Public News Service

Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group Student advocates say the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative has already helped to grow cultural food options at Middlesex Community College, enroll eligible students for SNAP benefits at UMass Boston and provide meals for homeless students during breaks at Salem State University. (MASSPIRG)

MA students urge lawmakers to fund campus anti-hunger efforts

A coalition of college students and administrators is asking state lawmakers to help fight food insecurity on campus. The group is asking for $2 …

The American Federation of Teachers in Amesbury is calling on the School Committee to support an 8.04% increase to ensure level services for students and retain staff and reject an initial 3.16% proposal, which they say would be

">

Proposed Amesbury school budget cuts rally parents, educators

The Amesbury School Committee will hear from educators and parents tonight as they rally to prevent more than $2 million in proposed cuts to their sch…

40% of public schools nationwide reported it was very difficult or difficult to fill mental health professional roles, during the 2022-23 school year. (Adobe Stock)

School counselors teach time management to counter students’ high rates of stress

Time management is an essential skill for academic success, but school counselors say it can also help counter students' increasing struggles with …

Over the last decade, the average grant aid per full-time undergraduate student has doubled, from $5,190 in 2001 to $10,590 in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

MA families in limbo as college financial-aid awards delayed

Families in Massachusetts will have to wait even longer for financial aid offers from colleges and universities this year because of an error in the F…

There were 45 book challenges in Massachusetts in 2022 affecting 57 titles, however no books have been banned in the state, according to the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Legislation aims to classify book bans as federal civil rights violations

New federal legislation would classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights law. The Books Save Lives Act would ensure …

The cost to attend public colleges in Massachusetts is increasing faster than it is in any other state, while the average graduate in Massachusetts carries more than $33,000 in debt. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan payment restart riddled with errors for MA borrowers

A new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found the repayment process for federal student loans has been filled with errors…

This past spring, the Federal Trade Commission accused Amazon of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rule through its Alexa service by keeping the voice recordings of children indefinitely and failing to delete children's transcripts, even when requested by parents. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer watchdog: ‘Smart toys” put kids' privacy at risk

With the holiday shopping season underway, a consumer watchdog report is warning parents about the privacy risks associated with so-called 'smart …

Among households with a high school or college student, 44% said they experienced some form of educational disruption due to COVID-19, according to a BestColleges survey. They also responded they were worried about negative impacts on their students' ability to enroll or continue enrollment in college. (Adobe Stock)

Schools aim to prevent second-year college stop-outs

Colleges nationwide are improving services for students to ensure they stay enrolled after the challenging first two years. Administrators say their …

Study finds youth voter turnout higher with mail-in voting

States in which all eligible voters are automatically mailed ballots had significantly higher youth voter turnout rates in 2020, according to a new …

Legislation introduced in Massachusetts would teach students about the Native American history of the region and the contemporary Indigenous peoples who live here, including the Aquinnah Wampanoag, Mashpee Wampanoag, Nipmuc and Massachusett. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA aims to teach Native American heritage, improve mental health

Advocates for Native American students in Massachusetts are working to improve high school graduation rates by improving students' mental health…

Lawmakers and environmental groups celebrate creation of the American Climate Corps. It's part of the Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. (Office of Sen. Ed Markey)

Lawmakers, youth activists celebrate creation of American Climate Corps

A new federal jobs program aims to mobilize tens of thousands of young Americans to address the growing threats of climate change. The American …

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows 31% of Latino children and 18% of African-American children in Massachusetts live in poverty, compared to 7% of white children.<br />(Adobe Stock)

MA Part of Growing State Movement for Expanded Tax Credits

Massachusetts is on track to become the eighteenth state this year to enact targeted tax credits to help alleviate childhood poverty. New polling …

High school graduation rates in Massachusetts increased in the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, which did not have to pass the MCAS due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Citizens for Public Schools. (Adobe Stock)

Parents, Educators Urge End to MCAS Graduation Requirement

Parents and educators in Massachusetts are joining forces to end the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) high school graduation requi…

Because of increased revenues in the recently passed state budget, many public school districts across Massachusetts will see the minimum aid per student double from $30 to $60. (Adobe Stock)

MA Lawmakers Approve Tuition Equity for Undocumented Students

Students won big in the recently approved Massachusetts state budget. Lawmakers approved an additional $150 million in financial aid for students …

The cost of free public higher education for Massachusetts has been estimated to be between $1 billion and $1.6 billion per yearm but advocates note that increased public higher education spending also leads to increased tax revenues and savings in state spending programs. (Adobe Stock)

Higher Ed Advocates: Cherish Act Could Help Counter Supreme Court Decisions

Education advocates in Massachusetts say state lawmakers could help counter the Supreme Court's recent decisions to end affirmative action and student…

The child care crisis is costing the American economy $122 billion a year in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue and putting great stress on parents, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Inaccessible, Unaffordable Child Care Hurts MA Families

