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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Ohio Lawmakers to Hear Struggles of Children "Aging Out" of Care

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009   

Columbus, OH - More than a thousand Ohio teens "age out" of foster care each year and, while some are ready for the challenges of launching into adulthood, others lack the proper support system for a safe landing, so to speak.

Today, dozens of teens and social service advocates will rally in Columbus, asking lawmakers to increase funding for programs that help at-risk children make successful transitions to independent living. Youth Empowerment Program Director Angela Lariviere points out that, because they have no families on which to rely, former foster children often are at greater risk for poverty, homelessness and incarceration.

"If you don't have those support systems, and no one has ever taught you how to advocate for yourself, then how are you going to be able to understand what you need as an adult?"

Brooklyn Young of Franklin County uses her own experience to fuel her passion for the cause. She was orphaned at age 16, when her mother died of cancer. Without the proper guidance, she warns, many former foster children end up on the streets and in dangerous situations.

"I lacked healthcare and food; didn't know where I would be living and didn't have any resources, as to which college to go to, or financial aid. It was extremely difficult for me to even navigate life. You just combine all the different factors that these youth are going through and, when they don't have an outlet - that's when some pretty horrible things happen."

At the statehouse today, members of the Ready to Launch Coalition will share their stories of life challenges with state leaders. They hope it will lead to increased funding for independent living services, homeless shelters and mental health services for transitional youth.



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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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