Children's Issues / Public News Service

The transition from diesel school buses to electric ones has been several years in the making. (California Energy Commission)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Thousands of clean air school buses in CA hit the road this semester

By Hannah Wallace for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

Polling by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable showed 81% of voters support expanding mental health services in K-12 schools by hiring and training. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, advocates across North Carolina are pushing for increased access to mental health …

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

Around 9% of children in Syracuse have high lead levels in their blood. Even low-level lead exposure can harm a child's ability to learn and is linked to attention deficit disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Experts: Syracuse water contains dangerously high lead levels

New data show lead levels in Syracuse's drinking water are higher than those in Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey. The city's tests show lead …

The Hazleton Area School District received a grant for more than $99,000 to implement a sustainable agriculture program in its career center, providing local, nutritious food to students and addressing health disparities in its community. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Program builds bridge between PA's local farms, school cafeterias

Schools in Pennsylvania are recognizing October's National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of …

Roughly 120,000 Montana families receive some form of public assistance. Many are caregivers or single parents and 97% are employed. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why

A new report from the Headwaters Foundation in Montana showed at least half the people who receive public assistance are only enrolled for one year…

Even as families are forced to pay high prices for childcare, those dollars are not reaching early childhood educators who do not earn a living wage in any U.S. state. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Study: Colorado child care workers earn poverty wages

Workers responsible for nurturing and educating young children during their most critical years of development struggle with poverty-level wages…

Experts said children from low-income households will likely face serious problems in achieving both in school and in life. (Adobe Stock)

Childhood poverty high in Mississippi, but experts know how to fix it

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Mississippi News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News …

New report offers solutions for CT's 'disconnected' youth

A new report offers some solutions for at least 119,000 young people in Connecticut who are described as being "disconnected" from work or school…

According to a 2022 Pew survey, kids spend on average more than 91 minutes a day on TikTok. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky sues TikTok over child harm, consumer protection violations

An analysis of court documents by Kentucky Public Radio revealed the social media company TikTok knew users can become addicted to the platform in und…

Nearly 67,000 schools participate in Farm-to-School programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Michael Chamberlin/Adobe Stock)

Program helps build bridge between local farms, school cafeterias

This October, schools in Georgia are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of …

Federal data show that one out of every five students reports being bullied. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: being bullied doesn't build character, it leads to long-term woes

Parents in North Dakota are likely getting a sense of how their child's school year is going so far. If bullying issues have emerged, the research …

Free school meals could help address the hunger nearly 145,000 Oregon children face. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

OR coalition urges state to feed every student at school

It is National School Lunch Week and groups in Oregon are taking the opportunity to encourage lawmakers to make school meals available to every kid in…

Lead pipes were banned in Kentucky in 1998, according to the Northern Kentucky Water District. (Adobe Stock)<br />

EPA: Kentucky lead pipes on the way out

Utilities in Kentucky will soon begin replacing lead pipes that supply drinking water to homes, after the Environmental Protection agency announced …

During the 2022-2023 school year, 289 charter schools opened in the U.S. and in the same school year, 163 closed. Michigan's charter school closure rate ranges from 35% to 44%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 3 Michigan charter schools fails

A new report analyzing nationwide school closures shows in Michigan, about one in three charter schools fails. Michigan has the largest number of …

A report from the Network for Public Education says four of 10 charter school closures happened without adequate notice, often occurring midyear or just before a new school year. The primary reason was insufficient enrollment, which accounted for 47% of all closures. (NuFa Studio/Adobe Stock)

The financial landscape of Ohio's charter schools

Ohio's charter schools have been a topic of debate for more than two decades, with strong opinions on both sides. Charter schools operate …

The kiosk is operational 24 hours a day. Books, DVDs, and Audiobooks can be returned at the kiosk. <br />(Photo courtesy Little Elm Library)

Library kiosks in TX expand book access in the state

With book bans in public schools increasing, public libraries have a larger purpose. The Town of Little Elm in northeast Texas has found a unique way …