Massachusetts ranks first in the nation for education and children's health but a lack of quality child care poses great challenges for families…

Fewer than half of transition-age young people received one or more of the federally funded foster-care services meant to prepare them for success as adults between 2013 and 2021, according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fewer Youth Transition Out of MA Foster Care System

The number of children transitioning out of the foster care system has dropped significantly in Massachusetts, according to a new report. The number …

Researchers are studying how social media use relates to anxiety and depression through feelings of inadequacy relative to

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

Federal legislation aimed at protecting children and teens online has gained the support of leading advocates for children's health and privacy…

Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day on screens are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems, while students who have screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on academic tests than do those who do not. (Adobe Stock)

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Starting today, families throughout Massachusetts will swap their digital entertainment for the annual challenge of "Screen-Free Week." The global …

Educators in Massachusetts support passage of the Thrive Act, which would remove high-stakes testing requirements for graduation, end state takeover of public school districts with low test scores, and allow districts to create alternative assessment systems. (Adobe Stock)

MA Educators Rally for Passage of the Cherish Act

Hundreds of advocates for higher education will gather in Springfield today, where they will lobby in support of what they call a transformative …

2023 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Dani Charbonneau, who runs the Project Vine Alternative Program at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, is the first Martha's Vineyard teacher to win the state's top award for educators. (MTA)

MA Teacher of the Year: “There’s Room for Alternatives”

Massachusetts, like other states, continues to struggle with a shortage of teachers. But for one English teacher at Martha's Vineyard Regional High …

New polling from the Massachusetts Teachers Association finds 83% of respondents favored establishing a state commission to study and make recommendations on a better student assessment system, one that considers more than just standardized test scores. (Adobe Stock)

Public Supports Changes to High-Stakes Testing for MA Students

As educators across Massachusetts prepare to administer high-stakes tests for students this spring, new polling shows the public supports changes to …

MA 'Baby Bonds' Bill Aims to Close Racial Wealth Gap

Legislation introduced in the Commonwealth aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by creating a statewide "Baby Bonds" program. The investments are …

The manufacturing industry regained 63% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but the remaining 570,000 had not been added back by the end of 2020, despite a near-record number of job openings in the sector. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /> The manufacturing industry regained 63% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but the remaining 570,000 had not been added back by the end of 2020, despite a near-record number of job openings in the sector. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Voc-Tech Schools in MA Help Reduce Skills Gap

Educators say Masschusetts's system of vocational-technical high schools could serve as a model for other states struggling with a critical shortage o…

Massachusetts voters approved the Fair Share Amendment, also known as the

MA Educators Celebrate Passage of Fair Share Amendment

Educators across the Commonwealth say voters showed their commitment to public education in the midterm election by passing the Fair Share Amendment…

The Massachusetts Teachers Association says high-stakes testing in schools is diverting precious time and energy needed for teaching and supporting students mental-health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Not Enough School Counselors to Meet Needs of MA Students

In Massachusetts schools, the counselor-to-student ratio is critically high, with one counselor for every 364 students. Some 70% of public schools …

A University of Massachusetts study showed an uptick in sports betting in recent years is due partly to the increase in states that allow it, from 10 in 2019, to 30 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Kids' Exposure to Sports Betting a Risky Gamble in MA

Young people in the Commonwealth were already exposed to sports betting even before it was made legal last month. So, what will Massachusetts do to …

In fall of 2021, more than 4,000 students were enrolled in early college programs across the Commonwealth. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Early College Gives MA High School Students Head Start on Degrees

A new report found when high school students enroll in early college programs, it improves the chances they will go on to college after graduation…

Advocates for and families of children and teens facing mental-health crises say emergency departments are not healthy for kids to stay in for days or weeks. (chrisdorney/Adobe Stock)

Mental-Health Program Provides Alternative to Emergency-Room Boarding

On a given day in Massachusetts, more than 100 children and teenagers are brought to hospital emergency rooms because they're facing a mental-health …

For college students or young adults entering the workforce, analysts say short-term insurance plans can help with unexpected injuries or medical events before another plan kicks in. (Adobe Stock)

Preparing for College This Fall? Don't Forget Health Coverage

As graduating seniors in Massachusetts and around the U.S. carve out their immediate future, they are reminded to make health insurance a priority…

Around 40% of young people who've experienced care will experience homelessness. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

MA Group: Campus-Based Supports Needed for Former Foster Youth

May is National Foster Care Month, and groups that serve foster youths and families say improvements are needed for outcomes and to reduce …

Wealthier suburbs of Boston have higher vaccination rates for younger children than do poorer areas of the Commonwealth. (Suriyawut/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators, Parents: Schools Need Comprehensive COVID Protection Plan

Parents, educators and school nurses are calling on Gov. Charlie Baker to take steps toward a comprehensive state-run COVID-19 protection plan…

The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary of Education has until February 2022 to review an application for a new charter school in New Bedford. (Olesya Shelomova/Adobe Stock)

