Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

In Colorado, outdoor recreation is considered to be a legally beneficial use of Colorado water. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Revised Colorado Water Plan Prioritizes Conservation

A coalition of conservation groups is giving Colorado's revised state water plan a thumbs-up for its increased focus on protecting Colorado's rivers…

Advocates and activists from both the liberal and conservative sides are trying to encourage voter turnout for the upcoming state Supreme Court race, given the impact the outcome will have on the court's ideological balance. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Informational Tour Kicks Off for WI Supreme Court Race

Wisconsin's primary election is two weeks away, and a high-profile state Supreme Court race is on the ballot. Several advocacy groups are behind a …

The Glen Canyon Dam currently generates energy for nearly six million households in Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Falling Lake Powell Water Levels Put Wyoming Hydro Power at Risk

Part of the deal Wyoming struck for sending its water down the Colorado River was that state residents would be able to tap electricity generated at G…

As many as 11% of eligible voters do not have the kind of identification that is required by states with strict ID requirements, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Maine Secretary of State Testifies Against Voter ID Bill

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said a bill to require Maine voters to present photo identification in order to cast ballots is unnecessary and coul…

Voters in Pittsburgh-area districts 32, 34 and 35 will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three vacancies in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

Monday, February 6, 2023

Group Continues Calls for Better Legislative Rules in PA

While the Pennsylvania House is still out of session and won't resume until late February, the public and advocacy groups are voicing their concerns…

While mortality rates for pregnant women have decreased globally, they continue to rise in the United States, with Black women three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women. (Inez/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Women’s Rights a Canary in Coal Mine for Democracy

By Jennifer Weiss-Wolf for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Nearly 24% of households in Massachusetts reported speaking something other than English at home as their primary shared language, which is higher than the national average of nearly 22%. (Adobe Stock)

MA Legislation Aims to Improve Language Access for All

Lawmakers and immigrants-rights activists in the Commonwealth are hoping to pass the Language Access and Inclusion Act, which would dramatically …

According to the Pew Research Center, adults in all age groups, except those younger than 30, are far more likely to trust information from national and local news outlets than from social media. (Farknot Architect/Adobe Stock)

Editor: News Outlets Must Do Better to Regain Consumers' Trust

Americans continue to have little faith in the mainstream news media, with many people under the age of 30 saying they trust information from social …

Nearly half of all Hispanic-Americans live in counties that frequently violate ground-level ozone standards. (Adobe Stock)

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

The public has until February 13th to weigh in on new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce methane pollution at oil and gas…

More than 1.2 million Iowans voted in the November 2022 General Election, the second-highest turnout in state history for a midterm, according to the Iowa Secretary of State's office. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: IA Proposal Would 'Politicize' Attorney General's Office

Critics of a proposal in the Iowa Legislature to broaden the Iowa Attorney General's authority say it could inject politics into the historically nonp…

Data shows an increase in development has resulted in 19 acres per day, or 7,000 acres per year of New England agricultural land being lost or threatened between 2001 and 2016, according to a report from the American Farmland Trust. (Adobe Stock)

Maine’s Small Farmers See Benefits from USDA Census

Maine's small farmers are encouraged to complete the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture census to ensure they have a voice in federal decisions …

94% of New Hampshire's more than 1,300 senior farmers do not have a young (under 45) farm operator working with them suggesting an uncertain future of many of these operations, according to American Farmland Trust. (Adobe Photo)

Granite State’s Small Farmers Reap Benefits from USDA Census

New Hampshire's small farmers are encouraged to complete the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture census to ensure they have a voice in federal …

CA 'Just Safe' Campaign Aims to Redefine Public Safety

Social justice advocates have just launched a new public education campaign. It's called "Just Safe," and it's aimed at changing the conversation …

In 2020, 83% of Arkansans reported being registered to vote. That's lower than the national average of just over 87%, according to the MIT Elections Performance Index. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Ban Circulating Petitions at AR Polling Places

A Republican-sponsored bill in the Arkansas Legislature would make it illegal to circulate petitions at or near polling places during elections…

Since the 2020 election, GOP-led states have enacted 102 new election penalties, according to an analysis by States Newsroom and the Voting Rights Lab. (niyazz/AdobeStock)

TX Lawmakers Consider Bills to Restrict, Expand Voting in 2023 Session

By nearly every measure, voter fraud in U.S. elections is rare, but that isn't stopping the Texas Legislature from considering dozens of bills this …

Gov. Joe Lombardo was the only Republican in the nation to defeat a sitting Democratic governor in the 2022 midterm elections. (Adobe Stock)

NV Democrats: Governor Missed Mark on Key Issues in Speech

Some Nevada Democrats said the state's new Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo missed the mark on addressing key issues and putting forth solutions during …

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall was one of many mayors in attendance at the conference who lead cities with a population of 30,000 or more. (Adobe Stock)

UT Mayor Aims to Lead by Example Following Mayors' Conference

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the prime opportunity for local leaders to connect with colleagues about shared challenges they face, but also …

Mesa Mayor John Giles, elected in 2014, was one of many who attended the <a href=

91st U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. (Adobe Stock) ">

AZ Mayor Meets with City Leaders in DC to Discuss Local Challenges, Solutions

Mesa Mayor John Giles has plenty of takeaways after attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in the nation's capital. The event lets bipartisan local …

Stigma continues to be one of the biggest barriers for addressing mental health, and telehealth provides a confidential option. (Adobe Stock)

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

The use of telehealth has dropped since its peak during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but more Coloradans continue to opt for …

Some North Dakota lawmakers say the state's voting process needs a citizenship requirement, but opponents say it is a solution in search of a problem. (Adobe Stock)

Voter Citizenship Bill in ND Stokes Fears About Accessibility

Another hearing is expected in the next couple of weeks on a controversial election policy bill in North Dakota. The plans call for requiring proof …

Senate File 40 aims to hold federal and state political action committees to the same standards. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Legislature Tackles Election Integrity

Election integrity has emerged as a top concern for Wyoming lawmakers gathered in Cheyenne, but it remains unclear what priorities will emerge from …

According to a VoteCast survey for the Associated Press, 44% of 94,000 voters said the future of democracy was their primary consideration in the last election. (Adobe Stock)

Enhancing Trust in Arizona Elections Post-2022 Midterms

Election watchdog groups are taking a closer look at the 2022 midterms and how they influenced voters' overall trust in the election process in Arizon…

Among the 2023 Progressive Summit guest speakers are Sen. Jacky Rosen, U.S. Reps. Dina Titus and Susie Lee, all Democrats, and Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, among others. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

NV Group's Progressive Expectations for New Legislature

The Nevada Legislature starts Feb. 6, where lawmakers will determine the state's priorities for the next two years. Despite the governor's seat …

Grassroots Campaign Underway for 'Final Five Voting' in WI

Polls often show dissatisfaction among voters with the current political system. An emerging alternative to standard elections is getting some …

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York has a shortage of 615,025 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech…

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched the

National Day of Racial Healing Means Weeklong Events for AR

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s holiday, and tomorrow is the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing. It's a call to action for racial …

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation will host its seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day in which many across the country celebrate the revolutionary words and thoughts of the civil rights …

According to Tabron, The National Day of Racial Healing is centered around experiences in truth-telling. (Adobe Stock)

UT Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day in which many across the country celebrate the revolutionary words and thoughts of the civil rights …

Black renters receive a disproportionate share of eviction filings and experience the highest rates of eviction filings and eviction judgments, according to the publication Sociological Science. (WayhomeStudio/Adobe Stock)

Study: TX Cities Spend More on Police, Less on Community Supports

The five largest cities in Texas are spending far more money on criminal justice than on community services, according to a new study. The Social …

Minnesota has always been among the states with high voter turnout, but Democratic leaders say democracy concerns on a larger scale are prompting them to pursue legislation to increase access to the polls. (Adobe Stock)

MN Part of Push to Expand Access to Voting

State legislatures across the country have reconvened, with many expected to take up election policy, including Minnesota. At the state Capitol…

Shop For Care helps consumers make informed decisions on where to access services such as x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other major services and procedures such as cataract surgeries, deliveries and knee replacements. (Adobe Stock)

Removing Healthcare Language Barriers for Spanish-Speaking Coloradans

Colorado's Spanish-speaking communities can now access comprehensive pricing information for health-care services through a new Spanish portal in the …

New Mexico has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2003. (LeonardoBorges/AdobeStock)

Equality NM Celebrates 30 Years of Transformation for LGBTQ+ Community

Equality New Mexico will advocate for new LGBTQ protections during this year's legislative session as it celebrates 30 years as a leading advocacy org…

In his 2023 State of the State Address, Gov. Ned Lamont wants to take Connecticut energy into a more climate-friendly direction. He called for the expansion of the state's wind power, extending nuclear power, and continuing the push to get access to Canadian hydro power. (Adobe Stock)

Critics: CT State of State Address Not Bold Enough

Governor Ned Lamont's State of the State speech addressed numerous issues affecting the state, but some felt it did not go far enough. Lamont spoke …

Midterm voter turnout declined in Ohio from around 55% in 2018 to around 51.1% in 2022, according to data from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. (Adobe Stock)">

Ohio Governor Signs Citizenship-Status Voter ID Bill

In a few months, Ohio voters will no longer be allowed to vote with utility bills or other non-photo documents as proof of identification, when a new …

The 2021 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey found the number of Maine high school students who identify as transgender <a href=

more than doubled from 2019 to 2021. (Adobe Stock)">

Intergenerational Groups Strengthen Maine’s LGBTQ Community

Intergenerational connections can be powerful tools to help improve overall quality of life for both young and old. It can be especially true in the …

One of the priorities on this year's list is that the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Katie Hobbs ensure access to free and fair elections for all. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Release 2023 Environmental Priorities for AZ Legislature

Arizona conservation, climate, faith and community groups have released a list of top environmental priorities they want state lawmakers to take up …

The final report of the select committee to investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol states,

MA Residents Mark Anniversary of Jan. 6 Insurrection

Events to mark the two-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol take place today across the Commonwealth, including in …

North Dakota lawmakers meet in regular session every other year. The 2023 session began this week. (Adobe Stock)

ND's New Native American Lawmakers Lay Out Priorities

More than two dozen new members are serving in the North Dakota House as the legislative session takes shape, and two newly elected Native American …

According to financial website Bankrate, Connecticut is one of the <a href=

worst states in which to retire, with the biggest reason being its lack of affordability. (Adobe Stock)">

AARP Connecticut Outlines 2023 Legislative Goals

As the Connecticut General Assembly's 2023 legislative session begins, AARP Connecticut is eager to dive into key issues for seniors and consumers…

Last fall, a ballot measure calling for term limits in North Dakota passed with 63% of voters supporting the idea. That means the governor and state lawmakers in Bismarck will now have limits on how long they can serve. (Adobe Stock)

ND Kicks Off New Session with Term Limits in Place

North Dakota lawmakers returned to Bismarck this week for a new legislative session, but there is a twist: Term limits are now in place after voters …

Backers of the Workers' Rights Amendment, approved by voters in 2022, say it will put an end to the existing gaps and exclusions in labor laws by guaranteeing union rights for all Illinois workers. (WH_pics/Adobe Stock)

New Year Brings Wide Variety of New Illinois State Laws

It's a new year, and more than 180 new laws are going into effect, which Illinoisans need to know about. The 2022 General Assembly passed bills …

Colorado's median rent is expected to reach $2,700 a month by 2032, which is only affordable for people with an annual income above $106,000. (Adobe Stock)

CO Lawmakers to Decide How to Invest $300 Million in Affordable Housing

In November, Colorado voters approved the largest source of dedicated funding to address affordable housing and homelessness in the state's history…

The 2023 U.S. Congress will include lots of new faces, but many of the same old problems of divided government. (chaiyapruek/Adobe Stock)

Opinion: A Survivable Future through Contraction, Not Expansion

It's 2023, and with it lawmakers will focus on some new, and plenty of old, problems. A retired Texas journalism professor believes while short-term …

High rates of survival and reproduction have allowed the bison population to increase by 10% to 17% every year. That's 10 times faster than the human population grows worldwide, according to the National Park Service. (Adobe Stock)

Group Rallies to Protect Montana Constitution

The new year begins with the prospect of big changes to the Montana state Constitution that have been drafted by GOP lawmakers and opposed by conserva…

Despite longstanding political narratives, the American Election Eve Poll showed small-town and rural support for issues such as abortion, health care and climate-change solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Keeping It Local: MN Dems Look to Build on Rural Organizing Success

Democrats have struggled to turn "red" rural areas "blue" across the U.S. for years, but in states such as Minnesota, organizers feel involving more …

Last March, Wyoming lawmakers passed a law that would ban abortions in most cases if the U.S. Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which the high court did in June. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Supreme Court Sends Suit Over Abortion Ban Back to District

The Wyoming Supreme Court has decided it will not weigh in on a lawsuit that has temporarily halted a ban on abortions in the state. Citing a state …

Over 37,000 abortions were performed in Georgia in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Trac1/Adobe Stock)

Women's Health Played Major Role in 2022 Midterms

By Jennifer Weitz-Wolf for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Georgia News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Montana Republicans will have a supermajority during the 2023 legislative session and could propose changes to the state Constitution. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Facing Criticism, Group Forms to Educate Public about MT Constitution

Fifty years after its creation, and under increasing criticism from some lawmakers, an organization has been created to increase awareness of the …

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PNS Daily Newscast - February 7, 2023

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Civic Engagement

Revised Colorado Water Plan Prioritizes Conservation

Informational Tour Kicks Off for WI Supreme Court Race

Falling Lake Powell Water Levels Put Wyoming Hydro Power at Risk

Maine Secretary of State Testifies Against Voter ID Bill

Group Continues Calls for Better Legislative Rules in PA

Report: Women’s Rights a Canary in Coal Mine for Democracy

MA Legislation Aims to Improve Language Access for All

Editor: News Outlets Must Do Better to Regain Consumers' Trust

Public Health Benefits of Limiting Oil, Gas Methane Pollution

Critics: IA Proposal Would 'Politicize' Attorney General's Office

Maine’s Small Farmers See Benefits from USDA Census

Granite State’s Small Farmers Reap Benefits from USDA Census

CA 'Just Safe' Campaign Aims to Redefine Public Safety

Bill Would Ban Circulating Petitions at AR Polling Places

TX Lawmakers Consider Bills to Restrict, Expand Voting in 2023 Session

NV Democrats: Governor Missed Mark on Key Issues in Speech

UT Mayor Aims to Lead by Example Following Mayors' Conference

AZ Mayor Meets with City Leaders in DC to Discuss Local Challenges, Solutions

Post-Pandemic Telehealth Visits Remain High for Mental Health

Voter Citizenship Bill in ND Stokes Fears About Accessibility

Wyoming Legislature Tackles Election Integrity

Enhancing Trust in Arizona Elections Post-2022 Midterms

NV Group's Progressive Expectations for New Legislature

Grassroots Campaign Underway for 'Final Five Voting' in WI

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

National Day of Racial Healing Means Weeklong Events for AR

AZ Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

UT Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Study: TX Cities Spend More on Police, Less on Community Supports

MN Part of Push to Expand Access to Voting

Removing Healthcare Language Barriers for Spanish-Speaking Coloradans

Equality NM Celebrates 30 Years of Transformation for LGBTQ+ Community

Critics: CT State of State Address Not Bold Enough

Ohio Governor Signs Citizenship-Status Voter ID Bill

Intergenerational Groups Strengthen Maine’s LGBTQ Community

Groups Release 2023 Environmental Priorities for AZ Legislature

MA Residents Mark Anniversary of Jan. 6 Insurrection

ND's New Native American Lawmakers Lay Out Priorities

AARP Connecticut Outlines 2023 Legislative Goals

ND Kicks Off New Session with Term Limits in Place

New Year Brings Wide Variety of New Illinois State Laws

CO Lawmakers to Decide How to Invest $300 Million in Affordable Housing

Opinion: A Survivable Future through Contraction, Not Expansion

Group Rallies to Protect Montana Constitution

Keeping It Local: MN Dems Look to Build on Rural Organizing Success

Wyoming Supreme Court Sends Suit Over Abortion Ban Back to District

Women's Health Played Major Role in 2022 Midterms

Facing Criticism, Group Forms to Educate Public about MT Constitution