Racial Justice / Public News Service

The Natural Resources Defense Council points to a large body of research showing communities of color are disproportionately exposed to fumes, toxic dust, ash, soot and other pollutants from hazardous facilities in their neighborhoods. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Environmental justice activism finds energy in MN's Latino communities

Minnesotans are cooling off after last weekend's extreme heat but communities bearing the brunt of environmental injustice said there will be more cli…

American Indian and Alaska Native Coloradans paid higher monthly and out of pocket health care costs, even with insurance, compared to their white peers, research shows. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Health gaps persist for American Indian, Alaska Native Coloradans

American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Colorado continue to face significant gaps in health care access, quality and outcomes, according to …

The City of Philadelphia hosts several events today (Thursday) in celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday observed nationwide with storytelling and community gatherings honoring Black history, culture and resilience. (reham/Adobe Stock)

Juneteenth: Celebrating Black literacy and artistic freedom

A Pennsylvania literacy organization is commemorating the Juneteenth holiday by highlighting the history and contributions of Black people in the Unit…

Colorado has started licensing psychedelic therapy healing centers, which are expected to open as early as this summer. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado spotlights role of psychedelics in addressing overdose crisis

Some 7,000 people are expected to attend this week's Psychedelic Science conference in Denver and public health activists are spotlighting the potenti…

Research shows students of color are more likely to be suspended and also less likely to receive support with schoolwork while they are out of class. (jovannig/Adobe Stock)

Child rights advocates: New WA school discipline rules roll back protections

Washington's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has revised its public school discipline policies, and advocates for children said …

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…

The May 4 Visitor Center at Kent State University educates the public about the 1970 campus shootings and their lasting impact on civil liberties and protest rights. Canfora calls her brother (holding a black flag) away from a school parking lot while National Guard troops are on the scene in May 1970. (John Filo)

OH's Kent State lessons loom over military response to L.A. protests

A Kent State University shooting survivor is warning Ohioans and others to take note of the U.S. military's involvement in immigration-related …

The Washington legislature passed a number of bills this session aimed at protecting queer and trans rights, including a controversial bill that expands students' privacy in regards to counseling they receive at school. (Mitch/Adobe Stock)

WA group highlights Black trans performers for Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and Washington's Lavender Rights Project is celebrating with a Black Trans Comedy Showcase. This is the largest fundraiser of …

While Wisconsin ranked high overall in the areas of economic well-being and education, it ranked 17th and 25th in the categories of health, and family and community. (Adobe Stock)

WI leads nation in racial disparities, but ranks high in child well-being report

A national report found Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in racial disparities affecting children's well-being across the state. Wisconsin …

According to 2025 Kids Count Data Book, nationally nearly one in three children live in households burdened by high housing costs and Washington follows the trend. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

Report ranks Washington down in overall child well-being

Washington state has dropped to 16th in the nation for overall child well-being, according to the 2025 Kids Count Data Book, a national report …

While Oregon ranked poorly for education overall, the 2025 Kids Count Data Book showed high school graduation rates are up in the state, as well as nationwide. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Kids Count report shows Oregon kids falling behind in education

Oregon maintained a troubling ranking, holding at 43rd in the nation for children's education, according to the 2025 Kids Count Data Book, a national …

It is estimated 250,000 workers in New Mexico will endure the summer without any protection rules from heat Illness or injury. (RCP/Adobe Stock)

Another summer without heat-protection rules for NM's outdoor workers

A New Mexico coalition is stressing an urgent need for the state to adopt the strongest possible heat risk standards for indoor and outdoor workers…

Volunteers growing taro in Oregon, a crop that is a fundamental part of Hawaiian traditions. (KALO HCC)

OR groups fighting hunger: People need culturally specific food

As food insecurity rises across the state, groups fighting hunger are highlighting the need for food that is not only nutritious, but culturally …

The average cost for a gallon of regular gas is about $3 in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Blacks, Latinos disproportionately burdened by gas costs

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers …

As part of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, consumers can receive rebates of up to $4,000 for electric vehicle purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Black, Latino drivers burdened as ‘superusers’ of gasoline

As federal electric vehicle incentives face potential rollbacks, a new study is highlighting the burden of gasoline costs on Black and Latino drivers…

Landfill regulations are managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. In Harris County, 78% of the methane emissions come from three privately owned landfills over which the city has no jurisdiction. (rob245/Adobe Stock)

Houston officials look at options for growing trash problem

By Elena Bruess for Houston Landing.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Houston Landing/MIT Climate Change Engage…

Hospice care, which has been shown to improve symptom management and quality of life, is underused, especially by minority Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. (amazingstudio/Amazon)

Hard conversations, celebrations accompany AANHPI Heritage Month

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are a rapidly growing population in California and across the nation - but as they age…

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…

Supporters of Oregon's Immigrant Justice Package rallied at the Capitol. (Oregon Food Bank)

Coalition calls on OR lawmakers to pass immigrant justice package

In response to increasing federal threats to immigrant communities, including cuts to food assistance and deportations, a coalition of more than 100 …

Mississippi advocacy groups are joining the ACLU to expand police accountability efforts through the

Civil rights groups step up as DOJ reduces police oversight in MS

After President Donald Trump's decision to dismiss lawsuits and drop federal accountability agreements with several police departments, Mississippi …

Five years after George Floyd's murder, Minnesota government researchers say racial disparities are still a challenge, including a widening homeownership gap for Black residents. (Adobe Stock)

Post-George Floyd, MN communities drive Black wealth building

The racial reckoning spurred by George Floyd's murder got the public's attention about possible progress in ending wealth disparities. A Black-led …

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd's murder at the hands of several Minneapolis police officers sparked global protests against systemic racism. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of George Floyd anniversary, feds try to scrap police oversight plans

Just days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, the Trump administration announced it will try to end federal reform efforts …

Racial justice advocates warn that efforts to undermine police accountability laws show the racial reckoning spurred by George Floyd's murder has stalled. But a Minnesota expert says the movement is still an important part of history that will be felt in years to come. (Adobe Stock)

Five years after George Floyd's murder, assessing racial justice progress

This Sunday, racial-justice advocates will observe the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. A Minnesota professor who has written about …

According to the Pew Research Center, the Black immigrant population will account for roughly one-third of the U.S. Black population's growth through 2060. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Black immigrant population grows throughout Arkansas, nation

Studies show one in 10 Black people in the U.S. is an immigrant and immigrants' advocates said they face significant challenges blending into the …

According to a report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, labor and delivery is the top reason for a hospital stay nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Report: Proposed Medicaid changes could hurt AR expectant mothers

Changes to Medicaid being proposed by members of Congress could have a significant effect on women in Arkansas who are of childbearing age, according …

Gallup, New Mexico, has a disproportionately high number of

FBI promises missing Indigenous investigations but deletes historical data

The FBI has said it will add resources in 10 states including New Mexico to tackle unresolved crimes, with a focus on those related to missing and …

The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families says 20 counties nationwide have approximately half of women of child-bearing age covered by Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly a quarter of rural pregnant women in MN rely on Medicaid

Minnesota is in the top half of states when linking Medicaid coverage with needs for maternal care in rural areas. That's according to a new report …

Green Hill School is the largest state-run juvenile detention facility in the state, and has been plagued with overcrowding and understaffing in recent years. (Darya/Adobe Stock)

New WA law reels in felony convictions for incarcerated youths who fight

Advocates for juvenile justice reform in Washington are celebrating the passage of House Bill 1815. The law redefines "prison riot" and lets judges …

Less than 5% of Arizona's population considers themselves Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, according to the United States Census. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation could bring new histories to AZ classrooms

It is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill which would require schools to …

Department of Government Efficiency cuts to AmeriCorps will affedct New Mexico's Boys & Girls Clubs. (bgcsantafe.org)

Program elimination, job loss as DOGE cuts funds for NM's AmeriCorps

The dismantling of the 30-year-old AmeriCorps national service program by the Department of Government Efficiency will have significant effects in New…

Nearly 100% of student leaders identified academic pressure as a chief stressor, according to a new report.

Report: WI youth mental health struggles at all-time high

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the latest state data show the number of Wisconsin youth who are struggling with their mental health has spik…

Public utilities in Iowa cite high infrastructure investments as an impediment to installing nitrate treatment systems. Currently, only 4% of utilities have such measures. (Adobe Stock)

New research shows effects of nitrates on Iowa's most vulnerable

New research at Iowa State University shows elevated nitrate levels have an outsize effect on the state's most vulnerable populations. Studies show …

A push for renewed climate solutions in AZ, across US

Nonprofits, businesses, organizers and leaders have signed a letter calling for more climate solutions in Arizona and around the country. They claim …

The Indiana Citizen reports Lt. Gov. Beckwith also criticized

'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy

An Indiana debate over history and power is growing. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith recently defended the Three-Fifths Compromise in a social media video…

Research by economist Raj Chetty and colleagues at Harvard shows Black men's outcomes disproportionately determine economic mobility, with the racial wealth gap linked more to male than female trajectories. (Adobe Stock)

Howard University program addresses Black male enrollment crisis

As historically Black colleges and universities grapple with declining Black male enrollment, Howard University's "Kings of Campus" initiative is …

Since 2023, the caucus has secured more than $200 million in new Momnibus and maternal-health funding through the federal budget process. That money is now reaching community groups, universities, health providers and researchers nationwide. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

Black maternal health remains focus of PA lawmakers

CORRECTION: State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Gina Curry are both members of the Democratic Party. A previous version of this story incorrectly …

Reform advocates say people in America's prisons are often forced to work, and if they refuse or say they can't handle the working conditions, they can be punished. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition wants to end 'forced labor' in MN prisons

A Minnesota proposal is in the works that supporters say would end forced labor in correctional facilities. They note the 13th Amendment was adopted …

In Spring 2023, Arkansas created the Office of Early Childhood within the Arkansas Department of Education, which unifies the Arkansas early-childhood system. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR pre-K suffers from funding gap

A report by the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Arkansas needs to improve its reach with pre-K students. The state fell from …

About 54% of Latino voters in the poll describe the state of the economy as

Trump's first 100 days spark 'concern' among NV Latino voters

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Nevada are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters describ…

In Florida, Highway Patrol troopers and Border Patrol agents are also traveling together in the same vehicles to enforce immigration laws. (Adobe Stock)

Florida's immigration crackdown 'tearing families apart'

While Gov. Ron DeSantis touts "Operation Tidal Wave" as a success, advocates for Florida's immigrant families say the crackdown is tearing them apart …

The Buffalo Soldiers were the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds, including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War. The museum was founded in 2001. (serhiibobyk/Adobe Stock)

Federal funding cuts hit Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston is one of many historic and cultural institutions across the nation to lose access to federal funding…

In Illinois, counties cover the operational costs of juvenile detention centers, while the state reimburses for staffing at more than $40 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed bills would curb jailing of children in IL

Two bills aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois are close to becoming law. Senate Bill 1784 proposes raising the age of …

May Day is a traditional day for the immigrant rights movement to uplift workers and honor immigrant families. Undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $700 million in taxes to Oregon in 2023. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

A May Day mayday: A distress call for immigrant rights rally Thursday

On May 1, Oregon labor and immigrants' rights organizations are gathering in Salem calling for justice for immigrant workers and an end to mass …

Bonnie Miller, President of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, said

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester is facing legal action from the League of Women Voters of Arkansas. The organization filed a federal lawsuit …

Americans' privacy protections have not kept pace with rapidly evolving surveillance technologies. (Liubomir/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ+ advocacy group pushes for new data privacy laws

Anyone who uses a cell phone or laptop shares hundreds of personal data points, and a New Mexico advocacy group wants that information better …

Many international students have said they did not know their visas were revoked, or that their status had been changed, until they were notified by federal officials. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX

Hundreds of international college students in Texas are fighting to stay in the country after their visas were revoked and their legal status changed …

Despite being only 13% of the population, Black people were 28% of those killed by police in 2024.(Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

5 years after George Floyd's death, OR police reform is 'slow'

Five years after George Floyd's murder by a white police officer sparked nationwide protests and demands for police reform, progress remains slow…

An average of 40 people per year have been killed by police in Washington state since 2015. (AlexanderIO/Adobe Stock)

Police reform advocate: WA must do more to reduce deaths