COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Nov 23 2025HEALTH

Maine Takes Bold Steps to Boost Youth Mental Health

Maine is stepping up to tackle the growing mental health crisis among young people. A big donation of $1. 6 million from David Evans Shaw is fueling a new project called the SHAW Challenge. This isn't just another quick fix. It's a four-year plan to make a real difference in schools and communities across the state. The SHAW Challenge is all about building a strong ...

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Jun 16 2025ENVIRONMENT

Nature's Healing Power for Everyone

Nature is often seen as a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and beautiful landscapes. But it offers so much more. Engaging all five senses in nature can boost health, especially for those with disabilities. The scent of certain flowers might trigger fond memories. The sound of bees buzzing can be soothing. The texture of leaves can be calming. This multisensory...

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May 30 2025ENVIRONMENT

Local Teen Takes on Plastic Pollution to Save Shorebirds

Plastic waste is a huge problem for our oceans and the birds that call them home. One young person from Holmdel is taking action to change this. Emma Lynn is a 16-year-old student who has always been passionate about nature. She grew up exploring the outdoors and helping to keep it clean. She noticed a lot of plastic trash on local beaches, which inspired her to do s...

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Dec 28 2024EDUCATION

Unlocking Black History: Florida Students Learn Beyond School Walls

Florida may have required African American history in schools for decades, but many students still receive incomplete lessons. This gap has led to community efforts like Charlene Farrington's Saturday classes at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach. Here, students delve into South Florida's Caribbean roots, the state’s dark history of lynchings, and the...

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Dec 24 2024CRIME

The Bronx's 'The Hub': A Drug Scene That Won't Go Away

Needles and Dealers: The Hub's Open Drug Scene Persists The Hub in the Bronx remains a hotspot for drug use, even after reports highlighted the issue. Addicts openly use opioids on the streets, with dealers freely peddling their wares. The scene is so normal that locals barely notice. Despite efforts by Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. to involve President-elect Trump, the probl...

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