Social Justice / Public News Service

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

The holiday season is filled with recipes passed down from years before, and feasting with family and friends. But think again before you have …

Since 2005, research shows the number of journalists employed by newspapers has declined by 60%, a loss of 43,000 reporters and editors. (junce11/AdobeStock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Study: Shuttered small-town newspapers sink community vitality

Three million residents in more than 200 U.S. counties don't have access to a single local news source, according to a new study. In New Mexico…

Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby are charged with two felonies, including interference with an election officer and conspiracy, in Cochise County. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Expert: AZ leads with election related lawsuits ahead of 2024

Despite concerns about the next election, one Arizona legal expert says courts have generally sided with voters and democracy. Victoria Lopez is …

A decline in local news is often correlated with the decline in voter participation, according to research by Northwestern University. (V.J. Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Study: Rural vibrancy diminishes with death of local newspapers

The media landscape has dramatically changed in the past 20 years, evidenced by a new study that shows three million residents in more than 200 …

An NYPD Monitor report tracked the work of officers during the 41st Precinct. It found only 41% of stops, 32% of frisks and 26% of searches were lawful. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

NY criminal-justice groups want increased police transparency

New York City community advocates want to reduce the number of stop-and-frisk encounters with police. The American Civil Liberties Union of New York …

Indiana's three neighboring states - Illinois, Michigan and Ohio - have already legalized using recreational marijuana and in Kentucky, it is allowed for legal use medicinally. (Adobe stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Neighboring states leave Indiana behind in 'cloud of smoke'

Most Hoosiers are okay with legalizing marijuana -- 85% approve, according to a poll from Indiana Public Radio and Ball State University. However…

A CARE Court treatment plan lasts up to two years and can assist with housing, medical care, addiction treatment, counseling, and more. (SB Arts Media/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

CARE Court program opens in California's largest county

The state's largest county has just opened the new CARE Court system, designed to get help for severely mentally ill people in Los Angeles. CARE …

Between the summers of 2021 and 2022, more than 500 children spent at least one night in county government offices because they had nowhere to go, according to the Public Children Association of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Ohio agencies work with churches to strengthen supports for foster children

More than 3,500 foster children are available for adoption in Ohio, and state agencies are connecting with local faith congregations to help recruit …

A recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League found nearly three in four Jewish students in the U.S. have experienced or witnessed antisemitism this school year. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has also opened investigations into alleged Islamophobic incidents at least a half-dozen colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

University presidents testify on rise of antisemitism on college campuses

College presidents testified before a congressional committee Tuesday on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led …

New York criminal court judges decide whether to publish their decisions. A report finds of the judges who publish one decision a year, the average number of published decisions was two to three per year. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

NY groups want increased criminal court ruling transparency

Government accountability groups want increased transparency in New York criminal court decisions. This comes after a new report finds only 6% of …

New Mexico aims for 'no hungry holidays' by doubling donations

Just a few days into December, food bank demand is high while some warehouse shelves are lean, and in New Mexico, a matching donation program this …

The Farm Credit System is cumulatively the largest lender to the agricultural sector, making about 45% of all agricultural loans, with $350 billion in assets. (DiedovStock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Farm Credit System needs an update

A new report calls for greater accountability in the system that provides funding to farmers in underserved communities. The research takes a dive …

The Economic Policy Institute found the number of child labor law violations increased from 1,012 in 2015 to 3,876 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Bill in Congress poses stronger penalties for child labor violations

A bill in Congress with a Connecticut House sponsor aims to reduce child labor in the United States. Called the "Children Harmed in Life-Threatening …

Most candidate elections in Arizona are determined in the Primary Election, where only about 23% of registered adults voted in August 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan AZ group pushes for open primaries on 2024 ballot

This week, a bipartisan group in Arizona officially launched its campaign to do away with the state's current system of primary elections - which are …

The 17th annual 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces list includes a diverse group of organizations, representing 22 industries. The companies offer an average of $14,831 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs and an average of nine weeks paid leave. (deagreez/Adobe Stock)

MI families begin new futures as National Adoption Month ends

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

As National Adoption Month ends, MO families head into new future

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

Many of the companies lobbying for tax breaks have paid very little in taxes. Netflix, for example, has paid federal corporate income taxes equal to less than 1% of its reported profits over four years. (Adobe Stock)

Congress urged to consider business tax cuts, child tax credit

Lawmakers in Congress are facing mounting pressure from corporate lobbyists to pass business tax breaks before the end of the year but new analysis su…

The new rule was originally set to go into effect in December, but the NLRB extended the date into February to accommodate legal challenges. (Rafael Henrique/Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates: New NLRB joint employer rule a win for workers

The National Labor Relations Board recently issued a rule change that may have wide-ranging impacts for workers and businesses. The update to the …

Alabama is one of only 12 states still taxing groceries. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise unveils 2024 policy priorities to aid marginalized communities

Alabama Arise, a statewide advocacy group, is fighting for marginalized communities affected by poverty. The organization recently unveiled its 2024 …

28% of registered voters say they will only vote for candidates for major offices who share their position on abortion, according to Gallup. (Matt Gush / Adobe Stock)

Are polls and the President's approval rating true indicators for 2024?

Recent polling from The New York Times and Siena College found President Biden trailing former President Donald Trump in five of the six most crucial …

After her doctor retired in 2020, Albuquerque's Anne Withrow faced a long waiting list for transgender health care. (photo courtesy of Cecilia Nowell)<br />

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

By Cecilia Nowell for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

Giving Tuesday began in 2012 at New York City's 92nd Street YMCA and is now observed in every country in the world. (OntheRun Photo/Adobe Stock)

Groups hoping Ohioans are feeling philanthropic on Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday tomorrow, donating money isn't the only way to support the groups and causes you care about. The global Giving Tuesday movement …

Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a central component for Native American tribes in North Dakota to successfully challenge political boundaries drawn by the Legislature. But other court rulings have weakened enforcement of the law, spurring the state to appeal. (Adobe Stock)

Legal wrangling continues over redistricting for ND tribal areas

CLARIFICATION: North Dakota Native Vote Board Chair Wes Davis isn't opposed to having all affected tribes in the same district. His comment …

In 2022, about 29% of the people in Florida's prison system were age 50 or older, which is one reason their advocates are urging state lawmakers to ensure prison housing units are climate-controlled. (geralt/Pixabay)

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Florida lawmakers are being asked to use the winter months to swiftly install air conditioning in prison housing units before the return of scorching …

The call for a fast in solidarity with Palestinians is on Nov. 23, which is Thanksgiving Day. (Solidarityfast.com)

Call for global fast in solidarity with Gazans on Thanksgiving

Organizations are asking people to join them in a fast on Thanksgiving in solidarity with people suffering from war conditions in Gaza. Groups …

The courts have commended Georgia for its progress in increasing political opportunities for Black voters in the 58 years since passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But some observers argued the progress has not been shared equally among Black voters across the state. (Lamar Carter/Adobe Stock)

Voters weigh in on need to include growing groups in GA's redistricting

In just over a week on Nov. 29, state lawmakers will return to Atlanta to decide on Georgia's new congressional voting district maps. Grassroots …

Immigrants start more than 25% of all businesses in seven of the eight sectors that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to grow the fastest over the next decade. (Adriana/Adobe Stock)

Santa Fe's economic vitality depends on immigrants

From construction and hospitality to business creation and consumer spending, a new report shows the oversized contributions immigrants are making to …

By August 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is expected to establish a streamlined pathway to certification for educators who earned their certification outside Pennsylvania. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

A call for 'bold action' to address PA school funding disparities

During a public hearing on improving school funding, the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission heard from people who stressed the need to …

According to Gallup, three in four Americans side with the United Auto Workers in their negotiations with U.S. auto companies. (Adobe Stock)

