Human Rights/Racial Justice / Public News Service

Evalynn Fae Taganna Romano spoke with 16 custodians in 2020 for the UW Custodian Project. (UW Custodian Project)

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WA Project Highlights Work Conditions for Custodians

By Evalynn Fae Taganna Romano for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …

In 2021, the Pueblo Community Health Center delivered one out of every three babies born in Pueblo County. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 27, 2022

New "Green" Health Center Expands Access in East Pueblo

When the Pueblo Community Health Center opened its 14,000 square-foot facility in 2003, Pueblo's east side, home to mostly minority residents…

The People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland's 2022 legislative priorities hone in on homelessness, poverty, youths, drug policy and bodily autonomy. (Adobe Stock)

MD People's Commission Lists Legislative Priorities for 2022

As Gov. Larry Hogan revealed his proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget in Annapolis yesterday, the People's Commission to Decriminalize Maryland announced …

Access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) funds varies greatly by county in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Colorado and other states are hoarding more than $6 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2020, Colorado denied …

In North Dakota, Native Americans represent only 5% of the state's population, but roughly a quarter of the state's prison and jail population. (Adobe Stock)

ND Continues Effort to Examine Racial Bias in Courts

It's been nearly a year since North Dakota began collecting racial data on people accused of committing crimes - a process that paves the way for a re…

Farmworkers suffer from higher blood pressure compared with the general public, putting them at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes; yet many face challenges accessing health care. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Farmworkers suffer from higher blood pressure compared with the general public, putting them at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes; yet many face challenges accessing health care. (Adobe Stock)

Rural NC Farmworker Clinics Rely on APRNs

Volunteer Advanced Practice Registered Nurses serve North Carolina's most vulnerable communities, yet many say the state's supervising physician …

While the number of public school teachers of color has grown substantially, the increase has not kept pace with changes in the nation's student population, <a href= — While the number of public school teachers of color has grown substantially, the increase has not kept pace with changes in the nation's student population, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality. (Adobe Stock)

Race, Gender Factors in TN Teacher Classroom-Observation Scores

New research suggests Tennessee's system for rating a teacher's effectiveness by observing them in the classroom may not be equitable - at a time when…

The National Day of Racial Healing started five years ago, in 2017, three days before the inauguration of former President Donald Trump. (Kellogg Foundation)

National Day of Racial Healing Today

Today, the day after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, comes a chance to put our ideals into action on the sixth annual National Day of Racial …

MLK "Marade" Spotlights Drive to Protect Voting Rights

As Democrats in Congress struggle to get enough votes to pass new federal voter protections, Denver's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day "Marade" - a …

The racial wealth gap has persisted for decades. White families have about seven times the wealth of Black families. (Hyejin Kang/Adobe Stock)

WA Baby Bond Program Aims to Address Wealth Gap

Washington state lawmakers are considering a policy which could help close the wealth gap for future generations. The Washington Future Fund is a …

The Arkansas MLK Commission also hosts a King Holiday Day of Impact on Mon., Jan. 17, at the Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock. (Adobe Stock)

MLK Day Caravan in AR to Focus on Inclusivity, Voting Rights

Today, activists in Little Rock host a "drive-through" interfaith prayer breakfast on Martin Luther King Junior Day, to honor the legacy of the civil-…

George Floyd's killing in 2020 sparked massive protests, in Seattle and across the country, to spotlight the need for racial justice. (SoundersBruce/Wikimedia Commons)

NW Racial Equity Struggle in Focus on MLK Day

The quest for greater racial equity in the Northwest is in the spotlight today on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it's part of the mission of one …

Arizona environmental and political leaders are pushing state legislators to pass measures that would move the state's power grid to renewable sources of energy. (andreiorlov/Adobe Stock)

AZ Groups Outline Environmental Goals for 2022 Legislature

An alliance of environmental groups and lawmakers has released an ambitious, wide-ranging set of goals for the 2022 Arizona Legislature. The …

In the new survey, 38% of Black men surveyed in Ohio reported either being denied care or being provided inferior care in a medical setting. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Disparities: A Way of Life for Black Ohioans?

A new report suggests discrimination in medical settings affects the quality of care for many Ohioans. In a survey of more than 800 people, …

A survey from 2021 found 38% of Oregon respondents with children age 12 and under faced disruptions to their child-care arrangements in the last month. (Kawee/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Conundrum Presents Hurdles for OR Families

Finding and affording child care is no cakewalk for Oregon families right now. A new report details the pressures and some potential policy fixes…

People of color make up about a quarter of Portland's population, which makes it hard to reach half of voters to elect city council members. (Casimiro/Adobe Stock)

Proportional Elections Seen as Representing More Communities, Coalitions

Advocates for democracy reform say there is another way to hold elections that will better represent more communities. Proportional representation …

Doulas are trained to provide physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant people during labor, birth and postpartum. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Supports Doulas in CT Pushing for State Policy Changes

A coalition of doulas in Connecticut hopes to expand their participation in public policy discussions about the care they deliver with the support of …

Some Native Americans living on Montana reservations travel more than 100 miles to polling locations. (Western Native Voice)

After Historic Struggle, Barriers Remain for Native American Voters

The road to voting rights for Native Americans has been long, but advocates for indigenous people hope to build on the momentum they've seen in …

The ACLU lawsuit contends voting in Arkansas is highly polarized along racial lines. In recent statewide elections, Black voters have supported their preferred candidates with more than 80% of their votes. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit: New AR House Map Weakens Black Voting Power

A redistricting challenge in Arkansas gets its first court hearing this month. The lawsuit claims the Arkansas Board of Apportionment's new voting-…

If the New York State Legislature rejects the Independent Redistricting Commission's maps again, it will be up to state lawmakers to draw congressional and state legislative district lines. (Flickr/Wally Gobetz)

NY Lawmakers Reject Latest Redistricting Maps

The New York State Legislature on Monday rejected two sets of district maps submitted by the state's Independent Redistricting Commission, so more …

If Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget plan is adopted, Cal Fresh would start planning in order to introduce food assistance to undocumented Californians age 55 and older. (Stanislau_V/Adobestock)

Governor’s Budget Would Begin to Open Cal Fresh to the Undocumented 55+

Advocates for the Food for All campaign are praising Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal, which would begin the process of expanding the Cal …

Enrollment among first-time Hispanic college students dropped by nearly 20% during the height of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Latinos Continue to Face Barriers to College Degrees

The COVID health pandemic has blunted progress made in the number of Latino students graduating with a college certificate or degree, a development …

Heart Mountain internment camp's 10,000 Japanese American residents were held in a one-square-mile area surrounded by nine towers staffed by armed military police. (Adobe Stock)

Remembering Japanese Americans' Internment at Heart Mountain

Heart Mountain was an internment camp in northwest Wyoming where Japanese Americans were relocated against their will during World War II. It was …

In Texas, 16% of residents say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial suffering. (islandworks/Pixabay)

TX Survey: Hispanics Suffer Greatest Financial Hardship from COVID-19

Half of Texas residents say COVID-19 has caused them financial hardship, and Hispanic families faced the most severe consequences, according to a new …

Promoters of an event in Helena on the anniversary of the Capitol storming have ties to groups including the Oath Keepers. (Justin Brockie/Adobe Stock)

MT Group Warns of Far-Right Rally on Jan. 6 Anniversary

While vigils are planned in Montana to mark the January 6th Capitol riot aimed at overthrowing the results of the 2020 election, far-right extremists …

People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes and have an average life expectancy of 30 years less than the housed population. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado to Invest $400 Million in Affordable Housing

A task force charged with addressing homelessness and affordable housing across Colorado is expected to release recommendations on how to invest some …

The 14th and 15th legislative districts are a point of contention for Latino and indigenous communities in the region. (Washington State Redistricting Commission)

Communities of Color Push Back on WA Voting Map

Challenges linger over the Washington State Redistricting Commission's recently approved legislative map. Redistricting Justice for Washington …

The Latino Community Association provides computer-skills training for beginners and more advanced users. (GR-Photography/Adobe Stock)

Central OR Organization Tackles Workforce Challenges for Latino Communities

A program in central Oregon is helping growing Latino communities in the region upgrade their workforce skills. The Latino Community Association …

Hunting elk has spiritual and cultural significance for Crow Indians, yet for more than a century, the State of Wyoming refused to recognize Crow Tribe treaty hunting rights. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Defies U.S. Supreme Court Over Crow Tribal Hunting Rights

Wyoming will appeal a recent district court decision affirming Crow tribal hunting rights granted under treaties signed in the 19th century, rights …

Other policy recommendations in the report include mandating that officers complete 40 hours of racial bias and youth-specific training prior to interacting with students. (Adobe Stock)

Report: School Officers Don't Make Students Feel Safer

A new report shows the presence of police officers in school settings contributed to more referrals to law enforcement, particularly for students of …

Following the murder of George Floyd, Minnesota lawmakers adopted police-reform measures. But advocates say they don't go far enough, and are now doing more direct work with departments to revamp response efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Beyond Potter Verdict, MN Police Reform Efforts Forge Ahead

This month's guilty verdict in the Kim Potter trial has brought renewed attention to police accountability, but a Minnesota group says fatal …

Kendrick Ransome has been farming in Pinetops, N.C., since 2018 on land his family has owned for generations.(Lee Everette)

Efforts to Boost Local Food-Supply Chain in Upper Coastal Plain

A new online mapping project is helping connect local growers to regional markets in the state's Upper Coastal Plain. Planning and Development …

Black students are more likely to be suspended for discretionary reasons such as dress code or hairstyle. (simona/Adobe Stock)

Starting Next Year, Hair Discrimination Banned in IL Schools

Starting Jan. 1, a law goes into effect banning hair discrimination in Illinois schools. Studies have shown one in five Black women working in …

The Oregon Legislature adopted its maps on Sept. 27. (OregonLegislature.gov)

OR Voting Maps Could Weaken Indigenous Communities' Electoral Power

Indigenous communities in Oregon are raising concerns about the voting maps drawn and approved in Oregon. Brian Smith is a political consultant and …

A letter sent to Congress by 240 groups in part calls for $69.5 million for increased access to overdose prevention, harm reduction, and syringe service programs through the CDC's Infectious Diseases and the Opioid Epidemic program. (Flickr)

As Overdoses Climb, NY Groups Seek Solutions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced another staggering new death count amid the pandemic: more than 100,000 fatal drug overdo…

In the second cohort of the Magnolia Mother's Trust, the percentage of moms able to keep up with their bills increased from 37% to 80%. (Adobe Stock)

With BBB In Doubt, A Push for Guaranteed Income for Low-Income Families

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Median bond amounts are roughly $10,000 higher for Black defendants than for their white counterparts, according to a study by the Michigan League for Public Policy. (asecondchancebailbonds.org)

TX Bailout Highlights Inequities Between Poor, Rich Defendants

Nine Texas residents now held in the Dallas County jail system will be bailed out this Thursday and met by reform advocates who say the bail system is…

During redistricting, the Indiana General Assembly set new boundary lines for the state's 150 legislative districts and nine congressional seats (Indiana State House/Adobe Stock)

Redistricting Over, IN Voting Rights Group Looks to the Future

Indiana's redistricting process concluded in October, but one voting rights group is eyeing ways to ensure fair representation in the future…

The Fort Hall Reservation is located in southeast Idaho and spans three different legislative districts under the new map. (legislature.idaho.gov)

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Sue Over ID Voting Map

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are adding to a slew of legal challenges to Idaho's legislative voting maps. The Idaho Commission for Reapportionment …

The MANO Project's summer fellowships and internships are paid, and many offer transportation stipends, free on-site housing or housing stipends. (Adobe Stock)

Public Lands Agencies Work to Diversify, Strengthen Staff

The Hispanic Access Project is teaming up with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest and Fish and Wildlife services, and other agencies to …

In a new report, Minnesota ranks 30th out of 42 states when it comes to health system performance for the state's Latino population. (Adobe Stock)

Spurred by New Report, Health Equity Work Continues in MN

A new report details health equity issues in Minnesota, shedding light on racial disparities when it comes to care access and outcomes. Regional …

In the redistricting process, New York will lose one congressional seat, the result of a population decrease upstate. (NYIRC Maps)

NY Groups Hope New Voting-District Maps Reflect Community Input

New York City made history last week when the City Council passed a law giving non-citizens with legal permanent-resident status the right to vote in …

Hair is a sacred symbol for Lakota tribal members, and should only be cut by a Native American woman or a child's grandfather in ceremony. (Adobe Stock)

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

ROSEBUD, Neb. -- A lawsuit accusing a Nebraska school district of violating a Lakota family's First Amendment rights and unlawful racial …

New Hampshire is one of eight states that have passed laws to restrict the teaching of concepts such as systemic racism and gender identity. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Educators, Parents, Union File Lawsuit Against NH 'Divisive Concepts' Bill

CONCORD, N.H. -- Educators, parents and the American Federation of Teachers-New Hampshire (AFT) have filed a lawsuit against the state's so-called …

South Dakota's redistricting effort involves redrawing 35 legislative districts. Because it has only one seat in Congress, no federal maps are involved. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /> — South Dakota's redistricting effort involves redrawing 35 legislative districts. Because it has only one seat in Congress, no federal maps are involved. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: SD's Redistricting Needs to Catch Up with Diversity

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - When South Dakota voters head to the polls next year, they'll decide on candidates hoping to serve newly drawn legislative …

Iowa often is lauded for taking politics out of redistricting. But some say there are still representation issues, including the Legislature having only eight minority members, all of whom are in the House. (Adobe Stock)

Apart From Independent Approach, How Inclusive is IA's Redistricting?

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa has enacted new congressional and legislative boundaries now that redistricting has wrapped. Despite its reputation for an …

Offenders 60 years or older at the time of release are significantly less likely to return to prison for violent offenses - only a fourth returned, with a public order offense as their most serious charge, according to a U.S. Sentencing Commission report. (Adobe stock)<br /><br /> — Offenders 60 years or older at the time of release are significantly less likely to return to prison for violent offenses - only a fourth returned, with a public order offense as their most serious charge, according to a U.S. Sentencing Commission report. (Adobe stock)

Maryland Ends Governor’s Ability to Halt Parole

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland lawmakers voted this week to repeal the governor's ability to reject parole decisions for people serving life sentences…

From left, Andrea Comer, committee chairwoman, Connecticut Social Equity Council, and Carlton Highsmith, Joseph Carbone and Fred McKinney announce the Alliance for Cannabis Equity on Tuesday in Hamden, Conn. (The Narrative Project)

Alliance: Prioritize Racial Justice in CT Marijuana Industry

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Connecticut is among several states working on what its new recreational marijuana industry will look like, and a new coalition …

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