skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Marco Rubio unveils massive State Dept. overhaul with reductions of staff and bureaus; Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX; Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care; Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA; Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

White House defends Secretary Hegseth amid media scrutiny, federal judges block efforts to dismantle U.S. international broadcasters, and major restructuring hits the State Department and rural programs.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Schools in timber country face an uncertain future without Congress' reauthorization of a rural program, DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security, and farmers will soon see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked.

Mobilizing GA Voters in a Non-Election Year: A Crucial Strategy for Voting Rights Groups

play audio
Play

Monday, March 27, 2023   

There's no rest for Georgia's voting rights groups in this non-election year, though another slew of voting restrictions proposed by a group of Republican legislators is on hold for now.

Advocates are on alert for the possible return of Senate Bill 221 - which would make registering to vote in Georgia even more challenging, ban all ballot drop boxes, and require mandatory audits after every election.

Albany Voter's Coalition Chair Delinda Bryant said recent events have amplified the need for their efforts.

"There is never an off-year," said Bryant. "People are turning 18 every year. I think it needs to start early getting people accustomed, getting used to getting out and exercising their rights. Voting controls your entire life."

Last fall's voting rates already took a hit, after SB 202 went into effect, which Bryant says made voting much less convenient.

SB 202 took away some ballot boxes and allowed individuals to object to voters for any reason. Data from Georgia's Secretary of State shows absentee and mail-in ballot usage in January's run-off was down 36% compared to the general election.

Supporters for additional voting restrictions argue they're needed for additional accuracy, despite the extra roadblocks to access.

Bryant said such challenges disproportionately affect minorities and people with disabilities.

As a result, the coalition intends to intensify its efforts to educate voters and work closely with community influencers to ensure that people are well-informed and ready for the upcoming elections.

"It's more than just getting them registered," said Bryant. "It's getting them educated too and that's what we are targeting this year."

Since the legislative session lasts for two years, SB 221 - and any bill that failed to pass - may be reintroduced next year.

Bryant emphasized that comprehending the legislative process and the long-term potential impact of bills is vital.

She also suggested that voting in local elections also plays a critical role in promoting education and fostering year-round voting initiatives.

Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
In Cleveland, more than 90% of homes were built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. (Adobe Stock)

play sound

As Cleveland tightens its air quality standards for the first time since 1977, health officials are urging residents to take simple steps at home to …


Social Issues

play sound

A bus tour will zip through eastern South Dakota Thursday, where local leaders, health care providers and farm voices want to connect the dots …

Environment

play sound

Montana officials have denied a petition asking the state to designate the Big Hole River as "impaired" by pollution. Two conservation groups …


Many international students have said they did not know their visas were revoked, or that their status had been changed, until they were notified by federal officials. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Hundreds of international college students in Texas are fighting to stay in the country after their visas were revoked and their legal status changed …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Colorado has made significant improvements in connecting young people with the mental health care they need, according to the mental health advocacy …

From 2021 to 2022, the Department of Energy tripled its funding for agrivoltaics, including $8 million for a new program studying how solar panels can benefit farmers and rural areas. (pkproject/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Results of a new study from Michigan State University suggest farmers no longer have to choose between growing crops and harnessing solar power…

Social Issues

play sound

Pennsylvanians over age 50 are voicing concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to ensure managed health care companies cannot limit the state reimbursement rate for mental health service …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021