Youth Issues / Public News Service

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat. The new survey from the Center for the Future of …

IU Health is expanding its suicide prevention efforts by training staff to better support individuals from different backgrounds. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

By Reyna Revelle for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service …

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Critics of Colorado Amendment 80 warn the move would siphon taxpayer dollars away from already underfunded public schools into private religious schools. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, up to $31 trillion in U.S. economic activity hinges on helping young people complete learning delayed by the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Palm Beach County schools are working to curb chronic absenteeism, which has surged since the pandemic. Nearly 39% of Palm Beach County students …

People are reminded to check their voter registration status on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and some young people in Washington state are encouraging people in their age group to ensure they're …

Public education advocates believe without adequate funding, North Carolina's public schools will continue to face severe challenges, including teacher shortages, lack of support staff and deteriorating facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Advocates for public education are reacting to the North Carolina House passing legislation to funnel millions of state dollars into private school vo…

A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows the rate of children without health insurance in New Mexico was 5.9% in 2023, compared to 5.4% nationwide. (FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

A new federal report shows anti-poverty policies enacted by New Mexico are making a big difference. This month, the U.S. Census Bureau has released …

As of 2021, California was 18th in the nation for lowest rate of youth confined in juvenile justice facilities, at 58 youth per 100-thousand. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

The number of youth held in juvenile justice facilities in California and across the U.S. dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022 - according to a new …

Minnesota's Center for Rural Policy and Development said in rural settings, parents are often forced to take a child to the emergency room during a mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Gaps in mental health care are a common research topic right now and for Minnesota youth in rural areas, a new report showed their families face big …

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank sent a "glowing" invitation to encourage food and financial contributions during September's Hunger Action Month…

A joint tax return is required for married couples to claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit at the end of the tax year. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

PA tax credit expansion increases support for child, dependent care

Pennsylvania families facing challenges with child and dependent care expenses may now benefit from a significant state tax break. The expansion of …

According to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice 2023 Annual report, the average age of youth in the state's criminal justice system is 17. (Adobe Stock)

IL juvenile justice court alternative proves successful

Anyone age 18 or younger accused of violating Illinois law, who has formal charges filed against them, has historically had their case tried in a …

A healthy, safe and secure working environment is one of five top issues teachers in Texas say they're concerned about. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

TX teachers not discouraged by current political climate

Teachers nationwide say safety issues and politics can sometimes make it harder for them to do their jobs. A safe and secure workplace is one of 10 …

Youth Truth sponsors workshops to empower students to find their voice and get involved in their communities. (Ruby Wallau/YouthTruth)

Survey: Only 53% of high school students think voting is important

About 53% of high school students think voting is important, according to a survey out today from the nonprofit Youth Truth. Researchers polled 115,0…

Chronic absenteeism often signals a student may be experiencing untreated health needs, transportation problems, mental-health issues or other significant challenges. (Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)

Extreme weather equals 'extreme absence' from MI schools

Chronic absenteeism rates in Michigan schools have significantly declined, yet researchers warn the state's rate overall remains alarmingly high…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

More than 20% of Maine students age 6-11 have suffered from two or more adverse childhood experiences, including bullying or living with a parent with a mental illness, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Maine. The state's Department of Health and Human …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Operation Good works to improve life in Mississippi and recently held a community block party, inviting single moms and their kids to help to curb violence in Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Operation Good)

'Operation Good' collaborates with single moms to fight crime

A new initiative for single mothers and their sons is helping to combat crime and empower vulnerable community members in Jackson. The nonprofit …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Beyond additional support for K-12 schools, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill creating a free college tuition program for households earning annual incomes below $80,000. (Adobe Stock)

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S. With Gov. Tim Walz …

Childhood vaccines are stored in temperature-controlled refrigerators at pediatrician Eric Ball's practice in Orange County, Calif. (Jackie Forti�r/KFF Health News)

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

By Jackie Fortiér for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

Alabama public schools remain on high alert following a surge of online threats targeting schools, resulting in multiple arrests this week. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Montgomery officials demand responsible social media use after school threats

Montgomery County officials are asking students to use social media responsibly following a series of arrests stemming from online threats to local sc…

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

The Sierra Club said a third of all Americans, including 28 million children, do not have a park or natural space within a 10-minute walk of their home. (milicanistoran/Adobe Stock)

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

A national program to connect children and families with the outdoors is at risk of ending without help from Congress. The Every Kid Outdoors …

