Children's Issues / Public News Service

Fourth graders in suburban and city schools saw the largest dips in reading scores between 2020 and 2022, and nearly half of Black and Latino fourth graders in Maryland do not read at grade level. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 28, 2025

Library funding at risk, even as literacy scores drop

This has been "National March Into Literacy Month" but it may become tougher over the summer to "march" into a public library and ask for help finding…

The Cupp-Patterson plan was originally offered as a bill in the Ohio Legislature, but instead was written into the state budget with a six-year implementation schedule. Full funding of $2 million, and full implementation, must be part of each state budgeting process. (Adobe Stock)

Debate intensifies over major cuts to Ohio's Fair School Funding Plan

At the Ohio Statehouse, proposed budget cuts to the Fair School Funding Plan have sparked debate among lawmakers and educators. Also known as the …

The Indiana Youth Institute said a strong commitment to evidence-based action can transform early literacy in Indiana with the foundational reading skills essential to the future of our children, workforce and communities. (Adobe stock)

Indiana sets goal to boost 3rd grade reading proficiency

Indiana's third grade reading scores show progress but gaps remain. The latest IREAD3 results show about 82% of students passed in 2024, up slightly …

Food banks in New Mexico and across the country were informed Wednesday that federal food shipments meant for distribution to needy residents had been suspended. (rrfb.org)

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

A federal funding freeze affecting a broad swath of U.S. programs has left many organizations in limbo, with new fallout coming every day. Court …

Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid over the next decade are equal to program spending for 22 million children nationwide, or 76% of children enrolled, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Montana teachers concerned over looming federal Medicaid cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives last month passed a budget resolution that would reduce the federal deficit by $880 billion over the next decade…

Florida's 2025 child labor bills, Senate Bill 918 and House Bill 1225, go further than 2024's House Bill 49, raising new safety concerns. (Pixabay)

Florida child labor bill advances amid exploitation concerns

A Florida bill that would roll back child labor restrictions cleared a Senate panel this week, sparking debate over whether it empowers families or …

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported almost 3% of Hoosier teens age 12-17 abuse pain relievers. (Adobe Stock)

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National …

According to the Wyoming Department of Education, Farm to School programs grew to include 90% of schools in the state last fall. The program has been cut by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to local food programs affect WY schools, food banks, producers

Federal programs supporting local food purchasing by food banks and schools have helped feed communities and support farmers but the Trump administrat…

The National School Lunch Program, created in 1946 as part of the National School Lunch Act, provides federal dollars to schools for food purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Co-ops help more KY school districts participate in local produce bidding

School staffing shortages can affect nutrition in Kentucky school districts, as many districts across the state rely on frozen, processed breakfast …

According to the Doula Advisory Group, as of February, 87 of Ohio's 88 counties had no doulas certified under the state's new program. (Adobe Stock)

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Tensions are rising in Ohio between doulas and the state Board of Nursing, as only a small number of doulas have been able to be certified for …

A fear of missing out, and social pressure and expectations, are among the most significant drivers among teens 13 to 17 using social media, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska grad students help teens navigate social media

Graduate students at the University of Nebraska are creating lessons plans for middle and high school students to help them navigate the social media …

People from across Oregon rally together before speaking with legislators. Research shows that during a slowing economy, 1-billion dollars in new SNAP benefits would lead to an increase of 1.54- billion dollars in GDP. (Oregon Food Bank)

Supporters rally for Food for All Oregonians bill

Hundreds of people from across Oregon gathered in Salem for an advocacy day last week, urging lawmakers to pass what's known as the Food for All …

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

A local nonprofit with a mission to advance regenerative agriculture is hoping its new video can open up an untapped world of science to a younger aud…

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

The U.S. Department of Education's civil rights office is charged with protecting students from discrimination and sexual assault and making sure all Americans have equal access to education. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

As the Trump administration makes good on promises to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, educators and parents are raising concerns about the …

Gregor Willms assists the Cedarburg High School team in the soil pit at Envirothon 2024. (Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association)

Competition prepares students for environmental science careers

A local event that brings students face-to-face with outdoor habitats is serving to ignite a lifelong passion in some that go on to pursue "green jobs…

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

Some 557 Colorado schools serving more than 206,293 students are projected to be affected by a proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding. (Adobe Stock)

Blowback on GOP's proposed cuts to school meal programs

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

Oregon's system for funding early childhood special education was last updated in 2011. House Bill 2682 has garnered strong support from a broad coalition of early childhood advocates and educators. (Wosunan/Adobe Stock)

Bill would revamp OR special ed preschool funding

Legislation to overhaul the way Oregon funds early childhood special education has advanced through the state House with near unanimous support…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal boosts special education funding by $40 million, raising the total to over $1.5 billion to support high-quality services for students with disabilities and special needs. (nimito/AdobeStock)

PA teachers union opposes Trump plan to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

The Trump administration's effort to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is facing strong opposition from the Pennsylvania State Education …

An August 2024 KFF analysis found Medicaid covers 3 in 8 Pennsylvania children, 5 in 8 nursing home residents, 2 in 5 people with disabilities, and 1 in 6 adults aged 19-64. (Selene Studio/AdobeStock)

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

When President Donald Trump took office, the Department of Education had 4,133 workers. Following last week's cuts, that number has dropped to around 2,183. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

