Women's Issues / Public News Service

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

For 2025, 14 women's wildland firefighter boot camps were scheduled, including 12 with the U.S. Forest Service and one each with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. All have been canceled. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Boot camps to fill wildland firefighter workforce shortage cut due to DEI

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

Common barriers to hiring and retaining federal wildland firefighters include low pay, mental health challenges and limited workforce diversity, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (BLM Oregon and Washington/Wikimedia Commons)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Women’s wildland firefighting boot camps axed by new DEI policies

Wildland firefighting is a tough job and the industry has long struggled with worker retention. Training boot camps have helped bring new …

According to the Doula Advisory Group, as of February, 87 of Ohio's 88 counties had no doulas certified under the state's new program. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Tensions are rising in Ohio between doulas and the state Board of Nursing, as only a small number of doulas have been able to be certified for …

Marissa Carpio with the Wyoming-based Equality State Policy Center estimated one of every 10 bills in Wyoming's 2025 legislative session were related to elections. (Adobe Stock)

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

Gov. Mark Gordon has just a few days left to make final decisions on bills passed during the Wyoming legislative session. Both fair election …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

California is home to 1.1 million Black women, the fifth largest population in the country. (peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Almost 60% of CA Black women report discrimination at work

New research finds Black working women still face rampant discrimination in the Golden State. The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

The longest commute in the nation is located in Mohave County, Arizona, where the citizens of Colorado City-a town of 2,500 people-would need to drive eight hours round trip to reach their designated election office in Kingman, Arizona, according to the Center for American Progress. (Austin Broadbent /Adobe Stock)

GOP backed citizenship voting bill could present challenges to AZ voters

Congress could soon vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act. Lawmakers say it's designed to keep undocumented immigrants from …

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require all Americans to provide proof of citizenship in person when registering to vote or updating their voter information, creating new hurdles for many eligible voters. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights advocates warn SAVE Act could block voters in GA, U.S.

The U.S. House is preparing to vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, a bill voting rights groups said would block millions from …

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 …

More than 69 million American women do not have a birth certificate with their married name, which would be needed to vote under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, according to the nonprofit Stand Up America. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

The 'SAVE' Act could mean barriers for UT voters

Congress will vote soon on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act and voting rights advocates said it could keep some Utahns from casting their …

According to a new national report, businesses are responding to a patchwork of abortion bans across the country, with some offering relocation assistance and expanded benefits amid a backlash against tighter restrictions. (Adobe Stock)

New findings: State workforces suffer when abortion restrictions tighten

The 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion protections continues to be felt. New research now suggests states where bans have …

More than 21 million American citizens don't have the required documents that would be needed to vote under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, according to the group Stand Up America. (Bill Perry/Adobe Stock)

Upcoming House vote on 'SAVE' Act has NV voting rights advocates concerned

The House of Representatives will vote soon on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act but voting rights advocates said it could keep some Nevada…

Latinos in NM, nation urged to boycott national retailers over DEI curbs

In a nationwide movement, Latinos are being urged to boycott retail stores tomorrow that have curtailed programs promoting fair hiring practices…

According to The Center for American Progress, about 146 million American citizens do not possess a valid passport. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

SAVE Act would make it harder for Tennesseans to vote, critics say

Congress is preparing to pass a bill, which would make it harder for millions of Tennesseans to register and to vote. The Safeguard American Voter …

A total of 195,972 Arkansas households are impoverished and another 366,907 are defined as ALICE. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

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

An estimated 60% of Virginians have a valid passport. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Bill would disenfranchise VA rural voters, married women

House Republicans have reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act. Backers say it's meant to ensure only citizens register …

Nationwide, about 146 million American citizens do not have passports. About 153 million Americans cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

AZ mandate shows affect SAVE Act could have on voters

Legislation now in Congress could further complicate how Arizonans cast their ballots. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require a …

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, there are 119 people on death row in the state. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU Ohio calls for standalone death penalty legislation

The ACLU of Ohio is calling for a repeal of the state's current death penalty laws, but some conservative state lawmakers have another idea. House …

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, rulemaking on abortion is now in the hands of the states and could land in their supreme courts. (Adobe Stock)

Montana voters backed abortion rights but state judges have final say

By Bram Sable-Smith and Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Healt…

Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care, including prescriptions and consultations, remotely through digital communication such as video calls and online portals. (nenetus/Adobe Stock)

How 'shield laws' apply to telehealth abortion providers

By Rebekah Sager for the Michigan Independent.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Michigan Independent-…

Nearly two-thirds of adults in a recent study noted behavioral changes during the winter months. (Adobe Stock)

How Virginians can combat wintertime blues

Some people may feel more fatigued during the winter months, when the days are short and sunlight is in short supply - and that's common. People …

Nebraska proposal would fund housing for domestic abuse survivors

The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for em…

Supporters say the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, now in the Arkansas Legislature, would improve pregnancy outcomes by empowering community health workers and ensuring Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers. (yavdat/Adobe Stock)

Bill to improve maternal care for AR families

A new bill before Arkansas lawmakers is designed to improve maternal care for low-income families. If passed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act …

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…

Light therapy can be especially effective for treating seasonal affective disorder, particularly when used in the morning. One study found 61% of patients experienced symptom remission after consistent use. (Adobe Stock)

Winter blues hit Wisconsin along with snow, cold temps

Cold, gray days can seem endless this time of year in Wisconsin and if you are feeling down, you are not alone. Nationwide, up to 6% of the …

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

In 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Act 55, funding free menstrual products for students. Schools can use the funds for purchases made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. (Adobe Stock)

PA advocate: Defunding Planned Parenthood threatens affordable health care

By Rebekah Sager for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvani…

Alabama Senate Bill 76 would also protect individuals from having to leave someone under their care if finding a suitable replacement is impossible during jury service. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama lawmakers advance bill to exempt nursing mothers from jury duty

An Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty. The proposal comes after an …

In 2020, Alabama had the third-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, at 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births. (Adobe Stock)

New health toolkit aims to bridge AL’s care gap for expecting mothers

Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country and access to care remains a serious issue, especially in rural areas. Now…

Almost 100,000 U.S. citizen children in the Silver State live with at least one undocumented family member, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV's Latino legislative caucus prioritizes well-being of immigrants

As the Trump administration ramps up arrests of undocumented immigrants, some in Nevada are choosing to skip work or keep their children home from …

A University of Washington study found knowledge of treatment options for menopause was lower in rural areas. (loran4a/Adobe Stock)

UW study: Rural women have it harder with menopause

Women in rural areas struggle more with menopause than their urban counterparts, according to a study from the University of Washington. Rural women …

In 2025, women occupy 34% of Ohio's 132 legislative seats, with the General Assembly welcoming seven additional female lawmakers. (Adobe Stock)

Scholarships help OH women in public service amid diversity program cuts

The gender gap in Ohio politics persists, and President Donald Trump's new executive order eliminating federal diversity programs is expected to …

In 2020, nearly every victim service provider in Ohio experienced a 37% cut in their Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, significantly impacting their ability to support survivors. (ozerkina/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding instability challenges Ohio's crisis support services

Service providers and advocacy groups in Ohio and across the country are facing uncertainty following recent executive orders that have thrown federal…

In 2022, Ohio's WIC program served an average of 160,145 participants per month, including 38,097 women, 40,358 infants and 81,690 children. (Adobe Stock)

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted…

Women now make up nearly two-thirds of the New Mexico House of Representatives, and just over one-third of the state Senate. (AdobeStock/ZackFrank)

NM's largest-ever female legislature seeks traction on bills, advocacy

A long-time New Mexico community organizer is one of several women who have put the state on the map this year for having the largest percentage of wo…

The Women's Foundation of the South expects to forge relationships with women of color who are nonprofit leaders in 13 Southern states by 2026. (Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits led by women of color receive support from southern charity

As many nonprofit organizations see a decrease in funding and donations, one charity is stepping up to ensure organizations run by women of color do …

2023 research shows U.S. maternal mortality rates are on the rise. (Adobe Stock)

Will Kentucky lift restrictions on freestanding birth centers?

Next week, Kentucky lawmakers are expected to consider a bill that would lift legal red tape that backers say makes it difficult to open up …

Rural communities, low-income people and BIPOC people have the least access to health care in Arkansas. (onephoto/Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could be coming for AR Medicaid recipients

Changes could be coming for Arkansans who are on Medicaid. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is proposing to add work requirements for some Medicaid …

The Women's Foundation of the South focuses on tackling policies and programs that marginalize women of color and create barriers to opportunity. It provides multiyear general operating support and leadership development grants to empower organizations working toward equity. (Pixabay)

Southern nonprofit supports Mississippi organizations led by women of color