Ohio News & Current Events | Public News Service

Ohio health-insurance costs through the marketplace have increased by a modest amount since last year. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Health Insurance Tips for Ohioans Ahead of 2022 Open-Enrollment Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Health insurance open enrollment will begin later this fall for many Ohioans and people across the country, and medical experts say …

More than 200,000 children under 18 in Ohio live with grandparents or other relatives, an arrangement known as kinship care. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Ohio Kinship Advocates Say Caregivers Need More Support

COLUMBUS, Ohio - September is Kinship Care Awareness Month and, in Ohio, advocates for family caregivers say they'd benefit from more assistance from …

Approximately 3% of the 1,500 students in Montgomery County who were screened for behavioral health indicators were found to be at risk of substance use. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

OH County Working to Treat Stressors that Lead to Youth Marijuana Use

DAYTON, Ohio -- An Ohio county is taking a trauma-informed approach to its work on preventing marijuana use in teens. As marijuana policy changes …

Almost three-quarters of nursing homes said their workforce situation had worsened since 2020, according to a recent survey.(Adobe Stock)

How Ohio Became the No. 1 State for Nursing Home Assistant Shortages

By Savanna Strott for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Journalism Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Ohio News Connection. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio …

Pasture grazing cattle is a climate-friendly practice by cycling nutrients in the soil. (Drausin Wulsin)

Budget Bill Could Boost Climate-Friendly Practices in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the contributor of 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture has had a profound impact on climate change. Legislation in …

Male survivors of sexual assault sometimes feel shame or self-doubt that prevents them seeking help. (AdobeStock).

Sexual-Violence Prevention: Patriarchal Ideas a Barrier for Men

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, and work is underway in Ohio to ensure that men feel welcome in the anti-violence …

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world behind Christianity. (AdobeStock)

20 Years Later, Muslims Still Face Post 9/11 Hate

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the nation marks the 20th anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks, Muslim groups are reflecting on progress in the treatment of …

The stress police officers experience can result in serious health complications, such as PTSD. (AdobeStock)

State Legislators Eye Emotional-Intelligence Training for Police

By Troy PiersonBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Last summer's …

More than 63% of Ohioans age 18 and older are vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccine Outreach a Catalyst for Improving Health Equity

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- COVID-19 vaccine outreach is serving as a catalyst for improving health equity in some of Ohio's lower-income communities. The …

A former regulator took more than $4 million from FirstEnergy to further the company's interests. (Adobe Stock)

Critics Continue Calls for Big-Picture Review of FirstEnergy's Dealings

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann for Ohio News Connection…

Supporters of raising the minimum wage say it would boost productivity and worker morale, but opponents say it would hurt small businesses. (AdobeStock)

What Would Raising Minimum Wage Mean for Small Businesses in Ohio?

By Kennedi CombsBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio's minimum wage is …

More than 111,000 people were served by Ohio's domestic-violence programs in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Boosts Funding for Domestic-Violence Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio - More money soon will be available to help survivors of domestic abuse in Ohio. State lawmakers earmarked $7.5 million for domestic-…

Allowing teens to voice their opinions and have make decisions builds trust, experts say.. (AdobeStock)

Talking, Trusting Key to Easing Back-to-School Stress

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With new teachers, classmates and expectations, back to school is full of uncertainties and anxieties. Stressful transitions …

There are 31 LGBTQ individuals holding elected office in Ohio. (AdobeStock)

LGBTQ Ohioans Look for Fair Representation

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio leaders are drawing new voting district maps, with help from data from the 2020 census, but advocates for LGBTQ political …

Many Ohio universities are offering in-person, hybrid and fully online options for the fall semester. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Public Universities Approach Another COVID-19 Fall Semester

By Kennedi CombsBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the Delta …

An adjustment to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan goes into effect on October 1st. (Adobe Stock)

OH Groups: Make Programs that Support Families Permanent

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio food security advocates welcomed news last week of the largest permanent increase to SNAP benefits coming this fall and they …

