Local
As federal teen pregnancy prevention grants get cut, efforts in Ohio try to keep helping
HHS canceled 53 of 67 grants worth $68 million as Democracy Forward sues, while Ohio nonprofits and DeWine's faith-based office weigh how to fill the gap.
Poverty
Local
More Ohioans are getting their power shut off as energy costs surge
AEP Ohio's disconnection rate hit 15%, quadruple FirstEnergy's, as the utility's CEO earned $36 million last year while bills climbed 53% since 2021.
Local
Ohio renters need to earn at least $23.82 an hour to afford two-bedroom rental, new report shows
The average Ohio renter earns $19.59 an hour, $4.23 short, while the state faces a shortage of 266,000 affordable rental units.
National News
Citing a hunger ‘crisis,’ US mayors call for end to federal SNAP cuts
Lima, Ohio's mayor joined 210 others urging Congress to delay new SNAP rules projected to cost states over $9 billion starting fall 2027.
National News
Food assistance advocates ask Congress to delay GOP megabill shift of SNAP costs to states
Advocates say 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, have already lost SNAP benefits, with states like Alabama weighing cuts to the program entirely.
Local
Ohio approved $1 million in emergency funds to help 16 children from Vinton County
State officials warn foster care costs of up to $250 per child daily could bankrupt Vinton County, while four family members face 16 felony counts each.
Local
Amid heat wave, energy assistance is available in Ohio
A family of four earning under $57,750 a year can qualify for help with AC repairs, bills or shutoffs through the state's Summer Crisis Program, running through Sept. 30.
Local
68% of Ohio fourth graders are not proficient in reading, according to new study
Reading proficiency has dropped 4 points since 2019 despite Ohio's science of reading mandate, though the state still outperforms the national average.
National News
Climate change could double household water costs in some cities, study finds
Stanford researchers project Santa Cruz's poorest households could see water bills jump from $60 to $111 monthly by midcentury without state or federal help.
National News
Food stamp changes will cost states billions, raising fears about SNAP’s future
Ohio is among 36 states facing new SNAP cost-sharing rules starting fall 2027, tied to payment error rates that advocates call unfair and unworkable.
National News
Medicaid meal deliveries reduce hospital visits and costs
Massachusetts researchers found the meals cut hospitalizations 31% and saved $3,433 per person, nearly offsetting the program's full cost to taxpayers.
Local
Ohio children unable to access mental healthcare because of insurance, costs, and lack of providers
A Health Policy Institute study finds nearly half of Ohio families cite insurance barriers, with out-of-network therapy costing $220 monthly versus $28 in-network.
