Family/Father Issues / Public News Service

If the STORK Act is passed, Ohio would join states such as Georgia, which already allow tax deductions for unborn children, a policy enacted in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio Rep. Gary …

Calls to 911 for GLOW users tend to occur in geographic areas where poverty is more concentrated in Longview. (MclittleStock/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

East TX program connects residents to services, frees up 911

First responders in the east Texas city of Longview are getting help from a recently formed organization. The GLOW program helps connect residents …

ALICE families say while wages have increased, it hasn't been enough to keep up with inflation and is sometimes hard to put food on the table. (Konstantin Yuganov/Adobe Stock)

'ALICE at Work' on paycheck-to-paycheck struggle

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

The Annie E. Casey Foundation says in tracking programs that prepare older foster-care kids for adulthood, states inconsistently document participation, which can complicate efforts to ensure they're getting the services they need. (Freepik)

U.S. hits quarter-century mark focusing on kids 'aging out' of foster care

This month marks the 25th anniversary of a federal law designed to give states flexibility in helping older kids transition out of foster care…

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

Iowa has an estimated 507,254 children ages 0-12 but has only 177,053 operational child-care slots registered or licensed with the state, according to a report by the Common Sense Iowa Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa adds hundreds of higher-wage child care providers

A new report says Iowa has created more than 200 new child-care providers in the state, which is among the nation's leaders in working parents who …

During the 2023 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers approved a large aid package to boost child-care access. Other incentives have been phased in since then, but support groups still see the need for long-term fixes. (Freepik)

ND's child care system gains some ground but calls remain for more action

Whether it's not enough slots or rising monthly costs, many North Dakota parents have felt that child-care is out of reach for them. More than a …

A Cornell University report finds 74% of New Yorkers support implementing universal public child care. (Adobe Stock)

Group plans to implement universal public child care in NY

A New York organization believes universal public childcare can be implemented in five years. New Yorkers United for Child Care is using its newly …

The U.S. Supreme Court hears on average 80 cases per session, out of the thousands of requests it receives. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school. The case Parents Protecting Our …

AARP Mississippi helped pass The Caregiver Act, making it one of the first states to implement such legislation, in 2015. (Malambo/peopleimages/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi group provides support, resources to family caregivers

The holidays can be both joyful and bittersweet for family members caring for loved ones. AARP Mississippi said it is working to help meet the …

In day-to-day life, 'solo agers' lean on neighbors and friends

By Judith Graham for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servic…

Roughly 5% of adults in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association, and symptoms last about 40% of the year. (Adobe Stock)

Psychiatrist: Don't ignore grief of loss during holidays

The holiday season often brings Wyoming families together in celebration and warmth but for some, the absence of a loved one -- whether through death…

U.S. counties with state minimum wages between $7.26 and $9 saw a reduction in obesity by 0.6 percentage points, while counties with minimum wages of more than $9 experienced an obesity reduction of 2.8 percentage points, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado obesity rate linked to economic inequality, low minimum wages

More than one in five Coloradans are considered obese, a chronic medical condition leading to serious health risks and a new study links obesity to …

Wyoming caregivers provide an estimated $910 million in economic value to the state, according to AARP Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

AARP expands 'Care for Caregivers' course to more WY communities

November is National Family Caregivers Month and AARP Wyoming is working to meet rising demand for caregiver resources. About 58,000 Wyomingites …

Tips on navigating post-election sensitivities this Thanksgiving

At Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will see relatives who may be on the other side of the political divide for the first time since the election …

According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, more than 3,000 youth in Michigan are waiting to be adopted. (motortion/Adobe/Stock)

MI couple opens their heart and home, transforming teen's life

It is National Adoption Month and according to the Dave Thomas Foundation of Adoption, Michigan has about 10,000 children in foster care. Two years …

A 2024 survey builds on The Marshall Project's 2020 political survey, which debunked the assumption incarcerated individuals would predominantly support Democrats, as the trend remains unchanged. Art Credit: Diana Ejaita for The Marshall Project

The politics of prison: Ohio's incarcerated reflect on the 2024 election

The 2024 presidential election has raised complex emotions for incarcerated Ohioans, many of whom are unable to vote but remain deeply engaged in …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Minnesota's foster care entry rate has declined in recent years, along with efforts to bolster the state's adoption policies. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers link better outcomes to MN adoption reforms

CLARIFICATION: We updated language to clarify the timing for when the study's authors began tracking certain outcome measures for children within the …

The Employment Navigation and Partnership Program first launched in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

How troops struggle, excel in civilian employment

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Ser…

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has released the final phase of its tax study, focusing on advocacy. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier leaders tackle child care, workforce issues

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce outlined six key priorities for lawmakers ahead of the legislative session in January. Rather than releasing …

Mental-health professionals recommend coping with depression in healthy ways, such as exercising. Plan family walks for fresh air and social connection. Avoid unhealthy foods and, if drinking alcohol, do so responsibly. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Navigating grief and loss during holiday season in MO

'Tis the season for celebration and good cheer. However, for many Missourians, the absence of a loved one - whether through death, divorce or another …

The middle 20% of Americans, families making between $55,000 and $94,000, would face an average tax increase of $1,530 in 2026 under Trump tax proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals

President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have promised to pass a new tax bill, and a new report breaks down the expected winners and …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

The Pew Research Center says the rate of multigenerational households in the United States has quadrupled since 1971. Some in the academic community say that overlaps with the need for individuals to be more socially conscious about how they share their money. (Adobe Stock)

Researcher: 'Tis the season for 'financial interdependency'

The holiday season is here and households in North Dakota and elsewhere might encounter sensitive conversations about lending money to a loved one in …

Just under 14% of South Dakota kids are American Indian or Alaska Native, but make up more than 62% of children in the state's foster care system, according to the National Indian Child Welfare Association. (Adobe Stock)

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day and it is a good time to think about children who are older or have special needs and face more difficul…

The group BIPOC Adoptee Voices sponsors panel presentations, where adoptees can discuss issues like separation, race, identity, loss and reunification. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Oregon nonprofit makes space for BIPOC adoptees

November is National Adoption Month and one Oregon nonprofit is making space for Black and Indigenous adoptees to share their stories. Although most …

Older kids have fewer options to find adoptive families

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day, but kids who are older or have special needs face more difficulty in finding adoptive parents…

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

More than 40% of caregivers for people with dementia have household incomes of $50,000 or less, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)

Expanding outreach to Iowa caregivers during Alzheimer's Awareness Month

The Iowa Alzheimer's Association chapter is making new resources available to caregivers during November, a month set aside to educate and help …

More than 2 million votes were cast for the Democratic ticket in Ohio, although more than 55% of Ohio voters supported the Republican ticket. (Wikimedia Commons)

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

Ohio Republicans will soon have stronger representation in Washington, D.C., as Buckeye State native and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance is set to …

Someone becomes homeless in the United States every 40 minutes. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

North TX nonprofit uses technology to combat homelessness

The faith-based nonprofit Our Calling is working with unsheltered clients in north Texas to create a long-term exit plan to help them rebuild their li…

Approximately 560,000 Arkansas households live below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

The Santana Family of Shrewsbury adopted their then 19-year-old daughter Marisol last year after she spent about 15 years in the foster care system. Marisol calls her adoption a

MA families encouraged to explore foster care adoption

Advocates for foster children in Massachusetts are encouraging people to open their homes and hearts to adoption. More than 8,000 children in the …

A report from the University of California-Berkeley found Tennessee has more than 480,000 children ages 0-through-5, but has an early childhood teaching workforce of only 33,800. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals Tennessee child care workers face poverty wages

Child care workers across the nation, including in Tennessee, are struggling with poverty-level wages according to a new report. It revealed in …

City governments are strengthening financial security for families through reimagined debt-collection practices, equitable ability-to-pay processes and increased access to financial empowerment services. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps youth in Pueblo clear steep hurdles of fines and fees

Young people in Pueblo can now avoid serious and long-lasting consequences when they are unable to pay fines or fees. Chanell Hasty, program …

A course at Ohio State University critically evaluates evidence the human capacity for hope and the human desire to believe in a supernatural deity evolved because they helped our ancestors survive. (M-SUR/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State course bridges science and faith in polarized times

In a time of heightened polarization, particularly as the nation waits for election results, many Ohioans find themselves grappling with differences …

There are 16 million vacant homes across the U.S., or 28 vacant homes for every unhoused person. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado’s housing crisis linked to billionaire investors

Denver's homeless population hit an all-time high in 2024 but there is actually no shortage of available housing units, according to a new report…

Respite offers post-permanency families much-needed relief, with resources that help alleviate the pressures of parenting special needs children and provide flexible, competent care. (Alexis Scholtz/peopleimages/Adobe Stock) <br /><br /><br />

Adoption partnership aims to boost 'forever families' in Pennsylvania

November is National Adoption Month and In Pennsylvania, more than 3,000 children in foster care are waiting for new families through adoption…

Following Roe vs. Wade's overturn, over 40,000 people in restrictive states obtained medication abortions through shielded providers in the second half of 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in use. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights

By Lauren Rankin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living increase to their benefits beginning in 2025, according to the federal government. Officials said it translates to an average increase of roughly $50 for retirees each month. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Social Security, caregiving top issues for older ME voters

Mainers over 50 are the state's largest voting bloc and surveys show they are concerned how the election will affect Social Security. The fund's …

On average, child care providers make less than people who walk dogs for a living, according to Care for Kids. (Adobe Stock)

Utah child care advocates demand change ahead of Election Day

Utah child care providers, parents and children's advocates say the state's child care crisis is getting worse and they hope voters will take the …

Signal Ohio found overarching issues such as climate change, reproductive rights and safety were on the minds of many Ohioans. (Adobe Stock)

Election insights: What 50 Ohioans want to hear from candidates

As Election Day approaches, the online outlet Signal Ohio interviewed 50 people across Cleveland and Akron to find out what is on the minds of …

More than 55 million people now have dementia worldwide, more than 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. (Pixabay)

‘Navigating the Journey’ conference aims to empower dementia caregivers

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium will host its annual conference on Saturday - bringing together caregivers, medical experts, and …

According to the United Way, more Americans are seeking assistance for help with everyday needs. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Antipoverty community: Poverty line is garbage

Advocates in the antipoverty community said lawmakers are not doing enough to help people escape poverty. They said the inaction is increasing the …

More than 35% of Massachusetts families with young children could not afford enough diapers during the pandemic, even with federal stimulus payouts, according to a 2022 Health Equity study. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Federal funds expand successful MA diaper distribution program

A federal pilot program distributing diapers to Massachusetts families in need is expanding. The program has already distributed more than two …

In 2022, nearly 15,000 children in Ohio were in out-of-home care, with about 8,500 in foster homes, 4,000 with relatives or family friends, and others in residential or alternative placements. More than 3,400 children are waiting to be adopted. (Social media is shaping the 2024 presidential race like never before, especially among young voters in Ohio./Adobe Stock)

A growing crisis in mental health care for Ohio children

The growing crisis in Ohio's child welfare system is drawing attention, particularly for its impact on children's mental health. Across the state…

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