Social Justice / Public News Service

Migrants are put on buses from Texas to other states, often without knowing where they are going. (afishman64/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

The future of Senate Bill 4 is still tangled in court challenges. It's the Texas law that would allow police to arrest people for illegally crossing …

According to The Sentencing Project, 4.6 million Americans cannot vote because of a felony conviction. (Anna Kosolapova/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

NE advocates foresee new voting-restoration law helping individuals, state

April is Second Chance Month and many Nebraskans are celebrating passage of a bipartisan voting rights restoration bill and its focus on second chance…

Several Mississippi correctional facilities offer both short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (six months) alcohol and drug programs with individual and group counseling for treating alcohol and drug addictions. (Wesley JvR/peopleimages.com)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

MS group backs health-center alternative to incarceration

Mississippi prisons often lack resources to treat people who are incarcerated with substance-use disorders adequately but a nonprofit organization is …

According to Zillow, the typical value of homes in North Carolina is about $329,225. North Carolina home values have gone up 4.6% over the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Rural North Carolina town gets pathway to homeownership

Residents in a rural North Carolina town grappling with economic challenges are getting a pathway to homeownership. In Enfield, the average annual …

More than six in every 1,000 people in the U.S. are behind bars, the highest incarceration rate in the world, despite the U.S. having lower crime rates than other countries. (Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />

Monday, April 22, 2024

Boston U. Prison Education Program celebrates 50 years of changing lives

Boston University's Prison Education Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is hoping to expand. Students at Massachusetts Correctional …

More than 70 million Americans have a criminal record that can create significant barriers to employment, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, April 22, 2024

New KY website offers 'Second Chance' job, recovery resources

A new website aims to help Kentuckians just out of prison re-enter their communities and find job training, employment and recovery services…

Workers harvest a field before the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. (Jeff Huth/Adobe Stock)

Annual farmworkers march supports WA tulip harvesters

An annual march for farmworkers' rights is being held Sunday in northwest Washington. This year, marchers are focusing on the conditions for local …

Senate Bill 2019, sponsored by Rep. Shane Reeves, R-Bedford, is expected to be signed by the governor. It would take effect July 1, 2024. (18percentgrey/Adobe Stock)

TN poised to expand access to opioid treatment at Community Health Centers

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Tennesseans struggling with opioid addiction, as a bill has been passed to increase access to treatment …

During a pregnancy, speak to a health care provider if something doesn't feel right. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Black Maternal Health Week ends, health disparities persist

While Black Maternal Health Week is wrapping up, health disparities for pregnant Black women continues to be an issue. From April 11-17 this year…

Faith in Action Alabama is a nonprofit working toward community safety, equal access to liberty and inclusive democracy. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama groups focus on year-round voter education, activism

Alabama civic-engagement groups are searching for strategies to maintain voter engagement outside of major election years. As candidates gear up for …

In March, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced House Bill 2063, which would reform the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. (Jasmina/AdobeStock)

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

A new report analyzes Pennsylvania's existing voucher programs, that divert public funds to private schools. This comes on the heels of Gov…

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the United States were living with diabetes, a disproportionate share of them Black or Asian, according to Policy Matters Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Nearly one million Ohioans have been diagnosed with diabetes, but the cost of insulin continues to be a barrier for people needing the medication…

A quarter of election officials reported being harassed or threatened in 2020. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Nationally, turnover in election officials reached 38.7% in 2022. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

In North Dakota's upcoming June 11th primary election, nearly 70 legislative races are on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections. But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with …

Turnover of election officials has been lower in smaller jurisdictions over the past two decades. (MyPhotoBuddy/Adobe Stock)

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Will California do reparations right?

By Erin Aubry Kaplan for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News …

According to data from Best Colleges, nearly half of states in the U.S. have either proposed anti-DEI legislation or could be in the process of drafting it. (Adobe Stock)

Students unite to defend DEI initiatives

Conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion are on the rise as lawmakers propose bills to restrict or ban DEI in state-funded institutions…

The Drug Enforcement Administration reported seizing more than 115,000 pounds of methamphetamine in 2020, marking a 55% surge compared with 2018. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Uncovering America's methamphetamine history

Missouri may, at one time, have had a reputation as the "meth-lab capital of the country" - but a five-part podcast uncovers its true history…

More than 400,000 people live in poverty in Arkansas, according to the Center for American Progress. (W.Scott McGill/AdobeStock)<br />

'Day on the Hill' in Arkansas calls for investment in families

Family advocates are at the State Capital for a "Day on the Hill" rally today, to voice their concerns to lawmakers about issues affecting Arkansans' …

The Health4All Coalition rallied in Sacramento on Monday, asking state lawmakers to open up the Covered California health insurance exchange to all people, regardless of their immigration status. (Ed Sifuentes/CA Immigrant Policy Center)

Coalition presses to open health exchange to undocumented Californians

This week, groups fighting for health equity known as the Health4All campaign are asking the California Legislature to remove barriers to the …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

According to a Pew Research study, while a significant majority of Black adults support providing reparations to descendants of enslaved people in the U.S., only a small minority of white Americans shares the same view. (f11photo/Adobe Stock)

TN reparations ban bill set for vote today

The Tennessee House of Representatives plans to vote today on House Bill 474, to end the study of reparations in the state. A Memphis nonpartisan …

$During his 17 years in prison, relatives said Brian Dorsey was committed to improving himself and remained infraction-free throughout his long incarceration. (Felipe Caparr�s/Adobe Stock)$

Missouri carries out its first execution of 2024

Missouri went through with its first execution of the year, as Brian Dorsey was put to death last night, just after 6 p.m. CT. The U.S. Supreme …

A new law in Washington state will look into why ballots are rejected during the voting process. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

The process for correcting ballot errors is set to become easier this year thanks to a bill passed in Olympia this session. Lawmakers unanimously …

Alabama's Senate Bill 1 makes it a crime for anyone, except in specific situations, to

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

Alabama's front line advocates focused on disability, voting and civil rights are taking legal action against what they see as voter suppression…

In the last decade, West Virginia state jails were the deadliest in the country, with 91 people who have died in jails over the past four years. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As WV’s jail crisis mounts, ‘Second Look’ policies gain traction

Amid overcrowding and unsafe conditions in West Virginia jails, state lawmakers introduced bills that would allow judges to take a 'second look' at …

Nearly three in 10 (27%) dual-eligible Missourians enrolled in D-SNPs in 2021. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Dual Special Needs Plans such as Medicare Advantage in Missouri offer low costs with minimal co-pays and deductibles. In Missouri and across the …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

According to leading support organizations, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Amid higher autism rates, calls grow for community acceptance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. Rates are much higher than a …

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

Operation Food Search distributes $30 million worth of food and necessities each year to 330 community partners in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-…

A new report says as a result of budget appropriation increases, within a few years, North Carolina taxpayers will be spending more than $520 million per year on private-school tuition. (Adobe Stock)

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

School vouchers in North Carolina were intended to expand educational options for low-income families. However, the report "NC School Vouchers: Using …

The teal ribbon represents sexual assault awareness and prevention during the month of April. (sulit.photos/Adobe Stock)

Call for more inclusive coverage during Sexual Assault Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Advocates for sexual assault survivors in Idaho and across the country are pushing for a more …

First Day Forward staff offer free Narcan and program pamphlets. (Northeastern Kentucky Substance Use Response Coalition via Facebook)

Reentry program for people incarcerated offers a model for others

By Taylor Sisk for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabor…

A new collective bargaining contract for TSA officers working in Oregon airports will allow for the ability to bargain over local issues. (Dmitry/Adobe Stock)

Oregon TSA officers improve working conditions with new contract

Airport security officers in Oregon are celebrating what they say will be better working conditions, after ratifying a new collective bargaining …

A 2019 Homeland Security inspector general report found one in five TSA screeners were quitting after 6 months. One of the biggest reasons was low pay and lack of opportunity for advancement. (Adobe Stock)

NY TSA workers’ contract provides better working conditions

New York transportation safety officers will see improved working conditions thanks to a newly ratified contract. The new American Federation of …

Straw purchases for guns are already a felony under federal law, but Minnesota lawmakers are expressing the need to do the same under state law following the recent fatal shooting of three first responders in a Twin Cities suburb. (Adobe Stock)

Tragedy has MN lawmakers focused on straw purchases for guns

Minnesota lawmakers return this week following an Easter break. They're expected to resume talks on a gun-safety proposal seeing renewed urgency…

According to research from the Brennan Center, if the voter participation gap had not existed in 2020, 9 million more ballots would have been cast. (Adobe Stock)

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

In the battle for democracy, grassroots organizations throughout the South are actively engaging voters on the issues that directly affect their …

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North …

Downtown Winnebago is in northeast Nebraska's Thurston County. The Ho-Chunk Village housing development can be seen in the background. (Photo courtesy HCCDC)

Winnebago Tribe's development corp earns top rating, $2 million grant

The Nebraska Winnebago Tribe's Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation, or HCCDC, has been awarded $2 million through MacKenzie Scott's Yield …

Univstats.com reports for the 2022-2023 academic year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign had nearly 57,000 students. The University of Illinois Chicago ranked second with almost 34,000 and Northwestern University was third with almost 24,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

Tech help comes to the college admissions process

This story is based on reporting by Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.The broadcast version is by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service, reporting …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

About one-quarter of Maine farmworkers live in poverty, and they are roughly 4.5 times as likely to live below the poverty line as other workers in the state, according to the Maine Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

Effort continues to ensure state minimum wage for ME farmworkers

Legislation proposed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills would ensure thousands of farmworkers are eligible to receive the state minimum wage. Current law …

An estimated 16% of coal workers are affected by black lung disease and after decades of improvement, the number of cases of the disease is on the rise again, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock).<br />

Black Lung cases rise, as federal benefits stagnate

The benefit payments miners sick with black lung disease receive are not keeping pace with the cost of living, a new analysis showed. Current …

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Social Justice

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

NE advocates foresee new voting-restoration law helping individuals, state

MS group backs health-center alternative to incarceration

Rural North Carolina town gets pathway to homeownership

Boston U. Prison Education Program celebrates 50 years of changing lives

New KY website offers 'Second Chance' job, recovery resources

Annual farmworkers march supports WA tulip harvesters

TN poised to expand access to opioid treatment at Community Health Centers

As Black Maternal Health Week ends, health disparities persist

Alabama groups focus on year-round voter education, activism

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

Will California do reparations right?

Students unite to defend DEI initiatives

Uncovering America's methamphetamine history

'Day on the Hill' in Arkansas calls for investment in families

Coalition presses to open health exchange to undocumented Californians

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

TN reparations ban bill set for vote today

Missouri carries out its first execution of 2024

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

As WV’s jail crisis mounts, ‘Second Look’ policies gain traction

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Amid higher autism rates, calls grow for community acceptance

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

Call for more inclusive coverage during Sexual Assault Prevention Month

Reentry program for people incarcerated offers a model for others

Oregon TSA officers improve working conditions with new contract

NY TSA workers’ contract provides better working conditions

Tragedy has MN lawmakers focused on straw purchases for guns

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Winnebago Tribe's development corp earns top rating, $2 million grant

Tech help comes to the college admissions process

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Effort continues to ensure state minimum wage for ME farmworkers

Black Lung cases rise, as federal benefits stagnate