Ohio News & Current Events | Public News Service

Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, May 10, 2024

Experts: $15 minimum wage would benefit 1 million Ohioans

Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour for most Ohio workers and create a refundable Ohio Earned…

Children need regular well-child and dental visits to track their development and find health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Ohio among top states for number of kids kicked off Medicaid, CHIP

More than 120,000 Ohio kids have been disenrolled from Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIP, and most were removed for …

A recent survey commissioned by EdWeek Research Center found on average, teachers said they thought they realistically deserved a 31% raise. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Report: Ohio teacher salaries haven’t kept pace with inflation

Lagging salaries have meant teachers in Ohio and across the nation are experiencing a 5% drop in purchasing power, according to a new report by the …

Skimming devices placed in grocery and convenience stores can be used to steal EBT card funds from low-income people. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

The federal SNAP program allows nearly 1.3 million Ohio families to put food on the table -- but increasingly, when many recipients attempt to use …

Ohio students participate in a die-in at Case Western University on April 19 in protest over what they say is an ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio student protestors say their movement is gaining momentum

After hundreds of Ohio students gathered at Kent State University over the weekend to protest the conflict in Gaza, on the 54th anniversary of …

Small rooftop solar systems in Ohio cost on average around $13,000 before tax credits, according to the website EnergySage. (Adobe Stock)

EPA’s Solar for All Program aims to help Ohioans lower energy bills, create jobs

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $156 million to Midwestern states, including Ohio, to help residents lower their energy bills through …

The number of undergraduate degree earners fell for the second year in a row in the 2022-23 academic years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

More than 70% of adults with student loans report having delayed at least one significant life event because of their debt situation, yet a new …

A flooded site at the Austin Master Services toxic-waste storage facility in Martin's Ferry, Ohio. (Jill Hunkler)

Court issues restraining order against fracking waste-storage facility

Environmental groups say more should be done to protect people's health from what they call toxic, radioactive sludge. A court granted a temporary …

Hospitals provided 33% of abortions in 2020, according to data from the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court to hear oral arguments on abortion access in emergency rooms

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments today in a case about whether patients have access to emergency room abortions in states banning …

Drone footage showed the freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)

East Palestine concerns linger over vinyl chloride exposure

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, say they continue to live with health problems, including rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory issues following last …

From 2017 to 2019, Ohio ranked 46th among 50 states for pollution exposure, including exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Researchers link air pollution with dementia risk

Recent data ranks Columbus as the most polluted major city in the U.S., highlighting concerns about common pollutants, like smog and vehicle …

A report by McKinney Grey Analytics found 40% of Black and Latino people are invisible to voter outreach efforts, while only 18% of white people are missing or incorrectly listed. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 25 million Black, Latino voters missing from databases

Census data indicate among voting-age Americans, nearly 25 million Black and brown eligible voters are missing from commonly used registration …

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the United States were living with diabetes, a disproportionate share of them Black or Asian, according to Policy Matters Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Nearly one million Ohioans have been diagnosed with diabetes, but the cost of insulin continues to be a barrier for people needing the medication…

Toxic stress increases the risks for obesity, diabetes, depression and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Psychiatrist explains links between toxic stress, poor health

The alarming rise in rates of diabetes, obesity, depression, and other chronic health issues has put the spotlight on toxic stress. Lawson Wulsin…

$A new fracking well pad visible from the property of Ohio resident Randi Pokladnik. (Randi Pokladnik) <br />$

Ohio considers opening 40,000 acres in Wayne National Forest to fracking

Ohio's Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments - and will answer questions in virtual sessions today and tomorrow, on a draft …

More than 80% of people with dementia in the United States live at home, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 60% of home-based patients are unable to routinely eat or prepare food on their own. (Adobe Stock)

Research: Meals on Wheels benefits people with dementia living at home

Meals on Wheels programs could be a powerful tool for addressing the needs of people living with dementia, according to a study from Ohio State …

One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced rape or attempted rape, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Ohio expanding qualified Rape Crisis Centers

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Ohio is expanding its qualified rape crisis centers serving rural areas in the central and southeastern …

Ohio House Democratic Leader Allison Russo, left, and Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio, right. (Ohio Statehouse official photos)

Ohio minority leaders Antonio, Russo navigate GOP supermajority

By Megan Henry for the Ohio Capital Journal.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for Ohio Capital Journal-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

State and local officials expect millions of people to view the April 8 eclipse, which will cut across the United States in a swath from Mexico and South Texas through the upper Midwest and Canada. (Adobe Stock)

Millions expected to view total solar eclipse across Ohio, North America

Excitement is building for a rare celestial phenomenon that has not occurred in the United States since 2017. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will …

At least two-thirds of plastics plants examined in a new Environmental Integrity Project report, or 32 out of 50 built or expanded over the last decade, have received tax breaks or subsidies from state and local governments worth a total of nearly $9 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Fast-growing plastics industry major source of air pollution

The plastics industry is releasing illegal pollution but rarely faces discipline for environmental permit violations, according to a new report by …

Out-of-school suspensions contribute to Ohio's high chronic absenteeism rates, according to a new report from the Children's Defense Fund of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Suspensions, expulsions on rise in Ohio schools, report finds

Ohio's Black students are more likely to face excessively harsh discipline practices such as expulsion and suspension, according to a recently …

The development of worker cooperatives by ReImagine Appalachia is intended to revive the economy across Ohio and nearby states. (Adobe Stock)

ReImagine Appalachia plans co-ops to kick-start new energy economy

Leaders in Ohio and the other Appalachian states have a plan to turn the regional economy around. Natural resources from the Appalachian region once …

Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, the Senate Democratic leader, spoke at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Advocacy Day. She is sponsoring Senate Bill 100, which would prohibit the installation of an electronic tracking device on someone else's property without their consent. (Denise Kontras)<br />

In Ohio, a push to pass bill that would ban electronic tracking without consent

More than 100 Ohio advocates gathered this week to speak with lawmakers about policies affecting survivors of intimate-partner violence, including a …

According to the American Lung Association, children face special risks from air pollution because their airways are small and still developing, and because they breathe more rapidly and inhale more air relative to their size than do adults. (Adobe Stock)

Nurses voice support for new EPA light/medium vehicle air pollution rules

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

According to a January Household Pulse Survey, 90% of respondents reported their basic monthly food purchases cost more now than a year ago. (Adobe Stock)<br />

OH food banks overwhelmed one year after emergency SNAP benefits end

One year after emergency SNAP benefits ended, Ohio food banks said they are struggling with increased grocery costs and record-high numbers of …

A new survey of parents in predominantly Appalachian Ohio counties find most had positive experiences with a new social work model called Ohio Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer-mentor centered program helps Ohio families struggling with substance use

An evidenced-based social work model to help parents struggling with substance use stay connected to their children is offering hope to Ohio counties …

Aaryn's husband Ken, Samantha, Aaryn and Amy, a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter. (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

This month is National Disability Awareness Month, and in Ohio, parents who've adopted kids with special needs say living with a disability isn't …

The Federal Trade Commission says it received fraud reports from 2.6 million consumers last year, nearly the same amount as 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer losses from fraud, scams reach record levels

This is National Consumer Protection Week, and nationwide, people's losses to fraud have topped more than $10 billion, a 14% increase from 2022…

Research has linked school-based health centers to reduced absenteeism rates, reduced dropout rates, and increased graduation rates, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (Adobe Stock)

School-based health centers expand care access for Ohio kids

Children's advocates are pushing for the expansion of school-based health care to help improve health and learning outcomes for Ohio kids. Dr…

In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for White women, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio Black maternal mortality rates continue to spike

The number of Black mothers in Ohio who die during or following pregnancy continues to climb and health advocates said they hope to shine a light on t…

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, so far in 2024, more than 11 million net tons of steel have been produced in the United States. That's down slightly, by 1.8%, from last year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New documentary examines steel industry comeback in Cleveland

In Ohio, steel industry jobs are returning as high-tech professions attracting a diverse workforce. A new documentary takes a look at Ohio residents …

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the indictment related to House Bill 6 is not only about the legislation:

FirstEnergy abandons interim clean energy goals to address climate change

Ohio-based FirstEnergy also comes in "first" to eliminate its short-term 2030 emissions reduction goal amid an ongoing bribery investigation related t…

According to a report by the group Attendence Works, during the 2021-2022 school year, the number of schools where chronic absence levels were very high or extreme -- where 20% to 30% of students were chronically absent -- significantly increased. (Adobe Stock)

One Ohio school district’s juvenile court partnership lowered absenteeism

Around 30% of Ohio students are chronically absent from school, but in one district, a long-term partnership with the juvenile court system has …

There are nearly 1 million acres of modern coal mines in 12 states that have not yet been reclaimed, according to analyses by Appalachian Voices and the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates propose solutions to stop zombie mines in Ohio, other states

Advocates from coal-mining communities are proposing a roadmap to help address and prevent so-called "zombie mines," - abandoned mine lands on hold in…

According to the National Institutes of Health, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. About 80% of women ages 40 to 60 have one or more risk factors for coronary heart disease. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Heart disease on rise among young women

Nationwide, heart-disease awareness among women has declined, particularly among Black and Hispanic women. This Valentine's Day, health experts are …

In 2023, the USDA Forest Service and AmeriCorps signed a five-year agreement to establish the Forest Corps, which aims to create Job opportunities that reduce wildfire risk, support reforestation and make national forests and grasslands healthier and more resilient. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Biden’s Climate Corps could bring jobs to Appalachian Ohio

A Biden administration program called the American Climate Corps aims to hire and train 20,000 people in conservation, climate and clean-energy jobs…

Grants offer Ohioans funding to improve food access, housing and more

A community of older residents in Alliance, Ohio, now has better access to fresh foods, thanks to funding to help local people convert a vacant space …

Ohio has around 15,000 children currently in foster care, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)<br />

New Ohio children’s services model aims to promote family healing

A first-of-its-kind social work model aims to provide struggling Ohio families with personalized attention and resources. Mike Kenney - director of …

Bowling Green, Ohio, resident Joe DeMare installed solar panels on his home to lower his monthly energy bills. (DeMare)

Bowling Green, Ohio, residents say costly power plant drives up energy bills

Some residents of Bowling Green, Ohio, are saying the city's main power source, Prairie State Energy Campus in Illinois, is expensive, dirty…

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the Justice 40 Initiative's policy plan includes increasing job energy resiliency and energy democracy and decreasing environmental exposure for disadvantaged communities. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

USDA's climate action fellows to help Ohio farmers/small businesses access clean energy funds

Ohio will soon get a dedicated person to help farmers, ranchers and other landowners apply for federal grants to help fight pollution and climate …

Ohio is home to the Wayne State National Forest. A proposed federal rule would greenlight using national forests for carbon-capture operations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio environmental groups skeptical of carbon-capture rule for public lands

The Biden administration is considering a rule change to allow carbon dioxide from air or industrial processes to be captured and stored in national p…

Black Americans have lost their jobs or had job offers revoked because of hair discrimination, according to the Legal Defense Fund. (Adobe Stock)

CROWN Act would ban discrimination based on Black hairstyles in Ohio

By Faith Fistler for Kent State NewsLab.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan. The first time Tyana Barton was singled out because of her hair was …

Among worker cooperatives surveyed, 20% lost more than half of their revenue in 2021 due to the pandemic, compared to 28% of all small businesses, according to the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives. (AI-generated image/Adobe Stock)

Cooperative ways to weather the 'silver tsunami'

By Jaisal Noor for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News Service …

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked at some point in their lives. (Adobe Stock)

In rural Ohio, stalking incidents remain underreported

January is Stalking Awareness Month and advocates said cases of unwanted or repeated surveillance or contact, often alongside intimidation and …

Ohio's minimum wage increased this year to $10.45 per hour, but a report by the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio found full-time workers in the Columbus area need to earn $22.37 an hour to rent a two-bedroom apartment. (Adobe Stock)

Annual point-in-time count of homeless set for Columbus, Franklin County

More than 150 volunteers will fan out across Columbus and Franklin County this week for the annual point-in-time count of the homeless. Last year's …

A proposed amendment in Ohio would permit same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day, allow

Push is on to add Voters Bill of Rights to Ohio Constitution

Ohioans may have the chance to add a new Voters Bill of Rights to the state Constitution to support ballot access. Voting rights' advocates said …

A 2023 statewide survey of Ohio by the Ohio Association of Foodbanks found 68% of households had to choose between purchasing food and transportation or gas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ohio foodbanks say Thriving Families Tax Credit could help reduce hunger

Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal that would implement a statewide refundable child tax credit. Regional food banks say the bill would help …

It is estimated more than 1 million people are trafficked in the U.S. yearly, according to the organization Hope for Justice. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and experts said the trafficking of women, children, and men continues to be a problem in Ohio…

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