Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, according to Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Friday, June 9, 2023

Teaming Up to Tackle Redistricting Reform in PA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling yesterday about making voting maps more fair in Alabama gives new hope to groups in Pennsylvania that have teamed up to …

In recent rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued opinions limiting the scope of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But a new opinion, stemming from a redistricting issue, keeps a key provision of the law in place. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, June 9, 2023

WI Voter-Outreach Group Applauds SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling

Civic engagement groups around the country, including in Wisconsin, are cheering Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a key provision of …

Parents, educators and others protested Thursday ahead of the first public board meeting since the Texas Education Agency took over the Houston Independent School District. (ACLU of Texas)

Friday, June 9, 2023

Texas Assumes Leadership of Houston's Largest School District

Parents and educators in the Houston Independent School District said they are all for improving schools but do not believe a state takeover by an une…

Assembly Bill 421 would reform California's ballot referenda process, which seeks to repeal laws. It would not apply to ballot initiatives supporting new policy. (Vic Joly/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Unions, Environmental Advocates Press to Reform CA Referendum Process

Unions, environmental groups and other progressive organizations are leading the charge to reform California's referendum process, which allows …

Critics of the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission say it gave greater political influence to wealthy donors and corporations by allowing them to spend unlimited funds on elections. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Lawmakers Consider Changes to Maine’s Clean Election Law

Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation to allow candidates seeking county level offices to receive taxpayer funds under the Maine Clean Electi…

While South Dakota rarely sees recall elections, an expert says neighboring North Dakota has seen a lot of such activity, with nearly three dozen recall votes in the past 12 years. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Does South Dakota Have 'Direct Democracy' Fever?

A court hearing next week could help determine whether an eastern South Dakota mayor will face a recall election. Events are rare for this state…

Parcels of land downstream of Ruybal Fox Creek Ranch have been subdivided into 35- to 50-acre large-lot tracts. (Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Preserving Cultural, Environmental Legacy in Southern Colorado

Ruybal Fox Creek Ranch sits in a dramatic canyon in the foothills of southern Colorado's San Juan Mountains, right next to the Rio Grande National …

Wallowa County is a sparsely populated county in northeast Oregon and recently voted in favor of joining Idaho. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

With Secession Votes, Rural OR Counties Signal Lack of Respect

A dozen rural Oregon counties have voted to leave the state over the past three years. It's a signal that large parts of the state don't feel like …

Building Solutions for 'Range Anxiety' Can Boost Electric Vehicle Transition

By Whitney Bauck for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

Pennsylvanians must register to vote by Oct. 23 to be eligible to vote in the general election on Nov. 7. (Vesperstock/AdobeStock)

Voter Education for November General Election Already Underway in PA

The Keystone State's general election is less than six months away and a nonpartisan, grassroots organization is already getting the word out to …

Florida's newest elections law requires that third-party voter registration groups provide mandatory formal signature-matching training to specified persons by the Florida Secretary of State. (Pixabay)

Florida Faces Lawsuits Over Sweeping New Elections Law

The moment Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping elections bill into law last week, several voter-advocacy groups filed lawsuits against it…

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure on May 15 to update procedures for automatic voter registration. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers Make Registering to Vote in WA Easier

Washingtonians will soon find it even easier to register to vote. Passed this session, Senate Bill 5112 automatically makes people applying for …

HB 209 would prohibit a person from receiving a payment or providing a payment to another person for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, obtaining, or delivering an absentee ballot application or absentee ballot of another person in certain circumstances.(Adobe Stock)

Civic Groups Unite to Fight Against Voter Suppression Tactics in the South

Civic groups are taking action against what they call voter suppression tactics in the South. This week Alabama Values, Southern Leadership for …

The world is home to 1.8 billion young people between ages 10 and 24, the largest generation of youth in history, who are increasingly aware of the challenges and risks presented by the climate crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

The magnitude of climate change can feel overwhelming, creating a sense of so-called "climate grief" for some, but young climate activists say they …

In a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. That's up from 45% a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Local activists will rally in Boston Common tomorrow to urge Congress to lift the debt ceiling without cuts to social programs in return. President …

