A new study of more than 64 million pregnancies found that rising wildfire smoke pollution is offsetting decades of cleaner air, increasing the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications.
Author Archives: Ohio Capital Journal
Posted inNATIONAL & BEYOND
Trump defends massive settlement for ‘great American Patriots’ of Jan. 6, attacks GOP senators
President Donald Trump defended his controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund while urging the Senate to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, even as two Republican senators continue blocking the nomination over concerns about the fund.
Posted inMental Health
Why Thousands of Ohio Children Can’t Access Mental Health Care Despite Having Insurance
Many Ohio families are struggling to find affordable mental health care for their children. A new study highlights how cost, insurance and provider shortages are leaving kids without the support they need.
Posted inEQUITY
Proposed Federal Grant Rule Sparks Concern Over Maternal and Reproductive Healthcare
Democratic governors say proposed changes to federal grants would harm reproductive healthcare Kelcie Moseley-Morris for the Ohio Capital Journal A coalition of 23 state governors and the governor of Guam, all Democrats, submitted a joint comment to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget on Monday objecting to a proposed rule that would drastically change […]
Posted inEDUCATION AND CAREERS
Student loan changes are here; Ohio’s average student loan debt is about $35,000
Why it Matters-Black borrowers typically graduate with higher levels of student debt and often take longer to repay their loans due to longstanding wealth disparities. Changes to repayment plans, and loan could disproportionately affect Black families seeking higher education and economic mobility.
Posted inElections/voting
FBI Searches Ohio Organizing Collaborative Offices, Sparking Concerns About Voter Registration Efforts
The FBI searched offices connected to the Ohio Organizing Collaborative in June 2026 and reportedly seized electronic devices while questioning individuals associated with the organization. Federal officials have not publicly explained the reason for the searches, prompting criticism and concern from voting rights advocates.
Posted inCOMMENTARY & OPINION
Commentary: Why Educators Must Speak Up About Education Policy
In this commentary, a newly graduated Ohio educator argues that teachers can no longer afford to ignore education policy. From school funding and voucher programs to curriculum restrictions and DEI legislation, lawmakers increasingly influence what happens in America’s classrooms.
Posted inMONEY
More Than 2 Million Ohioans Could Face Social Security Cuts by 2032, New Report Warns
A new report warns that more than 2 million Ohioans could see their Social Security benefits reduced beginning in 2032 if Congress fails to address looming funding shortfalls. Advocates say the cuts could increase poverty among older adults and place new pressures on state and local safety-net programs.
Posted inEducation
Ohio Education Bill Expands Student Supports While Exempting Classical Schools from Reading Mandate
Ohio lawmakers approved Senate Bill 19, requiring schools to provide free academic interventions for students struggling in math and reading. The legislation also exempts Ohio’s classical schools from the state’s science of reading requirements, a change drawing attention from educators and policymakers.
Posted inOHIO
Ohio Bill Tells Students: Graduate, Get a Job, Get Married, Then Have Children
Ohio lawmakers passed a bill requiring schools to teach the “success sequence” (graduate high school, get a job and marry before having children) as part of graduation requirements.