Amid organizing buzz, union membership lags, but leaders still see hope

States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor …

Business leaders have reported workers with disabilities bring a strong sense of positivity and ownership of their work. (Adobe Stock)

Diversifying the workforce can change companies for the better

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Wyoming News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

A 2021 poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst found 65% of residents support same-day voter registration, compared to 28% who oppose it. (Adobe Stock)

MA groups push same-day voter registration to replace provisional ballots

Voting rights groups in Massachusetts say provisional ballot data from the 2022 statewide election highlight the need for same-day voter registration…

Ohio is home to an estimated 60,000 English learner students. Spanish is the main language of almost 40% of Ohio's English learners, along with 90 other home languages, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Ohio schools haven’t kept pace with growing number of English learners

Ohio schools are stepping up to meet the needs of a growing number of English learners. Nearly 40% of around 60,000 English learners in the state …

Since the Inflation Reduction Act became law, there have been nearly 60 solar manufacturing announcements. Companies have also announced enough new battery manufacturing projects to support production of more than 10 million electric vehicles per year. (Adobe Stock)

Elected officials: Inflation Reduction Act investments will aid national security

In order to fight climate change, officials are pushing for investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. The group Elected Officials to Protect …

Despite middling scores for how immigrant students feel in school, a YouthTruth/Re-Imaging Migration survey finds most immigrant children enjoy school and feel prepared for college level courses. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Immigrant students feel invisible to teachers and peers

A new survey found immigrant students need better help in school. The YouthTruth, Re-Imagining Migration survey was designed to examine the …

Research shows people who live near parks or natural spaces have lower rates of disease and higher rates of social cohesion. (Yaya Ernst/Adobestock)

California launches new 'outdoors for all' strategy

Have you ever wanted to see the California redwoods, play in the Sierra snow, take a dip at the beach or just throw a family barbecue at the park? …

University of New Hampshire students and community members gathered last week to protest the Israeli war in Gaza and demand the Biden Administration call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties. (Ahsan)

NH college students call for ceasefire as support for Dems erodes

Students at the University of New Hampshire are joining college students nationwide in demanding the Biden Administration call for an immediate Israel…

Black Americans were 9.3 times as likely as whites to be homicide victims in 2020, American Indians were 4.3 times as likely, and Latino Americans were 1.9 times as likely, based on age-adjusted figures. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Report cites disparities in crime and policing

The lifetime likelihood of imprisonment for Black men has changed significantly from one generation to the next, according to The Sentencing …

The Recompete Pilot Program provides financial assistance and flexibility to revitalize rural economies through economic development strategies, according to the Rural Policy Action Report. (Gary L Hider/Adobe Stock)

PA town, college partner to write grants for community projects

CLARIFICATIONS: Mayor Jaime Kinder was not the coauthor of the report mentioned, and her office was not the source of the interviews with 700 …

Community-based organizations applied for grants from $5,000 to $20,000, to support and actively promote the Healthy School Meals for All program locally. (Adobe Stock)

Free Healthy School Meals for Public School Students Underway

After Colorado voters approved a measure to provide free meals to all public school students regardless of their ability to pay last year, 41 …

Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian American and just one of two Muslim Women in Congress. (Drew Angerer/Getty)

Bush stands by censured congresswoman who says she won't be silenced

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American voice in Congress, was officially reprimanded last Tuesday, but many of her colleagues say …

First-generation students make up one-third of all college students, but only 27% will attain a degree within four years. (MonkeyBusiness/Adobe Stock)

NM's first-generation students inspire siblings to pursue college

First-generation college students face a host of expectations and challenges - and that's why New Mexico State University will spotlight their accompl…

Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian American and just one of two Muslim Women in Congress. (SuperBasementBoy/flickr.com)

Censured Michigan congresswoman says she will not be silenced

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American voice in Congress, was officially reprimanded last Tuesday, but many of her colleagues say …

Studies show math and reading scores are higher in schools staffed with full-time certified librarians. (CulturaAllies/Adobe Stock)

Librarians often 'unsung heroes' at Texas schools

Starting in the early years and continuing through 12th grade, it's often the school librarian students know best - seeking them out for help with …

The need for multilingual voting information is key in many communities. For instance, some 40% of Asian Americans in Nevada speak English less than

NV election experts share 'what to know' ahead of 2024 races

With less than a year until the 2024 presidential election, Nevada election experts see a number of threats that could affect voters - from …

Abortions have increased in states bordering Idaho since the beginning of the year. (Fitz/Adobe Stock)

Federal judge puts ID abortion travel ban on hold

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an anti-abortion law in Idaho restricting people's ability to travel to other states for the procedure…

Sen. Holly Thompson, R-Scott City, sponsored legislation to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, which used to be considered drug paraphernalia. (luchschenF/Adobe Stock)

Newly legal fentanyl testing strips help fight overdose deaths in MO

The rise in deaths involving synthetic opioids or fentanyl have overdose-prevention advocates looking for solutions across the nation. Gov. Mike …

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

The Governor's Job Fair Network of Mississippi will be in Clinton next Wednesday for a job fair at the Wood Activity and Therapeutic Center. (Prostock-studio/AdobeStock)

MS second-chance job fairs connect formerly incarcerated with employers

Finding a job after prison can be tough, but a program in Mississippi is helping formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet. The …

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PNS Daily Newscast - December 8, 2023

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Social Justice

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

Study: Shuttered small-town newspapers sink community vitality

Expert: AZ leads with election related lawsuits ahead of 2024

Study: Rural vibrancy diminishes with death of local newspapers

NY criminal-justice groups want increased police transparency

Neighboring states leave Indiana behind in 'cloud of smoke'

CARE Court program opens in California's largest county

Ohio agencies work with churches to strengthen supports for foster children

University presidents testify on rise of antisemitism on college campuses

NY groups want increased criminal court ruling transparency

New Mexico aims for 'no hungry holidays' by doubling donations

Report: Farm Credit System needs an update

Bill in Congress poses stronger penalties for child labor violations

Bipartisan AZ group pushes for open primaries on 2024 ballot

MI families begin new futures as National Adoption Month ends

As National Adoption Month ends, MO families head into new future

Congress urged to consider business tax cuts, child tax credit

Advocates: New NLRB joint employer rule a win for workers

Alabama Arise unveils 2024 policy priorities to aid marginalized communities

Are polls and the President's approval rating true indicators for 2024?

NM's gender-affirming policy generates waitlists for health care

Groups hoping Ohioans are feeling philanthropic on Giving Tuesday

Legal wrangling continues over redistricting for ND tribal areas

Heat crisis in FL prisons: Lawmakers urged to add air conditioning

Call for global fast in solidarity with Gazans on Thanksgiving

Voters weigh in on need to include growing groups in GA's redistricting

Santa Fe's economic vitality depends on immigrants

A call for 'bold action' to address PA school funding disparities

Amid organizing buzz, union membership lags, but leaders still see hope

Diversifying the workforce can change companies for the better

MA groups push same-day voter registration to replace provisional ballots

Ohio schools haven’t kept pace with growing number of English learners

Elected officials: Inflation Reduction Act investments will aid national security

Survey: Immigrant students feel invisible to teachers and peers

California launches new 'outdoors for all' strategy

NH college students call for ceasefire as support for Dems erodes

Report cites disparities in crime and policing

PA town, college partner to write grants for community projects

Free Healthy School Meals for Public School Students Underway

Bush stands by censured congresswoman who says she won't be silenced

NM's first-generation students inspire siblings to pursue college

Censured Michigan congresswoman says she will not be silenced

Librarians often 'unsung heroes' at Texas schools

NV election experts share 'what to know' ahead of 2024 races

Federal judge puts ID abortion travel ban on hold

Newly legal fentanyl testing strips help fight overdose deaths in MO

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

MS second-chance job fairs connect formerly incarcerated with employers