Community Issues and Volunteering / Public News Service

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Election Assistance Commission, there are approximately 168 million registered voters in the United States. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

MI voting group energized for National Voter Registration Day

As Michigan gears up for November's pivotal presidential election, the League of Women Voters of Michigan is ramping up efforts to make this National …

Early voting for the upcoming general election runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

TX League of Women Voters participates in National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are holding voter registration events across the …

Toledo's Dorr Street once boasted more than 130 businesses between Collingwood Blvd. and Detroit Ave., including retail shops, restaurants, lodging, medical offices, entertainment venues, and services like auto repair, laundry and beauty salons. (Wikimedia Commons)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Local leaders revive Toledo’s historic 'Black Wall Street'

Toledo's historic Dorr Street Corridor was once the beating heart of Black culture, wealth and business in the city. Now, community leaders and local …

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 …

According to the newly-formed South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, over 100,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including 24,000 children. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

In observance of Hunger Action Month, a new statewide collaborative has launched to address food insecurity in South Dakota. Nearly 14% of U.S…

In breaking down Minnesota's Latino population by age, nearly 223,000 are working-age adults between 18 and 64 years old. (Adobe stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month

Over the weekend, Hispanic Heritage Month got underway. In Minnesota, people are recognizing the diversity within these populations, as well as …

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

Monday, September 16, 2024

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…

Hunger Action Month started in 2008 when Feeding America's food banks came together to encourage individuals to take action against hunger in their local communities. (Adobe stock)

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Hoosiers are marking Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign led by the Feeding America Network, to raise awareness and fight hunger across the U.…

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

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 …

One of the requirements to be a vendor at Hudson's annual Latinx Festival is having someone on staff who is bilingual in English and Spanish. (Tony Ramirez/Columbia County Sanctuary Movement)

Hudson, NY, holds its 4th Annual Latinx Festival

Hudson, New York will hold its fourth annual Latinx Festival on Sunday. The festival celebrates a wide range of cultures through food, dancing and …

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 …

The 9/11 attacks were the worst attacks on American soil since Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. (angel_nt/Adobe Stock)

MO veterans remember 9/11 with acts of service

On the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, veterans throughout Missouri and beyond are dedicating themselves to community service as a tribute to …

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 …

In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Vice Presidential nominees Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have been holding plenty of campaign events in battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

For the 2024 presidential election, Wisconsin has retained its status as a battleground state. That means voters are hearing a lot from campaigns …

Renewal Village's strong partnerships, including with the the Colorado Division of Housing and Adams County, helped tap four million federal dollars to create a new home for families experiencing homelessness. (Galatas)

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Renewal Village, a converted Clarion Inn featuring 215 units of permanent supportive and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness…

A 2018 study estimated 33% of Baltimore City is a food desert. (Adobe Stock)

Baltimore food deserts highlighted during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and advocates in Baltimore City are calling attention to expanding food deserts. Over the summer the Giant Foods …

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

A new study suggests that partisanship is less pronounced in local races when a particular local issue is deeply felt by voters. (The Stock Photo Girl/Adobe Stock)<br />

Study: 40% of voters willing to cross party lines on local issues

A common narrative suggests that deeply polarized American voters always support their party's candidates, but a new study suggests otherwise in …

Close to 4 million tons of food waste ends up in New York City landfills yearly, which comprises 20% of the city's waste. (Adobe Stock)

NYC nonprofit helps communities fight food insecurity

A New York City nonprofit is helping communities fight food insecurity. Rethink Food began in 2017 with the mission of taking excess food from top …

The UUH Outreach Program in Northwest Philadelphia is using its funding to provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

In Pennsylvania, civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to …

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

Nearly three in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

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 2024 Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin drew about 700 delegates to Carthage College. (braver angels.org)

NM's Braver Angels offers political junkies an alternative to divisiveness

There's evidence that respectful conversations about politics - while not changing hearts or minds - can lead to greater understanding on both sides…

1 in 5 U.S. voters is a caregiver, providing $600 billion in unpaid labor annually, according to AARP.(Adobe Stock)

Online resource guide helps Mainers prepare for upcoming elections

A new online resource guide is available to help Mainers prepare for the upcoming presidential election. It includes key dates for voter …

A group hopes to curb the country's divisive rhetoric through conversations. (Julien Eichinger/Adobe Stock)

ID project aims to heal democracy through conversation

An Idaho project is working to bridge the political divide harming the country's democracy. The United Vision Project facilitates meaningful …

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

Nevada has seen an exodus of poll workers since 2020. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

NV lawmakers will consider changes to its elections process

Nevada lawmakers will consider changes to the state's election laws next year. Most proposals are minor, like adding small filing costs for primary …

A new documentary short captures how these organizations are innovating to open doors for Missoula residents to become property owners (Neighborkworks Montana)

Montana group uses co-op model to take on housing crisis

A coalition of advocates is using a novel approach to address the housing shortage in Missoula, helping renters become owners. Prices and …

Officer hiring and retention has struggled since 2020 amid rising public distrust in policing and concerns over excessive violence from forces. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock

Report: Police apprenticeships can help combat officer shortages

Police departments across the U.S. have struggled with officer shortages in recent years but a new report showed how youth apprenticeship programs …

The Sage Creek Community Club could soon be on the National Register of Historic Places. (Alliance for Historic Wyoming)

Bighorn Basin community halls tour to promote preservation efforts

The Sage Creek Community Club is 100 years old this year and is one stop on a tour this weekend of similar buildings in the region. The small…

People are asked to turn off all non-essential lights from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night during migration season. (babaroga/Adobe Stock)

Texans asked to turn lights out during migratory bird season

The fall migration period for birds is underway, and the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife is trying to save as many birds as possible. The Lights …

An AARP survey found 89% of people age 50+, and 90% of those ages 18-49, own a smartphone.(Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds Lincoln 'Digital Literacy' project for seniors

Many seniors report using technology on a regular basis but those who do not risk missing out due to its role in so much of daily life. "Digital …

A yurt Airbnb rental in Berea, Ky. owned by HomeGrown HideAways. (Facebook/HomeGrown HideAways)<br />

As KY short-term rentals thrive, housing affordability concerns persist

Eastern Kentucky communities are grappling with a ballooning short-term rental market. This year, the town of Stanton in the Red River Gorge was …

Each Community Action Agency is different, but many offer help with resume building and interview readiness as low-income individuals try to find stable work. (Adobe Stock)

60 years into war on poverty: ND agencies prioritize adaptability

For six decades, the U.S. has been carrying out a coordinated effort to keep poverty levels in check. Support offices in North Dakota say while …

Yellow Springs Development Corp. has applied for a $200,000 Department of Energy prize for the microgrid project. The prize winners will be selected by the end of August. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

Solar microgrids bring energy and opportunity to Yellow Springs

The small community of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is leading an innovative effort to harness renewable energy while directly supporting low-income …

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, are points of connection between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes for bulk carrier vessels. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Federal agencies, local leaders discuss economic boost for northern MI

Nearly 100 local groups, officials and labor leaders welcomed federal and agency representatives to Sault Ste. Marie for a two-day discussion and …

Kids are invited to paint skateboards during the festival, one of many events at RedCan that complements the murals painted by visiting artists. (Cheyenne River Youth Project)

Youth 'Graffiti Jam' hits 10th year on Cheyenne River Reservation

By Kate Mothes for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

The Empowering the Age group in Gaithersburg funded a program to provide older adults with individualized technology supported by high school students, teaching the adults skills to help them communicate online with family members and medical providers. (Adobe Stock)

Community Challenge grants help nonprofits benefit MD seniors

A relatively small amount of money can go a long way toward helping seniors in Maryland and across the country live better lives. AARP's Community …

The vast majority of poll workers in Maine are women, college-educated and are retired, according to a survey by the Scholars Strategy Network. (Adobe Stock)

ME poll workers get closeup view of 'democracy in action'

Maine election officials are encouraging registered voters to sign up as poll workers ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. While some poll worker …

Counties across the nation are hiring now, in order to be ready for the presidential election on Nov. 5. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Good-gov groups promote National Poll Worker Recruitment Day

Today is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day - and county elections offices across California are staffing up. The event was established by the …

As of 2022, West Marion had a population of about 916, according to DataUSA. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Local investment empowers rural NC communities

Rural areas often lack essential resources but one North Carolina community is proving how local action and investment can make a difference…

AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to provide safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy. Marissa Volpe, associate …

Green spaces are valuable, cost-effective public health resources that can drive mental, physical, and environmental outcomes for communities, according to the Trust for Public Land. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit receives funds to improve Reno community park

A Nevada nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for elders is among the 343 organizations nationwide to receive funding for quick-action…

Huntington, W.Va., resident Lindsey Crittendon, a former social worker, is a graduate of NewForce, a fully remote and tuition-free coding school program. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Program creates jobs for West Virginians to stay in their communities

This article was produced by Resource Rural.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Resource Rural-Public…

New EPA rules on tailpipe pollution are expected to lead to $62 billion in reduced annual fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for drivers. (Adobe Stock)

EPA clean-car standards projected to bring $100B annual benefits

Clean-air advocates in Colorado are celebrating new EPA standards, which they believe can play a major role in reducing air pollution impacting …

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