Social Justice / Public News Service

In 2021, Black people owned less than 2% of companies within the $18 billion cannabis industry, according to a report by Leafly. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Worker-owned cannabis co-ops in RI aim for economic justice

Worker-owned cannabis cooperatives in Rhode Island are striving to help those affected by the war on drugs. State law mandates at least six retail …

Out-of-pocket costs increased by $1700 on average for older Coloradans with Medicare Advantage coverage, plans claiming to limit health costs for people living on fixed incomes. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Colorado health care costs rose 139% between 2013-2022

Between 2013 and 2022, health care spending in Colorado surged by 139% to nearly $30 billion, according to a new analysis by the Center for Improving …

Only 29% of municipal government seats in Ohio cities with populations over 10,000 are held by women, highlighting continued underrepresentation at the local level. (Kenny/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Ohio’s milestone moment for women in government

Ohio is seeing big gains in women's representation at the Statehouse, with the General Assembly poised to welcome seven additional women lawmakers in …

If the STORK Act is passed, Ohio would join states such as Georgia, which already allow tax deductions for unborn children, a policy enacted in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio Rep. Gary …

Nationwide, more than 9,700 abortions per month were provided via telehealth under shield law protections in the second quarter of 2024, a 5% increase since the first quarter of 2024, according to WeCount. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Wisconsinites seeking abortion telemedicine via shield laws face risks

Wisconsin law bans telemedicine abortion care, yet new data show an increasing number of Wisconsinites have been getting abortion pills through …

Expungement opportunities in North Carolina focus on three main categories: first-time nonviolent offenses, certain offenses committed before age 22, and charges dismissed or resolved as

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

North Carolina toolkit simplifies expungement process for second chances

Navigating the process of expunging criminal records can be overwhelming but for many, it is a critical step toward building a better future…

More than 80% of jurisdictions impose conditions related to employment or vocational training, with 27 requiring it without exceptions. Many on probation face high unemployment rates and struggle to balance job expectations with mandatory meetings and programs. (rh2010/Adobe)

Monday, December 9, 2024

Standard probation conditions set Mississippians up for failure

A new report offers a detailed look at "standard" conditions for probation in Mississippi and nationwide, affecting nearly 3 million people. The …

Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari was also elected as Democratic 'Freshman Class' President for the U.S. House of Representatives. (Yassamin Ansari )

Monday, December 9, 2024

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025. That's a new record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at …

Retiring Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter sits in his office behind a desk built by the Indiana State Department of Correction. (WISH-TV)

Indiana's justice journey of reform, reflection

By Dakarai Turner for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service…

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

In 2023, 1.3 million people around the world newly acquired HIV, more than three times higher than the global target set for 2025 of no more than 370,000. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado commemorates World AIDS Day

Coloradans gathered at Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver on Sunday to mark World AIDS Day - joining people around the globe to show support …

Only 6% of Native young people living in cities feel represented by state and national decisionmakers, according to the Center for Native American Youth, compared to 18% of those living on reservations. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: The term 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Data show firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama leaders unite to address gun violence, reimagine community safety

Gun violence has long been a pressing issue in Alabama, and the recent tragic shooting at Tuskegee University has reignited urgent calls for action…

Some 75% of LGBTQ+ youth in South Dakota in 2022 reported experiencing anxiety, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in South Dakota are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety, rights and …

A new report from the Aspen Institute looked at Native American youth attitudes toward culture, resource access, mental health and civic engagement. (Center for Native American Youth)<br />

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

U.S. counties with state minimum wages between $7.26 and $9 saw a reduction in obesity by 0.6 percentage points, while counties with minimum wages of more than $9 experienced an obesity reduction of 2.8 percentage points, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado obesity rate linked to economic inequality, low minimum wages

More than one in five Coloradans are considered obese, a chronic medical condition leading to serious health risks and a new study links obesity to …

Anita Krecic, 65, has been in prison since 1987 for the killing of a Mississippi highway patrolman by her then-boyfriend. Despite her exemplary record, parole boards have repeatedly denied her release, most recently in 2022, with another review set for 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Five Mississippi women serving 175 Years, with 47 parole denials

By Christopher Blackwell and Loretta Pierre for The Appeal.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Mississippi News Connection reporting for The Appea…

New Mexico immigrant advocacy groups said mass deportations promised by the next Trump administration would destabilize local economies. (LRafael/AdobeStock)

NM human rights groups promise to defend immigrants against deportation

New Mexico immigrant-based and immigrant-serving organizations are developing strategies to defend those workers and their families in the new year…

Jacques Beech saw his electric bill fall to $100 a month after installing solar panels on his Minneapolis home. (Photo courtesy Brad Stauffer for Energy News Network)

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

By Frank Jossi for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

A 2024 survey builds on The Marshall Project's 2020 political survey, which debunked the assumption incarcerated individuals would predominantly support Democrats, as the trend remains unchanged. Art Credit: Diana Ejaita for The Marshall Project

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

The 2024 presidential election has raised complex emotions for incarcerated Ohioans, many of whom are unable to vote but remain deeply engaged in …

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, since 1989, more than 100 Michiganders have been acquitted of crimes they did not commit. (Adobe Stock)

MI man, wrongfully incarcerated, now trains police officers

Ten years ago today, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot by Cleveland police while holding a toy gun, sparking national protests for police reform…

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

House Resolution 9495 is not the first bill with language potentially harming nonprofits to be voted on this year. House Resolution 6408 passed the chamber earlier this year with bipartisan support. However, it stalled and hasn't been brought for a vote in the Senate. (Adobe Stock)

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

House lawmakers have passed a bill advocates said will be harmful to nonprofits in New York and nationwide. House Resolution 9495 passed with a 219-1…

The middle 20% of Americans, families making between $55,000 and $94,000, would face an average tax increase of $1,530 in 2026 under Trump tax proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have promised to pass a new tax bill, and a new report breaks down the expected winners and …

The American Library Association reported in 2023, Hoosiers challenged 346 books with LGBTQ+ themes, people of color as the main characters and the Bible in statewide libraries. (Adobe Stock)

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

As the nation prepares for the second term of President-elect Donald Trump, librarians are increasingly worried about his agenda and what it might …

A report released this year by the state's Department of Human Services found homelessness is up by 24-percent compared to 2021. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Evidence-based strategies to help WV address homelessness

Cities and states are struggling with mounting homelessness, and West Virginia is no exception. A recent report points to potential solutions and …

Mass deportations would cause significant labor shocks across multiple key industries, with especially acute impacts on the construction, agriculture and hospitality sectors, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

The presidential vote was close in Nevada and with the results in, local organizations leaning more progressive believe the re-election of Donald …

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mustafa Kasubhai to a federal judgeship in Oregon. (Wikilaw contributor/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocacy groups protest as Trump tells Senate to halt judicial appointments

On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump called on the U.S. Senate to stop confirming President Joe Biden's nominees to federal judgeships, even as …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

Companies tolerating abusive bosses are vulnerable to costly lawsuits. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Financially stressed managers abusing workers

Researchers at Colorado State University have been able to link the economic stress experienced by 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck…

The Ohio Department of Aging dispels myths about older workers, highlighting employees in their 50s tend to stay with an employer longer than those in their 20s or 30s, which may lower retraining costs.(Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Adults 55 …

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in January offered support to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border control initiatives, including personally delivering razor wire. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Immigrants' advocates strategize as Noem could head DHS

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

The food we consume is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef production -- key to the fast food industry -- among …

Coalition forms to reaffirm 'California values' in 2nd Trump era

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

Colorado has been working to remove cost as a barrier for students, and many certificate and degree programs are zero-tuition. (Adobe Stock)

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

Gov. Jared Polis has designated seven Colorado colleges and universities as Career Connected Campuses for their work getting more students from all …

President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign the issue of abortion access should be left to states. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has said he hopes Trump sticks to his viewpoint. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

It is now up to Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to decide the fate of an abortion law from the mid-1800s. A circuit court determined last year an 18…

Nearly 270,000 Idahoans voted in favor of reforming Idaho's election system, but the measure fell well short on Election Day. (GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Electoral-reform measure goes down in ID

A proposition on the ballot to change the way voting works in Idaho failed in last week's election. Proposition One would have opened up primaries …

Advocates are suing the state of Montana over a change that allows documents used in the Legislature's bill-drafting process to be kept secret, reversing a 25-year-old rule. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental advocates sue Montana over public documents

Montana citizens and environmental advocates have sued the state for withholding documents that have, for decades, been considered public information…

As a part of new Farm Service Agency loan improvements, an online direct loan repayment feature will be available to help relieve borrowers from having to call, mail or visit a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed

New federal loan adjustments aim to ease financial burdens for farmers but advocates said lasting change requires legislative action. The U.S…

City governments are strengthening financial security for families through reimagined debt-collection practices, equitable ability-to-pay processes and increased access to financial empowerment services. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps youth in Pueblo clear steep hurdles of fines and fees

Young people in Pueblo can now avoid serious and long-lasting consequences when they are unable to pay fines or fees. Chanell Hasty, program …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

A course at Ohio State University critically evaluates evidence the human capacity for hope and the human desire to believe in a supernatural deity evolved because they helped our ancestors survive. (M-SUR/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences …

The electoral college meets on December 17th. (Lori/Adobe Stock)

Experts stress patience in WA, U.S. as votes tallied

Election experts are urging calm and patience - as Washingtonians, and all Americans - head to the polls on Election Day. Rules that forbid …

Informing Democracy found 39 of 528 Ohio election officials, or 7%, across 33 counties may pose risks to free and fair elections. (Marko/Adobe Stock)

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

In a polarized political season, Ohio's election system faces new challenges as partisanship and election integrity concerns come to the forefront…

Since 2002, there has been a single case of voter fraud in Wyoming, in which a convicted felon from Alaska managed to cast votes. He was sentenced to two to four years in prison. (Adobe Stock)

Lacking proof, WY official warns of noncitizens voting

Wyoming's secretary of state is asking county clerks to report non-citizens who try to vote, although cases of that - or any other - kind of election …

Michigan law has several built-in enforcement provisions to safeguard the process against the county and state officials who blatantly refuse to certify. (Olena Yefremkina/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan report aims to build public trust in MI's voting system

A nonprofit report aims to build trust in Michigan's voting system by explaining the safeguards that ensure fair and free elections. The report …

More than one of every 10 voters in today's general election is expected to be Latino, a 20.5% increase from 2016, according to the NALEO Educational Fund. (Adobe Stock)

All eyes on AZ for Election Day as experts warn of harmful misinformation

Election Day is finally here, and this year more than 17 million Latinos are expected to cast a ballot. The National Association of Latino Elected …

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Social Justice

Worker-owned cannabis co-ops in RI aim for economic justice

Colorado health care costs rose 139% between 2013-2022

Ohio’s milestone moment for women in government

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

Wisconsinites seeking abortion telemedicine via shield laws face risks

North Carolina toolkit simplifies expungement process for second chances

Standard probation conditions set Mississippians up for failure

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

Indiana's justice journey of reform, reflection

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

Colorado commemorates World AIDS Day

Survey: The term 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among Native youth

Alabama leaders unite to address gun violence, reimagine community safety

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

New survey shows a shift toward 'Indigenous' over 'American Indian'

Colorado obesity rate linked to economic inequality, low minimum wages

Five Mississippi women serving 175 Years, with 47 parole denials

NM human rights groups promise to defend immigrants against deportation

Mpls. solar nonprofit proves patience brings results to low-income residents

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

MI man, wrongfully incarcerated, now trains police officers

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

Report: Evidence-based strategies to help WV address homelessness

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

Advocacy groups protest as Trump tells Senate to halt judicial appointments

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Report: Financially stressed managers abusing workers

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

Immigrants' advocates strategize as Noem could head DHS

Investors, activists both work to shape companies' climate goals

Coalition forms to reaffirm 'California values' in 2nd Trump era

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

7 CO colleges cited for students' workforce-readiness success

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

Electoral-reform measure goes down in ID

Environmental advocates sue Montana over public documents

As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed

Program helps youth in Pueblo clear steep hurdles of fines and fees

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

Experts stress patience in WA, U.S. as votes tallied

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

Lacking proof, WY official warns of noncitizens voting

Bipartisan report aims to build public trust in MI's voting system

All eyes on AZ for Election Day as experts warn of harmful misinformation