The Idaho Child Care Program serves families with children under age 13, or older if the child has a disability. (shangarey/Adobe Stock)

In hit to families, ID child care assistance program halts enrollment

Idaho has suspended enrollment in a child-care benefits program, and families are expected to feel the squeeze. The Department of Health and Welfare …

Director of the South Dakota School Safety Program, Brett Garland, says state law enforcement has reminded K-12 schools and the public that specific threats, whether made directly or on social media,

'Report, don’t repost': SD school safety expert on increase in threats

Following a Georgia high school shooting in early September, there's been a surge in school threats across the country. In South Dakota, safety …

The effects of relational bullying were found no matter the student's race, gender, or socioeconomic status, according to a new study from Wayne State University. (Adobe Stock / AI)

MI Study: Relational bullying harms teens' view of career prospects

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and a new study showed teens bullied in high school tend to become pessimistic about their future…

Maryland criminalized cyberbullying in 2013 and strengthened the law in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Relational bullying highlighted during Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and a recent study showed teens bullied in high school tend to become pessimistic about life prospects…

Columbia University finds New York State's Foundation Aid formula uses outdated information. It uses poverty numbers from the 2000 Census and cost of living averages from 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs new school funding formula

After 17 years, the state of New York is re-evaluating its school funding formula. The state budget agreement calls for the Rockefeller Institute to …

A recent report gave Wyoming low marks for its efforts to reduce exposure to lead in K-12 schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Feds set deadline to replace lead water pipes; schools excluded

Groups that advocate for clean water are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on replacing lead pipes - but they warn that the dr…

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

Votes on bills comprised 80% of each legislator's grade on the 2023-24 Pro-Kid Scorecard, with budget and leadership actions making up the remaining 20%. (MikeFusaro/Adobe Stock)<br />

New legislative scorecard highlights leaders on children’s issues

The biannual Pro-Kid Scorecard from the Children Now Action Fund was released today. In it, 12 state Assembly members and seven state Senators …

Domestic violence-related homicides in Ohio doubled from 2018 to 2019, highlighting a growing crisis in the state. (Domarita Lopez-Wilcox)

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

In Ohio, the effects of domestic violence continue to devastate families. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network released its ninth annual fatality …

Health care workers and community members work to share factual information about vaccines as we approach the cold and flu season. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Medical professionals and advocates in the Latino community are using National Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage residents to prepare for the upcom…

Lowell, Massachusetts, teacher Jessica Lander's book,

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MA educators: Down with anti-immigrant rhetoric, up with students

Many Massachusetts educators are denouncing the growing chorus of anti-immigrant rhetoric this election season. They cited an uptick in reports of …

Although Connecticut has a low prevalence of mental illness among its residents, Mental Health America gives it a poor ranking for access to care. (Adobe Stock)

CT garners funding to address mental health equity

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is introducing federal legislation to boost mental health equity. The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act …

There are now no consistent renters' rights nationally and some states, like Arkansas, have very few tenants' rights. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

Kentucky's rate of child abuse decreased in 2022, but the number of reported child abuse and neglect cases in the state still surpasses the national average, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

On 10/4, raising awareness of TEN-4 Rule to spot signs of child abuse

A screening tool developed by medical providers is an effective way to spot signs of child abuse, and experts are raising awareness about it today…

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

A recent Surgeon General Advisory, highlighting parent burnout, calls for a shift in culture, policies and programs to ensure all parents and caregivers can thrive. (Adobe Stock)

MN after-school programs learn how to work around parent burnout

On the heels of warnings from federal health officials about parent burnout, school-linked programs in Minnesota are overhauling their approach so …

If postpartum depression symptoms last longer than a few weeks, mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor. (sementsova321/Adobe Stock)

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

About 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth. What's typically known as the "baby blues" usually lasts around three …

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

Nationwide, more than 2.5 million children are being raised in kinship-care settings, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Kentucky kinship caregivers need help with basic needs

September has been National Kinship Care Month, and more than 80% of Kentucky kinship families say they need help with groceries, followed by …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act provides lump-sum compensation for illnesses contracted by people working in the uranium industry or exposed to above-ground nuclear tests. (Courtesy Nuclear Threat Initiative)

