Social Justice / Public News Service

Despite 681 attempts to ban or restrict library resources so far this year, 71% of voters across the political spectrum oppose book bans, according to a survey by the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 23, 2022

CT Libraries Observe Banned Books Week

As "Banned Books Week" comes to a close, Connecticut libraries have been celebrating with great fervor - despite numerous book bans and challenges…

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., says she plans to call a legislative hearing on the practices of credit reporting agencies. (Kalafoto/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 23, 2022

Consumer Groups Press for Bill to Reform Credit Reporting

Consumer groups are pressing for legislation to reform the way credit agencies handle errors on credit reports. The calls to amend the Fair Credit …

Research shows economic insecurity, unreliable transportation and other challenges outside the classroom pose major barriers for two-year college students. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

KY College Boards Focus on Role of Equity in Student Success

Colleges and universities in Kentucky are looking at new ways to address the equity gap among their students, through specialized training for their …

According to a recent survey by the American Library Association, about 71% of voters, across party lines, oppose book bans altogether. Yet, the ALA has found 1,651 different books were the target of book bans since the start of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 'Books UnBanned' Program

Banned Books Week continues through Saturday, and the Brooklyn Public Library has a program for teens facing book bans in their states. The Books …

This year, more than 70% of attempts to restrict library resources targeted multiple titles. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Maryland Libraries Call Attention to Censorship During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

From July 2021 to June 2022 across the nation, there were 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles, according to Pen America. (prettysleepyart/Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

Ahead of Banned Books Week, the ACLU of Texas published what it calls a Students' Rights Hub. Kate Huddleston, attorney for the ACLU of Texas…

Educators from across South Dakota say newly proposed social studies standards might help students memorize facts for tests but will not help them develop critical-thinking skills for the outside world. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

SD Holds First Public Hearing in Social Studies Standards Debate

A South Dakota education panel has kicked off the public-hearing phase in the state's latest effort to update social studies standards. Many …

In Arkansas, election officials will request that voters provide an approved form of ID. (Annap/AdobeStock)

Arkansans Urged to Register on National Voter Registration Day

Ahead of the general election on November 8, there's an urgent push for voter registration in Arkansas. In 2020, 83% of Arkansas citizens reported …

Persons with health insurance in Gwinnett County including children make up 82.3% of the population, meaning 17.7% are uninsured. (Gwinnett Coalition)

Monday, September 19, 2022

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Gwinnett County's uninsured population of 15.6% is slightly higher than the state rate of 15.3%, according to 2020 U.S. census data. Renee Byrd-…

Some marijuana convictions, which keep people from getting a better job, joining the military, going back to school or getting a student loan, can be erased right now. (Adobe Stock)

Legal Clinic: How to Put a Pot Conviction Behind You

A special legal clinic is being held on September 24 in Buffalo about expunging certain marijuana convictions. The clinic, a collaboration between …

Advocates for the poor say the Covid pandemic revealed effective tools to reduce poverty in America. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 19, 2022

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Childhood poverty was cut nearly in half during the Covid pandemic due to expanded federal programs like the child tax credit, and stimulus payments…

Three in four good-paying jobs in Colorado require a college degree or other post-secondary credentials. (Adobe Stock)

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

The biggest obstacle facing Indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a new collaborative study by the National Native …

Research shows around a quarter of Americans find it difficult to afford prescription drugs because of high out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden last month caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors who have Medicare…

In response to any claims that absentee voting is prone to fraud, Iowa election leaders say the state's Voter ID law, which is required at the polls and on absentee ballot request forms, protects election integrity. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

Iowa's elections are safe and secure and haven't been subject to widespread fraud. That's the message from a bipartisan group of election …

The midterm general election this year is on Nov. 8. (mybaitshop/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits Mobilize Ahead of November Midterm Election

Nonprofit organizations are ramping up efforts to get out the vote for the election in November. The student-led Montana Public Interest Research …

Milwaukee's city budget process typically begins in late winter or early spring, and then wraps up with a final vote in early November. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

The budget process for Wisconsin's largest city is ramping up, and there are concerns residents in underserved areas will not receive as much …

None of Nebraska's five members of Congress earned a perfect or even near-perfect score on this year's Democracy Scorecard. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Congressional Delegation Scores Low on “Democracy Scorecard”

The top issue for voters heading into the November elections, even above jobs and the economy, is a growing fear American democracy is under threat…

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee won a collective-bargaining deal covering workers on tomato farms in Ohio in 1983, after an eight-year campaign and boycott. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Farm Workers Still Shut Out of Federal Labor Protections

An organization defending the rights of thousands of farmworkers in Ohio and other states is creating its road map for the future. The Farm Labor …

According to the Georgia Department of Drivers Services website, Georgia law requires photo identification when voting either in person or absentee. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock) ">

Georgia Voter Registration On Rise Before General Election

The Georgia Automatic Voter Registration system is back up and running after being offline for 15 months. The system opts in eligible residents to …

In the past year, school districts have been pressured by conservative groups to weed out certain teachings about race. But others say there should be more concern about the lack of civics curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

Over the weekend, communities in Iowa observed the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Since those historic events, political tension has escalated…

Beyond crime and safety, a survey of East Metro residents of the Twin Cities area found that education and economic impacts from COVID-19 were considered significant issues. (Adobe Stock)

MN Survey Shows Declining Trust in Key Institutions

The midterm elections are near - meaning candidates, political analysts and the media want to know more about what voters are thinking. Those behind …

In 2017, the United States had around 48,000 farmers who identified as Black according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

More Black Farmers Use Farm Service Agency Programs

Some farmers of color have been hesitant to interact with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency after a history of discrimination…

Dr. Jamestta Ferguson, founder of Molo Community Development Corp., says grassroots organizations are working to address decades of disinvestment in Louisville's historically Black neighborhoods. (AARP KY)

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

A pastor and community leader in Louisville is working to boost economic development and raise the quality of life on Louisville's West end. …

Gov. Tom Wolf said of a tougher gift ban, "That new standard of accountability remains an important step to restore faith in government and has worked successfully for more than seven years." (Mandritoiu/Adobe Stock)">

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

Pennsylvania law allows an elected official to accept a gift - including cash - as long as it's disclosed in annual reports. But that raises some …

An estimated six million children with asthma in the United States are especially vulnerable to air pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

WA Candidates Tied to Far-Right On Ballot in November

Washington state's primary results have diminished fears of a far-right insurgency in the state's elections. But there are still concerns that 2020 …

Ohio's labor market has recovered quickly after COVID-19, but the number of jobs in the state remains below the year 2000 level. (Adobe Stock)

New Ohio Labor Report Highlights Improvements and Challenges

A new report on working in Ohio offers a mixed picture of labor in the state. The annual State of Working Ohio report is out for 2022 and while …

More than 60,000 kids in Colorado can't afford school meals, but don't qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, and two out of every five Colorado families struggle to put food on the table for their children. (Adobe Stock)

Ending School Lunchline Shaming on Colorado’s November Ballot

In November, Colorado voters will have an opportunity to end a practice known as "lunch-line shaming," which drew national attention after a Colorado …

In 2017 and 2018, a quarter of New York Hospitals placed over 4,800 liens on patient's homes, according to a report from the Community Service Society of New York. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Bans Some Types of Medical Debt Collection

The New York State Legislature passed two bills aimed at easing medical debt back in May, and a new report indicates they're much needed. The first …

In March, the Dallas County Jail failed its state inspection for the second year in a row, with the agency noting it had been out of compliance for about three months. (fau.org)

Group Fears New Dallas Jail Could Stall Justice Reform

Members of a Texas group working to end mass incarceration thought they were making headway, but now they're not so sure. Faith in Texas has ideas …

Some 18,000 children on average experience homelessness each year in Colorado, according to most recent Colorado Department of Education data. (Adobe Stock)

Solving Homelessness Key to Success in Multiple National Priorities

"Opportunity Starts at Home," a short documentary film released this week by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, exposes how housing …

One in 16 African Americans of voting age is disenfranchised, a rate 3.7 times greater than that of non-African Americans, according to The Sentencing Project. (themarshallproject.org)

Report: 'Unlock the Vote' at U.S. Jails Shows Progress, Obstacles

Every election, thousands of people are disenfranchised from voting because they are incarcerated. But Houston's Harris County Jail has shown the two …

Statistics show that older adults leaving incarceration after a lengthy term face a higher risk of homelessness compared with their younger counterparts. (Hvostik16/Adobestock)

Advocates Push for More Help for Older Adults After Incarceration

A new report on the plight of older adults reentering society after a long period of incarceration found they have an extremely hard time finding affo…

Researchers say cardiovascular disease is the

New Round of Health Justice Grants in MN Focus on Women

Minnesota continues to rank highly for quality-of-life indicators, including health, but long-standing disparities persist. A new round of grants …

The Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act builds on protections passed by Congress in 1978 by clarifying state policies and procedures regarding implementation of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. (Adobe Stock)

Brief Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Indian Child Welfare Act

The ACLU of Nebraska has joined a national brief filed in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging a 1978 law passed by Congress aiming to …

The lack of affordable housing has become an issue in states across the country, and it's even more dire if someone has to mention in their rental application that they have a criminal record. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

In Housing Crisis, Montanans with Criminal Records Face Higher Hurdles

It's hard for almost anyone to find housing in Montana right now, but the barriers are even higher for people with criminal records. Low …

Latino workers are getting training in green-energy job skills through a pilot program, but some face roadblocks trying to balance a new career path with maintaining two or three other jobs to support themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Program Works to Bring 'Green' Construction Jobs to Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Latino community has been inundated with job opportunities in the "green" economy thanks to a new pilot program. Elevate, a climate-…

Six out of seven occupations identified by the Wyoming Department of Employment as the most in-demand require some form of post-secondary education. (Adobe Stock)

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Americans to Complete Degrees

The biggest obstacle facing indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a collaborative study by the National Native …

According to a 2021 study, 90% of coal must remain unextracted to keep global temperatures at levels considered safe by leading scientists. (Adobe Stock)

Court Ruling Adds to Challenges Facing Wyoming Coal Industry

A federal court's decision to require the Department of Interior to consider the potential health and climate impacts of coal mining on public lands c…

In Pennsylvania, there are more than 71,500 Black-owned businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

PA Group Works to Encourage, Fund Black Entrepreneurs

August is National Black Business Month, and this year, for Black-owned companies in Pennsylvania that have managed to survive through the pandemic…

In Pennsylvania's Nov. 8 General Election, voters will decide races for governor, U.S. House and Senate, and several state offices. (Zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Public Hearing Set to Allow Independents to Vote in PA Primaries

Opening up Pennsylvania's primary elections to voters who aren't registered either as Democrats or Republicans is the topic of a State House of Repres…

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is an extension of expanded subsidies in the American Rescue Plan that help bring down costs of ACA insurance plans. These subsidies are seen as important to those ages 50 to 64, who pay up to three times more for their insurance. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Sweeping legislation approved by Congress is designed to address a range of issues, including climate change and deficit reductions. Other components …

The J.H. Baxter Co.'s wood mill was closed earlier this year after complaints that it had dumped cancer-causing toxins into the air and soil in nearby neighborhoods. (Crag Law Center)

Oregon Communities Unite to Force Chronic Polluter to Shut Down

A coalition of community organizations teamed up in Oregon to force a chronic polluter out of business, and bring environmental justice to a nearby …

The State of California estimates that only 14% of eligible student-loan borrowers in the state are on track to qualify for loan forgiveness. (Terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

State Launches California Student Loan Debt Challenge

The state has just launched the California Student Loan Debt Challenge, to let public service employees - like teachers, law enforcement, nurses…

Nebraska lawmakers improved conditions for low-income families during the pandemic by expanding eligibility for SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps, and providing support for child care. Both initiatives are set to sunset next year. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Ranks First Nationally in Child Economic Well-Being

Nebraska ranks first in the nation when it comes to promoting children's economic well-being, a significant indicator under the spotlight in the …

An annual report shows Connecticut ranks highly compared to other states for children's health and education, but finds a lack of investment by the state has slowed this growth and even led to some decline. (Adobe Stock)

Investment Needed for CT Children to Thrive, Report Says

More investment is needed across Connecticut to support the economic well-being and education of children, according to a new annual report. The …

In the decade preceding the pandemic, Colorado's child poverty rate fell by nearly 30%, one of the largest declines in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks High in Child Well-Being as Kids Face Mental-Health Crisis

Colorado ranks 16th in the nation for promoting children's overall well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's latest report on child …

According to the Federal Trade Commission, financial fraud totaled $5.9 billion in 2021, although experts like Stokes believe the real cost is much higher because many victims are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Study Calls for Ending Financial-Fraud Victim Blaming

A new report suggested changing how we talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Wyoming and the nation respond to this growi…

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Social Justice

CT Libraries Observe Banned Books Week

Consumer Groups Press for Bill to Reform Credit Reporting

KY College Boards Focus on Role of Equity in Student Success

Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 'Books UnBanned' Program

Maryland Libraries Call Attention to Censorship During Banned Books Week

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

SD Holds First Public Hearing in Social Studies Standards Debate

Arkansans Urged to Register on National Voter Registration Day

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Legal Clinic: How to Put a Pot Conviction Behind You

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

Nonprofits Mobilize Ahead of November Midterm Election

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

Nebraska Congressional Delegation Scores Low on “Democracy Scorecard”

Ohio Farm Workers Still Shut Out of Federal Labor Protections

Georgia Voter Registration On Rise Before General Election

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

MN Survey Shows Declining Trust in Key Institutions

More Black Farmers Use Farm Service Agency Programs

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

More NC Residents See Link Between Pollution, Health

WA Candidates Tied to Far-Right On Ballot in November

New Ohio Labor Report Highlights Improvements and Challenges

Ending School Lunchline Shaming on Colorado’s November Ballot

NY Legislature Bans Some Types of Medical Debt Collection

Group Fears New Dallas Jail Could Stall Justice Reform

Solving Homelessness Key to Success in Multiple National Priorities

Report: 'Unlock the Vote' at U.S. Jails Shows Progress, Obstacles

Advocates Push for More Help for Older Adults After Incarceration

New Round of Health Justice Grants in MN Focus on Women

Brief Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Indian Child Welfare Act

In Housing Crisis, Montanans with Criminal Records Face Higher Hurdles

Program Works to Bring 'Green' Construction Jobs to Wisconsin

Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Americans to Complete Degrees

Court Ruling Adds to Challenges Facing Wyoming Coal Industry

PA Group Works to Encourage, Fund Black Entrepreneurs

Public Hearing Set to Allow Independents to Vote in PA Primaries

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Oregon Communities Unite to Force Chronic Polluter to Shut Down

State Launches California Student Loan Debt Challenge

Nebraska Ranks First Nationally in Child Economic Well-Being

Investment Needed for CT Children to Thrive, Report Says

Colorado Ranks High in Child Well-Being as Kids Face Mental-Health Crisis

Study Calls for Ending Financial-Fraud Victim Blaming