Social Justice / Public News Service

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

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 …

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…

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' …

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 …

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…

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 …

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

League of Women Voters volunteers have seen an uptick in voter registrations in recent weeks. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are gearing up for National Voter Registration Day, September 17. To register to vote in …

At least one-third of schools are fully accessible in eleven of New York City's 32 community school districts. Once the projects currently in the pipeline are done, at least one-third of schools will be disability accessible. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Although classes are back in session, all New York City public schools still aren't entirely disability accessible. Reports find more than two …

If approved in November, Proposition 1 would change the way voters elect officials in primaries. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

A proposal to end closed party primaries and use a ranked choice system will appear on the November ballot. With less than two months to the …

Renewal Village's strong partnerships, including with the the Colorado Division of Housing and Adams County, helped tap four million federal dollars to create a new home for families experiencing homelessness. (Galatas)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Renewal Village, a converted Clarion Inn featuring 215 units of permanent supportive and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness…

A new study suggests that partisanship is less pronounced in local races when a particular local issue is deeply felt by voters. (The Stock Photo Girl/Adobe Stock)<br />

Study: 40% of voters willing to cross party lines on local issues

A common narrative suggests that deeply polarized American voters always support their party's candidates, but a new study suggests otherwise in …

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 in five households surveyed are not participating in SNAP. For those that are <br />participating, nearly two-thirds report that their SNAP benefits are exhausted in two weeks or <br />less each month. (mdurson/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has recently sounded the alarm over worsening conditions in the state's hunger relief network, with food insecurity …

A letter signed by more 500 faith leaders was delivered to Citibank headquarters, calling on them to stop funding climate destruction and aggressively enable a green energy transition. (P�ter M�cs/Adobe Stock)

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists of various faiths and denominations are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects financial marke…

Research indicated between 50% and 70% of coaches are not educators in their school buildings. Although they have community support for athletics, they often miss out on the training and daily interactions that are part of being a teacher. (Anela R/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

The Coach Beyond program, started by Ohio State University's Life Sports, is making waves across Ohio by helping coaches address more than just the …

The 2024 Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin drew about 700 delegates to Carthage College. (braver angels.org)

NM's Braver Angels offers political junkies an alternative to divisiveness

There's evidence that respectful conversations about politics - while not changing hearts or minds - can lead to greater understanding on both sides…

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

As worries of election interference and intimidation grow in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says election officials have been preparing to …

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

A team of educators and supporters recently proposed changes to South Dakota's framework for Indigenous education, making the lessons more accessible …

The Arizona State University Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is designed to provide tribal nations with the resources they need to build proactive digital platforms. (ASU)

New ASU program to help tribal governments develop digital sovereignty

Historic inequities have left many tribal nations behind the rest of the country but a new Arizona State University program is designed to launch them…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported research showed Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexualities Alliances in schools can give LGBTQ+ students

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

As the new school year starts, Nebraska teachers will again be focusing on their students' emotional well-being and safety as well as academic …

Many Latinos consider the Mississippi River a vital part of their cultural identity. More than half of Latinos live within 10 miles of the river and a significant portion frequently visit nearby parks and trails for recreational activities. (EWY Media/Adobe Stock)

MS Latinos call for cleaner environment along Mississippi River

The latest survey of Latino voters in Mississippi and nine other states reveals overwhelming support for environmental initiatives, with 87% favoring …

Texas does not have online voter registration, but you can update your information or request a voter registration card at www.votetexas.gov. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

TX voters encouraged to check status

The political climate is heating up in Texas as we get closer to the general election in November. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says more than one …

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 …

Based on input from 162 caseworkers and 85 families, respecting, listening, and being vulnerable were the most important caseworker behaviors in the PACT Behavioral Research Project. (D Lahoud/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

The Public Children's Services Association of Ohio has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Practice in Action Together, aimed at …

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 …

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 …

Alabama's Constitution does not disenfranchise all individuals with felony convictions but it prevents those convicted of

Alabama court ruling protects voting rights for thousands

A new court order in Alabama has blocked the enforcement of House Bill 100, ensuring people with past felony convictions can vote in the November …

Colorado ranked 27th nationally for its typical daily incarceration rates, according to a new report by The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Youth incarceration dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022

The number of young people locked up in juvenile justice facilities dropped from 108,000 in 2000 to just above 27,000 in 2022, according to a new …

By the end of fiscal 2025, the number of unionized workers at USCIS locations in Nebraska and California will drop from almost 1,000 to slightly more than 300, according to the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America. (USCIS)

Union workers cry foul over layoffs at immigration service centers

Unionized workers with the federal agency responsible for processing immigration and asylum paperwork claim they are being forced to turn their jobs o…

The Cleveland Cliffs Middletown Works project includes replacing an old blast furnace with two electric furnaces to produce iron with nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected to create 170 permanent jobs, 1,200 temporary union construction jobs and sustain 2,500 existing jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act boosts Ohio’s economy, environment

As the Inflation Reduction Act marks its second anniversary, Ohio communities are seeing changes spurred by investments in clean energy and …

North Carolina has executed 43 people since 1976. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina urged to end death penalty before Governor leaves office

North Carolina has not carried out an execution in 18 years and advocates are urging Gov. Roy Cooper to commute all death row sentences before he …

The Utah State Legislature got a controversial constitutional amendment on the ballot by calling an emergency special session and holding a vote. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

UT legislature puts critical constitutional amendment on the ballot

Utah voters will decide on a critical constitutional amendment this fall. They'll choose whether or not the state legislature can alter or repeal …

According to a 2023 study, culturally tailored breastfeeding education and support could help reduce disparities around race and ethnicity. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates in NC address racial inequities in breastfeeding

Rates of breastfeeding in the U.S. have more than doubled since the mid-2000s but advocates pointed out racial inequities during Black Breastfeeding …

The Sentencing Project found Mississippi is one in four states where more than 10% of people serving life or virtual life sentences with a chance of parole were under 18 when they were convicted. (MemoryMan/Adobe)

Report: Mississippi has not made progress in youth sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides but a new report showed Mississippi is lagging behind. A study by …

In 2020, President Joe Biden won the state of New Mexico by a 10.79% margin of victory over Donald Trump. (mrr/AdobeStock)

High priorities for NM's Dem voters: Health care, education, border security

A New Mexico delegate to last week's Democratic National Convention said he heard specific themes he expects Presidential nominee Kamala Harris and he…

Officer hiring and retention has struggled since 2020 amid rising public distrust in policing and concerns over excessive violence from forces. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock

Report: Police apprenticeships can help combat officer shortages

Police departments across the U.S. have struggled with officer shortages in recent years but a new report showed how youth apprenticeship programs …

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 20% of U.S. children have a developmental, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder. (Bildgigant/Adobe Stock)

Schools enhancing mental-health resources for Rhode Island students

As students in Rhode Island gear up for the new school year, mental health is at the forefront of preparations. To address the growing demand for …

The youth arrest rate peaked in 1996 at more than 8,000 per 100,000 young people. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Juvenile crime has been falling for decades, but disparities remain

A new report shows the rate of juvenile crime has been falling for years but disparities remain in Maryland and nationwide. The Sentencing Project …

A new poll found strong support for the Biden-Harris administration's agenda to lower prescription drug prices and stand up to big drug companies. (Adobe Stock)

Report details Big Pharma’s price-gouging patent tactics

As advocacy groups take a victory lap for moving lawmakers to finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices for 10 widely-used medicines, a new …

Each Community Action Agency is different, but many offer help with resume building and interview readiness as low-income individuals try to find stable work. (Adobe Stock)

MN agencies reflect on war on poverty, 60 years in

For six decades, the U.S. has carried out a coordinated effort to keep poverty levels in check. Support offices in Minnesota say there's still need …

Last Mile Education Fund estimates that investments that help 23,000 late-stage college students complete their STEM field degrees will generate $2.15 billion in wages over 10 years. (Adobe Stock)

Grants available for Colorado STEM students nearing graduation

Grants to help students overcome financial hurdles to complete degrees and certificates in science, technology, engineering, and math fields are now …

Despite reforms to reduce the use of juvenile life without parole sentences, thousands of youth and emerging adults have been left behind, according to The Sentencing Project report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: WV has made progressive youth sentencing reforms

West Virginia has made significant criminal justice reforms in reducing harsh sentences for children, according to the latest report from The …

More than one in five Ohio residents, 2,427,966 people, receive Social Security benefits. The payments inject more than $44.7 billion into the state's economy every year. (Chris Langer)

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform

As Social Security marks its 89th anniversary, the program's future remains a crucial topic of discussion. Jennifer Carlson, state director for AARP …

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Social Justice

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

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

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

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Study: 40% of voters willing to cross party lines on local issues

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

Food insecurity grows as Ohio food bank demand surges

LA climate activists target Wall Street

Coaching beyond the game for student growth in Ohio and elsewhere

NM's Braver Angels offers political junkies an alternative to divisiveness

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

Group proposes changes, encourages use of Indigenous SD education standards

New ASU program to help tribal governments develop digital sovereignty

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

MS Latinos call for cleaner environment along Mississippi River

TX voters encouraged to check status

New PA labor report reveals economic progress, challenges

Building bridges: How PACT is redefining child welfare through relationships

Power of unmarried women may shape Ohio's 2024 vote

Big Pharma siphoning off critical health center resource

Alabama court ruling protects voting rights for thousands

Youth incarceration dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022

Union workers cry foul over layoffs at immigration service centers

Inflation Reduction Act boosts Ohio’s economy, environment

North Carolina urged to end death penalty before Governor leaves office

UT legislature puts critical constitutional amendment on the ballot

Advocates in NC address racial inequities in breastfeeding

Report: Mississippi has not made progress in youth sentencing reforms

High priorities for NM's Dem voters: Health care, education, border security

Report: Police apprenticeships can help combat officer shortages

Schools enhancing mental-health resources for Rhode Island students

Report: Juvenile crime has been falling for decades, but disparities remain

Report details Big Pharma’s price-gouging patent tactics

MN agencies reflect on war on poverty, 60 years in

Grants available for Colorado STEM students nearing graduation

Report: WV has made progressive youth sentencing reforms

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform