Social Justice / Public News Service

Data show firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, November 29, 2024

Alabama leaders unite to address gun violence, reimagine community safety

Gun violence has long been a pressing issue in Alabama and recent events such as the tragic shooting at Tuskegee University have reignited urgent call…

Some 75% of LGBTQ+ youth in South Dakota in 2022 reported experiencing anxiety, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, November 29, 2024

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in South Dakota are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety, rights and …

U.S. counties with state minimum wages between $7.26 and $9 saw a reduction in obesity by 0.6 percentage points, while counties with minimum wages of more than $9 experienced an obesity reduction of 2.8 percentage points, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Colorado obesity rate linked to economic inequality, low minimum wages

More than one in five Coloradans are considered obese, a chronic medical condition leading to serious health risks and a new study links obesity to …

A new report from the Aspen Institute looked at Native American youth attitudes toward culture, resource access, mental health and civic engagement. (Center for Native American Youth)<br />

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Anita Krecic, 65, has been in prison since 1987 for the killing of a Mississippi highway patrolman by her then-boyfriend. Despite her exemplary record, parole boards have repeatedly denied her release, most recently in 2022, with another review set for 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 25, 2024

Five Mississippi women serving 175 Years, with 47 parole denials

By Christopher Blackwell and Loretta Pierre for The Appeal.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Mississippi News Connection reporting for The Appea…

New Mexico immigrant advocacy groups said mass deportations promised by the next Trump administration would destabilize local economies. (LRafael/AdobeStock)

NM human rights groups promise to defend immigrants against deportation

New Mexico immigrant-based and immigrant-serving organizations are developing strategies to defend those workers and their families in the new year…

Jacques Beech saw his electric bill fall to $100 a month after installing solar panels on his Minneapolis home. (Photo courtesy Brad Stauffer for Energy News Network)

Monday, November 25, 2024

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

A 2024 survey builds on The Marshall Project's 2020 political survey, which debunked the assumption incarcerated individuals would predominantly support Democrats, as the trend remains unchanged. Art Credit: Diana Ejaita for The Marshall Project

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

The 2024 presidential election has raised complex emotions for incarcerated Ohioans, many of whom are unable to vote but remain deeply engaged in …

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…

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, since 1989, more than 100 Michiganders have been acquitted of crimes they did not commit. (Adobe Stock)

MI man, wrongfully incarcerated, now trains police officers

Ten years ago today, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot by Cleveland police while holding a toy gun, sparking national protests for police reform…

The middle 20% of Americans, families making between $55,000 and $94,000, would face an average tax increase of $1,530 in 2026 under Trump tax proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have promised to pass a new tax bill, and a new report breaks down the expected winners and …

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mustafa Kasubhai to a federal judgeship in Oregon. (Wikilaw contributor/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocacy groups protest as Trump tells Senate to halt judicial appointments

On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump called on the U.S. Senate to stop confirming President Joe Biden's nominees to federal judgeships, even as …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

The American Library Association reported in 2023, Hoosiers challenged 346 books with LGBTQ+ themes, people of color as the main characters and the Bible in statewide libraries. (Adobe Stock)

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

As the nation prepares for the second term of President-elect Donald Trump, librarians are increasingly worried about his agenda and what it might …

A report released this year by the state's Department of Human Services found homelessness is up by 24-percent compared to 2021. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Evidence-based strategies to help WV address homelessness

Cities and states are struggling with mounting homelessness, and West Virginia is no exception. A recent report points to potential solutions and …

Mass deportations would cause significant labor shocks across multiple key industries, with especially acute impacts on the construction, agriculture and hospitality sectors, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

The presidential vote was close in Nevada and with the results in, local organizations leaning more progressive believe the re-election of Donald …

Companies tolerating abusive bosses are vulnerable to costly lawsuits. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Financially stressed managers abusing workers

Researchers at Colorado State University have been able to link the economic stress experienced by 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck…

The Ohio Department of Aging dispels myths about older workers, highlighting employees in their 50s tend to stay with an employer longer than those in their 20s or 30s, which may lower retraining costs.(Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Adults 55 …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

Coalition forms to reaffirm 'California values' in 2nd Trump era

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in January offered support to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border control initiatives, including personally delivering razor wire. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Immigrants' advocates strategize as Noem could head DHS

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …

President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign the issue of abortion access should be left to states. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has said he hopes Trump sticks to his viewpoint. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

It is now up to Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to decide the fate of an abortion law from the mid-1800s. A circuit court determined last year an 18…

Colorado has been working to remove cost as a barrier for students, and many certificate and degree programs are zero-tuition. (Adobe Stock)

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

Gov. Jared Polis has designated seven Colorado colleges and universities as Career Connected Campuses for their work getting more students from all …

Nearly 270,000 Idahoans voted in favor of reforming Idaho's election system, but the measure fell well short on Election Day. (GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Electoral-reform measure goes down in ID

A proposition on the ballot to change the way voting works in Idaho failed in last week's election. Proposition One would have opened up primaries …

Advocates are suing the state of Montana over a change that allows documents used in the Legislature's bill-drafting process to be kept secret, reversing a 25-year-old rule. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental advocates sue Montana over public documents

Montana citizens and environmental advocates have sued the state for withholding documents that have, for decades, been considered public information…

As a part of new Farm Service Agency loan improvements, an online direct loan repayment feature will be available to help relieve borrowers from having to call, mail or visit a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed

New federal loan adjustments aim to ease financial burdens for farmers but advocates said lasting change requires legislative action. The U.S…

City governments are strengthening financial security for families through reimagined debt-collection practices, equitable ability-to-pay processes and increased access to financial empowerment services. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps youth in Pueblo clear steep hurdles of fines and fees

Young people in Pueblo can now avoid serious and long-lasting consequences when they are unable to pay fines or fees. Chanell Hasty, program …

A course at Ohio State University critically evaluates evidence the human capacity for hope and the human desire to believe in a supernatural deity evolved because they helped our ancestors survive. (M-SUR/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

In 2016, legislation eased the rights-restoration process after completion of sentence for persons not convicted of a crime of

Alabama felony voting ban leaves thousands disenfranchised as polls open

As Alabamians head to the polls, some people will be unable to vote in the general election because of a past felony conviction. Research by The …

The Associated Press has tabulated election results since 1848 when Zachary Taylor won the presidential election as a member of the Whig Party. (WPW enhanced/Adobe Stock)<br />

To call or not to call: The election night question

After a long campaign season, voters in New Mexico and around the country are casting their ballots. But in some races, the outcome might not be …

American Psychological Association research reveals politics can impact a person's mental and physical health, sometimes negatively. (Adobe stock)

Indiana’s election survival kit: Breathe, pause, repeat

On this Election Day, Indiana residents may be feeling the effects of what some are calling election stress disorder, but there are several ways to …

By law, any court disputes of election results must be resolved by December 16th, and the Electoral College convenes the following day. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: What CA voters can expect on election night

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Californians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid counting …

Some organizations point to low pay, racial bias in school systems and retention challenges as the biggest obstacles to recruiting more Black men into teaching. (RDNE/Pexels)

Jacksonville program aims to boost Black male teachers

In a country where Black men make up less than 2% of the teaching workforce, a program in Jacksonville is working to shift the balance by recruiting 1…

Over the course of U.S. history, fewer than 30 Native Americans have served in Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Overcoming odds in boosting Native representation in elected offices

As Americans head to the polls this Election Day, researchers noted there are a record number of Indigenous candidates seeking public office around …

Following Roe vs. Wade's overturn, over 40,000 people in restrictive states obtained medication abortions through shielded providers in the second half of 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in use. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights

By Lauren Rankin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Polls are open until 8 p-m local time across the country. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

Time is not on our side, voting experts say

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Idahoans, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid counting …

The electoral college meets on December 17th. (Lori/Adobe Stock)

Experts stress patience in WA, U.S. as votes tallied

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Washingtonians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid …

Informing Democracy found 39 of 528 Ohio election officials, or 7%, across 33 counties may pose risks to free and fair elections. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

In a polarized political season, Ohio's election system faces new challenges as partisanship and election integrity concerns come to the forefront…

Since 2002, there has been a single case of voter fraud in Wyoming, in which a convicted felon from Alaska managed to cast votes. He was sentenced to two to four years in prison. (Adobe Stock)

Lacking proof, WY official warns of noncitizens voting

Wyoming's secretary of state is asking county clerks to report non-citizens who try to vote, although cases of that - or any other - kind of election …

Michigan law has several built-in enforcement provisions to safeguard the process against the county and state officials who blatantly refuse to certify. (Olena Yefremkina/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan report aims to build public trust in MI's voting system

A nonprofit report aims to build trust in Michigan's voting system by explaining the safeguards that ensure fair and free elections. The report …

More than one of every 10 voters in today's general election is expected to be Latino, a 20.5% increase from 2016, according to the NALEO Educational Fund. (Adobe Stock)

All eyes on AZ for Election Day as experts warn of harmful misinformation

Election Day is finally here, and this year more than 17 million Latinos are expected to cast a ballot. The National Association of Latino Elected …

The Latino voter turnout is expected to grow by 6.5% compared with 2020, while non-Hispanic voter turnout is projected to increase by just 1.5% from 2020 levels. (Mediteraneo/Adobe)

Expert warns Tennesseans of harmful misinformation on Election Day

Election Day is finally here, and this year more than 17 million Latinos are expected to cast a ballot. Latino voters are now the country's second …

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative registered nearly 160,000 new voters for the Nov. 5 election, which represents the largest grassroots voter registration program in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's voting system affects BIPOC communities

Ohio voters are facing significant challenges at the ballot box, with some groups expressing concerns over voter roll purges and gerrymandering …

In 2024, seven in 10 Americans approve of labor unions, near a 60-year high, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY labor unions want next administration to support PRO Act

Labor groups in Kentucky and across the nation are pushing for the next administration to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act…

Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living increase to their benefits beginning in 2025, according to the federal government. Officials said it translates to an average increase of roughly $50 for retirees each month. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Social Security, caregiving top issues for older ME voters

Mainers over 50 are the state's largest voting bloc and surveys show they are concerned how the election will affect Social Security. The fund's …

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