News from around the nation.

Voters head to the polls for midterm elections in six states today; NYS hunger relief group ensuring people understand SNAP changes; New data: Georgia sees jump in uninsured toddlers; Washington experts: Avoid salmonella, don't kiss chickens.

Transcript

The Public News Service Tuesday afternoon update.

I'm Mike Clifford.

It's a big day for the midterm elections contest today in six states.

Voters will head to the polls in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

The race getting the most attention is in California, a state that holds nonpartisan primaries.

While there are 50 candidates in the field, the polls show a three-way race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.

Democrat Xavier Becerra is pulling slightly ahead of progressive Tom Steyer in those polls.

Former Fox News host Republican Steve Hilton is the third likely contender for the two slots for what is expected to be a runoff after today's voting.

Meantime, New York state groups are helping people address changes to SNAP, introduced by the 2025 federal mega bill.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended the state's waiver-to-work reporting requirements and expanded the number of people who are considered able-bodied adults without dependents.

This means they can only receive program benefits for three months every three years unless they document sufficient work hours.

Krista Hesdorfer with Hunger Solutions New York says complying with the new rules is difficult.

There's all the regular barriers and challenges people face in hiring processes in the workforce.

There's ageism, transportation barriers.

Of course, we've got a fairly stagnant job market right now.

There's just not a lot of hiring happening.

Hunger Solutions New York offers a network of Snap Navigators statewide and community organizations who can further help people understand the new rules.

I'm Edwin J. Viera.

And a new Georgetown University report finds that the uninsured rate for young children is at its highest point in nearly 10 years.

George is among the three large southern states that account for over half of the national increase in uninsured kids.

Brittany Newton is a senior policy analyst at Voices for George's Children.

She says the Medicaid unwinding played a major role.

Beginning in 2023, states had to review eligibility for every Medicaid unrolling in any family's loss coverage during that process. not because they were no longer eligible, but because of administrative issues, things like missing paperwork, incomplete forms, or overall communication breakdown.

The report finds that uninsured rate for children under six jumped from 4.3% to 5.3% between 2022 and 2024, adding nearly 220,000 young children nationally.

I'm Tramiel Gomes.

And in the wake of a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chickens and ducks, Washington State health officials are reminding residents how to stay safe from illness while tending to their flocks.

Dr. Hannah Oltien, senior epidemiologist at the Washington State Department of Health, says its bacteria, which comes from feces, can also live on the outside of birds that otherwise look clean and healthy.

They're so cute, and so that's a real temptation for folk.

But we definitely recommend not kissing or snuggling poultry and not eating or drinking around them.

Fifty-four people have been hospitalized and one death reported in Washington State from Salmonella Link to Backyard Poultry this spring.

This is Public News Service.

If West Virginia wants a thriving economy, it needs to rethink how it attracts residents.

That's the argument from policy experts out with recommendations they say would reverse troubling population trends.

The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy says at nearly one and a half percent, the state has seen the largest population decline in the U.S. over the past five years.

The center's Sean O'Leary says elected officials are trying too hard to lure more people here with tax cuts.

He says it's not doing enough and then aggressively fixing other problems might produce better results.

We hear all the time about what a problem child care is for people working.

If West Virginia were to have some sort of universal child care program, That would be a big improvement.

This spring, the governor's office touted a new $230 million tax cut law it says will ensure West Virginia remains the most competitive state in the region.

I'm Mike Moen.

Next to Indiana, where the Black Legislative Caucus is using its 2026 Interim Town Hall Series to urge Hoosiers to stay engaged in the process.

Our Joe Lurie reports lawmakers are traveling the state to discuss legislation they say will affect black communities and other underserved voters.

Democratic State Representative Earl Harris of East Chicago says election years require more than just showing up at the ballot box.

You can't hide during election year.

You have to get out at community events, debates, show up, talk to the reps running for office or they're in office.

Talk to the senators.

Let them know the importance of protecting voter rights and not destroying minority and women voices.

Lawmakers are discussing voting rights, education, health care and public safety.

Republicans say new election laws protect the integrity of the vote and strengthen public confidence.

Critics argue some of those policies could make voting more difficult in minority communities.

This story was produced with original reporting from Kendall Pearson for WISH-TV.

Finally, Michigan lawmakers are reviving a voting rights package first introduced last session.

The proposed Michigan Voting Rights Act would enact several federal voting protections, including safeguards against racial discrimination, expanded language assistance, disability accommodations, and a new nonpartisan center for election research and training.

Speaking during a recent committee hearing, State Senator Erica Guise stressed why she believes this legislation is needed, especially now.

With the clear and present danger of voting rights being under increasing attacks across this country, Michigan has an opportunity and a responsibility to lead.

Both House and Senate versions of the bill are currently being considered.

Some local clerks say portions of the legislation still need clarification, including the sections that deal with funding and election equipment provisions.

Crystal Blair reporting.

This is Mike Clifford for Public News Service.

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