Social Justice / Public News Service

In 2022, nearly 15,000 children in Ohio were in out-of-home care, with about 8,500 in foster homes, 4,000 with relatives or family friends, and others in residential or alternative placements. More than 3,400 children are waiting to be adopted. (Social media is shaping the 2024 presidential race like never before, especially among young voters in Ohio./Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 25, 2024

A growing crisis in mental health care for Ohio children

The growing crisis in Ohio's child welfare system is drawing attention, particularly for its impact on children's mental health. Across the state…

Nearly 67,000 schools participate in Farm-to-School programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

This October, Ohio schools are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture …

Courts across the country have ruled in favor of companies with mandatory arbitration clauses. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

FAIR Act would prevent companies from evading responsibility, supporters say

Critics of recent court cases they say allow corporations to evade responsibility are pointing to legislation in Congress that could fix this issue…

About 496,000 Latino Americans are disenfranchised, with more than 5% of Latino voters in Arizona and Tennessee affected by felony voting bans. (Adobe Stock)

Past felony convictions keep almost 400,000 in TN from voting

Tens of thousands of Tennesseans with felony convictions are unable to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election. Research by The Sentencing Project shows …

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

In 15 states, 5% or more of the African American adult population is banned from voting because of a felony conviction. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 68,000 Mississippians can’t vote due to felony convictions

In Mississippi, thousands of people will not be able to vote in the general elections due to a past felony conviction. Research by The Sentencing …

Alex Watters works at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He says he's had to turn down promotions and other opportunities to keep his income below the threshold that allows him to receive benefits as a quadriplegic. (Alex Watters/IDDC)

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

State data show more Iowans with disabilities are employed. And advocates with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council point out that - during …

Early voting in Minnesota began in late September. And if you're heading to the polls soon, officials remind people worried about their voter registration status to bring along a current billing statement to help update your registration on the spot. (Adobe Stock)

Billing statements could be your gateway to voting in MN

More than 3.6 million Minnesotans are registered to vote this fall. But if you're worried that something will get you turned away at the polls…

Moloka'i residents have some of the lowest power consumption rates in the Hawaiian Archipelago and the state's highest energy costs, including the nation's most expensive fee per watt. Many of the 7,300 residents often forgo reliable power, opting to live off the grid as self-sufficient homesteaders.(Adobe Stock)

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

By Naoki Nitta for Grist.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Hawaii News Service reporting for the Grist-Solutions Journalism Network-Public News S…

A total of 8,873 people voted early during Connecticut's first primary election where people could take part in early in-person voting. (Adobe Stock)

AARP CT educates voters for November election

As early voting begins today, AARP Connecticut is educating voters about this year's election. This is the first election the state has had early …

A law enshrined in Nebraska's 1875 Constitution has been overturned, restoring the rights of Nebraskans with a felony conviction to register and vote. (Adobe Stock)

Court clears way for Nebraskans with past felony convictions to register, vote

The state Supreme Court has upheld a law giving Nebraskans with prior felony convictions the right to vote once they have completed their sentence…

The Indiana Secretary of State's office reports only 59% of registered voters in Marion County, the state's largest, cast a ballot in the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU of Indiana stands ready to support voter safety

Voter apprehension is reaching record levels for this year's general election, with dueling poll results and debates only adding to the anxiety…

Because of their remote nature and limited capacity to access financial help, many of New Mexico's colonias rely on water wells not built to code. (GAO)

NM's colonias need oversight to improve water, wastewater systems

Federal funding for infrastructure improvements in colonias, predominately rural, Hispanic communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, including 150 in …

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, said the state's protective order registry had more than 1 million protective orders for workplace or domestic violence in 2023. (Adobe stock)

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has released the 2023-24 annual report for the state's courts. The report shows Indiana's …

Guaranteed-income programs tend to run 12 to 18 months, but a Minnesota initiative that helps artists is tinkering with a several-year approach. (Adobe Stock)

MN effort helps artists nurture creative spark with extra funds in their pockets

One in three Americans indicates they're living paycheck-to-paycheck, and that includes many artists. A Minnesota organization is expanding its …

The Gavin Coal Plant in Gallia County is responsible for emitting nearly 10 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, a level comparable to emissions from 3.1 million cars driving for an entire year. (Rosemarie Mosteller/Adobe Stock)

Gavin coal plant sale leaves Ohio communities in limbo

The sale of Ohio's Gavin coal-fired power plant is sparking uncertainty among residents and energy experts alike. The plant, which has been one of …

New Mexico changed its state law in 2023 to allow people with felony convictions to vote if they are not incarcerated. (niyazz/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit forces NM to rush voter registration for those with felony convictions

New Mexicans who've been released from prison after serving time for a felony conviction will be able to vote in next month's election, after pro-…

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles conducted 22 hearings on Sept. 11, granting parole to four individuals and denying requests for 18 others. (Adobe Stock)

A push for parole reform as AL prisons face overcrowding, violence

Groups across Alabama are joining forces to advocate for big changes to what they see as the state's flawed parole system. In a panel discussion led …

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose altered the language of State Issue 1 from what voters originally signed to support the amendment, adding the commission would be

Ohio voters to decide on redistricting reform with Issue 1

In the swing state of Ohio, voters will soon decide the fate of State Issue 1, a proposal to establish a 15-member citizens' redistricting commission …

A billboard near Smithfield, N.C., where more than 600 men are housed at the Johnston Correctional Institution, sends a message to inmates. Statewide, more than 37,000 people are currently incarcerated in 55 state prisons. (Recidivism Reduction Education Programs)

NC group pushes for public safety through targeted investment

A North Carolina group is launching a new campaign to emphasize the importance of investing in people behind bars, so they'll have a better chance …

Cost remains the primary barrier for Coloradans to seek health care, with 83% percent of reporting they worry about being able to afford it. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers urged to address 'hidden' hospital fees

"Facility fees" originally meant to help struggling hospitals keep emergency room doors open 24 hours a day are now being applied to outpatient servic…

Maryland criminalized cyberbullying in 2013 and strengthened the law in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Relational bullying highlighted during Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and a recent study showed teens bullied in high school tend to become pessimistic about life prospects…

A report from the Network for Public Education says four of 10 charter school closures happened without adequate notice, often occurring midyear or just before a new school year. The primary reason was insufficient enrollment, which accounted for 47% of all closures. (NuFa Studio/Adobe Stock)

The financial landscape of Ohio's charter schools

Ohio's charter schools have been a topic of debate for more than two decades, with strong opinions on both sides. Charter schools operate …

Between 2010 and 2022, the percentage of U.S. Latinos with at least a bachelor's degree increased from 8.9% to 13.6%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Latinos in AZ are an economic powerhouse

Latinos in Arizona are an economic powerhouse, according to a new report. It shows the United States gross domestic product for Latinos was more than …

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Adobe Stock)

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

This year, the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported bias and discrimination contribute to traumatic and near-death experiences. (Adobe Stock)

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

By Kylie Marsh for the Charlotte Post, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North …

Federal officials said by embracing energy-efficient upgrades, such as a smart thermostat, a single eligible household can enjoy savings of up to $14,000. (Adobe Stock)

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

Summerlike temperatures are still around but winter is lurking and Minnesotans will soon have to crank up their thermostats. Now, there is outreach …

More than a half-million immigrants reside in Colorado, working as nursing assistants, cooks and software developers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Immigration boosts the economy - in Colorado and across the U.S. But new policies are needed to maximize gains and make it harder for employers to …

According to the Prison Policy Institute, Illinois's incarceration rate of 433 per 100,000 people ranks the state as having nearly the highest lockup rate of any democratic country. (Adobe Stock)

Higher cancer rates among IL's incarcerated population

Two specific types of cancer are showing up in high numbers among people in jail and prison and Illinois is no exception. A new study found a lack …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

The American Clean Power Second Quarter 2024 Market Report ranked Ohio fourth nationally and first in the Midwest for clean power installations and first in the Midwest for utility-scale solar capacity this year. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

As Ohio continues to embrace clean energy solutions, the debate over its economic and environmental impact remains a focal point for residents…

Advocacy groups are asking folks in Wisconsin to pledge to become a Supreme Court voter. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

Overlap cited between SCOTUS and presidential election

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Wisconsin are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

New billboards in Philadelphia raise awareness about the role voters in the 2024 Election when it comes the future of the nation's highest court. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

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 …

Keven Dardon was among the leaders on the negotiation team in Oregon during the largest health care strike in history. (SEIU Local 49)

Workers celebrate one year on from largest health care strike in US history

It's been one year since the largest health care strike in U.S. history, and union members say they've seen changes since their 2023 victory…

A new report finds Idaho lawmakers have been adopted policies to improve elections. (Devin Allphin/Adobe Stock)

Reports: States adopting policies to increase voter access, secure elections

Election laws have been in the spotlight since 2020 - but despite the controversy, a new report finds many states have made election administration …

