruction, one-on-one coaching and more frequent progress check-ins.

"Our focus is to provide classroom instruction that fosters an inclusive community and one that sustains and builds upon the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students," Tatum said.

Over the last year, the district has increased mental health support for students by adding wellness rooms, a dean of students and culture and climate assistance in schools.

Administrative Director of Positive Youth Development Thomas Toney said the district has made "commendable" efforts to shift from punitive punishment to restorative practices.

"This demonstrates creativity and adaptability in addressing disciplinary issues," Toney said. "Our main goal is to keep our kids in school."

A youth health survey conducted in the spring of 2022 found that students are experiencing stress and anxiety 15% more than they were in 2019. A top issue among Worcester middle school students is also stress. As of 2022, 37% of students said stress is a top issue for them.

A restorative mediation approach, Toney said, has been integrated into how Worcester schools discipline students.

"The staff assesses the situation and students are asked questions during a mediation between two parties to develop an understanding and reduce their anxiety to meet with the other party," Toney said. "By addressing mental health needs, schools can support students in achieving their full academic potential."

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Worcester school district addresses behavioral,mental health issues for students

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In Thursday's meeting, the district found that stress and anxiety rose 15 percent among students since 2019.

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Global warming poses a significant threat to the environment, ecosystems, and human societies. The problem with global warming arises from the increase in the Earths average temperature, primarily due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, and methane trap heat from the sun, leading to the warming of the planet. The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and even the disruption of ecosystems. -BP

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Legislators are trying to turn Monty tech into a lottery systems. This is an issue because it then turns it into an unfair situation for those who tried hard to get in, but get denied because their name wasn't pulled. They claim that its valid because it would solve the "low amount of low income students" however, with it being a lottery system, it doesn't ensure that at all. - T.L.

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Legislators ask for Monty Tech lottery - The Leominster Champion

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Senator John Cronin and Representative Michael Kushmerek asked Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley to immediately intervene to implement a fair admissions policy at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School this week. “Monty Tech uses a private school admissions policy to systemically deny kids from low-income households access to our region’s public trade school. The result is an admissions regime that admits college bound students first and fails to deliver the skilled workforce in the trades our local economy needs to thrive and grow,” Cronin said. “Worse than that, Monty Tech’s administration is denying hundreds…