This morning we're following national news out of Washington, D.C., after a devastating collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter. Locally, deportation concerns take center stage in the plight of a Lynn teenager who was taken into custody by immigration officials after what started as a fight with her younger brother. Those stories and much more in this morning's newsletter. |
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Live updates: Over 30 bodies recovered after plane, helicopter crash into Potomac River |
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| RFK Jr. stumbles on Medicaid at Senate confirmation hearing |
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, stumbled multiple times during his first Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday when lawmakers pressed him about potential changes to Medicaid. The government-based health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million people with low incomes has drawn increased attention as Republicans in Congress look for ways to reduce federal spending, with Medicaid among the possible sweeping cuts. If he is confirmed as health and human services secretary, Kennedy would oversee the implementation of Medicaid, in addition to Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. |
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| Sunny but chilly, then tracking our next chance for rain or snow |
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The pattern remains busy, but at least the wind will back off a bit in the coming days. How cold will it feel on Thursday? We’re greeted with more sunshine today, but the air is much colder. Instead of highs near 50, we’ll have to settle for the upper 20s to near 30 with a numbing wind chill in the low to mid-teens by afternoon. |
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| Lynn teen in ICE custody after fight over phone with younger brother, family says |
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A teenager from Lynn, Massachusetts, landed in custody of immigration officials after someone reported her in a domestic disturbance call — an incident stemming from a fight with her younger brother. The case is causing outrage among her family and dismay among local officials, who were under the impression U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would only target violent criminals. This comes as immigrant advocates rallied outside the Massachusetts State House to call for legislators to pass a law that would prohibit any collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement. |
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| Bird flu now ‘widespread' in Massachusetts, officials warn |
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State environmental and health officials said Wednesday that bird flu is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts communities. As a result of these cases, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Department of Agricultural Resources and the Department of Public Health are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick, and to report any suspected cases to the state. State officials said they have seen recurring incidents of bird flu since early 2022, but this month, a bird flu outbreak is suspected of causing the death of dozens of Canada geese, swans and other birds at Plymouth‘s Billington Sea. |
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| Mass. education ranks best in the nation, but scores still lag from pre-pandemic |
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Massachusetts is back on top when it comes to educating children. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), or so-called Nation’s Report Card, found students here are outperforming their counterparts around the country in math and reading. Massachusetts has always done well on these tests, but this year’s results represent a sweep, despite lingering issues like the pandemic and equity. |
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