Youth Issues / Public News Service

According to the Indiana Youth Institute, 81% of young people involved in mentoring programs are more likely to regularly participate in extracurricular activities. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, and organizations like MENTOR Indiana are making a difference in young lives. MENTOR Indiana is part of the …

Research from the University of Washington in 2023 found 39% of New York State households struggle to cover costs, although the federal Official Poverty Measure only recognizes 13% of the state's population as living in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

New York legislation could help working families in the state cope with rising prices. The Working Families Tax Credit would combine a patchwork of …

Policy experts said rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story noted the Children's Health Insurance Program as a component of Medicaid, before outlining Minnesota …

In 2024, Ohio's Human Trafficking Initiative created specialized resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on personal safety, healthy relationships and preventing exploitation.(design.designer/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime. Human trafficking, the world's second-largest …

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

Struggling to meet the pressures imposed by a dwindling population, Iowa is looking at ways to allow minors to work more hours and fill companies' employment needs. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

Iowa lawmakers are considering reducing fines companies pay for breaking child labor laws. The state has said it's trying to find safe and creative …

'Run for Something' is an organization that provides resources, webinars, trainings and a network of people who help candidates around the clock, either for free or at cost. (Adobe Stock)

AZ sees jump in those interested in running for office post-Election Day

More than 12,000 people around the county have said they're interested in running for office since last year's election. And the share coming from …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

Under Indiana Department of Labor regulations, during the school year, a 14- or 15-year-old can only work until 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. From June 1 to Labor Day, they can only work until 9 p.m. until the school year begins. (Adobe Stock)

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

Changes to Indiana's child labor laws went into effect Jan. 1 which could affect teens who have or are looking for jobs. Employers are now no longer …

Experts in the world of youth mentorship said one in three young people in the United States will grow up without a mentor. (Adobe Stock)

In MN, youth mentorship part of larger development puzzle

January is National Mentoring Month and in Minnesota, program leaders report waiting lists for kids to be matched up with an adult willing to spend …

The childhood mental health crisis has been on the rise for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis among children in Arkansas and throughout the country. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center addresses reforms to address mental health issues for youth in Arkansas and nationwide. The group's …

In 2023, 40% of high school students nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% said they seriously considered attempting suicide. (Murda/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

The Bipartisan Policy Center has released a new report on reforming the way youth mental health services are delivered, in Michigan and nationwide…

For the taxpayer, the current tax due on a $100,000 property is $17.47 for a full year. If the 0.7 mill replacement and 0.3 mill increase levy is passed by the voters, the same property tax would increase to $35 annually. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

The rising costs of children's placements and a failed tax levy in Adams County have heightened concerns about the future of children's services in Oh…

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

In 2024, North Carolina schools started the year with more than 3,100 teacher vacancies, according to the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association. (Adobe Stock)

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

A North Carolina university student is breaking new ground in math education. Megan McAnany is an elementary and special education major at William …

Companies are increasingly providing apps and other tools for people to track their screen time with the hope of cutting back. But a Minnesota exert says those solutions are still reliant on technology, making the temptation too hard for many people. (Adobe Stock)

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

If reducing screen time is your New Year's resolution, a Minnesota expert says it can be tough. But with increasing concerns about the effects of …

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

From 2016 to 2023, an estimated 1.8 million toy-related injuries for all ages were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, an average of 226,300 injuries per year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Zarya Maxim/Adobe Stock)

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Utah trauma surgeons are wanting parents to be vigilant about the dangers toys with magnets or button batteries can pose, after they've seen several …

Earlier this year, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Nevada's Read by Grade 3 program. (Adobe Stock)

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Nevada education experts say literacy rates are improving, but aren't where they should be. Nevada's third- through eighth-grade students have …

Data from the Children's Law Center of California show half of all kids in foster care have endured four or more adverse childhood experiences. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)<br />

Foster care system celebrates 25 years of progress

California has more than 60,000 children in the foster care system and about 7,000 in extended care up to age 21 but many do not receive all the servi…

The Virginia Child Protection Accountability System, accessible on the Virginia Department of Social Services website, provides public information on the agency's response to reports of child abuse and neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns over CPS overreporting spark calls for change

CORRECTION: The number of reports to Virginia Child Protective Services that are found to include abuse or neglect is just under 3,000. An earlier …

As of August, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System had reached 66,114 students, representing an increase of 8.4%, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/AI generated image)

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Nearly a dozen changes could be made to the Kentucky Community and Technical College system, under Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by lawmakers …

New Mexico joined more than a dozen other states in 2023 offering child tax credits meant to boost economic security. (courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children)

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Child tax credits offer a financial lifeline to parents and can lift children out of poverty, according to a report from New Mexico's Voices for …

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

In 2024, there were 1,990 successful diversions of South Dakota youth from courts and detention, according to the state's Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Of that total, 449 attempts were considered unsuccessful. (Adobe Stock)

A year of growth for juvenile diversion programs in SD

Nearly 2,000 South Dakota juveniles were successfully diverted from the state's court system this year, according to a new report. A 2024 law has …

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Critics argue Florida's book removals limit access to important information. At the same time, state officials insist they ensure only age-appropriate materials remain in schools, rejecting claims of outright bans as a

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Recent changes to Florida's education laws have removed information on consent, contraceptives and prenatal development from many health lessons at …

Nearly two in five students experienced food insecurity in a survey of Washington state postsecondary students. (Mauricio Toro/Adobe Stock)

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Hunger is an issue for many students on Washington state's postsecondary campuses this holiday season. A survey of nearly 10,000 students in …

Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers will cost the state $825,000,000 in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

As of October, SNAP benefit levels and income limits have increased. A household of up to 10 people is now eligible to receive up to $2,196, with a maximum gross monthly income of $10,584. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Impact of Trump's proposed budget cuts cited for Pennsylvanians

As President-elect Donald Trump takes office, federal safety net programs such as Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP, which support 85 million low-income …

A coalition pushing for universal school meals in North Dakota says nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to free breakfast and lunch at school. (Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

In July, Florida removed certain employment restrictions for minors 16 and 17 years of age. (Adobe Stock)

Child labor in agriculture: A growing concern in Florida

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Alabama spends less per pupil than the national average but allocates a similar percentage of taxpayers' personal income to K-12 education. The state ranks 39th in education funding and 41st in per-student spending. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

Alabama is one of six states still using The Foundation Program to calculate aid to schools, which uses a formula focused on the number of students …

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduate students and 74% of part-time undergraduates were employed while enrolled, with many working over 20 hours per week to cover living expenses. (jaz_online/Adobe Stock)

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

By Hevin Wilkey / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio students are …

Five years ago, a video shocked the nation of 6-year-old Kaia Rolle being arrested at her Orlando, Fla., school because she had thrown a tantrum earlier in the morning. (Adobe Stock)

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

When a 6-year-old girl in Florida had a temper tantrum in class, it seemed like a typical childhood moment. But instead of calming the situation…

A new study found children who lose family members to overdose often suffer long-term harm to educational attainment, economic stability in adulthood, and mental well-being. (Irena_geo/Adobe Stock)<br />

USC study: More than 1.4 million children have lost family to overdose

A new study found more than 1.4 million children in the U.S., including many in California, have lost a family member to overdose, emphasizing the …

Despite strong federal regulations governing child labor, some states, such as Iowa, have weakened protections in order to compensate for what industries say is a labor shortage. (Creative Commons)

Worker shortage pushes Iowa employers to hire children for dangerous jobs

A conflict between federal child labor regulations and those passed by the Iowa Legislature has increased the number of businesses fined for hiring ch…

A report from the Child Health and Development Institute found 74% of kids were discharged after completing treatment through Connecticut's Mobile Crisis Intervention Services. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT mobile crisis services aids child mental health system

A new report found Connecticut's Mobile Crisis Intervention Services are improving. The Child Health and Development Institute report showed more …

In 2022, 13% of children in foster care spent three or four years in the system, and 7% spent five or more years in foster care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Hope for kids aging out of foster care in MO

Nonprofits are offering hope for foster care kids who age out of the system without permanent family connections. As of June, more than 11,000 …

In 2021, there were 72% fewer detention admissions of youths on delinquency charges across the country than in 2005. Still, Wyoming incarcerates youth at a much higher rate than any other state in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

WY has highest rate of juvenile incarceration, rejects federal funding to help

Wyoming has the nation's highest rate of juvenile incarceration, and is one of only two states refusing federal funds to help. In 2021, nearly 270 …

Hoosiers must first file the FAFSA to access nearly all forms of financial aid for college. (Adobe stock)

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Indiana families see value in higher education, but many are still confused about how to pay for it. A new survey by INvestEd, a nonprofit based in …

Ohio ranked 26th in the nation for per-pupil K-12 education funding in 2024, slightly below the national average. With a higher proportion of charter schools than many states and mixed performance outcomes, state policies often focus on addressing disparities and improving results in both. (Adobe Stock)

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

Ohioans are paying close attention to the fast-tracking of Senate Bill 295 through the Statehouse during the lame-duck session. The proposed …

Almost half of LGBTQ+ youths aged 13-17 faced bullying in the past year and those who did were significantly more likely to attempt suicide compared with those who were not bullied, according to a Trevor Project survey. (Andrii Zastrozhnov/Adobe Stock)

TN awaits decision in case on gender-affirming care for trans youth

A Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, is expected by mid-2025. Since 2021…

The Green Hill School juvenile facility in Chehalis, Wash., keeps young adults age 17 to 25. (dcyf.wa.gov)

Parents of children in WA prisons face 'unbearable' holiday season

The holiday season is a difficult time of year for families with children in Washington's youth detention centers. Families have limited access to …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 17, 2025

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Youth

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

AZ sees jump in those interested in running for office post-Election Day

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

In MN, youth mentorship part of larger development puzzle

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Foster care system celebrates 25 years of progress

Concerns over CPS overreporting spark calls for change

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

A year of growth for juvenile diversion programs in SD

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

Impact of Trump's proposed budget cuts cited for Pennsylvanians

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

Child labor in agriculture: A growing concern in Florida

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

OH students fight for fair, livable on-campus wages

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

USC study: More than 1.4 million children have lost family to overdose

Worker shortage pushes Iowa employers to hire children for dangerous jobs

Report: CT mobile crisis services aids child mental health system

Hope for kids aging out of foster care in MO

WY has highest rate of juvenile incarceration, rejects federal funding to help

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Standardized test scores at center of Ohio education debate

TN awaits decision in case on gender-affirming care for trans youth

Parents of children in WA prisons face 'unbearable' holiday season