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

At least one-third of schools are fully accessible in eleven of New York City's 32 community school districts. Once the projects currently in the pipeline are done, at least one-third of schools will be disability accessible. (Adobe Stock)

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Although classes are back in session, all New York City public schools still aren't entirely disability accessible. Reports find more than two …

The mental health advocacy organization Inseperable recommended there be one school psychologist for every 500 students. (Adobe Stock)

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

School is back in session across Utah and mental health advocates want to ensure children and parents can access adequate school-based services…

A program in Washington state partners with school districts to help students attend college.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

WA program gets $35 million to help low-income students going to college

Funding is coming to a program supporting students from low-income families in Washington state who want to go on to college or postsecondary educatio…

Nationwide in 2021, 44% of youths in the one-day count of youth incarceration were in detention and 53% had been committed to a secure-placement facility, which is the juvenile equivalent of imprisonment. (Danheller/Adobe Stock)

TN youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

A new report showed the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall but disparities remain in Tennessee and nationwide. The Sentencing Project report …

The Parent Institute for Quality Education offers a

Nonprofit works to improve Latino graduation rates in CA

Latinos make up 40% of California's population and more than 56% of K-12 public school students. However, Latino high school graduation rates are …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

The last operational one-room schoolhouse in Sheridan County, Wyoming, the Slack School, was built in the 1880s, burned down in the 1920s and rebuilt in the 1930s. (Ashlee Gorham, Slack School)

School year begins in WY’s few remaining one-room schoolhouses

It is back-to-school season and for 11 students in Sheridan County, Wyoming, it means returning to a one-room schoolhouse. The Slack School was …

The mental health advocacy group Inseparable has published a checklist to promote mental health in schools, advocating annual well-checks for all students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, Delaware officials said school-based services have become essential in addressing issues…

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, fewer than 5% of youths arrested have any gang alert on their record. However, those with gang alerts are more likely to have been first arrested at age 12 or younger, and more likely to be serious, violent and chronic offenders. (athree23/Pixabay)

Report highlights decline in youth incarceration but challenges remain

A new report revealed while the United States has made significant progress in reducing youth incarceration rates, troubling disparities still exist…

Around 19% of students with disabilities attend four-year colleges and universities, compared with 40% of students without disabilities. Students with disabilities are more likely to attend two-year colleges or vocational schools, according to the Iris Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

A Nevada program is aiming to centralize transition services and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. It will help create a centralized …

Purdue University students Jason Packard and Rebecca Siener are trying to break the stigma around the Indiana Lifeline law and its effect on underage drinking.

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

By Kody Fisher for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Co…

Nearly three of four Colorado voters surveyed want lawmakers to ensure full funding for Healthy School Meals for All. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Colorado students will not go hungry this school year, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All initiative approved by voters in 2022. Their …

Research indicated between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings. Although they have community support for athletics, they often miss out on the training and daily interactions that are part of being a teacher. (Anela R/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

The Coach Beyond program, started by Ohio State University's Life Sports, is making waves across Ohio by helping coaches address more than just the …

The University of New Hampshire joins 429 higher education institutions that have joined the FirstGen Forward Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)<br />

UNH works to make 'first gen' students feel right at home

First generation students attending the University of New Hampshire benefit from a growing trove of campus resources to ensure their success…

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

A team of educators and supporters recently proposed changes to South Dakota's framework for Indigenous education, making the lessons more accessible …

The recommended ratio of school counselors to students is 250 to 1. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

As kids head back to school, advocates are calling for expanded access to school-based mental health services in Maryland and nationwide. The …

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported research showed Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexualities Alliances in schools can give LGBTQ+ students

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

As the new school year starts, Nebraska teachers will again be focusing on their students' emotional well-being and safety as well as academic …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 20, 2024

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Youth

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

PA tax credit expansion increases support for child, dependent care

IL juvenile justice court alternative proves successful

TX teachers not discouraged by current political climate

Survey: Only 53% of high school students think voting is important

Extreme weather equals 'extreme absence' from MI schools

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

'Operation Good' collaborates with single moms to fight crime

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

Pedatricians cut back on COVID shots as interest wanes

Experts want more school mental health services

Montgomery officials demand responsible social media use after school threats

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

Congress urged to protect outdoor program for 4th-graders

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

WA program gets $35 million to help low-income students going to college

TN youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

Nonprofit works to improve Latino graduation rates in CA

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

School year begins in WY’s few remaining one-room schoolhouses

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

Report highlights decline in youth incarceration but challenges remain

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

UNH works to make 'first gen' students feel right at home

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students