Youth Issues / Public News Service

There are three Indianapolis Soap Box Derby divisions: Stock Car, Super Stock Car (formerly the Kit Car division) and Masters, according to the state's website. (Photo courtesy of Enrique Saenz)

Friday, May 23, 2025

Soap Box Derby prepares future IN race car drivers

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

E-cigarette use among high school students in Maryland was 15%, slightly less than the national average of 18%. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Study: Disposable e-cigarettes bigger, cheaper and still marketed to kids

E-cigarettes in Maryland are getting cheaper and bigger, delivering higher amounts of nicotine to users, according to a new study. The study by the …

A report from the Education Law Center and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children found Black children in Pennsylvania face disproportionate foster care placement and increased scrutiny, reflecting broader racial disparities seen in schools and discipline. (Lumeez/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Policy solutions to improve foster youth education in PA

Education is a major challenge for kids in foster care in Pennsylvania, according to a new report. Nearly 20,000 children and teens are served by …

A report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University showed 23.3% of women of childbearing age in rural areas are covered by Medicaid. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

TX health care advocates say changes to Medicaid could affect expectant mothers

As members of Congress debate changes to Medicaid, advocates in Texas who work with people covered by the plan are concerned about potential …

In 2022, one in three SNAP participants in Ohio was a child, and more than 250,000 were seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Ohio leaders warn SNAP cuts could overwhelm state budget, food banks

Ohio advocates said proposed federal cuts to SNAP could force the state to absorb hundreds of millions in costs, threatening food access for families…

According to the Pew Research Center, the Black immigrant population will account for roughly one-third of the U.S. Black population's growth through 2060. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Black immigrant population grows throughout Arkansas, nation

Studies show one in 10 Black people in the U.S. is an immigrant and immigrants' advocates said they face significant challenges blending into the …

Some experts said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's order protecting the medical data of state residents reinforces the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which safeguards American's health information. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

IL is 1st state to restrict federal access to autism-related data

Illinois is the first state to block the federal government from accessing state data on autism. The order, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week…

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

The FBI has said it will add resources in 10 states including New Mexico to tackle unresolved crimes, with a focus on those related to missing and …

As of July 2022, about 36.8 million U.S. adults younger than 65 had some college but no degree. In the following academic year, more than 943,000 re-enrolled. (Beaunitta V W/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Michigan expands partnership to help adults return to college

Michiganders who left college early might now have a shot at finishing. The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential's …

More than half of Tennessee children receive health care through the state's Medicaid program, TennCare. (N Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Budget cuts to Medicaid, SNAP would 'devastate' TN communities

As Congress debates a host of federal budget cuts, groups advocating for lower-income Tennessee families said the state will not be able to handle …

High school and college students will take over the airwaves on the first and third Saturday in Arkansas in the revival of the PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show (avdyachenko/Adobe Stock)

Radio show gives AR students a voice

A groundbreaking radio show from the early 1990s is returning this weekend in Arkansas. The PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show will be back on the …

Green Hill School is the largest state-run juvenile detention facility in the state, and has been plagued with overcrowding and understaffing in recent years. (Darya/Adobe Stock)

New WA law reels in felony convictions for incarcerated youths who fight

Advocates for juvenile justice reform in Washington are celebrating the passage of House Bill 1815. The law redefines "prison riot" and lets judges …

According to data cited by the North Dakota Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, 91% of children are sexually abused by someone they know and trust. (Adobe Stock)

ND communities gain knowledge on preventing child sexual abuse

A North Dakota task force raising awareness about child sexual abuse is close to wrapping up its work and its leader said she hopes more communities u…

Department of Government Efficiency cuts to AmeriCorps will affedct New Mexico's Boys & Girls Clubs. (bgcsantafe.org)

Program elimination, job loss as DOGE cuts funds for NM's AmeriCorps

The dismantling of the 30-year-old AmeriCorps national service program by the Department of Government Efficiency will have significant effects in New…

Nearly 100% of student leaders identified academic pressure as a chief stressor, according to a new report.

Report: WI youth mental health struggles at all-time high

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the latest state data show the number of Wisconsin youth who are struggling with their mental health has spik…

Texas is part of a pilot program by the North Carolina-based Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges. The organization is directing a project designed to increase employment skills for rural students. Each state taking part will use its own approach, guided by local priorities. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Program aims to connect rural TX college students with universities

By Lane Wendell Fischer for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder C…

The proposed state budget boosts opportunities for students by adding $5.5 million to expand Career and Technical Education in schools. (Adobe Stock)

PA ‘Education Advocacy Day’ to focus on public school funding

Pennsylvanians will rally in Harrisburg on Tuesday urging lawmakers to boost public school funding. More than 1.7 million students are enrolled in …

