Arts & Culture / Public News Service

Dr. Tierney Brosius' friend, professor and fellow artist, Wendy DesChene, and her husband helped to photograph insects for an eight-foot-tall display. (Wendy DesChene)

Friday, June 20, 2025

'Dr. Beetle': Local biology teacher uses art to pique curiosity about bugs

By Jonathan Feakins for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News S…

The Knight Center for the Future of News was made possible because of a $10.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and an additional $4 million investment from Arizona State University. (Deanna Dent/Arizona State University)

Friday, June 20, 2025

ASU launches initiative to build 'stronger news ecosystem'

Journalism and the way people consume news is changing, and Arizona State University will soon launch an initiative it claims will "build a stronger…

Board-certified music therapist Stephanie Johnson, left, works with older adults in a drumming circle through Music Speaks. Her work is part of a movement to bring more signing and music opportunities to people diagnosed with dementia. (Photo courtesy Music Speaks)

Friday, June 20, 2025

A song a day keeps doctors at bay in Midwest choirs

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

The City of Philadelphia hosts several events today (Thursday) in celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday observed nationwide with storytelling and community gatherings honoring Black history, culture and resilience. (reham/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Juneteenth: Celebrating Black literacy and artistic freedom

A Pennsylvania literacy organization is commemorating the Juneteenth holiday by highlighting the history and contributions of Black people in the Unit…

A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …

Griot Arts, a nonprofit in Clarksdale, Mississippi, plans to turn 32,000 square feet of vacant downtown property into a vibrant arts and cultural center.

Historic Paramount Theater reborn as community hub in Clarksdale

By Susannah Broun for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Mississippi News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Col…

St. Paul's sidewalk poetry program has stamped enough forms of literary art onto wet concrete, everyone living in the city could walk to a sidewalk poem in under 10 minutes. (Photo courtesy of Alana Horton for Arts Midwest)

Step into art: Midwest cities turn sidewalk potholes into poetry

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is transforming a 111-year-old schoolhouse into an arts refuge for kids. (Eastern Iowa Arts Academy)

Arts group revitalizes century-old rural Iowa school building

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Coll…

Angel Mounds was one of the largest and most complex Indigenous communities ever built in what is now Indiana. (Indiana University)

Indiana’s ancient city comes to life in virtual reality

Hoosiers can now step into the past. A new exhibit opens this weekend at the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Bloomington…

Federal funding for arts education is being cut significantly, including the grant for the Student Arts Advocacy Day, an event held in partnership with California State Summer School for the Arts. (Chantal Santoyo/CSSSA)<br />

Arts education advocates speak out against proposed federal budget cuts

Groups championing arts education are criticizing President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to education and the arts, particularly those targeting …

ArtReach St. Croix participates in Stillwater's annual Rivertown Fall Art Festival along the river in autumn. (Photo courtesy of ArtReach St. Croix)

MN arts org connects creatives across a river and state lines

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

Humanities programs like Maryland History Day are at risk due to funding cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities. (Adobe Stock)

Trump cuts to humanities endowment hurts Marylanders, advocates say

Supporters of the National Endowment for the Humanities said cuts to the agency by President Donald Trump hurt Marylanders' access to art and culture …

Funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities reached all 56 Montana counties in 2024 via libraries, museums, community organizations and schools, according to Humanities Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Montanans, Americans most affected by federal humanities cuts

Supporters of the National Endowment for the Humanities say President Donald Trump's cuts to the agency disproportionately impact rural Americans - an…

Supporters of the National Endowment for the Humanities argued the lawsuit is on behalf of every American interacting with the humanities. (Adobe Stock)

Trump admin sued over efforts to dismantle National Endowment for Humanities

Supporters of the National Endowment for the Humanities said cuts to the agency by President Donald Trump hurt Americans' access to art and culture an…

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…

The most common types of vandalism to Indigenous rock art in Wyoming are incised initials, names, <br />and dates and firearm damage, according to a 2024 report. (Tami Freed/Adobe Stock)

Actions by Wyoming, feds could have opposing effects on Indigenous rock art

Protections for Indigenous rock art in Wyoming are in limbo after state lawmakers and the Trump administration took potentially conflicting actions re…

SD health center's art collection is medicine to its community

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Ser…

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 …

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…

North Dakota's Native American tribes said thanks to a new state grant program aimed at helping them boost their tourism promotion, including powwow events. (Adobe Stock)

With new grants, ND tribes can elevate their tourism game

Tourism generates $3 billion annually in North Dakota but tribal officials say direct spending from visitors does not always reach their areas. Now…

Jenny Graham, right, rehearses for her upcoming part in

In SD, actors expand the stage, changing how people see disability

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

Ash Hanson reads a love letter to a crowd gathered at the YES! House as part of a residency with artist JJ Kapur. (Photo courtesy of Alana Horton)

MN town practices art of love, one letter at a time

By Alana Horton for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Colla…

Performances at Teatro Visi�n in San Jose are part of the 7th annual Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, a statewide celebration sponsored by the nonprofit California for the Arts. (Christian Pizzirani/Teatro Visi�n).

Advocates hope to teach CA lawmakers an art lesson

Supporters of the arts are gathering Wednesday in Sacramento for Arts Advocacy Day in order to lobby lawmakers on a range of issues. Educators are …

The Arkansas State Library receives $850,000 from IMLS that allows Arkansas residents access to essential resources tailored to local needs. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas public libraries face uncertain future

There are 133 public libraries in Arkansas, and many of them could be in jeopardy of closing because of cuts from the Trump administration. The …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

National Library Week was first observed in 1958 to celebrate the contributions of the nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. (amaxim/Adobe Stock)

April celebrates the creative combo of libraries, poetry

April is both National Poetry Month and National Library Month, and younger generations are embracing both. The American Library Association says …

The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization has become as much as a landmark to the community as the Little Village Arch and was awarded the national Food Sovereignty Prize in 2024. (City of Chicago 2021)

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

By Angela Burke for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Fourth graders in suburban and city schools saw the largest dips in reading scores between 2020 and 2022, and nearly half of Black and Latino fourth graders in Maryland do not read at grade level. (Adobe Stock)

Library funding at risk, even as literacy scores drop

This has been "National March Into Literacy Month" but it may become tougher over the summer to "march" into a public library and ask for help finding…

U.S. Marine John Canley of Arkansas was a recipient of the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in 1968 during the Battle of Hue. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)<br />

AR heroes celebrated at National Medal of Honor Museum

Some 29 Arkansas Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized Tuesday as the National Medal of Honor Museum opens in Arlington, Texas. The museum is …

State law specifies the governor may remove any member of the Prisoner Review Board at any time for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance or inability to serve. (Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 2024, In Their Hands)

Film highlights reform need of IL’s parole system through one man’s fight

An Illinois documentary takes a deep dive into the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the politics that influence its decision-making through one man'…

Iowa 'dance fighter' Chuy Renteria interprets his world through performance art. (Chuy Renteria)

Iowa 'dance fighter' interprets his world through artform

By Frankie (Amy) Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Coll…

Opened in 2017, Orange County Public Schools Academic Center for Excellence is the first new school in Parramore, Fla., in more than 40 years, serving preschool through eighth grade. It features a three-wall, climate-themed mural by artist Allison Dayka. (VoLo Foundation)

Art, action unite at Florida Climate Correction Conference

As Florida grapples with rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes and extreme heat, the state's vulnerability to climate change is impossible to ignore…

An arts project, led by Drew Arrieta and Maddy Bartsch, aims to bridge the communication gap between rural and urban Minnesotans through honest, anonymous conversations. The chats take place in makeshift phone booths. (Springboard for the Arts)

Forget the divide! Arts project seeks urban-rural solidarity instead

By Anya Slepyan for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaborati…

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Adobe Stock)

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding their right to vote and changing …

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Nate Blunt/Adobe Stock)

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, demanding their right to vote and changing history in …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Produce at an upcoming farmers market will come directly from Catawba Trail Farm in Durham, N.C. (Volodymyr Kyrylyuk/Adobe Stock)

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

An urban farm in North Carolina is celebrating Black History Month this weekend with a farmers market and historic group hike. Urban Community …

Assal Habibi has done extensive research on how musical training is beneficial for brain development. (Gus Ruelas/USC Photo)<br />

Arts educators reach out after L.A. fire disaster

Music lessons. A trip to the theater. Experiences like these can help students recover from cataclysmic natural disasters like the LA fires, …

Iowa City poet Caleb Rainey had a banner year in 2024, saying many of his 'wildest dreams came true.' (Arts Midwest)

Iowa poet stays 'centered' after 'wildest dreams' come true

By Brianne Sanchez for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabora…

According to the site datausa.io, about 60% of theatre workers are white, nearly 13% are Black, 5% are Asian, and less than 1% are Indigenous. (Photo courtesy University of Michigan)

MI university professors address diversity gaps with online makeup tutorials

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabor…

One study finds that 63-percent of libraries are funded through a local city or county government. Twenty-nine percent are funded through an independent library district. (Adobe Stock)

MD Librarian: Show libraries some love this month

February is National Library Lovers Month and libraries across the state are encouraging their long-time and new patrons to celebrate. David Dahl…

Libraries are tailored to their local communities, Varga says, such as a local library in Virginia Beach offering surfboard rentals. (Adobe Stock)

Show some love to VA libraries

February is Library Lovers Month - and libraries across the Commonwealth are encouraging their long-time and new patrons to celebrate. Lisa Varga…

A historic greenhouse sits at the High Plains Arboretum outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, where varieties of crops were engineered between 1928 and 1974 to survive the harsh high plains environment. (Alliance for Historic Wyoming)

A big future for WY historic arboretum hinges on state legislature

Lawmakers could salvage plans to restore a historic Wyoming arboretum after the legislature cut initial funding from the supplemental state budget…

The major sources of groundwater contamination in Ohio are due to volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, according to a 2024 Ohio Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. (Adobe Stock)

Turning sludge from Ohio streams into art

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Two Open Book participants embrace after an Open Book event held to connect their respective churches in Des Moines. (Arts Midwest) <br />

Social impact group works to open conversations between Iowans

By Brianne Sanchez for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabora…

In today's polarized climate, college campuses are working to rebuild a sense of community and foster understanding after divisive events, according to the Constructive Dialogue Institute. (Adobe Stock)

AL dean prioritizes bridge-building, empathy training for students

Samford University in Birmingham is paving the way for students to have meaningful conversations and foster connections across cultural and ideologica…

Gov. Tate Reeves's executive order requires artificial intelligence technologies to be carefully deployed in Mississippi, to mitigate potential risks and harms. (Adobe Stock)

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

Mississippi is embracing the future of artificial intelligence with Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order establishing a framework for its responsible …

The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty pay has increased 15% since 2017. However, the president and the school executive's salaries have risen 78% and 87%, respectively. (MSM Precollege Union)

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

The faculty of a New York City music school is planning to strike after contract negotiations stalled. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - June 20, 2025

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Arts & Culture

'Dr. Beetle': Local biology teacher uses art to pique curiosity about bugs

ASU launches initiative to build 'stronger news ecosystem'

A song a day keeps doctors at bay in Midwest choirs

Juneteenth: Celebrating Black literacy and artistic freedom

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Historic Paramount Theater reborn as community hub in Clarksdale

Step into art: Midwest cities turn sidewalk potholes into poetry

Arts group revitalizes century-old rural Iowa school building

Indiana’s ancient city comes to life in virtual reality

Arts education advocates speak out against proposed federal budget cuts

MN arts org connects creatives across a river and state lines

Trump cuts to humanities endowment hurts Marylanders, advocates say

Rural Montanans, Americans most affected by federal humanities cuts

Trump admin sued over efforts to dismantle National Endowment for Humanities

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

Actions by Wyoming, feds could have opposing effects on Indigenous rock art

SD health center's art collection is medicine to its community

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

Federal funding cuts hit Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

With new grants, ND tribes can elevate their tourism game

In SD, actors expand the stage, changing how people see disability

MN town practices art of love, one letter at a time

Advocates hope to teach CA lawmakers an art lesson

Arkansas public libraries face uncertain future

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

April celebrates the creative combo of libraries, poetry

Chicago nonprofit transforms former toxic site to feed community

Library funding at risk, even as literacy scores drop

AR heroes celebrated at National Medal of Honor Museum

Film highlights reform need of IL’s parole system through one man’s fight

Iowa 'dance fighter' interprets his world through artform

Art, action unite at Florida Climate Correction Conference

Forget the divide! Arts project seeks urban-rural solidarity instead

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

Arts educators reach out after L.A. fire disaster

Iowa poet stays 'centered' after 'wildest dreams' come true

MI university professors address diversity gaps with online makeup tutorials

MD Librarian: Show libraries some love this month

Show some love to VA libraries

A big future for WY historic arboretum hinges on state legislature

Turning sludge from Ohio streams into art

Social impact group works to open conversations between Iowans

AL dean prioritizes bridge-building, empathy training for students

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations