Civil Rights / Public News Service

The bill would also establish a prison education task force to implement consistent programs across state correctional facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Prison education bill to expand opportunities for incarcerated people in VA

A bill passed by Virginia lawmakers would expand higher education opportunities to incarcerated people across the state. House Bill 2158 aims to …

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)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

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 …

A day before Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested, federal authorities apprehended a former New Mexico judge and his wife on charges related to harboring an undocumented immigrant. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Legal experts call arrest of WI judge 'extreme and unnecessary'

Legal experts and advocates are outraged over the arrest of a Milwaukee judge last week who was charged with helping an undocumented defendant avoid a…

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

Monday, April 28, 2025

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 …

Nine in 10 of the 137 people now confined in El Salvador prisons had no criminal record and at least one was removed due to administrative error. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Trump's deportation program gets temporary halt in Colorado

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the arrival of immigrants an invasion and has invoked the Alien Enemies Act to expedite their removal…

Florida State University, where a gunman killed two people last Thursday, experienced another shooting more than a decade ago that left three people injured. (ernie114/Pixabay)

Students, lawmakers clash over gun violence response after FSU shooting

Florida State University students joined survivors of past mass shootings at the state Capitol this week, demanding that Gov. Ron DeSantis veto a …

Many international students have said they did not know their visas were revoked, or that their status had been changed, until they were notified by federal officials. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX

Hundreds of international college students in Texas are fighting to stay in the country after their visas were revoked and their legal status changed …

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…

Federal, state and local taxes paid by New Mexico's immigrant population help support public schools, hospitals, roads and more. (Sweeann/Adobe Stock)

NM group calls ICE agents' access to immigrant tax data a 'breach of trust'

A New Mexico immigrant advocacy group says all Americans should be alarmed that the IRS has agreed to share immigrants' taxpayer information with ICE …

The 1,500 Black farmers in Arkansas grow everything from soybeans to corn, cotton, peas and sweet potatoes. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Black AR farmers mostly unaffected by USDA funding freeze

U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts have affected farming communities nationwide but a national group said Black farmers are largely unaffected…

A national day of protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for unprecedented policy changes is scheduled across all 50 states tomorrow. (third act.org)

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

Protestors in more than a dozen New Mexico cities will join thousands nationwide Saturday in what is expected to be the largest single-day protest sin…

More than 95% of all voters in the United States use paper ballots in elections. (Adobe Stock)

CO lawmakers work to protect voter rights after Trump elections order

Some Colorado lawmakers are scrambling to protect voter rights after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to require proof of citizenship …

Since March 8, the Trump administration has attempted to arrest or deport at least six additional pro-Palestinian foreign students across four campuses, including Columbia, Cornell, Georgetown and Tufts universities. (Adobe Stock)

Arrest of U. of Cincinnati student fuels national free speech debate

UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day set aside to recognize the contributions of transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination …

The United States has about 3.3 million transgender adults, according to the Human Rights Campaign. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Montanans observe International Transgender Day of Visibility at the Statehouse

Today, Montanans will gather outside the Statehouse to observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, during a legislative session that has …

Legislation across the country seeks to block transgender people from receiving health care, education, and even the right to publicly exist. (zera ruzgar/Adobe Stock)

WA advocates honor Trans Day of Visibility

Today is the International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society -- and raise awareness of the …

About one-third of the legislation targeting trans people's rights across the country is focused on schools. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Honoring OR trans lives amid hostile political climate

Today is International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society - and raise awareness of the …

A Trump administration executive order this week aims to bypass congressional approval typically needed to change election laws. (JM_GUERRERO/Adobe Stock)<br />

Trump tests presidential authority in revamping NM, U.S. voting laws

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump to dramatically overhaul voting laws is unlikely to stand up in court, according to an election …

In a 2020 Pew Research Center study, 40% of eligible voters who are immigrants said they speak English

NV legislation would expand voter language access

Nevada voting rights advocates are rallying support for a bill to expand language access for voters during elections. According to Census data…

Ohio Senate Bill 1 would require all students to complete a three-credit-hour American history course. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's SB-1 parallels national administration's anti-DEI sentiment

Debates over academic freedom and diversity initiatives have intensified nationally and in Ohio. Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher …

The U.S. Department of Education's civil rights office is charged with protecting students from discrimination and sexual assault and making sure all Americans have equal access to education. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

As the Trump administration makes good on promises to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, educators and parents are raising concerns about the …

Jury finds Greenpeace liable in Dakota Access Pipeline case

Greenpeace has been ordered to pay several hundred million dollars stemming from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and some are saying the verdict l…

PoliChic Engagement Fund says it's critical Texans make sure lawmakers are voting in their public interest. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Many Texans feel strongly, one way or another, about the proposed school voucher bill before state lawmakers. Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a plan to …

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State, said he was not shocked but disappointed when he found out the Trump administration had cut funding for …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

More than one in 10 LGBTQ adults in the U.S. workforce are employed in the public sector, and nearly half are LGBTQ people of color, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Utah lawmakers could do away with pride flags in schools, government buildings

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox could sign a bill that would ban LGBTQ+ pride flags from Utah's public schools and government buildings. The bill's …

Advocates for Minnesota's immigrant population recently protested ICE enforcement in Rochester. (Photo courtesy of COPAL).

MN Latino advocates band together as deportation fears persist

Social and economic disruptions are among the impacts reported by Minnesota Latino support organizations as they monitor the Trump administration's ma…

In West Virginia, 11,000 people are incarcerated and another 9,200 are on probation or parole, according to data from the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: West Virginia’s prison population on the decline

West Virginia is among just ten states whose prison population declined between 2019 and 2023, according to a new report from the Prison Policy …

Eliseo Santana, the Gulf Coast Region manager for the Alianza Center, which serves the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, showcased the first-aid kits they distribute after hurricanes. (Trimmel Gomes)

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

As the Trump administration continues to implement aggressive immigration policies, many Hispanic residents in Florida, a key voting bloc for Trump…

One of several major concerns expressed in a statement signed by nearly 1,000 American political scientists is the Trump administration's transferal of some federal responsibilities to people who are

'Democracy is not a business,' warns MT political scientist

Nearly 1,000 political scientists from across the U.S., including Montana, have signed a statement expressing how they feel the Trump …

There currently are 330,000 unaffiliated voters in New Mexico, making up nearly 24% of the electorate.(Adobe Stock/karenfoleyphoto)

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

To cast a primary election ballot in New Mexico, voters must declare a political party. But that could change if lawmakers pass Senate Bill 16 this …

Tennesseans with disabilities advocate for essential services and defend their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Tennessee Disability Coalition)

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Tennessee's Disability Day on the Hill is an opportunity for people living with a disability to unite, and engage in the legislative process…

Mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county election office no later than 8:00 P.M. on May 20th. On election day, polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M (Annap/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Getting word out to PA voters about voter registration

With Pennsylvania's primary election set for May 20, a nonpartisan group is working to raise awareness about voter registration. Over 8.7 million …

Attorney for rural MI college expected lawsuits over ‘Dear Colleague’ letter

An attorney for a small, rural Michigan college said she expected lawsuits over the "Dear Colleague" letter schools received last month from the U.S…

In 2022, Pennsylvania's K-12 public schools served more than 1.57 million students across nearly 2,700 schools in 499 districts. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over threats to defund schools it bel…

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Nate Blunt/Adobe Stock)

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, demanding their right to vote and changing history in …

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Adobe Stock)

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding their right to vote and changing …

About 2.3% of the population in Tennessee lives with developmental disabilities, or around 160,000 individuals across the state. (Adobe Stock)

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Advocates for people with disabilities in Tennessee are concerned about the potential impact of a lawsuit challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitatio…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

In 2023, about $4.2 million in settlement funds were disbursed to U.S. communities affected by discrimination, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

HUD pulls federal Fair Housing grants in Montana, across U.S.

Since the Fair Housing Act was established in 1968 to make discrimination in housing illegal, nonprofits around the country have helped investigate …

People applying for asylum face what is called an

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court. Immigration law is complicated…

The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill to require all Texas prisons to have air conditioning by 2029 but the prison system only has to comply if the state provides the funding. (pict rider/Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

Only 30% of prisons in Texas have central air conditioning and faith leaders and advocates for those incarcerated are raising concerns about inhumane …

First- and second-generation immigrants comprise nearly a third of all students enrolled in higher education in the U.S. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, his Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Notably, one poll found nearly half of people who hold anti-abortion views are supportive of medical aid-in-dying legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

Iowa has long been a popular destination for immigrants seeking jobs in the meatpacking industry. Some estimates say as much as 25% of the workforce in meatpacking plants are migrants. (Adobe Stock)

Court ban latest chapter in Iowa's quest to tighten immigration laws

It's been about a month since a federal judge upheld a court ruling that blocks an Iowa immigration bill from taking effect. It's the latest action …

Efforts to take law enforcement out of transportation for mental health patients is part of a broader effort to change North Carolina's behavior health system. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis

North Carolina is investing $20 million to move the transportation of people experiencing mental health crisis away from the responsibility of law enf…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 29, 2025

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Civil Rights

Prison education bill to expand opportunities for incarcerated people in VA

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

Legal experts call arrest of WI judge 'extreme and unnecessary'

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Trump's deportation program gets temporary halt in Colorado

Students, lawmakers clash over gun violence response after FSU shooting

Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX

ND moves closer to banning alternative voting methods

NM group calls ICE agents' access to immigrant tax data a 'breach of trust'

Black AR farmers mostly unaffected by USDA funding freeze

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

CO lawmakers work to protect voter rights after Trump elections order

Arrest of U. of Cincinnati student fuels national free speech debate

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

Montanans observe International Transgender Day of Visibility at the Statehouse

WA advocates honor Trans Day of Visibility

Honoring OR trans lives amid hostile political climate

Trump tests presidential authority in revamping NM, U.S. voting laws

NV legislation would expand voter language access

Ohio's SB-1 parallels national administration's anti-DEI sentiment

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

Jury finds Greenpeace liable in Dakota Access Pipeline case

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

Utah lawmakers could do away with pride flags in schools, government buildings

MN Latino advocates band together as deportation fears persist

Report: West Virginia’s prison population on the decline

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

'Democracy is not a business,' warns MT political scientist

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Getting word out to PA voters about voter registration

Attorney for rural MI college expected lawsuits over ‘Dear Colleague’ letter

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

HUD pulls federal Fair Housing grants in Montana, across U.S.

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Court ban latest chapter in Iowa's quest to tighten immigration laws

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis