International Relief / Public News Service

Organizations tracking a new U.S. strategy to build peace in countries prone to conflict say it is designed to remove longstanding obstacles to stability, such as women not being allowed to participate in their local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Global Fragility Act Turns U.S. Peacekeeping Approach on Its Head

Minnesotans and the rest of the U.S. population sometimes feel the ripple effects of instability in other parts of the world, and humanitarian groups …

U.S. border patrol agents have seen a 50% drop in the number of migrants crossing the border since Title 42 expired in mid May, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. (Mark Moran)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Title 42 Fallout in the Heartland

A public health measure known as Title 42 was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed for immigrants to be immediately expelled if they cross…

Members of MAPA's Raytheon Antiwar Campaign have participated in dozens of demonstrations at Raytheon facilities, as well as campus career fairs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northeastern University, where Raytheon works to recruit a new generation of weapons analysts and engineers. (MAPA)

MA Activists Campaign to End Raytheon Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia

Anti-war activists say one of the world's greatest humanitarian disasters has connections to one of the Commonwealth's largest employers, Raytheon …

An Unarmed Civilian Protection team from Nonviolent Peaceforce has been assessing needs and working with local groups in Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of NP)

Unarmed Civilian Protection Teams Hope Ukraine Efforts Resonate

This week marked the 75th day since Russia invaded Ukraine. As the humanitarian disaster unfolds, those carrying out Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP)…

A fundraiser for Ukraine, organized by a student from Luther College, has received several thousand dollars in donations ahead of a centerpiece event this weekend. (Adobe Stock)

IA College Student Organizes Bike Ride for Ukraine

An Iowa college student is organizing a fundraiser and a message of peace for Ukraine, in an effort stretching 75 miles long. Anita Tamang, a senior …

Those behind a Midwest food-donation effort for Ukraine say there are many relief efforts with good intentions. But sometimes donations can sit unused after shipment because of logistical issues. (Adobe Stock)

From the Midwest to Eastern Europe, Meal Program Helps Ukranian Refugees

Images from Ukraine and its fight for survival against Russia tug at the heartstrings of Americans, and those wishing to donate to relief …

The number of Ukrainians arriving in Washington state has increased since conflict in the eastern part of the country began in 2014. (aviavlad/Adobe Stock)

Ukrainians New to WA Face Barriers to Work

The number of Ukrainians arriving in Washington state has increased since the Russian invasion in February. Already, the Evergreen State is home to …

Mercy Corps, an aid organization based in Oregon, is on the ground in Ukraine, Poland and Romania. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

OR Credit Unions Raise Relief Dollars for Ukraine

Ukrainians continue to suffer in their country from the Russian invasion - and in Oregon, credit unions have banded together to send aid to the …

The U.N. says more than 1,800 civilians have died in the Ukraine war so far. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Returns from Ukraine-Poland Border

Ahead of the Easter holiday, a Ukrainian Catholic bishop based in the U.S. shares reflections from a recent visit to the country's border. Bishop …

Many charity organizations are working on the ground in Ukraine and are in need of donations. (Darya Lavinskaya/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Avoiding Scams When Helping Ukrainians

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

The humanitarian aid organization Mercy Corps is headquartered in Portland, Ore. (DCasimiro/Adobe Stock)

Scammers Taking Advantage of Efforts to Support Ukraine

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

Many Americans have rallied behind Ukrainians in the aftermath of Russia's invasion. (Anton/Adobe Stock)

Fraud Concerns Raised for Some Ukraine Charity Efforts

Many people are looking for ways to help Ukrainians affected by war. However, they should be on the lookout for scams. Lynn Heider - vice president …

Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine is supported by $285 million in oil payments made every day by European countries, a new analysis by think tank Transport and Environment found. (Adobe Stock)

Veteran Officials: Invoke Defense Production Act for Renewable Energy

As gas prices across the country are at record levels due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, elected officials who are also military veterans are …

877 Ukrainian refugees arrived in Pennsylvania between 2009 and 2019, according to the Department of Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

PA Refugee-Resettlement Group Calls for Support of Ukrainian Families

The Department of Homeland Security says the 30,000 Ukrainians temporarily living in the U.S. can now stay for 18 months under Temporary Protected …

The Valentine message of the Trade Justice Education Fund is to remember people who lost their lives to COVID-19, and ask the U.S. government to do more to bring the pandemic to an end. (Ivelin Radkof/Adobe Stock)

