People released from incarceration would be especially hard hit by unrealistic work requirements and other restrictions proposed for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the US House version of the 2018 farm bill, writes Deanna Hoskins of JustLeadershipUSA. The Senate version is better in several respects, notably its inclusion of workforce development funds, Hoskins writes.

Cabell County Schools in West Virginia grew its social work staff from one to four due in part to a federal grant, and there is no shortage of need even with the expansion. "Most of my kids have been through trauma, and a lot of times it's not the kids you would expect," Beth Sloane remarked.

Two recent deaths have catalyzed efforts by Native American agencies and nonprofits to provide more government health care services to a growing homeless encampment in south Minneapolis. Medical experts warn that the close quarters, high frequency of serious illnesses and prevalence of drug addiction pose a grave threat of widespread disease.

A multi-pronged effort in Illinois' Will County is making inroads against the opioid epidemic, even if the 2017 death toll from heroin and fentanyl showed a continuing rise, officials say. "It is easy to get discouraged, but progress has been made," state Public Health Director Nirav Shah told participants in a community forum, adding that they "have saved lives."

A study reported in Royal Society Open Science found that human-raised wolf pups display lasting signs of attachment and affection toward their human companions much like dogs do, but experts say the findings do not mean wolves make suitable pets. The study offers insights into social similarities and differences between wolves and dogs, as well as the roots of domestication.