Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

During Pride Month, LGBTQ+ organizations say it's important to draw a distinction between businesses that openly express support for the community and those releasing statements of solidarity but failing to be an ally throughout the year. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

LGBTQ+ organizations in SD team up to land more business allies

As Pride Month winds down, LGBTQ+ support groups in South Dakota said they are strengthening a resource tool detailing which businesses are willing …

Arkansas' ballot initiative process allows citizens to propose statutes or constitutional amendments and collect signatures to place the proposals on a ballot. League members say bills passed by lawmakers have taken those rights away. (edbockstock/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

AR League of Women Voters collect signatures for ballot initiative

Members of the League of Women Voters-Arkansas are collecting signatures to add a constitutional amendment to the November 2026 ballot. The …

The president of the Indianapolis-based NCAA says fewer than 10 transgender athletes compete in college sports nationwide, with none in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

IN college sports ban on trans athletes starts July 1

A new Indiana law takes effect July 1 banning transgender women and girls from playing on women's college sports teams, expanding the state's earlier …

Advocates said prison gerrymandering gives voting districts with a correctional facility an unfair advantage in the West Virginia political system. They want state lawmakers to make changes before the 2030 Census. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 23, 2025

Report calls for WV redistricting reforms to stop 'prison gerrymandering'

Prison policy advocates are urging West Virginia lawmakers to put an end to "prison gerrymandering," which they said distorts political representation…

Nearly 122 million adults, about 47% of the population, have hypertension. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 23, 2025

Check out books, blood pressure cuffs at Missouri libraries

More St. Louis County libraries are teaming up with the American Heart Association to offer blood pressure cuffs for checkout, to help people take …

As the nation's political tensions rise, Ohio poll workers have faced fentanyl-laced letters, bomb scares at the Secretary of State's office, and online harassment, leading officials to implement bullet-proof glass, panic buttons and address protections. (Wikimedia Commons)

As political violence rises, Ohio grapples with growing threats to democracy

Ohioans can't help but feel the emotional weight of political violence after last weekend's assassination of a top Democratic state lawmaker in Minnes…

Neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and Delaware hold closed primary elections. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit challenges closed primary elections in MD

A new lawsuit is challenging Maryland's closed primary system. If the lawsuit is successful, nearly a million Marylanders may be able to vote in …

The U.S. agriculture sector includes farms and related industries. Together, they account for 5.5% of the country's gross domestic product and provide 10.4% of all U.S. jobs. (Anastasia Knyazeva/Adobe Stock)

Farming advocates fight bills they say could hurt farmers in MO, nation

With more than 95,000 farms, Missouri ranks among the top farming states in the nation. Now, a national agriculture group is warning that bills …

Minnesota is one of only three states where lawmakers see more pressure to compromise because the Legislature has split power. It is one of only 11 states where shared power comes into play when the Executive Branch is included. (Adobe Stock)

After Hortman assassination, MN civic trainers dig deeper for bipartisanship

The weekend assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman is seen by many as a setback in recruiting future civic leaders who seek out bipartisa…

Humanities experts said facts are important but when a person starts a political conversation armed with bravado instead of curiosity, they are already losing in their attempt to be civically engaged. (Adobe Stock)

MN asks: Can humility, curiosity push aside political hate?

As Minnesotans process this weekend's shooting attacks on lawmakers, they are surrounded by talking points about turning down the political …

The late Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman was remembered at a

Expert fears political violence becoming 'part of the game'

Washingtonians cannot help but feel the emotional weight of political violence after this weekend's assassination of a top Democratic state lawmaker i…

Organizers said demonstrations throughout the country Saturday drew more than 5 million protesters. (Joe Ulery/Public News Service)

Hoosiers reject crowns and chaos at 'No Kings' protest

It is estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Hoosiers marched around the Indiana Statehouse during the "No Kings" protest in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday…

In a poll released last year by The States United Democracy Center, 45% of Americans viewed political violence as a major problem. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Assassination of MN lawmaker further normalizes political violence

Minnesota and the nation are feeling the emotional weight of political violence after this weekend's assassination of a top Democratic state lawmaker …

Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, was Minnesota House speaker from 2019 to early 2025. In this spring's legislative session, through a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans, Hortman was named Speaker Emerita and DFL leader in the Minnesota House. (Photo courtesy Hortman's Facebook page)

Rep. Melissa Hortman leaves lasting legacy for women in MN politics

Fighting for a wide range of people with a skill for compromise, is how Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, is being remembered for following her …

More than two dozen ‘No Kings’ events planned Saturday across Montana

While the Trump administration throws a parade tomorrow funded by taxpayers, Americans will gather at 1,800 protest events around the nation…

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes a new provision starting in fiscal year 2028 that cuts the enhanced federal Medicaid match rate by 10% for states that offer full health benefits or financial help to buy coverage for individuals who are not legally in the United States. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Saturday 'No Kings' rallies in PA to protest Trump policies

More than 1,800 protests against President Donald Trump's agenda are planned nationwide Saturday, including more than 80 in Pennsylvania. The "No …

Tennesseans to join 'No Kings' rallies Saturday to oppose Trump policies

Activists in Nashville are holding a rapid-response protest today for Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Meanwhile more than 1,800 "No Kings" rallies against …

Colorado communities to join national 'No Kings' protests Saturday

As President Donald Trump celebrates his birthday on Saturday with a $45 million military parade in the nation's capital, organizers are expecting a …

If Congress enacts the budget reconciliation bill as currently written, the Campaign Legal Center contended the rule of law and democracy would be in jeopardy. (Adobe Stock)

'Hidden' provisions in U.S. budget bill raise concerns for AZ

As President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill sees an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate, a government watchdog group is raising concerns …

Some 17% of students surveyed said they felt like they could not express their opinion on a subject at least a couple of times a week because of how fellow students, a professor or the administration would respond. (Gatot/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX college students feel free speech is targeted

Texas colleges are getting mixed marks when it comes to protecting free speech on campus. The College Free Speech Rankings include survey results …

U.S. Senators are digging into the Trump administration's 1,116 page budget reconciliation bill that was already passed by House Republicans. (CreativeMania-AI enhanced/Adobe Stock)

Legal experts: Does rule of law still matter in second Trump term?

A government watchdog group is joining others in raising concerns about last-minute additions to the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of…

Summer food feeding sites can be found by texting

AR summer food programs prepare to feed students

With the start of summer, organizations across Arkansas are ramping up programs to ensure kids have access to healthy food. The No Kid Hungry …

There are currently some 15,000 producing oil and gas wells in Weld County, not counting shut-in wells and temporarily plugged and abandoned wells. (Adobe Stock)

New alert system brings oil and gas spill data directly to Colorado residents

Over the past 12 months, 884 oil and gas spills were reported near homes in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Kersey, La Salle and Platteville, according to …

The report recorded more than 1,000 instances of students or student groups who were targeted for or received punishment for their speech. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Government increasingly involved in campus free speech crackdowns

Students and faculty are facing more investigations and punishment for exercising their right to protected speech on college campuses, according to a …

According to a 2024 report from the Center for American Women and Politics, 44 members of the Michigan House and 14 members of the state Senate are women. (Adobe Stock)

MI senator sponsors tax credit, cash allowance bills to help families

As families in Michigan and elsewhere struggle with daily living expenses, bills introduced this month could alleviate their financial burden…

For now, North Dakota lawmakers are passing laws designed to provide property tax relief. But some policymakers, including the governor, hope to carve a path where homeowners pay little or no property taxes. (Adobe Stock)

ND's local governments press forward under new property tax laws

North Dakota's legislative session is in the rearview mirror, and the impact of hundreds of bills that were approved is still being assessed…

In a Johns Hopkins University poll from last fall, nearly half of the U.S. electorate indicated they felt members of the opposing party aren't just wrong for politics - they're

Charting a new path for healthy political discourse in SD

In South Dakota and across the country, groups are working to help tone down the nation's heated political rhetoric. And experts are debating whether …

The race for Virginia governor is already set but some other local and down ballot races have competitive primaries this year. (Adobe Stock)

VA voters to decide nominees for local, statewide races in June primary

Voters in the Commonwealth have only a few more weeks to cast early ballots in the Democratic and Republican primary elections. Virginia voters have …

Among other 2025 bills passed, the Montana American Indian Caucus helped reauthorize Native language preservation programs and get formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day in the state. (Western Native Voice)

MT Native leaders: Civic engagement brings continued legislative wins

A Montana-based Indigenous advocacy group said it is increasing membership this year in a new way, with a traveling conference. Western Native Voice …

Opponents of a proof-of-citizenship bill before Texas lawmakers say many women in rural areas, who could get targeted by the bill, do not have a birth certificate matching their current last name. (Golib Tolibov/Adobe Stock AI)

Proposed proof-of-citizenship bill could impact all registered voters in Texas

Voting rights advocates in Texas are speaking out against a proof-of-citizenship bill before lawmakers. Senate Bill 16 would require new registrants …

Legal assistance groups said native voters in North Dakota have struggled for nearly a century for the right to vote and for inclusion in the democratic process. Despite a setback through the courts this week, they say they will keep defending those rights. (Adobe Stock)

Part of Voting Rights Act gutted for ND, other Midwestern states

Legal groups are weighing an appeal after a court ruling this week that left voters in several states, including North Dakota, at a disadvantage in …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found 89% said their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Vast majorities in VA, across globe back climate action

Nine in 10 people in Virginia and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a new …

High school and college students will take over the airwaves on the first and third Saturday in Arkansas in the revival of the PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show (avdyachenko/Adobe Stock)

Radio show gives AR students a voice

A groundbreaking radio show from the early 1990s is returning this weekend in Arkansas. The PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show will be back on the …

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a law shortening the time frame for voter registration, despite a 2024 Montana Supreme Court ruling a 2021 law banning same-day voter registration was unconstitutional. (MK Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

Montana governor signs law tightening voter registration window

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has seen the last few bills of the 2025 legislative session cross his desk and as the ink dries, policy experts reminded …

The California Voter Foundation said the most common question they get is,

CA lawmakers consider bill to reduce rejection of ballots

During every big election, tens of thousands of California voters make a mistake on their mail-in ballot and often get differing advice on how to fix …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 89% say their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

Nine in ten people in Colorado and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a …

The Indiana Citizen reports Lt. Gov. Beckwith also criticized

'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy

An Indiana debate over history and power is growing. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith recently defended the Three-Fifths Compromise in a social media video…

Alisa Advani spoke on May 1 to a crowd of hundred of Hoosiers outside the Indiana Statehouse. (Joe Ulery/Public News Service)

IN 50501 movement expands summer protests

Indiana activists with the 50501 movement will hold new protests this summer against the Trump administration. The effort, which stands for "50 …

Since Seattle's Democracy Voucher program was implemented in 2017, data show campaign donations from large contributions, over $250, have decreased by 93%. (Suriyo/Adobe Stock)

WA voting rights advocates push for democracy vouchers state-wide

Seattle's City Council voted last week to put the city's Democracy Voucher Program on the ballot to be renewed in August and supporters of the program…

Among the many Montana bills Western Native Voice advocated for this session is one recognizing Indigenous People's Day, in conjunction with Columbus Day. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Montana-based Native advocacy group opens D.C. office

On the heels of a busy Montana legislative session, the advocacy group Western Native Voice is setting its sights higher and opening a Washington…

Trump won 82 of Ohio's 88 counties in 2024, including Mahoning and Trumbull, two former Democratic strongholds, highlighting the state's ongoing political realignment. (Adobe Stock)

Power shift: Executive authority and Ohio’s political lean

President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office, and experts are watching how his executive actions may play out in the courts and …

About 54% of Latino voters in the poll describe the state of the economy as

Trump's first 100 days spark 'concern' among NV Latino voters

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Nevada are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters describ…

Poll: AZ Latino voters 'discouraged' after Trump's first 100 days

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Arizona are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters descri…

A peaceful May Day demonstration will start at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, and end at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse. (Leonid Andronov/Adobe Stock)

'May Day' AZ protesters rally against Trump administration

Many Arizonans plan to show up at the State Capitol on Thursday, May Day, to protest potential cuts to safety net programs and advocate for public …

Wyoming teachers, firefighters and postal workers are some of the groups expected at the May Day rally Thursday in Casper. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming teachers, workers gather in Casper for May Day

Wyoming labor unions will gather Thursday in Casper in honor of May Day, a holiday celebrated in 80 countries commemorating the labor movement and …

Since 2020, Nevada legislators have increased access to the state's Effective Absentee System for Elections. It is now open for Nevada residents with disabilities and tribal voters who live on a colony or reservation in Nevada. (Aliaksandr Marko/Adobe Stock)

NV considers expanding internet voting, election expert says 'bad idea'

Nevadans do a lot online, from paying bills to shopping and even voting. Senate Bill 74, which would require the Secretary of State to allow …

May Day is a traditional day for the immigrant rights movement to uplift workers and honor immigrant families. Undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $700 million in taxes to Oregon in 2023. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

A May Day mayday: A distress call for immigrant rights rally Thursday

On May 1, Oregon labor and immigrants' rights organizations are gathering in Salem calling for justice for immigrant workers and an end to mass …

The Young Activist Leaders Program provides a place for young people to ask questions, educate each other, and explore social justice work together. (Carlo/Adobe Stock)

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A group of Washington youths, fresh from a grassroots leadership development program, is speaking up against the Trump Administration's plans to cut …

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