Latest Coverage

"Free local bus and train rides would be restricted to low-income senior citizens under a measure a House panel approved Thursday to help bring in more money for transit agencies reeling from financial woes."

"But advocates and center operators said care for many of the 37,000 low- income participants -- who suffer from diabetes, brain injuries, dementia and other chronic conditions -- would cost the state even more money if the centers close."

"Currently, Wake has the goal of trying to balance the percentage of low-income students at each school. Supporters of the policy... say the policy is based on research showing that academic performance suffers at a school when it has too many poor children."

"An amendment by Rep. Mario Goico, R-Wichita, to restore the cuts failed on a voice vote. Goico expressed worry that cuts to Medicaid, which offers health insurance to low-income people, would harm nursing homes or cause them to close down, particularly in rural areas."

"Officials from the College Board, the group that administers AP tests, attribute the dipping pass rates to an increasingly diverse test population. More low-income and minority students are taking the exams, but many attend schools that do not offer adequate preparation."

"The racial differences are an example of the academic achievement gap that also has white students scoring better on state standardized tests and graduating at higher rates than minority students..."

"And while county students score above state and national norms on performance assessments, school officials still face an 'achievement gap' between the leading students and those living in poverty, those learning English or those with a learning disability."

"More Florida high-school students than ever are taking Advanced Placement classes and doing well on the exams, putting the state at the top of the national pack when it comes to preparing students for the rigors of college, according to a national report released this morning."

"Kate Bishop, co-director of Project DREAM (Developing Resiliency through Education, the Arts and Mentoring), said the majority of families in the district are considered low- income, and it's hard to count on them for donations."

"Some also face a different dilemma: trying to meet demand from low-income Latino Catholics who are unable to afford tuition. Last year alone, some 162 cash-strapped Catholic schools closed."

"After all, research shows schools with high numbers of low-income students don't fare as well academically as those in more affluent areas."

"It's that steely determination you get when you've taken one step out of poverty and refuse to go back to that dark and desperate place."