Voters with disabilities who are unable to leave their home or facility where they are residing, may be able to obtain assistance from a Special Elections Board to assist them in voting, according to Disability Rights Arizona.(Adobe Stock)

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Today is the last day in Arizona to register online to vote in next month's election. And that means voting rights advocates in the battleground …

Every registered Colorado voter will automatically receive a ballot by mail. Unless you opt out, eligible Coloradans are automatically registered to vote when applying for or renewing your driver's license. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado one of 23 states to allow in-person registration on Election Day

Colorado residents who want to receive a November 5 general election ballot by mail must be registered, by mail or online, no later than October 28…

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice urges policymakers to invest in alternatives to cash bail and provide support for pretrial services, such as supervision programs, as well as increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Report makes case for eliminating cash bail system

A new report outlines how eliminating cash bail could affect people in Mississippi and beyond. The ACLU of Mississippi said 14 of 25 people in jail …

In September, the Michigan Senate passed SB 401, a bill to expand voter rights and accessibility in the state. The measure is set for a hearing next week in the House Elections Committee. (Adobe Stock)

MSU study: Michigan voter-roll purging could be biased

States are required to conduct regular voter list maintenance to ensure the rolls are accurate. But a new Michigan State University study suggests …

Eligible voters from both political parties would have difficulty obtaining proof of citizenship, according to a survey by the Brennan Center for Justice. Some 20 million eligible U.S. voters said they cannot quickly access a passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights groups sue to block NH proof-of-citizenship law

Voting-rights groups in New Hampshire have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's new election law, which requires proof of citizenship for …

The Des Moines City Council passed a resolution that bans tent camping and criminalizes falling asleep in public, which can result in a $15 fine. (Adobe Stock)

Critics push back on Des Moines' homeless ordinance

The Des Moines City Council has passed an ordinance to reduce the homeless population and help people find alternatives to being on the street…

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Marcos/AdobeStock)

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

This round of debt relief forgave more than $14.6 million in medical debt for 7,717 residents of Lucas County after RIP acquired ProMedica's debt portfolio. (Adobe Stock)

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Medical debt has long been a burden for many Americans, with millions struggling to pay off their healthcare bills. In the Buckeye State, however…

In 2021, 48 of 50 states recorded the highest number of online shopping fraud reports within the past five years. (A2Z AI/Adobe Stock)

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

Concert and sports fans in Ohio are expressing growing frustration over rising ticket prices and hidden fees. In response, Congress is considering …

Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University are two schools with the largest decline in Black and Latino student admission since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. (Adobe Stock)

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

New York colleges and universities are seeing the effects of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action. New data from Education Reform Now …

About 6,500 South Dakotans are in state or federal prisons, local jails and other kinds of facilities, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Wikimedia Commons)

Advocacy group forms for people in prison amid controversies in SD prisons

Recent problems in South Dakota prisons have concerned lawmakers, corrections commission members and family members of those incarcerated, who formed …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 25, 2024

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Social Justice

A growing crisis in mental health care for Ohio children

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

FAIR Act would prevent companies from evading responsibility, supporters say

Past felony convictions keep almost 400,000 in TN from voting

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

Report: More than 68,000 Mississippians can’t vote due to felony convictions

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

Billing statements could be your gateway to voting in MN

A solar transformation for Moloka'i

AARP CT educates voters for November election

Court clears way for Nebraskans with past felony convictions to register, vote

ACLU of Indiana stands ready to support voter safety

NM's colonias need oversight to improve water, wastewater systems

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

MN effort helps artists nurture creative spark with extra funds in their pockets

Gavin coal plant sale leaves Ohio communities in limbo

Lawsuit forces NM to rush voter registration for those with felony convictions

A push for parole reform as AL prisons face overcrowding, violence

Ohio voters to decide on redistricting reform with Issue 1

NC group pushes for public safety through targeted investment

Colorado lawmakers urged to address 'hidden' hospital fees

Relational bullying highlighted during Bullying Prevention Month

The financial landscape of Ohio's charter schools

Report: Latinos in AZ are an economic powerhouse

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Higher cancer rates among IL's incarcerated population

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

Overlap cited between SCOTUS and presidential election

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

Workers celebrate one year on from largest health care strike in US history

Reports: States adopting policies to increase voter access, secure elections

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Colorado one of 23 states to allow in-person registration on Election Day

Report makes case for eliminating cash bail system

MSU study: Michigan voter-roll purging could be biased

Voting rights groups sue to block NH proof-of-citizenship law

Critics push back on Des Moines' homeless ordinance

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

Advocacy group forms for people in prison amid controversies in SD prisons