Peace / Public News Service

Threats to U.S. poll workers, ballot counters, county clerks and secretaries of state increased significantly after President Donald Trump said the 2020 election was stolen. (MariaVitkovska/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

The post-election period leading up to today's inauguration has been decidedly calmer than the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. But …

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. (Jon/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today marks the nationally recognized birthday of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's a day for college students in Tennessee to …

During the first half of 2024, more than 3,200 college students were arrested nationwide in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. including more than a dozen students at the University of New Hampshire. (Ahsan)<br />

Monday, January 20, 2025

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris' support for Israel's war in Gaza may have cost her the 2024 presidential election. Nearly 30% of the …

Ohio State University will host events honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. all week, concluding with the Legacy Awards Reception on Jan. 28. (forestgraphic/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

Today, Ohioans come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events across the state celebrating his contributions to …

Protesters in San Diego call for a just peace in Gaza on Saturday. (Joe Orellana)

Monday, January 20, 2025

CA pro-Palestinian groups express cautious optimism as ceasefire takes hold

California supporters of the Palestinian cause say they are cautiously optimistic - now that the ceasefire in Gaza has taken hold and the hostage rele…

Leading up to Donald Trump's first inauguration, the Women's March 2017 represented the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Similar marches are planned before Trump is sworn in as president a second time. (Adobe Stock)

Peacekeeping teams head to D.C. for People's March

In Minnesota and Washington, D.C., marches will take place this weekend as President-elect Donald Trump nears the start of his second term. An …

The ceasefire deal announced Wednesday is similar to one announced by President Joe Biden last May. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

CA Jewish, Muslim leaders praise Gaza ceasefire deal

Leaders of California's Jewish and Muslim communities say they're relieved that Israel and Hamas have taken the first steps toward ending their brutal…

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons third meeting will take place March 3-7 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance)

Tennesseeans to mark fourth anniversary of nuclear weapons treaty ban

A Knoxville group of concerned citizens is marking the fourth anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons going into effect…

Each year, gun violence claims the lives of 1,600 Pennsylvanians and injures another 3,000. (Roman/Adobe Stock)

PA gun safety advocates plan for stricter ghost-gun regulations

As the Pennsylvania House reconvenes this week, lawmakers will focus on regulating 3D-printed ghost guns. These untraceable firearms, like the one …

Wisconsin's gun violence rate is near the national average, with more than 740 people dying from gun violence each year, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (Adobe Stock)

Gun-safety advocates call on WI lawmakers to take action

As the new year begins, state lawmakers and officials will continue to grapple with how to prevent school shootings, like the one just two weeks ago …

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 …

President-elect Donald Trump's plan for mass deportation of immigrants means the U.S. loses out on $22.6 billion and $5.7 billion in Social Security and Medicare contributions, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrant NYers fear what lies ahead in 2nd Trump term

As the dust settles from the 2024 election, immigrant New Yorkers fear how Donald Trump's second term will impact them. Many still recall the …

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 …

By law, any court disputes of election results must be resolved by December 16th, and the Electoral College convenes the following day. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: What CA voters can expect on election night

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

Polls are open until 8 p-m local time across the country. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

Time is not on our side, voting experts say

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

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…

Ohio allows mail-in ballot envelope processing to begin 14 plus days before Election Day. (Alan/Adobe Stock)

Ensuring vote integrity in Ohio election

As Ohioans prepare to cast their ballots, election officials are emphasizing the integrity of the voting process and addressing concerns about …

In Pennsylvania on election day the polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. Today is the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. (AnnaStills/Adobe)<br /><br /><br /><br />

Scholars gather in PA to discuss growing authoritarian threats to U.S. democracy

With Pennsylvania a crucial state in this year's presidential election, political scholars gathered in Philadelphia last night to share their …

Historian visits MI to address threats to American democracy

With the election of the nation's next leader just eight days away, a renowned historian visits Michigan to discuss his views on growing global …

According to Pew research, a lack of public awareness coupled with long hours for low pay are challenges to obtaining poll workers. (Adobe Stock)

IN county votes 'yes' for poll worker pay raise

A shortage of poll workers and volunteers for election day has officials worried. Currently, the number of available staff is less than desired as …

Data suggest that, contrary to popular belief, rural and urban voters in America share many bedrock values. (Matt/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

As Ohio heads into a pivotal election season, the divide between rural and urban voters might seem deep - but one expert says the gap isn't as wide …

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

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 …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

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 …

At Ohio State, 36 were arrested for alleged criminal trespassing, including students, a staff member and supporters unrelated to the institution during protests this spring. (Erman Gunes/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

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

Experts said painting and other art projects can provide a safe and therapeutic outlet for youths to convey their thoughts, emotions and experiences. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. initiative strives to give youths a creative and healing outlet

Social behavior experts said teens have fewer safe spaces to gather, with technology-driven isolation complicating matters. It is more pronounced in …

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has denied he would sign a national abortion ban if elected president and would leave limits on abortion access up to individual states to decide. (Nicholas J. Klein/Adobe Stock)

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

In Ohio's 43rd House District race in Toledo, candidates are discussing a range of issues of interest to their constituents. Incumbent Rep. Michele …

Democrats outnumber Republicans in New Mexico, with about 43% of the electorate compared to the GOP's 31%. (Courtesy Heath Haussamen/NMPolitics.net)

NM officials, voter advocates monitor election disinformation

New Mexico's Doña Ana County Clerk said she feels better than expected about security and safety ahead of November's elections - but still works …

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21.<br />(Anna Iluschenko/Adobe Stock)

MI community marks International Day of Peace

This Saturday marks the International Day of Peace and the advocacy group Nonviolent Peaceforce is kicking off a series of family-friendly events in M…

Student protests against the Israeli war in Gaza rocked college campuses nationwide last school year. More than 3,200 students were arrested. (Adobe Stock) <br /> <br />

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

As college anti-war protests enter a second school year, students are maintaining pressure on administrators to cut all financial ties with the …

The 2024 Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wisconsin drew about 700 delegates to Carthage College. (braver angels.org)

NM's Braver Angels offers political junkies an alternative to divisiveness

There's evidence that respectful conversations about politics - while not changing hearts or minds - can lead to greater understanding on both sides…

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

As worries of election interference and intimidation grow in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says election officials have been preparing to …

Activists said Wall Street is bankrolling the coal, oil and gas companies, polluting communities. (Nicola/Adobe Stock)

TX climate activists target Wall Street

Environmental activists from across the country, including from Texas, are spending the summer protesting on Wall Street to highlight the effects the …

New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the nation's only deep geologic long-lived radioactive waste repository. (DOE) New Mexico's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the nation's only deep geologic long-lived radioactive waste repository. (DOE)

Feds hold NM meetings to decide expansion of radioactive waste site

Public meetings in New Mexico this week will gather input on proposed expansion of a nuclear waste repository. But watchdog groups are urging a …

According to Reuters, pro-Palestinian college protest demands include a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military assistance for Israel, and divestment from businesses that profit from the war. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Palestinian groups voice concerns about DNC protest plans

This week, protesters could outnumber delegates at the Democratic National Convention starting today in Chicago. The demonstrators will include tens …

College students are leading the call for a ceasefire in the Israeli war in Gaza. Since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the United States has enacted legislation providing at least $12.5 billion in military aid to Israel, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. (Ehn)

MA peace activists call for Israeli arms embargo at DNC

Massachusetts peace activists will join the tens of thousands of protesters expected at this week's Democratic National Convention in Chicago…

More than one in three local election officials have experienced threats, harassment or abuse, according to a recent Brennan Center poll. (Lorie Shaull, Flickr)

More power to SD poll watchers this Election Day

A new South Dakota law will give poll watchers in the state more power on Election Day. Some say that could interfere with voting. A bill passed in …

More than 50 members of Congress publicly indicated they would not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. (seaseasyd/Adobe Stock)

Vance skips Netanyahu's address amid boycotts, OH student protests

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, now the GOP's vice-presidential candidate, cited campaign commitments as his reason for not attending Israeli Prime Minister …

In the Keystone State, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the Nov. 5 election. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

In a weekend turn of events that some saw as shocking, President Joe Biden told the nation he's dropping out of the presidential race rather than …

UNLV sociologist not optimistic after Trump assassination attempt

Plenty of political and social leaders are calling for unity and condemning political violence after this weekend's assassination attempt on former Pr…

UT governor calls for unity following attempted Trump assassination

Gov. Spencer Cox is calling for unity as well as the condemnation of political violence in light of the assassination attempt on former President …

Families forced from their homes in Gaza face severe shortages of essential services, especially safe drinking water. As of this month, over 1.5 million Palestinian children are in need of humanitarian assistance. (Robert/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

CLARIFICATION: Parts of this story were rephrased to clarify that the United States does not send nuclear weapons to Israel or any other nation…

The New Mexico Secretary of State says paper ballots are used in 100% of elections to ensure there's always physical ballots that can be recounted if necessary. (AdobeStock: PX Media)

Expert: America's erosion of democracy has accelerated

A political expert known for his research on authoritarian regimes says American democracy is threatened by minority rule, which is enshrined in the …

A new Community Safety Legislative Agenda reimagines justice and public safety to invest in people and communities rather than police and prisons. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Civil rights groups press for bills to rethink public safety

Social justice groups are pressing Congress to pass a series of bills to rethink public safety in the U.S. The new 2024 Community Safety Legislative …

Unlike some states, Michigan requires that citizens apply for a purchase license before buying a firearm. (MATTHEW)

Proposal would make MI State Capitol a 'gun-free zone'

If two Michigan lawmakers have their way, there will be fewer locations in the state where people are allowed to carry firearms. State Sen…

A report from the nonprofit Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project showed student demonstrations make up around one-third of all U.S. protests related to the Israel-Hamas War since it began. (Kalaya'an Mendoza)

NY group offers resources for student protestors, bystanders

New York groups are providing student protesters with resources to help sustain demonstrations safely and peacefully, as the war between Israel and …

Ohio students participate in a die-in at Case Western University on April 19 in protest over what they say is an ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

After hundreds of Ohio students gathered at Kent State University over the weekend to protest the conflict in Gaza, on the 54th anniversary of …

Students and faculty at Northeastern University in Boston surround a pro-Palestinian encampment on their school's campus, which stood for two days before administrators called in police to remove it. (Ehn)

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism

Students and faculty at Northeastern University are demanding their school issue a public apology for what they say are false charges of antisemitism …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 23, 2025

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Peace/Non-Violence

NM voters urged to make a stand for free, fair, safe elections

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

CA pro-Palestinian groups express cautious optimism as ceasefire takes hold

Peacekeeping teams head to D.C. for People's March

CA Jewish, Muslim leaders praise Gaza ceasefire deal

Tennesseeans to mark fourth anniversary of nuclear weapons treaty ban

PA gun safety advocates plan for stricter ghost-gun regulations

Gun-safety advocates call on WI lawmakers to take action

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

Immigrant NYers fear what lies ahead in 2nd Trump term

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

Experts: What CA voters can expect on election night

Time is not on our side, voting experts say

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

How partisan poll watchers could test Ohio’s election system

Ensuring vote integrity in Ohio election

Scholars gather in PA to discuss growing authoritarian threats to U.S. democracy

Historian visits MI to address threats to American democracy

IN county votes 'yes' for poll worker pay raise

Ohio voters have more in common than you might think

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

Mpls. initiative strives to give youths a creative and healing outlet

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

NM officials, voter advocates monitor election disinformation

MI community marks International Day of Peace

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

NM's Braver Angels offers political junkies an alternative to divisiveness

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

TX climate activists target Wall Street

Feds hold NM meetings to decide expansion of radioactive waste site

Pro-Palestinian groups voice concerns about DNC protest plans

MA peace activists call for Israeli arms embargo at DNC

More power to SD poll watchers this Election Day

Vance skips Netanyahu's address amid boycotts, OH student protests

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

UNLV sociologist not optimistic after Trump assassination attempt

UT governor calls for unity following attempted Trump assassination

Alliance sounds alarm on rising weapons cost, tax burden

Expert: America's erosion of democracy has accelerated

Civil rights groups press for bills to rethink public safety

Proposal would make MI State Capitol a 'gun-free zone'

NY group offers resources for student protestors, bystanders

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

Northeastern University students, staff condemn arrests, charges of antisemitism