Social Justice / Public News Service

Studies suggest up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 24, 2025

NM bill would help domestic abuse survivors get legal assistance

Women surveyed about why they stayed in an abusive relationship often said they did not have the money to leave. Now, a bill introduced in the New …

Wyoming's House Bill 62 would amend the crimes of prostitution and solicitation to include acts of sexual contact. The state remains one of few in the country to approve criminalizing child survivors of trafficking, according to Shared Hope International. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

WY energy industry has opportunity to track down human traffickers

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and educators are training workers in key industries to recognize and report the crime…

Health providers in rural Colorado, which operate on thin margins, could see more uncompensated care costs if proposed Medicaid cuts clear Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As the new Congress considers cutting Medicaid by more than $2 trillion, a new report details how the move would disproportionately affect rural …

The United States makes up roughly 4% of the world's population but holds an estimated 40% of the world's life-sentenced population, according to The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Kentucky sees increase in life without parole sentences

Kentucky has seen one of the largest percent increases in its incarcerated population serving life without parole sentences. According to a new …

The hottest year on record was 2024, as average global temperatures continue to rise due to the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

As President Donald Trump abandons a promise the U.S. made in Paris nearly a decade ago, organized workers across Colorado are joining forces to …

In 2021, Ohio spent approximately $1.3 billion on child welfare services, ranking it among the top states for reliance on local funding, with counties shouldering nearly half of the cost. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Finding appropriate placements for youths entering Ohio's child welfare system has become increasingly difficult. Rachel Reedy, outreach and member …

In 2023, more than 16 million workers were represented by a union, an increase of more than 190,000. (SEIU Local 49)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Union rep: SEIU joining AFL-CIO will help OR workers

The Service Employees International Union is joining the AFL-CIO, a move both groups said will make it easier for more workers to unionize. SEIU is …

stated food stamps alone kept more than 1.3 million children out of poverty last year. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)">

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

In his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. condemned the poverty hindering Black Americans' rights and decades later, a new …

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)

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…

According to America's Health Ranking, nearly 28% of Hoosiers age 16 and older volunteered in the last 12 months. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

IN DNR seeks volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service

Today the nation honors the "drum major for peace" - the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights leader committed his life to equal …

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

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 …

The final phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal includes a three- to five-year plan for rebuilding Gaza under international supervision. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

NY, U.S. groups cautiously optimistic about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

New York and nationwide groups are cautiously optimistic about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. Phase one involves a 42-day ceasefire and gradual …

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 />

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 …

Alabama Senate Bill 129 prohibits state agencies, schools and universities from requiring students, employees or contractors to engage in training, coursework or activities that promote

AL educators, students sue over state law's effect on higher education

Alabama professors and students, along with the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 129…

Some Washington state lawmakers want to act as a bulwark against the incoming Trump administration's threats to undocumented immigrants. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

As deportation threat looms, WA groups underscore importance of immigrants

As threats of deportation of illegal immigrants increase with the incoming Trump administration, groups in Washington say immigrants are an integral …

Nationally, just one-third of state lawmakers are women. In the 2025 session, 52% of Colorado lawmakers are women. (Adobe Stock)

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

In 2019, Colorado lawmakers set goals for cutting climate pollution by at least half by the year 2030, and by 90% by 2050 - compared with 2005 levels…

A new service in North Carolina aims to ensure success for people reentering communities from jail or prison. (Recidivism Reduction Educational Program Services)

First-of-its-kind recidivism reduction center goes mobile in NC

Services for North Carolinians affected by the justice system is going mobile. The Recidivism Reduction Educational Program Services mobile resource …

President-elect Trump has vowed to conduct a mass deportation of more than 13 million immigrants but Massachusetts officials, including Gov. Maura Healy and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said they will not cooperate with federal authorities, nor will state or local police. (Adobe Stock).<br /><br /><br />

Southeast Asian refugees in MA fear deportation, seek Biden pardon

Southeast Asian refugees at risk of deportation in Massachusetts are asking President Biden to pardon them before he leaves office. Deportations …

McClure v. Jefferson County Commission, a lawsuit filed in Alabama, highlights Jefferson County's changing demographics, with the Black population increasing from 33% in 1980 to 43% in 2020, according to U.S. Census data. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama redistricting trial challenges fair representation

The battle over Jefferson County's 2021 redistricting maps heads to court this week with plaintiffs arguing the map violates the Voting Rights Act and…

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation estimated the United States is home to 2 million transgender people. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

CA trans advocates focus on economic opportunity

A California nonprofit dedicated to helping transgender and gender-nonconforming people find good jobs is looking to expand its mission in 2025…

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up more than 22% of Florida's population, with undocumented residents comprising nearly 4%, contributing significantly to the state's economy and workforce. (Adobe Stock)

FL lawmakers, advocates push back on DeSantis’ immigration special session

Florida has been a key battleground in the national immigration debate, with past legislation banning sanctuary cities and requiring companies to use …

In the 2023 legislative session, Democrats in Minnesota had control of all levels of government, allowing them to push through most of their policy vision. But Republicans have made gains in the House, forcing party leaders to rethink their strategies. (Adobe Stock)

MN legislative stalemate has potential to worsen voter trust

Minnesota's new legislative session begins tomorrow, but there are still unknowns over how much of it will actually get started. A political expert …

Florida's 2018 Amendment 4 restored voting rights to individuals with felony convictions once they complete their sentence, except for those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses. (Adobe Stock)

FL League of Women Voters helps returning citizens restore voting rights

The League of Women Voters of Florida is taking a personal approach to restoring voting rights for returning citizens. The group is sending …

The Equality State Policy Center said it is watching bills on fair elections in Wyoming, including House Bill 102, which would change the method of attorney general selection from appointment to statewide election. (Adobe Stock)

Several 2025 WY bills could erode voting rights

The Wyoming Legislature's General Session starts Tuesday and voting-rights advocates in the state are watching several proposals they worry could hind…

In Pennsylvania, abortions are legal up to the 23rd week of pregnancy and beyond if the woman's health is at risk. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

Researcher warns about Christian nationalism's influence on reproductive rights

There are growing concerns about the prevalence of Christian Nationalism, an ideology that seeks to establish a theocracy rooted in Christian …

The next DAV Patriot Boot Camp will be held February 5-7 in the Cincinnati area. (JenkoAtaman/Adobe Stock)

Building success for Ohio vets beyond service

The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded GI Bill benefits, removing the 36-month cap for veterans with multiple periods of service. This …

Despite the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's minimum benefits for disadvantaged communities, there is insufficient integration of this and other justice mandates of the law into energy transmission plans. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

A new report found New York State needs a more equitable grid transmission process. The Energy Justice Law and Poverty Center report noted …

President-elect Donald Trump announced a policy to expedite reviews for investors committing $1 billion or more in the tech field. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Trump's $20 billion investment announcement sparks hope in Ohio

Ohio is poised to play a key role in a $20 billion investment announced by President-elect Donald Trump, with plans to establish data centers across …

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…

Colorado lawmakers are hoping better coordination between state agencies, local governments and nonprofits can prevent and reduce homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

The number of Colorado families experiencing homelessness rose by 134%, from 3,600 in 2023 to more than 8,500 families in 2024, according to new …

In Virginia, garnishments are limited to 25% of a person's disposable income. (Adobe Stock)

VA lawmakers aim to strengthen debt protections

As the Virginia General Assembly convenes, new legislation protecting working families from harsh debt collection practices is on the table. With …

The University of Idaho is the state's second most populous university, behind Boise State. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

Despite pushback, Idaho is again targeting diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses. Over the holiday break, the Idaho State Board of …

UCHealth, which reports medical outcomes above state averages in many areas, recorded nearly $840 million in 2023 profits. (Galatas)

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Advocates for patients are calling on UCHealth to end its practice of filing lawsuits over unpaid bills, after a 9News report found that the state's …

National studies show when people leave prison, they face a range of obstacles in advancing through the world of postsecondary education. Right off the bat, a key deterrent is an application question about their past criminal history. (Adobe Stock)

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

In the new year, college applications in Minnesota will look a little different: They will no longer feature an initial question about a person's …

President Joe Biden made a campaign promise to deported veterans at an Iowa townhall in 2019 to

Deported veterans call for pardons from Biden

"Deported veterans" may sound like an oxymoron. But it is not, and those veterans are working to get pardons in the last days of President Joe …

Congress's latest one-year Farm Bill extension provides $20 billion in funding for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic relief to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Trump administration could tackle corporate food system, help farmers

As inflation and falling crop prices continue to affect farmers, their advocates say the incoming Trump administration could take steps to reform the …

More than 40% of undergraduate students in the U.S. are pursuing an associate degree. (Adobe Stock)

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

Alabama faces a critical workforce gap, with only 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. To …

Economists say minimum wage hikes can be a complex issue to sort out. But some say when you look past the numbers, higher wages can help boost morale and reduce the need to keep hiring new staff. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND keep standing pat on minimum wage?