Spotted lanternflies have been reported in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and several other states near the East Coast. (Ohio Dept. of Agriculture)

Ag Dept. Wants Ohioans' Help Finding Spotted Lanternflies

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's Department of Agriculture wants help from nature enthusiasts or anyone else who can assist in eradicating an invasive insect …

Around 57% of adults in Ohio are fully vaccinated. (Adobe Stock)

OH Vaccination Program Reaching Homebound Residents

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's homebound residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine have a new option, which can come right to their door…

Ohio's population has increased 2.3% since the 2010 census, but the state isn't growing at a fast enough pace to maintain all 16 of its U.S. House districts. (Adobe Stock)

Public Redistricting Hearings "Inaccessible" for Working Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Redistricting Commission will host 10 public hearings next week to gather input on the state's mapmaking process after …

The number of children whose families receive SNAP benefits in Ohio decreased from 32.2% in 2019 to 29% in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Well-Being Data Can Help OH Allocate ARP Funds

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prior to the pandemic, Ohio counties saw fewer kids in poverty and other strides in improving child well-being, but the public-…

Ohio will join more than 30 states in the Nurse Licensure Compact when it enters the program in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

OH to Expand Interstate Health-Care Access through Nurse Compact

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio has made it easier for residents to get quality health care from Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. Senate Bill …

Seven states mandate that police officers wear body cameras. (Adobe Stock)

Mixed Response to Ohio Body-Camera Legislation

By Troy Pierson Kent State/Ohio News Service Collaboration COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Legislators in Ohio are considering a bill that would require police …

Ohio's poverty rate is 13.1%, while the U.S. rate is 12.3%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic's Ripple Effects Had Big Impact on Low-Income Ohioans

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The number of Ohio residents living in poverty was trending down before the pandemic, but advocates in Ohio emphasized there is …

Social isolation, financial challenges and emotional fatigue are among the stressors faced by people just starting out in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Researchers Bring Social-Work Lens to Farming

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Researchers in Ohio are bringing a social work lens to agriculture by examining the challenges that affect farmers' mental health - …

School supply drives are helping vulnerable Ohio families prepare for classes this fall. (Adobe Stock)

Easing Back-to-School Jitters for Vulnerable Students

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- School bells will soon ring, and Ohio county Children Services agencies are doing what they can to make the transition back to …

The commission charged with drawing Ohio's 99 House and 33 Senate districts meets this week. (Adobe Stock)

State, Congressional District Designing Set to Begin in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New congressional and legislative maps will soon start to take shape in Ohio. The Ohio Redistricting Commission convenes for the …

During routine well-child visits, pediatricians track kids' growth and important developmental milestones. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Behind on Wellness Visits? The Doctor is In

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The pandemic paused many facets of life, and a new report says wellness checkups for children were among them. And with school …

Supporters say legalizing marijuana for recreational use would be an economic boon for Ohio, but opponents have concerns about health and safety. (Adobe Stock)

Recreational Marijuana on the Table Again in Ohio

By Troy Pierson / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. As marijuana becomes more …

Jessica Molena of Perrysburg says her own parents' advocacy for migrant farm workers has served as an inspiration. (FLOC)

Migrant Worker Group Helps Vaccinate an Ohio Community

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jessica Molina of Perrysburg says she was inspired as a child by the spirit of activism, as she watched her parents participate in …

There are no state or federal regulations for toxic PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. (AdobeStock)

Congress Takes Action on Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

Current research suggests kids age 10 and younger are less likely to become infected with COVID-19 and spread the infection to others. (AdobeStock)

Ohio AAP: Kids Need Class, and That Means Masks

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Amid mixed national messaging on COVID-19 and masks, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students …

DACA has been granted to more than 4,600 people in Ohio since 2012. (AdobeStock)

DACA Legal Limbo 'Exhausting' for Ohio Dreamers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In light of a new federal court ruling on DACA, immigration advocates in Ohio say Congress must take action to create a roadmap to …

Black women carry roughly 20% more student debt than their white counterparts. (Adobe Stock)

