Ohio News & Current Events | Public News Service

The average monthly Social Security benefit in August was $1,546. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

Concerns Loom for Social Security's Future Ahead of Benefit Increase

The roughly 2.4 million Ohioans who rely on Social Security income are expected to get a big boost in benefits, but advocates for the program are …

One in five Ohioans surveyed said threats to democracy are a top concern before the 2022 midterms.(Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Ohio SOS Launches New Election Investigation Unit

Instances of voter fraud are few and far between, but Ohio election officials want to ensure voters have confidence in the integrity of the system…

Around 41,000 part-time Postal Service employees have converted into career roles in January. (Atomic Taco/Flickr)

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Postal Workers in Ohio Brace for Seasonal Ramp-Up

Ahead of the peak mailing season, the U.S. Postal Service is going through a "ramp up" period of hiring. Because of the COVID pandemic, postal …

Black students account for about 10% of nursing school graduates in Ohio, compared to 12.6% of the general population. (Adobe Stock)

Researcher: Better Diversity in Nursing Improves Access to Care

Nurses are on the forefront of patient outcomes, and experts say a workforce that better reflects the population it serves can help reduce healthcare …

Excessive drinking is more prevalent among males than females, and adults ages 18 to 44 compared to age 45 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Going Sober in October Can Help You and Others

Ohioans are encouraged to participate in a new national challenge to improve their health and the lives of others. During the Sober October event…

Ohio school districts that implemented free school meals for all have reported a 20% increase in student participation. (USDA)<br />

Ohio Education Leaders Support Free School Meals for All

Education officials in Ohio want state leaders to invest in free school meals for all students. Pandemic-era federal waivers enabling schools to …

After a positive anxiety screening, an assessment from a mental-health professional can determine if a patient should be diagnosed with a specific anxiety disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Anxiety: Experts Say Don't Suffer in Silence

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Ohioans, according to mental-health experts. The U.S. Preventive …

After registering to vote, Ohioans are encouraged to learn more about the offices up for grabs in November. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Voters Urged to Learn about Powers of Public Officials

We're 50 days away from the 2022 midterms, and advocates are encouraging Ohioans to not only learn more about the candidates on the ballot, but the …

The total number of books challenged in 2022 is set to exceed the record set last year. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Libraries Observing Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Student-loan advocacy groups have called on the Education Department to audit the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/ Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Student-Loan Forgiveness Not Doing Enough to Address Racial Equity Gap

The Biden administration's recent move to cancel some student debt is welcome news to many, but challenges remain for others. The racial equity gap …

About one in four Ohioans filters in and out of poverty, and can't seem to stay above the Federal Poverty Line, according to the latest research. (Adobe Stock)

'More People Are Poor Than the Poverty Rate Says'

More than 1.4 million people in the Buckeye State live in poverty, according to the 2022 State of Poverty in Ohio report. The Ohio Association of …

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee won a collective-bargaining deal covering workers on tomato farms in Ohio in 1983, after an eight-year campaign and boycott. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Farm Workers Still Shut Out of Federal Labor Protections

An organization defending the rights of thousands of farmworkers in Ohio and other states is creating its road map for the future. The Farm Labor …

Research suggests that with intensive support, parents can overcome addiction and be reunited with their children as part of their recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Recovery Month: Ohio START Shows Success in Reuniting Families

September is National Recovery Month, and a program in Ohio is showing success in healing families who have struggled with addiction. Ohio START (…

Engaging Men addresses bringing men into the conversation both as survivors of sexual violence and as allies. (Adobe Stock)

'Engaging Men' Brings New Voices into Sexual-Violence Dialogue

An initiative at one Ohio nonprofit is taking on the topic of men and sexual violence. There is a false notion men are not experiencing sexual …

A new report says the Senate filibuster blocked a number of pro-democracy bills. (house.gov)

Democracy Scorecard: Where Do Ohio's Representatives Stand?

Most of Ohio's members of the 117th Congress do not fare well in a biannual report tracking their positions on issues affecting democracy. The …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Moves to Take Action on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Ohio and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of per-an…

Ohio's labor market has recovered quickly after COVID-19, but the number of jobs in the state remains below the year 2000 level. (Adobe Stock)

New Ohio Labor Report Highlights Improvements and Challenges

A new report on working in Ohio offers a mixed picture of labor in the state. The annual State of Working Ohio report is out for 2022 and while …

Quality housing, safe neighborhoods and access to quality education are among the factors that affect residents' health outcomes within a community. (Adobe Stock)

New Grants Fuel Projects to Improve Ohio Health Outcomes

A new program in Ohio is focused on raising the voices of people in communities consistently experiencing health disparities. The Ohio Department of …

Some educators say kids continue to struggle with social skills and mental health challenges in the aftermath of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Schools Seek to Adapt to Mental Health Crisis

By Andrew Kuder / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Over the past few years…

Dozens of eastern and southeastern Ohio counties are considered distressed or at risk. (Dan Keck/Flickr)

RECOMPETE Act: a Hidden Gem for Rural Ohio

There's a hidden gem for rural communities in new federal legislation to boost semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS Act includes the RECOMPETE …

Advocates say the crackdown on prescription opioids unintentionally pushed people with addictions toward illegal and more deadly drugs. (Adobe Stock)

'Dopesick' Author Speaks in Ohio: Addiction Not a Moral Failure

With more than a billion in opioid settlement dollars coming to Ohio, advocates argued it must be directed to evidence-based strategies. Ohio ranked …

The firearm homicide rate in Ohio among Black males, ages 15 to 34, is 25 times higher than white males of the same age group. (Adobe Stock)

As Gun Violence Rises, Ohio Communities Look for Solutions

By Jala Forest / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration Kendra Byrd was born and raised…

A lack of representation from their own age group could be keeping young Ohioans from voting. (Adobe Stock)

Young-Voter Turnout Improving Nationwide; Will Ohio Follow?

By Andrew Kuder / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Sam Lawrence is running for …

An estimated 11.4% of Hispanic children in the U.S. do not have health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-School Checklist: Remember Health-Care Coverage

As a new school year kicks into gear, advocacy groups want to ensure Ohio kids have access to medical coverage to keep them healthy and ready to …

In 2021, damages from floods and other severe weather in the United States exceeded $145 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Calls for New National Strategy to Help Ohio Prepare for Natural Disasters

In the wake of historic summer floods in the Midwest and Appalachia, there are calls for a new national plan to reduce risks from disasters. The …

A new report finds Ohio school districts in metropolitan or urban areas have experienced a 27.7% increase in chronic absenteeism in recent school years. (Adobe Stock)

Chronic Absenteeism, Depression, Anxiety Plague Ohio Kids

Children's advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the well-being of Ohio's kids. The 2022 Kids Count Data Book released today highlights some …

The CHIPS and Science Act could accelerate manufacturing and technology supply chain opportunities in Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

CHIPS Act Expected to Boost Ohio Technology, Manufacturing

President Joe Biden will sign the CHIPS and Science Act Tuesday, a landmark measure lawmakers say could create thousands of jobs here in the Buckeye …

Farming practices that protect soil health can lead to climate resiliency. (Adobe Stock)

Senate Inflation Bill Features Strong Investments in Climate-Friendly Farming

While it's named the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation in the Senate actually goes a long way toward making agriculture more climate-resilient…

Of the 1.2 million Ohio children covered under Medicaid, 31% are Black, 57% are white, and the rest are from other backgrounds. (Adobe Stock)

CHIP to Mark Silver Anniversary; Reflecting on 25 Years of Success

As a program that's improved health insurance access for kids celebrates its silver anniversary, there are calls to ensure it remains strong for the …

The gap between rents and wages is wider in rural areas of Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Rents are Skyrocketing in Ohio

A new study shows there is no place in Ohio - or the United States, for that matter - where a person who's working at minimum wage full-time can …

A survey found 70% of voters who are concerned about climate change support a national climate emergency declaration. (Adobe Stock)

Inaction on Climate Change Called an 'Unprecedented Failure'

Calling it a "clear and present danger," President Joe Biden announced new measures last week to make communities more resilient against climate chang…

In Ohio, female workers and Black workers who earn low wages are less likely to be eligible for unemployment benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Unemployment Reform Bill Would Make Benefits More Inclusive

There is a new effort to reform Ohio's unemployment compensation system to become more inclusive of low-paid workers. Currently, a person paid …

The volume level on your favorite workout playlist could contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. (Adobe Stock)

Experts say Healthy Listening Habits Can Prevent Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is on the rise, and as people return to loud places such as the gym after pandemic-induced hiatuses, medical professionals are advising …

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit refunds 30% of what productions spend to film in the state, up to $40 million annually. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Film Industry Leaders Call for More Investment

By Andrew Kuder / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration According to data from the Ohi…

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks says some hunger-assistance programs are rationing food for those in need because of low inventory. (OAFB)

Long Lines, Empty Shelves: Ohio's Hunger Response Network is Hurting

New faces, longer lines and empty shelves: Ohio's hunger-fighting network is sounding the alarm as it faces unprecedented challenges. At the …

Most pregnancies aren't detected until about four weeks. Under Ohio law, that means most women will have two weeks or fewer in which they can get an abortion in the state. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Abortion Access: Ohio's 6-Week Ban Could Be Just the Start

By Trista Bowser / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. After the Supreme Court …

Ohio's 11 death row exonerees spent a collective 216 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. (Adobe Stock)

Ohioans Mark 4 Years Since Last Execution with 'Day of Hope'

Ohio's last execution was four years ago today, and advocates for ending the death penalty are hopeful it remains the last. At noon, people at …

Visitors at the Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware, Ohio learn how agro-forestry, cover crops, pasture-raised livestock and soil health practices can help end the climate crisis. (Raul Castro-Dean)<br /><br /><br />

Tours Put Sustainable Farming Methods on Display

Some farmers in the region are taking time, even during the busy growing season, to give people a firsthand look at what sustainable agriculture is …

Some abusers use gaslighting and control tactics to undermine their partner's ability to leave. (Adobe Stock)

Domestic Violence, Addiction and Mental Health: Unraveling a Complex Web

New work is being done in Ohio to help free people who are caught in the complex web of domestic violence, addiction and mental health. Cheryl Stahl…

Some school districts are concerned the expiration of USDA waivers will have negative impacts on school meal programs. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Coalition Calls for Free School Meals to Avoid Child Hunger Cliff

Much like textbooks and transportation, a healthy lunch is a vital part of a child's school day and can help achieve educational success. Since …

Ohioans can no longer register for the Aug. 2 special primary, but the deadline to register for the November general election is Oct. 11.

Voters Encouraged to Partake in Ohio's Rare Second Primary

A rare August election is just a couple of weeks away, and Ohio voters are encouraged to cast their ballot early. They'll select candidates for the …

Research suggests Black women are more often targeted by corporate grooming policies. (Adobe Stock)

CROWN Act Aims to End Discriminatory Policing of Hairstyles

Some Ohio lawmakers are following in the footsteps of federal legislators with a bill to ban the policing of hairstyles based on racial stereotypes…

Some Ohioans struggling with skyrocketing electric bills due to the summer heat might qualify for assistance. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's June Heat Could Mean a Busy Season for Cooling Assistance

Community Action Agencies in Ohio are gearing up for what could be a busy season for cooling assistance. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis …

22% of Ohio voters in 2020 were age 65 or older. 33% were between 45 and 64 years old. (Adobe Stock)">

Tour Aims to Amplify Voice of Ohio’s Largest Voting Bloc

With several months remaining before the 2022 Midterm Election, older Ohioans have an opportunity to have their voice be heard on the issues that …

Menthol in cigarettes reduces the physical irritation of smoking, which can make it more difficult to quit smoking. (Adobe Stock)

Backers of Menthol Cigarette Ban Cite Health Benefits for Black Ohioans

The Food and Drug Administration could soon ban the manufacture and sale of menthol cigarettes, a move advocates in Ohio said could have a positive …

More than one-third of Victim Services workers in Ohio say they don't have enough paid time off from their jobs to maintain a work-life balance. (Adobe Stock)

Burnout, Inadequate Pay Plague Ohio's Victim Services Workforce

Ohioans who work, day in and day out, with some of the most vulnerable populations are struggling with major burnout, according to new data. Program …

In 2006, experts began to note significant yearly declines in honey bee colonies. (Adobe Stock)

Pollinator Week: Protecting Vital Links in Ohio's Ecosystem

From the Frosted Elfin Butterfly to the Rusty Batch Bumble Bee, vital links of Ohio's ecosystem are in trouble. This is Pollinator Week, bringing …

Report Discredits 'False' Stories of Youth-Led Crime Wave

New research found reports of skyrocketing youth crime are not only unfounded, but are also fueling calls for stricter punishments. Data from The …

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