Human Rights/Racial Justice / Public News Service

Nearly one out of 10 adults in Mississippi is disenfranchised, constituting 9.36% of the population. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Eligible incarcerated people may request absentee ballots Monday in MS

A new bill that takes effect next Monday will allow incarcerated Mississippians to request an absentee ballot in time for the presidential election on…

More than 30 tribal nations are represented at the University of South Dakota, according to the institution. (Wikimedia Commons)

USD threats to fire staff part of larger trend

The University of South Dakota threatened to fire staff members in what some see as an ongoing attack on academic freedom, according to reporting in …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. Almost all same-sex couples surveyed reported the decision affected their lives. More than 60% of couples were married post-Obergefell even though their relationships started before 2015. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

Twenty years after the first state permitted marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples said it had a profound positive effect on …

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says ground within 100 feet of a burial ground may not be disturbed for erecting, altering or repairing any structure that would impact the location without approval from the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. (Adobe Stock)

Juneteenth honors freedom amid possible IN graveyard extinction

Today is Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognizing this date in 1865 when slaves in Texas were told they were free, more than two years after the …

Controversial AZ immigration measure faces legal challenge

A controversial immigration bill could allow Arizona law enforcement to arrest people who are found to be illegally crossing the U.S. - Mexico border…

Two South Dakota drought resiliency projects will supply about 130 homes with high-quality drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

New federal funds earmarked for SD rural water projects

Some rural South Dakotans struggle to get good drinking water but the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded two local communities with grants to …

Nevada organization aims to mobilize Latino voters

Latinos make up a significant chunk of Nevada's population, and one local organization wants to encourage Latino voters in the Silver State to …

Indiana University's campuses are vastly different in size and scope. IU Indianapolis has around 24,000 students, while IU Bloomington has around 48,000. (Adobe file)

Distinct vibes at IU Indianapolis pro-Palestinian protest

By Claire Rafford for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News…

Some 12% of Nevada's eligible voters are Black, according to Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Black voters in battleground states are a crucial voting bloc in 2024

Black voters will play a key role in determining who will win the 2024 presidential election. And while Black voters remain overwhelmingly …

A previous Bloomberg grant laid the groundwork for significant initiatives, such as the city's solar array and passage of the Issue 7 transportation levy. (jonbilous/Adobe Stock)

Empowering Cincinnati: Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives

Cincinnati is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' $200 million Sustainable Cities initiative and will hire three new staff members to merge climate solu…

Recent statewide figures look promising, but homelessness in South Dakota has risen more than 120% since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

Homelessness in South Dakota may be down overall, but the state's urban areas are an exception. New programs in Sioux Falls aim to address it…

A new survey by the group Make the Road New York showed one-third of New York City migrant workers with steady jobs weren't getting minimum wage or timely pay, due to their immigration status. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: NYC needs to do more for growing migrant population

A new survey showed New York City's population of asylum-seekers is struggling, and makes suggestions for improvements. The survey by the group Make …

The Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change, clean energy, clean transportation, affordable housing, water infrastructure, workforce development and pollution remediation to disadvantaged communities. (elnariz/adobe stock)

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

A collaboration between the federal government and local communities works to create new career opportunities. The Flint Environmental Career Worker …

Students and faculty at Northeastern University in Boston surround a pro-Palestinian encampment on their school's campus, which stood for two days before administrators called in police to remove it. (Ehn)

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism

Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism …

While immigrants make up 10% of Oregon's population, they make up 13% of the working-age population ages 16-64, and a corresponding 13% of the labor force. (Natalie Kiyah, Oregon Food Bank)

'Food for All Oregonians' aims to extend food benefits to immigrants

Oregon advocates are shining a spotlight on hunger and related issues ahead of the fall elections. A recent report from the Immigrant Research …

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ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

In 2022, Harvard University established an endowment fund for $100 million for slavery reparations. Many major cities have taken up the issue of reparations, but few have completed action on it. (Adobe Stock)

IL city makes tangible effort to atone for discrimination

By Torsheta Jackson for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

According to The Sentencing Project, 4.6 million Americans cannot vote because of a felony conviction. (Anna Kosolapova/Adobe Stock)

NE advocates foresee new voting-restoration law helping individuals, state

April is Second Chance Month and many Nebraskans are celebrating passage of a bipartisan voting rights restoration bill and its focus on second chance…

Some in Michigan's Native American community say they can relate to the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. Artist Christina Damianos depicts the idea in her

MI Indigenous group uses art to show solidarity with Palestinians

Some Indigenous groups in Michigan want to draw parallels to their own historic struggles and those of Palestinians in Gaza and they are doing it thro…

During a pregnancy, speak to a health care provider if something doesn't feel right. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

As Black Maternal Health Week ends, health disparities persist

While Black Maternal Health Week is wrapping up, health disparities for pregnant Black women continues to be an issue. From April 11-17 this year…

Will California do reparations right?

By Erin Aubry Kaplan for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News …

Restorative justice programs have increased the justice system's capacity to meet the needs of those harmed by adolescent misbehavior. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Diverting youth away from the justice system is working

Efforts to keep young people out of the criminal justice system are working, according to a new Sentencing Project report. Elie Zwiebel, attorney …

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

According to data from Best Colleges, nearly half of states in the U.S. have either proposed anti-DEI legislation or could be in the process of drafting it. (Adobe Stock)

Students unite to defend DEI initiatives

Conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion are on the rise as lawmakers propose bills to restrict or ban DEI in state-funded institutions…

Michigan hosts the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and Dearborn is home to the country's only Arab American History Museum. (flowertiare/Adobe Stock)

New US race, ethnicity standards include Middle Eastern, North African

Until recently, many Americans of Middle Eastern or North African descent were categorized as "white" in government surveys, making it challenging to …

The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

According to research from the Brennan Center, if the voter participation gap had not existed in 2020, 9 million more ballots would have been cast. (Adobe Stock)

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

In the battle for democracy, grassroots organizations throughout the South are actively engaging voters on the issues that directly affect their …

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North …

A Republican-led provision included in legislation to avert a government shutdown last week effectively bans LGBTQ+ pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies. (Hodim/AdobeStock)

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

After 30 years of championing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, Equality New Mexico has its finger on the pulse of supportive legislation and has made its …

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

The lawsuit claims the officers' conduct violates the Fourth Amendment, amounts to assault and battery, or at least negligence, and ultimitely is what caused the wrongful death of Darryl Tyree Williams. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit seeks justice for NC man's death in police custody

Three attorneys are joining forces to seek justice for a North Carolina family. At a news conference, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump - along with …

More than 21% of the student population at Portland Community College is hispanic. (Adumbvoget/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: OR colleges serving Hispanic students increasing

The number of higher institutions serving Hispanic students in Oregon is increasing, according to a new report. Excelencia in Education researched …

Idaho lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up the 2024 legislative session soon. (Wissam/Adobe Stock)

ID anti-DEI bill in higher ed could have 'ripple effects' for state

Idaho lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses. Critics say it could …

Indigenous people will be discussing tribal identity on and off Montana reservations and learn what it means to be

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

Billings-based Western Native Voice is holding its annual membership conference in Great Falls starting tomorrow, and members are discussing …

Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows Texas to begin enforcing Senate Bill 4, calling the decision a

Texas’ SB 4 in limbo again after late-night court decision

Story has been updated to reflect late-night 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision.(8:01 a.m. MST, Mar. 20, 2024) The U.S. Supreme Court handed …

In cities across the nation, local governments are hearing more feedback and discourse from residents about a range of matters during regular meetings. Those include broader issues, such as calls for ceasefire resolutions in light of the Israel-Hamas war. (Adobe Stock)

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Public comment has long been a staple of local government meetings. But in North Dakota and other parts of the country, this engagement tool faces a …

American teachers in training trek through Tijuana on their way to visit a school as part of a trip to foster cross-border understanding. (Rick Froehbrodt/SDSU)

Aspiring bilingual teachers cross the border to gain insight

Immigration is a hot-button issue these days, but people studying to become bilingual teachers at one California university are making an effort to …

In a 2022 national survey of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18, nearly 54% of trans and gender-expansive youth reported feeling unsafe in at least one school setting. (Adobe Stock)

Oklahoma tragedy felt by LGBTQ advocates in ND

LGBTQ advocates in North Dakota have joined a nationwide coalition demanding accountability over the death of a non-binary teen from Oklahoma…

The U.S. military opens the Trinity bomb site, 210 miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico, to the public twice a year. (Nina/Adobe Stock)

NM activist seeking atomic bomb reparations invited to State of the Union

A New Mexico resident will attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address tonight as legislation is pending to expand the Radiation Exposure …

In 2018, the nonprofit Decolonizing Wealth Project defined reparative philanthropy as

Report: Older foundations, regardless of intent, may have racist beginnings

A recent report details how great wealth that later made philanthropy possible around the country but most evidently in the District of Columbia…

Texas's effort to opt out of the federal immigration system and create its own rules has been blocked by a federal judge. (MaxSafaniuk/Adobe Stock)

Texas' battle over right to arrest suspected illegal immigrants will continue

A law aimed at immigrants crossing the border in Texas will not take effect tomorrow, after a federal judge halted enforcement until a court battle …

Missouri's Senate Bill 1314, similar to House Bill 2365, prohibits funds from being expended by any state department for interdepartmental programs, staffing or other initiatives associated with

New report reveals high economic risk of anti-DEI laws in Missouri

A new report finds some Missouri laws and prospective laws are perceived as discriminatory regardless of their actual intent - and it outlines some bi…

The Council on American-Islamic Relations estimates there are about 2.2 million American Muslim voters in the U.S., up from its previous estimate of almost 1.79 million. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Primary results: Are Michigan Dems committed to 'uncommitted?'

More than 100,000 people voted "uncommitted" in Michigan's presidential primary. What happens next will be, at least in part, up to President Joe …

Construction on a six-home development in Fairmount Heights began Oct. 13. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Affordable housing meets cutting-edge energy tech in MD's Fairmount Heights

By Kayla Benjamin for The Washington Informer.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

A groundbreaking study calls for philanthropic foundations to acknowledge past harms and support reparations for Black Americans. (NCRP)

Report: Philanthropy must play role in racial reparations

A new report said philanthropic organizations need to reexamine the source of their wealth, which it asserted often came from systemic racism and …

As part of the Greening Research in Tacoma initiative, air temperature monitors were set up in a city neighborhood. (Hannah Letinich/The Nature Conservancy)

Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows

Trees in urban areas provide benefits for people, including decreased temperatures and improved air quality, according to new research from …

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