Livable Wages/Working Families / Public News Service

Hunger Action Month started in 2008 when Feeding America's food banks came together to encourage individuals to take action against hunger in their local communities. (Adobe stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Hoosiers are marking Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign led by the Feeding America Network, to raise awareness and fight hunger across the U.…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

The U.S. Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure rose to just under 13% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022, despite an increase in median household incomes nationwide. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Friday, September 13, 2024

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

More Maine households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new census data. More than 80,000 Mainers, or roughly 6% of the …

According to the Center for American Progress,

Friday, September 13, 2024

Climate change worsens food insecurity in NE, U.S. and globally

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Deborah Van Fleet for Nebraska News Connection reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Se…

In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

Steel production is a major source of carbon emissions. U.S. Steel aims to eliminate such emissions by 2050. Close to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from using coke and coal in blast furnaces to melt iron. (Jeffrey Bowser/Adobe)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel may affect union workers, community

A Pennsylvania environmental justice group is voicing its concerns about the potential sale of U.S. Steel, the effect on the community and the future …

In Kentucky, federal investments are spurring job growth in construction, creating opportunities in clean energy and setting the stage for a potential upswing in manufacturing, according to a new report by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Report: Kentucky construction jobs, union membership on rise

More jobs are available now in Kentucky compared with the past couple of years and many are better-paying union jobs driven by federal investments…

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

More than 200 child care centers in West Virginia closed between 2018 and 2019, according to ChildCare Aware. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Child care, tax cuts expected focus of upcoming WV special session

West Virginia lawmakers will convene for a Special Session on Sept. 30, with the state's child care crisis, proposed income tax cuts and supplemental …

Lawmakers are considering a provision in the current Farm Bill to incorporate

">

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

MA fishermen see opportunity as Farm Bill advances

Massachusetts fishermen said they are optimistic the next Farm Bill will provide greater support to smaller, community-based fishing fleets. The …

Wage increases for a large segment of the Wisconsin workforce mean a decline in income inequality in the state. A new report from the High Road Strategy Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found many workers' earnings are still falling behind. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Report: WI economy rises on strength of workers' wage growth

A new report showed income inequality in Wisconsin is declining as lower-wage workers are seeing faster wage growth but Black, Latino and women …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

The Commonwealth Fund finds personal care attendants are facing nationwide shortages driven by low wages and retention, high turnover, and recruitment challenges. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

CT home health care workers still facing payroll issues

Despite a changing of the guard, Connecticut home health care workers still face payroll issues. Personal care attendants dealt with late paychecks …

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

In 2022, 42.4% of full-time undergraduate students worked while enrolled to cover their costs, reflecting the growing challenge of affording higher education. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the last 21 years…

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

If the Kroger-Alberstons merger is approved, Gunnison's 6,000 residents would have to travel 65 miles to find a grocery store not owned by Kroger, which owns King Soopers in Colorado, according to the American Economic Liberties Project. (Galatas)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

As a federal judge considers a lawsuit aiming to block a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a new report detailed how …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

The median home price in New Hampshire reached $525,000 in 2024, a nearly 13% increase from a year earlier. Rents in the state are up an average 45% since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Record high home and rental prices top NH voters concerns

Record-high home prices are a top concern for New Hampshire voters and could impact the outcome of this year's gubernatorial race. All the …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

Weston Lombard, at his Athens County farm, uses regenerative practices funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. (Photo credit Sijie Yuan)

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

President Joe Biden has announced a landmark $7.3 billion investment, the largest since the FDR New Deal, aimed at electrifying rural America…

The new report recommended Pennsylvania address methane leakage by establishing a large-scale program to cap abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. It could create 75 direct jobs per year and 525 direct jobs by 2030. (Funtay/Adobe)

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania's clean energy landscape. The findings …

Ohio House Bill 458 limits who can deliver absentee ballots to the voter, postal workers or specific close relatives, excluding caregivers and non-relatives. (PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

As Ohio gears up for the upcoming election, debates over new voting regulations are heating up. The recent proposal by Secretary of State Frank …

Nearly three of four Colorado voters surveyed want lawmakers to ensure full funding for Healthy School Meals for All. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado parents face September 30 deadline to help fund school meals

Colorado students will not go hungry this school year, thanks to the Healthy School Meals for All initiative approved by voters in 2022. Their …

During Hunger Action Month, key organizations are calling on Congress to protect funding for support programs as lawmakers debate budget proposals. (Adobe Stock)

'On the edge of catastrophe': A call to arms during Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and a food shelf coordinator in Minnesota does not see increased demand going down anytime soon. According to …

According to a Freelancers Union study, 71% of workers experienced late or non-payment, 59% said they live paycheck to paycheck and most do not have written contracts. (Adobe Stock)

NYS law gives freelancers labor protections

A newly enacted law provides New York freelancers with labor protections. The "Freelance Isn't Free Act" prevents companies from not paying …

Right now, about seven percent of the federal workforce is under 30. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers look to improve pay and benefits for federal workers

Federal lawmakers will debate a number of bills this fall designed to improve hiring, retention and benefits for government workers. Their …

The University of New Hampshire joins 429 higher education institutions that have joined the FirstGen Forward Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)<br />

UNH works to make 'first gen' students feel right at home

First generation students attending the University of New Hampshire benefit from a growing trove of campus resources to ensure their success…

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

On price negotiations alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than $100 billion in savings over 10 years for those using Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Older Wisconsin residents struggling to manage prescription drug costs, have new data on how much they might save as a new federal rule kicks in …

Paraprofessionals from 15 districts make up the current cohort of Idaho State University's Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher Program. (Aubi Moon/Idaho State University)

ID program aims to grow teacher numbers across the state

A program is Idaho is aiming to close the teacher shortage gap by training people where they live. Idaho State University's Paraprofessional to …

Medicare enrollees will not have to spend more than $2,000 annually on prescription drugs, starting next year. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Hundreds of thousands of older Californians will see huge savings on prescription drugs starting in January, according to a new report from AARP…

Bozeman's current Affordable Housing Ordinance was adopted in 2022 to provide incentives encouraging developers to build affordable housing in exchange for permissions to build outside the zoning code, a type of density bonus, according to Forward Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Confronting Bozeman's affordable housing shortage

An advocacy group in Bozeman is calling on young people and low-income renters to take on the city's notorious housing crunch. More than half of the …

From 2011 to mid-2020, 95 gigawatts of coal capacity was closed or switched to another fuel and another 25 gigawatts is slated to shut down by 2025, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia’s PSC faces lawsuit over coal-plant directive

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is facing legal challenges for its 2021 directive that Appalachian Power increase the usage of three of…

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act has passed the House and was received in the Senate on July 10, 2023. (Man888/Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal bill aimed to help MI homebuyers draws criticism

Michigan has seen a 10% rise in foreclosures this year. The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act, intended to assist middle-class homebuyers…

Despite pledges from semiconductor companies in the 1990s to phase out dangerous chemicals, miscarriage and cancer rates remain high among the global workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CHIPS Act opportunity to set standard for good Colorado jobs

As the Biden-Harris Administration prepares to invest up to $175 billion in tax money into semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS Act, a new …

The state's manufacturing sector has shown signs of revitalization, with increased output and job creation in advanced manufacturing industries. (Konstantin/Adobe)

New PA labor report reveals economic progress, challenges

A new report highlights Pennsylvania's strong economic growth and recovery, making the state a favorable environment for job seekers. The findings …

Workers protested layoffs outside the Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel on June 21. (U.E. Local 1008)<br />

Layoffs at CA immigration services center lead to protests

The feds are laying off more than 400 workers at an immigration application processing center in Laguna Niguel, a move labor advocates say is union-…

Studies show ending the subminimum wage does not hurt employment in tipped industries. (Adobe Stock)

Proposals ending taxes on tips have mixed results for NYers

National proposals to end taxes on tips might have mixed effects on New Yorkers. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have …

A new survey found 64% of teachers and 67% of special education teachers in Connecticut would not recommend pursuing a career in teaching and 46% said they would not have become educators if they could start over. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: CT educators burned out from ongoing teacher shortage

As Connecticut's school year begins, the state is still dealing with a teacher shortage. Almost every subject area is facing a statewide shortage …

By 2025, the number of unionized workers at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services locations in Vermont, Nebraska and California will drop from almost 1,000 to just over 300, according to the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America. (USCIS)

Vermont union workers cry foul over immigration service center layoffs

Unionized workers in Vermont with the federal agency responsible for processing immigration and asylum paperwork claim they are being forced to turn t…

Oregon and 36 other states are participating in the Summer EBT program. (san_ta/Adobe Stock)

Eligible OR families have until Monday to apply for summer food benefits

Eligible Oregon families have until Monday to apply for summer food benefits. The Summer EBT program provides families with a one-time payment of $12…

The poll finds unmarried women are most worried about housing costs (50%), losing rights (46%), and unaffordable taxes (46%), with 57% believing Democrats are more likely to address these issues.(Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Power of unmarried women may shape Ohio's 2024 vote

In Ohio, the upcoming election could hinge on the voting patterns of unmarried women younger than 55, a group that's proving to be a key demographic …

Iowa's newly released Child Care Connect website displays child care providers with vacancies by geography or along a designated driving route. With the tool, people can identify child care providers close by between their home and office. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa releases real time online child care finder

Iowa has released an interactive website to help parents find real-time child care options for their kids. Iowa Child Care Connect, which the state …

The Washington State Department of Commerce expected to fund at least 6,500 rebates for EVs through June 2025 with its new program. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Demand high for WA EV incentive program

Washingtonians want to drive electric vehicles and a new rebate program from the state is providing proof. Earlier this month, the Washington State …

The Postsecondary National Policy Institue says in 2020, 22% of the 18- to 24-year-old Native American population were enrolled in college compared to 40% of the overall U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

MN's new free tuition program resets higher ed path for tribal students

Indigenous populations have long faced barriers in pursuing higher education and Minnesota's new free college tuition program could help put some of t…

Access to affordable medicines is critical for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, depression or asthma and preventing emergency treatment. (Adobe Stock)

Big Pharma siphoning off critical health center resource

As Congress heads back to work after the August recess, advocates for the nation's safety net Community Health Centers are urging lawmakers to end …

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 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 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 - September 13, 2024

2024Talks - September 13, 2024

The Yonder Report - September 12, 2024