The Mayo Clinic reported most people born or living in the U.S. before 1957 are immune to measles because they've had the infection and can only get it once. (Adobe Stock)

IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread

At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines…

The report found, youth mental health hospitalizations increased 61% over the past decade, with suicide now the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 14. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

As youth mental health challenges rise and federal restructuring threatens key programs, former Ohio Gov. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate …

In Pennsylvania, to become a foster parent you must be at least 21, and everyone in your home age 14 and older must pass criminal and child abuse-related background checks. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

'Forever families' needed for PA children in foster care

CORRECTION: The number of foster care referrals received by Bethany Christian Services is 200 each month. A previous version of the story incorrectly …

Students attend Crossroads Elementary in Quantico, Va. (Adobe Stock)

Lawyers for two VA students ask judge to pause book bans in Pentagon schools

The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday asked a federal judge to pause the removal of books from Pentagon-run schools that pertain to diversit…

More than 180,000 Iowans gained Medicaid coverage when the state enrolled in an optional expansion in 2013, part of the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

Threatened Medicaid cuts would hobble Iowa's child-care workforce

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Medicaid would hobble Iowa…

Ohio ranks eighth nationally in the number of children in rural communities who rely on Medicaid for health coverage, with 30% of rural kids enrolled. (Adobe Stock)

Health coverage holds up Ohio’s child care

Ohio's child care system is under strain and a new national report highlighted how Medicaid helps support the workforce behind early childhood care…

Latino students make informed and pragmatic choices to pay for college and the institutions intentionally serving them are making strides to ensure the price of a college degree is affordable. (Kateryna/Adobe Stock)

AR Latino students use various forms of aid to pay for college

Latino students in Arkansas and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups but receive the lowest average awards…

In 2023 in Tennessee, 26% of Hispanic adults had an associate degree or higher, compared to 40% of white, non-Hispanic adults. (Cambo27/Adobe Stock)

Report: TN Latino college students rely less on financial aid

Latino students in Tennessee and nationwide apply for financial aid at higher rates than some other ethnic groups, according to new research but they …

In a statewide survey about Library Media Specialists for Minnesota's K-12 schools, some respondents reported using their personal funds to support the library where they work. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly half of MN school libraries lack licensed media specialist

Minnesota law requires K-12 school libraries to be staffed by a licensed media specialist but survey results indicated almost half of districts have d…

The Ohio Education Association estimates Ohio public schools would be underfunded by $2.75 billion under the House version of the state budget. (Adobe Stock)

Public school advocates look to OH Senate to restore Fair School Funding

As Ohio lawmakers debate the state budget, advocates for public schools are voicing concerns proposed cuts and policy changes could harm children's …

Eduardo Mata Montessori in Dallas received a technology award package valued at $1,000, which included their choice of tech

National program makes sure TX students are technology ready

Across Texas, 63 schools are participating in a Parent Teacher Association digital literacy program known as "PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!." The …

More than 40% of families with an early childhood educator rely on one or more public assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts could hurt VA early childhood education workforce

As Republicans in Washington, D.C. consider steep cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed the early childhood education workforce in Virginia heavily …

Some 1.2 million Coloradans rely on Medicaid, including pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, working families and nearly 60% of people in nursing care facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts could impact 1 in 4 CO child care workers

CORRECTION: The name of the spokesperson from the Center for Law and Social Policy is Suzanne Wikle. She had been incorrectly identified as Suzanne …

More than one in three Ohio parents with children under 5 report serious problems paying rent or mortgage, according to a statewide Groundwork Ohio poll. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

A refundable child tax credit aimed at helping families with young children was proposed in Gov. DeWine's budget but was stripped out by the Ohio …

The net loss of college educated people through migration from Nebraska to other states has more than quadrupled in the last decade, according to the Aksarben Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Omaha counters NE 'brain drain' with 'brain gain'

A new report shows housing and transportation are key factors that can keep young professionals from leaving Nebraska for opportunities elsewhere…

Researchers said a new SkillsUSA and Northern Illinois University study is the most comprehensive to date on how many students are involved in apprenticeships, internships, courses and other work-based learning activities. (Adobe Stock)

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

A new report shows Illinois youth now have more apprenticeship and internship opportunities, with an increase in women and minority participation but …

Experts say scammers blast text messages out in hopes they reach someone who has a car and drives where there may be tolls, where the scenario of owing a fee could be believable. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid toll text scams on the rise in WI

Scam text messages impersonating the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and toll authorities are on the rise, despite the fact Wisconsin does not …

In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

In 2023, nearly 18% of U.S. households with children faced food insecurity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. S.B. 109, a bill that …

Healthy School Meals for All serves up more than 600,000 meals every school day in Colorado, regardless of a student's ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

As Colorado lawmakers grapple with $1.2 billion in budget cuts, child nutrition advocates are turning to voters to protect funding for the state's …

The Buffalo Soldiers were the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds, including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War. The museum was founded in 2001. (serhiibobyk/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding cuts hit Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston is one of many historic and cultural institutions across the nation to lose access to federal funding…

In Illinois, counties cover the operational costs of juvenile detention centers, while the state reimburses for staffing at more than $40 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

Two bills aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois are close to becoming law. Senate Bill 1784 proposes raising the age of …

The Trevor Project estimated more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year. They warn more lives would be at risk if the White House is allowed to cut specialized services under the 988 crisis line. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ youth advocates want crisis line shielded from federal budget ax

LGBTQ+ advocates in South Dakota are reeling from passage of another state law they said harms their community. Now, there is concern possible …

According to a study by Harvard University, nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists. Dental experts warned taking fluoride out of water in areas with few dentists could lead to more tooth decay. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

By Brett Kelman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

Ohio Department of Children & Youth reports more than 15,000 children are in foster care in Ohio - and nearly a quarter have complex needs that make finding the right placement especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives. A 12-year-old …

The Here to Observe and Here to Storytelling program helps students show their workforce skills on their resumes, making it easier for them to succeed when applying for internships, graduate school and jobs. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Funds cut off from Kutztown U.’s NASA program amid DEI crackdown

President Donald Trump's executive order dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs has led to the defunding of Kutztown …

The Young Activist Leaders Program provides a place for young people to ask questions, educate each other, and explore social justice work together. (Carlo/Adobe Stock)

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A group of Washington youths, fresh from a grassroots leadership development program, is speaking up against the Trump Administration's plans to cut …

In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

Medi-Cal pays for a range of health services in schools, including aides and equipment for disabled students. (Ermolaev Alexandr/Adobe Stock)

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

Medicaid is in the crosshairs, as Republicans in Congress are expected to lay out proposals in May to cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget…

Florida's school vouchers program, which lawmakers expanded in 2023, is projected to divert nearly $4 billion this year from public education, according to the Florida Policy Institute. (Pixabay)

Florida PTA fights charter school expansion, cuts to mental health funding

Jude Bruno, president-elect of the Florida Parent Teacher Association, is leading a charge against two controversial education bills which would …

Lawmakers are considering several bills that would impact small farmers, including bills that would require country-of-origin labels and allow the sale of raw milk at farmers markets. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses

Members of a Texas House committee this week will consider a bill that would limit the number of permits farmers must have to participate at farmers m…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - May 23, 2025

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Youth

Soap Box Derby prepares future IN race car drivers

Study: Disposable e-cigarettes bigger, cheaper and still marketed to kids

Policy solutions to improve foster youth education in PA

TX health care advocates say changes to Medicaid could affect expectant mothers

Ohio leaders warn SNAP cuts could overwhelm state budget, food banks

Black immigrant population grows throughout Arkansas, nation

IL is 1st state to restrict federal access to autism-related data

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

Michigan expands partnership to help adults return to college

Budget cuts to Medicaid, SNAP would 'devastate' TN communities

Radio show gives AR students a voice

New WA law reels in felony convictions for incarcerated youths who fight

ND communities gain knowledge on preventing child sexual abuse

Program elimination, job loss as DOGE cuts funds for NM's AmeriCorps

Report: WI youth mental health struggles at all-time high

Program aims to connect rural TX college students with universities

PA ‘Education Advocacy Day’ to focus on public school funding

IL health officials work to combat vaccine hesitancy, stop measles spread

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

'Forever families' needed for PA children in foster care

Lawyers for two VA students ask judge to pause book bans in Pentagon schools

Threatened Medicaid cuts would hobble Iowa's child-care workforce

Health coverage holds up Ohio’s child care

AR Latino students use various forms of aid to pay for college

Report: TN Latino college students rely less on financial aid

Nearly half of MN school libraries lack licensed media specialist

Public school advocates look to OH Senate to restore Fair School Funding

National program makes sure TX students are technology ready

Report: Medicaid cuts could hurt VA early childhood education workforce

Report: Medicaid cuts could impact 1 in 4 CO child care workers

Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

Omaha counters NE 'brain drain' with 'brain gain'

IL apprenticeships on the rise but disparities remain

Unpaid toll text scams on the rise in WI

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K-12 students

Colorado voters could decide fate of Healthy School Meals for All

Federal funding cuts hit Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

LGBTQ+ youth advocates want crisis line shielded from federal budget ax

Some AR communities without fluoridated water also experience dentist shortage

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

Funds cut off from Kutztown U.’s NASA program amid DEI crackdown

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

Florida PTA fights charter school expansion, cuts to mental health funding

TX lawmakers consider bills to help small farmers, home food businesses