transgender

‘Bathroom bill’ passes Massachusetts House as foes fail

‘Bathroom bill’ passes Massachusetts House as foes fail

Evan Lips

BOSTON — After a virtual marathon of proposed amendments, moral platitudes and the occasional outburst from the gallery by supporters and opponents alike, the state House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ensure access to the public bathroom or changing room of choice for transgender people.

Wednesday's pivotal 116-36 largely party-line vote saw a crush of activists fill the State House's corridors and atriums as action on this particular issue drew the biggest crowds of the current session to demonstrate and lobby lawmakers. Meanwhile, inside the chamber, a series of Republican-sponsored amendments aimed at adding privacy restrictions and enforcement measures onto the so-called "bathroom bill" died one after another.

Hearing loss should be treated under Medicare, panel says
public health

Hearing loss should be treated under Medicare, panel says

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treating hearing loss shouldn't be such a pricey hassle. That's the message from a prestigious government advisory group that's calling on Medicare and other agencies to find ways to make better hearing more affordable and accessible for millions of older Americans.

One proposal: Allow over-the-counter sales of simple devices for mild hearing problems as an alternative to full hearing aids — much like consumers with vision problems today choose between drugstore reading glasses or prescription bifocals.

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