Social Justice / Public News Service

Former Kentucky foster youth Tia Humphrey now helps advocate for policies that help ensure young people leaving foster care are off to a good start as they enter adulthood. (Tia Humphrey)<br /><br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

KY Foster Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Face Resources Gap

Kentucky's former foster youth have a steeper climb into adulthood than their peers, according to new research. Among 21-year-olds with foster-care …

The U.S. could run out of money to pay its bills by June 5, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Billions in WV Federal Funds at Stake as Debt Ceiling Looms

Over the weekend, lawmakers announced they have reached an agreement to reduce spending and address the debt limit. The deal needs a full signoff …

The 11 jurisdictions allowing medical aid in dying represent one out five Americans, or 22%. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

NV Bill Allowing Medical Aid in Dying Heads to Governor's Desk

A piece of legislation is headed to Gov. Joe Lombardo's desk which would allow medical aid in dying in Nevada. Last week, Senate Bill 239 made its …

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

Whether it's the recent debt ceiling negotiations or the Farm Bill debate, a key federal food assistance program is again at the mercy of budget …

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

It's estimated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday could remove federal protection from 80% of streams in the southwestern states. (USGS)

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling making it harder for the federal government to enforce clean-water rules has New Mexico environmental groups …

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure on May 15 to update procedures for automatic voter registration. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers Make Registering to Vote in WA Easier

Washingtonians will soon find it even easier to register to vote. Passed this session, Senate Bill 5112 automatically makes people applying for …

HB 209 would prohibit a person from receiving a payment or providing a payment to another person for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, obtaining, or delivering an absentee ballot application or absentee ballot of another person in certain circumstances.(Adobe Stock)

Civic Groups Unite to Fight Against Voter Suppression Tactics in the South

Civic groups are taking action against what they call voter suppression tactics in the South. This week Alabama Values, Southern Leadership for …

Georgia is the 26th jurisdiction to decriminalize medical marijuana use. (Adobe Stock)

Cannabis Equity: The Importance of Reform and Access to Dispensaries

The rise of medical cannabis dispensaries in Georgia is highlighting the need for reform and equitable access. One of the state's first dispensaries …

Adults ages 65 and older make up approximately 16.8% of the U.S. population, or more than 55.8 million adults, and are estimated to comprise 21% of the population (73.1 million) by 2030, according to a new report from UnitedHealthcare. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

By 2030, more than one in five Americans - more than 73 million people age 65 and over - will be of retirement age, as the last of the Baby Boomer …

Black employees encounter discrimination against appearance of natural hairstyles including but not limited to braids, dreadlocks, twists and Afros. (Olesia Bilkei/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Senate Passes CROWN Act to Prevent Hair Discrimination

The Michigan Senate has passed legislation to confirm wearing natural hair should not prevent anyone from rising in the workplace, in education or in …

Illinois state agencies will be required to use the Middle Eastern or North African classification for reporting workforce or hiring data as of July 1, 2025. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

Middle Eastern, North African Race Checkbox Added to IL state forms

Illinois is making history as the first state to collect Middle Eastern and North African representation data on all state forms and surveys…

In exchange for 25 pro bono hours and 225 reduced rate service hours, the Montana Legal Services Association's RIPL program provides networking, assistance with business and client development, and hands-on legal experience. (Adobe Stock)

Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

The Montana Legal Services Association has started a program to help young attorneys get started on a path to success - becoming community leaders…

Community Action Agencies provide services that go beyond energy assistance and home weatherization. Many offer job training programs that take into account the barriers low-income individuals face in advancing in the workplace. (Adobe Stock)

With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

May is Community Action Month, and Minnesota agencies that help address poverty say demand for services isn't going away. To help clients thrive…

A proposed congressional resolution would require the feds to reverse an extension of pause on student debt payments granted during the pandemic, affecting about 40 million borrowers. (Iona/Adobestock)

Congress to Vote Today on Measure to Rescind Student Debt Relief

The House of Representatives is set to vote today on a bill that would repeal President Joe Biden's plan to wipe out $10,000 to $20,000 in student loa…

If passed, the Food for All Oregonians legislation would go into effect by 2025. (Oregon Food Bank)

OR Food Aid Expansion Bill Could Benefit Rural Immigrant Communities

Rural immigrant communities could benefit greatly from legislation known as Food for All Oregonians, anti-hunger groups say. Senate Bill 610 would …

According to ALL in Education, climate and environment has been identified as one of nine factors that have the biggest effect on student academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Arizona environmental-justice advocates are celebrating some big wins passed through the state budget. One of the provisions, Senate Bill 1689…

Ohio's public schools serve 1.6 million students of all races, backgrounds, genders and abilities, but diversity is not reflected in the state's education workforce, according to the Ohio Education Association. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio College Programs Seek to Boost Black Teacher Workforce

Ohio's historically Black colleagues and universities are working to produce a pipeline of diverse teachers. Black students make up nearly 17% of …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has used New College of Florida, a tiny, public liberal arts college on the shores of Sarasota Bay, as an example for his war on

Some New College of Florida Students Feel 'Trapped' in 'Hostile Takeover'

Following what's described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective …

The global trucking industry is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2025. (Carolyn Franks/Adobe Stock)

Groups Help Reduce Barriers for GA Women in Trucking

Two groups are working to create equal opportunities for Black and Latina women in the trucking industry. The Truist Foundation has pledged $1.5 …

Statistics show hate crimes targeting Black people remain the most prevalent in California, rising 12.5% from 2020 to 2021. (Wachiwit/Adobestock)

Civil Rights Advocates Bring Groups Together to Fight Hate

Civil rights groups are forging connections to fight the rising tide of hate crimes. In a briefing from the Act Against Hate Alliance Wednesday…

If left unchecked, and without access to medications, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can turn into complications such as diabetic neuropathy and coronary vascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Medicines Closer to West Denver Metro Residents

After 18 months of planning and renovations, STRIDE community health center has opened its second pharmacy inside the Wheat Ridge clinic at 29th St…

Coca-Cola workers in West Virginia recently went on strike. (Teamsters Local 175)<br />

WV Coca-Cola Workers End Strike, Say Grievances Still Ignored

More than one hundred workers at Coca-Cola plants in Logan and Charleston have returned to work after going on a days-long strike. Ken Hall - the …

A 2021 Marist poll finds a majority of registered New Yorkers voters across the state support medical aid in dying. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Legislature Reviews Medical Aid in Dying Bill

New York State's Legislature is reviewing a bill to approve medical aid in dying, which would apply to people suffering from a terminal illness who …

The Hispanic or Latino community now makes up more than 6% of Minnesota's population and more than 5% of the state's workforce. (Adobe Stock)

MN Report: Latinos Poised to Become Economic Force

Over the past decade, Minnesota has seen a 38% increase in residents who identify as Latino or Hispanic. Amid a tight labor market, a new report …

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, as of February around 12% of Kentuckians rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance. (Adobe Stock)

KY Road Show Highlights Programs that Improve Community Well-Being

A traveling roadshow highlighting changes to Medicaid, Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

Community action agencies help families with housing assistance in Massachusetts, where a critical shortage of affordable rental homes often forces low-income households to forgo other necessities<br />such as healthy food and medical care to pay the rent. (Adobe Stock)

Community Action Month Honors Agencies Across Commonwealth

Community action agencies in the Commonwealth are working with state lawmakers to ensure funding of their work to alleviate poverty continues…

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021 more than a third of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Alberto/AdobeStock)

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

A new report found Black girls across the Keystone State are subjected to "daunting educational barriers" in K-12 public schools and offers recommenda…

Connecticut voters will be asked to add an amendment about no-excuse absentee voting in November 2024. This is when any voter can request a mail-in ballot, rather than have to submit an application to receive a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