Group Urges Valentine's Day Messages to Push for End to Pandemic

Valentine's Day is an occasion to remember those close to us. But after two years of COVID, one group says it's time to remember those we are missing…

More than 6,000 people from Afghanistan are awaiting resettlement at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Universities Work to Support Displaced Afghan Scholars, Students

BLOOMINGTON, IN -- Universities in Indiana are working to support Afghan students and scholars; both those still in Afghanistan and those arriving to …

Arkansas' neighboring states of Texas and Oklahoma are expected to take in about 4,500 and 1,800 Afghan families respectively. (Adobe Stock)

AR Preparing to Welcome Nearly 100 Afghan Refugees

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- More than a month after the sudden fall of Kabul led to tens of thousands of Afghans becoming refugees overnight, groups are …

Catholic Charities Jacksonville expects to see about 150 Afghan refugees settle in their community in the next few months, through the Afghan Parolee Support Program (APS). (Andrew Neel/Pexels)

"Help a Brother Out" – FL Groups Rally to Resettle Afghan Refugees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Organizations providing relief support for Afghan refugees say more people can help by simply taking time to learn about the …

Connecticut gets 3% of the refugee population coming to the United States every 12 months, according to the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

CT Gears Up to Aid Hundreds of Afghan Refugees

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- As hundreds of thousands more people seek to leave Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover, Connecticut …

The Biden administration is sticking with an Aug. 31 deadline to rescue refugees and remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan. (Adobe Stock)

Afghan Refugees Arriving Through Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA - Several hundred refugees from Afghanistan started to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport this weekend, only a few days after …

U.S. officials are using large military transports, such as C-17 Globemasters, to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies from the Kabul airport. (rebius/Adobe Stock)

Utah Agencies, NGOs Prepare to Resettle Afghan Refugees

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah officials and private agencies are preparing to assist refugees from Afghanistan when they arrive in the Beehive State…

Ahead of today's meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Joe Biden received a letter from 130 organizations calling on him to press the German leader about a patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccine production in developing nations. (12019/Pixabay)

Texas Trade Group Joins Demonstrations Over Global Vaccine Production

AUSTIN, Texas - As German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with President Joe Biden today, demonstrations by trade groups are scheduled in various …

Ahead of today's meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Joe Biden received a letter from 130 organizations calling on him to press the German leader about a patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccine production in developing nations. (Adobe Stock)

German Leader Faces Public Pressure Over Global Vaccine Development

NEW YORK -- Buffalo and New York City are among the U.S. sites where demonstrators are gathering this week to convince Germany's leader to reconsider …

Congress created Temporary Protected Status in the Immigration Act of 1990 to help people fleeing ongoing armed conflicts and environmental disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Trump Administration Tightens Temporary Protected Status Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A new federal immigration policy change prevents immigrants from becoming eligible for a green card if they travel abroad and …

The Census Bureau now has pushed the self-response deadline phase for filling out the 2020 census form through Aug. 14. (gustavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Presents Challenges to Counting WA Children in Census

SEATTLE -- Census workers are trying to find a way around the challenges presented by the coronavirus, including counting young children. In the 2010 …

Much like homeless shelters in the U.S., groups that provide international aid say the new coronavirus could spread rapidly through refugee camps. (Adobe Stock)

MN Relief Group Scrambles to Help Refugees Abroad in Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS -- An international relief group based in Minnesota is used to responding to conflicts all over the globe, but the pandemic has left it …

At 8%, Nevada's percentage of uninsured children is among the highest in the nation. (DMarshall/iStockphoto)

After Years of Improvement, Uninsured Rate for NV Kids Gets Worse

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Nevada is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to getting health insurance for children, according to a report released …

The Department of Homeland Security says a

TX Volunteers Frustrated as Migrants are Trapped in Mexico

EL PASO, Texas – Volunteers who have been helping desperate migrants arriving in El Paso say they're frustrated to see those people now being …

The Trump administration's reinstatement of a travel ban to Cuba makes it far more difficult for Americans to visit, reducing tourism dollars local residents had come to rely on. (hoeldino/Pixabay)

Minnesota Overtures to Cuba Curtailed by Travel Ban

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota was at the forefront of bringing a slice of American culture to Cuba in 2015, but any continuation of that effort …

Foreign-born workers make up 90 percent of workers at dairies in Idaho. (Idaho Office for Refugees)

Businesses, Idahoans Urge State Dept. to Preserve Refugee Programs

BOISE, Idaho – As the Trump administration reduces the number of refugees allowed into the United States, Idahoans and businesses are signing a …

