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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

WIC benefits in Ohio unaffected, but federal spending review sparks concern

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Thursday, January 30, 2025   

The White House has rescinded a directive that froze federal grants and loans after a federal judge ruled it unlawful. While the freeze was lifted, a review aimed at eliminating spending on so-called "woke" ideologies will proceed. Advocates in Ohio say the confusion underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring accessible federal assistance, including the WIC program.

Brittany Boulton, vice president with Groundwork Ohio, shared her concerns.

"Our WIC system is one of the only in the country that is still all in person. Families have to go in person in order to enroll, to load benefits and get health assessments. We have tons of families that at eligible that are not participating because it's such a barrier," she explained.

Although the funding freeze was short-lived, it caused disruptions to various agencies and state programs and comes as Ohio recently passed House Bill 7, which aims to modernize WIC by moving much of the enrollment process online.

Despite the rollback of the funding freeze, the White House maintains that its broader executive orders on federal spending remain in effect. Meanwhile, lawmakers who opposed the freeze say public pressure played a key role in its reversal. Senate Democrats -- including Patty Murray, D-Wash. -- emphasized the power of collective action at a news conference Wednesday.

"When the American people speak out with one voice, when regular people stand up, it makes a difference," Murray contended.

Ohio remains focused on making WIC more accessible, but the funding review could complicate things for organizations reliant on federal support -- including those providing housing assistance, school meal programs and Medicaid services.


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