Youth Issues / Public News Service

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

Around 90% of young voters in Arizona say the cost of living is a serious concern to them, followed by affordable housing (86%) and protecting the water supply (81%), according to Arizona State University. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education

Now that the deadline to register to vote in Arizona has passed, voting-rights advocates are switching their focus to voter education. Today…

Around 36% of transgender Arkansans who responded to a survey reported being fired, being denied a <br />promotion or experiencing some other form of mistreatment related to their gender identity or expression. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

According to experts, a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice and equally good for a company's bottom line but reluctance to …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first completed rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Votes on bills comprised 80% of each legislator's grade on the 2023-24 Pro-Kid Scorecard, with budget and leadership actions making up the remaining 20%. (MikeFusaro/Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

New legislative scorecard highlights leaders on children’s issues

The biannual Pro-Kid Scorecard from the Children Now Action Fund was released today. In it, 12 state Assembly members and seven state Senators …

In Metro Nashville Public Schools, more than $558 million was allocated based on individual needs of each student through student-based budgeting for the 2023-2024 school year. (bersch28/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

TN grant program funds early health care career pathways

Metro Nashville Public Schools and Nashville State Community College are working together to help some high school students launch health care careers…

A study by Women for a Healthy Environment found more than 90% of Pennsylvania school districts that tested for lead in their drinking water reported contamination. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Study: PA schools fail to protect kids from lead in drinking water

Concerning levels of lead have been detected in the drinking water at some Pennsylvania schools, according to a new report. The investigation …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (R Scott James/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

Health care workers and community members work to share factual information about vaccines as we approach the cold and flu season. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Medical professionals and advocates in the Latino community are using National Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage residents to prepare for the upcom…

In North Carolina, college and university students may register and vote in the county where they live while they go to school if they do not intend to return to their former home after graduation. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

UNCW students mobilize to break voting barriers ahead of elections

As the November elections approach, students at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington are taking action to remove voting barriers and boost …

Lowell, Massachusetts, teacher Jessica Lander's book,

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Tuesday, October 8, 2024

MA educators: Down with anti-immigrant rhetoric, up with students

Many Massachusetts educators are denouncing the growing chorus of anti-immigrant rhetoric this election season. They cited an uptick in reports of …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 7, 2024

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

According to a report for the state, wages for Wyoming teachers in May 2023 were about 81% of those in comparable occupations including management, health care, computers, legal professions and more. (Henryk Sadura/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 7, 2024

WY lawmakers urge returning public school funding to constitutional minimum

A Wyoming committee has recommended a temporary bump in funding for public schools, while educators await a judge's decision on the state's broader …

Although Connecticut has a low prevalence of mental illness among its residents, Mental Health America gives it a poor ranking for access to care. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 7, 2024

CT garners funding to address mental health equity

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is introducing federal legislation to boost mental health equity. The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act …

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University are two schools with the largest decline in Black and Latino student admission since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. (Adobe Stock)

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

New York colleges and universities are seeing the effects of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action. New data from Education Reform Now …

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

An estimated 85,000 Montana residents stand to lose their Medicaid coverage if a program expansion expires next year. Opponents of the expansion said Medicaid should not be a long-term health care option. (Adobe Stock)

85,000 Montanans stand to lose Medicaid

Montana's expanded Medicaid program is set to expire next year. People who rely on it are calling on lawmakers for an extension but opponents argued …

A recent Surgeon General Advisory, highlighting parent burnout, calls for a shift in culture, policies and programs to ensure all parents and caregivers can thrive. (Adobe Stock)

MN after-school programs learn how to work around parent burnout

On the heels of warnings from federal health officials about parent burnout, school-linked programs in Minnesota are overhauling their approach so …

The HBCU Liberation Tour aims to get students in historically Black colleges to engage in the political system and register to vote. (Adobe Stock)

HBCU Liberation Tour seeks to mobilize young Black voters in TN, South

Polling shows that many young people of color in Generation Z are ambivalent about voting, but one group of activists is working to change that…

Fall enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock marks the most substantial increase since Fall 2009. (UA-Little Rock) <br />

University of Arkansas-Little Rock sees largest enrollment increase in 15 years

Enrollment continues to increase at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This semester, the school is experiencing its largest enrollment …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than one-third of food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, process and distribute it. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

A new study found Maine households are a leading contributor of food waste in local landfills, which in turn contributes to climate change. …

Nationwide, more than 2.5 million children are being raised in kinship-care settings, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Kentucky kinship caregivers need help with basic needs

September has been National Kinship Care Month, and more than 80% of Kentucky kinship families say they need help with groceries, followed by …

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

A new report from the Council on American Islamic Relations-New York showed 43% of students who were bullied for being Muslim said they never asked for help. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

A new report found Muslim students in New York City public schools face high levels of discrimination in school. The report from the Council on …

In Maine, asthma is responsible for an estimated $14.3 million in lost productivity and nearly $173 million in direct medical costs each year, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Improved air pollution standards could help reduce ME asthma rates

New air pollution requirements issued by the Environmental Protection Agency should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each year to Maine and acr…

Connecticut ranks in the top ten states for access to care in Mental Health America's 2024 State of Mental Health Report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT, US college student mental health improves

A new Healthy Minds Study finds college students' mental health in Connecticut and nationwide is improving. In the last ten years, there have been …

The Endow-a-Bed program at Sierra College in Rocklin will begin serving students within two years. <br />

CA community college sets up endowment to fund dorm beds

A community college north of Sacramento is trying out an innovative way to lower costs for needy students with a new "Endow-a-Bed" program. Sierra …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

A five-year national evaluation revealed children referred to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program are up to three times more likely to be adopted, according to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (Adobe Stock)

Adoptive family in UT commemorates National Daughters Day

Today is National Daughters Day and for one Utah teenager, the title only seemed like a dream until recently. Lilyauna Coffey, 19, lives in Salt …

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act provides lump-sum compensation for illnesses contracted by people working in the uranium industry or exposed to above-ground nuclear tests. (Courtesy Nuclear Threat Initiative)

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

A 2,000-mile bus trip has not deterred representatives from Southwest tribes from traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to support expansion of …

The Brooklyn Public Library has gotten nearly 9,300 eCard applications as part of its Books Unbanned program. The program is a catalog of banned books teens across the country can access. (Adobe Stock)

NY, U.S. libraries celebrate Banned Books Week

Libraries in New York and nationwide are celebrating Banned Books Week. Across the state, libraries are hosting various programs this week about …

The Indiana Legislature passed a bill requiring school libraries to publicly post a list of books they offer and provide a complaints process for community members. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Libraries rally against rising censorship efforts

Libraries across Indiana are observing Banned Books Week. The observation started in the 1980s to highlight ongoing censorship efforts aimed at …

Western Native Voice's 'Snag Dat Vote' is designed to make sure every Indigenous voter is prepared and energized to cast their ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Indigenous group travels Montana to 'get out the vote'

Montana's largest Indigenous rights group is hosting a series of events around the state to empower Native voters as the election draws closer…

Maine's clean energy sector grew more than three times faster than the state's overall economy between 2016 and 2022 and now employs more than 15,000 people, according to the Governor's Energy Office. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Federal funds, clean energy projects boost ME union workforce

Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state's clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around…

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat. The new survey from the Center for the Future of …

IU Health is expanding its suicide prevention efforts by training staff to better support individuals from different backgrounds. (Adobe stock)

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

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

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Critics of Colorado Amendment 80 warn the move would siphon taxpayer dollars away from already underfunded public schools into private religious schools. (Adobe Stock)

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows the rate of children without health insurance in New Mexico was 5.9% in 2023, compared to 5.4% nationwide. (FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock)

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

A new federal report shows anti-poverty policies enacted by New Mexico are making a big difference. This month, the U.S. Census Bureau has released …

As of 2021, California was 18th in the nation for lowest rate of youth confined in juvenile justice facilities, at 58 youth per 100-thousand. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

The number of youth held in juvenile justice facilities in California and across the U.S. dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022 - according to a new …

Minnesota's Center for Rural Policy and Development said in rural settings, parents are often forced to take a child to the emergency room during a mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Gaps in mental health care are a common research topic right now and for Minnesota youth in rural areas, a new report showed their families face big …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, up to $31 trillion in U.S. economic activity hinges on helping young people complete learning delayed by the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Palm Beach County schools are working to curb chronic absenteeism, which has surged since the pandemic. Nearly 39% of Palm Beach County students …

People are reminded to check their voter registration status on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and some young people in Washington state are encouraging people in their age group to ensure they're …

Public education advocates believe without adequate funding, North Carolina's public schools will continue to face severe challenges, including teacher shortages, lack of support staff and deteriorating facilities. (Adobe Stock)

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Advocates for public education are reacting to the North Carolina House passing legislation to funnel millions of state dollars into private school vo…

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank sent a "glowing" invitation to encourage food and financial contributions during September's Hunger Action Month…

A joint tax return is required for married couples to claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit at the end of the tax year. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

PA tax credit expansion increases support for child, dependent care

Pennsylvania families facing challenges with child and dependent care expenses may now benefit from a significant state tax break. The expansion of …

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Youth

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

New legislative scorecard highlights leaders on children’s issues

TN grant program funds early health care career pathways

Study: PA schools fail to protect kids from lead in drinking water

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

UNCW students mobilize to break voting barriers ahead of elections

MA educators: Down with anti-immigrant rhetoric, up with students

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

WY lawmakers urge returning public school funding to constitutional minimum

CT garners funding to address mental health equity

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

85,000 Montanans stand to lose Medicaid

MN after-school programs learn how to work around parent burnout

HBCU Liberation Tour seeks to mobilize young Black voters in TN, South

University of Arkansas-Little Rock sees largest enrollment increase in 15 years

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

Survey: Kentucky kinship caregivers need help with basic needs

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

Improved air pollution standards could help reduce ME asthma rates

Report: CT, US college student mental health improves

CA community college sets up endowment to fund dorm beds

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

Adoptive family in UT commemorates National Daughters Day

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

NY, U.S. libraries celebrate Banned Books Week

Indiana Libraries rally against rising censorship efforts

Indigenous group travels Montana to 'get out the vote'

Federal funds, clean energy projects boost ME union workforce

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

PA tax credit expansion increases support for child, dependent care