Campaign Aims to Liberate Black Women from Student-Debt Burden

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Black women carry more student loan debt than any other group, and a national petition has been launched to cancel $50,000 in …

Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)<br /><br /> — Around 249,000 Ohio households were behind on the rent in June, according to the census. (Aaron/AdobeStock)

Report Reveals Growing Divide Between Ohio Wages and Rent

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The gap between rent and wages continues to widen in Ohio, according to new research. The annual Out of Reach report showed the …

More than half of women who have been raped by their spouse also report repeat victimization in their relationship. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Bill Would End Spousal Exemptions for Sexual Violence

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill under consideration in the Ohio Legislature would ensure relationship status doesn't limit a sexual assault victim's ability …

The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)<br /> — The Child Tax Credit for 2021 increased from $2,000 to $3,000 for children 6-17. (geralt/Pixabay)

More Money to Make Ends Meet for Ohio Families

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many Ohio families will soon get extra cash to keep up with the cost of raising their kids. The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion …

The USPS delivers mail and packages to 161.4 million addresses in every city and state. (AdobeStock)<br /> — The USPS delivers mail and packages to 161.4 million addresses in every city and state. (AdobeStock)

Business Groups Want Action on Postal Service Reform Bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Supporters of the U.S. Postal Service are pressing for passage of a bill to shore up the troubled agency. Sen. Rob Portman - R-…

Experts say having an exercise partner can help most people better reach their fitness goals. <br />(Adobe Stock) — Experts say having an exercise partner can help most people better reach their fitness goals.
(Adobe Stock)

Experts Offer Tips for Bouncing Back After COVID Weight Gain

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohioans who are carrying around extra weight gained during the pandemic are not alone. According to the American Psychological …

Since 1989, 87 people convicted of crimes have been exonerated in Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Free After 14 Years, Ohio Men Await New Trial

By Kennedi Combs / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann, reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. For 14 years, Michael …

The Equal Districts Coalition is calling on the Ohio Redistricting Commission to convene, even though the latest U.S. Census information is more than a month from being released. (Equal Districts Ohio)

New Coalition: Time to Get to Work on Ohio Redistricting

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new alliance is calling on Ohio's elected leaders to get to work on this year's redistricting process. The newly launched Equal …

Around 16% of Greater Cincinnatians surveyed during the pandemic said they had serious problems paying their mortgage or rent. (AdobeStock)

1 in 4 Ohioans Hit by Financial Toll of Pandemic

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of Ohioans, and data continues to evolve that is uncovering the far-…

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network's Fresh Start program is supported by funds from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

OH Domestic Violence Prevention Focus on Housing Options for Survivors

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New programs available to domestic violence-prevention groups in Ohio aim to help survivors transition into safe, stable housing…

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one-in-six teens who start using marijuana become addicted to the drug. (fontonize/AdobeStock)

Marijuana, Mood Disorder and Self-Harm: A Troubling Connection

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Substance misuse prevention experts in Ohio are raising the alarm about the dangers associated with marijuana use among teens with …

Anyone who has unprotected sex is urged to get an HIV test at least every six months. (davide bonaldo/Adobe Stock)

Ohio Advocate: 'Deafening Silence' on Need for HIV Testing

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This Sunday is National HIV Testing Day, when people are urged to find out their HIV status and work to end the stigma around HIV …

OEFFA's 2021 Sustainable Food and Farm Tour will feature an organic dairy pasture walk. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Farm Tour Series Back after Pandemic Pause

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Some farmers and growers in Ohio are ready to share their knowledge and showcase the work they do to get food from the field to the …

Ohioans going through tough times can use SNAP benefits to purchase food at grocery stores. (AdobeStock)

SNAP Provisions in Ohio Budget Raise Red Flags

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Conference Committee working on Ohio's budget could vote as early as today on measures that could make it more difficult to …

Nearly one in four Ohio adults recently said they live in households that experienced difficulty paying expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Ohio Child Well-Being Gains Could Decline

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An annual report on child well-being in Ohio underscores the need for specific action to repair the damage caused by the pandemic…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

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