skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

At dueling rallies, Harris stresses unity as Trump attacks Biden's 'garbage' remark; Survey: Election poses a threat of business disruptions; WI's voter ID law can be a nightmare for student voters; Right-wing comedians gain ground in conventionally liberal spaces.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Donald Trump responds to Biden's 'garbage' comment. Hispanic Americans are outraged by insults about Puerto Rico, and climate-smart technology could be a key election issue.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A Montana court will decide the fate of a climate lawsuit brought by youth, housing for working families could boost jobs in the Northeast, and a Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others.

Critical Iowa kids' issues hang in election balance

play audio
Play

Wednesday, October 30, 2024   

The Save the Children Action Network is asking Iowans to support candidates in the upcoming election who invest time and political muscle in solving children's issues.

Paige Chickering, Iowa state manager for the Save the Children Action Network, is reminding voters about the importance of early education, high-quality affordable child care and school meals for kids. She noted a growing percentage of them are hungry and their families rely on some form of government help.

"In Iowa specifically, USDA data show that about 40% of SNAP beneficiaries -- and that's the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- are children," Chickering explained. "About one in six children, 15.4%, face hunger in Iowa, according to a Feeding America study."

Chickering pointed out the Save the Children Action Network has endorsed a slate of bipartisan candidates in statewide races who have adopted strong positions on children's issues, including taking on hunger in Iowa.

Chickering highlighted a Ready Nation study shows the critical shortage of child care options in Iowa is costing the state at least $1.2 billion in parents' lost wages and productivity every year. She added helping kids should not be up for debate.

"The issue of prioritizing children in Iowa is a really, truly bipartisan issue," Chickering asserted. "It's been really clear from all the people that we've worked with, our volunteers, everyone we've spoken with, that this is something that everyone is prioritizing."

The action network is also calling on Iowa politicians to approve the summer "Sun Bucks" program in 2025, which would make food available to lower-income families when kids are out of school for the summer. Iowa opted out of the program this year.

Disclosure: Save the Children contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Early Childhood Education, Education, Poverty Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Albany teachers are asking for a stipend for the extra work they have to do outside their classrooms. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

The Greater Albany Education Association has voted to strike in as soon as 10 days if no agreement is reached on a new contract with the Greater Alban…


Social Issues

play sound

In Ohio, the debate over Issue One has stirred strong emotions among residents and community leaders. For many, the proposal to establish a …

Social Issues

play sound

Ohio's U.S. Senate race between the incumbent, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Republican Bernie Moreno has become one of the most expensive in …


Social Issues

play sound

Lack of diversity in the medical field is a big problem. Data show fewer than 6% of active physicians in the U.S. are Black and fewer than 7% are …

Latino anglers bait their hooks in Imperial Beach, Calif. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Environment

play sound

Hispanic families who fish to put food on the table are disproportionately affected by mercury, which accumulates in seafood in Southern California…

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Deanna Pistono for MinnPost.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service C…

play sound

A new survey of public company audit firms reveals businesses are concerned the upcoming election could affect their financial performance. The …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021