Hearing Today on New Bedford Charter School Proposal

NEW BEDFORD, Ma. -- The state holds a public hearing today on a new charter school to serve New Bedford and Fall River students, and advocates for …

One in 30 teens ages 13 to 17 experience some form of homelessness without a parent or guardian during a year. (Taylor Pecko-Reid/Flickr)

"Path to Help" Campaign: Resources for Homeless MA Youth

BOSTON -- The holidays can be a tough time for many young people who have aged out of foster care or don't have a stable home situation, and …

The Worcester city manager has announced school resource officers will be removed by the end of the year, following Easthampton's example from earlier this year. (Jazmine/Adobe Stock)

Report: More Student Support Needed to End School-to-Prison Pipeline

BOSTON -- With the new school year in full swing, a new report from the Sentencing Project outlines key steps Massachusetts and other states could …

Massachusetts raised the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18 in 2013, the fourth state to do so. (Flickr)

Report: 'Raise the Age' Law in MA Reduced Youth Detention

BOSTON - The number of kids and teens detained in Massachusetts has decreased since the state started treating arrested 17-year-olds as juveniles rath…

In a recent Census Bureau survey, more than 40% of Massachusetts households where at least one member planned to pursue higher education canceled or reduced their course load during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Disparities Persist in MA Despite Top Rank for Child Well-Being

BOSTON -- A new report ranks Massachusetts 'Number One' nationally among states for overall child well-being, but advocates for children and families …

A Greater Boston Food Bank survey found that only one in three adults experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts is getting food from charitable sites, like food pantries. (Adobe Stock)

High Demand for Food Assistance Persists in MA

BOSTON -As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and the country opens up, some Massachusetts residents are still feeling the ripple effects of the …

Roughly 18,500 households in Massachusetts are excluded from the Earned Income Tax Credit because at least one member can't get a Social Security number. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Should Open Earned Income Tax Credit to Working Immigrants

BOSTON -- Groups are calling on Massachusetts to open up the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to working residents who pay taxes but may not qual…

The University of Massachusetts system is the Commonwealth's third-largest employer. (Wikimedia Commons)

UMass Workers Urge Campuses to Shore Up Shortages

BOSTON -- Workers in the University of Massachusetts (UMass) system say short-staffing is putting undue strain on existing employees, and limiting …

Parents can opt their child out of taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System statewide standardized test by speaking to or sending a letter to their principal. (Have a nice day/Adobe Stock)

Educators: Students' Needs More Pressing than Standardized Tests

BOSTON - State officials are making changes to this year's plans for the statewide standardized test, known as the 'MCAS,' or Massachusetts …

Twenty-six states plus Washington D.C. are already allowing some or all of their school employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. (felipecaparros/Adobe Stock)

Educators, Firefighters: Speed Up Teacher Vaccinations Now

BOSTON -- Teachers unions, along with firefighters and other labor unions, have asked the state to support a pilot program to rapidly vaccinate all …

In 2019, Massachusetts lawmakers passed a law called the Student Opportunity Act to provide funding to bridge the gap between wealthy and low-income school districts. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Teachers Unions: MA Budget for Education Falls Short

BOSTON -- Educators and labor leaders in Massachusetts say the level of funding for education in Gov. Charlie Baker's proposed state budget falls …

In a new Harvard Graduate School of Education study, more than half of fathers report they're getting to know their children better. (digitalskillet1/Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic Brings Fathers and Children Closer

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- As families deal with the stresses of working and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Harvard Graduate School of …

More than two-thirds of Massachustts school districts are planning for at least some in-person instruction as they begin the school year. (Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikimedia)

Coalition to Safely Reopen MA Schools Voices Ventilation Concerns

BOSTON - Most Massachusetts educators are returning to classrooms soon after Labor Day. But the Coalition to Safely Reopen Schools is urging …

A new training and recruitment program for Massachusetts poll workers incorporates input from town clerks across the state. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups Recuit, Train Poll Workers to Fill COVID-19 Vacancies

BOSTON -- Good-government groups are partnering with local election officials to recruit and train students and other young people to fill poll-worker…

Gov. Charlie Baker says he is pleased that most school districts are planning for at least some in-person instruction. (https://www.vperemen.com/Wikimedia Commons)

Nine in 10 MA Parents Concerned Kids Will Get COVID at School

BOSTON -- Nine out of ten Massachusetts parents are concerned their children will catch COVID-19 if school buildings open soon, according to a new …

Groups that promote unity and social harmony are encouraging Americans to find ways to connect despite social distancing. (#WeavingCommunity)

Online Campaign Aims to Weave Community During COVID-19 Crisis

BOSTON -- A new online campaign called #WeavingCommunity aims to confront the social crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their website…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - April 16, 2024

2024Talks - April 16, 2024

The Yonder Report - April 11, 2024

MA: Youth