Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes a new provision starting in fiscal year 2028 that cuts the enhanced federal Medicaid match rate by 10% for states that offer full health benefits or financial help to buy coverage for individuals who are not legally in the United States. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Saturday 'No Kings' rallies in PA to protest Trump policies

More than 1,800 protests against President Donald Trump's agenda are planned nationwide Saturday, including more than 80 in Pennsylvania. The "No …

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Tennesseans to join 'No Kings' rallies Saturday to oppose Trump policies

Activists in Nashville are holding a rapid-response protest today for Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Meanwhile more than 1,800 "No Kings" rallies against …

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Colorado communities to join national 'No Kings' protests Saturday

As President Donald Trump celebrates his birthday on Saturday with a $45 million military parade in the nation's capital, organizers are expecting a …

If Congress enacts the budget reconciliation bill as currently written, the Campaign Legal Center contended the rule of law and democracy would be in jeopardy. (Adobe Stock)

'Hidden' provisions in U.S. budget bill raise concerns for AZ

As President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill sees an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate, a government watchdog group is raising concerns …

Some 17% of students surveyed said they felt like they could not express their opinion on a subject at least a couple of times a week because of how fellow students, a professor or the administration would respond. (Gatot/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX college students feel free speech is targeted

Texas colleges are getting mixed marks when it comes to protecting free speech on campus. The College Free Speech Rankings include survey results …

U.S. Senators are digging into the Trump administration's 1,116 page budget reconciliation bill that was already passed by House Republicans. (CreativeMania-AI enhanced/Adobe Stock)

Legal experts: Does rule of law still matter in second Trump term?

A government watchdog group is joining others in raising concerns about last-minute additions to the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of…

Summer food feeding sites can be found by texting

AR summer food programs prepare to feed students

With the start of summer, organizations across Arkansas are ramping up programs to ensure kids have access to healthy food. The No Kid Hungry …

There are currently some 15,000 producing oil and gas wells in Weld County, not counting shut-in wells and temporarily plugged and abandoned wells. (Adobe Stock)

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents

Over the past 12 months, 884 oil and gas spills were reported near homes in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Kersey, La Salle and Platteville, according to …

The report recorded more than 1,000 instances of students or student groups who were targeted for or received punishment for their speech. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Government increasingly involved in campus free speech crackdowns

Students and faculty are facing more investigations and punishment for exercising their right to protected speech on college campuses, according to a …

According to a 2024 report from the Center for American Women and Politics, 44 members of the Michigan House and 14 members of the state Senate are women. (Adobe Stock)

MI senator sponsors tax credit, cash allowance bills to help families

As families in Michigan and elsewhere struggle with daily living expenses, bills introduced this month could alleviate their financial burden…

In a Johns Hopkins University poll from last fall, nearly half of the U.S. electorate indicated they felt members of the opposing party aren't just wrong for politics - they're

Charting a new path for healthy political discourse in SD

In South Dakota and across the country, groups are working to help tone down the nation's heated political rhetoric. And experts are debating whether …

The race for Virginia governor is already set but some other local and down ballot races have competitive primaries this year. (Adobe Stock)

VA voters to decide nominees for local, statewide races in June primary

Voters in the Commonwealth have only a few more weeks to cast early ballots in the Democratic and Republican primary elections. Virginia voters have …

For now, North Dakota lawmakers are passing laws designed to provide property tax relief. But some policymakers, including the governor, hope to carve a path where homeowners pay little or no property taxes. (Adobe Stock)

ND's local governments press forward under new property tax laws

North Dakota's legislative session is in the rearview mirror, and the impact of hundreds of bills that were approved is still being assessed…

Among other 2025 bills passed, the Montana American Indian Caucus helped reauthorize Native language preservation programs and get formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day in the state. (Western Native Voice)

MT Native leaders: Civic engagement brings continued legislative wins

A Montana-based Indigenous advocacy group said it is increasing membership this year in a new way, with a traveling conference. Western Native Voice …

Opponents of a proof-of-citizenship bill before Texas lawmakers say many women in rural areas, who could get targeted by the bill, do not have a birth certificate matching their current last name. (Golib Tolibov/Adobe Stock AI)

Proposed proof-of-citizenship bill could impact all registered voters in Texas

Voting rights advocates in Texas are speaking out against a proof-of-citizenship bill before lawmakers. Senate Bill 16 would require new registrants …

Legal assistance groups said native voters in North Dakota have struggled for nearly a century for the right to vote and for inclusion in the democratic process. Despite a setback through the courts this week, they say they will keep defending those rights. (Adobe Stock)

Part of Voting Rights Act gutted for ND, other Midwestern states

Legal groups are weighing an appeal after a court ruling this week that left voters in several states, including North Dakota, at a disadvantage in …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found 89% said their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Vast majorities in VA, across globe back climate action

Nine in 10 people in Virginia and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a new …

High school and college students will take over the airwaves on the first and third Saturday in Arkansas in the revival of the PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show (avdyachenko/Adobe Stock)

Radio show gives AR students a voice

A groundbreaking radio show from the early 1990s is returning this weekend in Arkansas. The PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show will be back on the …

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a law shortening the time frame for voter registration, despite a 2024 Montana Supreme Court ruling a 2021 law banning same-day voter registration was unconstitutional. (MK Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

Montana governor signs law tightening voter registration window

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has seen the last few bills of the 2025 legislative session cross his desk and as the ink dries, policy experts reminded …

The California Voter Foundation said the most common question they get is,

CA lawmakers consider bill to reduce rejection of ballots

During every big election, tens of thousands of California voters make a mistake on their mail-in ballot and often get differing advice on how to fix …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 89% say their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

Nine in ten people in Colorado and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a …

The Indiana Citizen reports Lt. Gov. Beckwith also criticized

'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy

An Indiana debate over history and power is growing. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith recently defended the Three-Fifths Compromise in a social media video…

Alisa Advani spoke on May 1 to a crowd of hundred of Hoosiers outside the Indiana Statehouse. (Joe Ulery/Public News Service)

IN 50501 movement expands summer protests

Indiana activists with the 50501 movement will hold new protests this summer against the Trump administration. The effort, which stands for "50 …

Since Seattle's Democracy Voucher program was implemented in 2017, data show campaign donations from large contributions, over $250, have decreased by 93%. (Suriyo/Adobe Stock)

WA voting rights advocates push for democracy vouchers state-wide

Seattle's City Council voted last week to put the city's Democracy Voucher Program on the ballot to be renewed in August and supporters of the program…

Among the many Montana bills Western Native Voice advocated for this session is one recognizing Indigenous People's Day, in conjunction with Columbus Day. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Montana-based Native advocacy group opens D.C. office

On the heels of a busy Montana legislative session, the advocacy group Western Native Voice is setting its sights higher and opening a Washington…

Trump won 82 of Ohio's 88 counties in 2024, including Mahoning and Trumbull, two former Democratic strongholds, highlighting the state's ongoing political realignment. (Adobe Stock)

Power shift: Executive authority and Ohio’s political lean

President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office, and experts are watching how his executive actions may play out in the courts and …

About 54% of Latino voters in the poll describe the state of the economy as

Trump's first 100 days spark 'concern' among NV Latino voters

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Nevada are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters describ…

Poll: AZ Latino voters 'discouraged' after Trump's first 100 days

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Arizona are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters descri…

Wyoming teachers, firefighters and postal workers are some of the groups expected at the May Day rally Thursday in Casper. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming teachers, workers gather in Casper for May Day

Wyoming labor unions will gather Thursday in Casper in honor of May Day, a holiday celebrated in 80 countries commemorating the labor movement and …

Since 2020, Nevada legislators have increased access to the state's Effective Absentee System for Elections. It is now open for Nevada residents with disabilities and tribal voters who live on a colony or reservation in Nevada. (Aliaksandr Marko/Adobe Stock)

NV considers expanding internet voting, election expert says 'bad idea'

Nevadans do a lot online, from paying bills to shopping and even voting. Senate Bill 74, which would require the Secretary of State to allow …

A peaceful May Day demonstration will start at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, and end at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse. (Leonid Andronov/Adobe Stock)

'May Day' AZ protesters rally against Trump administration

Many Arizonans plan to show up at the State Capitol on Thursday, May Day, to protest potential cuts to safety net programs and advocate for public …

The Young Activist Leaders Program provides a place for young people to ask questions, educate each other, and explore social justice work together. (Carlo/Adobe Stock)

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A group of Washington youths, fresh from a grassroots leadership development program, is speaking up against the Trump Administration's plans to cut …

May Day is a traditional day for the immigrant rights movement to uplift workers and honor immigrant families. Undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $700 million in taxes to Oregon in 2023. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

A May Day mayday: A distress call for immigrant rights rally Thursday

On May 1, Oregon labor and immigrants' rights organizations are gathering in Salem calling for justice for immigrant workers and an end to mass …

Bonnie Miller, President of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, said

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester is facing legal action from the League of Women Voters of Arkansas. The organization filed a federal lawsuit …

In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

Every dollar invested in SNAP generates between $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. There are currently 3,100 authorized SNAP retailers in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Coloradans' hand-written letters on SNAP cuts heading to nation's capital