CT House Passes Early Voting Plan, Senate Takes Up Bill

Connecticut's House of Representatives has passed a bill implementing an early-voting plan. Elements of the plan include requiring the Secretary of …

Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid approved by Congress in 2020 will delay application availability from Oct. 1 until December this year. (cienpies/AdobeStock)

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

Texas educates more rural students than any other state at nearly 700,000, and there is concern a new law meant to simplify applying for college …

An estimated one million Californians are eligible to have old conviction records sealed under Senate Bill 731. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobestock)

First Criminal Record Expungements After New Law Go to Court Today

The first people to make use of a new state law on sealing criminal records are set to go before a judge today. Previously, only people whose …

A one-day food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) has delivered more than 1.82 billion pounds of food in the past 30 years. (Courtesy Roadrunners)

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Returns to New Mexico Saturday

One in five children in New Mexico is at risk of hunger, and this weekend you can make a difference. Hunger-relief organizations are promoting the …

Colorado school districts creating a local food advisory council will be eligible for funding to purchase food for school meals directly from local farmers and ranchers. (Adobe Stock)

State on Track to Roll Out School Meal Program

Colorado is one step closer to ensuring all kids can access healthy food at school regardless of their ability to pay, after Gov. Jared Polis signed …

Studies have shown that while Minnesota has an overall healthy population, there are glaring health disparities. That has prompted efforts to help racial and ethnic groups have equal access to necessities, in hopes of boosting health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Steps Outside Doctor's Office to Improve Health Outcomes

Research keeps emerging about social determinants of health, including a new study linking these factors to suicide risks. In Minnesota, nonprofits …

According to the National Education Association, there's been a 2% increase in the average public school teacher salary across the country. (Adobe Stock)

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is underway. In South Dakota, there's a mixed outlook from educators on whether they feel supported. Coinciding with this …

Women of color, both in Indiana and nationally, experience higher rates of stillborn births and infant mortality. Experts say there are multiple factors, including stress and economic, racial and gender discrimination. (Adobe Stock)

IN Minority Health Coalition Works to Lower Infant Mortality Rates

Indiana ranks eighth in the country for stillbirth and infant mortality numbers, as many counties lack access to obstetric care. One out of every 16…

Older Adults Technology Services reported an estimated 21.8 million American seniors did not have broadband internet access in 2022. (huang/Adobe Stock)

California Hopes to Lessen 'Digital Divide'

The state of California wants to help close the digital divide across the state - in part, by learning more about how older adults make use of …

Robert Fisher of Adel, Iowa, prevailed in his efforts to have an electronic button installed to operate the door at the local U.S. Post Office. (Robert Fisher/Iowa Council on Developmental Disabilities)

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

A man in Adel who is part of Iowa's community of people with disabilities has been successful in having an electronic door installed at the U.S…

A 2023 Gallup-Lumina Foundation Poll found 36% of Black bachelor-degree students have other responsibilities, such as being a caregiver or working at a full-time job, compared with 18% of other students. (Adobe Stock)

Report Shows Decline in Black Students Enrolling in CT

Black student enrollment in college is declining, according to a recent report. The Lumina Foundation's Level Up report found more than 300,000 Black …

Pennsylvania voters also have the option of voting at the polls on May 16, provided they have not already voted by mail ballot. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tsado/AdobeStock)

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

With fewer than two weeks until the municipal primary election, Pennsylvanians planning to vote by mail ballot will need to apply online or in person …

Americans currently pay twice as much for medicines than people in other developed nations. (Adobe Stock)

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

A law passed two years ago aiming to reign in skyrocketing prescription drug prices is set to get a booster shot with the passage of House Bill 1225 b…

Park Plaza Cooperative, based in Fridley, has been a Resident-Owned Community for more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of PPC)

Resident-Owned Communities Intersect Housing and Climate Justice

By Ray Levy Uyeda for Prism.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Se…

The state of Georgia hosted 412 productions, represented by 32 feature films, 36 independent films, 269 television and episodic productions, 42 commercials and 33 music videos between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Writers’ Strike Could Affect GA Economy, Jobs

Thousands of writers are currently on strike following a breakdown in negotiations with the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Pictur…

If every Black adult with a high school diploma or GED diploma earned as much as the average Black college graduate, the collective additional earnings would equal around $222 billion. The figure is larger than the total economies of 19 different states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black Students in NY, US Not Enrolling in College

The number of Black students enrolling in colleges and universities is declining, and New York is no exception. The Lumina Foundation's Level Up …

Among other things, a new Minnesota law prohibits the enforcement of child removal requests from another state if a family travels to Minnesota in pursuit of gender-affirming care. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Neighbor Prepares to Serve as 'Trans Refuge' State

A new report found more than half of transgender youth in the U.S. have lost -- or are at risk of losing -- access to gender-affirming health care…

HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs administers programs providing housing linked with onsite and community-based supports, including for low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. (Adobe Stock)

Housing Advocates Push Back on GOP Budget Bill

Advocates for Montana's most vulnerable residents are pushing back on a budget plan passed by the U.S. House, saying it would have disastrous …

Farmers in North Carolina lose crops worth roughly $79 million as a result of equipment breakdowns. (Alexey Zarodov/Adobe Stock)

Tractor ‘Right to Repair’ Could Save NC Farmers $103 Million a Year

North Carolina farmers are calling on lawmakers to address manufacturer-imposed repair limitations on tractors, and minimize disruptions on their …

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Social Justice

KY Foster Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Face Resources Gap

Billions in WV Federal Funds at Stake as Debt Ceiling Looms

NV Bill Allowing Medical Aid in Dying Heads to Governor's Desk

MN Hunger Relief Leader: SNAP Threats Off Mark

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

SCOTUS Narrows 50-Year-Old Clean Water Act, Affecting NM Rivers

Lawmakers Make Registering to Vote in WA Easier

Civic Groups Unite to Fight Against Voter Suppression Tactics in the South

Cannabis Equity: The Importance of Reform and Access to Dispensaries

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

Michigan Senate Passes CROWN Act to Prevent Hair Discrimination

Middle Eastern, North African Race Checkbox Added to IL state forms

Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

Congress to Vote Today on Measure to Rescind Student Debt Relief

OR Food Aid Expansion Bill Could Benefit Rural Immigrant Communities

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Ohio College Programs Seek to Boost Black Teacher Workforce

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

Some New College of Florida Students Feel 'Trapped' in 'Hostile Takeover'

Groups Help Reduce Barriers for GA Women in Trucking

Civil Rights Advocates Bring Groups Together to Fight Hate

Critical Medicines Closer to West Denver Metro Residents

WV Coca-Cola Workers End Strike, Say Grievances Still Ignored

NYS Legislature Reviews Medical Aid in Dying Bill

MN Report: Latinos Poised to Become Economic Force

KY Road Show Highlights Programs that Improve Community Well-Being

Community Action Month Honors Agencies Across Commonwealth

Report: Black Girls Speak Out About Public Schools in Pennsylvania

CT House Passes Early Voting Plan, Senate Takes Up Bill

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

First Criminal Record Expungements After New Law Go to Court Today

'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive Returns to New Mexico Saturday

State on Track to Roll Out School Meal Program

MN Steps Outside Doctor's Office to Improve Health Outcomes

In SD, Complexities Surround Teacher Appreciation Week

IN Minority Health Coalition Works to Lower Infant Mortality Rates

California Hopes to Lessen 'Digital Divide'

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

Report Shows Decline in Black Students Enrolling in CT

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

Resident-Owned Communities Intersect Housing and Climate Justice

Writers’ Strike Could Affect GA Economy, Jobs

Report: Black Students in NY, US Not Enrolling in College

SD's Neighbor Prepares to Serve as 'Trans Refuge' State

Housing Advocates Push Back on GOP Budget Bill

Tractor ‘Right to Repair’ Could Save NC Farmers $103 Million a Year