International Relief / Public News Service

Monday, April 29, 2024

ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

Migrants are put on buses from Texas to other states, often without knowing where they are going. (afishman64/Adobe Stock)

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

The future of Senate Bill 4 is still tangled in court challenges. It's the Texas law that would allow police to arrest people for illegally crossing …

Some in Michigan's Native American community say they can relate to the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. Artist Christina Damianos depicts the idea in her

MI Indigenous group uses art to show solidarity with Palestinians

Some Indigenous groups in Michigan want to draw parallels to their own historic struggles and those of Palestinians in Gaza and they are doing it thro…

The United Nations reported security threats in Haiti have forced the closure of some 900 schools, depriving approximately 200,000 children of their right to education. (Adobe Stock)

MA Haitian-led groups call for end to deportations as terror grips island

Haitian-led groups in Massachusetts are calling for a temporary pause in deportations as political instability and violence engulf the island…

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

Michigan hosts the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and Dearborn is home to the country's only Arab American History Museum. (flowertiare/Adobe Stock)

New US race, ethnicity standards include Middle Eastern, North African

Until recently, many Americans of Middle Eastern or North African descent were categorized as "white" in government surveys, making it challenging to …

Congress gave final approval to the 2024 budget after a six-month delay. (doganmesut/Adobe Stock)

Missed opportunities in 2024 budget, peacekeeping groups say

Groups supporting peace around the globe say the budget approved by Congress is lacking crucial components. After a monthslong stalemate, Congress …

Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows Texas to begin enforcing Senate Bill 4, calling the decision a

Texas’ SB 4 in limbo again after late-night court decision

Story has been updated to reflect late-night 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision.(8:01 a.m. MST, Mar. 20, 2024) The U.S. Supreme Court handed …

The new law will apply only to future sales of Indiana farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana farmland off limits to 'foreign adversaries'

A bipartisan law set to take effect this summer prohibits foreign adversaries from buying Hoosier farmland. The signature of Gov. Eric Holcomb was …

In cities across the nation, local governments are hearing more feedback and discourse from residents about a range of matters during regular meetings. Those include broader issues, such as calls for ceasefire resolutions in light of the Israel-Hamas war. (Adobe Stock)

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Public comment has long been a staple of local government meetings. But in North Dakota and other parts of the country, this engagement tool faces a …

Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello received both the Beazely Award and the International Award for their project

ABQ museum installs teeter-totter from U.S.-Mexico border wall

An art installation intended to jump-start social commentary about the treatment of immigrants has found a permanent home in Albuquerque. In 2019…

Missouri's Senate Bill 1314, similar to House Bill 2365, prohibits funds from being expended by any state department for interdepartmental programs, staffing or other initiatives associated with

New report reveals high economic risk of anti-DEI laws in Missouri

A new report finds some Missouri laws and prospective laws are perceived as discriminatory regardless of their actual intent - and it outlines some bi…

Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, a farmer in northern Indiana, says the United States has 1.3 billion acres of farmland but 40 million acres is owned by foreign countries. (Adobe stock)

Proposed IN law prohibits US adversaries from buying farmland

Legislation aimed at stopping U.S. adversaries from owning farmland in Indiana will be argued before the full state Senate today. Rep. Kendell Culp…

The Council on American-Islamic Relations estimates there are about 2.2 million American Muslim voters in the U.S., up from its previous estimate of almost 1.79 million. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Primary results: Are Michigan Dems committed to 'uncommitted?'

More than 100,000 people voted "uncommitted" in Michigan's presidential primary. What happens next will be, at least in part, up to President Joe …

Automotive manufacturer Ford estimates it will create 2,500 new American jobs through its EV production plant in Marshall. (sofirinaja/Adobe Stock)

Trump attempts appeal to Michigan's waning Biden support

Early voting for primaries in Michigan began this weekend. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., in a change from Democratic support, urged voters to block …

More than half of Dearborn's nearly 110,000 residents are of Middle Eastern or north African origin.(munir/Adobe Stock)

Many Dearborn residents reconsider voting for Biden in upcoming election

Biden administration officials traveled to Dearborn on Thursday to meet Muslim and Arab-American community leaders, in an effort to repair relations …

Despite concern over the influence of foreign money on statewide elections, Montana has just increased its campaign contribution limits for PACs and individuals to $1,120 from $1,000. (Adobe Stock)

Montana political candidates receive among highest foreign donations

New research from a campaign finance-tracking group shows foreign corporations are investing heavily in statewide elections. Montana is one of a …

With the 2024 presidential race in full swing, immigration policy, especially dealing with the southern U.S. border, has reemerged as a key issue. (Adobe Stock)

Undercurrent of immigration myths felt as Congress debates border plan

It remains unclear if a border security proposal in Congress will cross the finish line and as the controversy continues, a group in Minnesota feels …

Between 2000 and 2019, the number of immigrants in Utah increased by 63.7%, while the U.S.-born population grew by 36.9%, according to the American Immigration Council. (Eduardo Barraza/Adobe Stock)

UT Gov. visits southern border over 'public safety issue'

After a trip to Texas to visit the southern border, Gov. Spencer Cox expressed concern, calling the situation a public safety issue. Cox joined 14 …

Seattle is the largest city in the U.S. to ban political contributions from foreign-influenced companies. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Report: Foreign-influenced companies give big in WA elections

A report analyzed the impact of money from foreign-influenced corporations on elections in six states. Washington topped the list for most donations…

By some estimates, roughly 70 U.S. cities, including small to medium-sized municipalities, have endorsed non-binding resolutions calling for a ceasefire related to the war in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Smaller governments find voice in Gaza ceasefire resolutions

Dozens of U.S. municipalities have adopted resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Recent action by a smaller Minnesota city showed governments …

The U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled that immigration laws can only be enforced by the federal government. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuits mount over Texas' plan to jail illegal immigrants

Texas is the epicenter of the U.S. immigration debate, and now faces a lawsuit over plans to jail those whose enter the state illegally. The U.S…

View from underneath of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

New Year brings renewed concerns over Great Lakes Line 5 project

The New Year brings a chorus of familiar concerns about the risks of building a 21-foot diameter tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac for oil and gas …

Latinos account for 47% of agricultural field workers and 46% of construction laborers in the U.S. and face extreme summer heat threats due to climate change. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: How climate change threatens Latinos' health and heritage

As climate change makes extreme weather events more common globally, Latinos often face the most significant effects to their health, safety…

In a statement, Edward Mitchell, CAIR's national deputy director, said

Questioning of Muslim American judicial nominee called 'irrelevant,' 'hostile'

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has drawn fire for his questioning of the first Muslim American judicial nominee. Hawley, along with Sen. Tom Cotton…

Hawley criticized for heated questioning of Muslim American judicial nominee

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has drawn fire for his questioning of the first Muslim American judicial nominee. Hawley, along with Sen. Tom Cotton…

The Department of Energy is revoking $37 million previously awarded to Ohio's six-turbine Icebreaker wind project, which has been in the works since 2009. (Florian Kunde/Adobe Stock)

Future of offshore wind in Lake Erie in flux as Icebreaker project shelved

Offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region has had a turbulent history and faced many challenges. Initially considered a promising location …

Researchers at the University of Montana are working on a vaccine for tuberculosis. While considered a serious problem in underdeveloped parts of the world, cases in the United States are up, having jumped to 8,300 in 2022 from 7,874 in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Montana researchers awarded $12.3 million grant for tuberculosis vaccine

Researchers at the University of Montana have been awarded more than more than $12 million from the National Institutes of Health to continue their wo…

Michigan and Great Lakes slow offshore wind collection

Offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region has had a turbulent history and faced many challenges. Initially considered a promising location …

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, more than 16,000 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 40% of them children. Nearly 2 million people have been displaced from their homes, according to the American Friends Service Committee. (Adobe Stock)

NH activists pressure congressional delegation on Gaza ceasefire

Community members will hold a silent vigil outside the Dover office of Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., today in recognition of the people killed in the …

A recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League found nearly three in four Jewish students in the U.S. have experienced or witnessed antisemitism this school year. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has also opened investigations into alleged Islamophobic incidents at least a half-dozen colleges and universities. (Adobe Stock)

University presidents testify on rise of antisemitism on college campuses

College presidents testified before a congressional committee Tuesday on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led …

According to the latest MLA survey, college-level enrollments in languages other than English peaked in 2009 at almost 1.7 million. (Adobe Stock)

Colleges see big drop in foreign-language enrollments

Fewer college students are taking foreign language courses, and a new report warns this could affect how well students are prepared for a globalized …

In a new national poll, 86% of respondents say they would purchase more

'Made in America' items try to land on more holiday gift lists

With Thanksgiving behind us, Minnesotans are shifting their attention to holiday shopping. Spurred by encouraging public polling, those who make …

Ohio is home to an estimated 60,000 English learner students. Spanish is the main language of almost 40% of Ohio's English learners, along with 90 other home languages, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Ohio schools haven’t kept pace with growing number of English learners

Ohio schools are stepping up to meet the needs of a growing number of English learners. Nearly 40% of around 60,000 English learners in the state …

University of New Hampshire students and community members gathered last week to protest the Israeli war in Gaza and demand the Biden Administration call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties. (Ahsan)

NH college students call for ceasefire as support for Dems erodes

Students at the University of New Hampshire are joining college students nationwide in demanding the Biden Administration call for an immediate Israel…

According to Pacific Environment, wind-assist propulsion can reduce greenhouse gas emissions per cargo ship by 30% over the course of a voyage. (Cargill and BAR Technologies)

Southern CA ports lead the way for 'green' shipping

The importance of making ports and shipping more environmentally friendly was the topic of a town hall meeting on Tuesday. Three California members …

It's estimated that about 420 children are killed or injured every day in the Gaza Strip, according to the World Health Organization. (Adobe Stock)

Arizonans protest to stop funding Israeli violence against Palestinians

On Monday, Arizonans gathered at the State Capitol to honor the dead in the war between Israel and Hamas, and demand a halt to the killing. Liz …

Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian American and just one of two Muslim Women in Congress. (SuperBasementBoy/flickr.com)

Censured Michigan congresswoman says she will not be silenced

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American voice in Congress, was officially reprimanded last Tuesday, but many of her colleagues say …

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott believes new laws and the continuation of Operation Lone Star are necessary to

Civil rights groups call Texas' proposed laws, razor wire dehumanizing

A set of border security bills under consideration by Texas lawmakers will cause harm to migrants, residents, and state law, according to a state …

The United States has warned nearly 100 countries that Russian intelligence is ramping up efforts to destabilize democracies by raising doubts about elections integrity. (Argus/AdobeStock)

Democracy experts worry about chaos, violence ahead of 2024 elections

An election law expert says guilty pleas from Trump lawyers in Georgia's election interference case probably won't change the minds of voters who thin…

The New York City Comptroller's Office reported the number of migrants not living in New York City but still in its care has grown from 276 in May to 2,127 in September. (Adobe Stock)

NYC community health centers focus on migrant health

A network of New York City community health centers is in the crossfire of the city's migrant crisis. Ryan Health is a system of primary health …

At the federal level, hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of the victim's perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. (Argus/Adobe Stock)

Kansas City reassures residents after MO spike in religion-based hate crimes

Some Missourians fear an increase in hate crimes in the wake of a six-year-old's murder in Illinois this week - an incident authorities say was motiva…

Israeli bombs take out a large building in Gaza City in retaliation for an attack by Hamas that left more than 1,000 people dead. (Flickr)

Jewish groups protest at U.S. Capitol, demand Gaza cease-fire

Thousands of American Jews from Illinois and across the country protested at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., this week, calling for a cease-…

About 80 Ukrainian farmers learn best practices and ask questions during middle-of-the-night Zoom calls when ISU Swine Veterinarian Justin Brown teaches sessions on disease, biosecurity and feed management. (Iowa State University/Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders)

Iowa experts teach Ukrainian farmers

Livestock and grain experts in Iowa are sharing their experience with Ukrainian farmers who are trying to keep their hog operations viable despite the…

Jewish Americans hold up signs, including

MI advocates of Palestinian-Israeli peace march in DC today

In the wake of a significant protest by Jewish people supporting Palestinian rights last week, thousands are set to assemble on Capitol Hill today…

Jewish Americans hold up signs in support of Palestine at a New York rally. (Zachary Schulman/JVP)

MO groups in DC for today's Palestinian-Israeli peace march