Two leading Colorado nonprofits working to end hunger are collecting hand-written letters from a wide range of people who would be directly impacted i…

Opponents of President Donald Trump's executive order on elections said it could also target Americans living abroad, including military personnel serving overseas. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting

Adrian Fontes, Arizona's Secretary of State, argued there is nothing wrong with American elections but some leaders in Washington, D.C., disagree…

Iowa's individual income tax rate ranges from 4.40% to 5.70%, according to the Tax Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts

Groups working for human rights causes in Iowa warn proposed cuts being debated in Congress would trickle down to the people least able to sustain the…

Among those who voted down Montana House Bill 838, which would have state Supreme Court candidates to identify a political party while running, were Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy; Rep. Sherry Essmann, R-Billings; and Valerie Moore, R-Plentywood. (Adobe Stock)

Push to make Montana judicial elections partisan fails

A handful of Montana bills pushing for partisan judicial elections as part of a broader movement in the state were defeated this month. Montana law …

There are 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in Wisconsin. Indigenous people make up about 1.5% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal communities see historic turnout at Wisconsin polls

Voter turnout from tribal communities in Wisconsin has increased in recent years, with historic numbers for the state Supreme Court election this …

As of 2025, 14 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring employers to offer paid sick leave. (Dzmitry/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Voters oppose MO House repeal of Prop A's sick-leave provision

Despite voter approval in November, Missouri lawmakers are moving to undo part of Proposition A, specifically, the clause requiring employers to …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Elon Musk claims Social Security can be cut by $500 billion without reducing people's benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security Administration as it works to reduce the size …

Dozens of voting jurisdictions across the U.S. have begun to use different voting options, like ranked-choice voting, over the past few years. The movement is seen as a way to boost civic engagement as more people 'tune out' political campaigns. (Adobe Stock)

ND moves closer to banning alternative voting methods

Final action is expected soon on a plan that would prevent North Dakota cities and counties from using alternative voting methods for local elections…

Around 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pa., for a town hall to discuss concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security. (Anna Gustafson)

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would allow states to let people who lack documentation attest to their citizenship but authorizes a 5-year sentence for any election official who accepts incorrect documentation. (mybaitshop/Adobe Stock)

U.S. House to eye bill that would make it harder to register to vote

Pro-democracy groups are speaking out against a bill being considered next week in the U.S. House of Representatives to require proof of citizenship …

The U.S. Constitution specifies Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the president. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

A number of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order which could reshape how U.S. elections are run and the …

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PNS Daily Newscast: June 12, 2025

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Civic Engagement & Voting

Saturday 'No Kings' rallies in PA to protest Trump policies

Tennesseans to join 'No Kings' rallies Saturday to oppose Trump policies

Colorado communities to join national 'No Kings' protests Saturday

'Hidden' provisions in U.S. budget bill raise concerns for AZ

Report: TX college students feel free speech is targeted

Legal experts: Does rule of law still matter in second Trump term?

AR summer food programs prepare to feed students

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents

Report: Government increasingly involved in campus free speech crackdowns

MI senator sponsors tax credit, cash allowance bills to help families

Charting a new path for healthy political discourse in SD

VA voters to decide nominees for local, statewide races in June primary

ND's local governments press forward under new property tax laws

MT Native leaders: Civic engagement brings continued legislative wins

Proposed proof-of-citizenship bill could impact all registered voters in Texas

Part of Voting Rights Act gutted for ND, other Midwestern states

Survey: Vast majorities in VA, across globe back climate action

Radio show gives AR students a voice

Montana governor signs law tightening voter registration window

CA lawmakers consider bill to reduce rejection of ballots

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy

IN 50501 movement expands summer protests

WA voting rights advocates push for democracy vouchers state-wide

Montana-based Native advocacy group opens D.C. office

Power shift: Executive authority and Ohio’s political lean

Trump's first 100 days spark 'concern' among NV Latino voters

Poll: AZ Latino voters 'discouraged' after Trump's first 100 days

Wyoming teachers, workers gather in Casper for May Day

NV considers expanding internet voting, election expert says 'bad idea'

'May Day' AZ protesters rally against Trump administration

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A May Day mayday: A distress call for immigrant rights rally Thursday

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Coloradans' hand-written letters on SNAP cuts heading to nation's capital

AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting

Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts

Push to make Montana judicial elections partisan fails

Tribal communities see historic turnout at Wisconsin polls

Poll: Voters oppose MO House repeal of Prop A's sick-leave provision

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

ND moves closer to banning alternative voting methods

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

U.S. House to eye bill that would make it harder to register to vote

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order