https://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php Public News Service The Public News Service provides reporting on a wide range of social, community, and environmental issues for mainstream and alternative media. Public News Service info@publicnewsservice.org no Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-11/civic-engagement-and-voting/ins-lt-gov-backs-push-to-redraw-u-s-house-maps/a97699-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-11/civic-engagement-and-voting/ins-lt-gov-backs-push-to-redraw-u-s-house-maps/a97699-1 By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said he supports efforts to redistrict Indiana's U.S. ...(Read More)]]> Civic Engagement & Voting Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-07/lgbtqia-issues/rural-in-lgbtq-youth-seek-safe-welcoming-spaces/a97697-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-07/lgbtqia-issues/rural-in-lgbtq-youth-seek-safe-welcoming-spaces/a97697-1 new report. 48% of the state's LGBTQ-plus youth live in a small city or town, according to the 2024 Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People in Indiana study. The next largest region is the suburbs. ...(Read More)]]> LGBTQIA+ Issues Youth Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-06/arts-and-culture/in-makes-a-play-for-hollywood/a97670-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-06/arts-and-culture/in-makes-a-play-for-hollywood/a97670-1 By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration. Assembled on a soundstage at Huntington University last week, Gov. Mike Braun, legislators and community officials were optimistic about the potential for more soundstages, more cameras, more lights, more action coming to Indiana as the state positions itself to become a go-to location for film and movie production.
The governor was in Huntington for a ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 306, which makes Indiana’s film and movie tax credits transferable and, therefore, attractive to out-of-state filmmakers. Leaders at the event said the new law will help grow the state’s digital media production industry, creating new jobs and bringing new money to existing businesses.
Braun did not see Indiana’s wooing of Hollywood as simply a star struck pipedream. ...(Read More)]]> Arts & Culture Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-05/economic-policy-justice/summit-to-tap-into-hoosier-innovation/a97696-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-05/economic-policy-justice/summit-to-tap-into-hoosier-innovation/a97696-1 Economic Development Summit on August 12. The daylong event will bring together IU leaders, business owners and government officials to explore new partnerships, and look at how some collaborations already in place are working. ...(Read More)]]> Economic Policy/Justice Education Higher Education Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-04/criminal-justice/in-judge-safety-risks-call-for-strong-security-measures/a97693-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-04/criminal-justice/in-judge-safety-risks-call-for-strong-security-measures/a97693-1 (Read More)]]> Criminal Justice Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-01/mental-health/hoosier-experts-stress-mental-prep-before-heading-back-to-school/a97686-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-08-01/mental-health/hoosier-experts-stress-mental-prep-before-heading-back-to-school/a97686-1 (Read More)]]> Education Mental Health Youth Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-31/environment/in-ai-data-centers-prompt-environmental-concerns-over-emissions/a97692-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-31/environment/in-ai-data-centers-prompt-environmental-concerns-over-emissions/a97692-1 artificial intelligence could have far-reaching environmental impacts across the country. His strategy calls for the removal of land use rules considered prohibitive to the construction of AI data centers. Last year, then Gov. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Energy Policy Environment Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-31/civic-engagement-and-voting/seattle-votes-on-democracy-vouchers-designed-to-counteract-wealthy-donors/a97691-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-31/civic-engagement-and-voting/seattle-votes-on-democracy-vouchers-designed-to-counteract-wealthy-donors/a97691-1 (Read More)]]> Civic Engagement & Voting Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/senior-issues/report-or-programs-work-to-help-family-caregivers/a97689-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/senior-issues/report-or-programs-work-to-help-family-caregivers/a97689-1 The report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving finds more than 63 million Americans are now family caregivers, an increase of 20 million from 10 years ago. Nearly half of those surveyed face major financial hardships such as debt, lost income or food insecurity. ...(Read More)]]> Health Livable Wages/Working Families Poverty Issues Senior Issues Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/livable-wages-working-families/wa-coaches-struggle-for-fair-wages/a97688-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/livable-wages-working-families/wa-coaches-struggle-for-fair-wages/a97688-1 (Read More)]]> Children's Education Livable Wages/Working Families Youth Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/consumer/in-students-face-uncertainty-on-loan-repayments/a97685-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-30/consumer/in-students-face-uncertainty-on-loan-repayments/a97685-1 Education-data.org reports the average Indiana student loan balance is $33,000 as of June 2025 - lower than the national average - with slightly less than $31 billion owed statewide. ...(Read More)]]> Consumer Education Youth Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/social-justice/new-wa-law-provides-workers-easier-access-to-files/a97687-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/social-justice/new-wa-law-provides-workers-easier-access-to-files/a97687-1 new Washington law ensures employees quick access to their personnel files, which are necessary for many things including filing for workers' compensation and unemployment claims. Employers must now provide copies of the files when requested within 21 days or face possible legal action. Jesse Wing, an employment attorney in Seattle, noted under the old law, many employers ignored or restricted requests. ...(Read More)]]> Livable Wages/Working Families Social Justice Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/housing-homelessness/residents-frustrated-over-ac-curbs-in-in-mobile-home-community/a97684-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/housing-homelessness/residents-frustrated-over-ac-curbs-in-in-mobile-home-community/a97684-1 (Read More)]]> Housing/Homelessness Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/health/daca-recipients-to-lose-coveredca-health-coverage-aug-31/a97683-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-29/health/daca-recipients-to-lose-coveredca-health-coverage-aug-31/a97683-1 revoke health care eligibility for thousands of immigrants. Christine Smith, policy and legislative advocate for the nonprofit Health Access California, said people only have a few weeks to get medical appointments in before their coverage ends. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Health Immigration Social Justice Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/housing-homelessness/report-colorado-workers-must-earn-36-79-per-hour-to-afford-housing/a97682-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/housing-homelessness/report-colorado-workers-must-earn-36-79-per-hour-to-afford-housing/a97682-1 new report from the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. There are just 26 affordable housing units in Colorado for every 100 low-income households but almost all new housing comes with price tags only top earners and investors can pay. Cathy Alderman, chief communications and public policy officer at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, said the report underscored the need to build more low- and middle-income housing. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Consumer Housing/Homelessness Livable Wages/Working Families Poverty Issues Social Justice Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/health/expert-in-seniors-embracing-ai-brings-benefits-drawbacks/a97681-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/health/expert-in-seniors-embracing-ai-brings-benefits-drawbacks/a97681-1 1.5 million Hoosiers aged 65 and older, or 18% of the state's population. Experts said it is likely the demographic will use AI in some form in the next few years, either by choice or necessity. ...(Read More)]]> Health Mental Health Senior Issues Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/environment/first-complete-survey-of-native-wa-bees-finds-new-species/a97679-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/environment/first-complete-survey-of-native-wa-bees-finds-new-species/a97679-1 The project is cataloguing native bees, which includes nearly all species in the state, but excludes honeybees. Karla Salp is a communications consultant with the Washington State Department of Agriculture's Washington Bee Atlas program, which conducted the survey. ...(Read More)]]> Community Issues and Volunteering Endangered Species & Wildlife Environment Rural/Farming Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/energy-policy/landmark-microgrid-legislation-boon-for-rural-oregon/a97677-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/energy-policy/landmark-microgrid-legislation-boon-for-rural-oregon/a97677-1 the first set of statewide policies in the country supporting community-owned microgrids. Microgrids are local, self-contained energy systems that use renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. ...(Read More)]]> Climate Change Consumer Energy Policy Environment Rural Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/energy-policy/federal-budget-hobbles-alaska-wind-and-solar-industries/a97672-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/energy-policy/federal-budget-hobbles-alaska-wind-and-solar-industries/a97672-1 The new Trump administration budget eliminated tax credits designed to encourage investment in wind and solar projects. More than 90% of Alaska residents rely on power cooperatives for their electricity, which have made an effort in recent years to invest in wind and solar - especially in the most remote areas. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Climate Change Consumer Energy Policy Environment Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/womens/study-female-recent-college-grads-earn-82-of-what-men-make/a97640-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-28/womens/study-female-recent-college-grads-earn-82-of-what-men-make/a97640-1 a new study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Researchers found that a significant portion of this disparity is attributed to where people work - three-quarters of men are employed in the private sector, compared to only half of women. Mary Gatta is the director of research and public policy at NACE. ...(Read More)]]> Economic Policy/Justice Gender Equity Higher Education Livable Wages/Working Families Women's Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-25/alcohol-and-drug-abuse-prevention/in-drops-drug-paraphernalia-label-for-fentanyl-test-strips/a97676-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-25/alcohol-and-drug-abuse-prevention/in-drops-drug-paraphernalia-label-for-fentanyl-test-strips/a97676-1 By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration After they were long considered paraphernalia, fentanyl test strips are now officially legal in Indiana.
According to recent data, fentanyl is responsible for over 70% of overdose deaths in the state. Until this month, if someone was found with the lifesaving strips, it would be up to the local prosecutor to decide if they would face charges for violating the state's paraphernalia laws.
A bipartisan effort changed that reality by passing House Enrolled Act No. 1167.
"Any resident should and can access test strips," Director of Harm Reduction at Overdose Lifeline Breanna Hicks said. ...(Read More)]]> Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Health Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/immigration/ice-plans-to-add-six-immigrant-detention-centers-in-colorado/a97675-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/immigration/ice-plans-to-add-six-immigrant-detention-centers-in-colorado/a97675-1 lawsuit showed how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to expand immigrant detention centers in Colorado. Centers are planned for Hudson and La Junta, and Colorado Springs and Walsenburg would each get two facilities, all run by private firms. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Criminal Justice Immigration Racial Justice Social Justice Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/community-issues-and-volunteering/wa-joins-national-families-first-protests-on-saturday/a97674-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/community-issues-and-volunteering/wa-joins-national-families-first-protests-on-saturday/a97674-1 National Day of Protest in response to the Trump administration's recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts funding for Medicaid, food assistance and other programs. Hundreds of peaceful protests are planned across the country, including at least nine in Washington state. Liz Moore, executive director of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, is organizing an event with local health care unions, highlighting how federal cuts will hurt health care access and rural hospitals. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Community Issues and Volunteering Health Immigration Rural Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/health/free-mobile-cpr-kiosk-in-l-a-teaches-lifesaving-skill-in-minutes/a97673-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/health/free-mobile-cpr-kiosk-in-l-a-teaches-lifesaving-skill-in-minutes/a97673-1 (Read More)]]> Health Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/consumer/new-scam-tricks-in-buyers-using-fake-credit-card-decline-messages/a97669-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-24/consumer/new-scam-tricks-in-buyers-using-fake-credit-card-decline-messages/a97669-1 631 million credit card accounts, with nearly four cards per person. The accounts can be a payday for con artists who prey on victims using a new scheme called the card decline scam. It involves flashing a "transaction decline" message during an online purchase. ...(Read More)]]> Consumer Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/animal-welfare/congressional-hearing-challenges-ca-animal-welfare-laws/a97671-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/animal-welfare/congressional-hearing-challenges-ca-animal-welfare-laws/a97671-1 at a hearing Wednesday before the House Committee on Agriculture. The witnesses all oppose California's Proposition 12, which establishes minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens and breeding pigs and bans the sale of products failing to comply with those standards. Wayne Pacelle, president of the advocacy group Animal Wellness Action, said factory farms have too much influence on the federal government. ...(Read More)]]> Animal Welfare Consumer Hunger/Food/Nutrition Rural/Farming Sustainable Agriculture and Farming Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/rural-farming/colorado-officials-urge-congressional-delegates-to-support-public-lands/a97668-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/rural-farming/colorado-officials-urge-congressional-delegates-to-support-public-lands/a97668-1 sent a letter to the state's congressional delegation protesting six cuts to public lands management in the new tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. John Clark, mayor of Ridgway, said the elimination of river and climate data programs, which are essential to managing the Colorado River Basin and forecasting drought, will put additional burdens on food producers. "If our farmers and ranchers don't have accurate data about exactly what the situation is with the snow pack and what's happening with the climate, how can they be prepared for each growing season?" Clark asked. "...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Climate Change Energy Policy Environment Livable Wages/Working Families Public Lands/Wilderness Rural Rural/Farming Sustainable Agriculture and Farming Water Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/housing-homelessness/in-considers-housing-action-as-workers-struggle-to-make-rent/a97664-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-23/housing-homelessness/in-considers-housing-action-as-workers-struggle-to-make-rent/a97664-1 By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.
Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Collaboration. Just as a new report is highlighting that two-thirds of Indiana's largest occupations are paying less than what workers need to cover rent, Gov. Mike Braun has indicated he sees housing as key to the state's economic health.
Braun spoke with reporters on Thursday at Huntington University following the ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 306, which allows taxpayers to transfer film and media production tax credits. The Republican governor was asked about the recent call by housing advocates to create a commission to examine and propose solutions to address the state's housing affordability crisis.
"Housing has been a chronic issue," Braun said. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Housing/Homelessness Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/consumer/wa-law-wipes-medical-debt-from-credit-reports/a97666-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/consumer/wa-law-wipes-medical-debt-from-credit-reports/a97666-1 new law. Medical debt impacts nearly one third of Washingtonians, while six in 10 residents said they would not be able to pay an unexpected $500 medical bill. Sen. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Consumer Health Mental Health Poverty Issues Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/education/in-overhauls-school-rules-eyes-student-success/a97663-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/education/in-overhauls-school-rules-eyes-student-success/a97663-1 Indiana Youth Institute, said lawmakers responded to schools' concerns about chronic absenteeism. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Education Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/immigration/albuquerque-strengthens-policies-to-protect-immigrants-refugees/a97662-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/immigration/albuquerque-strengthens-policies-to-protect-immigrants-refugees/a97662-1 executive order to make it happen. Tim Keller, mayor of Albuquerque, said the order clarifies and strengthens city policies against fraud and impersonators, including directing police to go after anyone pretending to be an ICE agent. Keller stressed policy enhancements underscore the city's dedication to uphold the rights and dignity of community members and defend them from intimidation. ...(Read More)]]> Civil Rights Human Rights/Racial Justice Immigration Native American/Indigenous Racial Justice Social Justice Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/immigration/ca-immigrants-weigh-health-coverage-against-deportation-risk/a97649-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-22/immigration/ca-immigrants-weigh-health-coverage-against-deportation-risk/a97649-1 By Claudia Boyd-Barrett for KFF Health News.
Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Collaboration For months, Maria, 55, a caregiver to older adults in California’s Orange County, has been trying not to smile.
If she opens her mouth too wide, she worries, people will see her chipped, plaque-covered front teeth. An immigrant without legal status, Maria doesn’t have health or dental insurance. When her teeth start to throb, she swallows pain pills. ...(Read More)]]> Health Immigration Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/arlington-program-helps-students-avoid-summer-slide-through-poetry/a97661-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/arlington-program-helps-students-avoid-summer-slide-through-poetry/a97661-1 lose nearly 40% of what they learned during the year on summer break. A new program in Arlington is helping kids avoid the "summer slide" by engaging them with creative projects which extend into the new school year. Monroe Farbes, a 16-year-old International Baccalaureate participant, recently landed at the top of Amazon's list of young adult poetry with her new book "All I Know." She said the goal she set for herself last summer was to learn how to publish a book. ...(Read More)]]> Children's Early Childhood Education Education Racial Justice Youth Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural-farming/wisconsin-nonprofit-looks-to-expand-agroforestry-project/a97659-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural-farming/wisconsin-nonprofit-looks-to-expand-agroforestry-project/a97659-1 agroforestry, with plans to establish its first urban site in Milwaukee. The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute has planted more than 400 trees across three sites this year, in partnership with the Savannah Institute. The sites include a community garden and two farms. ...(Read More)]]> Climate Change Community Issues and Volunteering Education Environment Health Hunger/Food/Nutrition Mental Health Rural Rural/Farming Sustainable Agriculture and Farming Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/housing-homelessness/or-funding-for-affordable-homeownership-dwindles/a97657-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/housing-homelessness/or-funding-for-affordable-homeownership-dwindles/a97657-1 state-funded LIFT Homeownership grants will fund 239 new affordable homes across Oregon. Previous LIFT grants totaling over $100 million have helped triple affordable home production. Kim Gammond, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in La Pine, said the funding will support 10 new homes in the next two years - but notes the program's future is uncertain. ...(Read More)]]> Consumer Housing/Homelessness Livable Wages/Working Families Poverty Issues Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural/public-broadcasting-funding-cuts-could-hurt-rural-utah-communities/a97656-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural/public-broadcasting-funding-cuts-could-hurt-rural-utah-communities/a97656-1 approved a bill early Friday to claw back $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is used to fund programming on Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio stations. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Rural Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/federal-measure-could-affect-arizonas-school-choice-program/a97650-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/federal-measure-could-affect-arizonas-school-choice-program/a97650-1 scholarship accounts. Public school officials are pushing back. While Arizona parents can already get reimbursed for private and homeschool expenses, the Educational Choice for Children Act would create a tax credit for a similar purpose. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Children's Education Youth Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural-farming/iowa-corn-farmers-stand-to-gain-from-tax-breaks/a97646-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/rural-farming/iowa-corn-farmers-stand-to-gain-from-tax-breaks/a97646-1 new federal budget, Iowa corn farmers will benefit from one that was extended. Tax breaks and rebates encouraging investment in solar and wind power in Iowa were eliminated in the federal spending plan. However, the Trump administration extended an incentive enabling farmers in Iowa to produce more corn. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Energy Policy Rural Rural/Farming Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/immigration/free-online-therapy-now-available-for-california-undocumented-students/a97645-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/immigration/free-online-therapy-now-available-for-california-undocumented-students/a97645-1 free online counseling to undocumented students in California, ages 18 to 45. Mayra Barragan-O'Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and the mental health senior manager with the nonprofit Immigrants Rising. ...(Read More)]]> Children's Immigration Mental Health Youth Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/new-charter-school-hopes-to-help-ease-in-attorney-shortage/a97642-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/education/new-charter-school-hopes-to-help-ease-in-attorney-shortage/a97642-1 according to the American Bar Association. ...(Read More)]]> Civil Rights Consumer Criminal Justice Education Youth Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/environment/nm-conservationists-promise-to-fight-for-roadless-rule/a97526-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-21/environment/nm-conservationists-promise-to-fight-for-roadless-rule/a97526-1 (Read More)]]> Climate Change Endangered Species & Wildlife Environment Public Lands/Wilderness Water Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/education/nv-education-advocates-blast-freeze-on-federal-funds/a97653-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/education/nv-education-advocates-blast-freeze-on-federal-funds/a97653-1 freezing the money to make sure it aligns with administration priorities. The grants support after-school programs, help for English language learners and more. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Education Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/budget-policy-and-priorities/eau-claire-resident-terrified-of-medicaid-cuts-federal-changes/a97652-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/budget-policy-and-priorities/eau-claire-resident-terrified-of-medicaid-cuts-federal-changes/a97652-1 federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could affect his life and his family's. Oliver Winn and his parents all live with disabilities. He said Medicaid has allowed him to have surgeries that have improved his quality of life to such a degree, he no longer needs a wheelchair. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Children's Disabilities Health Housing/Homelessness Hunger/Food/Nutrition Livable Wages/Working Families Senior Issues Youth Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/waste-reduction/in-organization-wants-to-see-hoosiers-excited-about-composting/a97628-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-18/waste-reduction/in-organization-wants-to-see-hoosiers-excited-about-composting/a97628-1 compost starts with decomposed organic matter from food waste and grass clippings to shredded paper. ...(Read More)]]> Waste Reduction Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/energy-policy/report-cuts-to-clean-energy-will-cost-colorado-7-3-billion-in-gdp/a97644-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/energy-policy/report-cuts-to-clean-energy-will-cost-colorado-7-3-billion-in-gdp/a97644-1 new report by the nonpartisan think tank Energy Innovation. Solar and wind capacity is expected to drop by 340 gigawatts, raising home energy costs by an extra $170 per year. Margaret Kran-Annexstein, director of the Colorado chapter of the Sierra Club, said the new law reverses years of work transitioning to a clean energy economy. ...(Read More)]]> Air Pollution Air Quality Budget Policy & Priorities Climate Change Consumer Economic Policy/Justice Energy Policy Environment Environmental Health Health Social Justice Toxics Urban Planning and Transportation Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/waste-reduction/during-plastic-free-july-ca-a-pioneer-in-anti-pollution-efforts/a97639-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/waste-reduction/during-plastic-free-july-ca-a-pioneer-in-anti-pollution-efforts/a97639-1 fight against plastic pollution. This is Plastic-free July and the United States of Plastics report, from Ocean Conservancy, awards the Golden State a score of four-and-a-half out of five. Report co-author Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy with Ocean Conservancy, largely credits Senate Bill 54, California's landmark law passed in 2022. ...(Read More)]]> Consumer Environment Waste Reduction Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/environmental-health/environmentalists-ors-new-groundwater-law-too-diluted-to-be-effective/a97637-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/environmental-health/environmentalists-ors-new-groundwater-law-too-diluted-to-be-effective/a97637-1 new groundwater law, meant to curb pollution, has been diluted to the point they can no longer support it. Industrial agriculture has contaminated parts of Eastern Oregon's groundwater with nitrates from fertilizers and manure, putting residents, many of whom rely on wells for drinking water, at risk. Kaleb Lay, director of policy and research for the group Oregon Rural Action, said earlier bill versions would have protected residents and held polluters accountable. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Environment Environmental Health Environmental Justice Poverty Issues Rural Rural/Farming Water Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/hunger-food-nutrition/nebraska-creates-learning-pathways-for-food-insecure/a97627-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/hunger-food-nutrition/nebraska-creates-learning-pathways-for-food-insecure/a97627-1 Food Access Community Advocates Cohort educates people over nine months how to build advocacy, community organizing and storytelling skills, so they are better equipped to understand policies affecting the state's most food insecure people. Megan Hamann, senior community organizer of food and nutrition access for Nebraska Appleseed, said having experienced hunger puts them in a better position to understand and talk about policy issues affecting hungry people in Nebraska. ...(Read More)]]> Budget Policy & Priorities Hunger/Food/Nutrition Livable Wages/Working Families Poverty Issues Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/civil-rights/nms-good-trouble-protests-honor-john-lewis-denounce-trump/a97599-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-17/civil-rights/nms-good-trouble-protests-honor-john-lewis-denounce-trump/a97599-1 Good Trouble Lives On" nonviolent day of action continues a series of demonstrations across the country. Marches and candlelight vigils will honor Democratic Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of the civil rights icon's death. ...(Read More)]]> Civic Engagement & Voting Civil Rights Human Rights/Racial Justice Immigration Peace/Non-Violence Social Justice Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-16/senior-issues/amid-rising-homelessness-grants-help-more-wa-seniors-age-in-place/a97630-1 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-07-16/senior-issues/amid-rising-homelessness-grants-help-more-wa-seniors-age-in-place/a97630-1 losing their homes and seven local organizations will expand support for them with help from new grants. Funds from AARP Washington's Community Challenge grants support quick projects to create more age-friendly communities. Lauren McGowan, executive director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation Puget Sound, one of the grant recipients, said the $15,000 will help seniors get property tax relief, for which many do not realize they qualify, or need help in applying. ...(Read More)]]> Community Issues and Volunteering Poverty Issues Senior Issues