The share of U.S. voters who cast ballots early, by mail or a combination of both in 2022 remained high for a midterm election with nearly a third (31.8%) casting their ballot by mail. That's up 8.6% from 2018 but down 11.2% from 2020.(Adobe Stock)

Voter Registration Rates Highest in 20 Years

Voter registration rates in the U.S. hit a record high in last year's midterm elections, according to the latest census data. Registration rates …

Nearly 1.5 million people in Kentucky voted in the 2022 midterm election. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians Head to Polls for Primary Election

Kentucky's Republican voters head to the polls today to cast their ballots in the primary election, where they will decide who will run against …

A lack of social connections can increase the risk of premature death by more than 60%. (DREIDREIEINS Foto/Adobe Stock)

Mental, Heart Health Could Be Directly Connected

It's mental health awareness month and mental well-being is connected to a person's overall health, including heart health. Dr. Jennifer Shalz is …

In Pennsylvania, one of the voting requirements is that you will need to be at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal or general election. (Andrey Popov/AdobeStock)

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

As the municipal primary election fast approaches, the Community College of Philadelphia is continuing to educate students on the importance of voter …

State lawmakers passed the original Washington Voting Rights Act in 2018. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

Washington Voting Rights Act '2.0' Strengthens State Law

Voting rights in Washington got an upgrade this legislative session. House Bill 1048 is designed to make the Washington Voting Rights Act a more …

Connecticut voters will be asked to add an amendment about no-excuse absentee voting in November 2024. This is when any voter can request a mail-in ballot, rather than have to submit an application to receive a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

CT House Passes Early Voting Plan, Senate Takes Up Bill

Connecticut's House of Representatives has passed a bill implementing an early-voting plan. Elements of the plan include requiring the Secretary of …

Miigwech Inc. represents 12 federally recognized tribes. (Philip Hutchinson/Northern Territory Photography)

Our Vote as Our Voice: Rocking the Native Vote in Michigan

With elections on the horizon, Indigenous groups in Michigan are educating native communities about how they can make their voices heard to make …

A new training program developed by the High Plains Research Network Community Advisory Council is helping community members intervene and prevent suicides in rural areas across Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado's Rural Communities Mobilizing to Prevent Suicide

Community advisory committees across rural Colorado are working to better understand the mental-health needs for community members including farmers…

As of 2022, 448 statehouse reporters across the U.S. work at newspapers, making up 25% of the statehouse corps. That's down from 604 statehouse reporters - 38% of the total - in 2014. (Adobe Stock)

University Students Add to MT Statehouse Reporting

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

Last fall, the Native American Rights Fund sued Benson County in a North Dakota case concerning fairness in elections for county commission seats. This spring, the group announced a settlement in the case. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Secure Settlement for Local Elections in ND County

For nearly two decades, a North Dakota county elected local commissioners in a way that did not comply with a consent decree concerning Native …

Accessible voting booths require staff to assist with machine use and collect completed ballots from people who are considered 'print-impaired.' (petrushin1984/Adobe Stock)

Voting for People with Visual Impairments Could Get Easier in IL

A proposed measure in Illinois aims to improve access to the ballot for visually impaired voters. Senate Bill 282, introduced by Sen. Julie Morrison…

Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older and could help counter America's newest public health epidemic, loneliness.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Andrus Award Honors Older Volunteers Helping ME Communities

AARP is seeking nominations for its 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, which celebrates those individuals over age 50 who share their …

As the number of full-time statehouse reporters decline so do the number of newspapers. Since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than a fourth of its newspapers (2,500) and is on track to lose a third by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

University-Led Reporting Lets Students Cover the Statehouse

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

More than a fifth of the Americans live in so called

Student Reporters Get On-the-Job Training at Statehouse

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

Pennsylvania voters also have the option of voting at the polls on May 16, provided they have not already voted by mail ballot. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tsado/AdobeStock)

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

With fewer than two weeks until the municipal primary election, Pennsylvanians planning to vote by mail ballot will need to apply online or in person …

The total number of full-time statehouse reporters in the U.S. has fallen from 904 in 2014 to 850 in 2022, while the number of reporters covering statehouses less than full time has risen from 688 to 911, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Student Reporters Fill Gaps When Full-Time Reporters Disappear

Student reporters are stepping up to fill gaps in news coverage as the number of full-time statehouse reporters continues to decline. State …

More than 86,000 students attend Metro Nashville Public Schools, which is the nation's 42nd-largest school district. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

Poll: Public Education Top Priority for Nashvillians

A new Vanderbilt University Poll shows that 56% of people in Nashville think the city is on the wrong track. Pollsters surveyed 1,016 adults living …

Some 55% of educators across the United States are thinking about leaving or retiring from their jobs sooner than they'd planned. Many cite stress and burnout, according to a 2022 National Education Association survey. (Adobe Stock)

GOP Lawmakers Question Teachers' Union Choices in Pandemic

GOP lawmakers are re-evaluating policies about how and why schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics of the effort say it's a back-handed …

In a 2019 survey, almost 50% of Democrats and almost 40% of Republicans said they'd consider crossing party lines to vote for a candidate they thought could

">

Group Explores Ways to Have Difficult Conversations in Divisive Times

At a time when it's easy to find something to disagree about, whether it's politics or social issues, one organization is working to help others have …

South Dakota is among a half-dozen states that currently have a

Backers of 'Open Primary' Plan for SD Continue Petition Rollout

In the coming months, South Dakotans will see outreach about some big changes potentially being ushered into the state's primary elections. This …

Democratic lawmakers are calling for term limits to ensure each president has the opportunity to appoint the same number of Supreme Court justices each term, in an effort to make the high court more democratically representative. (Adobe Stock)

MA Lawmakers Call for Expansion of U.S. Supreme Court

Massachusetts lawmakers in Congress are calling for an expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court due to what they said are "ethical lapses" and "partisan …

The scholarship initiative was created with the Colorado Department of Higher Education to increase the attainment of postsecondary credentials and degrees for underserved students in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

CO Scholarship Initiative Invests in Students Experiencing Homelessness

More than 15,000 students in Colorado have experienced homelessness, and a new grant from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative will help …

According to The Sentencing Project, in 2022 an estimated 4.6 million Americans were ineligible to vote due to laws and policies. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Push for Voting-Restoration Rights for Incarcerated Illinoisans

Groups in Illinois are pushing legislation that would restore voting rights, including for people currently incarcerated. According to Stand Up …

In 2021, more than 9,700 people in Georgia were arrested for possession of marijuana. (Iarygin Andrii/Adobe Stock)

GA Group Targets Marijuana Reform

Georgia is among the 19 states that enforce jail time for marijuana possession, resulting in a significant impact on the Black community, with the …

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows Massachusetts has four counties in the top 20 list of most expensive places for child care, including Middlesex and Norfolk counties, where families pay more than $26,000 annually in child care expenses. (Adobe Stock)

MA Bill Would Let Candidates Use Campaign Funds for Child Care

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill to allow candidates seeking state or local office to use campaign funds for child care. Child care is …

This year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 507 into law, which approves licenses for companies seeking to extract natural resources from state lands. (Adobe Stock)

OH Groups Want More Public Feedback on Leasing State Lands for Oil, Gas

Residents and environmental groups say they're concerned about public notice and comment processes for leasing state lands for oil and gas extraction…

Granite Staters younger than age 40 make up 26% of the state population but only 2% of state legislators, while Granite Staters age 76 and older are 11% of the population but 32% of state legislators, according to 603 Forward. (Adobe Stock)

NH Organization Invests in Young Candidates Seeking Local Elected Offices

Young people interested in running for local office in New Hampshire are learning the ins and outs of organizing a successful campaign with the help o…

The Idaho law banning gender affirming care for youth goes into effect in 2024. (Mark Bradbury/Adobe Stock)

ID Anti-Trans Laws Tied to Anti-Democracy Movement, Group Says

Idaho lawmakers passed several measures this session that target transgender people. One group says this effort is connected to a wider movement to …

Wyoming lawmakers are being asked to guarantee remote testimony during the winter session in part due to frequently dangerous travel conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Push for Virtual Testimony in Main Legislative Session

After the Wyoming Legislature's Management Council guaranteed the right to remote public testimony during the interim legislative session, good …

In the fallout from the 2020 presidential election, statehouses around the country have re-examined election laws. In Republican-led states, tighter rules have been adopted, but in Minnesota, which now has a Democratic majority, expanding voting access has been a priority. (Adobe Stock)

MN House Advances Sweeping Election Policy Bill

Voting-rights advocates say democracy in the United States has been tested in the past few years. In response, the Minnesota House has passed a bill …

Of Arkansas' 1.79 million registered voters, more than 900,000 cast ballots in the November 2022 election, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas 'Election Integrity Unit' Bill Awaits Gov's Signature

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is expected to sign a bill to create an Election Integrity Unit in the state Attorney General's office. Its goal will be …

The U.S. military has released 1.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere since the War on Terror began in 2001, despite military leaders citing climate change as a national security threat. (WRL)<br />

War Tax Resisters Redirect Money Towards Peace

Tax Day is quickly approaching April 18 but some Massachusetts residents will resist paying their federal taxes as a war protest. War tax resistance…

The U.S. Census Bureau says Asian-Pacific Islanders make up a growing part of America's immigrant community. (Adobe Stock)

Community Group Helps Asian-Pacific Island Migrants Adjust to Life in U.S.

Thousands of immigrants arrive in the United States every year, knowing very little about the language, culture and civic ways of their new homeland…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 23 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - June 9, 2023

2023Talks - June 9, 2023

The Yonder Report - June 8, 2023

Civic Engagement

Teaming Up to Tackle Redistricting Reform in PA

WI Voter-Outreach Group Applauds SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling

Texas Assumes Leadership of Houston's Largest School District

Unions, Environmental Advocates Press to Reform CA Referendum Process

Lawmakers Consider Changes to Maine’s Clean Election Law

Does South Dakota Have 'Direct Democracy' Fever?

Preserving Cultural, Environmental Legacy in Southern Colorado

With Secession Votes, Rural OR Counties Signal Lack of Respect

Building Solutions for 'Range Anxiety' Can Boost Electric Vehicle Transition

Voter Education for November General Election Already Underway in PA

Florida Faces Lawsuits Over Sweeping New Elections Law

Lawmakers Make Registering to Vote in WA Easier

Civic Groups Unite to Fight Against Voter Suppression Tactics in the South

'Climate Grief' Motivates Young Mainers to Take Action

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Voter Registration Rates Highest in 20 Years

Kentuckians Head to Polls for Primary Election

Mental, Heart Health Could Be Directly Connected

Community College of Philadelphia Designated as Voter-Friendly Campus

Washington Voting Rights Act '2.0' Strengthens State Law

CT House Passes Early Voting Plan, Senate Takes Up Bill

Our Vote as Our Voice: Rocking the Native Vote in Michigan

Colorado's Rural Communities Mobilizing to Prevent Suicide

University Students Add to MT Statehouse Reporting

Tribal Advocates Secure Settlement for Local Elections in ND County

Voting for People with Visual Impairments Could Get Easier in IL

Andrus Award Honors Older Volunteers Helping ME Communities

University-Led Reporting Lets Students Cover the Statehouse

Student Reporters Get On-the-Job Training at Statehouse

Group Reminds Pennsylvanians of Mail-In-Ballot Deadline Ahead of Primary

Student Reporters Fill Gaps When Full-Time Reporters Disappear

Poll: Public Education Top Priority for Nashvillians

GOP Lawmakers Question Teachers' Union Choices in Pandemic

Group Explores Ways to Have Difficult Conversations in Divisive Times

Backers of 'Open Primary' Plan for SD Continue Petition Rollout

MA Lawmakers Call for Expansion of U.S. Supreme Court

CO Scholarship Initiative Invests in Students Experiencing Homelessness

Groups Push for Voting-Restoration Rights for Incarcerated Illinoisans

GA Group Targets Marijuana Reform

MA Bill Would Let Candidates Use Campaign Funds for Child Care

OH Groups Want More Public Feedback on Leasing State Lands for Oil, Gas

NH Organization Invests in Young Candidates Seeking Local Elected Offices

ID Anti-Trans Laws Tied to Anti-Democracy Movement, Group Says

Groups Push for Virtual Testimony in Main Legislative Session

MN House Advances Sweeping Election Policy Bill

Arkansas 'Election Integrity Unit' Bill Awaits Gov's Signature

War Tax Resisters Redirect Money Towards Peace

Community Group Helps Asian-Pacific Island Migrants Adjust to Life in U.S.