Youth Issues / Public News Service

Fewer than 40% of rural youth said they are confident they can find an internship, compared to more than half of their urban peers. (JustLife/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Study: Rural OR youth often need to leave hometown to find jobs

New data show fewer than half of rural Gen Z'ers believe they can find a good job in their community, compared to nearly 70% of their urban peers…

The U.S. Department of Education is putting laid-off workers on paid leave starting Friday, March 21 and says they will be paid through June 9. (Neal/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 13, 2025

School employees speak out against mass layoffs at U.S. Dept. of Education

School employees are expressing outrage at the mass layoffs of half the U.S. Department of Education workforce. Secretary of Education Linda …

The American Heart Association said a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan can increase survival rates by 50% or more when people are trained in practices like CPR or how to use an automated external defibrillator until first responders arrive. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

MN looks to ensure all schools are ready for cardiac scares

A Minnesota Senate committee today will hear testimony about a rare but scary scenario for families: sudden cardiac events in school settings…

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

Statistics show males younger than 18 commit a large portion of property crimes, such as theft, burglary and vandalism, with higher arrest rates than females in most juvenile crime categories. <br />(melhak/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

MO advocate urges healing over punishment for traumatized juveniles

A Missouri children's advocate is urging the justice system to focus on healing for youths, noting trauma and broken relationships often drive their …

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Indiana Youth Institute, suicide is among the top three causes of death for kids ages 10-19. (Adobe Stock)

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Diagnoses of mental health conditions in children and teens are on the rise, including in Indiana. But getting kids the help they need can be a …

The latest data from Open Sky Policy Institute show more than 182,000 Nebraska children are enrolled in Medicaid and other social service safety net programs. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 10, 2025

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state…

There currently are 330,000 unaffiliated voters in New Mexico, making up nearly 24% of the electorate.(Adobe Stock/karenfoleyphoto)

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

To cast a primary election ballot in New Mexico, voters must declare a political party. But that could change if lawmakers pass Senate Bill 16 this …

In some areas, Medicaid funding pays a portion of the school nurse's salary. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 10, 2025

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

As federal government spending cuts loom, advocates for keeping Medicaid intact are calling attention to how the funding is used in public schools…

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled four times, starting with the DeRolph decision in 1997, that the state's method of funding schools violates the state constitution, prompting ongoing efforts to reform the system. (jovannig/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 10, 2025

Multiyear fight for fair school funding in Ohio continues

Despite being four years into Ohio's six-year Fair School Funding Plan, it has yet to receive full funding. Advocates of the plan are pushing for …

In 2022, Pennsylvania's K-12 public schools served more than 1.57 million students across nearly 2,700 schools in 499 districts. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over threats to defund schools it bel…

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 …

During a recent American Federation of Teachers-Texas town hall meeting, educators from around the state, including former Department of Education employees, said they are confused by some of the job and spending cuts already made. (ahmed/Adobe Stock AI)

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

Educators in Texas are concerned about the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education. One of the Department's primary …

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 …

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 …

Protesters in California and across the nation came together for a day of action on Tuesday to underscore the importance of making higher education more accessible and affordable. (Matt Hardy/California Federation of Teachers)<br />

Hundreds march in Sacramento for more education funding

Several hundred protesters marched to the Capitol building in Sacramento on Tuesday, calling for better funding for education. The event was part of …

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

About one-quarter of all higher ed students in Utah, roughly 54,000, are international students or first or second-generation immigrants, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. (Adobe Stock)

Higher ed experts advise campuses on how to prepare for ICE

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, his Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs …

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa, a public land-grant research university in Honolulu, is the flagship campus of the University of Hawai'i system. (Adobe Stock)

Teachers' union preps Hawai'i college officials to respond to ICE inquiries

Following President Donald Trump's executive order lifting Immigration and Customs Enforcement restrictions in protected areas, the American …

University of Southern California recently scrubbed many 'DEI' references from its website and sent a campuswide email saying its Office of Inclusion and Diversity would no longer be a standalone entity. (Hanson/Adobe Stock)<br />

Educators sue to block Trump anti-DEI policy

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over a threat of funding cuts and inv…

In the short time that AllHealth Network's Violence Prevention Team has been at work, it has investigated and intervened in ten reported cases, and has seen an increase in referrals and requests for trainings. (Adobe Stock)

Trainings help communities recognize signs of potential targeted violence

The U.S. had more than 500 mass shootings last year, and a new program launched in Denver hopes to prevent targeted violence before it happens…

First- and second-generation immigrants comprise nearly a third of all students enrolled in higher education in the U.S. (Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, his Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs …

Immigration law allows ICE agents to enter public areas of a university campus without a warrant, but students have the right to remain silent. (UNM.edu)

Higher ed leaders steer response to ICE presence on NM campuses

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now are allowed to make arrests near colleges and universities, and higher education leaders are …

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 …

Even though Wisconsin is considered restrictive in its tuition and financial aid policies for undocumented students, more than 20% of the higher education student body is international, or first-or second-generation immigrants. (Adobe Stock)

WI colleges, universities get advice about ICE on campus

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, he rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making …

Public health officials said measles typically causes a rash, red eyes, cough and high fever and can sometimes lead to more severe health problems. (airdone/AdobeStock)

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

Most New Mexicans are vaccinated against measles but a recent upsurge in Texas has led the state's health department to launch a new phone helpline an…

Black and Native American youth are largely overrepresented in juvenile facilities compared to their white counterparts. (Sophon_Nawit/Adobe Stock)

Act would give incarcerated WA youth a second chance

Several bills working their way through the Washington Legislature focus on reforming the state's juvenile legal system, including one known as the …

Montana Senate Bill 243, to amend zoning regulations to allow taller buildings, passed a second reading in the Senate on Friday. (Roman Babakin/Adobe Stock)

Virtual training helps young Montanans weigh in on housing legislation

Legislative bills on housing have seen mixed results in Montana so far this session. A state nonprofit group held an online training on how to …

The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners Survey found rates of cavities and untreated tooth decay among children ages 2-5 at rates considerably higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

A recent study showed high rates of tooth decay among young children in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas, and dental health advocates are …

The Texas Department of State Health Services says a dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from their exposure to the virus. (Luci/Adobe Stock)

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

Health officials across Texas remain on high alert after a deadly measles outbreak in the South Plains region. The state health department said one …

Illinois founded the first juvenile court more than 100 years ago on the premise children in conflict with the law should be treated separate and distinct from adults. Katherine Buchanan with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative said today, many children are jailed for offenses adults would not be jailed for. (Adobe Stock)

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative …

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

Indiana leaders are working to improve children's lives, as the state's national ranking for child well-being has slipped. The latest report showed …

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…

Researchers say although federal relief money is no longer available, states could be targeting federal Title I and state funding to implement intervention programs. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 learning loss still being felt in TX schools

Texas ranks 31st among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 8th in reading. That's according to a study that …

Many community health centers offer mental health services to help children cope with stress related to immigration enforcement. (Oksana/Adobe Stock)

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

California is bracing for large-scale immigration raids - and groups that advocate for children are speaking out against the climate of fear…

Participants in the Nebraska RAICES teacher training program receive leadership development and mentoring designed to support them in their teaching careers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

The future of a teacher training program in rural Nebraska is in danger since the Trump administration has cut diversity-related grants in its effort …

According to Senate Bill 34, the state Department of Education will provide local school boards with instructional materials, models and curricula to guide the development of violence prevention, conflict resolution and mediation programs. (Adobe Stock)

AL Senate committee advances bill to teach middle schoolers conflict resolution

An Alabama Senate committee has approved a bill that would require middle-school students to take a course on conflict resolution before high school…

Continuous glucose monitors are now used by most of the estimated 300,000 people in the United Staates who are younger than age 20 and living with Type 1 diabetes, according to health experts. (Adobe Stock)

Schools struggle to keep up with diabetes tech, leaving parents to fill gaps

By Phil Galewitz for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

School Meals for All programs consistently show nutritional and behavioral improvements in students. (School Meals for All Coalition)

Bill extending free food to all OR public schools has broad support

New legislation that would ensure every Oregon public school student has access to free breakfast and lunch has widespread, bipartisan support…

Research shows community involvement is key to decreasing absenteeism. Mayors, employers and other community leaders can help students recover. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss

Arkansas ranks 23rd among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 19th in reading, according to the Education …

According to state data, as of February 2025 there were 8,262 children in Kentucky's foster care system. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky foster kids with nowhere to go are sleeping in DCBS offices

Foster children with nowhere to go are spending up to a week or more in Kentucky office buildings, according to a preliminary report from the state…

Research shows hands-only CPR can be just as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for heart attacks. (Platoo Studio/Adobe Stock)

New bill would bring cardiac emergency plans to OR schools

New legislation backed by the American Heart Association would require all Oregon schools to have cardiac emergency response plans in place. …

According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under age 5 make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of them live in areas considered to be child care deserts. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Rural steering committees help to close WV learning gaps

Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure children are off to the right start in their education. Research shows attending a high-…

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…

Federal pandemic relief for K-12 schools sent more than $680 million to Idaho. (Rob Seibel/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID students still recovering from pandemic slump

Idaho students still have not caught up to pre-pandemic levels in education, according to a new report. The third annual Education Recovery …

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, South Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 16.9% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Degree attainment numbers in SD look good; more progress sought

South Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - March 14, 2025

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Youth

Study: Rural OR youth often need to leave hometown to find jobs

School employees speak out against mass layoffs at U.S. Dept. of Education

MN looks to ensure all schools are ready for cardiac scares

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

MO advocate urges healing over punishment for traumatized juveniles

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

NM lawmakers consider bill for 'open primaries' in future elections

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

Multiyear fight for fair school funding in Ohio continues

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

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

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

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

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Hundreds march in Sacramento for more education funding

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Higher ed experts advise campuses on how to prepare for ICE

Teachers' union preps Hawai'i college officials to respond to ICE inquiries

Educators sue to block Trump anti-DEI policy

Trainings help communities recognize signs of potential targeted violence

How WA campuses can prepare for ICE

Higher ed leaders steer response to ICE presence on NM campuses

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

WI colleges, universities get advice about ICE on campus

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

Act would give incarcerated WA youth a second chance

Virtual training helps young Montanans weigh in on housing legislation

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

More AR families rely on Child Tax Credit

COVID-19 learning loss still being felt in TX schools

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

AL Senate committee advances bill to teach middle schoolers conflict resolution

Schools struggle to keep up with diabetes tech, leaving parents to fill gaps

Bill extending free food to all OR public schools has broad support

Report: AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss

Kentucky foster kids with nowhere to go are sleeping in DCBS offices

New bill would bring cardiac emergency plans to OR schools

Rural steering committees help to close WV learning gaps

Nebraska proposal would fund housing for domestic abuse survivors

Report: ID students still recovering from pandemic slump

Degree attainment numbers in SD look good; more progress sought