Civil Rights / Public News Service

New York City is closing the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center in February because of declining capacity. About 16 other such centers remain open. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Advocates: NYC needs to close other relief centers housing migrants

With the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center closing, immigrant advocates want the other such centers closed, too…

In 15 states, 5% or more of the African American adult population is banned from voting because of a felony conviction. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Report: More than 68,000 Mississippians can’t vote due to felony convictions

In Mississippi, thousands of people will not be able to vote in the general elections due to a past felony conviction. Research by The Sentencing …

The Indiana Secretary of State's office reports only 59% of registered voters in Marion County, the state's largest, cast a ballot in the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

ACLU of Indiana stands ready to support voter safety

Voter apprehension is reaching record levels for this year's general election, with dueling poll results and debates only adding to the anxiety…

Early voting in Minnesota began in late September. And if you're heading to the polls soon, officials remind people worried about their voter registration status to bring along a current billing statement to help update your registration on the spot. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Billing statements could be your gateway to voting in MN

More than 3.6 million Minnesotans are registered to vote this fall. But if you're worried that something will get you turned away at the polls…

A total of 8,873 people voted early during Connecticut's first primary election where people could take part in early in-person voting. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

AARP CT educates voters for November election

As early voting begins today, AARP Connecticut is educating voters about this year's election. This is the first election the state has had early …

A law enshrined in Nebraska's 1875 Constitution has been overturned, restoring the rights of Nebraskans with a felony conviction to register and vote. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

Court clears way for Nebraskans with past felony convictions to register, vote

The state Supreme Court has upheld a law giving Nebraskans with prior felony convictions the right to vote once they have completed their sentence…

New Mexico changed its state law in 2023 to allow people with felony convictions to vote if they are not incarcerated. (niyazz/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit forces NM to rush voter registration for those with felony convictions

New Mexicans who've been released from prison after serving time for a felony conviction will be able to vote in next month's election, after pro-…

A billboard near Smithfield, N.C., where more than 600 men are housed at the Johnston Correctional Institution, sends a message to inmates. Statewide, more than 37,000 people are currently incarcerated in 55 state prisons. (Recidivism Reduction Education Programs)

NC group pushes for public safety through targeted investment

A North Carolina group is launching a new campaign to emphasize the importance of investing in people behind bars, so they'll have a better chance …

Nearly eight in ten likely rural voters are against banning abortion. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Rural voters want candidates to put workers first

Rural voters in Colorado and across the U.S. tend to be swing voters, and may decide the outcome of this year's presidential election. Their …

The economy, jobs and inflation are the top concerns for likely rural voters. (Esteban Martinena/Adobe Stock)

Rural voters want worker-centered policies, poll says

Rural voters in Oregon and across the U.S. tend to be swing voters, and may decide the outcome of this year's presidential election. Their biggest …

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Adobe Stock)

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

More than a half-million immigrants reside in Colorado, working as nursing assistants, cooks and software developers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Immigration boosts the economy - in Colorado and across the U.S. But new policies are needed to maximize gains and make it harder for employers to …

A Siena College poll showed Democrats support the state's Equal Rights Amendment 89-7% and independents support it 64-23% but Republicans oppose it 55-32%. (Adobe Stock)

Equal Rights Amendment on NY ballot despite challenges

New Yorkers will vote on the state's Equal Rights Amendment in November. Proposition 1 enshrines protections against discrimination based on age…

New billboards in Philadelphia raise awareness about the role voters in the 2024 Election when it comes the future of the nation's highest court. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

At Ohio State, 36 were arrested for alleged criminal trespassing, including students, a staff member and supporters unrelated to the institution during protests this spring. (Erman Gunes/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Protests at …

A new report finds Idaho lawmakers have been adopted policies to improve elections. (Devin Allphin/Adobe Stock)

Reports: States adopting policies to increase voter access, secure elections

Election laws have been in the spotlight since 2020 - but despite the controversy, a new report finds many states have made election administration …

Voters with disabilities who are unable to leave their home or facility where they are residing, may be able to obtain assistance from a Special Elections Board to assist them in voting, according to Disability Rights Arizona.(Adobe Stock)

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Today is the last day in Arizona to register online to vote in next month's election. And that means voting rights advocates in the battleground …

Every registered Colorado voter will automatically receive a ballot by mail. Unless you opt out, eligible Coloradans are automatically registered to vote when applying for or renewing your driver's license. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado one of 23 states to allow in-person registration on Election Day

Colorado residents who want to receive a November 5 general election ballot by mail must be registered, by mail or online, no later than October 28…

In September, the Michigan Senate passed SB 401, a bill to expand voter rights and accessibility in the state. The measure is set for a hearing next week in the House Elections Committee. (Adobe Stock)

MSU study: Michigan voter-roll purging could be biased

States are required to conduct regular voter list maintenance to ensure the rolls are accurate. But a new Michigan State University study suggests …

Eligible voters from both political parties would have difficulty obtaining proof of citizenship, according to a survey by the Brennan Center for Justice. Some 20 million eligible U.S. voters said they cannot quickly access a passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights groups sue to block NH proof-of-citizenship law

Voting-rights groups in New Hampshire have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's new election law, which requires proof of citizenship for …

Advocacy groups are asking folks in Wisconsin to pledge to become a Supreme Court voter. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

Overlap cited between SCOTUS and presidential election

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Wisconsin are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Marcos/AdobeStock)

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University are two schools with the largest decline in Black and Latino student admission since the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action. (Adobe Stock)

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

New York colleges and universities are seeing the effects of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action. New data from Education Reform Now …

The Mobile County Public Defenders Office launched in October 2020. Most counties in the state do not have such an office. (Adobe Stock)

From prison to advocacy: Fighting for justice in Mobile County

A man who once faced the harsh realities of Alabama's criminal justice system is now working to ensure others in Mobile County do not have to endure t…

The HBCU Liberation Tour aims to get students in historically Black colleges to engage in the political system and register to vote. (Adobe Stock)

HBCU Liberation Tour seeks to mobilize young Black voters in TN, South

Polling shows that many young people of color in Generation Z are ambivalent about voting, but one group of activists is working to change that…

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the last four months of jobs numbers indicate an uptick in the Black unemployment rate, from 5.2% in December to 6.4% in March. (Cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Job gaps persist for Black Americans, despite economic progress

Despite recent improvements in Black unemployment rates, a new report reveals Black Americans continue to face significant disparities in the labor …

A new report from the Council on American Islamic Relations-New York showed 43% of students who were bullied for being Muslim said they never asked for help. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

A new report found Muslim students in New York City public schools face high levels of discrimination in school. The report from the Council on …

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

Western Native Voice's 'Snag Dat Vote' is designed to make sure every Indigenous voter is prepared and energized to cast their ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Indigenous group travels Montana to 'get out the vote'

Montana's largest Indigenous rights group is hosting a series of events around the state to empower Native voters as the election draws closer…

Democrats outnumber Republicans in New Mexico, with about 43% of the electorate compared to the GOP's 31%. (Courtesy Heath Haussamen/NMPolitics.net)

NM officials, voter advocates monitor election disinformation

New Mexico's Doña Ana County Clerk said she feels better than expected about security and safety ahead of November's elections - but still works …

A 2023 PEN America report finds Florida leads states for the number of books banned in prisons, at 22,825 different titles. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Tablets in CT, U.S. prisons don’t fill the void of books

A new report finds using computer tablets in prisons in Connecticut and nationwide isn't filling the void of books. The Prison Policy Initiative …

Early voting for the upcoming general election runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

TX League of Women Voters participates in National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are holding voter registration events across the …

Toledo's Dorr Street once boasted more than 130 businesses between Collingwood Blvd. and Detroit Ave., including retail shops, restaurants, lodging, medical offices, entertainment venues, and services like auto repair, laundry and beauty salons. (Wikimedia Commons)

Local leaders revive Toledo’s historic 'Black Wall Street'

Toledo's historic Dorr Street Corridor was once the beating heart of Black culture, wealth and business in the city. Now, community leaders and local …

Nebraska homeowners lost about $17 million in home equity between 2014 and 2021, when more than 300 homes were taken for property tax debts. (blvdone/Adobe Stock)

Court's 'home equity theft' ruling helps homeowners in NE, nationwide

A year-old U.S. Supreme Court case means relief for two Nebraskans who faced losing their homes and all the equity they had built, when investment …

People are reminded to check their voter registration status on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and some young people in Washington state are encouraging people in their age group to ensure they're …

The League of Women Voter of Pennsylvania, along with the Brennan Center for Justice, is part of a conversation today on safety at the polls ahead of the general election. (Adobe Stock)

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

As the November 5 general election fast approaches, there's a push for more voter education in the Keystone State. It's National Voter Registration …

As of 2021, California was 18th in the nation for lowest rate of youth confined in juvenile justice facilities, at 58 youth per 100-thousand. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

The number of youth held in juvenile justice facilities in California and across the U.S. dropped 75% between 2000 and 2022 - according to a new …

If you want to register to vote on the same day as the election, you need to have a valid Nevada driver's license or ID card, according to Vote 411. (Adobe Stock)

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

National Voter Registration Day is tomorrow, and voting-rights advocates in Nevada want to ensure everyone is set to make their voice heard in …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

League of Women Voters volunteers have seen an uptick in voter registrations in recent weeks. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are gearing up for National Voter Registration Day, September 17. To register to vote in …

In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Vice Presidential nominees Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have been holding plenty of campaign events in battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

For the 2024 presidential election, Wisconsin has retained its status as a battleground state. That means voters are hearing a lot from campaigns …

If approved in November, Proposition 1 would change the way voters elect officials in primaries. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

A proposal to end closed party primaries and use a ranked choice system will appear on the November ballot. With less than two months to the …

Texas does not have online voter registration, but you can update your information or request a voter registration card at www.votetexas.gov. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

TX voters encouraged to check status

The political climate is heating up in Texas as we get closer to the general election in November. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says more than one …

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

As worries of election interference and intimidation grow in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says election officials have been preparing to …

According to Every Library Institute, Project 2025 aims to reduce federal oversight protections and spending as well as reallocating responsibilities to states and localities. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies …

Alabama's Constitution does not disenfranchise all individuals with felony convictions but it prevents those convicted of

Alabama court ruling protects voting rights for thousands

A new court order in Alabama has blocked the enforcement of House Bill 100, ensuring people with past felony convictions can vote in the November …

The Sentencing Project found a total of 8,632 individuals serving sentences for crimes committed as minors in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

GA juveniles left behind despite sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides, but a new report shows that Georgia is lagging behind. A study by …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 22, 2024

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Civil Rights

Advocates: NYC needs to close other relief centers housing migrants

Report: More than 68,000 Mississippians can’t vote due to felony convictions

ACLU of Indiana stands ready to support voter safety

Billing statements could be your gateway to voting in MN

AARP CT educates voters for November election

Court clears way for Nebraskans with past felony convictions to register, vote

Lawsuit forces NM to rush voter registration for those with felony convictions

NC group pushes for public safety through targeted investment

Poll: Rural voters want candidates to put workers first

Rural voters want worker-centered policies, poll says

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Equal Rights Amendment on NY ballot despite challenges

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

Ohio's evolving landscape of student activism

Reports: States adopting policies to increase voter access, secure elections

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Colorado one of 23 states to allow in-person registration on Election Day

MSU study: Michigan voter-roll purging could be biased

Voting rights groups sue to block NH proof-of-citizenship law

Overlap cited between SCOTUS and presidential election

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

From prison to advocacy: Fighting for justice in Mobile County

HBCU Liberation Tour seeks to mobilize young Black voters in TN, South

Job gaps persist for Black Americans, despite economic progress

Report: Muslim students in NYC face high discrimination in schools

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

Indigenous group travels Montana to 'get out the vote'

NM officials, voter advocates monitor election disinformation

Report: Tablets in CT, U.S. prisons don’t fill the void of books

TX League of Women Voters participates in National Voter Registration Day

Local leaders revive Toledo’s historic 'Black Wall Street'

Court's 'home equity theft' ruling helps homeowners in NE, nationwide

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

New data show massive drop in youth arrests, incarceration

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

TX voters encouraged to check status

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Alabama court ruling protects voting rights for thousands

GA juveniles left behind despite sentencing reforms