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and other attorneys general want Congress to pass a bill allowing people with Temporary Protected Status to upgrade to permanent resident status. (Molly Adams/Flickr)

Maryland AG Urges Congress to Keep Temporary Protected Status

BALTIMORE – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced on Tuesday that he has signed on to a coalition of 19 states and the District of …

As many as 5,000 people from El Salvador living in Minnesota may have their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as legal immigrants revoked. (Pexels)

Back to the Shadows for Salvadorans in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Immigration lawyers in Minnesota have been fielding anxious calls from dozens of Salvadorans, many of whom have U.S. citizen …

Maryland is home to the fourth-largest community of Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status in the nation, some 20,000 people according to the New York-based Center for Migration Studies. (Pixabay)

Support Growing for Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to end the protected status of thousands of immigrants who fled conflicts and …

The death toll in Puerto Rico is still rising in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Maria, and Minnesotans are finding ways to help. (Sgt. Jose Ahiram Diaz-Ramos/Flickr)

'Sota-Ricans Say Help Still Desperately Needed

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A jam session this week in St. Paul will raise money to help Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which hit …

National security experts say unrest in Syria was worsened by drought linked to climate change.(zabelin/iStockphoto)

National-Security Expert Slams Trump Policy on Climate Change

PHOENIX -- Experts on national security are condemning efforts by the Trump administration to reverse Obama-era climate change policy. Citing a …

More than 663 million people around the world live without a safe water supply close to home. (Pixabay)

Iowans Can Save Water to Help at Home and Abroad

DES MOINES, Iowa – On this World Water Day, Iowans are being asked to step up conservation to help people, not only in the U.S. but around the …

A grant to schools helps refugees resettle in the United States. (CDC Global/Flickr)

School Grant Helps Refugee Families Integrate in Washington State

SEATTLE – A grant program is helping refugee students travel the long emotional distance from their homes to integrate into schools and their co…

Water is a precious commodity in many parts of the world. (bloodwater.org)

World Water Day Focuses on Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Wednesday is World Water Day, and Missourians are being asked to step up conservation to help people in this country and all …

The Next Debate: Foreign Aid vs. Military Spending

ST. PAUL, Minn. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some politically-…

President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending would impact Missourians. (whitehouse.gov)

Missouri Would Feel Pinch from Trump's Plan to Boost Military

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some …

President Trump wants Congress to increase military spending by $54 billion. Other programs may have to be trimmed accordingly. (Michael Vadon/Flickr)

Military Spending Tops Trump's Priority List

HELENA, Mont. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some politically-…

A big increase in military spending could be coming, but it would likely be at the expense of other federal programs. (Master Sgt. Craig Lifton/Flickr)

Trump to Congress: Defense Funding Most Important

BOISE, Idaho – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some politically-…

President Donald Trump wants to see a major hike in military spending, though it could mean cuts for federal domestic programs, as well as foreign aid. (Todd Diemer/Flickr)

Could Higher Military Spending Spell Trouble for States?

PORTLAND, Ore. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some politically-…

President Donald Trump said it's time for America to

Military Spending Hike Could Mean Less for States, Cities

LINCOLN, Neb. – President Donald Trump's call to increase military spending by $54 billion likely means cuts will be made to some politically-…

Signatures from this online petition calling on Kentucky lawmakers to welcome refugees and immigrants into the Bluegrass State will be delivered today to lawmakers at the state capitol. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Message to KY Politicians: Keep Welcoming Refugees and Immigrants

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- As President Trump attempts to revamp his controversial immigration ban, advocates for refugees and immigrants in Kentucky are …

Missoula led the nation for volunteerism in the Peace Corps, based on the number of volunteers per capita. (Brett Holt/Flickr)

Montana Again Among Leaders in Peace Corps Volunteering

MISSOULA, Mont. – Year over year, Montana ranks near the top when it comes to producing Peace Corps volunteers, and 2016 was no different…

Vetting of refugees involves three government agencies and takes 18 to 24 months. (U.S. Dept. of State)

Executive Order Leaves Refugees in Danger, Advocates Say

NEW YORK – Groups that work to resettle refugees in the United States say the executive order signed by President Trump leaves thousands of refu…

Advocates for refugees worry that a halt to resettlement programs in the United States will put some refugees in danger. (Global Panorama/Flickr)

WA Refugee Families Kept Apart Under Immigration Order

SPOKANE, Wash. – Families resettled in eastern Washington are being kept apart because of an executive order issued by President Trump at the …

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