PNS Daily Newscast - March 5, 2021
New rules should speed large-scale clean-energy projects in NY; Texas' Gov. Abbott tries to shift COVID blame to release of "immigrants."
2021Talks - March 5, 2021
A marathon Senate session begins to pass COVID relief; Sanders plans a $15 minimum wage amendment; and work continues to approve Biden's cabinet choices.
Public News Service - IA: Social Justice

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The current legislative session in Iowa has seen the return of debate over LGBTQ rights, while conservative lawmakers seek protections for political ideology. Among bills introduced this year is a measure that would block gender-affirming care for transgender youths. That comes

DES MOINES, Iowa - Health disparities in the United States are getting more attention, between the pandemic and last year's social-justice protests. In Iowa, certain barriers are being addressed, including mistrust of health agencies and providers. State health officials have said Iowa mirrors nati

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

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa -- In the wake of Wednesday's riots at the U.S. Capitol, an Iowa pastor said the country needs to fully address its past so it can move on from tensions he feels are tied to white privilege. From social media to political commentators, observations were made about how the mostly-w

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Prior to the November election, Iowans with past felony convictions were given the opportunity to vote. However, only a small number registered, and advocates point to a short timeframe, while hoping for more outreach in future elections. Late this summer, Gov. Kim Reynolds signe

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa no longer is the last state to prohibit anyone with a past felony conviction from voting, after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an order restoring those rights. But advocates for this group of voters feel it doesn't go far enough. The executive order follows up on a promise Reynol

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Many people living with disabilities say becoming a self-advocate is one of the benefits afforded by laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which took effect 30 years ago this month. The milestone anniversary officially occurs on July 26th, and it's being celebrated

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Advocates for equal rights on Monday were handed a major victory by the U.S. Supreme Court which said federal law protects LGBTQ individuals from workplace discrimination. An Iowa group said it hopes the ruling will give an immediate boost to the transgender community. Courtney