When the calendar flips to January, a number of states will increase their minimum wage levels - but just like recent years, North Dakota won't be …

Colorado patients have been hit with surprise bills for ambulance services as high as $2,500. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

Colorado's surprise billing law does not currently limit out-of-network billing for ambulance services, and new analysis shows the true costs to …

BIPOC workers earn 30% higher incomes - and have a 79% greater median household net worth - as worker owners of cooperatives, according to the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

MA unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap

Massachusetts unions and worker-owned cooperatives are joining forces to help tackle the state's historic wealth gap. Census data show just a …

Wisconsin municipal courts issued more than 27,000 arrest warrants and writs of commitment for people who failed to pay fines between Jan. 2023 and Aug. 2024, according to the ACLU of Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

If you have any unpaid traffic or parking tickets, the latest report on Wisconsin's municipal courts said in some areas, you could go to jail if you …

Oregon's public defense system is made up of nonprofit public defender organizations, consortia contracting with the state and individual contract attorneys. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

More funding needed to stem OR’s public defense ‘crisis’

Oregon's constitution guarantees criminal defendants a state-funded lawyer for those who cannot afford one but a massive shortage of public defenders …

Earlier this month, President Biden granted clemency to around 1,500 Americans, the largest single-day action in U.S. history, including sentence commutations for those successfully reintegrated after home confinement during COVID-19. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe)

Biden urged to take more immediate bold action on clemency

This week, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 people with federal death row convictions to life sentences without parole. Groups …

According to FWD.US, there are more than 31,500 people in federal prison over age 50. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates urge broader clemency despite Biden’s death row commutes

In one of his final acts in the White House, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 people with federal death row convictions to life …

In 2022, around 63% of Republican voters in the U.S. did not have college degrees, compared to 49% of Democratic voters, highlighting the educational divide in political affiliation. (gguy/Adobe Stock)

Has Ohio lost its battleground state status?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. “As Ohio …

Space for the Farmers Market, which includes an incubator commercial kitchen, will be located in Logansport, Ind. (Cass County Community Foundation)

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

Communities around the state will be watching the progress of a unique project coming up for the north-central Indiana town of Logansport. The Cass …

The Continuum of Care Rapid Re-Housing program offers temporary financial support for housing and case management to eligible unhoused Mississippians and families known as the Mississippi Balance of State.<br />(Tom Nast/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi

Cities and states, including Mississippi, are grappling with rising homelessness. In Mississippi, 982 people experience homelessness daily…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 24, 2025

2025Talks - January 24, 2025

The Yonder Report - January 23, 2025

Social Justice

NM bill would help domestic abuse survivors get legal assistance

WY energy industry has opportunity to track down human traffickers

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

Kentucky sees increase in life without parole sentences

Worker's coalition aims to address climate emergency, economic inequality

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Union rep: SEIU joining AFL-CIO will help OR workers

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

Celebrating Dr. King and new beginnings in Ohio

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

IN DNR seeks volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service

Tennesseans honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

NY, U.S. groups cautiously optimistic about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

AL educators, students sue over state law's effect on higher education

As deportation threat looms, WA groups underscore importance of immigrants

Veteran CO lawmaker sets sights on climate, child care in 2025

First-of-its-kind recidivism reduction center goes mobile in NC

Southeast Asian refugees in MA fear deportation, seek Biden pardon

Alabama redistricting trial challenges fair representation

CA trans advocates focus on economic opportunity

FL lawmakers, advocates push back on DeSantis’ immigration special session

MN legislative stalemate has potential to worsen voter trust

FL League of Women Voters helps returning citizens restore voting rights

Several 2025 WY bills could erode voting rights

Researcher warns about Christian nationalism's influence on reproductive rights

Building success for Ohio vets beyond service

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

Trump's $20 billion investment announcement sparks hope in Ohio

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

VA lawmakers aim to strengthen debt protections

ID's latest anti-diversity push in higher ed meets pushback

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

With college application change, MN aims to reduce higher-ed barriers

Deported veterans call for pardons from Biden

Trump administration could tackle corporate food system, help farmers

AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers

Will ND keep standing pat on minimum wage?

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

MA unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

More funding needed to stem OR’s public defense ‘crisis’

Biden urged to take more immediate bold action on clemency

Advocates urge broader clemency despite Biden’s death row commutes

Has Ohio lost its battleground state status?

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi