International Relief / Public News Service

More than 2,000 bills have already been filed by Texas lawmakers for the 2025 session. Coming up with a balanced budget is the only task required by the Texas Constitution. (Brandon Seidel/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Vouchers, new speaker on TX lawmakers' to-do list

Members of the Texas Legislature are back in Austin for its 89th legislative session. After newly elected lawmakers are sworn in, members will vote …

Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's border czar, said he will begin mass deportations in Chicago when Trump takes office. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Chicago’s sanctuary protections may end this week

A proposed amendment to strip Chicago of its sanctuary protections is scheduled to be voted on this week. The change to the Welcome City Ordinance …

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up more than 22% of Florida's population, with undocumented residents comprising nearly 4%, contributing significantly to the state's economy and workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

FL lawmakers, advocates push back on DeSantis’ immigration special session

Florida has been a key battleground in the national immigration debate, with past legislation banning sanctuary cities and requiring companies to use …

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons third meeting will take place March 3-7 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Tennesseeans to mark fourth anniversary of nuclear weapons treaty ban

A Knoxville group of concerned citizens is marking the fourth anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons going into effect…

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance, the short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy indicates stable and moderate growth for total personal income from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

Economists are optimistic about the Arkansas economy in 2025. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state has outperformed …

President-elect Donald Trump announced a policy to expedite reviews for investors committing $1 billion or more in the tech field. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Trump's $20 billion investment announcement sparks hope in Ohio

Ohio is poised to play a key role in a $20 billion investment announced by President-elect Donald Trump, with plans to establish data centers across …

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

Cybersecurity attacks poised to increase without tighter safeguards

A former White House cybersecurity expert is warning of potential cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. And in Illinois, security analysts are …

Immigration law experts say applying for asylum status can be very lengthy, and that programs such as Temporary Protected Status can fill the void for people fleeing violence elsewhere in the world. (Adobe Stock)

MN Latino advocates rally around temporary protections, health care access

With 2025 almost here, organizations assisting Minnesota's Latino populations say they're laser focused on a couple of areas - mental health-care …

New Hampshire's roughly 4,000 farms support more than 20,000 jobs and provide an economic value of $1.2 billion dollars through direct product sales, labor and agritourism, according to the University of New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

NH farmers brace for Trump tariffs as farm income declines

New Hampshire's farming community is bracing for potential fallout from President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. Agricultural goods were a …

Ag policy experts wonder if a second Trump administration will create a more regulatory-friendly environment for larger livestock operations and commodity farmers. They say growing a lot of corn, for example, might appear good, but it fuels feed for concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

From declining commodity prices to unpredictable weather, American farmers are at a crossroads - especially smaller operations. And they're …

South Dakota farms produced more than $3.8 billion of corn in 2023, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. A trade war renewed by the incoming Trump administration could harm the state's agricultural producers, according to policy analysts. (Adobe Stock)

Trump tariffs could hit farmers during a rough patch

As President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in next month, the farming community wonders if he'll follow through on tariff threats. One expert says for …

As of 2023, Wisconsin is home to over 450,000 small businesses, employing nearly 1 million people.<br />(Adobe Stock)

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

As the new year quickly approaches, Wisconsin business owners and shoppers alike are bracing for the prospect of tariffs from a new administration …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Expert: Foreign cyber threats targeting utilities compromise national security

A former White House cyber-security expert is warning of potential cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. Former Principal Deputy National Cyber …

From Sept. 1, 2023, to Sept. 23, 2024, influencers with more than 16 million combined total followers and subscribers made 183 total posts sharing climate and meat misinformation, nabbing 23.555 million views and 1,048,902 shares and likes, according to Climate Action Against Disinformation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

House Resolution 9495 is not the first bill with language potentially harming nonprofits to be voted on this year. House Resolution 6408 passed the chamber earlier this year with bipartisan support. However, it stalled and hasn't been brought for a vote in the Senate. (Adobe Stock)

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

House lawmakers have passed a bill advocates said will be harmful to nonprofits in New York and nationwide. House Resolution 9495 passed with a 219-1…

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is expected to be the first Hispanic to hold the high-ranking post of Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock)

Rubio pick sparks interest in foreign policy shift toward Latin America

President-elect Donald Trump has named Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as his nominee for Secretary of State, prompting experts to assess Rubio's …

Some pro-Palestinian first-time student voters said they had a hard time grappling with casting a ballot for any candidate in the election given the U.S. military support for the war in Gaza. <br />(Adobe Stock)

WI protest on Gaza war planned in downtown Milwaukee

pro-Palestinian groups are hosting a demonstration today starting at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee. The groups Students for a Democratic …

At Ohio State, 36 were arrested for alleged criminal trespassing, including students, a staff member and supporters unrelated to the institution during protests this spring. (Erman Gunes/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Protests at …

A new report from the Council on American Islamic Relations-New York showed 43% of students who were bullied for being Muslim said they never asked for help. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

A new report found Muslim students in New York City public schools face high levels of discrimination in school. The report from the Council on …

Student protests against the Israeli war in Gaza rocked college campuses nationwide last school year. More than 3,200 students were arrested. (Adobe Stock) <br /> <br />

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

As college anti-war protests enter a second school year, students are maintaining pressure on administrators to cut all financial ties with the …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

According to Reuters, pro-Palestinian college protest demands include a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military assistance for Israel, and divestment from businesses that profit from the war. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Palestinian groups voice concerns about DNC protest plans

This week, protesters could outnumber delegates at the Democratic National Convention starting today in Chicago. The demonstrators will include tens …

College students are leading the call for a ceasefire in the Israeli war in Gaza. Since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the United States has enacted legislation providing at least $12.5 billion in military aid to Israel, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. (Ehn)

MA peace activists call for Israeli arms embargo at DNC

Massachusetts peace activists will join the tens of thousands of protesters expected at this week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago…

An analysis from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found the more than 100 climate, energy and environmental investments in the Inflation Reduction Act will create more than 9 million good jobs over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

Two years on, Maine reaps benefits of Inflation Reduction Act

Nearly two years since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, Maine communities continue to benefit from federal funding aimed at …

Political observers note artificial intelligence can be an inexpensive way to help candidates save time and money on advertising but many down-ballot campaigns lack the expertise to spot AI-generated falsehoods, which could tip races decided by narrow margins. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Federal lawmakers tackle AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ as election nears

Newly introduced federal legislation aims to protect voters from the growing threat of political ads generated by artificial intelligence. …

Indiana University hosts more than 4,000 students each year from at least 100 countries, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

IN universities see international student numbers rise

As people head back to college soon, professors may notice an increase in the number of international students. A new report finds these enrollment …

According to a report by Open Doors, international students who attend Illinois universities come primarily from China, India, Nigeria, South Korea and Taiwan. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. politics affect school choices of some international students

As people head back to college soon, professors may notice an increase in the number of international students. A new report found enrollment numbers …

A Health Forward Foundation report estimates that Missouri's foreign-born workforce contributes approximately $19.0 billion to the annual gross product and supports 160,000 jobs, including about $2.0 billion in gross product and over 17,100 jobs in rural areas. (lawcain/Adobe Stock)<br />

Immigration ads stir debate ahead of Missouri primaries

With less than a week until Missouri's primary and early voting already underway, candidates are ramping up their ad campaigns. Immigration has …

More than 50 members of Congress publicly indicated they would not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. (seaseasyd/Adobe Stock)

Vance skips Netanyahu's address amid boycotts, OH student protests

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, now the GOP's vice-presidential candidate, cited campaign commitments as his reason for not attending Israeli Prime Minister …

Delegate says AZ GOP is 'united,' supports withdrawing Ukraine aid

More than 2,400 delegates gathered in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention and delegates from around the country, including …

Scientists say in order to avert the worst effects of climate change, global temperature increase must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius and emissions cut by 45% by 2030 to reach net zero by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Scientists reconsider net-zero pledges to reach climate goals

By Stephen Battersby for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service…

Families forced from their homes in Gaza face severe shortages of essential services, especially safe drinking water. As of this month, over 1.5 million Palestinian children are in need of humanitarian assistance. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

CLARIFICATION: Parts of this story were rephrased to clarify that the United States does not send nuclear weapons to Israel or any other nation…

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up almost 6% of the Texas population. Texas ranks third among all states with the largest AAPI population, after California and New York. (Trueffelpix/Adobe Stock)

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in TX face health disparities

Almost half of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who live in Texas are skipping routine healthcare because of cost, according to a survey by …

The group says the United States should work with partner countries willing and able to enforce strict terms or face sanctions. (Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups want say in Critical Mineral Agreements

A group of environmental and civil society organizations is fighting for better working conditions for people in countries that supply critical minera…

LNG is created when gas is cooled into a liquid that can be stored and shipped to destinations around the world. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Decreased demand for liquefied natural gas could impact TX economy

Workers in the oil and gas industry are warily monitoring the supply and demand of liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Texas is one of the largest …

Coal production in the Powder River Basin was 50% lower in the first quarter of 2024 than the first quarter of 2014, by about 49 million tons. (Robert Coy/Adobe Stock)

Changes in WY coal production may call for changes in tax structure

A new policy could affect the future of coal mining in the Powder River Basin and in turn, Wyoming's tax structure. The Powder River Basin produced …

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…

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 …

Refugees arriving via the Uniting for Ukraine program must secure support from a local sponsor to resettle in South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD refugee resettlement spiked in 2023

South Dakota ranks fifth in the nation for its rate of refugee resettlements per capita and the rate increased dramatically in the last year…

A report from the nonprofit Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project showed student demonstrations make up around one-third of all U.S. protests related to the Israel-Hamas War since it began. (Kalaya'an Mendoza)

NY group offers resources for student protestors, bystanders

New York groups are providing student protesters with resources to help sustain demonstrations safely and peacefully, as the war between Israel and …

Ohio students participate in a die-in at Case Western University on April 19 in protest over what they say is an ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

After hundreds of Ohio students gathered at Kent State University over the weekend to protest the conflict in Gaza, on the 54th anniversary of …

At Bryn Mawr College, President Kim Cassidy asked the organizers of the pro-Palestinian encampment on Merion Green to leave the site by the end of the day. (Halfpoint/Adobe)

Students at Bryn Mawr College in PA protest war in Gaza

Pennsylvania is among the states where massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing. Elez Beresin-Scher, a sociology …

Protest encampments such as this one at San Francisco State University against the war in Gaza have now spread to a half dozen campuses across California. (Sam Cheng/Adobestock)

Campus protests opposing war in Gaza grow across CA

Massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing at universities across California, with classes canceled at the University …

(PPstock/Adobe Stock)">

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-…

Migrants are put on buses from Texas to other states, often without knowing where they are going. (afishman64/Adobe Stock)

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

The future of Senate Bill 4 is still tangled in court challenges. It's the Texas law that would allow police to arrest people for illegally crossing …

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 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 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: Afternoon Update - January 14, 2025

2025Talks - January 14, 2025

The Yonder Report - January 9, 2025

International Issues

Vouchers, new speaker on TX lawmakers' to-do list

Chicago’s sanctuary protections may end this week

FL lawmakers, advocates push back on DeSantis’ immigration special session

Tennesseeans to mark fourth anniversary of nuclear weapons treaty ban

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

Trump's $20 billion investment announcement sparks hope in Ohio

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Cybersecurity attacks poised to increase without tighter safeguards

MN Latino advocates rally around temporary protections, health care access

NH farmers brace for Trump tariffs as farm income declines

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

Trump tariffs could hit farmers during a rough patch

An Eau Claire small business braces for Trump tariffs

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Expert: Foreign cyber threats targeting utilities compromise national security

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

Rubio pick sparks interest in foreign policy shift toward Latin America

WI protest on Gaza war planned in downtown Milwaukee

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Pro-Palestinian groups voice concerns about DNC protest plans

MA peace activists call for Israeli arms embargo at DNC

Two years on, Maine reaps benefits of Inflation Reduction Act

Federal lawmakers tackle AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ as election nears

IN universities see international student numbers rise

U.S. politics affect school choices of some international students

Immigration ads stir debate ahead of Missouri primaries

Vance skips Netanyahu's address amid boycotts, OH student protests

Delegate says AZ GOP is 'united,' supports withdrawing Ukraine aid

Scientists reconsider net-zero pledges to reach climate goals

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in TX face health disparities

Environmental groups want say in Critical Mineral Agreements

Decreased demand for liquefied natural gas could impact TX economy

Changes in WY coal production may call for changes in tax structure

Distinct vibes at IU Indianapolis pro-Palestinian protest

Survey: NYC needs to do more for growing migrant population

SD refugee resettlement spiked in 2023

NY group offers resources for student protestors, bystanders

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

Students at Bryn Mawr College in PA protest war in Gaza

Campus protests opposing war in Gaza grow across CA

ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health