MI educator says federal education cuts hit hard in Hamtramck schools

Cuts to the U.S. education system are expected to create a profound ripple effect on students and staff in Hamtramck's already struggling school …

More than 70% of people who are imprisoned as a minor have experienced physical abuse growing up. (Adobe Stock)

Some MD youth in justice system traumatized by the experience

Maryland ranks second in the nation for charging children who have committed crimes as adults. But one expert says a more trauma-informed response in …

The U.S. Department of Education is putting laid-off workers on paid leave starting Friday, March 21 and says they will be paid through June 9. (Neal/Adobe Stock)

School employees speak out against mass layoffs at U.S. Dept. of Education

School employees are expressing outrage at the mass layoffs of half the U.S. Department of Education workforce. Secretary of Education Linda …

The American Heart Association said a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan can increase survival rates by 50% or more when people are trained in practices like CPR or how to use an automated external defibrillator until first responders arrive. (Adobe Stock)

MN looks to ensure all schools are ready for cardiac scares

A Minnesota Senate committee today will hear testimony about a rare but scary scenario for families: sudden cardiac events in school settings…

Immigrants in Ohio pay $7 billion a year in taxes and have a spending power of $20 billion contributing significantly to the state's economy. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows economic impact of deportation in Ohio, U.S.

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined how past policies have shaped the economy and what could happen if the Trump …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled four times, starting with the DeRolph decision in 1997, that the state's method of funding schools violates the state constitution, prompting ongoing efforts to reform the system. (jovannig/Adobe Stock)

Multiyear fight for fair school funding in Ohio continues

Despite being four years into Ohio's six-year Fair School Funding Plan, it has yet to receive full funding. Advocates of the plan are pushing for …

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Indiana Youth Institute, suicide is among the top three causes of death for kids ages 10-19. (Adobe Stock)

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Diagnoses of mental health conditions in children and teens are on the rise, including in Indiana. But getting kids the help they need can be a …

The latest data from Open Sky Policy Institute show more than 182,000 Nebraska children are enrolled in Medicaid and other social service safety net programs. (Adobe Stock)

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state…

In some areas, Medicaid funding pays a portion of the school nurse's salary. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could threaten schools supports in NJ

As federal government spending cuts loom, advocates for keeping Medicaid intact are calling attention to how the funding is used in public schools…

During the Great Depression, the U.S. enacted the

Data, history show mass deportations harm U.S. economy

As nationwide deportation efforts continue, new research examined the labor market of a past president to help forecast what could happen if …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

During a recent American Federation of Teachers-Texas town hall meeting, educators from around the state, including former Department of Education employees, said they are confused by some of the job and spending cuts already made. (ahmed/Adobe Stock AI)

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

Educators in Texas are concerned about the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education. One of the Department's primary …

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends removing play sand rather than trying to clean it, because fire debris, ash and dirt from residential and structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances. (Supersomik/Adobe Stock)

After L.A. fires, questions remain about sandbox safety

Concerned parents are pushing the authorities to help parks and day cares remove sand from sandboxes contaminated with ash after the Los Angeles fires…

University campuses are being told to create best practices for faculty and staff to assist immigrant and international students. (Sabrina/Adobe Stock)

Changes in U.S. immigration policy affect AR college campuses

Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to ensure learning is not disrupted because of executive orders by the Trump administration. President …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

The Center for American Progress lists Minnesota as among the more expensive states when it comes to child care costs. (Adobe Stock)

MN child care stakeholders: 'Broken' system needs more than minor fixes

Some 45 day care centers in Minnesota temporary closed their doors early this week to highlight the ongoing child care crisis. Advocates said the …

Tennessee has made progress in child care availability but as of 2024, 37 counties are still considered child care

Report: Investing in child care would help TN families, economy

Many Tennessee families cannot afford child care and providers cannot afford to pay their staff fair wages, according to a new report. The …

Public health officials said measles typically causes a rash, red eyes, cough and high fever and can sometimes lead to more severe health problems. (airdone/AdobeStock)

NM measles outbreak prompts new helpline, web resources

Most New Mexicans are vaccinated against measles but a recent upsurge in Texas has led the state's health department to launch a new phone helpline an…

Black and Native American youth are largely overrepresented in juvenile facilities compared to their white counterparts. (Sophon_Nawit/Adobe Stock)

Act would give incarcerated WA youth a second chance

Several bills working their way through the Washington Legislature focus on reforming the state's juvenile legal system, including one known as the …

The 2023 Kentucky Early Learners Survey found rates of cavities and untreated tooth decay among children ages 2-5 at rates considerably higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Bill would expand reach of dental hygienists across rural Kentucky

A recent study showed high rates of tooth decay among young children in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas, and dental health advocates are …

The Texas Department of State Health Services says a dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from their exposure to the virus. (Luci/Adobe Stock)

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

Health officials across Texas remain on high alert after a deadly measles outbreak in the South Plains region. The state health department said one …

Illinois founded the first juvenile court more than 100 years ago on the premise children in conflict with the law should be treated separate and distinct from adults. Katherine Buchanan with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative said today, many children are jailed for offenses adults would not be jailed for. (Adobe Stock)

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative …

Gov. Mike Braun's budget and the House GOP plan to cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which was 0.013% of the state budget. (Indiana Governor's Office)

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

Indiana's new budget does not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program sends free books to children from birth to age 5…

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