Youth Issues / Public News Service

In 2022, 182,000 children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Nebraska, almost 53% of total Medicaid recipients in the state. Last year, Nebraska expanded eligibility for kids with special needs who live with their parents. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

In 2022, 52% of rural hospitals no longer had maternity wards, compared to 36% of urban hospitals. Cuts to Medicaid funding would affect already struggling rural medical facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten rural PA residents, hospitals

Federal safety net programs face major potential cuts as the Trump administration pursues budget reductions, with a House GOP proposal suggesting $2.5…

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

A 2022 report found New York State has one school psychologist for every 648 students, one school social worker for every 773 students, and one school counselor for every 288 students, far exceeding recommended ratios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health. New York made a $1 billion investment in …

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

In 2021, Ohio spent approximately $1.3 billion on child welfare services, ranking it among the top states for reliance on local funding, with counties shouldering nearly half of the cost. (Mediaphotos/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Finding appropriate placements for youths entering Ohio's child welfare system has become increasingly difficult. Rachel Reedy, outreach and member …

In Indiana, a parental rights bill has sparked the most discussion around schools and the Department of Child Services. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Controversial IN parental rights bill progresses

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a measure focused on parental rights. Senate Bill 143 has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 9-2 vote…

More than a half million Mountain State residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

Around 22% of people in Kentucky are covered by Medicaid, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Proposed Medicaid changes would hit KY and other rural states hard

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

Rural Idaho children rely on Medicaid. More than 490,000 Idahoans live in rural communities. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

Rural communities in Idaho and other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage, according to new research from the Georgetown University …

A 2022 report found Washington state had one school counselor for every 465 students, far higher than the recommendation of one for every 250 students. (Synthex/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

As young people struggle with mental health issues, schools often provide the best avenue for getting them help. However, Washington state has fallen …

Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem, N.C., says it's increasing student success with faculty mentors. (David Bjorgen/Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Faculty mentor program at NC college increases retention

A college in North Carolina has developed an innovative model that lets faculty mentor students. Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-…

During the first half of 2024, more than 3,200 college students were arrested nationwide in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. including more than a dozen students at the University of New Hampshire. (Ahsan)<br />

Monday, January 20, 2025

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

A new poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris' support for Israel's war in Gaza may have cost her the 2024 presidential election. Nearly 30% of the …

stated food stamps alone kept more than 1.3 million children out of poverty last year. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)">

Monday, January 20, 2025

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

In his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. condemned the poverty hindering Black Americans' rights and decades later, a new …

According to the Indiana Youth Institute, 81% of young people involved in mentoring programs are more likely to regularly participate in extracurricular activities. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, and organizations like MENTOR Indiana are making a difference in young lives. MENTOR Indiana is part of the …

Research from the University of Washington in 2023 found 39% of New York State households struggle to cover costs, although the federal Official Poverty Measure only recognizes 13% of the state's population as living in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

New York legislation could help working families in the state cope with rising prices. The Working Families Tax Credit would combine a patchwork of …

Policy experts said rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this story noted the Children's Health Insurance Program as a component of Medicaid, before outlining Minnesota …

In 2024, Ohio's Human Trafficking Initiative created specialized resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on personal safety, healthy relationships and preventing exploitation.(design.designer/Adobe Stock)

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, spotlighting efforts to combat the crime. Human trafficking, the world's second-largest …

Policy experts say rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such sa Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

Struggling to meet the pressures imposed by a dwindling population, Iowa is looking at ways to allow minors to work more hours and fill companies' employment needs. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

Iowa lawmakers are considering reducing fines companies pay for breaking child labor laws. The state has said it's trying to find safe and creative …

'Run for Something' is an organization that provides resources, webinars, trainings and a network of people who help candidates around the clock, either for free or at cost. (Adobe Stock)

AZ sees jump in those interested in running for office post-Election Day

More than 12,000 people around the county have said they're interested in running for office since last year's election. And the share coming from …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

Under Indiana Department of Labor regulations, during the school year, a 14- or 15-year-old can only work until 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. From June 1 to Labor Day, they can only work until 9 p.m. until the school year begins. (Adobe Stock)

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

Changes to Indiana's child labor laws went into effect Jan. 1 which could affect teens who have or are looking for jobs. Employers are now no longer …

Experts in the world of youth mentorship said one in three young people in the United States will grow up without a mentor. (Adobe Stock)

In MN, youth mentorship part of larger development puzzle

January is National Mentoring Month and in Minnesota, program leaders report waiting lists for kids to be matched up with an adult willing to spend …

The childhood mental health crisis has been on the rise for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the crisis among children in Arkansas and throughout the country. (Viacheslav Yakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center addresses reforms to address mental health issues for youth in Arkansas and nationwide. The group's …

In 2023, 40% of high school students nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% said they seriously considered attempting suicide. (Murda/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

The Bipartisan Policy Center has released a new report on reforming the way youth mental health services are delivered, in Michigan and nationwide…

For the taxpayer, the current tax due on a $100,000 property is $17.47 for a full year. If the 0.7 mill replacement and 0.3 mill increase levy is passed by the voters, the same property tax would increase to $35 annually. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

The rising costs of children's placements and a failed tax levy in Adams County have heightened concerns about the future of children's services in Oh…

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

In 2024, North Carolina schools started the year with more than 3,100 teacher vacancies, according to the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association. (Adobe Stock)

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

A North Carolina university student is breaking new ground in math education. Megan McAnany is an elementary and special education major at William …

Companies are increasingly providing apps and other tools for people to track their screen time with the hope of cutting back. But a Minnesota exert says those solutions are still reliant on technology, making the temptation too hard for many people. (Adobe Stock)

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

If reducing screen time is your New Year's resolution, a Minnesota expert says it can be tough. But with increasing concerns about the effects of …

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

From 2016 to 2023, an estimated 1.8 million toy-related injuries for all ages were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, an average of 226,300 injuries per year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Zarya Maxim/Adobe Stock)

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Utah trauma surgeons are wanting parents to be vigilant about the dangers toys with magnets or button batteries can pose, after they've seen several …

Earlier this year, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for Nevada's Read by Grade 3 program. (Adobe Stock)

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Nevada education experts say literacy rates are improving, but aren't where they should be. Nevada's third- through eighth-grade students have …

Data from the Children's Law Center of California show half of all kids in foster care have endured four or more adverse childhood experiences. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)<br />

Foster care system celebrates 25 years of progress

California has more than 60,000 children in the foster care system and about 7,000 in extended care up to age 21 but many do not receive all the servi…

The Virginia Child Protection Accountability System, accessible on the Virginia Department of Social Services website, provides public information on the agency's response to reports of child abuse and neglect. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns over CPS overreporting spark calls for change

CORRECTION: The number of reports to Virginia Child Protective Services that are found to include abuse or neglect is just under 3,000. An earlier …

As of August, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System had reached 66,114 students, representing an increase of 8.4%, according to state data. (Adobe Stock/AI generated image)

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Nearly a dozen changes could be made to the Kentucky Community and Technical College system, under Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by lawmakers …

New Mexico joined more than a dozen other states in 2023 offering child tax credits meant to boost economic security. (courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children)

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Child tax credits offer a financial lifeline to parents and can lift children out of poverty, according to a report from New Mexico's Voices for …

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

In 2024, there were 1,990 successful diversions of South Dakota youth from courts and detention, according to the state's Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Of that total, 449 attempts were considered unsuccessful. (Adobe Stock)

A year of growth for juvenile diversion programs in SD

Nearly 2,000 South Dakota juveniles were successfully diverted from the state's court system this year, according to a new report. A 2024 law has …

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Critics argue Florida's book removals limit access to important information. At the same time, state officials insist they ensure only age-appropriate materials remain in schools, rejecting claims of outright bans as a

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Recent changes to Florida's education laws have removed information on consent, contraceptives and prenatal development from many health lessons at …

Nearly two in five students experienced food insecurity in a survey of Washington state postsecondary students. (Mauricio Toro/Adobe Stock)

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Hunger is an issue for many students on Washington state's postsecondary campuses this holiday season. A survey of nearly 10,000 students in …

Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers will cost the state $825,000,000 in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

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Youth

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten rural PA residents, hospitals

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

Addressing Ohio’s youth care crisis

Controversial IN parental rights bill progresses

Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

Proposed Medicaid changes would hit KY and other rural states hard

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

WA falls behind in school-based mental health support

Faculty mentor program at NC college increases retention

UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race

Report: Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr.

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Medicaid faces big cuts; experts warn about potential blow to rural areas

Ohio takes action against human trafficking

Report: Rural America would feel pain of deep Medicaid cuts

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

Concerns voiced as IA lawmakers could slash child labor law fines

AZ sees jump in those interested in running for office post-Election Day

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

In MN, youth mentorship part of larger development puzzle

National task force addresses mental health issues for AR youth

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

Ohio funding gaps leave Adams County kids in crisis

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

William Peace University student breaks new ground in math education

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

Medical, legal experts warn parents about dangers of toys this holiday season

Literacy rate among NV students improves but still lags

Foster care system celebrates 25 years of progress

Concerns over CPS overreporting spark calls for change

KY Community and Technical College System plans major changes

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

A year of growth for juvenile diversion programs in SD

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

FL parents raise concerns over changes to health lessons

Hunger concerns on WA postsecondary campuses as holidays approach

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements