Racial Justice / Public News Service

Eliseo Santana, the Gulf Coast Region manager for the Alianza Center, which serves the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, showcased the first-aid kits they distribute after hurricanes. (Trimmel Gomes)

Monday, March 17, 2025

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

As the Trump administration continues to implement aggressive immigration policies, many Hispanic residents in Florida, a key voting bloc for Trump…

Almost one-half million Americans are jailed each year while awaiting trial. Many are there because they cannot post a cash bond to guarantee their appearance in court. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Friday, March 14, 2025

Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform

The incarceration rate for Americans is rising, according to a new report, and at the same time, the U.S. crime rate is falling to historic lows…

HBCUs significantly contribute to the national economy. In 2024, the United Negro College Fund reported that HBCUs had a $16.5 billion positive impact. (AS Photo Family/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 14, 2025

MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Blac…

Expanded oil and gas subsidies, included in current versions of upcoming federal tax legislation, would support a massive expansion of LNG projects to more than double national export capacity by 2030. (Jeeraphun/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 14, 2025

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

Immigrants in Ohio pay $7 billion a year in taxes and have a spending power of $20 billion contributing significantly to the state's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined how past policies have shaped the economy and what could happen if the Trump …

Data show the percentage of people who say they adhere to or support Christian Nationalist ideals has remained stable since 2022. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

WA groups work to counter Christian Nationalism

Nationwide, it is estimated about one-third of Americans either adhere to Christian Nationalist ideals or sympathize with them. Groups working for …

California is home to 1.1 million Black women, the fifth largest population in the country. (peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Almost 60% of CA Black women report discrimination at work

New research finds Black working women still face rampant discrimination in the Golden State. The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment …

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

Research: Mass deportations don't create more U.S. jobs

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

In 2022, Pennsylvania's K-12 public schools served more than 1.57 million students across nearly 2,700 schools in 499 districts. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over threats to defund schools it bel…

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Nate Blunt/Adobe Stock)

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, demanding their right to vote and changing history in …

On March 7, 1965, police and state troopers brutally attacked civil rights marchers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Known as Bloody Sunday, the violence left many injured and sparked national outrage, fueling the fight for voting rights. (Adobe Stock)

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Sixty years ago this weekend, young activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding their right to vote and changing …

People applying for asylum face what is called an

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

As the Trump administration's deportation efforts continue, more people find themselves in immigration court. Immigration law is complicated…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill to require all Texas prisons to have air conditioning by 2029 but the prison system only has to comply if the state provides the funding. (pict rider/Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

Only 30% of prisons in Texas have central air conditioning and faith leaders and advocates for those incarcerated are raising concerns about inhumane …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Even though Wisconsin is considered restrictive in its tuition and financial aid policies for undocumented students, more than 20% of the higher education student body is international, or first-or second-generation immigrants. (Adobe Stock)

WI colleges, universities get advice about ICE on campus

On President Donald Trump's second day in office, he rescinded a Biden-era rule barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making …

Illinois founded the first juvenile court more than 100 years ago on the premise children in conflict with the law should be treated separate and distinct from adults. Katherine Buchanan with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative said today, many children are jailed for offenses adults would not be jailed for. (Adobe Stock)

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative …

Latinos in NM, nation urged to boycott national retailers over DEI curbs

In a nationwide movement, Latinos are being urged to boycott retail stores tomorrow that have curtailed programs promoting fair hiring practices…

Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate four times higher than white people.(Framestock/Adobe Stock)

WA legislators weigh voting rights for incarcerated people

More than 14,000 incarcerated people in Washington are not able to vote and two bills in Olympia aim to change it. One bill would make voting more …

Ohio is home to more than 83,000 federal employees. All of them reportedly recently received an email from the Office of Personnel Management, asking for details on what they accomplish at work. (Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons)

DOGE, OPM demands shake up federal workers in OH and beyond

The federal workforce in Ohio numbers more than 83,000 and many say they're reeling after weeks of job cuts and a demand from Elon Musk, his …

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's proposed budget estimates total revenues of $55.453 billion, and total spending of $55.234 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Pritzker budget plan called out for lack of focus on Black, Latino residents

Illinois' Legislative Latino Caucus and Black Caucus have responded to Governor JB Pritzker's budget address he delivered last week, and each …

Participants in the Nebraska RAICES teacher training program receive leadership development and mentoring designed to support them in their teaching careers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

The future of a teacher training program in rural Nebraska is in danger since the Trump administration has cut diversity-related grants in its effort …

More than 60,000 people in Oregon could benefit from expanding food benefits to undocumented residents. (Franco Capotosti/Adobe Stock)

Undocumented OR farmworkers may gain access to food assistance

By Amal Ahmed for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the Yes! Media/Sentient/Just and Climate-…

The advocacy group Power a Clean Future Ohio said it is dedicated to ensuring every community has clean air, clean energy and clean transportation, no matter your ZIP Code or the color of your skin. (Sherman Cahal/Adobe Stock)

Ohio communities at risk amid EPA's program cuts

The Trump administration has begun dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency's office working to reducing environmental harms in minority and lo…

Produce at an upcoming farmers market will come directly from Catawba Trail Farm in Durham, N.C. (Volodymyr Kyrylyuk/Adobe Stock)

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

An urban farm in North Carolina is celebrating Black History Month this weekend with a farmers market and historic group hike. Urban Community …

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came to Memphis, Tenn., to support the sanitation workers' strike on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination. (Gerald Zaffuts/Adobe Stock)

MLK III on legacy, building connections for dignity, respect, civility

In Tennessee and nationwide, communities are celebrating Black History Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of African Americans to …

Diesel exhaust represents about 80-percent of the potential cancer risk from all air toxics in the Puget Sound area. (Natalia Bratslavsky/Adobe Stock)

Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions

New legislation would transition more ocean-going container ships to run off electricity instead of diesel while they are docked at Washington ports…

School Meals for All programs consistently show nutritional and behavioral improvements in students. (School Meals for All Coalition)

Bill extending free food to all OR public schools has broad support

New legislation that would ensure every Oregon public school student has access to free breakfast and lunch has widespread, bipartisan support…

The USDA has a long history of refusing to process loans from Black farmers, and approving smaller loans compared to white farmers. (Brittany Bell Surratt)

Small MS family farms battle inequities, climate change

For generations, small family farms have worked to feed Mississippi communities but small-scale operations, particularly those run by Black farmers…

The Trump administration has halted all pending environmental litigation in the U.S. Department of Justice. (Pixabay)

Closure of EPA branch predicted to affect MS environment

The Trump administration has begun to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority and…

Rosenwald Schools served rural Black communities across 15 southern states, from Maryland to Texas. (Adobe Stock/AI)

The little-known history and disappearing architecture of Rosenwald Schools

By Kim Kobersmith for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for South Carolina News Service for the Daily Yonder-Public News Service Coll…

More than 11,500 scholars were served in CDF Freedom Schools over 36 states and nearly 200 program sites during 2023. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

As Black History Month continues, advocacy groups in Ohio are pushing for policies that benefit children from all backgrounds. They emphasize the …

If passed, Senate Bill 1 would prohibit public universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion training for students, faculty and staff. Event photo credit Ohio Student Association.

Students protest as Ohio Senate weighs higher-ed overhaul

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

Louisiana's overall educational attainment rate has increased by 20.4% since 2009. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: LA educational attainment improving but below national average

Louisiana ranks below the national average in the percentage of adults with a college degree or other postsecondary credentials, according to the new …

The Trump administration has paused all environmental litigation in the Justice Department. (Adobe Stock)

Climate advocate: Closure of EPA branch harms VA environment

The Trump administration has begun to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority and…

The administration has begun work to break up the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division. (Adobe Stock)

Climate advocate: Trump EPA office closure harms environment

The Trump administration has started dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority an…

Nate Rush attends a reunion of staff, volunteers and residents of the former Bethlehem House in Indianapolis. (Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy)

Harm reduction efforts fall short for Black men in Indiana

By Darian Benson and Mary Claire Molloy for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Pre…

Attorneys representing an undocumented father in Lubbock said he faces deportation proceedings after a traffic stop by police. (Thanyalak/Adobe Stock)

Northwest TX father faces deportation

A northwest Texas family is waiting to hear from agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a recent traffic stop. Jose is in the country …

According to Innovative Hematology, Marion and Lake counties have the highest rates of sickle cell disease patients in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the life-shortening blood disease sickle cell anemia affects about 100,000 Americans, mostly …

About 38 percent of Oregon Native students went on to college in 2024, which is higher than the national average, but still the lowest of all racial/ethnic groups. (Tasneem H/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: OR needs to do more to get Native Americans into higher ed

Institutions need to do more to close the higher education graduation gap for Native Americans, according to a new report. The report notes at just …

Immigrants make up 9.7% of Pennsylvania's workforce and play a vital role in strengthening the state's economy in various ways. (Pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Educators voice concerns about PA immigrant student protections

Immigration policy changes under the Trump administration are instilling fear in Pennsylvania schools, as educators and advocates warn of their …

The American Federation of Teachers says schools must be safe havens, welcoming places of learning and free from racism, discrimination and the threat of deportation. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

School districts across Texas are grappling with ways to keep migrant children safe and engaged in class now that the Trump administration has made it…

Cincinnati Public Schools serves approximately 35,000 students, with more than one in 10 being English learners who do not speak it as their first language. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Educators, Ohio leaders react to new ICE rules

A new federal policy allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into public schools has sparked concerns nationwide, including here in Ohio…

The Lower Umatilla Groundwater Management Area was designated in 1990, after nitrate contamination was identified in northern Umatilla and Morrow counties. (Miljan �ivković/Adobe Stock)

Report: Nitrate levels continue to rise in eastern OR groundwater

A new study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found nitrate levels have continued to rise across the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater …

A recent study found nearly 70% of children under age six in Chicago may be exposed to lead contaminated tap water. (Adobe Stock)

IL works toward lead-free water pipes

Illinois has been working to replace all its lead water pipes but the task is enormous, as it is estimated the state has the most lead service lines …

Statewide, Medi-Cal provides medical and dental benefits for 38% of the population, or 14 million people. (Carlos/Adobe Stock)

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

A new report shows what it calls a "dental divide" in the Los Angeles area - finding that only 20% to 25% of people on Medi-Cal actually use their den…

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASHLA) says Black History Month is celebrated in February because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were born during this month. (Adobe Stock)

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month

Bloomington is among the Indiana communities kicking off Black History Month over the weekend. Historian Carter G. Woodson launched what was …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - March 17, 2025

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Racial Justice

Hispanic veteran demands respect amid immigration crackdown

Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform

MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

WA groups work to counter Christian Nationalism

Survey: Almost 60% of CA Black women report discrimination at work

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

Research: Mass deportations don't create more U.S. jobs

PA teachers union reacts to DEI lawsuit against Dept. of Education

Alabama teens use art to honor Bloody Sunday and push for change

GA performance honors Bloody Sunday, spotlights today’s challenges

Immigration courts offer many barriers, few solutions

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

WI colleges, universities get advice about ICE on campus

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

Latinos in NM, nation urged to boycott national retailers over DEI curbs

WA legislators weigh voting rights for incarcerated people

DOGE, OPM demands shake up federal workers in OH and beyond

Pritzker budget plan called out for lack of focus on Black, Latino residents

Federal cuts jeopardize rural NE teacher training program

Undocumented OR farmworkers may gain access to food assistance

Ohio communities at risk amid EPA's program cuts

NC farmer's market, hike mark Black History Month

MLK III on legacy, building connections for dignity, respect, civility

Shore power bill would improve WA air quality, cut emissions

Bill extending free food to all OR public schools has broad support

Small MS family farms battle inequities, climate change

Closure of EPA branch predicted to affect MS environment

The little-known history and disappearing architecture of Rosenwald Schools

Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month

Students protest as Ohio Senate weighs higher-ed overhaul

Report: LA educational attainment improving but below national average

Climate advocate: Closure of EPA branch harms VA environment

Climate advocate: Trump EPA office closure harms environment

Harm reduction efforts fall short for Black men in Indiana

Northwest TX father faces deportation

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

Report: OR needs to do more to get Native Americans into higher ed

Educators voice concerns about PA immigrant student protections

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

Educators, Ohio leaders react to new ICE rules

Report: Nitrate levels continue to rise in eastern OR groundwater

IL works toward lead-free water pipes

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month