Public News Service

Officer hiring and retention has struggled since 2020 amid rising public distrust in policing and concerns over excessive violence from forces. (Tomasz Zajda/Adobe Stock

Report: Police apprenticeships can help combat officer shortages

Police departments across the U.S. have struggled with officer shortages in recent years but a new report showed how youth apprenticeship programs …

Undocumented immigrants contribute in many ways to Virginia's economy, including through farm work. (PaolikPhotos/Adobe Stock)

Study: Undocumented immigrants contribute hundreds of millions to VA tax coffers

A new study sheds light on the tax contributions paid by undocumented immigrants. In Virginia, they contribute nearly $700 million to state and local …

Homicide rates have dropped in the past year in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond, but advocates say gun violence remains too high. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Violent crime rates continue to fall from pandemic heights

Violent crime rates in major U.S. cities are continuing to fall from the heights they reached during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report …

Before the pandemic, evictions in Virginia peaked at almost 16,000 statewide. (Adobe Stock)

VA housing advocates upset with vetoes of tenant protection bills

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed several bills intended to do more to address the rights of renters in the Commonwealth. Along with …

When student demonstrators gather unopposed, data show police have intervened in pro-Palestine demonstrations four times more than pro-Israel demonstrations. (Suiren2022/Wikimedia Commons)

Virginia groups show support for ongoing college protests

Some Virginia groups are choosing to offer support to pro-Palestine student protestors. Recent weeks have seen more than 100 arrests of protestors …

The Vera Institute estimated more than 760,000 incarcerated people became eligible for Pell Grants when access was reinstated in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

VA can bolster higher education access for incarcerated people

Virginia advocates believe more can be done to make higher education accessible to incarcerated people. Only a handful of community colleges partner …

California and New York are the only states with a reparations task force. While New York's is just getting started, California's commission issued a report calling for some compensatory reparations based on numerous disparities like health and housing. (Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Philanthropies examining equity and past actions

A new report examines how philanthropy in and around Virginia came at the expense of Black people. The "Cracks in the Foundation" report noted …

Part of Gov. Glenn Youngkin's budget proposal calls for a $24 billion public school investment. This is coupled with an almost $1 billion increase to support teachers, students and parents, up from the previous budget. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Proposed VA budget doesn’t meet community needs

Virginia advocates feel Gov. Glenn Youngkin's proposed budget isn't meeting community needs. Youngkin's 2024-2026 budget is built around numerous …

According to research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Virginia police estimate there are 31,000 active protective orders on file at any given time in the state. (Adobe Stock)

VA Group Working to Aid Domestic Violence Victims, Survivors

A Virginia group is working to ensure abusers can't use the courts to keep harming their victims. Commonly called "abusive litigation," these come …

According to research from the Council on Community Justice Task Force on Long Sentences, people serving long sentences make up more than half of the U.S. incarcerated population. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Making Longer Prison Sentences 'More Effective'

A new report outlines ways that states like Virginia could rethink long prison sentences and how to use them more sparingly. The Council on …

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has identified several locations across the state as having forever chemicals at their sites. Some are Fentress Air Base, Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, DuPont Spruance Manufacturing in Richmond. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Issues New Guidance on ‘Forever Chemicals’

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is implementing new rules on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as forever chemicals. The new …

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States has sustained a total of 341 climate disasters where the damage was more than $1 billion since 1980. In those four decades, the cost of these events exceeds $2.475 trillion. (Adobe Stock)

UN Preparing Fund to Aid Poorer Nations Facing Climate-Change Impacts

The United Nations is reviewing details for a loss and damage fund to aid poorer countries for the harm they will suffer from climate change's effects…

When the Equal Rights Amendment was first approved by Congress, 35 states adopted it within the seven-year time limit. Since then, three more have approved it, to reach the necessary 38: Nevada (2017), Illinois (2018), and Virginia (2020). (Adobe Stock)

VA Senator Wants to Remove Time Restraint on ERA

A growing group of U.S. Senators are supporting legislation to remove the time limit placed on ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment. When originally …

Virginia law says all state agencies and institutions need to take

VA Bill Would Ban Withholding Student Transcripts for Debt Collection

As the Virginia General Assembly begins its new legislative session, one bill will be returning - with the goal of alleviating some student-debt …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some of the largest recent price increases in farm real estate have been in Oklahoma and Texas, where prices grew by 11.4% and 11.3%, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Rising Land Prices Pose Challenges for VA Farmers

Farmers are facing record-high land prices due to a bevy of factors. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, Virginia farm real estate …

According to AIDSvu's 2020 data, 24,046 people were living with HIV in Virginia, and 628 people were newly diagnosed with the disease. (Adobe Stock)

World AIDS Day Reminds Experts of Progress in Fighting HIV/AIDS

On World AIDS Day, experts are reminding people to take precautions regarding HIV/AIDS. According to an annual report from the Virginia Department …

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimates permanently expanding the child tax credit would cost $97 billion per year. But, it would generate social benefits with net present value of $982 billion per year. (Adobe Stock)

VA Families Urge Revival of Child Tax Credit

It's been about a year since Virginia families last received funds from the U.S. Child Tax Credit, and they want it to be reinstated. According to …

According to the Richmond Eviction Lab, several parts of the city's Southside neighborhood saw 67 percent of eviction filings during the first quarter of 2022. (Jon Anders Wilken/Adobe Stock)

Evictions in VA Continue to Grow

Evictions are on the rise in Virginia after numerous protections provided by federal and state rental assistance programs ended. According to the …

In 2017, the United States had around 48,000 farmers who identified as Black according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

More Black Farmers Use Farm Service Agency Programs

Some farmers of color have been hesitant to interact with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency after a history of discrimination…

According to its website, New Roots Community Farm aims to

Community Farm Could Be Model for Economic Sustainability

As Virginia's farms continue to cope with unstable economic markets, one operation is blazing a new trail for a more equitable and economically …

According to a 2021 report by the Trevor Project, LGBTQ youths in rural areas were more likely to experience symptoms of depression than their urban and suburban counterparts. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Support Rural LGBTQ Virginians

New research out of the University of Minnesota reveals rural LGBTQ folks face unique, and often unmet, mental- and physical-health needs. The …

The Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm aims to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to the community via an on-site produce stand. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Fundraiser Builds Support for New Petersburg Farm

A fundraising effort is underway for a new community farm in Petersburg. The Central Virginia Agrarian Commons aims to raise about $137,000 to …

According to the most recent data from the USDA, there were only 1,865 farmers of color in Virginia as of 2017, about 4% of the state's total. (Adobe Stock)

Panel Highlights Ways for Farmers to Tap Into Federal Aid

The federal Farm Service Agency provides loans and financial support to farmers across Virginia and the nation, and experts are encouraging farmers …

Attorney Paul Goldman's suit to compel the state to hold new elections has earned the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Virginia NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Virginia, according to the Associated Press. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Seeks to Push Virginia to Hold New Elections for House of Delegates

Virginia may host its third election cycle in as many years for the House of Delegates, pending a decision from a three-judge panel in the U.S…

Black farmland ownership peaked in 1910 at 16 to 19 million acres, according to the USDA's Census of Agriculture. A century later, 90% of that land had been lost. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Virginia's Black Farmers Push Lawmakers to Provide Debt Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- Farmers of color are urging Congress to end a slew of lawsuits delaying a loan-forgiveness program designed to make amends for years …

A new law in Virginia gives local municipalities the authority to pass ordinances allowing public sector employees like teachers to form unions and collectively bargain. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA Moves Up from 'Worst Place to Work,' Thanks to Policy Changes

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's made big strides over the last two years to improve employee protections, and a new report shows it moved from dead last …

A new report that examines racial gaps between Black and white Virginians shows 60% of majority-Black neighborhoods in the state have eviction rates greater than 10%, quadruple the national average. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Universities Offer New Cures for Closing Virginia’s Racial Gaps

RICHMOND, Va. - In response to last year's protests against racial injustice across the country, a new report shows cities such as Richmond are …

Some tenants' advocates would like Virginia's new budget proposal for American Rescue Plan funding to include money for low-income renters to hire lawyers for eviction cases. (Adobe stock)<br /><br />

Virginia Lawmakers Urged to Direct COVID Funds to Working Families

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's General Assembly Special Session begins today to budget more than $4 billion in federal COVID relief funds, and advocates …

El Cr�dito Tributario por Hijos ampliado les da a las familias $ 250 o $ 300 cada mes por ni�o y puede usarse para cualquier cosa que la familia necesite, como comestibles, alquiler o servicios p�blicos. (Stock de Adobe)

Expansión de crédito tributario por hijos es un impulso mayor para familias de Virginia

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. -- A partir de la semana pasada, miles de familias con niños en Virginia percibieron más dinero en sus cuentas …

About 16% of Latino families with children in Virginia were uninsured in March 2021, compared with 8% of all households in the state, according to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Must Improve Child Health Coverage for Latino Families

RICHMOND, Va. -- Children in Virginia are better off than in most states, but a new report said the Commonwealth needs to improve health outcomes…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

RICHMOND, Va. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Some schools don't have access to STEM classes for underrepresented students, which can lead to an equity gap in STEM careers later in life. (Adobe stock)

New Grant to Boost Diversity for Virginia Tech STEM Program

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - With Black and Hispanic workers still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers, Virginia Tech …

Algunas escuelas no tienen acceso a clases STEM para estudiantes subrepresentados, lo que puede generar una brecha de equidad en las carreras STEM m�s adelante en la vida. (Stock de Adobe)

Nuevo subsidio fomenta la diversidad para el programa STEM de Virginia Tech

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Con los trabajadores negros e hispanos todavía marginados en las carreras STEM, Virginia Tech se está asociando con …

Una propuesta para ampliar los subsidios Pell a $ 400 ayudar�a a pagar un curso adicional de tres cr�ditos en un colegio comunitario p�blico de dos a�os. (Stock de Adobe)

La revisión del subsidio Pell podría expandirse a estudiantes de DACA

RICHMOND, Va. -- A medida que más trabajadores necesitan capacitación para ingresar a la economía pospandémica, el senador de …

Almost 18% of women working full-time have jobs in service-related occupations, like housekeeping, where wages are often poverty-level. (Adobe Stock)

Report: On National Equal Pay Day, Women Still Earn Less

RICHMOND, Va. -- Today is national Equal Pay Day. A new report shows women still earn significantly less than men in nearly all occupations…

For the second time in two years, Virginia has been awarded grant money by a national foundation to help college students of color achieve higher levels of success. (Adobe Stock)

VA Schools Awarded Grants to Boost Equity in Higher Ed

RICHMOND, Va. -- Several Virginia colleges and universities will share a large grant to help more students of color receive their degrees and have …

Susan Bro started the Heather Heyer Foundation to fight for social justice in honor of her daughter, who died during a 2017 protest against white supremacists. (Ben Rekhi)

Documentary Highlights Hope in Healing Nation’s Divides

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- With former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial demonstrating deep divisions in the nation, a new documentary released …

A new poll finds fewer than four in 10 Caucasian adults are aware that both Latino and Black communities face more pollution than does the general population. (Adobe stock)

Poll: Many Caucasians Unaware of Unequal Burden of Pollution

RICHMOND, Va. -- While high pollution often is found in Black and Brown communities, a new poll shows many white Americans aren't aware of this gap…

The American Heart Association is funding new programs for scientific research on diseases that disproportionately hit underrepresented communities. (Adobe Stock)

American Heart Association to Tackle Racial Health Disparities

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Spurred on by racial imbalances in COVID-19 deaths and a national reckoning on race, the American Heart Association has put out a …

Ex-Amazon Worker Sues Over Lack of Pandemic Protections

RICHMOND, Va. -- A former Amazon employee is suing the e-commerce giant for failing to provide safe working conditions for Black and Brown employees …

La legislaci�n actualmente atorada en el Congreso patrocinar�a programas de capacitaci�n para maestros y otras ayudas financieras para futros profesores de color, para ayudar a diversificar la fuerza educativa en la educaci�n. (Adobe Stock)

Grupo Presiona al Congreso para Fondear Programa para la Diversidad en la Enseñanza

RICHMOND, Va. -- Una coalición de educadores y oficiales presiona al Congreso para fondear la iniciatdiva H.R. 4288, en favor de entrenar má…

Missing the deadline is the most common reason absentee ballots are rejected nationwide. (Adobe Stock/Alcorn Imagery)

Virginia Leaders Work to Improve Absentee Voting Process

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia lawmakers have passed new measures to make voting by absentee ballot easier. Just last Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam signed …

A new survey shows Black and Latino students in Virginia are twice as likely as white students not to have a computer in the home. (Adobe stock)

Survey Reveals Major Barriers to Online Learning for VA Students

RICHMOND, Va. -- With Virginia students about to return to online classrooms amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new report shows one-in-five-5 K-12 and …

Un estudio reciente dice que desde que comenz� la pandemia, las llamadas de emergencia al 911 solicitando servicios m�dicos en los EE.UU. han bajado 26% en comparaci�n con los dos a�os previos. (Adobe Stock)

Una Campaña de divulgación anima a la gente a vencer su Miedo a los Hospitales

RICHMOND, Va. -- Los nuevos casos de coronavirus van escalando en estados como Virginia, pero aún hay preocupación de que la gente que …

Death-penalty opponents hold a protest in front of the Supreme Court in July 2019. (Death Penalty Action)

Supreme Court Gives Go-Ahead to Resume Federal Executions

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Supreme Court's rejection of a challenge to new federal death penalty protocols is a win for the Trump administration and paves …

President Trump at the 2020 National Prayer breakfast in February. (Official White House photo)

Is White Evangelical Support for Trump Beginning to Ebb?

RICHMOND, Va. -- Evangelical Christians make up an important piece of President Donald Trump's base. But polls show the president's behavior…

Law enforcement officers with no visible identification wait for protesters in downtown Washington, D.C., on Sat., June 6. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Demand Armed Officers in Protests Show Badges

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Despite a weekend of peaceful protests in Washington, D.C., over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, civil liberties …

Demonstrators in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House, square off against riot police on Tuesday. (Courtesy of Brandy Boyce)

Washington Protesters Decry Police Use of Military-Style Tactics

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Just two days after peaceful protesters were dispersed with tear gas and rubber bullets near the White House, demonstrators in the …

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VA: Social Justice