Community Issues and Volunteering / Public News Service

Washington Bee Atlas volunteers participate in a collecting event in the Palouse, a region in the state known for its agricultural production. (WA State Dept of Agriculture)<br />

First complete survey of native WA bees finds new species

After one year, Washington's first comprehensive bee survey has documented 15 species that have never been collected in the state before. The …

A march for immigrant rights in Spokane, led by student leaders and supported by the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane and other community organizations. (PJALS)

WA joins national Families First protests on Saturday

This Saturday is a National Day of Protest in response to the Trump administration's recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts funding …

An agroforestry project is a partnership between the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Savannah Institute and The University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish four publicly-accessible, educational demonstration sites across southeast Wisconsin. (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Wisconsin nonprofit looks to expand agroforestry project

A Wisconsin nonprofit is working with farmers in Southeast Wisconsin to educate communities about the importance of agroforestry, with plans to …

Then-President Barack Obama awards the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Congressman John Lewis in a White House ceremony on Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House photo)

Advocates urge Utahns to cause 'good trouble' on National Day of Action

Civil rights activists are urging Utahns and thousands of other people across the country to cause "good trouble" today in the name of protecting Amer…

Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane will use its AARP Community Challenge funds to teach digital literacy skills to refugee seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Amid rising homelessness, grants help more WA seniors age in place

More seniors in Washington state are facing financial strain or even losing their homes and seven local organizations will expand support for them wit…

The Feeding Texas network said despite federal cuts, the organization stands united in its commitment to fight hunger but food banks cannot fill the gap left by the cuts. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Food banks across Texas prepare to help the needy despite federal cuts

Almost 3.5 million Texans utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase food. The budget reconciliation bill recently signed …

According to the Trump administration's 2026 fiscal year budget, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will cut 22% of its workforce, in addition to the workforce reductions that have already taken place. (Adobe Stock)

Federal impacts to ag conservation in WI 'complex'

Wisconsin's agriculture industry could see both wins and losses under the new federal budget. Climate change isn't a priority for the Trump …

The study found in 2024, Illinois beaches had potentially unsafe levels of fecal contamination on at least 25% of all days tested. (Adobe Stock)

IL beaches pose danger from bacteria presence

"Don't go into the water" is a warning Illinoisans may want to heed. A 2024 study released this week found all state-border beaches on Lake Michigan …

Jeanette Vizguerra, currently being held in a Geo Group ICE detention facility in Aurora, was recently named a 2025 recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. (Galatas)

Poll: Most Americans say Trump has gone too far on immigration

Some 15 community and faith-based organizations gathered again this week outside the Geo Group ICE detention facility in Aurora where longtime Denver …

Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

Bike Durango won a $12,300 grant to create a bike lane that connects people with multiple municipal amenities, to promote a safer environment for walking and cycling, especially for older adults. (Adobe Stock)

AARP invests $75,000 in CO projects to make communities more livable

The nation's largest advocacy group for people age 50 and older is investing more than $4.2 million, including more than $75,000 in Colorado…

Members of the Blackfoot Drought Committee, first formed in 2000, include local landowners, irrigators and outfitters, as well as representatives from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. (Jason Olstad/Adobe Stock)

MT’s dry conditions test updated Blackfoot River drought plan

Following last year's historic drought in Montana and hot temperatures early this spring, the Blackfoot River is running at roughly 25% of normal …

Residents along the Guadalupe River say it will take years for the area to recovery from the deadly flooding event on July 4. (Photo courtesy Casey Claiborne)

Texans grieve victims of deadly Hill Country flooding

Tributes and memorials are pouring in for victims of the deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The storm stalled over the Texas …

In Tennessee, more than 37% of SNAP recipients are in households that include older adults or individuals with disabilities. (Selene Studio/Adobe Stock)

Tennessee hunger relief group warns SNAP cuts would affect rural families

Tennessee hunger-fighting advocates warn that proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps, could deepen food …

The Island Fox is the only carnivore unique to California. (Photo courtesy Chuck Graham)

CA's Channel Islands Fox, a conservation success story

A small fox that lives on the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California is thriving after near extinction. The island fox - found nowhere …

Scientists are in search of new microbes that can capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, as plants do, but at much higher rates. (Adobe Stock)

CSU wants Coloradans’ gunk and goo to help fight climate change

The slime, gunk, and goo in and around your home could help mitigate climate change. Researchers at Colorado State University are asking Coloradans …

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence is boosting summer reading with incentives to help kids stay sharp and build stronger literacy skills over the break. (Adobe Stock)

Giving circles provide funding for PA youth mentorship, empowerment

Two youth-focused nonprofits in Pennsylvania are expanding enrichment and mentoring programs, thanks to $500,000 in grants benefiting hundreds of …

A poll showed Americans largely support requiring oil and gas companies to pay pollution fees but Congress wants to delay a polluter fee established under the Biden administration. (Adobe Stock)

Congressional budget battle threatens Ohio methane crackdown

Ohio is stepping up efforts to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas sector, but Congress is attempting to delay a federal methane emissions …

Pew Research Center reported the share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade but in economically challenged areas, the digital gap might be wider. (Adobe Stock)

Eastern KY to get more 'tech savvy' with community-focused grant

Eastern Kentucky is still trying to recover from the decline of coal production and a regional nonprofit will soon kick off a digital training initiat…

In Wisconsin, 300 farmers participated in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which funded $4.2 million worth of food to more than 250 pantries. (Adobe Stock)

WI communities grapple to make up for fresh food grant cuts

By Olivia Herken for the Wisconsin Independent.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Wisconsin Indep…

In 2024, Helena Food Share recovered more than 825,000 pounds of food from grocery stores. (Adobe Stock)

Eight months after expansion, central Montana food bank meets increased need

A central Montana food bank has seen more traffic since it expanded last fall and as Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs including grocery …

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is a major economic driver in Nebraska, North Dakota and Iowa, generating annual revenue of $417 million, according to its annual report. (Adobe Stock)

Ho-Chunk launches summer internship program, offering path to career success

Ho-Chunk has kicked off its summer internship program in Nebraska after sifting through 600 applicants. It is opening pathways to higher education …

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)

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 …

Oregonians' formal volunteer hours are worth about $3.2 billion a year. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Spotlighting Oregon's most impactful volunteers

AARP Oregon has opened up nominations for its prestigious award for volunteerism. For the Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization will …

In Colorado and across the United States, seniors wait almost three hours in the emergency room per visit, about 43% live alone, and a quarter of older homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing, according to a new Seniorly report. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado ranks 15th nationally for safely aging in place

A new report ranks Colorado as the 15th safest state in the nation for aging in place, tied with Michigan. A record 4.2 million Americans are …

Prairies once covered a significant portion of Wisconsin, but today less than 0.1% of original prairies remain, making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. (Adobe Stock)

WI group empowers women to restore prairies, pollinators

June is National Pollinator Month and a local agricultural group which aims to empower women in conservation is bringing awareness to how prairie rest…

Social determinants of health, such as housing, education, income and access to transportation, account for up to 80% of health outcomes. (Zerbor/Adobe Stock)

Missouri trailblazers awarded $200,000 for health equity work

The Missouri Foundation for Health has named the first five winners of its new "Spark Prize," an award backing Missourians who are working to promote …

Nebraska is celebrating Pride month with events across the state, including a parade and festival in Grand Island on June 28th. (Adobe Stock)

Out Nebraska rebrands, increases outreach during Pride Month

The nonprofit Out Nebraska is marking Pride month with a series of parades, marches and other events across the state in June. The group is also …

The Venice Dell project, if built, would add 120 units of affordable housing to the Venice Beach neighborhood. (Adobe Stock)

Beleaguered L.A. affordable housing proposal goes before judge

Los Angeles faces a severe shortage of affordable housing but Monday, the city is asking a judge to put a hold on a lawsuit which aims to clear the …

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

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 …

Flowers and notes are placed outside the Brooklyn Park home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman after the Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were fatally shot in what police say was a politically motivated attack. (Mike Moen/PNS)

Honoring Rep. Hortman through acts of public service

Minnesotans gathered at the state Capitol last night for a candlelight vigil for Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, after she was assassinated …

A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …

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 …

Jewish communities have fasted for centuries in times of collective mourning and catastrophe. (Adobe Stock)

Chicago Jewish group leads hunger strike for Gaza

Local Jewish advocates for Palestinians are joining forces to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They are calling on the U.S…

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 …

Around 5.8 million cats and dogs were taken to shelters across the United States in 2024, down 1% from 2023. (hedgehog94/Adobe Stock)

Spay and neuter program designed to reduce stray animal population across TX

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story described the spay/neuter effort as a "bill," rather than a pilot program. (12:16 a.m. MDT, June 16…

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, thousands of Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage because of work requirements. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

AR residents could lose Medicaid under budget reconciliation bill

As Congress considers cuts to safety-net programs for what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan…

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 …

In 1981, the first Pride event was a dinner at the now-gone Essex House Hotel, where many of the attendees wore masks upon entering the hotel so as not to be recognized. (Adobe Stock)

Indy Pride turns 30, refuses to be quiet

Indiana's largest LGBTQ+ celebration kicks off this weekend as Indy Pride marks its 30th anniversary. The event expands this year to two days…

The national service organization AmeriCorps invested more than $12.7 million in its Montana program last year, funding which was cut by the Department of Government Efficiency in April. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Judge restores AmeriCorps funding in 24 states but not Montana

After the Department of Government Efficiency cut AmeriCorps funding earlier this year, a federal judge last week granted a temporary halt to the …

While not traditionally considered part of

MO nonprofits give financial boost to tornado-ravaged communities

Missouri Foundation for Health and its partners are putting $500,000 toward tornado recovery, boosting local relief efforts after storms devastated …

The North Dakota group FM Volunteers for Ukraine has helped sponsor Ukrainians granted temporary work status after fleeing the war with Russia. Officials said social integration has been a key benefit. (Photo courtesy of FM Volunteers)

Federal program shake-up leaves Ukrainian workers in ND in limbo

Ukrainians who fled the war in their home country for temporary roots in North Dakota are waiting with worry about their ability to keep working in th…

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 …

More than 40% of senior citizens report feeling lonely on a regular basis. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Senior social isolation: A silent epidemic, as deadly as cigarettes

Senior advocates are sounding the alarm about the effects of social isolation on older people in Illinois, saying loneliness is comparable to smoking …

The Great American Rail-Trail utilizes more than 150 existing trails but has more than 80 gaps. Montana's section is 25.3% complete. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Transportation Secretary reviews Montana bike corridor grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation has frozen millions in grant dollars awarded by the Biden administration, leaving those counting on them in …

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has asked the Arkansas Legislative Council for a $15 million allocation to fund the program. Grants will be awarded in the fall. ((JLco) Julia Amaral/Adobe Stock)

Community grant program to improve lives for Arkansans

The application process is underway for a new grant program in Arkansas. The Community Assistance Grant Program is designed to help fill funding gaps …

A survey of Minnesotans by Compassion & Choices found they believe medical aid in dying should be a legal option for terminally ill individuals by a margin of 53 points, 73% to 20%. (mykeyruna/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MN honors cultural differences during AANHPI Heritage Month

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are a rapidly growing population in the United States - but as those living in Minnesota age…

Seniors in Cook County, Illinois, said programs like Meals on Wheels providing hot meals delivered to them every day helps them feel safer in their homes. (Adobe Stock)

IL advocates highlight critical services for seniors

Illinois residents and elected officials are participating in a statewide day of advocacy to bring awareness to the Older Americans Act. Services …

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