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

A 2,000-mile bus trip has not deterred representatives from Southwest tribes from traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to support expansion of …

The odds of an active shooting are about three times higher where guns are allowed than in a gun-free zone, according to research published this month in The Lancet. (Adobe Stock)

WY lawmakers consider concealed weapons in public schools, state facilities

Wyoming lawmakers are discussing gun legislation, after Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill which would have repealed "gun free zones" this spring…

The March of Dimes reports 2.2 million women live in maternity care

Addressing postpartum depression in rural Ohio

A new report sheds light on the state of women's health in Ohio, with growing concerns about maternal care and postpartum mental health. As …

The Brooklyn Public Library has gotten nearly 9,300 eCard applications as part of its Books Unbanned program. The program is a catalog of banned books teens across the country can access. (Adobe Stock)

NY, U.S. libraries celebrate Banned Books Week

Libraries in New York and nationwide are celebrating Banned Books Week. Across the state, libraries are hosting various programs this week about …

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Critics of Colorado Amendment 80 warn the move would siphon taxpayer dollars away from already underfunded public schools into private religious schools. (Adobe Stock)

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

A new U.S. Census Bureau report shows the rate of children without health insurance in New Mexico was 5.9% in 2023, compared to 5.4% nationwide. (FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock)

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

A new federal report shows anti-poverty policies enacted by New Mexico are making a big difference. This month, the U.S. Census Bureau has released …

According to the newly-formed South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, over 100,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including 24,000 children. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

In observance of Hunger Action Month, a new statewide collaborative has launched to address food insecurity in South Dakota. Nearly 14% of U.S…

Minnesota's Center for Rural Policy and Development said in rural settings, parents are often forced to take a child to the emergency room during a mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Gaps in mental health care are a common research topic right now and for Minnesota youth in rural areas, a new report showed their families face big …

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, up to $31 trillion in U.S. economic activity hinges on helping young people complete learning delayed by the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Palm Beach County schools are working to curb chronic absenteeism, which has surged since the pandemic. Nearly 39% of Palm Beach County students …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 22, 2024

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Children's

Thousands of clean air school buses in CA hit the road this semester

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

How greener schoolyards benefit Colorado kids, communities

Experts: Syracuse water contains dangerously high lead levels

Program builds bridge between PA's local farms, school cafeterias

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why

Study: Colorado child care workers earn poverty wages

Childhood poverty high in Mississippi, but experts know how to fix it

New report offers solutions for CT's 'disconnected' youth

Kentucky sues TikTok over child harm, consumer protection violations

Program helps build bridge between local farms, school cafeterias

Experts: being bullied doesn't build character, it leads to long-term woes

OR coalition urges state to feed every student at school

EPA: Kentucky lead pipes on the way out

Report: 1 in 3 Michigan charter schools fails

The financial landscape of Ohio's charter schools

Library kiosks in TX expand book access in the state

In hit to families, ID child care assistance program halts enrollment

'Report, don’t repost': SD school safety expert on increase in threats

MI Study: Relational bullying harms teens' view of career prospects

Relational bullying highlighted during Bullying Prevention Month

Advocates: NYS needs new school funding formula

Feds set deadline to replace lead water pipes; schools excluded

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

New legislative scorecard highlights leaders on children’s issues

Tragic toll of domestic violence in Ohio

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

MA educators: Down with anti-immigrant rhetoric, up with students

CT garners funding to address mental health equity

AR renters could benefit from proposed National Tenants Bill of Rights

On 10/4, raising awareness of TEN-4 Rule to spot signs of child abuse

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

MN after-school programs learn how to work around parent burnout

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Survey: Kentucky kinship caregivers need help with basic needs

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

WY lawmakers consider concealed weapons in public schools, state facilities

Addressing postpartum depression in rural Ohio

NY, U.S. libraries celebrate Banned Books Week

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

New census data show significant drop in NM's child poverty

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

Rural MN families have few options for youth mental healthcare

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism