Social Justice / Public News Service

This round of debt relief forgave more than $14.6 million in medical debt for 7,717 residents of Lucas County after RIP acquired ProMedica's debt portfolio. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 4, 2024

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Medical debt has long been a burden for many Americans, with millions struggling to pay off their healthcare bills. In the Buckeye State, however…

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

Friday, October 4, 2024

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 …

In 2021, 48 of 50 states recorded the highest number of online shopping fraud reports within the past five years. (A2Z AI/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

Concert and sports fans in Ohio are expressing growing frustration over rising ticket prices and hidden fees. In response, Congress is considering …

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)

Thursday, October 3, 2024

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 …

About 6,500 South Dakotans are in state or federal prisons, local jails and other kinds of facilities, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Wikimedia Commons)

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Advocacy group forms for people in prison amid controversies in SD prisons

Recent problems in South Dakota prisons have concerned lawmakers, corrections commission members and family members of those incarcerated, who formed …

Georgia has the fourth-largest prison population in the country, with approximately 50,000 incarcerated people in state custody. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 3, 2024

DOJ report reveals severe failures in Georgia prisons

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a report on the state of Georgia's prisons, citing horrific conditions and extreme violence. The …

Some 83% of registered Democrats, 73% of Republicans and 83% of Independents support having open primary elections, according to a 2024 Clark University study. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

South Dakotans to vote on nonpartisan primaries

Voters next month will be shaping how future elections operate in many states, including South Dakota, where nonpartisan primaries are on the ballot…

The U.S. Postal Service's Delivering for America plan is not expected to cause layoffs, but Ricci Roberts, the branch president of mail handlers in Cheyenne, said keeping a job under the changes may require relocating. (Adobe Stock)

As WY mail to be routed out of state, many say concerns unheard

As the U.S. Postal Service continues to implement a long-term reform plan, rural customers in places such as Wyoming may pay the price. Following …

FollowtheCrypto.org finds that the crypto industry provided more than $174 million for the 2024 election so far. (VideoFlow/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The power of crypto in Ohio's political landscape

As cryptocurrency becomes more prevalent, it's also making its way into the political arena. With millions of dollars being funneled into campaigns …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Black workers in the United States was 6.1% in August, while Florida's rate was 3.3%. (Pixabay)

Florida’s Black employment rate still trails whites, despite gains

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

The American Postal Workers Union represents more than 200,000 workers across the country. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

Postal workers to hold day of action, ID rallies planned

U.S. postal workers will rally across the country on Tuesday to bring attention to their working conditions. An Idaho postal worker helped start the …

Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has denied he would sign a national abortion ban if elected president and would leave limits on abortion access up to individual states to decide. (Nicholas J. Klein/Adobe Stock)

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

In Ohio's 43rd House District race in Toledo, candidates are discussing a range of issues of interest to their constituents. Incumbent Rep. Michele …

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 …

ASU alumna Sonia Reyes Corella (far right) and her children (from left) David Callahan and Danielle Corella can trace their family history to Mexican pioneer Manuela S�nchez Sotelo, who contributed to ASU's founding. (Sonia Reyes Corella)

ASU alum traces lineage to Mexican pioneer who helped establish the university

It took one Arizona State University alumna years to find out she is a descendant of a Mexican pioneer, who was foundational in the creation of ASU…

Connie Brushbreaker, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said she had to wait four months for the Indian Health Service to pay for an MRI and surgery she needed. Begging for funding

Gaps persist in Indian Health Service 'Referred Care' program

By Arielle Zionts and Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the KF…

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice emphasized cash bail often allows release based on financial resources rather than public safety considerations. (Adobe Stock)

Rethinking bail: A path toward justice in North Carolina

A new report examines bail reform and its potential impact in North Carolina and nationwide. Advocates said bail reform aims to remove the influence …

A five-year national evaluation revealed children referred to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program are up to three times more likely to be adopted, according to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. (Adobe Stock)

Adoptive family in UT commemorates National Daughters Day

Today is National Daughters Day and for one Utah teenager, the title only seemed like a dream until recently. Lilyauna Coffey, 19, lives in Salt …

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act provides lump-sum compensation for illnesses contracted by people working in the uranium industry or exposed to above-ground nuclear tests. (Courtesy Nuclear Threat Initiative)

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

A 2,000-mile bus trip has not deterred representatives from Southwest tribes from traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to support expansion of …

Medical co-pays in prisons are associated with worse access to health care behind bars, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Adobe Stock)

WV’s $5 prison copay called a barrier to care for incarcerated people

New research showed medical copays are preventing incarcerated people from receiving medical care. West Virginia's $5 copay is much higher compared …

Denver's current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock) Denver�s current minimum wage, at $18.29 per hour, is set to rise with inflation to $18.81 next year. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Minimum wage hikes don't lead to job losses

As the city of Boulder considers raising its minimum wage on Oct. 10, a new report suggested the move would have little or no impact on job loss…

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

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 …

Federal workers said if the plan known as Project 2025 is enacted, it would upend every government agency. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Federal workers in TX voice concerns about Project 2025

Federal workers are voicing concerns about what they see as the potential impacts of the sweeping policy recommendations known as Project 2025…

The March of Dimes reports 2.2 million women live in maternity care

Addressing postpartum depression in rural Ohio

A new report sheds light on the state of women's health in Ohio, with growing concerns about maternal care and postpartum mental health. As …

A bill in Olympia this year sought to promote

Automated employment decision tools could harbor biases

A legal expert has issued a warning that artificial intelligence tools could lead to discriminatory practices in hiring and firing. Algorithms and …

Florida's new law, House Bill 433, preempts

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

A new federal proposal to protect workers from extreme heat is being hailed as a potential lifesaver by labor advocates, even as Florida faces …

Connecticut data show men earn more than females regardless of whether they go to college, a gap widening over time. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade

New research shows the gender wage gap widened for the first time in two decades. The Census Bureau found full-time working women make 82.7 cents …

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is anticipated to save over $350 million annually on electric bills for 900,000 low-income households nationwide and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 million metric tons over five years. (Felix Mizioznikov/Adobe Stock)

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting envi…

Black pregnant and postpartum people in Colorado were 1.9 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy compared to the state's overall pregnant population, according to analysis of data between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than overall population

September is Health Literacy Month, and a Denver-based group is working to help health professionals break a persistent pattern of discrimination …

Ohio is among 13 jurisdictions requiring Saturday and Sunday hours for early voting. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

Reports highlight Ohio's evolving voting options for 2024

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

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 …

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 …

The Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan research group, gave South Dakota a

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

Just a few months after some South Dakota absentee ballots were illegally challenged, officials are concerned slow mail delivery could affect …

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 …

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

The U.S. Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure rose to just under 13% in 2023, up from 12.4% in 2022, despite an increase in median household incomes nationwide. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

More Maine households struggled to meet their basic needs last year, according to new census data. More than 80,000 Mainers, or roughly 6% of the …

In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Wage increases for a large segment of the Wisconsin workforce mean a decline in income inequality in the state. A new report from the High Road Strategy Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found many workers' earnings are still falling behind. (Adobe Stock)

Report: WI economy rises on strength of workers' wage growth

A new report showed income inequality in Wisconsin is declining as lower-wage workers are seeing faster wage growth but Black, Latino and women …

In 2022, 42.4% of full-time undergraduate students worked while enrolled to cover their costs, reflecting the growing challenge of affording higher education. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the last 21 years…

If the Kroger-Alberstons merger is approved, Gunnison's 6,000 residents would have to travel 65 miles to find a grocery store not owned by Kroger, which owns King Soopers in Colorado, according to the American Economic Liberties Project. (Galatas)

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

As a federal judge considers a lawsuit aiming to block a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a new report detailed how …

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 …

At least one-third of schools are fully accessible in eleven of New York City's 32 community school districts. Once the projects currently in the pipeline are done, at least one-third of schools will be disability accessible. (Adobe Stock)

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Although classes are back in session, all New York City public schools still aren't entirely disability accessible. Reports find more than two …

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 …

Renewal Village's strong partnerships, including with the the Colorado Division of Housing and Adams County, helped tap four million federal dollars to create a new home for families experiencing homelessness. (Galatas)

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents

Renewal Village, a converted Clarion Inn featuring 215 units of permanent supportive and transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - October 4, 2024

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Social Justice

Program provides life-changing relief from medical debt for Ohioans

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

NY schools see effects of SCOTUS affirmative action ban

Advocacy group forms for people in prison amid controversies in SD prisons

DOJ report reveals severe failures in Georgia prisons

South Dakotans to vote on nonpartisan primaries

As WY mail to be routed out of state, many say concerns unheard

The power of crypto in Ohio's political landscape

Florida’s Black employment rate still trails whites, despite gains

Postal workers to hold day of action, ID rallies planned

Navigating local priorities in Ohio House District 43

Job gaps persist for Black Americans, despite economic progress

ASU alum traces lineage to Mexican pioneer who helped establish the university

Gaps persist in Indian Health Service 'Referred Care' program

Rethinking bail: A path toward justice in North Carolina

Adoptive family in UT commemorates National Daughters Day

New Mexico tribal representatives in D.C. to support radiation exposure compensation

WV’s $5 prison copay called a barrier to care for incarcerated people

Report: Minimum wage hikes don't lead to job losses

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

NM officials, voter advocates monitor election disinformation

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

Federal workers in TX voice concerns about Project 2025

Addressing postpartum depression in rural Ohio

Automated employment decision tools could harbor biases

New OSHA rule aims to protect Florida workers from deadly heat

U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than overall population

Reports highlight Ohio's evolving voting options for 2024

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

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

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

Census data: More Mainers struggle to meet basic needs

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Report: WI economy rises on strength of workers' wage growth

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

Renewal Village adds 215 housing units for Denver's unhoused residents