PNS Daily Newscast - February 26, 2021
A new study finds big gains in living-wage jobs under Biden Infrastructure Plan; U.S. House passes major protections for LGBTQ Americans.
2021Talks - February 26, 2021
A $15 minimum wage is out for now; Capitol Police on past and current threats; House passes major milestone for equality; and voting rights targeted across the nation.
Archive: January 11, 2021

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Although the directive to suspend student-loan payments and waive interest is set to expire at the end of the month, Biden transition officials have promised the new administration will extend it. More than 10% of Nevadans have student-loan debt, and more than half of the stat ...Read More

MINOT, N.D. -- The movement to expand affordable legal services is receiving renewed focus, since a U.S. Supreme Court Justice made a public endorsement of the idea. Conservative-leaning Justice Neil Gorsuch recently wrote an op-ed for USA Today, calling on states to find creative ways for more Ame ...Read More

COLSTRIP, Mont. -- Many landowners in southeastern Montana are displeased with Talen Energy's decision to challenge a cleanup plan for Colstrip's coal ash ponds. The company, which is part owner of the Colstrip power plants, says the $285 million plan for retired Units 1 and 2 is "grossly excessiv ...Read More

PORTLAND, Ore. -- If a small fraction of farms captured solar energy, it could produce a large slice of the country's energy needs - and boost farmers' bottom lines. New research from Oregon State University finds 1% of farmland in the U.S. could provide 20% of the country's electricity needs thro ...Read More

LANSING, Mich. -- The voices of expectant and parenting youths are being amplified by the first-ever Michigan Young Parent Advisory Council. Diamond Weakley is among the 13 teens on the council, which is based in Saginaw. She said the group is reducing the stigma and isolation she's experienced as ...Read More

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In his State of the Commonwealth address delayed by last week's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Gov. Andy Beshear pledged to provide relief to the state' struggling small businesses and to those who've lost jobs amid the pandemic. Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, the House Minority ...Read More

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The public health spotlight is on COVID-19, but the opioid epidemic still is a major priority in Ohio with a continued tragically high number of drug-overdose deaths. Nearly 4,000 overdose deaths were reported in 2020, but the final number is expected to approach or exceed the 201 ...Read More

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As the new Iowa legislative session kicks off today, advocates for seniors hope lawmakers take another look at elder abuse and do more to prevent it. When the 2020 session abruptly ended in March because of COVID, the momentum evaporated for a bill to create a new criminal offen ...Read More