Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

The Fargo Board of Education has nine members, four of whom currently face a potential recall election. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

ND Watchdog: Rash of School Board Recalls "Wasteful"

FARGO, N.D. -- The people behind efforts to recall four Fargo School Board members have until August 25th to collect signatures. Ahead of that …

Las Vegas' free Arrow shuttle service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. (City of Las Vegas)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Las Vegas' New Shuttle for People Experiencing Homelessness Gains Popularity

LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas is trying to make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to get to their appointments with social service agencies by in…

The commission charged with drawing Ohio's 99 House and 33 Senate districts meets this week. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

State, Congressional District Designing Set to Begin in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New congressional and legislative maps will soon start to take shape in Ohio. The Ohio Redistricting Commission convenes for the …

Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, one of 95 counties in Tennessee that will undergo redistricting this fall. (Adobe Stock)

TN Civic Groups Expect Increased Public Input on Redistricting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee's 95 counties are expected to undergo redistricting once they've received 2020 Census county-level population data this …

2020 Census Bureau apportionment data shows Arkansas is set to maintain four representatives in Congress. (mrlover/Adobe Stock)

Groups Amplify Calls for Public Input on Arkansas Redistricting

MONTICELLO, Ark. -- Arkansas' public redistricting hearings start next Thursday in Monticello, and groups advocating for fair voting-district maps …

More than 400 laws have been introduced this year that would restrict voting rights across the country. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Lawmakers to Protect, Not Restrict, Voting Rights

INDIANAPOLIS -- Voting-rights advocates applaud this week's federal appeals-court decision to prevent Indiana from purging some voters from the rolls …

Nearly 75% of Michiganders age 75 and up already have been fully vaccinated. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Health Officials Prioritize Equity in Calls for Residents to Get Vaccinated

FLINT, Mich. - Michigan health officials are prioritizing equity as they continue to urge more residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The …

Uber and Lyft are among the app-based companies that successfully campaigned for a ballot initiative to allow them to classify their workers as independent contractors. (Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Stock)

Organized Labor Urges Congress to Pass PRO Act

BOSTON - The AFL-CIO is holding a week of action to urge Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize - or PRO - Act, what some labor …

Commissioners charged with redistricting in Missouri are set to meet for the first time in August to draw new legislative district maps. (luzitanija/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Put MO Voters Over Partisan Interests in Redistricting

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Redistricting reformers urged the people charged with drawing new voting-district maps in Missouri to commit to putting the …

More than 350,000 Iowans live with a disability. Their advocates are working with state government to help more people in this group gain appointments to government boards and commissions. (Adobe Stock)

Push for More People with Disabilities on IA Boards, Commissions

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa's government has 180 boards and commissions, with many consisting of appointed members, but advocates fear most don't …

For more than 40 years, courts have been tasked with redistricting in Minnesota because of political divisiveness in drawing political maps. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit: MN Needs to Integrate BIPOC Voices in Redistricting

WORTHINGTON, Minn. -- Several lawsuits have been filed seeking fairness in Minnesota's redistricting process, and new legal action focuses on lifting …

Lobbying firms have enjoyed few limits after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, where the high court confirmed that money was a form of protected speech. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Lobbyist Spending in Nebraska Thrived During Pandemic

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new Common Cause Nebraska report showed last year, more than $18 million was invested in lobbying efforts in Nebraska. By …

Public News Service joins the Trust Project, along with news outlets in the U.S, Europe and Central and South America. (The Trust Project)

Public News Service Joins the Trust Project to Support Transparency, Accuracy in Journalism

BOULDER, Colo. - As people struggle to find trusted news and information, Colorado News Connection and its network Public News Service are …

A new national report says 48% of officials who faced recall campaigns in the first half of 2021 were school board members. (Adobe Stock)

Divisive Campaign Rhetoric Trickles Down to Local Races

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - A new Ballotpedia report shows a nationwide spike in efforts, largely led by right-wing groups, to recall school board members …

President Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan includes $400 billion for what's known as the "care economy." Republicans in Congress are resisting its inclusion in the infrastructure deal. (InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe Stock)

Chicago Home-Care Workers Rally for Better Pay, Benefits

CHICAGO - Home-care workers in Chicago joined a national day of action Tuesday, urging Congress to prioritize funding for what's become known as the …

A record number of Arizonans voted in the 2020 presidential election, driven by "get out the vote" campaigns, both by Democrats and Republicans. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

AZ Voters Change Parties in Big Numbers After 2020 Election

TUCSON, Ariz. -- New figures show since the 2020 election, thousands of Arizonans have changed their voter registration to a different party…

The 2020 Census revealed more than 7 million people call Massachusetts home, so the Commonwealth will still have nine representatives in Congress after redistricting. (iQoncept/Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Give Public Comment Time for New MA Voting District Maps

BOSTON -- Every ten years, after the Census, local municipalities usually draw new precinct boundaries before state lawmakers draw new voting …

Republican-controlled states including Florida, Georgia and Iowa passed restrictive new voting laws based on disproven charges by former President Donald Trump there was fraud in the 2020 election, which he lost by more than 7 million votes. (kbhall17/Pixabay)

TX Democrats Aim to Stop Voter Restrictions by Leaving Town

AUSTIN, Texas -- A majority of Democrats in the Texas House exited the state Monday in an attempt to block Republicans from passing new laws to …

Women of color are much less likely to enter contests for statewide executive offices than white women, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (8385/Pixabay)

Women Face Money Crunch on Road to Political Office

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Women have voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1984, but a new study shows when they run for a …

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states have term limits for legislators. (Adobe Stock)

ND Term-Limits Plan Could Give More Power to Lobbyists

BISMARCK, N.D. - Next year, North Dakota voters could be asked to consider a plan often floated as a way to shake up traditional politics. Term …

A special session of the Texas Legislature begins Thurs., July 8, where work is expected to resume on a voting restriction bill that died in the final hours of the regular legislative session after House Democrats walked out of the chamber. (conolan/Pixabay)<br /> — A special session of the Texas Legislature begins Thurs., July 8, where work is expected to resume on a voting restriction bill that died in the final hours of the regular legislative session after House Democrats walked out of the chamber. (conolan/Pixabay)

Is Profit Motive Behind 2020 Presidential Election Disinformation?

AUSTIN, Texas -- Critics of the post-election presidential audits ongoing in Arizona and threatened in Pennsylvania advised to discern the truth…

The New Hampshire General Court retained several bills in the legislative session that opponents say would restrict access to voting. (alexandra/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Maintain Voting Access After NH Court Rejects Restrictive Law

CONCORD, N.H. -- Good-government groups in New Hampshire are keeping an eye on several bills expected to come back next legislative session, arguing …

Groups such as Veterans for Responsible Leadership and We the Veterans are urging current and former military officials to continue to stand up for the Constitution. (Daniel Thornberg/Adobe Stock)

Vets Speak Out Against Far-Right on Independence Day

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Veterans on both sides of the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations…

Far-Right Movement Raises Opposition from Vets

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Veterans on both sides of the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations…

Military veterans are fighting back against what they call anti-democratic, far-right extremism by forming groups such as Veterans for Responsible Leadership and We the Veterans. (Fire FX/Pixbay)

Veterans Fear Far-Right Group Membership Threatens Democracy

AUSTIN, Texas -- Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations. Yesterday…

There are about 50,000 college students in Montana. (Jitze Couperus/Flickr)

How MT's New Student ID Voting Law Could Affect Turnout

HELENA, Mont. -- Voting-rights groups are concerned a new Montana law could depress student turnout in elections. This session, state lawmakers …

Loosened COVID-19 restrictions could draw more people to events over the July 4th weekend.(Maridav/Adobe Stock)

As July 4th Approaches, Far-Right Appeal to Veterans Raises Concerns

HELENA, Mont. -- Far-right groups could be active over the Independence Day weekend, prompting the Department of Homeland Security to release a …

Veterans across the aisle point out that one thing they have in common is their oath to serve the Constitution and the nation. (seanlockephotography/Adobe Stock)

Veterans Oppose Attacks on Democratic Principles, Urge Honoring the Oath

CONCORD, N.H. -- Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they see as recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations. Some groups…

A new report notes that Maine's civic education standards don't mention the concepts of equal protection or due process. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: U.S. History, Civics Education Inadequate in Maine Schools

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Civics and history education are lacking in Maine, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

A Supreme Court ruling this week upholding a pair of Arizona election laws could open the door for other states to pass restrictive "election security" laws. (Flickr)

Supreme Court Upholds AZ Election Laws in Blow to Voting Rights

PHOENIX -- In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a pair of Arizona "election security" laws that many experts believe will …

The Equal Districts Coalition is calling on the Ohio Redistricting Commission to convene, even though the latest U.S. Census information is more than a month from being released. (Equal Districts Ohio)

New Coalition: Time to Get to Work on Ohio Redistricting

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new alliance is calling on Ohio's elected leaders to get to work on this year's redistricting process. The newly launched Equal …

Many voting-rights advocates believe Utah's election system works well in terms of efficiency and fairness, but they're also concerned recent court rulings could prompt changes. (Popov/Adobe Stock)

Utahns Concerned Over High Court Ruling on AZ Election Laws

SALT LAKE CITY -- In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a pair of Arizona "election security" laws that many experts believe will …

Veterans Raise Concerns About Far-Right Group Membership

PALM BEACH, Fla. - Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations. On July 4th…

A new report gives Idaho a 'D' for its civics education standards. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

BOISE, Idaho - Civics and history education are lacking in Idaho, according to a new report. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute rated every state's …

Missouri's congressional districts are drawn by the Legislature, and state legislative districts by two redistricting commissions made up of politicians, one for the state House and one for the state Senate. (Evgeny/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Seeks Public Input on Missouri's New Voting-District Maps

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- As Missouri lawmakers prepare to draw lines for the next decade of voting-district maps, groups advocating for a fair process are …

Despite no major elections in the coming months, civil-rights groups are pushing more Wisconsin jail administrators to improve voting access before next year's midterms. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Improvement in Access for Jail-Based Voting

MADISON, Wis. - New findings have been issued in the effort to get more Wisconsin counties to improve voting access in their jail systems. Advocates …

More than 50% of the New Hampshire population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Unvaccinated in NH? Get 'One-on-One' Time with Healthcare Providers

CONCORD, N.H. - Health experts and advocates for older Americans are encouraging unvaccinated New Hampshire residents to have one-on-one …

This session, Nevada lawmakers voted to expand automatic voter registration and make vote-by-mail a permanent option. (Darylann Elmi/Adobestock)

NV Progressive Group Releases 2021 Legislative Scorecard

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Progressive groups in Nevada are holding an online summit tonight to marshal their forces for the next round of policy battles - …

The state budget to be voted on today includes a 24-week abortion ban that would criminalize providers of abortions past that period with up to seven years of prison time. (Granite State Progress)

Groups Rally Against State Budget, Urge Lawmakers to Put Granite Staters First

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers are zeroing in on this year's nearly 175 page state budget, but advocates for working families say policy …

The Black Appalachian Coalition hopes to change the stereotypical narrative that this region is just rural and white, and hopes to see federal funding allocated to communities equitably. (Adobe Stock)

New Coalition Aims to Change "Whitewashed" Narrative of Appalachia

PHILADELPHIA - The Appalachian region has long dealt with environmental pollution and economic disinvestment, and a new coalition wants to ensure its …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

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

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

BOSTON -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both the US …

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Dallas -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both the US …

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

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

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

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

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

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

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

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

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PNS Daily Newscast - August 4, 2021

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Civic Engagement

ND Watchdog: Rash of School Board Recalls "Wasteful"

Las Vegas' New Shuttle for People Experiencing Homelessness Gains Popularity

State, Congressional District Designing Set to Begin in Ohio

TN Civic Groups Expect Increased Public Input on Redistricting

Groups Amplify Calls for Public Input on Arkansas Redistricting

Groups Urge Lawmakers to Protect, Not Restrict, Voting Rights

MI Health Officials Prioritize Equity in Calls for Residents to Get Vaccinated

Organized Labor Urges Congress to Pass PRO Act

Groups: Put MO Voters Over Partisan Interests in Redistricting

Push for More People with Disabilities on IA Boards, Commissions

Lawsuit: MN Needs to Integrate BIPOC Voices in Redistricting

Report: Lobbyist Spending in Nebraska Thrived During Pandemic

Public News Service Joins the Trust Project to Support Transparency, Accuracy in Journalism

Divisive Campaign Rhetoric Trickles Down to Local Races

Chicago Home-Care Workers Rally for Better Pay, Benefits

AZ Voters Change Parties in Big Numbers After 2020 Election

Bill Would Give Public Comment Time for New MA Voting District Maps

TX Democrats Aim to Stop Voter Restrictions by Leaving Town

Women Face Money Crunch on Road to Political Office

ND Term-Limits Plan Could Give More Power to Lobbyists

Is Profit Motive Behind 2020 Presidential Election Disinformation?

Groups Work to Maintain Voting Access After NH Court Rejects Restrictive Law

Vets Speak Out Against Far-Right on Independence Day

Far-Right Movement Raises Opposition from Vets

Veterans Fear Far-Right Group Membership Threatens Democracy

How MT's New Student ID Voting Law Could Affect Turnout

As July 4th Approaches, Far-Right Appeal to Veterans Raises Concerns

Veterans Oppose Attacks on Democratic Principles, Urge Honoring the Oath

Report: U.S. History, Civics Education Inadequate in Maine Schools

Supreme Court Upholds AZ Election Laws in Blow to Voting Rights

New Coalition: Time to Get to Work on Ohio Redistricting

Utahns Concerned Over High Court Ruling on AZ Election Laws

Veterans Raise Concerns About Far-Right Group Membership

Report: ID Civics, US History Education Leaves 'A Lot to Be Desired'

Coalition Seeks Public Input on Missouri's New Voting-District Maps

WI Sees Improvement in Access for Jail-Based Voting

Unvaccinated in NH? Get 'One-on-One' Time with Healthcare Providers

NV Progressive Group Releases 2021 Legislative Scorecard

Groups Rally Against State Budget, Urge Lawmakers to Put Granite Staters First

New Coalition Aims to Change "Whitewashed" Narrative of Appalachia

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval